Monday, October 31, 2011
Quote for the Day 31Oct2011
If we are to represent the Prince of Peace in our world, believers need to stop fighting with one another and practice peace. - Bill Crowder
Saturday, October 29, 2011
THE EIGHTY-SIXTH PSALM
Dearly Beloved,
THE EIGHTY-SIXTH PSALM
“Hear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.... Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my cry for mercy” (Psalm 86:1, 6 NIV).
Psalm 86 was supposedly written by King David, though its placement among the psalms ascribed to “the Sons of Korah” made some people to doubt its Davidic authorship. However, its contents and layout resemble most of the psalms that are ascribed to David without any controversy. The writer of this psalm was undoubtedly in a danger, and he called on God to deliver him from his enemies.
The psalmist considered himself as somebody who is “poor and needy,” therefore, he prayed that God should hear and answer his prayers (verse 1). There are at least five different kinds of prayers in this psalm:
One, prayer of protection: because the psalmist was being attacked by people he regarded as “the arrogant” and “a band of ruthless men” in verse 14, his first prayer point was that God should guard his life (verse 2). He could attest to the fact that he was devoted to and trust in God, hence, this prayer.
Two, prayer for mercy: thrice in this psalm, the psalmist cried out to God for mercy (verses 3, 6, 16). He knew that only God could grant him mercy.
Three, prayer of forgiveness: the psalmist regarded God as a forgiving God who is good and abounding in love. By implication, he was asking God to forgive him as he was crying to Him.
Four, prayer of worship: in spite of his predicament, the psalmist worshipped God for who He is (verses 8-10).
Five, prayer of praises: closely related to the previous prayer is this. The psalmist praised God for what He is doing (verses 10, 12, 13). His predicament did not blindfold him to who God is and what His had done in his life.
There are other prayers for joy (verse 4), instruction (verse 11), and the goodness of God (verse 17) also in this psalm. The eighty-sixth psalm is indeed worthy of meditation.
What is your predicament presently? Are you also ready to cry to God? He has promised, “...call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me” (Psalm 50:15 NIV). Cry unto Him, and He is ready to answer you.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
NB
If you have a BlackBerry device, let me know your BBPIN so as to be connected with you through the BlackBerry network. Or, you can invite me. My BBPIN is 27C6552C. God bless you!
THE EIGHTY-SIXTH PSALM
“Hear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.... Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my cry for mercy” (Psalm 86:1, 6 NIV).
Psalm 86 was supposedly written by King David, though its placement among the psalms ascribed to “the Sons of Korah” made some people to doubt its Davidic authorship. However, its contents and layout resemble most of the psalms that are ascribed to David without any controversy. The writer of this psalm was undoubtedly in a danger, and he called on God to deliver him from his enemies.
The psalmist considered himself as somebody who is “poor and needy,” therefore, he prayed that God should hear and answer his prayers (verse 1). There are at least five different kinds of prayers in this psalm:
One, prayer of protection: because the psalmist was being attacked by people he regarded as “the arrogant” and “a band of ruthless men” in verse 14, his first prayer point was that God should guard his life (verse 2). He could attest to the fact that he was devoted to and trust in God, hence, this prayer.
Two, prayer for mercy: thrice in this psalm, the psalmist cried out to God for mercy (verses 3, 6, 16). He knew that only God could grant him mercy.
Three, prayer of forgiveness: the psalmist regarded God as a forgiving God who is good and abounding in love. By implication, he was asking God to forgive him as he was crying to Him.
Four, prayer of worship: in spite of his predicament, the psalmist worshipped God for who He is (verses 8-10).
Five, prayer of praises: closely related to the previous prayer is this. The psalmist praised God for what He is doing (verses 10, 12, 13). His predicament did not blindfold him to who God is and what His had done in his life.
There are other prayers for joy (verse 4), instruction (verse 11), and the goodness of God (verse 17) also in this psalm. The eighty-sixth psalm is indeed worthy of meditation.
What is your predicament presently? Are you also ready to cry to God? He has promised, “...call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me” (Psalm 50:15 NIV). Cry unto Him, and He is ready to answer you.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
NB
If you have a BlackBerry device, let me know your BBPIN so as to be connected with you through the BlackBerry network. Or, you can invite me. My BBPIN is 27C6552C. God bless you!
Quote for the Day 29Oct2011
Difficult circumstances can reveal much about a person. A smooth road reveals very little of our character, but when successive potholes mar our otherwise gentle pathway, we begin to get a look at the underside of our lives. - Michael Youssef
Friday, October 28, 2011
Quote for the Day 28Oct2011
If we pursue mere earthly gain,
We choose a path that ends in pain;
But joy remains within the soul
When we pursue a heavenly goal.
- D. De Haan
We choose a path that ends in pain;
But joy remains within the soul
When we pursue a heavenly goal.
- D. De Haan
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Quote for the Day 27Oct2011
Live life with no regrets and no resentments. Whatever happened in the past, forgive yourself and others. Choose love. - Jonathan Lockwood Huie
Quote for the Day 26Oct2011
When you face opposition but know you are doing what God has asked, have confidence that He will accomplish everything that He desires. - Henry Blackaby
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Quote for the Day 25Oct2011
Tone of voice can be effective
If our spirit’s calm and meek;
Let us watch our words and actions,
Always careful how we speak.
- Hess
If our spirit’s calm and meek;
Let us watch our words and actions,
Always careful how we speak.
- Hess
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Quote for the Day 24Oct2011
Majesty, worship His Majesty,
Unto Jesus be all glory, power and praise;
Majesty, Kingdom, Authority,
Flows from His Throne unto His own,
His anthem raise!
- Jack Hayford
Unto Jesus be all glory, power and praise;
Majesty, Kingdom, Authority,
Flows from His Throne unto His own,
His anthem raise!
- Jack Hayford
Saturday, October 22, 2011
“THE HIGH PLACES”
Dearly Beloved,
“THE HIGH PLACES”
“Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the years Jehoiada the priest instructed him. The high places, however, were not removed; the people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense there” (2 Kings 12:2-3 NIV).
“[Hezekiah] did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father David had done. He removed the high places, smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles” (2 Kings 18:3-4, NIV).
The story of the kings of Israel and Judah is interesting especially when one sees how the chroniclers recounted the life and time of one king after another. While nearly all the kings of Israel were bad, there were some good ones among the kings of Judah. Some of these “good” kings of Judah had flaws - “the high places, however, were not removed” (1 Kings 22:43; 2 Kings 12:3; 14:4; 15:4, 35).
What are “high places”? They were elevated or hilltop sites dedicated to worship of pagan gods. Most references to high places in the Old Testament indicate a form of pagan worship forbidden to the Israelites.
Solomon worshipped the gods of his foreign wives at the latter part of his kingdom in these high places (1 Kings 11:7-8). Jeroboam gave them prominent position right from the beginning of his reign (1 Kings 12:31-32). The other kings of Judah either worshiped the pagan gods on these high places or remain indifferent to the practice. However, Hezekiah and Josiah stood out of the kings of Judah. They totally wiped out such practice during their reigns (2 Kings 18:3-4; 23:3-9). No wonder, they found favor in the sight of the Lord.
What are the “high places” in your own life? What are the “idols” that are competing with God in your life? Do you realize that they are diverting your attention from things of God? As you are trying to serve God, do you take note of such things? What are the sins that are kept in your life unabated? Solomon pictured them as, “…the little foxes that ruin the vineyards…” (Song of Solomon 2:15, NIV). Have you caught them?
Thus says the Lord, "I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not give my glory to another or my praise to idols” (Isaiah 42:8, NIV).
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
NB
This message was first sent out on June 6, 2004.
“THE HIGH PLACES”
“Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the years Jehoiada the priest instructed him. The high places, however, were not removed; the people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense there” (2 Kings 12:2-3 NIV).
“[Hezekiah] did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father David had done. He removed the high places, smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles” (2 Kings 18:3-4, NIV).
The story of the kings of Israel and Judah is interesting especially when one sees how the chroniclers recounted the life and time of one king after another. While nearly all the kings of Israel were bad, there were some good ones among the kings of Judah. Some of these “good” kings of Judah had flaws - “the high places, however, were not removed” (1 Kings 22:43; 2 Kings 12:3; 14:4; 15:4, 35).
What are “high places”? They were elevated or hilltop sites dedicated to worship of pagan gods. Most references to high places in the Old Testament indicate a form of pagan worship forbidden to the Israelites.
Solomon worshipped the gods of his foreign wives at the latter part of his kingdom in these high places (1 Kings 11:7-8). Jeroboam gave them prominent position right from the beginning of his reign (1 Kings 12:31-32). The other kings of Judah either worshiped the pagan gods on these high places or remain indifferent to the practice. However, Hezekiah and Josiah stood out of the kings of Judah. They totally wiped out such practice during their reigns (2 Kings 18:3-4; 23:3-9). No wonder, they found favor in the sight of the Lord.
What are the “high places” in your own life? What are the “idols” that are competing with God in your life? Do you realize that they are diverting your attention from things of God? As you are trying to serve God, do you take note of such things? What are the sins that are kept in your life unabated? Solomon pictured them as, “…the little foxes that ruin the vineyards…” (Song of Solomon 2:15, NIV). Have you caught them?
Thus says the Lord, "I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not give my glory to another or my praise to idols” (Isaiah 42:8, NIV).
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
NB
This message was first sent out on June 6, 2004.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Quote for the Day 22Oct2011
Take time to laugh.
It is the music of the soul.
Take time to think.
It is the source of power.
Take time to play.
It is the source of perpetual youth.
Take time to read.
It is the fountain of wisdom.
Take time to pray.
It is the greatest power on Earth.
Take time to love and be loved.
It is a God-given privilege.
Take time to be friendly.
It is the road to happiness.
Take time to give.
It is too short a day to be selfish.
Take time to work.
It is the price of success.
- Anonymous
It is the music of the soul.
Take time to think.
It is the source of power.
Take time to play.
It is the source of perpetual youth.
Take time to read.
It is the fountain of wisdom.
Take time to pray.
It is the greatest power on Earth.
Take time to love and be loved.
It is a God-given privilege.
Take time to be friendly.
It is the road to happiness.
Take time to give.
It is too short a day to be selfish.
Take time to work.
It is the price of success.
- Anonymous
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Quote for the Day 21Oct2011
God has placed each of us in a specific environment that will best allow us to shine with His light. Don’t be like a burned-out streetlight. Shine on! - Cindy Hess Kasper
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Quote for the Day 20Oct2011
There is only one time that is important - NOW! It is the most important time because it is the only time that we have any power. - Leo Tolstoy
Quote for the Day 19Oct2011
What matters more than length of life is where you will spend eternity. If you have placed your faith in Christ, then heaven’s glory you will see. - Sper
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Quote for the Day 18Oct2011
The tragedy of life does not lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach. - Benjamin Mays
Monday, October 17, 2011
Quote for the Day 17Oct2011
Do we recognize that all our service is for God, and so do our best at all times—even when no human authority is watching? — Dave Branon
Saturday, October 15, 2011
WISDOM IS BETTER THAN STRENGTH
Dearly Beloved,
WISDOM IS BETTER THAN STRENGTH
“So I said, ‘Wisdom is better than strength.’ But the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are no longer heeded. The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools. Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good” (Ecclesiastes 9:16-18 NIV).
Recently, Nigerian senior male football team (the Super Eagles) failed to qualify for the African Cup of Nations. The team and many patriotic Nigerians had thought that a win in the last match of the qualification matches will make the team to qualify for the bi-annual tournament. The team had some seeming “strength” over the opposing team. It is star-studded with an experienced coach. Above all, the fact that the last match would be played on home soil with many home supporters was another seeming advantage. However, the opposing team needed just a draw to qualify for the continental tournament. Expectedly, the opposing team applied wisdom in its approach to the match and it got the desired result in spite of the “strength” of the home team.
As the writer of the book of Ecclesiastes put it, wisdom is indeed better than strength. No matter the strength of any man, a man full of wisdom is better than such man. A wise man will achieve more than what a strong man can. However, somebody with godly wisdom will achieve far better. This kind of wisdom is “...pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17 NIV). It is not “...earthly, unspiritual, of the devil” (James 3:15 NIV). It is not shrewdness, cunning, craftiness, nor slyness. Anyone who has godly wisdom will be of great benefit to himself, others around him and even God. It will be difficult for anyone who does not have such wisdom to succeed at all or have a good success.
What is your seeming “strength”? Is it experience, education, knowledge, riches, position, or what? Godly wisdom is indeed better than any worldly strength. The Bible says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5 NIV).
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
WISDOM IS BETTER THAN STRENGTH
“So I said, ‘Wisdom is better than strength.’ But the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are no longer heeded. The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools. Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good” (Ecclesiastes 9:16-18 NIV).
Recently, Nigerian senior male football team (the Super Eagles) failed to qualify for the African Cup of Nations. The team and many patriotic Nigerians had thought that a win in the last match of the qualification matches will make the team to qualify for the bi-annual tournament. The team had some seeming “strength” over the opposing team. It is star-studded with an experienced coach. Above all, the fact that the last match would be played on home soil with many home supporters was another seeming advantage. However, the opposing team needed just a draw to qualify for the continental tournament. Expectedly, the opposing team applied wisdom in its approach to the match and it got the desired result in spite of the “strength” of the home team.
As the writer of the book of Ecclesiastes put it, wisdom is indeed better than strength. No matter the strength of any man, a man full of wisdom is better than such man. A wise man will achieve more than what a strong man can. However, somebody with godly wisdom will achieve far better. This kind of wisdom is “...pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17 NIV). It is not “...earthly, unspiritual, of the devil” (James 3:15 NIV). It is not shrewdness, cunning, craftiness, nor slyness. Anyone who has godly wisdom will be of great benefit to himself, others around him and even God. It will be difficult for anyone who does not have such wisdom to succeed at all or have a good success.
What is your seeming “strength”? Is it experience, education, knowledge, riches, position, or what? Godly wisdom is indeed better than any worldly strength. The Bible says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5 NIV).
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
Quote for the Day 15Oct2011
Sometimes life can seem like an arid desert. But God can quench our spiritual thirst in the most unlikely circumstances. When by faith we believe the promises of God’s Word, we can experience rivers of living water and grace for our daily needs. - Dennis Fisher
Friday, October 14, 2011
Quote for the Day 14Oct2011
Never lose hope, no matter the size of the mountain confronting you. Your mountain will move as long as you retain your hope in God, because He knows the foundation of every mountain, and can easily uproot them. That mountain in your life will move this season in Jesus' name. - EA Adeboye
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Quote for the Day 13Oct2011
When we are tempted to feel hopeless, He comes to us as our strong and mighty advocate, proclaiming His care and plan for our lives. - Michael Youssef
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Quote for the Day 12Oct2011
I do not ask for easy paths along life’s winding roads, but for the promised grace and strength to carry all its loads. - Meadows
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Quote for the Day 11Oct2011
The greatest lesson in life is to know that sometimes even fools are right. - Winston Churchill
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Quote for the Day 10Oct2011
Focusing on what is wrong can cause us to miss everything that is good. - Julie Ackerman Link
Saturday, October 8, 2011
THE WEALTH OF THE WICKED
Dear Beloved,
THE WEALTH OF THE WICKED
"Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes" (Psalm 37:7, NIV).
Have you ever thought that God prospers the unbelievers more than the true believers in Him? Then, you think that God is not worthy of your worship because after all, why do ungodly prosper and the righteous are in penury?
In this way, some Israelites in Malachi's days became discouraged about their service to God, because to them, only the wicked prospered while the faithful were in abject poverty (Malachi 3:13-15). Was God partial? Their depression became an accusation of God's seemingly insensitivity to their deepest need. But can they measure God's rewards with momentary riches? What are true riches? Does that mean that some Christians are serving God because of what they would get in return, or because of who God is? Is amassing wealth through fraud, rituals, cultism, and all other dubious means true riches, or having inner peace with God? Jesus' words in John 4:23-24 are relevant here, "Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth" (NIV). The fact that fraudulent people "prosper" should not make us to emulate them, or accuse God. It should not make us to worship the gifts rather than the Giver of all good gifts. The Psalmist had warned against such (Psalm 37:1ff).
Nevertheless, not all Israelites in Malachi's days were anxious to get rich through ungodly means. There were some who knew that the Lord was good (Malachi 3:16-17). One of them was Malachi. He was contented. He testified that God still remembered those who relied on Him as the source of true wealth. What are the lessons for us? Testimonies about God and His reassurance are reliable and comforting even when we are in needs. God never abandons us, "…because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you'" (Hebrews 13:5, NIV).
Read Malachi 3:18-4:3, a clear distinction was made between the righteous and wicked people. Both of them have destinies. For the wicked, it will be eternal destruction with their riches! This is not annihilation, but total banishment from the very presence of God (see Matthew 25:46). What about the righteous? The righteous people will be healed, honored and renewed eternally. If this will happen, how would temporal "attractive" wealth of the wicked be compared with everlasting riches of the righteous? It is enduring, permanent and never devalued! Indeed, the righteous will indeed inherit the world (Psalm 37:9, 11, 22, 34, Isaiah 60:21).
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
NB
This message was first sent out on October 26, 2003.
THE WEALTH OF THE WICKED
"Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes" (Psalm 37:7, NIV).
Have you ever thought that God prospers the unbelievers more than the true believers in Him? Then, you think that God is not worthy of your worship because after all, why do ungodly prosper and the righteous are in penury?
In this way, some Israelites in Malachi's days became discouraged about their service to God, because to them, only the wicked prospered while the faithful were in abject poverty (Malachi 3:13-15). Was God partial? Their depression became an accusation of God's seemingly insensitivity to their deepest need. But can they measure God's rewards with momentary riches? What are true riches? Does that mean that some Christians are serving God because of what they would get in return, or because of who God is? Is amassing wealth through fraud, rituals, cultism, and all other dubious means true riches, or having inner peace with God? Jesus' words in John 4:23-24 are relevant here, "Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth" (NIV). The fact that fraudulent people "prosper" should not make us to emulate them, or accuse God. It should not make us to worship the gifts rather than the Giver of all good gifts. The Psalmist had warned against such (Psalm 37:1ff).
Nevertheless, not all Israelites in Malachi's days were anxious to get rich through ungodly means. There were some who knew that the Lord was good (Malachi 3:16-17). One of them was Malachi. He was contented. He testified that God still remembered those who relied on Him as the source of true wealth. What are the lessons for us? Testimonies about God and His reassurance are reliable and comforting even when we are in needs. God never abandons us, "…because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you'" (Hebrews 13:5, NIV).
Read Malachi 3:18-4:3, a clear distinction was made between the righteous and wicked people. Both of them have destinies. For the wicked, it will be eternal destruction with their riches! This is not annihilation, but total banishment from the very presence of God (see Matthew 25:46). What about the righteous? The righteous people will be healed, honored and renewed eternally. If this will happen, how would temporal "attractive" wealth of the wicked be compared with everlasting riches of the righteous? It is enduring, permanent and never devalued! Indeed, the righteous will indeed inherit the world (Psalm 37:9, 11, 22, 34, Isaiah 60:21).
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
NB
This message was first sent out on October 26, 2003.
Quote for the Day 08Oct2011
When you come to the Lord with your needs, believe that He is God, and that He is a rewarder. God has pleasure in this kind of faith. He wants to be the rewarder of your faith in Him! - Joseph Prince
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Quote for the Day 07Oct2011
God has a purpose for your life,
So what you have to do
Is follow Him, believing that
He’ll keep directing you.
- Sper
So what you have to do
Is follow Him, believing that
He’ll keep directing you.
- Sper
Quote for the Day 06Oct2011
There are nine requisites for contented living:
HEALTH enough to make work a pleasure;
WEALTH enough to support your needs;
STRENGTH enough to battle with difficulties and forsake them;
GRACE enough to confess your sins and overcome them;
PATIENCE enough to toil until some good is accomplished;
CHARITY enough to see some good in your neighbour;
LOVE enough to move you to be useful and helpful to others;
FAITH enough to make real the things of God;
HOPE enough to remove all anxious fears concerning the future.
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
HEALTH enough to make work a pleasure;
WEALTH enough to support your needs;
STRENGTH enough to battle with difficulties and forsake them;
GRACE enough to confess your sins and overcome them;
PATIENCE enough to toil until some good is accomplished;
CHARITY enough to see some good in your neighbour;
LOVE enough to move you to be useful and helpful to others;
FAITH enough to make real the things of God;
HOPE enough to remove all anxious fears concerning the future.
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Quote for the Day 05Oct2011
I rest in the light of forgiveness. I forgive myself and others for that which is done (and better left undone) and also that which is not done (and better if done). I give myself permission to enjoy this moment without guilt. I freely release all uncertainty, regret, and fear. - Mary Anne Radmacher
Quote for the Day 04Oct2011
You can hold on to hope - no matter what happens because there is God who is holding on to you. He will stop at nothing and do anything to make sure you have everything you need. - Holley Gerth
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Quote for the Day 03Oct2011
Many people cannot achieve the success of their dreams because they will not leave their past behind. They will not tear down the monuments they have built to their old hurts and problems. - Vic Johnson
Saturday, October 1, 2011
“WILL YOU STAY WITH ME?”
Dearly Beloved,
“WILL YOU STAY WITH ME?”
“Don't panic. I'm with you. There's no need to fear for I'm your God. I'll give you strength. I'll help you. I'll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you” (Isaiah 41:10 The Message).
Recently, my eleven-year-old son was ill. I took him to the hospital for treatment. The doctor advised that he should be admitted for proper monitoring of the treatment. He was led to one of the wards of the hospital. As he was given the initial treatment on admission, he asked me, “Daddy, will you stay with me?” My answer was not definite as I was at that time thinking on how his mother and I will be alternating our staying with him and at the same time the care of his siblings at home. I later asked him whether he was afraid, and he said he was not. I stayed with him for about an hour before I left for his mother to take over from me.
The concern of my son is indisputable. Every one of us needs the company of a loved one especially when we are facing or about to face a challenge. Undoubtedly, it is not possible for one to be with one’s loved ones all the time, not to talk of being of help to the loved ones when they need it most. However, God, as the omnipresent Being, is not only there for one, but also there to be of help. The psalmist put it this way, “God is our harbour and our strength, a very present help in trouble” (46:1 BBE). Anyone who puts his/her trust in Him needs not be afraid of what he/she will encounter because of the ever presence of God. In another place, the psalmist said, “Even if I go through the deepest darkness, I will not be afraid, Lord, for you are with me. Your shepherd's rod and staff protect me” (23:4 TEV). Therefore, wherever one is, God is there to keep one’s company and to help one in whatever challenge one is facing.
What are you passing through now or about to pass through? You need not fear for God will stay with you! “...because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you’” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV).
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
“WILL YOU STAY WITH ME?”
“Don't panic. I'm with you. There's no need to fear for I'm your God. I'll give you strength. I'll help you. I'll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you” (Isaiah 41:10 The Message).
Recently, my eleven-year-old son was ill. I took him to the hospital for treatment. The doctor advised that he should be admitted for proper monitoring of the treatment. He was led to one of the wards of the hospital. As he was given the initial treatment on admission, he asked me, “Daddy, will you stay with me?” My answer was not definite as I was at that time thinking on how his mother and I will be alternating our staying with him and at the same time the care of his siblings at home. I later asked him whether he was afraid, and he said he was not. I stayed with him for about an hour before I left for his mother to take over from me.
The concern of my son is indisputable. Every one of us needs the company of a loved one especially when we are facing or about to face a challenge. Undoubtedly, it is not possible for one to be with one’s loved ones all the time, not to talk of being of help to the loved ones when they need it most. However, God, as the omnipresent Being, is not only there for one, but also there to be of help. The psalmist put it this way, “God is our harbour and our strength, a very present help in trouble” (46:1 BBE). Anyone who puts his/her trust in Him needs not be afraid of what he/she will encounter because of the ever presence of God. In another place, the psalmist said, “Even if I go through the deepest darkness, I will not be afraid, Lord, for you are with me. Your shepherd's rod and staff protect me” (23:4 TEV). Therefore, wherever one is, God is there to keep one’s company and to help one in whatever challenge one is facing.
What are you passing through now or about to pass through? You need not fear for God will stay with you! “...because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you’” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV).
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
Quote for the Day 01Oct2011
As Nigeria celebrates her 51st independence anniversary today, I declare that the month of October will be your month of a great turn around for good, great achievement and breakthrough in Jesus' name. Amen. - Bayo Afolaranmi
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