Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Prayer for the Day 01Dec2011
Before the end of this year, your breakthroughs that have been delayed will be speedily manifested and people will rejoice with you in Jesus’ name. Amen. - Bayo Afolaranmi
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Quote for the Day 30Nov2011
It is not about knowing; it is about doing.
It is not about judging others; it is about ME judging myself.
It is not about teaching others; it is about ME doing and living what I teach.
- Femi Okunlola
It is not about judging others; it is about ME judging myself.
It is not about teaching others; it is about ME doing and living what I teach.
- Femi Okunlola
Monday, November 28, 2011
Quote for the Day 29Nov2011
Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset. - Saint Francis de Sales
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Quote for the Day 28Nov2011
Let your faith overcome your fear, and God will turn your worry into worship. - Author Unknown
Saturday, November 26, 2011
FROM OBSCURITY TO LIMELIGHT
Dearly Beloved,
FROM OBSCURITY TO LIMELIGHT
“You have changed my sadness into a joyful dance; you have taken away my sorrow and surrounded me with joy” (Psalm 30:11 TEV).
“He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord” (Psalm 40:2-3 NIV).
Do you know that God can move you from obscurity to limelight? Do you know that He can turn your hopeless situation to a hopeful one? Yes! He can do it. He has done it before. He has been doing it now, and He will continue to do it.
God did it in the life of Mephibosheth, son of Jonathan, son of King Saul of Israel. After the death of Saul and Jonathan in battle, David became the king of Israel. Mephibosheth was not born lame, circumstance of the death of his father and grandfather made him lame at age 5 when his nurse was trying to save him (see 2 Samuel 4:4). He was left in obscurity in a town not popularly known (see 2 Samuel 9:3-4). An heir apparent became a fugitive in a strange land. An ordinary servant of his father was controlling his property. However, when God remembered him through King David, he was relocated to Jerusalem, the capital city of Israel; he started dining with the king, and all his property was restored to him fully (see 2 Samuel 9). He was taken from obscurity to limelight!
Many prominent men and women in history had been taken from obscurity to limelight. Even, presently, some of the most influential men and women are taken from obscurity to limelight. President Barak Obama of the United States was born to an unknown Kenyan immigrant. Today, he is the president of the most influential and most powerful nation in the world. President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria was of obscured background before he became the deputy governor of a state. Today, he is the president of the most populous black nation in the world.
You also can be brought from obscurity to limelight. No matter where you are now or what is happening to you, God can change your situation overnight. He will change your sadness into a joyful dance. He will take away your sorrow and surround you with joy. People will see and they will rejoice with you in Jesus’ name. Amen.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
FROM OBSCURITY TO LIMELIGHT
“You have changed my sadness into a joyful dance; you have taken away my sorrow and surrounded me with joy” (Psalm 30:11 TEV).
“He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord” (Psalm 40:2-3 NIV).
Do you know that God can move you from obscurity to limelight? Do you know that He can turn your hopeless situation to a hopeful one? Yes! He can do it. He has done it before. He has been doing it now, and He will continue to do it.
God did it in the life of Mephibosheth, son of Jonathan, son of King Saul of Israel. After the death of Saul and Jonathan in battle, David became the king of Israel. Mephibosheth was not born lame, circumstance of the death of his father and grandfather made him lame at age 5 when his nurse was trying to save him (see 2 Samuel 4:4). He was left in obscurity in a town not popularly known (see 2 Samuel 9:3-4). An heir apparent became a fugitive in a strange land. An ordinary servant of his father was controlling his property. However, when God remembered him through King David, he was relocated to Jerusalem, the capital city of Israel; he started dining with the king, and all his property was restored to him fully (see 2 Samuel 9). He was taken from obscurity to limelight!
Many prominent men and women in history had been taken from obscurity to limelight. Even, presently, some of the most influential men and women are taken from obscurity to limelight. President Barak Obama of the United States was born to an unknown Kenyan immigrant. Today, he is the president of the most influential and most powerful nation in the world. President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria was of obscured background before he became the deputy governor of a state. Today, he is the president of the most populous black nation in the world.
You also can be brought from obscurity to limelight. No matter where you are now or what is happening to you, God can change your situation overnight. He will change your sadness into a joyful dance. He will take away your sorrow and surround you with joy. People will see and they will rejoice with you in Jesus’ name. Amen.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
Friday, November 25, 2011
Quote for the Day 26Nov2011
No matter what kind of sorrow we experience, there is only one real comfort: the mercy of God. Only in it can we find comfort for our pain and peace for our troubled hearts. - Bill Crowder
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Quote for the Day 25Nov2011
God can use inconveniences in our lives if we look at them as divine appointments. -Dave Branon
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Quote for the Day 24Nov2011
The real measure of our wealth is how much we'd be worth if we lost all our money. - Benjamin Jowett
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Quote for the Day 23Nov2011
The Lord does not depend on your pocket to bless you. He depends on your faith. - Victor Adebiyi
Monday, November 21, 2011
Quote for the Day 22Nov2011
What can you do right now to begin to turn your life around? The very first thing is to start making a list of things to be grateful for. - Joe Vitale
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Quote for the Day 21Nov2011
We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude. - Cynthia Ozick
Saturday, November 19, 2011
WHAT ARE YOU LIVING FOR?
Dearly Beloved,
WHAT ARE YOU LIVING FOR?
“I expect and hope that I will not fail Christ in anything but that I will have the courage now, as always, to show the greatness of Christ in my life here on earth, whether I live or die. To me the only important thing about living is Christ, and dying would be profit for me” (Philippians 1:20-21 NCV).
It has always been my desire to live for Christ and be a channel of His blessings to the humanity. This has been my driving force in everything I do, especially in every aspect of my Internet ministry. When I recently joined the BlackBerry network, I got connected with as many people as possible, and I have been using that network to fulfil my aspiration in life. However, it baffled me one day to see one of my BlackBerry contacts using the network to do a nefarious and unedifying act. It came to my notice also that some people have been using the network to harm other people.
Nefarious acts and atrocities are not limited to the use of BlackBerry devices. People are doing nefarious acts and perpetrating atrocities through other technological devices and means and even in other various ways. A typical example is what some people are posting on their Facebook pages, needless to mention numerous scam emails that some people send out every day to unsuspecting recipients. Such people are simply demonstrating what they are living for.
Apostle Paul categorically said it times without number in his epistles that his living was to advance the kingdom of God on earth and the well being of people with whom he came in contact. He was even ready to die for the Gospel!
What are you living for? What is paramount in your life? Are you living to be a channel of God’s blessings to people? Are you a source of joy and encouragement to them? Or are you living to be a source of the downfall of, or sorrow to other people? Your words, actions, and even, at times, inactions will determine what you are living for!
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21 NIV).
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
NB
If you are in the BlackBerry network, and you are not one of my BlackBerry contacts, you can invite me to be one, or send your BBPIN to me to invite you. Here is my BBPIN:27C6552C. You will be blessed that you did!
WHAT ARE YOU LIVING FOR?
“I expect and hope that I will not fail Christ in anything but that I will have the courage now, as always, to show the greatness of Christ in my life here on earth, whether I live or die. To me the only important thing about living is Christ, and dying would be profit for me” (Philippians 1:20-21 NCV).
It has always been my desire to live for Christ and be a channel of His blessings to the humanity. This has been my driving force in everything I do, especially in every aspect of my Internet ministry. When I recently joined the BlackBerry network, I got connected with as many people as possible, and I have been using that network to fulfil my aspiration in life. However, it baffled me one day to see one of my BlackBerry contacts using the network to do a nefarious and unedifying act. It came to my notice also that some people have been using the network to harm other people.
Nefarious acts and atrocities are not limited to the use of BlackBerry devices. People are doing nefarious acts and perpetrating atrocities through other technological devices and means and even in other various ways. A typical example is what some people are posting on their Facebook pages, needless to mention numerous scam emails that some people send out every day to unsuspecting recipients. Such people are simply demonstrating what they are living for.
Apostle Paul categorically said it times without number in his epistles that his living was to advance the kingdom of God on earth and the well being of people with whom he came in contact. He was even ready to die for the Gospel!
What are you living for? What is paramount in your life? Are you living to be a channel of God’s blessings to people? Are you a source of joy and encouragement to them? Or are you living to be a source of the downfall of, or sorrow to other people? Your words, actions, and even, at times, inactions will determine what you are living for!
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21 NIV).
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
NB
If you are in the BlackBerry network, and you are not one of my BlackBerry contacts, you can invite me to be one, or send your BBPIN to me to invite you. Here is my BBPIN:27C6552C. You will be blessed that you did!
Friday, November 18, 2011
Quote for the Day 19Nov2011
Have the courage to say no. Have the courage to face the truth. Do the right thing because it is right. These are the magic keys to living your life with integrity. - W. Clement Stone
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Quote for the Day 18Nov2011
Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm. - Winston Churchill
Quote for the Day 18Nov2011
Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm. - Winston Churchill
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Quote for the Day 17Nov2011
Approach each day’s labour - whether at a job or doing another activity to help our family - with an awareness of the dignity and nobility God granted it in creation. - Randy Kilgore
Quote for the Day 16Nov2011
How different our lives are when we really know what is deeply important to us, and keeping that picture in mind, we manage ourselves each day to be and to do what really matters most - Stephen Covey
Monday, November 14, 2011
Quote for the Day 15Nov2011
To blatantly disregard God’s Word is to reject life itself. To obey God’s Word is the surest way to experience all that God has in store for us. - Henry Blackaby
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Quote for the Day 14Nov2011
Even when our situation looks difficult, we can trust that God is leading. He already knows what we will need when we get there. - Dave Branon
Saturday, November 12, 2011
SODOMY: THERE IS NO OTHER WORD FOR IT
Dearly Beloved,
SODOMY: THERE IS NO OTHER WORD FOR IT
“Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion. Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done.” (Romans 1:26-28 NIV).
The Yorubas have a saying, “Ohun ti ko dara ko ni oruko meji. Ohun ti ko dara ko dara ni.” Literally, this means, “What is not good has no other name. What is not good is not good.” For a right thinking person throughout the world, the trend of same-sex marriage is detestable and an aberration of nature. However, the trend is gaining more ground every day. The supporters of this trend are of the opinion that there is nothing wrong in the fact that two grown-up people of the same sex agree to live together as “husband and wife”! Many countries of the world have legalized or recognized this. The United Nations has even passed a resolution in its support. The debate is still going on in many countries for and against the trend.
Interestingly, the trend is not new. It has been in existence for centuries. The word “sodomy” came from the homosexual act of the people of the city of Sodom in Genesis 19:5. The act was one of the reasons why God destroyed the city. Unfortunately, this did not serve as a warning to other people. In spite of God’s expressed laws against such act (see Leviticus 20:13; 18:22), even some of the people of Israel engaged in the act (Judges 19:22)! It is even unheard of that there are gay bishops now in some Christian denominations! Because people that perpetrate and support such act have closed their minds to right thinking, Apostle Paul, while addressing this issue, said thrice that “God gave them over to” their depraved minds.
It is of no use to dissuade the perpetrators and supporters of same-sex marriage from the act. A normal person would not think of such a thing, not to talk of doing or supporting it! Prophet Micah said, “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you...” (6:8 NKJV). However, a note of warning should be sounded here: one who engages in sexual act with another person of the same sex and/or people who support such act will probably one day engage in and/or support other worse sexual perversions like incest and bestiality. There is no other word for it. “What is not good has no other name. What is not good is not good!”
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
SODOMY: THERE IS NO OTHER WORD FOR IT
“Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion. Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done.” (Romans 1:26-28 NIV).
The Yorubas have a saying, “Ohun ti ko dara ko ni oruko meji. Ohun ti ko dara ko dara ni.” Literally, this means, “What is not good has no other name. What is not good is not good.” For a right thinking person throughout the world, the trend of same-sex marriage is detestable and an aberration of nature. However, the trend is gaining more ground every day. The supporters of this trend are of the opinion that there is nothing wrong in the fact that two grown-up people of the same sex agree to live together as “husband and wife”! Many countries of the world have legalized or recognized this. The United Nations has even passed a resolution in its support. The debate is still going on in many countries for and against the trend.
Interestingly, the trend is not new. It has been in existence for centuries. The word “sodomy” came from the homosexual act of the people of the city of Sodom in Genesis 19:5. The act was one of the reasons why God destroyed the city. Unfortunately, this did not serve as a warning to other people. In spite of God’s expressed laws against such act (see Leviticus 20:13; 18:22), even some of the people of Israel engaged in the act (Judges 19:22)! It is even unheard of that there are gay bishops now in some Christian denominations! Because people that perpetrate and support such act have closed their minds to right thinking, Apostle Paul, while addressing this issue, said thrice that “God gave them over to” their depraved minds.
It is of no use to dissuade the perpetrators and supporters of same-sex marriage from the act. A normal person would not think of such a thing, not to talk of doing or supporting it! Prophet Micah said, “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you...” (6:8 NKJV). However, a note of warning should be sounded here: one who engages in sexual act with another person of the same sex and/or people who support such act will probably one day engage in and/or support other worse sexual perversions like incest and bestiality. There is no other word for it. “What is not good has no other name. What is not good is not good!”
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
Friday, November 11, 2011
Quote for the Day 12Nov2011
The Holy Ghost does not come upon methods, but upon men. He does not anoint machinery, but men. He does not work through organizations, but through men. He does not dwell in buildings, but men. He indwells the Body of Christ, directs its activities, distributes its forces, empowers its members. - Samuel Chadwick
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Quote for the Day 11Nov2011
On this eleventh day of the eleventh month of the eleventh year in this millennium, the Lord will elevate you to a higher ground beyond your imagination in Jesus’ name. - Bayo Afolaranmi
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Quote for the Day 10Nov2011
A careless word may kindle strife,
A cruel word may wreck a life,
A bitter word may hate instill,
A brutal word may smite and kill.
A gracious word may smooth the way;
A joyous word may light the day.
A timely word may lesson stress;
A loving word may heal and bless.
Words carry power.
Choose to use your wisely!
- Author Unknown
A cruel word may wreck a life,
A bitter word may hate instill,
A brutal word may smite and kill.
A gracious word may smooth the way;
A joyous word may light the day.
A timely word may lesson stress;
A loving word may heal and bless.
Words carry power.
Choose to use your wisely!
- Author Unknown
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Quote for the Day 09Nov2011
Be not weary in your serving;
Do your best for those in need;
Kindnesses will be rewarded
By the Lord who prompts the deed.
- Anon
Do your best for those in need;
Kindnesses will be rewarded
By the Lord who prompts the deed.
- Anon
Monday, November 7, 2011
Quote for the Day 08Nov2011
Stealing is stealing no matter how and where you steal. Either from your mother, your family, your church or government, the act of stealing makes you a thief and it will attract a curse. - David Oyedepo
Quote for the Day 07Nov2011
Think of your resources: talent, time, knowledge. These are temporal and limited. But if you invest them with an eye toward eternity, these temporary things can have enduring impact. What is your focus? Now or forever? Invest in the future. It will not only have an eternal impact, but it will also change the way you view life each day. - Bill Crowder
Saturday, November 5, 2011
NOW THANK WE ALL OUR GOD
Dearly Beloved,
NOW THANK WE ALL OUR GOD
“Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name” (1 Chronicles 29:13 NIV).
“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15 NIV).
A typical Yoruba Baptist cannot so easily forget the hymn, “A F’Ope F’Olorun.” The hymn is one of the most popular hymns among the Yoruba Baptists especially during a naming ceremony. It is sung to thank God for the new-born baby. However, the hymn – originally written in German by Martin Rinkart (1586–1649) titled “Nun danket alle Gott“ and translated to English by Catherine Winkworth (1827–1878) before it was translated to Yoruba – is more than a naming ceremony hymn. It is a hymn that was testifying to the goodness of God especially in the time of a war. The lyrics of the hymn attest to this.
Stanza One is full of appreciation to God “with heart and hands and voices.” The reason is that God has done wondrous things in blessing us with countless gifts of love from our mothers’ arms till this moment. In Stanza Two, the composer of the hymn wanted this bounteous God to be near us through all our lives by keeping us in His grace, guiding us when we are perplexed, and saving us from all evils in this world. Meanwhile, Stanza Three continues to eulogize God. It gives a profound concept about God as the one eternal God who manifests Himself as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. He is the one that the earth and the heavens will continue to adore both now and evermore. Amen.
In spite of the circumstance that led to the composition of this hymn, the hymn is full of praises of and thanksgiving to God. What is your circumstance presently? Learn to praise God for who He is, and thank Him for what He is doing in your life. Paul advised the Thessalonians, “...give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV). We can indeed thank God even during our most trying times. Thanks be to God!
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
NOW THANK WE ALL OUR GOD
“Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name” (1 Chronicles 29:13 NIV).
“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15 NIV).
A typical Yoruba Baptist cannot so easily forget the hymn, “A F’Ope F’Olorun.” The hymn is one of the most popular hymns among the Yoruba Baptists especially during a naming ceremony. It is sung to thank God for the new-born baby. However, the hymn – originally written in German by Martin Rinkart (1586–1649) titled “Nun danket alle Gott“ and translated to English by Catherine Winkworth (1827–1878) before it was translated to Yoruba – is more than a naming ceremony hymn. It is a hymn that was testifying to the goodness of God especially in the time of a war. The lyrics of the hymn attest to this.
Stanza One is full of appreciation to God “with heart and hands and voices.” The reason is that God has done wondrous things in blessing us with countless gifts of love from our mothers’ arms till this moment. In Stanza Two, the composer of the hymn wanted this bounteous God to be near us through all our lives by keeping us in His grace, guiding us when we are perplexed, and saving us from all evils in this world. Meanwhile, Stanza Three continues to eulogize God. It gives a profound concept about God as the one eternal God who manifests Himself as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. He is the one that the earth and the heavens will continue to adore both now and evermore. Amen.
In spite of the circumstance that led to the composition of this hymn, the hymn is full of praises of and thanksgiving to God. What is your circumstance presently? Learn to praise God for who He is, and thank Him for what He is doing in your life. Paul advised the Thessalonians, “...give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV). We can indeed thank God even during our most trying times. Thanks be to God!
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
Friday, November 4, 2011
Quote for the Day 05Nov2011
Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough. - Oprah Winfrey
Quote for the Day 04Nov2011
We must be ready to learn from one another, not claiming that we alone possess all truth and that somehow we have a corner on God. - Desmond Tutu
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Quote for the Day 03Nov2011
If you have men who will only come if they know there is a good road, I don't want them. I want men who will come if there is no road at all. - David Livingstone
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Quote for the Day 02Nov2011
Just as the body grows in strength
With exercise each day,
Our spirit grows in godliness
By living life God’s way.
- D. De Haan
With exercise each day,
Our spirit grows in godliness
By living life God’s way.
- D. De Haan
Quote for the Day 02Nov2011
Just as the body grows in strength
With exercise each day,
Our spirit grows in godliness
By living life God’s way.
- D. De Haan
With exercise each day,
Our spirit grows in godliness
By living life God’s way.
- D. De Haan
Quote for the Day 02Nov2011
Just as the body grows in strength
With exercise each day,
Our spirit grows in godliness
By living life God’s way.
- D. De Haan
With exercise each day,
Our spirit grows in godliness
By living life God’s way.
- D. De Haan
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Quote for the Day 01Nov2011
Welcome to the month of thanksgiving. The Lord will indeed give you causes to thank Him before the end of the year in Jesus’ name. Amen. - Bayo Afolaranmi
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