OUR PRAYERS FOR YOU IN THE YEAR 2012

Dearly Beloved,
OUR PRAYERS FOR YOU IN THE YEAR 2012
Praise the Lord for witnessing another year 2012!
As usual, Opeyemi (my wife) and our children (Boluwatife, IfeOluwa, Michael and Abraham) are joining me to welcome you into the New Year with these prophetic prayers adapted from Psalm 126 (BBE):
- The Lord will change your story for the better this year;
- He will fill your mouth with laughter, and your tongue with a glad cry;
- You will labour and eat the fruits of your labour;
- You will testify among the people this year that the Lord has done great things for you;
- People will indeed rejoice with you this year in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Happy and prosperous New Year!
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor),
Baptist Building, Oke Bola,
PMB 5113, Ibadan 200001, Nigeria.
+234 805 515 9591
+234 816 304 5450
BBPIN:27C6552C
http://www.thewordthruthenet.org/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spiritualdigest2003/
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http://inspirationaldailyquotes.blogspot.com/
http://smspastorbayo.blogspot.com/

NB
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Quote for the Day 31Dec2011

As you reflect on the events over the last year, remember, the storms you have encountered have only made you stronger. You are wiser, you are more alive, and you are headed for victory. Your brightest days are right out in front of you! Always remember that with God on your side, nothing can hold you back! - Victor Akerele

Quote for the Day 30Dec2011

When you take your burden to God, there is an assurance that He will lift them but you need patience to wait because God will never tell you when He will do so. This is where many lose out as they expect a fast food solution. - Bayo Oladeji

Quote for the Day 29Dec2011

Church leaders have a big responsibility to watch over our souls, for one day they will give an account to the Lord for their work among us. Let’s bring them joy now by responding to their faithful, godly leadership with obedience and submission. - Marvin Williams

Quote for the Day 28Dec2011

Too many people overvalue what they are not and undervalue what they are. - Malcom Forbes

Quote for the Day 27Dec2011

By Gods grace, you will make it to the Promise Land. You will not die in the wilderness. The Lord will make a way for you so that you can see and taste the goodness of the land in Jesus’ name. Amen. - Bayo Afolaranmi

Quote for the Day 26Dec2011

Only those who have placed their faith in Christ are prepared to meet their Maker. – Author Unknown

Quote for the Day 25Dec2011

On that first Christmas night, the shepherds abided in their duty post on the field when the heavenly messenger appeared to them and brought them good tidings of great joy (see Luke 2:8-10). This Christmas season, as you also abide in your assigned duty post, the Lord will bring unto you good tidings that will give you great joy. You will share these with other people, and they will rejoice with you for the goodness of God in your life in Jesus’ name. Amen. Be lifted up. Be refreshed. Be inspired and empowered to make a different this Christmas. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year (2012) in advance. - Supo Ayokunle

GOD IS STILL FAITHFUL!

Dearly Beloved,
GOD IS STILL FAITHFUL!
“It is because of the Lord’s mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great and abundant is your stability and faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23 AMP).
“But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not ‘Yes’ and ‘No’” (2 Corinthians 1:18 NIV).
Apostle Paul planned to visit the church at Corinth, but some circumstances beyond his control hindered him from doing so. It seemed the church doubted his sincerity. His adversaries there sought all occasions to blemish his character, and reflect upon his conduct; and, it seemed, they took hold of this to reproach his person and discredit his ministry. In emphasising his commitment to what he planned to do for the Corinthians in his second epistle to them, he used the faithfulness of God as example. When God promises to do anything, He will do it. He is not the type of person that is not consistent with His words. In fact, Jeremiah exclaimed, “It is because of the Lord’s mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great and abundant is your stability and faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23 AMP).
God is indeed faithful to His promises for His children. His words are “yes” and “Amen.” He will certainly do what He promised that He will do, because “the one who calls you is faithful and he will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24 NIV. See also Hebrews 10:23).
Has God promised to do something for you this year? Have you lost hope in Him or are you doubting Him? He is faithful, and He will do it. Continue to rely on Him because as late as the year is, God can still surprise you. The Yorubas have this saying: “Oorun ti o ku ni oke yii si to aso i gbe.” Literally meaning “the sun that remains in the sky can still dry a wet cloth.” In other words, there is still hope in a seemingly hopeless situation! The fulfilment of the promise of God may tarry, but it will surely come. No matter the case, God is still faithful! Do you believe this? If you have faith, you will see the glory of God (cf. John 11:40).
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Quote for the Day 24Dec2011

I know by faith in whom I have believed,
I know that God’s free gift I have received,
I know that He will keep me to the end,
My Savior, my Redeemer, and my Friend.
- Anon

Quote for the Day 23Dec2011

God can use what little we have, when surrendered to Him, to do great things. God is not looking for people with great abilities, but for those who are dedicated to following and obeying Him. - Albert Lee

Quote for the Day 22Dec2011

Our life and blessing is to bring God glory. Delay is not denial. When our blessings are delayed by God it is to bring greater glory to Him. - EA Adeboye

Quote for the Day 21Dec2011

Come on. Stop hiding from success because you are afraid to fail. Failure means you are a learner, not a loser. Stop fearing risk! Take God's hand, step out and fulfil His purpose for your life. - Bob Gass

Quote for the Day 20Dec2011

Not I but Christ be honored, loved, exalted;
Not I but Christ be seen, be known, be heard;
Not I but Christ in every look and action;
Not I but Christ in every thought and word.
- Whiddington

Quote for the Day 19Dec2011

Celebrating a right Christmas requires that you make Jesus the Object of worship and love Him with all your heart, mind and strength. Let this Christmas be a season of your true worship of God. - Victor Akerele

THE MYSTERY OF THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST

Dearly Beloved,
THE MYSTERY OF THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6 NIV).
We are in another Christmas season! It is a season set apart to commemorate the birth of our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ over two thousand years ago. The season is one of the most celebrated seasons throughout the world. There have been many arguments for and against the season. Some say that the season has a pagan origin. Others rightly observe that December 25 could not be the birthday of Jesus Christ. Most people that celebrate it devote the season to the birth of Jesus Christ. However, no matter your position about the season, have you ever pondered on the mystery of the birth of Jesus Christ? What was special in His birth?
The Child that was born in Bethlehem by the Virgin Mary is the King of kings. The Son that was given to us is the Creator of the heavens and earth. As the Mighty God, He is so powerful that He did not need any help to carry the government of this world on His shoulders. He was born as an ordinary new-born baby, but He is the Everlasting Father. He is the Wonderful Counsellor and the Prince of Peace.
The birth of this special Child has brought light, peace and joy to the lives of many people, especially people that put their total trust in Him. He is ruling and reigning in their lives now. But He will rule and reign over the whole universe one day when His kingdom will have no end.
It does not matter whether you believe in the celebration of Christmas, the supposed birthday of Jesus Christ, or not. What matter is: have you experienced the light, peace and joy that Jesus Christ brought to the world? Do you have His inner peace and joy? Are you sharing these light, peace and joy with other people? Are you shining His light to the darkness of the world? Will you rule and reign with Him when He finally establishes His eternal kingdom over the universe?
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year (2012) in advance!
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Quote for the Day 17Dec2011

Your doubt cannot change your situation. What will change your situation is your faith. – Supo Ayokunle

Quote for the Day 16Dec2011

The Lord my Shepherd guards me well,
And all my wants are fed:
Amid green pastures made to lie,
Beside still waters led.
My care-worn soul grows strong and whole
When God’s true path I tread.
Though I should walk in darkest ways
Through valleys like the grave,
No evil shall I ever fear;
Your presence makes me brave.
On my behalf Your rod and staff
Assure me You will save.
(© Hope Publishing Co.)

Quote for the Day 15Dec2011

The wise men gave Jesus choice gifts. You are celebrating right Christmas when you give good gifts to people that are less privileged. Do not give gifts to only those who can give back to you. - Victor Akerele

Quote for the Day 14Dec2011

God knows you intimately! He knows your address. He knows your password and PIN numbers. He has your particulars and your details. All because He loves and cares for you. Yes you! - EA Adeboye

Quote for the Day 13Dec2011

When you find yourself in the storm of life, you have to build up your faith in such a way that it will not waver. – Supo Ayokunle

Quote for the Day 12Dec2011

Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent. - Marilyn vos Savant

THEY RISKED THEIR LIVES

Dear Beloved,

THEY RISKED THEIR LIVES

"Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them" (Romans 16:3-4 NIV).

A foreign missionary had an intimate friend. They had been together for quite a long time. The missionary really relied on this friend who was a native of the land. It happened that a persecution arose against the missionary because of a disagreement between him and the ruler of the land.
The persecution was so great that the life of the missionary was at stake. The native friend risked his life to rescue his missionary friend from this persecution by breaking all the protocol to see the ruler and appease him.

Aquila and Priscilla were good friends and co-workers with Paul, both in their trade of tent making and in the proclamation of the gospel. This really encouraged Paul as he continued to spread the good news. Not only this, they also risked their lives in identifying with Paul in his troubled times. They did not consider the danger of such action, but preferred to continue as co-workers with Paul. Their action attracted the gratitude of not only Paul, but also of the "churches of the Gentiles."

Epaphroditus (another co-worker of Paul) also received such commendation for "risking his life to make up for the help…" Philippians 2:30, NIV).

The Bible says, "…we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren" (1 John 3:16, NASB). In what way can you also risk your life for other people? A friend in need is a friend indeed.

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

NB
This message was first sent out on August 1, 2004.

Quote for the Day 10Dec2011

You cannot fail because you are precious and honourable to God. – Supo Ayokunle

Quote for the Day 09Dec2011

Life’s challenges sometimes seem impossible. Do you feel you are too weak to fight the battle? Do not give up! Keep your heart loyal to God, for He constantly watches over you, and He desires to demonstrate His strength in your life. - Henry Blackaby

Quote for the Day 08Dec2011

Appreciate again and again, freshly and naively, the basic goods of life, with awe, pleasure, wonder and even ecstasy, however stale these experiences may have become to others. - Abraham Maslow

Quote for the Day 07Dec2011

Not everything that happens is good, but God is able to work His plan despite everything that seems to be against it. God alone knows how to bring triumph out of disaster and joy out of pain. And He is doing this all the time for every believer. - Paul Adams

Quote for the Day 07Dec2011

Not everything that happens is good, but God is able to work His plan despite everything that seems to be against it. God alone knows how to bring triumph out of disaster and joy out of pain. And He is doing this all the time for every believer. - Paul Adams

Quote for the Day 06Dec2011

As you prepare to celebrate Christmas this season, do you have a place for Jesus Christ in your life? - Gold Anie

Quote for the Day 05Dec2011

We are never, never so much in danger of being proud as when we think we are humble. - C.H. Spurgeon

CONDUCT, NOT CONDOM (resent)

Dearly Beloved,
On December 3, 2006, I first sent out the message below to commemorate that year's World AIDS Day. There were many reactions both for and against the message. On Decemeber 5, 2009, I decided to resend it again to commemorate the year's World AIDS Day. Inasmuch as the situation of AIDS is still almost the same, I decide to send it out again to commemorate the year's World AIDS Day. Here is it:
CONDUCT, NOT CONDOM
"It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable" (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 NIV).
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), a clinical syndrome (a group of various illnesses that together characterize a disease) resulting from damage to the immune system caused by infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), has been on the rampage since early 1980s. The unfortunate thing about it is that no cure has been found for it. Therefore, there have been many campaigns to prevent it and to manage it in the lives of those that it has infected or affected.
Because it is contacted mainly by sexual intercourse, the use of condom has been one of the ways advocated by many people to prevent the spread of this deadly disease. This has made many people to be more promiscuous. It even seems that people are promoting the use of condom to the detriment of being faithful to one's spouse, or total abstinence from sexual intercourse till marriage, which is the original will and purpose of God. However, research has shown that the use of condom is not totally safe to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS. This new discovery has vindicated some religious organizations that preach total abstinence for unmarried people or faithfulness to one's spouse for married people as one of the ways to prevent the spread of the virus.
Recently, I was in a gathering where some representatives of an organization came to enlighten us more about the prevention and management of HIV/AIDS. These people were the first non-religious people to say it openly to my hearing that they do not advocate condom but conduct as a way of preventing the spread of the virus. To them, since condom is not totally safe, it is better to switch from condom to conduct - a manner in which an unmarried person will totally abstain from sexual intercourse, and where a married person will be faithful to his/her spouse.
Yes! Conduct is better than condom because apart from preventing you from that deadly virus and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), it will make you to do according to the will and purpose of God (Exodus 20:14; Leviticus 18:20; 20:10; Proverbs 6:24-35; Matthew 5:27-28; 1 Corinthians 6:9; Ephesians 5:3-5; Colossians 3:5-6; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8; Hebrews 12:16; 13:4).
HIV/AIDS is real! Conduct yourself in godly ways and take note of other prevention of its spread so that you will not be infected by it.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Quote for the Day 03Dec2011

Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goals. - Henry Ford

Quote for the Day 02Dec2011

There is one thing, and one thing only, that we can do for God: OBEY HIM! - Diann L. White