Quote for the Day 01Jan2013

Our God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, our shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal home. - Isaac Watts

OUR PRAYERS FOR YOU IN THE YEAR 2013

Dearly Beloved, OUR PRAYERS FOR YOU IN THE YEAR 2013 Praise the Lord for witnessing another year 2013! 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 Exodus 34:10 (TEV): - The Lord will make a new covenant with you this new year; - He will do great things in your life in people's presence such as have never been done anywhere on earth; - And all the people will see the great things the Lord will do, because He is going to do an awesome thing for 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 BB PIN:27C6552C http://www.thewordthruthenet.org/ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spiritualdigest2003/ https://www.facebook.com/afolabayo https://twitter.com/spiritualdigest http://inspirationaldailyquotes.blogspot.com/ http://smspastorbayo.blogspot.com/ NB Send your reaction to me directly at or .

Quote for the Day 31Dec2012

If you want to see God's promises fulfilled in your life this coming year, do not rush things or you might give birth to an Ishmael. Be careful, people will try to involve you in all kinds of schemes to rescue and promote yourself. God does not need your help to bless you. - Yemi Ladokun

COME WITH CONFIDENCE

Dearly Beloved, COME WITH CONFIDENCE “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16 NIV). “In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence” (Ephesians 3:12 NIV). At last, this old year is winding up! The new year is coming with many hope and expectations. Do we need to be afraid? Absolutely not! For we are serving the One who holds the future. We can sing with that hymn writer, “Because He lives I can face tomorrow. Because He lives all fear is gone. Because I know He holds the future, And life is worth the living, just because He lives.” Take an honest look at yourself. Has this passing year been tough for you? Cling on to God for better greater thing in the coming year. Were you disappointed in something this year? Next year will be an appointed year for good for you. What you need is to come with confidence to the throne of grace and make known your desires unto God. Feel free in His presence. Jesus Christ says, “Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete” (John 16:24, NIV). Tell Him what you want Him to do for you in the year 2013, and believe that He will do it. “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, LET US DRAW NEAR TO GOD WITH A SINCERE HEART IN FULL ASSURANCE OF FAITH, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, FOR HE WHO PROMISED IS FAITHFUL” (Hebrews 10:19-23 NIV). God is waiting for you. You need to enter His presence with assurance that He would never withhold good things for you this coming year. Happy New Year (2013) in advance! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). NB This message was first sent out on December 28, 2003.

Quote for the Day 29Dec2012

It is important to open up to God while you can, because if you bottle up your feelings too long, it will disrupt the harmony of your relationship with Him. - Neil T. Anderson

Quote for the Day 28Dec2012

Most of our obstacles would melt away if, instead of cowering before them, we should make up our minds to walk boldly through them. - Orison SwettMarden

Quote for the Day 27Dec2012

There is no easy walk to freedom anywhere, and many of us will have to pass through the valley of the shadow of death again and again before we reach the mountaintop of our desires. - Nelson Mandela

Quote for the Day 26Dec2012

It is important to set a good example for your children, your loved ones, your community, and future generations. Setting a good example becomes automatic if you always do your best. When you do your best, you never have to worry about having a negative impact on another. - Jonathan Lockwood Huie

Quote for the Day 25Dec2012

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning; Jesus, to Thee be glory given; Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing. O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord. - John F. Wade

Quote for the Day 24Dec2012

No matter how you celebrated the Christmas or if you are indifferent to it, let the news of eternal life in Jesus Christ have positive impact in your life. - Bayo Afolaranmi

THE FIRST NOEL

Dearly Beloved, THE FIRST NOEL "And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger'" (Luke 2:8-12 NIV). Historically, December 25 was the climax day for the celebration of Saturnalia, an ancient Roman festival in honour of the deity Saturn. However, the day has been adopted worldwide as the birth date of Jesus Christ, thereby dumping the worship of Saturn to the celebration of God the Son who "was made visible in human flesh" to "save His people from their sins" (1 Timothy 3:16; Matthew 1:21 AMP). Matthew Chapters One and Two and Luke Chapters One and Two chronicled the birth of Jesus Christ regarded as the first Christmas. An unknown poet composed a popular Christmas hymn titled "THE FIRST NOEL THE ANGEL DID SAY" to portray the event. This hymn is a traditional classical English carol, most likely from the 18th century, although possibly earlier. The word Noel comes from the French word Noël meaning "Christmas", from the Latin word "natalis" that means "birthday". On the first Noel, after the birth of Jesus Christ, an angel went to certain poor shepherds as they lay in fields keeping their sheep on a cold winter's night that was so deep, and informed them that the King of Israel was born. The shepherds looked up and saw a star shining in the east beyond them far. The star gave great light to the earth as it continued to shine both day and night. By the light of that same star some wise men came from a far country. Their intent was to seek for the King, and to follow the star wherever it went. This star drew near to the northwest and took its rest over Bethlehem, right over the place where Jesus was laid. The wise men entered in full reverence upon their knees, and offered there in His presence their gifts made of gold, and myrrh, and frankincense. The unknown poet then concluded his hymn with this great lesson: "let us all with one accord sing praises to our heavenly Lord; that hath made heaven and earth of nought, and with his blood mankind hath bought." As we are celebrating Christmas this year, let us worship the King, Jesus Christ, with our lives and everything that we have for what He has done for us through His coming to the world. Once again, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year (2013) in advance! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Quote for the Day 22Dec2012

Do you give cheerfully to God? If you do, God will give you the desires of your heart. - Goke Adeleke

Quote for the Day 21Dec2012

Christmas is not in tinsel and lights and outward show. The secret lies in an inner glow. It's lighting a fire inside the heart. Good will and joy a vital part. It's higher thought and a greater plan. It's glorious dream in the soul of man. - Wilfred A. Peterson

Quote for the Day 20Dec2012

God is a God of times and seasons. There is usually a time destined for each thing that happens to us in life. There is a time God has purposed for each individual to accomplish certain things in life. - Supo Ayokunle

Quote for the Day 19Dec2012

Never become distracted on fitting in or hanging with a crowd, but maintain your focus on Jesus. - Brenda Bryant

Quote for the Day 18Dec2012

I do not boast that God is on my side. I humbly pray that I am on God’s side. – Abraham Lincoln

Quote for the Day 17Dec2012

God’s love is a fabric that never fades, no matter how often it is washed in the waters of adversity. - Anonymous

STILL ON PRAYING FOR THE DEAD

Dearly Beloved, STILL ON PRAYING FOR THE DEAD "May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains. On the contrary, when he was in Rome, he searched hard for me until he found me. May the Lord grant that he will find mercy from the Lord on that day! You know very well in how many ways he helped me in Ephesus" (2 Timothy 1:16-18 NIV). Before I sent my message on praying for the dead out two weeks ago, I have decided not to engage in any debate on the issue because I knew that it is a controversial issue. My determination was to make known the simple message of the Bible about the issue. However, I followed people's reactions and counter-actions to the message with interest. It amused me to discover that some people are using a somewhat obscure passage of the Bible to support the issue. According to these people, Paul in the passage cited above prayed for Onesiphorus who was dead by then. Can you read the passage again? What in the passage suggests that Onesiphorus was dead by the time Paul said this prayer? Some will claim that the phrase "on that day" suggests that. Interesting! Well, the purpose of this message is not to debate this issue, but to point out a fact: never use any controversial Bible passage to propagate a teaching or doctrine, rather, let other clearer passages of the Bible explain the controversial passages. The Holy Bible never contradicts itself in any way. Only a Bible critic who is ready to discredit the word of God will adamantly say that the Bible contradicts itself. I know that most of the people that are in support of praying for the dead are not Bible critics. They are people that have been taught dogmatically about some practices based on traditions and cultures and now try to find biblical supports for such practices. As for praying for the dead, one's beliefs about God, life after death, salvation and other salient doctrines of the Bible will determine whether to pray for the dead or not. Man's doctrines and cultures may thrive for awhile, but the undiluted words of God will stand for ever. No amount of prayers will change the state of the dead. Instead of praying for the dead, pray for the living ones that the dead left behind. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). NB Your reactions to this issue are still welcome. I have gone into my archive to retrieve an article "WHERE DO THE DEAD GO?" that I wrote some years ago. If you have interest in it, contact me at spiritualdigest@yahoo.com. God bless you!

Quote for the Day 15Dec2012

There are many battles in life that may make us not to even pray, in a time like that we need to change our approach. The best approach in such time is praise, because praise will give us total victory. - Supo Ayokunle

Quote for the Day 14Dec2012

Christmas is forever, not for just one day, because loving, sharing, giving, are not to be put away like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf. The good you do for others is good you do yourself. – Norman Wesley Brooks

Quote for the Day 13Dec2012

Resting on the faithfulness of Christ our Lord, Resting on the fullness of His own sure Word; Resting on His wisdom, on His love and power, Resting on His Covenant from hour to hour! - Frances R. Havergal

Quote for the Day 12Dec2012

When one door closes another door opens, but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us. - Alexander Graham Bell

Quote for the Day 11Dec2012

If you couldn't do something yesterday, it doesn't mean that you cannot do it today. For who you are today is not who you used to be. - Andres Lara

Quote for the Day 10Dec2012

At all times we must be on guard not to misrepresent God’s message to acquire what we want from others. With a heart yielded to God, we must honestly share spiritual truths that will benefit those who hear. - Dennis Fisher

HEROD'S PALACE

Dearly Beloved, HEROD'S PALACE "After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem.... After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was" (Matthew 2:1, 9 NIV). The Lord revealed to some wise men from the East (or simply, the Magi) through a special star that a King was born. They decided to come and pay homage to the King. The star led them to Israel. Because there was a famous king in land that time, King Herod the Great, the Magi thought that the best and right place for the birth of the newly born King must be in the palace of Herod in Jerusalem, so they abandoned the guidance of the star and went to the palace to inquire of the newly born King. However, they were surprised to discover that even King Herod and all his wise men were not aware of the birth of the new King. They only knew from prophecy that such King would be born in a remote town called Bethlehem. Herod then told the Magi to go and find out in Bethlehem about the newly born King. Interestingly, when the Magi came out of Herod's palace, the abandon star led them to the right place. Similarly, God has given a specific vision to some people, but they have, on many occasions, abandoned God's guidance and relied on human wisdom to pursue the vision. Many have even abandoned God and relied on themselves or other people to accomplish their God-given vision. Until such people come back to God and follow His guidance, they will not reach their God-assigned destination. According to the Bible, "This is what the Lord says: 'Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the Lord. He will be like a bush in the wastelands; he will not see prosperity when it comes. He will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit'" (Jeremiah 17:5-8 NIV). Where is your "Herod's palace"? Where are you seeking help outside of God's will and purpose for your life? Come back to God and allow Him to lead you to your divine destination. As the Magi rejoiced and worshipped Jesus, you also will rejoice and worship God soon in Jesus' name. Amen. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year (2013) in advance! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Quote for the Day 08Dec2012

Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings. - William Arthur Ward

Quote for the Day 07Dec2012

If you have a tendency to move too quickly or to operate in your own strength and skill, pray for a red light in your spirit. Ask God to let you know when you are moving in your own will rather than in His. It will save you untold heartache! - Bob Gass

Quote for the Day 06Dec2012

If each of us would reach out in caring friendship to one person today, what a difference it would make for us all. - David McCasland

Quote for the Day 05Dec2012

Today, whether life is ordinary or difficult, keep pressing on. At the end of the journey, you will see the amazing place God has prepared for us. And it will be well worth it! - C. P. Hia

Quote for the Day 04Dec2012

The wise man builds his house on rock instead of sinking sand; for when the storms of life descend, that house will surely stand. - Dave Sper

Quote for the Day 03Dec2012

God is not intimidated by the presence of your enemy. He is not moved by what men feel or think, He is only moved by His word and His purpose. - Rotimi Oluwaseyitan

PRAYING FOR THE DEAD?

Dearly Beloved, PRAYING FOR THE DEAD? "And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment" (Hebrews 9:27 NKJV). Recently, my mother died after a brief illness. Expectedly, many people that heard the sad news condoled with me. However, what interested me about the condolence was the fact that most of the people that condoled with me were praying for my dead mother. I was not surprised about this, but I hardly say "Amen" to such prayers because I do not believe in praying for the dead. I would rather prefer praying for the beloved living ones that the dead left behind. The act of praying for the dead is an established one in many cultures, religions and even some Christian denominations. There are even strong doctrines in support of the practice in some of these denominations. There have been arguments for and against the practice. Nevertheless, the act is contrary to the teachings of the Holy Bible. Our prayers have no bearing on a person once he has died. The reason is that at that point his eternal future is confirmed. Either he is saved through faith in Jesus Christ and is in God’s presence where he is experiencing rest and the joy of being in His presence, or he is in hell or torments. The parable of the rich man and Lazarus the beggar (in Luke 16) is a good illustration of this. Hebrews 9:27 reads thus: "And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment" (NKJV). Paul was confident that to be absent from the body was to be at home and present with the Lord (see 2 Corinthians 5:1-8). He also said, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far" (Philippians 1:21-23 NIV). In Revelation 14:13, it is declared that those that are dead in the Lord are blessed already and are resting from any labour because their deeds are following them. No matter how acceptable the practice of praying for the dead may be, it negates the teachings of the Scriptures. The simple gospel message is: "[Anyone] who believes in [Jesus Christ], though he may die, he shall live" (John 11:25 NKJV). The implication of this is that one must settle one's eternal destination here on earth. No amount of prayers will change one's eternal state once one is dead. Period! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). NB While I do not intend to engage in argument with anyone on the matter of praying for the dead, you may send your reaction(s) to this message to me at spiritualdigest@yahoo.com. God bless you!

Quote for the Day 01Dec2012

When we are faced with tight spots, meager resources, a vast army of problems, or seemingly dead-end solutions, let’s not panic but instead turn to God who fights for His people and gives them victory. - Marvin Williams

Quote for the Day 30Nov2012

In the face of all of life’s circumstances, we can know the peace of trusting the presence and power of God in the midst of trouble as we wait patiently and prayerfully for His deliverance. So drop your hands, for God’s hands are busy on your behalf! - Joe Stowell

Quote for the Day 29Nov2012

There is a wealth of spiritual truth in the Bible, but it has to be mined through prayer and study. - Ron Meyers

Quote for the Day 28Nov2012

When you follow that peace which only God can give to you as an inward witness, good things and even miracles will come forth! - Joseph Prince

Quote for the Day 27Nov2012

Confessing our sins to God and forsaking them brings a sense of freedom to our souls and the awareness that we have nothing to hide. - David McCasland

Quote for the Day 26Nov2012

Think of God's grace as a hammock in the back yard at the end of the day--ready to wrap you in peace and comfort, quiet your heart, and renew your sense of God's complete care and control over everything that concerns you. - Author Unknown

YIELD NOT TO TEMPTATION

Dearly Beloved, YIELD NOT TO TEMPTATION "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation" (Matthew 26:41 NIV). I seldom watch movies these days because of my busy schedules. However, I watched one recently that keeps me thinking. It has to do with a powerful man who fell into the hands of mere men and women because he was not watchful. In spite of the fact that the Yoruba movie is one of those secular movies acted with no religious connotation, its music interlude was the tune of the hymn, "YIELD NOT TO TEMPTATION," composed by Horatio R. Palmer around 1868. I knew the hymn (especially its Yoruba translation) very well. According to an online source, Horatio R. Palmer regarded this hymn, "YIELD NOT TO TEMPTATION," as an inspiration. He was at work on the dry subject of ‘Theory,’ when the complete idea of yielding to temptation flashed upon him, and he laid aside the theoretical work and hurriedly penned both words and music of the hymn as fast as he could write them. Stanzas One and Two of the hymn are warnings and advice. Horatio R. Palmer warned us not to yield to temptation for yielding is sin. Every victory we have over a temptation help us to win other temptations. Therefore, we should fight manfully onward to subdue dark passions, and ever look to Jesus, who will carry us through. We are to shun evil companions, and disdain bad language. We should hold God’s name in reverence by not taking it in vain. We are to be thoughtful, earnest, kind-hearted and true. Horatio R. Palmer knew that we cannot do all these with our own strength. So, in the refrain, he advised that we should ask the Savior to help comfort, strengthen and keep us. He was sure that the Savior is willing to aid us and carry us through. Horatio R. Palmer concluded the hymn by affirming that God will give a crown to anyone that overcomes, and that though are often cast down, we shall conquer through faith because our Savior will renew our strength. Horatio R. Palmer repeatedly affirmed that if we look ever to Jesus, He will carry us through. Do not be like that powerful man who is not watchful. The devil is seeking everyday for who he will devour. It is not a sin to be tempted, but yielding to temptation is a sin. Beware! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Quote for the Day 24Nov2012

The purpose of prayer is not to conform God to our will but to adjust our will to God. We must learn to trust God so that if He says no, we accept that His will is best. - Henry Blackaby

Quote for the Day 23Nov2012

Willingness to honestly admit our mistakes is the first step in dealing with them. - Akin Akintunde

Quote for the Day 22Nov2012

Be thankful to God that you don't already have everything you desire. If you did what would be there to look forward to? Be thankful when you don't know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn. Be thankful for each new challenge, because it will build your strength and character. Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons. Be thankful when you're tired and weary, because it means you've made a difference. - Debra Cummings

Quote for the Day 21Nov2012

Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation. - Brian Tracy

Quote for the Day 20Nov2012

The more you thank God, the more you please Him. What little you have will be multiplied and whatever is dead in your life will be raised to life! - Joseph Prince

Quote for the Day 18Nov2012

A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all other virtues. - Cicero

COUNTDOWN TO THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF MY INTERNET MINISTRY

The anniversary will take place exactly on February 18, 2013. I am still contemplating on how to celebrate this milestone. Do you have any suggestion? However, I have decided to publish three books to mark the event: 1. A collection of my daily quotes (first volume [A collection of 366 quotes, with corresponding Bible verses, hymns and suggested weblinks for the hymns] already published online as eBook [http://www.lulu.com/shop/adebayo-afolaranmi/spiritual-digest-for-each-day-of-the-year-ebook/ebook/product-20490074.html;jsessionid=FE537DE9AE219436969EB497AD64C820#] and printed book [http://www.lulu.com/shop/adebayo-afolaranmi/spiritual-digest-for-each-day-of-the-year/paperback/product-20490093.html#]). You can order for it NOW! 2. A collection of my weekly messages (first volume to be compiled by one of my pastor-friends). 3. My experience in the ministry in the past 10 years with people' s reactions. I need your reactions to be included there! Send your reactions to me through private message or to The three books will be published online for people throughout the world to easily have access to them. Indeed, I thank God for this unique opportunity. I need your suggestions and assistance in celebrating the event. You also will be celebrated in Jesus' name. Amen.

WHY THANKSGIVING?

Dearly Beloved, WHY THANKSGIVING? "It is good to give thanks to the Lord, And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, And Your faithfulness every night" (Psalm 92:1-2 NKJV). Thanksgiving Day is a holiday celebrated in the United States on the fourth Thursday in November. It has officially been an annual tradition since 1863, when, during the US Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of "Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens," to be celebrated on Thursday, November 26. However, most stories of Thanksgiving history start with the harvest celebration of the Pilgrims (that came from England to settle in the "New World") and the Native Americans that took place in the autumn of 1621. Historians and Jewish sources have pointed out that America's Thanksgiving holiday may not have been a totally new celebration, but that its roots may go back thousands of years to the biblical Feast of Tabernacles - a celebration of the ingathering of all the fruits of the year (see Exodus 23:16; Leviticus 23:34-36, 39-43; Numbers 29:12-38; Deuteronomy 16:13-15; 31:10-13). Many people in other parts of the world have adopted or adapted this celebration as annual event to thank God for His goodness in the year. Apart from God's goodness, why should one thank God? Why thanksgiving? The goodness of God alone is enough to thank Him! Many writers of the books of the Bible declared this (see Psalm 31:19; 36:7-10; 73:1, 24-26; 92:1-15; 116:12; 136:1-26; 145:7-9; Isaiah 12:1-6; Lamentation 3:23-25; 1 John 3:1-2). However, it is a command to thank God, not only during Thanksgiving Day or Celebration, but all the time (see Psalm 50:14; Ephesians 5:20; Philippians 4:6; Colossians 3:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; Hebrews 13:15). Paul, in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, further said that it is the will of God for us to do so. Another reason why we should thank God is that we are honouring Him by doing so (Psalm 22:23; 50:23; 69:30-31). Furthermore, if one is thankful, one is bound to get more goodness from God. The story of the thankful leper in Luke 17:11-17 buttresses this. Someone has said, "Whoever possesses any good without giving thanks for it deprives him who bestows that good of his glory, sets a bad example before others, and prepares a recollection severely painful for himself when he comes in his turn to experience ingratitude." We are already in the season of thanksgiving. Do you have any reason to thank God? Why thanksgiving? Do not be unthankful. If you think very well, you will know that it is indeed good to thank God and sing praises to His name. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Quote for the Day 17Nov2012

If you allow the devil to go some distance in your life He will go farther than you expected. – Supo Ayokunle

Quote for the Day 16Nov2012

A word of encouragement to a hurting friend can come like a refreshing rain. When we continue to care in tangible ways, it grows into a life-giving stream of healing and love. — David McCasland

Quote for the Day 15Nov2012

When Jesus Christ is the centre of your focus, everything else comes into proper perspective. - Author Unknown

Quote for the Day 14Nov2012

God wants people that will serve Him not just because of what they can get from Him, but just because they love Him, people that can trust His heart when they cannot see His hands. - Rotimi Oluwaseyitan

Quote for the Day 14Nov2012

God wants people that will serve Him not just because of what they can get from Him, but just because they love Him, people that can trust His heart when they cannot see His hands. - Rotimi Oluwaseyitan

Quote for the Day 13Nov2012

Those who know their God shall be emotionally strong because they are connected to the Source of joy. Those who know their God shall be emotionally strong because their joy is rooted in the Lord and not in ephemeral blessings such as a car, promotion, new house, title, etc. Blessing or not, God is constant. As long as God is constant, their joy also is constant. – EA Adeboye

Quote for the Day 12Nov2012

When lustful thoughts assail your mind to play with immorality, remember that God’s will for you is holiness and purity. - Dave Sper

O FOR A THOUSAND TONGUES TO SING

Dearly Beloved, O FOR A THOUSAND TONGUES TO SING "My tongue will speak of your righteousness and of your praises all day long" (Psalm 35:28 NIV). Charles Wesley is known as the co-founder (with his brother, John Wesley) of the Methodist Church, however, he is more known for his hymns. He is the author of some 6,000 hymns which after more than 200 years are showing no sign of losing their appeal. One of his hymns is titled "O FOR A THOUSAND TONGUES TO SING." He wrote this hymn while he and his brother were studying under the Moravian scholar Peter Böhler in London and he framed the title which now becomes the first line of the hymn from Böhler's words, "Oh, Brother Wesley, the Lord has done so much for my life. Had I a thousand tongues, I would praise Christ Jesus with every one of them." Undoubtedly, Böhler said this in appreciation of God's goodness to him, Charles Wesley, and the humankind. According to history, the Wesley brothers had earlier had suffered a bout of pleurisy. The ailment led Charles Wesley to renew his faith in God, and as a commemoration of that, he composed this hymn. A thousand tongues are not enough to sing about the praise of the great Redeemer, about the glories of God the King, and about the triumphs of His grace! The reasons are not far-fetched. As Charles Wesley put it in the hymn, "Jesus! the name that charms our fears, that bids our sorrows cease; 'tis music in the sinner's ears, 'tis life, and health, and peace. He breaks the power of canceled sin, He sets the prisoner free; His blood can make the foulest clean; His blood availed for me. He speaks, and listening to his voice, new life the dead receive; the mournful, broken hearts rejoice, the humble poor believe." Charles Wesley was talking about the redemptive works of Jesus Christ here. He knew that Jesus did not only heal him from physical ailment, but that Jesus saved him from spiritual death that everyone is experiencing since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden. He therefore prayed that God should help him to proclaim His goodness to all. Without doubt, you also would have had many reasons to praise God for who is and what He is doing in your life. Will you not join Charles Wesley to pray: "My gracious Master and my God, assist me to proclaim, to spread through all the earth abroad the honors of thy name"? Will you not praise Him with the tongue and other resources He has given you? Indeed, a million tongues are not enough to sing about the goodness of God to mankind! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Quote for the Day 10Nov2012

When the world around you is crumbling, God is the rock on which you can stand. - Author Unknown

Quote for the Day 09Nov2012

Investing money in retirement funds can be profitable, but investing in our spiritual lives offers the best kind of return for our future! — Anne Cetas

Quote for the Day 09Nov2012

Investing money in retirement funds can be profitable, but investing in our spiritual lives offers the best kind of return for our future! — Anne Cetas

Quote for the Day 08Nov2012

If we get involved in fears about the future, we shall miss the chances that the present offers us. – Debra Cummings

Quote for the Day 07Nov2012

Take time to seek the Holy Spirit’s direction when you face decisions. He knows the full ramifications of your choices. The Holy Spirit will assist you to understand truth and to experience abundant life. Trust Him as He leads you. - Henry Blackaby

Quote for the Day 06Nov2012

As followers of Jesus, we are called to be hospitable, to be a “hospital” that helps those who are going through life’s storms and need restoration. We can be used by the Lord because He has provided for us. — Marvin Williams

Quote for the Day 05Nov2012

Walking with God must be a daily discipline and exercise - an experience that should light up and give meaning and understanding to our lives. - Akin. Onigbinde

THE HUNDREDTH PSALM

Dearly Beloved, THE HUNDREDTH PSALM "Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations" (Psalm 100 NIV). Psalm 100 is one of the most popular psalms. Many people have memorized it. In fact I have learnt it since my primary school days. Why is the five-verse psalm popular? The reason is that it is a thanksgiving psalm. Recently, the beauty of this praise poem stirs my heart. Verses 1 to 2 invite us to reverence God with gladness. How often I forget to ponder on the reasons why we should do this. Verses 3 and 5 give five reasons. First Reason: we serve THE God, the one and only God. All other gods are not gods. They are sheer idols. They cannot be compared with Him (cf. Deuteronomy 4:35, 39; 1 Kings 19:39; Psalms 86:8; 89:6; 95:3; 96:4-5; 97:9; Exodus 15:11; Isaiah 40:18; Jeremiah 10:10-16). Second Reason: the Lord created us. Before He created us, He created everything we need so that we will lack nothing (Genesis 1; Job 10:8-13; Psalms 139:13-24). Third Reason: we belong to Him, so He takes care of us; He sustains us; He protects us; He provides for us, etc (Psalms 74:1-2; 78:52; 95:7; Isaiah 40:9-11; Ezekiel 34:11, 30-31; John 10:14-16, 26-28). We belong to Someone who cares! (Psalm 34:15; Matthew 6:26; Luke 12:30; 1 Peter 5:7). Fourth Reason: the Lord is good and He does good things (see Psalms 86:5; 106:1; 107:1, 8, 15, 32; 119:68; Jeremiah 33:11). The Bible presents it this way: "how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him" (Acts 10:38, NIV). Is He still doing good till today? Yes, indeed! Think about your own life. Fifth Reason: the love, mercy, and faithfulness of God are permanent (Exodus 34:6-7; Deuteronomy 7:9; Psalms 36:5; 103:17; 119:90-91; Lamentations 3:22-23; Luke 1:50). The above reasons made the psalmist to rejoice and advise us to always worship God with thanksgiving and praise in verse 4. Nevertheless, why do we need to adore, glorify and bless Him when, at times, we do not receive answer to our prayers? The hundredth psalm counsels us to simply serve God for who He is, and what He is doing for us, not because of what we get from Him. He is more than what we need. Those who rejoice in their unpleasant situation are convinced of God’s love which never abandons anyone that hopes in Him. Feed your soul with the hundredth psalm and you will see that the Lord is indeed good! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). NB Please find time to read and meditate on each of the Bible references above. I extensively referred to them for your further studies. God bless you as you do so! The message was first sent out on November 23, 2003.

Quote for the Day 03Nov2012

Hearing God’s Word is essential, but doing what He says is the key to weathering the storms of life. — David McCasland

Quote for the Day 02Nov2012

Stop talking to God about how big your mountains are, and start talking to your mountains about how big your God is. - Joel Osteen

Quote for the Day 01Nov2012

Your investment in other people's live is akin to a seed sown in due season. The harvest will definitely come back to you in multiple folds. - Victor Adebiyi

Quote for the Day 31Oct2012

The Church cannot help in promoting a healthy political climate when she is a partaker of all the evil that goes on in the society. - Emmanuel O. Malomo

Quote for the Day 30Oct2012

Having courageous conversations with fellow Christians can be difficult, but they will promote purity and unity. We can carry out our responsibility to one another to speak the truth in love by walking in the power of the Holy Spirit. - Marvin Williams

Quote for the Day 29Oct2012

Calling on the Lord is the right thing to do when we fail. Calling on the Lord can change a failure into a successful learning opportunity - a successful failure. Even in a failure, a successful recovery is possible. Instead of lamenting the failure, why not celebrate the great recovey? - Ron Meyers

TAKE HIM AT HIS WORD

Dearly Beloved, TAKE HIM AT HIS WORD "Jesus replied, `You may go. Your son will live.' The man took Jesus at his word and departed. While he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news that his boy was living" (John 4:50-51 NIV). The son of a certain nobleman was sick. The man did not want the son to die, so he went to Jesus Christ so that He would come and heal the sick son miraculously. Jesus Christ knew that he wanted a miracle to be performed on his son, but He wanted him to exercise some faith in Him. Instead of following him to lay His hand on the sick child, Jesus told him to go and believe that the son would live. This nobleman believed Jesus Christ. He went back home and found his son well. When he made enquiry about when the son got well, he found out that it was at the very time that Jesus told him that the son would live. What an effectual faith! What is your own problem? In what way are you or someone dear to you sick? This may not be physical sickness. It may emotional, financial, or even spiritual sickness. Have you come to Jesus Christ for a miracle? Will you also take Him at His word today? Lazarus the brother of Mary and Martha was very sick. The expectation of the two sisters was that Jesus Christ would come and heal him. They sent to Jesus but He tarried till Lazarus died. Martha and Mary accused Jesus of late coming, but He assured them that Lazarus would live. Even when He was about to raise Lazarus from the dead, Martha was arguing with Jesus. "Then Jesus said, `Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?'" (John 11:40 NIV). If you also can call unto Him today, as He promised in Matthew 7:7-8, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened" (NIV), and believe in Him, you will see the glory of God (Matthew 18:19; 21:22; Mark 11:24; John 14:13; 16:24). Take Him at His word! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). NB This message was first sent out on May 21, 2006.

Quote for the Day 27Oct2012

The most eloquent prayer is the prayer through hands that heal and bless. The highest form of worship is the worship of unselfish Christian service. The greatest form of praise is the sound of consecrated feet seeking out the lost and helpless. – Billy Graham

Quote for the Day 26Oct2012

When children are guided into a mutual relationship with God, the home will be happy and the nation will be exalted. - Ruth A. Odejayi

Quote for the Day 25Oct2012

Do not allow yourself to be possessed, bombarded, and driven by the wheel of sin. Give yourself to be driven by the Word and the Spirit of God. Then, you will be secure and prosperous. - Lawrence Oladimeji

Quote for the Day 24Oct2012

God is always ready to accept those who would come to Him seeking forgiveness, succour and redemption. - B.Uche Enyioha

Quote for the Day 23Oct2012

I am a stranger here, within a foreign land; My home is far away, upon a golden strand; Ambassador to be of realms beyond the sea, I’m here on business for my King. - E. T. Cassel

Quote for the Day 22Oct2012

Many leaders have failed not because of their ineffectiveness but because the followers have not created the atsmophere of success for them. - SAK Olaleye

PASS ME NOT, O GENTLE SAVIOR

Dearly Beloved, PASS ME NOT, O GENTLE SAVIOR "Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (that is, the Son of Timaeus), was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, 'Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!' Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, 'Son of David, have mercy on me!'" (Mark 10:46-48 NIV). Undoubtedly, the hymn, "Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior," is one of the most popular hymns of all time. Interestingly, it was composed (like many other popular hymns) by Fanny Jane Crosby (1820-1915), a woman that became blind at six weeks of age. There are two stories associated with this hymn. One, it was reported that Ms. Crosby had a dream one night. She dreamed that the Lord Jesus was walking among the people in her church and touching each of those who would go to Heaven with Him. As He got closer she started to fervently pray that He would not pass her by. When she awoke she penned the words to this lovely song and was able to describe in detail the people in her church even though she had never seen them. Two, it was believed that the inspiration for this hymn was the result of a visit to a prison by Ms. Crosby during spring 1868. After she had spoken and some of her hymns had been sung, she heard one of the prisoners cry out in a pleading voice, "Good Lord, do not pass me by." That evening, she wrote a hymn that incorporated the line, “Pass me not, O gentle Savior.” Whichever of the incidents that made Ms. Croby composed the hymn, the lyrics are so inspiring. The hymn is a humble cry of Fanny Crosby and any other person that does not want the gentle Savior to pass him/her by while He is calling other people. Kneeling at the Savior's throne of mercy in deep contrition, Crosby sought to find a sweet relief for her unbelief. She trusted in the Savior's merit and grace for healing of her wounded and broken spirit. She confessed that the Savior is the Spring of all her comfort, who is more than life to her because He is the only One she had on earth and in heaven. What is your own situation presently? Will you not also cry unto this Savior of the world not to pass you by? Call unto Him like that blind Bartimaeus in Mark 10:46. He will surely listen to you if you can call Him in faith (see Psalm 50:15; 91:15; Jeremiah 33:3; Zechariah 13:9; James 5:13). In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Quote for the Day 20Oct2012

Your life is your primary message, The way you live is a message in itself and also determines the effectiveness of your spoken message. - Samuel Adeola Adeniyi

Quote for the Day 19Oct2012

You lose nothing by forgiving someone who wronged you but you lose everything by refusing to forgive. Unforgiving spirit is more dangerous than danger itself. - Chris Tayo Orodiji

Quote for the Day 18Oct2012

If you want to be successful, expect to be criticized. Accept criticism with love and make amendment. - Rachel A. Lateju

Quote for the Day 17Oct2012

When your family is under the control of the Spirit of God, it becomes a wonderful gift to the Church of Christ and, indeed, a powerful influence on the world. - WF Kumuyi

Quote for the Day 16Oct2012

As the Owner of all that exists. God exercises His sovereignty by dispensing tokens of His bounty to whomever He wills. - Ronald Youngblood

Quote for the Day 15Oct2012

To know the will of God is the greatest knowledge, to find the will of God is the greatest discovery, and to do the will of God is the greatest achievement. - George W. Truett

YOU ALSO CAN PRAISE GOD!

Dearly Beloved, YOU ALSO CAN PRAISE GOD! "The village musicians gather at the village well to sing of the triumphs of the Lord. Again and again they sing the ballad of how the Lord saved Israel" (Judges 5:11 TLB). I was in a cybercafé one day when a young man just bursted into song of praise to God. He was even rolling on the ground as he was appreciating His Creator. All of us that were there surfing the Internet could not fathom the cause of the sudden praise. It was in his praises that we heard that he has just discovered that he got good result in the GCE examination he sat for recently. He recounted in his praises how he had breakthrough especially in some important subjects in the examination after many attempts in ten years. Indeed, he deserves to sing song of praise to God! Deborah and the people of Israel did not have good result in any written examination, but they had more causes to sing song of praise to God. They had just had resounding victory over one of their archenemies – the Canaanites. They testified to the goodness of God in their lives. Do you also have any cause to sing song of praise to God? God is good all the time! Even when it seems that He has not done what you want from Him, there are still many causes to sing song of praise to Him. Habakkuk concluded his prophecy with words of praise in spite of the fact that it seemed God did not act as he expected. Hear him: "Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights" (Habakkuk 3:17-19 NIV). The psalmist said, "It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High" (Psalm 92:1 NIV). You also can praise God! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). NB This message was first sent out on July 10, 2005.

Quote for the Day 13Oct2012

Nothing in this world can quench thirst for more and satisfy our need except in the Lord Jesus Christ, as we drink from His living water daily we will be refreshed and satisfied. - Akintoye Akintunde

Quote for the Day 12Oct2012

God is not made greater when you worship Him, but you are made greater when you serve Him. - Nathaniel Aremu

Quote for the Day 11Oct2012

How sweet the name of Jesus sounds, Blessed be the name of the Lord; It soothes my sorrows, heals my wounds, Blessed be the name of the Lord. - John Newton

Quote for the Day 10Oct2012

No one can effectively do missions without the enabling of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit has power to convict, covert and influence lives for Kingdom growth. He is the ONE that has power for world missions. - Duro Ayanrinola

Quote for the Day 09Oct2012

One of the greatest privileges of a Christian is to be associated with God in the all-important work of winning souls to the Lord Jesus Christ. - Banjo Ajao

Quote for the Day 08Oct2012

If you attempt and do great things for God, God also will not only promise you great things, He will do great things for you. - Bayo Afolaranmi

Quote for the Day 07Oct2012

Expect great things from God and attempt great things for God. - William Carrey

"ATTEMPT GREAT THINGS FOR GOD"

Dearly Beloved, "ATTEMPT GREAT THINGS FOR GOD" "After the king was settled in his palace and the LORD had given him rest from all his enemies around him, he said to Nathan the prophet, `Here I am, living in a palace of cedar, while the ark of God remains in a tent'" (2 Samuel 7:1-2, NIV). "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you" (Luke 6:38 NIV). God had given David rest from all his enemies around him (verse 1). His intention was to build a befitting edifice for the Lord. He told prophet Nathan about this intention that the latter readily approved (verse 3). The intention is indeed laudable. However, God sent Nathan back to David to tell him His mind – David would not be the one to build a house for Him! Nevertheless, the "no" answer of God was with promises: a) God would make his name great; b) God would provide a place for His people Israel where they would have rest; c) God would give him rest from all his enemies; d) God would establish a house for him; e) God would raise up David's offspring to succeed him after his death; f) the offspring would build a house for God's Name; g) God would establish his throne forever; h) God would be with his successor; i) God would guide and correct David's offspring; j) God's love would never be taken away from him; and above all, k) David's throne will be established forever. What wonderful promises! David decided to do one good thing for God, but God reciprocated by doing many things for him. What do you want to do for God? What are you doing for Him even now? William Carrey says, "Attempt great things for God; expect great things from God." If you attempt and do great things for God, God also will not only promise you great things, He will do great things for you. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). NB This message was first sent out on May 15, 2005.

Quote for the Day 06Oct2012

We must demonstrate our love for the Lord in unalloyed obedience and loyalty to the cross of Jesus Christ. - Goke Adeleke

Quote for the Day 05Oct2012

God, sometimes, denies us of our good and withdraws our better so that He can give us His very best. So, see beyond your disappointment. There is a divine appointment in every disappointment. - Chris Tayo Orodiji

Quote for the Day 04Oct2012

Satan's strategy is to introduce his thoughts and ideas into your mind and deceive you into believing that they are yours. - Neil T. Anderson

Quote for the Day 03Oct2012

The devil may throw obstacles and evil circumstances at you, but God will turn those evil schemes around for your greater blessing because He is for you! - Joseph Prince

Quote for the Day 02Oct2012

Every new day is a precious gift. May we thankfully embrace each one with confident trust and humble celebration. — Bill Crowder

Quote for the Day 01Oct2012

If our society will develop, God expects that you must love justice, show mercy and do humility. - Supo Ayokunle

Quote for the Day 30Sep2012

O troubled heart, there is a home, Beyond the reach of toil and care; A home where changes never come; Who would not fain be resting there? Wait, meekly wait, and murmur not. - W.H. Bellamy

WAIT, AND MURMUR NOT

Dearly Beloved, WAIT, AND MURMUR NOT "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord" (Psalm 27:14 NIV). Little is known historically about the hymn "WAIT, AND MURMUR NOT" and its writer, W.H. Bellamy. However, the hymn is one of the comforting hymns for anyone who is passing through a difficult time. The writer referred to such a person as the "troubled heart" and reminded him that there is a home beyond the reach of toil and care where changes never come. Apostle Paul explained further about this home as "a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands" which is devoid of any groan (2 Corinthians 5:1ff NIV). The home is an "an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade — kept in heaven for you" (1 Peter 1:4 NIV). Who would not want to go and rest there? Therefore, the trouble heart should wait and murmur not! Even though God may allow one to be bowed down beneath the earthly load, because "Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV). Therefore, one should still look up to the blessings above and meekly wait and murmur not. One may have some worldly thorns in one's path like Paul who had an undisclosed "thorn in his flesh" (see 2 Corinthians 12:7). This should remind one of Jesus Christ who bore thorns on His brow. Even if your heart is full of grief, Remember that Jesus Christ was described as "a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering" (Isaiah 53:3 NIV), and He did suffer when He was on earth, but He triumphed over His grief and suffering (see Revelation 5:5). Are you a "troubled heart"? What are you passing through that is making you to lose hope? I join W.H. Bellamy as he concluded his hymn by encouraging you that you should toil on without thinking that your sigh is unheard or your prayers are forgotten, because the day of rest will dawn for us. The psalmist declared, "I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living" (Psalm 27:13 NIV). So, "Wait, meekly wait, and murmur not." In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Quote for the Day 29Sep2012

The next time we are tempted to take credit for the blessings we enjoy, let’s pause and remember that it is the Lord who brings blessing. — Albert Lee

Quote for the Day 28Sep2012

Our satisfaction and peace should be hinged on our precious relationship and walk with God; never on mundane, fleeting things of this world. - Olufunso Joseph Omidiran

Quote for the Day 27Sep2012

He who is not happy without money will never be happy with money. He would like to have more and more till he is mourned. - Bayo Oladeji

Quote for the Day 26Sep2012

Never allow life's hardships to weigh you down. No one can avoid problems. Not even saints or sages. We get better with hardships. - Oyesoji Aremu

Quote for the Day 25Sep2012

Your life is a story. Each day you get to write a new page. So fill those pages with responsibility to God, to others, and to yourself. If you do, in the end you will not be disappointed. - Author Unknown

Quote for the Day 24Sep2012

Our obedience to the Lord may seem insignificant in the big picture, but it breathes freshness and life into the spiritual atmosphere of every believer. - David C. McCasland

THE PRESENCE OF GOD

Dearly Beloved, THE PRESENCE OF GOD "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?" (Psalm 139:7 NIV). The omnipresent nature of God is affirmed throughout the Bible. Psalm 139 is especially written for this purpose. God is everywhere. There is no hiding place from Him. He is the unseen companion of man wherever man finds himself. This fact of the presence of God is both an encouraging and warning fact. It is encouraging to know that the God of the whole universe is with you when you are passing through the darkest path of life. The psalmist says, "...Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me..." (Psalm 23:4 NIV. See also Psalm 46:11; Isaiah 43:1-2). Jesus Christ also promises, "...surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20 NIV). Paul sums this encouraging fact in this affirmation, "...If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31 NIV). Nevertheless, the presence of God is also a warning to us in everything we are doing. Here is a story of a man who took his son to another man's farm. When they got there, he placed his son in a vantage place and told him to call out when the son sees anyone coming as he (the father) will be stealing the farm products of the other man. The man was about to start his theft when the son called out. The man could not see anybody coming and he queried the son for his action. The son pointed to heaven and said, "God is there looking at you!" The man was dumbfounded and thanked his son for his wisdom. He left the farm immediately without taking anything. The boy seemed to be referring to Proverbs 5:21, "For a man's ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all his paths" (NIV). If everyone is like that son who was conscious of the presence of God, everyone would be cautious in doing, or even thinking to do, any bad thing. No wonder the psalmist concludes his writing about the omnipresence of God by saying, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (Psalm 139:23-24 NIV). In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). NB This message was first sent out on June 5, 2005.

Quote for the Day 22Sep2012

Hope is a seed God plants in our hearts to remind us there are better things ahead. - Holley Gerth

Quote for the Day 21Sep2012

Our hope is not mere speculation in what God might do. God has given His word on many areas of life regarding things He will do. We can have confident hope in everything that He has promised. - Henry Blackaby

Quote for the Day 20Sep2012

If you want to feel rich, just count all of the things you have that money can't buy. - Anonymous

Quote for the Day 19Sep2012

Need compassion? Need comfort? Go to God. He has an endless supply and is ready to pour it out on you in abundance. He is what we need in times of trouble! — Dave Branon

Quote for the Day 18Sep2012

There is the need to engage self in a constant evaluation to be in tune with our advancements or otherwise. An understanding of our current engagements would help us know if we are on track to destiny land or not. - Emmanuel Oloruntoba Arotile

Quote for the Day 17Sep2012

Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before. Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe; forward into battle see his banners go! - Sabine Baring-Gould

LET GOD CONTEND!

Dearly Beloved,
LET GOD CONTEND!
The violent protests in Egypt and Libya over a US-produced film that demonstrators believe insults the Prophet Muhammad that led to the killing of the US ambassador in Libya and three other Americans and the rumoured proposed demonstrations in other Muslim-dominated areas especially in Nigeria made me changed the message that I intended to send out this week and delved into my archive to adapt this message titled "JERUB-GOD" initially sent out on May 9, 2004:
"But Joash replied to the hostile crowd around him, 'Are you going to plead Baal's cause? Are you trying to save him? Whoever fights for him shall be put to death by morning! If Baal really is a god, he can defend himself when someone breaks down his altar.' So that day they called Gideon 'Jerub-Baal,' saying, 'Let Baal contend with him,' because he broke down Baal's altar" (Judges 6:31-32 NIV).
The people of Orphrah found their Baal altar desecrated. They discovered that Gideon, the son of Joash wreaked the havoc. They must take vengeance! They must kill Gideon. However, his father gave a classic advice: let Baal fight for himself if it is really god.
Today, many people are like the people of Orphran. They are violent against other people due to religion. They think that they can help God fight His battles. They are ready to take the lives of their fellow human beings because of religion! The Libyan incident is just one out of many instances where such people are killing and/or maiming other people and destroying their properties because they are trying to defend their religion or help their so-called God.
Can one fight for the Almighty God? Can one defend Him? Should one play God? Should we lose sight of the judgment of God? He is indeed God! No one can help Him. He fights for Himself. Read this: "When they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God, because the oxen stumbled. The LORD's anger burned against Uzzah because of his irreverent act; therefore God struck him down and he died there beside the ark of God" (2 Samuel 6:6-7 NIV). Many Bible scholars disagree as to how "irreverent" his act was. Was he not trying to help God? Well, he paid dearly for it.
Certainly, our God is not weak. He does not need anyone to defend Him or fight for Him. He defends Himself - in His own way. Isaiah declared, "[God] put on righteousness like a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on His head; And He put on garments of vengeance for clothing And wrapped Himself with zeal as a mantle. According to their deeds, so He will repay, Wrath to His adversaries, recompense to His enemies; to the coastlands He will make recompense. So they will fear the name of the LORD from the west and His glory from the rising of the sun, For He will come like a rushing stream which the wind of the LORD drives" (59:17-19, NASB. See also Nahum 1:2; Romans 12:19).
Are you trying to defend God or fight for Him? He does not need that! Allow Him to do the fighting in His own way and in His own time. Only a powerless god will need his adherents to defend him or fight for him. Let God contend. Jerub-God!
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
NB
This message is dedicated to the slain US ambassador, J Christopher Stevens, the other three Americans and all others that were killed or maimed throughout the world by Muslims because of religion.

Quote for the Day 15Sep2012

Let us touch the dying, the poor, the lonely and the unwanted according to the graces we have received and let us not be ashamed or slow to do the humble work. - Mother Teresa

Quote for the Day 14Sep2012

We must be wise and sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit so that our relationship will not drag us away from Christ and the focus of our ministry. - Israel Adelani Akanji

Quote for the Day 13Sep2012

One of the salient reasons why Christianity is considered unique is the quality of relationships it empowers believers to have for God and build among themselves. - Julius Adeniji

Quote for the Day 12Sep2012

Relating with others can sometimes be a tough experience but it is unavoidable, beneficial and indeed the true test of our Christian discipleship. - John O. Enyinnaya

Quote for the Day 11Sep2012

If we will succeed and fulfil our calling, then we must make concerted efforts to resolve the imbalances in our relationships. - Deji Isaac Ayegboyin

Quote for the Day 10Sep2012

The King of kings may allow disappointments, pains, agonies, shame, defeats and other difficulties in your life to serve His purpose. No matter how bad that situation may be, God is at work in it. Look out for Him and He will see you through! - EA Adeboye

CAN YOU KILL?

Dearly Beloved,
CAN YOU KILL?
"Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment…" (Matthew 5:21-22a KJV).
"Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him" (1 John 3:15 NIV).
We were having our supper that evening when my four-year-old son asked his mother: "Mummy, can you kill?" His mother quickly answered, "No, I cannot kill, but I can bless people." I tried to help my son by modifying the question, "Killing what?" My son clarified himself by saying that he meant killing animals. My dear wife still corroborated her earlier answer that she cannot kill even a small rat!
As I was reflecting on the dialogue, I realized that many people might not be able to kill even a small rat like my wife. However, such people have killed, and are still killing, many people by their hatred thoughts and actions.
The Bible says, "Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer…" (1 John 3:15a NIV. See also Leviticus 19:16-18; Proverbs 26:24-26). There are many examples of people in the Bible that confirm this: Cain (Genesis 4:5-8); Esau (Genesis 27:41); Absalom (2 Samuel 13:22-28); Herodias (Mark 6:19); some Jews (Acts 23:12-14), etc. While some of these people actually killed the persons they hated, some conspired to kill before God intervened. However, they had one thing in common: HATRED. It always leads to murder.
You might not be able to kill other people by gun, sword, knife, bomb, poison, or any other harmful thing, but do you hate anyone? Are you having any grudge against anyone? To God, you are a murderer. The antidote of hatred and grudge is love. "Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs" (Proverbs 10:12, NIV).
Can you kill? Beware!
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
NB
This message was first sent out on December 5, 2004.

Quote for the Day 08Sep2012

Think of your struggles. Do you need a place to hide? Do you need Someone to shelter you from life’s assaults? Do you need the assurance that you’ve been forgiven? You can find shelter and assurance in God. - Dave Branon

Quote for the Day 07Sep2012

We need the Lord's strenght to fulfil our purpose in life and to overcome every life battle. - Supo Ayokunle

Quote for the Day 06Sep2012

From over hill and plain there comes the signal strain,
’Tis loyalty, loyalty, loyalty to Christ;
Its music rolls along, the hills take up the song,
Of loyalty, loyalty, yes, loyalty to Christ.
- E. Taylor Cassel

Quote for the Day 05Sep2012

Although money is not evil, it can prevent us from inheriting true riches if accumulating it is the goal of our lives. — Julie Ackerman Link

Quote for the Day 04Sep2012

No one ever cared for me like Jesus;
There's no other friend so kind as He;
No one else could take the sin and darkness from me-
O how much He cared for me!
- Charles F. Weigle

Quote for the Day 03Sep2012

Do not remain "you" but build up yourself. Learn to add value to your life at all times. Allow God to turn your challenges to channels of blessings; and stumbling blocks to stepping stones for you. - Joshua Sunday IbukunOluwa

ARE YOU CONSCIOUS OF IT?

Dearly Beloved,
ARE YOU CONSCIOUS OF IT?
"For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever" (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 NIV).
Recently, I sent out a message in my Internet ministry that has to do with what God would do "by this time next year." I even made it a prayer wish and sent it to people by SMS, BlackBerry Messenger (BBM), WhatsApp Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, Skype, and Facebook chats and wall posts. Undoubtedly, thousands of people received the message and the prayer wish. Out of the people that responded to the message and the prayer wish through these various means, one respondent made a remark that caught my attention: "If Christ tarries. Amen." While other people and even I may be preoccupied by something good that God would do next year or even next moment, we may not be conscious of the imminent second coming of Jesus Christ!
It is a fact that Jesus Christ will come one day to take His own and bring others into final judgement. Nevertheless, no one knows when the trumpet would sound to signal the beginning of this final event. Jesus Christ emphasized this to His disciples (see Matthew 16:27; 24:36-44; 25:13; Acts 1:7, 11). The fact that no one knows when this important event will take place makes it very expedient to be vigilant and expect it any time. However, because it is over two thousand years now that the promise was made and yet it has not been fulfilled, many people have either ignored it or even refuted it. However, it will surely happen unexpectedly one day. The Bible says in 2 Peter 3:8-10, "But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare" (NIV. See also Isaiah 46:13; Habakkuk 2:3; Luke 18:7-8; Hebrews 10:37).
It is good to have plans for the future and wish that God would do some earthly good things in the near future. However, are you conscious of the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ? Do you remember that He may come any time? Are you preparing for Him? Do not let Him meet you unprepared!
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Quote for the Day 01Sep2012

To hoard wealth is foolish, for it is genuine faith, not gold, that will sustain us through trials and result in praise, honor, and glory to God. — Julie Ackerman Link

Quote for the Day 31Aug2012

Children are not the same. Each child is a unique creature of God and God's design in each child cannot be questioned. - Comfort Ayanrinola

Quote for the Day 30Aug2012

You can count on it — God knows the impending dangers and will tirelessly direct the traffic of your life for your good and His glory. — Joe Stowell

Quote for the Day 29Aug2012

O they tell me of a home far beyond the skies,
O they tell me of a home far away;
O they tell me of a home where no storm clouds rise,
O they tell me of an unclouded day.
- Josiah K. Alwood

Quote for the Day 28Aug2012

Shall we gather at the river,
Where bright angel feet have trod,
With its crystal tide forever
Flowing by the throne of God?
- Robert Lowry

Quote for the Day 27Aug2012

After pain and anguish, after toil and care,
We shall see the King some day;
Through the endless ages joy and blessing share,
We shall see the King some day.
- Lewis E. Jones

BY THIS TIME NEXT YEAR

Dearly Beloved,
BY THIS TIME NEXT YEAR
"Then the LORD said, 'I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son'" (Genesis 18:10 NIV).
Wonders never end. Sarah and Abraham seemed to say when God told them that they would have their own child "about this time next year" (Genesis 17:15-16, 19-21; 18:10, 13-14). How would a man of hundred years impregnate a woman of ninety years? Naturally, it is impossible! Sarah laughed it off, while Abraham gave God another option to fulfil His promises for his (i.e. Abraham's) life (see Genesis 17:18; 18:12). However, God insisted that His promise of making Abraham the father of many nations would be fulfilled through the son that Sarah would bear to him, "for nothing is impossible with God" (Luke 1:37 NIV. See also Genesis 18:14; Jeremiah 32:17, 27; Mark 10:27; Luke 18:27).
God did fulfil His promise! In Genesis 21:1-2, the Bible says, "Now the LORD was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what he had promised. Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him" (NIV). I want to emphasize two things in this passage:
a. God was gracious to Sarah: it was by the grace (the unmerited favour) of God that made God to remember her and fulfil the promise; and
b. At the very time: God fulfilled His promise for Abraham and Sarah at the very appointed time, not earlier, not later, but at the very time.
What are you also trusting God to do for you? Have you lost hope on it? Are you thinking of another means that God would do it for you? By this time next year, God would have done that thing for you in His own way, and at His very appointed time. God will be gracious to you and remember you for good. It may not even be up to a year. It may be less than a year, a month, a week, or even a day. Remember, the Lord spoke through prophet Elisha, "Hear the word of the LORD. This is what the LORD says: About this time tomorrow, a seah of flour will sell for a shekel and two seahs of barley for a shekel at the gate of Samaria" (2 Kings 7:1 NIV). The prophecy did happen less than a day. The officer who did not believe only saw it but never enjoyed it.
By this time next year, you also will have one or more things to testify about God's goodness in your life. Do you believe it?
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
NB
This message was first sent out on January 23, 2005.

Quote for the Day 25Aug2012

God is not pleased if you praise Him at church but not at your workplace. It is not acceptable for you to revere God when you are with other Christians but not in your school or neighborhood. He expects you to honor Him completely, with your words, with your actions, with your life. If you honor Him, He will honor you. - Henry Blackaby

Quote for the Day 24Aug2012

When your perspective is founded on the Rock of Ages, the only one who defeats giants, whether real or imaginary, then you, too, will be able to defeat the giants in your life. - Michael Youssef

Quote for the Day 23Aug2012

Management of self is a difficult enterprise that must be learnt and mastered if one would emerge as a champion in the battle of life. - Collins Olatunji

Quote for the Day 22Aug2012

When we are going through any difficult situation, we should not give room to fear or allow the situation to make us hate God. Rather, we should rejoice in the Lord for He will soon intervene in our situation. - Elizabeth Iyabo Aderounmu

Quote for the Day 21Aug2012

When God asures you of His presence and support on anything, do not ask questions. Start from where you are till He takes you to where you should be. - Emmanuel Oloruntoba Arotile

Quote for the Day 20Aug2012

God will enable you to succeed when you use the time He has given you wisely for purposeful living. Life of purpose is a life well-directed, planned and will eventually be fruitful. - Esther Ayandokun

TRUST IN THAT ROCK!

Dearly Beloved,
TRUST IN THAT ROCK!
"The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold" (Psalm 18:2 NIV).
"There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God" (1 Samuel 2:2 NIV).
Some time ago, I was relaxing on a rock when I saw a man coming towards me with a knife. Since everyone was minding his own affair, I did not care much about him. However, I discovered that he had tried to find a way to come up to the place where I sat. He went round that rock many times, but he could not find the way. So he stopped before me by the base of the rock with a fury. He swung his dagger at me several times and uttered some inaudible words. In spite of the shinning of the dagger by which he meant to hurt me, and his apparent rage against me, I was quietly sitting where I am. He was furious and tried to roll away the rock on which I sat. He tried again and again till he was tired, still I was not moved or afraid. In fact, I was enjoying myself above. Because of his inability to do any damage to me, he went out more furiously than before.
Problems and challenges of life come in many forms trying to disturb man's peaceful existence. Man's source of trust when problems occur and his reaction to it will determine how he will overcome the problems and the challenges. Jesus Christ is the formidable Rock against any problem or challenge of life (Deuteronomy 32:4; 2 Samuel 22:32, 47; Psalm 31:2-3; 89:26; 94:22; Isaiah 26:4; 1 Corinthians 10:4). Neglecting Him is like neglecting one's source of life (Deuteronomy 32:15; Isaiah 17:10).
Are you facing a problem or a challenge of life now. This problem may interrupt your joy. It may seem that all is against you. Here is a solution for you! Are you are on that eternal Rock, Jesus Christ? Do you trust Him to help you in your problem? Are you adding further to this problem by being anxious about it? Do not let this problem overcome you. Trust in Jesus Christ. Stand on that immovable Rock and you will overcome your problems.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
NB
This message was first sent out on June 3, 2003.

Quote for the Day 18Aug2012

When our goal is to honor the Lord, He guides and guards us each step of the way. Whatever our hopes and dreams may be, when we place them in God’s hands we know that everything, including setback or success, is under His control. — David McCasland

Quote for the Day 17Aug2012

When God is dealing with you, He does not run into action. He may let people make their conclusion about you when He works out His plan for your life. He watches as people ridicule you while He gets your miracle ready for you. - Rotimi Oluwaseyitan

Quote for the Day 16Aug2012

God desires that we show respect to all people, because everyone bears His image. - Helen Keller

Quote for the Day 15Aug2012

Even those that encourage others need to be encouraged. The next time someone encourages you, don’t forget to encourage the person too. You never know what the person may be going through. - Martha Tatum Salone

Quote for the Day 14Aug2012

Do not join this corrupt world and its system to walk perversely, but make up your mind to put on the righteousness of God each day so that you might have the power to withstand the assaults of the devil. - Supo Ayokunle

Quote for the Day 13Aug2012

Observe, God starts your day with a nighttime experience. In order for your faith to blossom, it must first be incubated in the dark. Real faith only germinates in adversity, so if you try to escape you lose the opportunity to move into higher realms of faith. – Bob Gass

AMAZING GRACE

Dearly Beloved,
AMAZING GRACE
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV).
One of the most popular hymns of all time is John Newton (1725-1807)'s "Amazing Grace." Newton composed the hymn to express who he was before he was saved and who he was after his salvation experience. Newton was a wretch, moral pariah whose business was slave trade before he became a preacher of the gospel of the great Saviour, Jesus Christ who saved him by grace during a near shipwreck. In his words in his late years, "My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things, that I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Saviour."
Beyond the personality of John Newton, his hymn - "Amazing Grace" - reveals a profound truth about the grace of Jesus Christ to anyone who invites Him into his life as his personal Saviour and Lord. It is a message that forgiveness and redemption are possible regardless of the sins people commit and that the soul can be delivered from despair through the mercy of God. It is indeed sweet to hear that a wretched person who is lost and blind spiritually can be found and see spiritually. The grace would teach the heart of anyone who believes to fear God and be relieved of all other fears. The grace is indeed precious not only initially but all the time. It is grace that has brought the believer safe thus far through many dangers, toils, and snares and it will eventually lead him to eternal home.
The hymn further reveals some benefits that a believer in Christ who has experienced the grace would enjoy. He would enjoy the promised goodness of God; his hope would be secured in God's word; as long he lives, his shield and portion will be God; even when this flesh and heart shall fail, and mortal life shall cease, such a believer will possess a life of joy and peace; and in heaven, he will eternally sing God's praise. It is indeed amazing grace!
Have you experienced this grace? No matter how wretched or morally bankrupt you think you are. You can experience it. Remember, you cannot earn it with any kind of work. It is only through faith in the finished work of salvation of Jesus Christ. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ today, and you will experience the amazing grace and enjoy all its benefits (see Acts 16:31; Romans 3:24; 4:5, 16).
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Quote for the Day 11Aug2012

How do you see your life? Until you get the correct view of life, it will be difficult to live with etermity in perspective. - Gideon Akanbi

Quote for the Day 10Aug2012

If you struggle in giving your best offerings to God, pause and reflect on what God sacrificed for you. Trust Him and give Him the best that you have because you love Him with all your heart. - Henry Blackaby

Quote for the Day 09Aug2012

The Christian soldier must avoid two evils—he must not faint or yield in the time of fight, and after a victory, he must not wax insolent and secure. When he has overcome, he is so to behave himself as though he were presently again to be assaulted. For Satan's temptations, like the waves of the sea, do follow one in the neck of the other. - George Downame

Quote for the Day 08Aug2012

Gratitude is an attitude that hooks us up to our source of supply. And the more grateful you are, the closer you become to your Maker, to the Architect of the universe, to the spiritual core of your being. - Bob Proctor

Quote for the Day 07Aug2012

No evil deed can go unpunished. Any evil done by man to man will be redressed. If not now, then certainly later; if not by man, then certainly by God, for the victory of evil over good can only be temporary. - Dele Giwa

Quote for the Day 06Aug2012

Conquerors and overcomers now are we,
Thro' the precious blood of Christ we've victory
If the Lord be for us we can never fail,
Nothing 'gainst His mighty power can e'er prevail.
- C. H. Morris

MAN PROPOSES GOD DISPOSES

Dearly Beloved,
MAN PROPOSES GOD DISPOSES
"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails" (Proverbs 19:21 NIV).
Human beings have many plans both short-term and long-term that they intend to accomplish. Most of these plans even have definite times that human beings want to carry them out. The fact that human beings could carry out these plans as planned makes them take most of these plans for granted. It is only when such plans cannot be carried out as planned that human beings resort to fate or chance. Most of the time, many people do not remember that it is God that disposes what man proposes. Many people indeed have forgotten the words of the writer of the book of Proverbs: "In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps" (16:9 NIV).
This fact was evident in my affairs recently. I could not meet my target in the office that day, so I planned that I will do extra work in the office the following day. However, as I was preparing to set out for the office on the following day, I received a phone call from one of my cousins that he had an auto accident the previous night, that he was in a hospital receiving treatment from injuries he sustained from the accident, and that I should come to his aid there immediately. I was destabilized by the news because that would mean I will not be able to go to my office that day to carry out my daily duties and even do extra work as I planned the previous day. Though, the relation was discharged that day from the hospital, I spent the whole day attending to that his needs and could not do anything that I planned beforehand for the day. Man proposes, God disposes!
Only if human beings will realize this and always involve God in their planning. James in his epistle said, "Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that'" (James 4:13-15 NIV).
What are your plans for the next minute, hour, day, week, month, or year? Do you involve God in these plans? Can you specifically say what will happen in the next minute not to talk of next year? The bottom-line is that only God determines what will happen next minute, hour, day, week, month, or year. However, this does not mean that one must not have a plan or purpose for his future activities either short-time or long-time. Only acknowledge God in everything you are planning to do, and He will keep you on the right track (see Proverbs 3:6).
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Quote for the Day 04Aug2012

Worry gets us nowhere, but prayer gets us in touch with the One who can handle all of our concerns. - Jennifer Benson Schuldt

Quote for the Day 03Aug2012

If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it. - Michael Jordan

Quote for the Day 02Aug2012

Blessed is the person who sees the need, recognizes the responsibility, and actively becomes the answer. - William Arthur Ward

Quote for the Day 01Aug2012

Do not settle for an average life. God wants to launch you past the middle to the top. – John L. Mason

Quote for the Day 31Jul2012

We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty. - Mother Teresa

Quote for the Day 30Jul2012

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
For the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
- Georg Friedrich Handel

REPENTED, BUT...

Dearly Beloved,
REPENTED, BUT...
"In [Manasseh's] distress he sought the favor of the LORD his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers. And when he prayed to him, the LORD was moved by his entreaty and listened to his plea; so he brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD is God" (2 Chronicles 33:12-13 NIV).
"I will make them abhorrent to all the kingdoms of the earth because of what Manasseh son of Hezekiah king of Judah did in Jerusalem" (Jeremiah 15:4 NIV).
Our God is compassionate and forgiving (Daniel 9:9). Yet one has to be very careful in relating with Him especially in keeping His commandments. The reason is that if one sins against Him and later on repents, one would still face the consequence of one's sins (Proverbs 11:21; 16:5).
The story of Manasseh attests to this. Manasseh was one of the worst kings in Israel. He was the direct opposite of his godly father, Hezekiah. He did many detestable things to provoke the Lord. Tradition has it that he was the one that killed prophet Isaiah. After God had warned him and his people, and they did not heed to God's warning, God made him a prisoner in the court of another powerful king. However, in his distress, he repented and asked for God's forgiveness. The compassionate and forgiving God heard his prayers and restored him back to his kingdom. He later spent his life doing good things (see 2 Chronicles 33). Nevertheless, his people faced the consequence of his atrocities (see Jeremiah 15). The Lord promised to make them suffer because of what he did.
One should not view this as injustice on the part of God. The people also had their own share of the blame, but that is not the emphasis here. The emphasis is a particular repented and forgiven person was made as a reference point for the impending judgment. This indicates that though God forgave Manasseh, the punishment of his sins were still there.
The punishment of Manasseh's sins might not be directly on him, but the cases of David and Paul were different. David committed the sins of adultery and murder. When confronted by prophet Nathan, he repented and said the prayer found in Psalm 51. Undoubtedly, his sins were forgiven, but he paid dearly for them (2 Samuel 12:13-14; 13-21). Paul (formerly Saul) persecuted the disciples of Jesus Christ. When he had an encounter with God, God promised, "I will show him how much he must suffer for my name" (Acts 9:16 NIV). He did suffer.
What are you doing now? Is it good or bad? You may be thinking of later repentance. However, hear the words of Solomon: "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil" (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 NIV).
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
NB
This message was first sent out on November 14, 2004.

Quote for the Day 28Jul2012

We hurt people by being too busy. Too busy to notice their needs. Too busy to drop that note of comfort or encouragement or assurance of love. Too busy to listen when someone needs to talk. Too busy to care. - Billy Graham

Quote for the Day 27Jul2012

The faithfulness of God provides a sure anchor of hope and comfort for the true believer - an anchor that remains steadfast amidst the uncertainties and vicissitudes of life. - WF Kumuyi

Quote for the Day 26Jul2012

It is essential that we use our words with great wisdom and care. Consider carefully the words you choose. Will they be seasoned with the balm of grace or with the poison of anger? - Bill Crowder

Quote for the Day 25Jul2012

It is in the redemption of Christ alone that we can have peace. If we take Christ into our boats on the stormy sea, we will ride on in safety through earth's difficulties to heaven's shore. - James R. Miller

Quote for the Day 24Jul2012

We need to come to a place in life where God and not circumstances or dissatisfaction with the existing system dictate the direction of our lives. - Rotimi Oluwaseyitan

Quote for the Day 23Jul2012

People who waste your time by offering unsolicited gossips should be tactfully shown the way out. - Femi Okunlola

ARE YOU ON THE LIST?

Dear Beloved,
ARE YOU ON THE LIST?
"These searched for their family records, but they could not find them and so were excluded from the priesthood as unclean. The governor ordered them not to eat any of the most sacred food…" (Ezra 2:62-63a NIV).
"If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire" (Revelation 20:15 NIV).
The school bus was ready to convey some students in a class for an excursion. Every member of the class wanted to go, but the criteria for going was that one must have his name in the prepared list of the class teacher. None of them knew the actual people that were on this list. As they all assembled by the bus, the teacher started calling them one after another. The funny thing there was that there was still space in the bus when the teacher finished calling the names on his list. The other students implored him to admit them into the bus, but he refused because their names were not on his list.
A similar event happened as the Jews came back from exile. The priests had re-established the worship and sacrifices to God as prescribed by the Mosaic Law. However, to minister as a priest, one has to establish his genealogy as Levite - the only tribe that can perform priestly duties. Then came some people from certain towns who could not prove that they were even Israelites not to talk of being Levites. These people searched for their family records, but they could not find them, so they had to be excluded from the priesthood.
Everybody on earth is enjoying God's universal goodness. God does not discriminate in blessing many people on earth (Psalm 145:9; Matthew 5:45; Acts 14:17). In fact, it seems as if God is blessing the ungodly more than the godly. Nevertheless, a day is coming when God will turn against some people - those that their names are not in His Book of Life. They will be excluded from being in the presence of God forever. The reason would be the absence of their names in "the Book of Life" (Revelation 20:15).
For you to have your name written in the Book of Life, you have to genuinely accept Jesus Christ - the only Way to God (John 10:7,9; 14:6; Acts 4:12) - as your personal Saviour and Lord (John 1:12-13; Acts 16:31). Are you on the list in the Book of Life?
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
NB
This message was first sent out on June 27, 2004.

Quote for the Day 21Jul2012

The Lord as the Potter who moulded you and placed you where you are has a purpose for your life and He will finish His work in your life if you allow Him to do so. - Supo Ayokunle

Quote for the Day 20Jul2012

I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish he didn't trust me so much. - Mother Teresa

Quote for the Day 19Jul2012

If I were to say, "God, why me?" about the bad things, then I should have said, "God, why me?" about the good things that happened in my life. - Arthur Ashe

Quote for the Day 18Jul2012

Our daily battles may tire us, but one day we will have eternal rest and peace in heaven. Satan will experience his final defeat. - Michael Youssef

Quote for the Day 17Jul2012

You are addressed by your dressing. If you are clothed with pride, disgraceful situation will attend to you. If with humility, honourable and uplifting situations will be your guests. – EA Adeboye

Quote for the Day 16Jul2012

We have to acknowledge the progress we have made, but understand that we still have a long way to go. That things are better, but still not good enough. - Barack Obama

I HAVE FOUND A FRIEND IN JESUS

Dearly Beloved,
I HAVE FOUND A FRIEND IN JESUS
"I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you" (John 15:15 NIV).
The hymn "I have found a friend in Jesus" also known as "The Lily of the Valley" is one of my favourite hymns. Little is known about the history of the hymn apart from the fact that it was composed by William Charles Fry (1837–1882) in Lincoln, England, while working with the Salvation Army. Fry declared that he had found a friend in Jesus because He is everything to him. He compared Jesus to the lily of the valley, the "Beloved" in the Song of Songs' love characters (Song of Songs 2:1). Undoubtedly, this lily of the valley symbolizes the sweetness, purity, fruitfulness, humility, and healing qualities of Jesus Christ. Fry could see only in Jesus all he needed to be cleansed and be made fully whole. He declared that Jesus was his comfort in sorrow and in trouble because Jesus has told him to roll every care on Him for He cares. Jesus is indeed "the Lily of the Valley, the Bright and Morning Star, He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul."
Apart from William Charles Fry's declaration in that hymn, Jesus Christ Himself chose everyone who accepts Him as friend and He did not only promise to do many things for His friends, He did lay down His life as a ransom for His friends (see John 15:13; Ephesians 5:2; Romans 5:6-8; 1 Timothy 2:6). As a friend of Jesus, anyone who accepts Him as his Saviour and Lord will learn many things from Him (John 15:15), in fact, Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, will reveal many mysteries to him (Ephesians 1:9; 3:5; Colossians 1:26). Such a friend will have direct access to the throne of grace to approach God without any intermediary except Jesus Christ (Hebrews 4:14-16; 8:6; 9:15; 12:24; 1 John 2:1). In fact, He "...is a friend who sticks closer than a brother" (Proverbs 18:24 NIV).
Fry continued in his hymn to testify more about this great Friend who has taken his grief, borne all his sorrows, and has become his strong and mighty tower in temptation. He declared that though all the world forsakes him, and Satan painfully tempts him, he would safely reach the heavenly goal through Jesus. Therefore, he forsook all from his heart for Him. He also testified that Jesus will never, never leave him, nor yet forsake him here, that as he lived by faith and did the will of Jesus, Jesus would be a wall of fire around him. So, he would have nothing to fear, for from Jesus' manna He shall fill his hungry soul. Indeed, he found a great Friend in Jesus!
Have you found such a Friend in Jesus Christ? Can you confess like William Charles Fry that Jesus Christ is everything to you? Invite Him into your life today and allow Him to take total control of your life. You will really enjoy Him!
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Quote for the Day 14Jul2012

You don’t have to see the entire staircase to take the first step. - Martin Luther King Jr.

Quote for the Day 13Jul2012

What matters most is the legacy you leave in each event of life. And each event of life is a score card through which the value you add to life will be measured. - Oyesoji Aremu

Quote for the Day 12Jul2012

Nothing in the world can be achieved without passion, it makes all the difference if your heart is in what you do. Do not do what you do not like or enjoy and do not be involved in what you do not believe in. – Femi Emmanuel

Quote for the Day 11Jul2012

The deepest level of worship is praising God in spite of pain, thanking God during a trial, trusting Him when tempted, surrendering while suffering, loving Him when He seems distant. – Rick Warren

Quote for the Day 10Jul2012

We strive to do the will of God
And struggle to succeed;
But we may fail to recognize
God's strength is what we need.
- D. De Haan

Quote for the Day 09Jul2012

When you spend time in God's waiting room, He is developing qualities in you that simply cannot be developed any other way. When He is finished you will come out stronger and wiser. And you will have the maturity to handle what He has in mind for you. So do not let the enemy rattle you or engineer circumstances that put you into overdrive. – Bob Gass

WILL GOD ANSWER MY PRAYERS? (Part 2)

Dearly Beloved,
WILL GOD ANSWER MY PRAYERS? (Part 2)
"...God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28 NASB).
Last week, I sent out a message on the above subject and emphasized it that God will answer our prayers ACCORDING TO HIS WILL in His own way and His own time. Expectedly, some people disagreed with that position. To them, God will answer whatsoever we ask from Him. Well, let me adapt a message I sent out some years ago titled, "When God Says NO."
I pointed it out last week that examples of what I propound abound in the Bible, and I gave a classic one in the case of David when he wanted to build a temple for God (see 2 Samuel 7). King David was a unique man - a man after God's heart (see Acts 13:22). He was such a king that would not do anything without first enquired from God. God in turn made him successful in his entire endeavour, but only in one that God said NO. One may wonder why God said no to such a good heart desire of David.
How would you react to such an answer from God? Would you be like that pastor that told his congregation that, "When God says NO, say YES"? How did David react? He reacted by praising God in counting his blessings (see 2 Samuel 7:18-29). The "NO" answer made him to praise God! It made him to draw closer to God. It made him to claim God's promises (verses 28-29).
David accepted the will of God to his desire, and God fulfilled His plan for him. Solomon - his son - eventually built the temple to David's credit (see 2 Kings 8). Hezekiah was a different man. God told him that he would die (2 Kings 20:1). Instead of him to accept the will of God for him, he prayed against it. God, in His permissive will, added fifteen years to his life. Unfortunately, those added years were the dismay of his life (see 2 Kings 20:12ff).
Jesus Christ accepted the will of God when He prayed that God should take the cup of the cross from Him (Luke 22:44). He even cried on the cross to demonstrate the agony of the "negative" answer He received from God(Mark 15: 34). However, the NO answer of God to Jesus, and His (that is, Jesus') acceptance of it gave Him a name above every other name(Philippians 2:10-11). This singular action of Jesus Christ has also given every Christian the hope that is beyond any other hope that if we die today, we are going to reign with Him.
Paul prayed thrice that God should take away a "thorn in his flesh" but God told him that His grace is sufficient for him (see 2 Corinthians 12:7-10). Instead of refusing the absolute will of God in this unpleasant situation, Paul rather boasted in his weakness and allowed God to be glorified in it.
God will certainly not answer all our prayers the way we want Him to do so. However, it is certain that God will answer our prayers according to His will. Are you ready to accept God's perfect answer to your prayers in His own way and His own time? Remember, "...God causes ALL things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28 NASB).
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
NB
You can get the full message comprising the two parts and the previous message on request at . God bless you!

Quote for the Day 07Jul2012

On this 7th day of the 7th month of the year, the Lord will perfect that which concerns you; because His mercy endures forever He will not forsake you in Jesus' name. Amen. - Bayo Afolaranmi

Quote for the Day 06Jul2012

The fact that God knows where you are and that He is very much aware of the difficult situation you are in provides the confidence and strength needed to live for His glory. So be encouraged. Remember God’s words of comfort. Help is on the way! — Joe Stowell

Quote for the Day 05Jul2012

I am only one, But still I am one. I cannot do everything, But still I can do something; And because I cannot do everything I will not refuse to do the something that I can do. - Edward Everett Hale

Quote for the Day 04Jul2012

Every day is a new day - a day for new beginnings, new dreams, new action - a day for challenge, adventure, and discovery. TODAY, what is your goal? What is your dream? What action are you taking to further your goals and dreams? - Jonathan Lockwood Huie

Quote for the Day 03Jul2012

Being in God’s will is the secret to fulfilment and success in life and ministry. God is interested in guiding every of your step in life. Do not run your life on assumptions or presumptions. Learn to always obtain clearance from God before taking any “minor” or “major” decision. - Segun Adeleke

Quote for the Day 02Jul2012

Procrastination is the bad habit of putting off until the day after tomorrow what should have been done the day before yesterday. - Napoleon Hill

WILL GOD ANSWER MY PRAYERS?

Dearly Beloved,
WILL GOD ANSWER MY PRAYERS?
"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us — whatever we ask — we know that we have what we asked of him " (1 John 5:14-15 NIV).
As I wanted to sleep recently, I received a message from one of my contacts on WhatsApp asking me whether God would answer his prayer or not. I summarily answered him that God would answer him if what he is requesting is in accordance with the plan of God for him at that particular time. As I also had a prayer request that I have been asking God for my ministry, I pondered on that question: "Will God answer my prayers?" The simple answer to it is YES. However, the affirmative answer is with a condition and may be in various ways.
The condition of answer of God to any prayer request is the will of God. God will not do anything that is contrary to His will. Jesus Christ knew this principle, He taught it in the popular "Lord's Prayer" (see Matthew 6:10), and He applied it in the Garden of Gethsemane when He about to face the cross. He prayed "that if possible the hour might pass from him. 'Abba, Father,' he said, 'everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will'" (Mark 14:35-36 NIV).
Someone has said that God answers our prayers in any of the three ways, vis, yes, no, or wait. God will answer yes to our prayers if the request is perfectly according to His will at that particular time. He may ask us to wait till when He deems it fit for us to have the answer to the request. Likewise, He may answer no to the prayer if the request is NOT according to His will for us.
Examples of this principle abound in the Bible. A classic one was the case of David when he wanted to build a temple for God. God partially answered no to that request but said that David will have to wait till the time of his son before the request will be granted (see 2 Samuel 7).
Getting "Yes" answer to our prayer is lovely. However, when God says "No" or "Wait" to our request, He has something better for us. The reason is, "'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' declares the LORD. 'As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts'" (Isaiah 55: 8-9), and "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future'" (Jeremiah 29: 11-12).
It is certain that God will answer our prayers according to His will. Are you ready to accept God's perfect answer to your prayers in His own way and His own time?
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

NB
Do you use WhatsApp on your phone or other devices? Add this number +2348138325934 (NOT FOR CALL PLEASE) to your contacts and then inform/invite me through it. You will be added to my WhatsApp contacts. God bless you!