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!