WHEN YOU ARE ACCUSED FALSELY

Dearly Beloved, WHEN YOU ARE ACCUSED FALSELY “When his master heard the story his wife told him, saying, ‘This is how your slave treated me,’ he burned with anger. Joseph's master took him and put him in prison...” (Genesis 39:19-20 NIV). One of my friends sought my counsel recently. Being one of the people in charge of counting collected church offerings, he was accused of stealing out of the offerings. He was not happy about the whole issue.I asked him whether the allegation was true or not. He confessed that it was false. I counselled him to leave everything to God and allow God to vindicate him. The counsel was bitter for him to accept. I then reminded him of Joseph’s story in the house of Potiphar in Egypt. Here was a man who was sold into slavery by his own brothers. His master’s wife accused him falsely, and he was thrown into prison. However, he left everything to God and allowed God to vindicate him. God did vindicate him. The next verses attest to this: “But while Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there”(Genesis 39:20-22NIV). That was not the end of the story. Joseph came out of prison to become the prime minister in a foreign land. Interestingly, nothing was heard again about Potiphar and his wife. Joseph was indeed vindicated. Have you been accused falsely? Are you serving a punishment for that false accusation? Leave everything to God. God is with you. He will show you kindness and grant you favour even in that situation. He will eventually vindicate you. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Vindicate me, O Lord, when I am accused wrongly.

Quote for the Day 01Sep2013

Have you been accused falsely? Are you serving a punishment for that false accusation? Leave everything to God. God is with you. He will show you kindness and grant you favour even in that situation. He will eventually vindicate you. - Bayo Afolaranmi

Quote for the Day 31Aug2013

You are running with a vision, going on a mission, or burning with a passion. If you do not belong to any of these, life is reduced to a burden. - David Oyedepo

Quote for the Day 30Aug2013

If you keep your union and fellowship with Jesus Christ intact, everything else will be taken care of. - Gloria Copeland

Quote for the Day 29Aug2013

Decision is the horse a man rides into fame or shame. - WF Kumuyi

Quote for the Day 28Aug2013

Never allow the seed of doubt take root in your life. If you must get to your goal this year, disengage from doubt and engage faith. Believe every Word of God coming to you and act on it with expectations. Cut off anyone who has been a vehicle for sowing doubt in your life. That fellow is a hindrance to your goal. - EA Adeboye

Quote for the Day 27Aug2013

True spiritual mourning should lead to true spiritual repentance, a turning away from the old way of life and to the way of Christ. - Author Unknown

Quote for the Day 26Aug2013

Persistent people begin their success where others end in failure. - Edward Eggleston

Quote for the Day 25Aug2013

No matter what you are passing through, God knows about it, and He has a purpose for allowing it. - Bayo Afolaranmi

HE SENT HIM THERE

Dearly Beloved, HE SENT HIM THERE "…and he sent a man before them – Joseph, sold as a slave. They bruised his feet with shackles, his neck was put in irons…" (Psalm 105:17-18 NIV). The story of Joseph has been one of the pathetic but interesting stories in the Bible. Joseph, a loved child, was hated by his elder brothers because of his destine. He was thrown to an empty cistern by these brothers who earlier planned to kill him. They sold him as slave to foreigners who took him to Egypt. In Egypt, he was sent to prison for a sin he did not commit. You can imagine the hardship he would have as a slave and a prisoner – the bruises of shackles in his feet, the pains of iron chains on his neck, etc. Even in prison, he was forgotten by those that should have rescued him from all these misfortunes. In spite of this, God was working behind the scene for his good. Remember that in each of these situations, the Bible records it that the Lord grant him favour in the eyes of everybody (see Genesis 39:4, 5, 21-23). In fact, he confirmed it to his brothers later that it was God that sent him ahead of them to Egypt to preserve lives (see Genesis 45:5-7; 50:20). Actually, Joseph's story was not a tragedy, for he was made the prime minister of Egypt the very day he was brought out of prison. Think of yourself. What are you passing through? What is happening to you now that seems as misfortune? What shackles and irons of hardship are you experiencing now? Who knows, it may be God that sent you to this apparent misfortune to bring something good out of you. He may be purifying you as gold in fire of life so that you will come out more shining (see 1 Peter 1:6-7). The Psalmist corroborates this. Hear him: "For you, O God, tested us; you refined us like silver. You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance" (Psalm 66:10-12 NIV). Beloved, no matter what you are passing through, God knows about it, and He has a purpose for allowing it. Paul confirms this in Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (NIV). He sent you there – for a purpose! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Lord, let the purpose of bringing me to my present situation come to pass in your own time in Jesus’ name. Amen. NB This message was first sent out on May 22, 2005.

Quote for the Day 24Aug2013

Our love for God must not be based solely on His blessings but because of who He is. - Jennifer Benson Schuldt

Quote for the Day 23Aug2013

For every minute you remain angry, you give up sixty seconds of peace of mind. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Quote for the Day 22Aug2013

Devoting a little of yourself to everything means committing a great deal of yourself to nothing. - Author Unknown

Quote for the Day 21Aug2013

God uses intense outside forces to rid us of impurities and to perfect His strength in us. - Julie Ackerman Link

Quote for the Day 20Aug2013

When fear is overwhelming, the Lord is there. His comforting presence will carry us through our deepest trials. - Bill Crowder

Quote for the Day 19Aug2013

Safe in the arms of Jesus, Safe on His gentle breast; There by His love overshaded, sweetly my soul shall rest. Hark! ’tis the voice of angels borne in a song to me, over the fields of glory, over the jasper sea. - Fanny J. Crosby

Quote for the Day 18Aug2013

It is time for the church of Christ to be awakened to her responsibilities. The body of Christ needs to lift up her eyes for the harvest is truly ripe. - Joshua S. IbukunOluwa

Quote for the Day 17Aug2013

All wrongs will one day be set right by God who sees both bad and good; all motives and all deeds will then be fairly judged and understood. - D. De Haan

SAFE IN THE ARMS OF JESUS

Dearly Beloved, SAFE IN THE ARMS OF JESUS “The eternal God is our hiding place; he carries us in his arms” (Deuteronomy 33:27 CEV). I am always captivated with hymns composed by Fanny Crosby – one of the most prolific hymn writers in Christian history. Although the hymn, “Safe in the Arms of Jesus,” is probably not her most well-known hymn, it is another inspiring hymn. Fanny Crosby’s personal testimony is not only powerful, but her writings are a constant reminder to maintain the proper perspective about life, about grace, about trials and tribulations, and about God. The story behind this particular hymn is a rather difficult one. According to a source, the thought behind this hymn came to Mrs. Crosby after an awful tragedy in her life. She was pregnant, but lost the baby during childbirth. She was so personally devastated by the event that she hardly spoke to anyone about it. Years later, a musician, William H. Doan, stopped by her apartment and wanted her to write words for a tune he just composed. Having listened to the tune, Crosby exclaimed, “That’s ‘Safe in the arms of Jesus!’” She at once retired to an adjoining room, where she spent half an hour alone and wrote the words of this hymn. She felt that it was written for the bereaved, especially mothers that have lost their children. Fanny Crosby felt safe in the arms of Jesus Christ and on His gentle breast where His love over shaded. So, her soul sweetly rested in the arms. She felt safe from corroding care, and from the world’s temptations. Thus, sin cannot harm her there. She was free from the blight of sorrow, and from her doubts and fears, though there remain only a few more trials and a few more tears. Jesus was her heart’s dear Refuge because she believed that Jesus has died for her. Consequently, her trust was ever firm on the Rock of Ages. Confidently, she could wait here with patience, till the night was over, till she saw the morning Break on the golden shore. In spite of her life’s travails, she was indeed safe in the arms of Jesus Christ. What trying time are you passing through? Are you safe in the arms of Jesus in your trying times? Will you not throw yourself into those safe arms and gentle breast of Jesus Christ? Your soul will surely find rest from all corroding care, the blight of sorrow, doubts and fears of this world if you do. Safe in the arms of Jesus! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: I pray that you will be safe in the arms of Jesus no matter the corroding care, the blight of sorrow, doubts and fears of this world you may be facing in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Quote for the Day 16Aug2013

The illustration Jesus used in describing the vine and the branch is true to life. Total dependence on Christ is the secret of fruitfulness. - Amos O. Tella

Quote for the Day 15Aug2013

As long as you are proud you cannot know God. A proud man is always looking down on things and people: and, of course, as long as you are looking down, you cannot see something that is above you - C. S. Lewis

Quote for the Day 14Aug2013

When we spend time with God and see things from His point of view, it changes our perspective completely. - Joe Stowell

Quote for the Day 13Aug2013

Whatever our circumstances we can give them to God. He has lifted the burden of our sins; will He not lift the weight of our sorrows? We have trusted Him with our eternal souls; can we not entrust our present circumstances to Him? - David Roper

Quote for the Day 12Aug2013

Life is a winding road with unknown perils and troubles, but we can be certain of God’s providence, security, and care. - Marvin Williams

Quote for the Day 11Aug2013

What are you passing through currently? Do not lose heart! No matter the seeming hopeless situation, the Lord is with you. The situation will not overcome you.You will indeed overcome the situation for the Lord is with you. - Bayo Afolaranmi

YOUR SITUATION WILL NOT OVERCOME YOU!

Dearly Beloved, YOUR SITUATION WILL NOT OVERCOME YOU! “But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God....’” (Isaiah 43:1-3a NKJV). There have been controversies among Bible scholars about the date and authorship of the later part of the Book of Isaiah especially Chapters 40-66. However, whether this part was written as a futuristic prophecy or immediate one, it is a fact that the prophecy is applicable to us today. Let me focus my devotional message this week on the first verses of Isaiah 43. From history as confirmed by many Bible passages, the people of Judah were taken to captivity in Babylon. It seemed that all hope was lost for them. They were indeed depressed and downcast. However, in this hopeless situation, God reminded them that He was their Creator who have redeemed them and summoned them by name, therefore, they needed not be afraid. God promised to be with them in their miserable situation and that the situation would not overcome them. He reminded them that they were precious to Him and that He would rescue them out of their disheartened situation and bring them back to their home land. God did fulfil these promises for the people of Judah. The Lord has been faithful in fulfilling these promises for His people, especially those that diligently put their trust in Him. They may pass through many waters and rivers of life, but they will not be drowned in them. They may walk through the fire of life, it will not burn them nor shall it scorch them. They need not fear all these adversities of life because the Lord will be with them (compare Psalm 23:4). What are you passing through now? Do not lose heart! No matter the seeming hopeless situation, the Lord is with you. The situation will not overcome you. You will indeed overcome the situation for the Lord is with you. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: According to Your word, oh Lord, save and deliver me from all my adversities and do not let my situation overcome me in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.

Quote for the Day 10Aug2013

When we experience the fiery furnace of suffering — whether physical or emotional, whether persecution from without or humiliation from within — God’s loving purpose is to make us pure and strong. - Julie Ackerman Link

Quote for the Day 09Aug2013

Do not pray for an easier life. Pray to be a stronger person. - John F. Kennedy

Quote for the Day 08Aug2013

Do not allow difficult events to cancel the joy of knowing you are a child of God. Choose to allow God's Spirit to fill you with His unquenchable joy, and your life will be a miracle to those who watch you face the trials that come. - Henry Blackaby

Quote for the Day 07Aug2013

A man should do his best, regardless of how much he receives for his services, or the number of people he may be serving or the class of people served. - Napoleon Hill

Quote for the Day 06Aug2013

The greatest test of courage on earth is to bear defeat without losing heart. - Robert Ingersoll

Quote for the Day 05Aug2013

What is your heart desire? What are you aspiring to be? The Lord has in store for you both on earth and in heaven more than what you can imagine. It is kept for you for the appointed time. Surrender your total life to Him. Trust in Him. He will soon surprise you! - Bayo Afolaranmi

WHERE IS YOUR HOUSE?

Dearly Beloved, WHERE IS YOUR HOUSE? “Whoever hears these teachings of mine and obeys them is like a wise man who built his house on rock” (Matthew 7:24 ERV). In the real life, each one of us has a shelter where we recess to at the end of the day. The shelter as one of the basic needs of life protects us from some physical hazards. This house may belong to us permanently or it may be rented for a period of time. No one would want to have a shelter that is not safe for habitation, so, we do everything possible to secure the house. However, the truth of the matter is that every house is prone to one danger or the other. The location, foundation, and status of the house will determine how the house will withstand the danger. Similarly, each one of us has a spiritual cum everlasting shelter that serves as protection from some spiritual and everlasting hazards. These hazards are inevitable (see John 16:33), but the location, foundation, and status of our house will determine how the house will withstand the spiritual and everlasting hazards. As Jesus Christ was rounding off His sermon on the mount, He told a parable of two people - a wise man and a foolish man. Both of them built houses to shelter them. The houses were confronted with similar hazards. The house of the wise man could withstand the hazards while the house of the foolish man could not. The locations and foundations of each house determined their ends. While the wise man located his house on a solid foundation, the foolish man located his house on a shaky foundation. The house of the wise man withstood the test of time while the house of the foolish man could not. Where is your spiritual cum everlasting house? On what foundation did you build it? Will it withstand the test of time? In that parable, the wise man was the person that heard and obeyed the teachings of Jesus Christ, while the foolish man was the person that heard but did not obey the teachings of Jesus Christ. Are you a wise man or a foolish man? The hymn writer, Edward Mote, declared, “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name. On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand.” Where is your house? In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).