Quote for the Day 31Oct2013

One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation. - Arthur Ashe

Quote for the Day 30Oct2013

The person interested in success has to learn to view failure as a healthy, inevitable part of the process of getting to the top. - Joyce Brothers

Quote for the Day 29Oct2013

You can rely on God’s faithfulness. Are you in a crisis? Hold to the promises of your Lord! He will not forget His promises to you. Look back over your Christian life and recount the many ways in which God has been faithful to His word. - Henry Blackaby

Quote for the Day 28Oct2013

God is the provider of all that we have, including our ability to work. We are to work diligently, be wise stewards of what He has provided, and then rest in the promise of His care. - Jennifer Benson Schuldt

Quote for the Day 27Oct2013

What are the “ashes” you need to remove in your life? Remove them now if you want to forge ahead in your endeavours and keep the fire of progress burning. - Bayo Afolaranmi

REMOVE THE ASHES!

Dearly Beloved, REMOVE THE ASHES! “Then the priest, wearing his linen robe and linen shorts, shall remove the greasy ashes left on the altar and put them at the side of the altar. Then he shall change his clothes and take the ashes outside the camp to a ritually clean place. The fire on the altar must be kept burning and never allowed to go out. Every morning the priest shall put firewood on it, arrange the burnt offering on it, and burn the fat of the fellowship offering. The fire must always be kept burning on the altar and never allowed to go out” (Leviticus 6:10-13 TEV). When I was growing up in the village, there was a usual practice of removing ashes from the hearth and setting them aside or even throwing them away. I did not know why this act was done until later when I understood that ashes do not allow fresh fire to glow. In fact, ashes quench flaming fire if they are too much in the hearth, and they are used at times to deliberately quench flaming fire. As long as there are minimal ashes, the fire in the hearth will continue to glow. When God was given the Law to the people of Israel through Moses, one of the duties of the high priest was to remove ashes from the altar that was used for burnt offering and take them to another place. Every morning after doing this, the priest should place new firewood on the altar (see Leviticus 6:10-13, also Numbers 4:13). The reason for this act was to allow fresh fire to be burning continuously on the altar. As long as ashes were removed from the altar, the new firewood would be free to produce continuous fire on the altar. The main purpose of firewood is to be burnt and produce fire. Most of the time, this is used productively either in cooking, warming a place, offering sacrifice, and the likes. The end product of burnt firewood is ashes. Anyone who now focuses on the ashes will not make another flaming fire. The implication of these is that anyone who refuses to “remove the ashes” of his/her past successes will not make new successes. As good as those past successes are, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to make more successes if one is still preoccupying oneself with those past successes. Jesus Christ had a successful ministry in Capernaum as He “healed many who were sick with all kinds of diseases and drove out many demons” (Mark 1:34 TEV). The following day while the people were looking for Him to continue the good work, He led His disciples to other places where He continued His ministry. He did not let the success of yesterday to hinder Him of moving on in His ministry. Apostle Paul knew this secret and he declared: “Of course, my brothers, I really do not think that I have already won it; the one thing I do, however, is to forget what is behind me and do my best to reach what is ahead. So I run straight toward the goal in order to win the prize, which is God's call through Christ Jesus to the life above” (Philippians 3:13-14 TEV). Just as ashes can also be as a result of destruction by fire, unfortunately, the “ashes” in some people’s lives can be failures, disappointments and other bad things of life. One has to remove these ashes and move on with one’s life. After all, if there is life, there is hope. What are the “ashes” you need to remove in your life? Remove them now if you want to forge ahead in your endeavours and keep the fire of progress burning. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will be able to remove all the ashes in your life and keep the fire in your life burning. NB Now that users of Android and iPhones can use BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) on their devices, visit http://global.blackberry.com/bbm/en.html to download the application and get your BBPIN. Then invite me with this BB PIN:29275BB9 to enjoy my daily messages through BBM. God bless you!

Quote for the Day 26Oct2013

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

Quote for the Day 25Oct2013

Has sorrow or suffering made your life feel like a dark shadow of what it once was? Remember, God’s mercies are new every morning. He is compassionately working in your life for His glory and your blessing. - Dennis Fisher

Quote for the Day 24Oct2013

When you make God your stronghold in the time of trouble, no one can overcome you. No matter how powerful they are in the natural, the odds are in your favor because you trust in the Lord. They may think they have got an edge over you, but God is on your side and that gives you the advantage! - Gloria Copeland

Quote for the Day 23Oct2013

As long as you want anything very much, especially more than you want God, it is an idol. - A. B. Simpson

Quote for the Day 22Oct2013

We should fill ourselves with God’s Word and pass it on to others with the prayer that God will use it for His intended purposes. - David Roper

Quote for the Day 21Oct2013

Being a Christian is more than just an instantaneous conversion - it is a daily process whereby you grow to be more and more like Christ. - Billy Graham

Quote for the Day 20Oct2013

For a Christian to follow in Christ’s step, Christian suffering is indeed inevitable. - Bayo Afolaranmi

SUFFERING IS INEVITABLE

Dearly Beloved, SUFFERING IS INEVITABLE “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps” (1 Peter 2:21 NKJV). After having a personal Bible study on the first epistle of Peter some weeks ago, I was led to base one of my weekly devotional messages on the main theme of the epistle: Christian suffering. Such a theme is not a popular theme. I did struggle with the theme before yielding myself to the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Peter also initially did not want to be associated with it, and he rebuked Jesus Christ for predicting His own suffering, though Jesus in turn rebuked him and let him and other disciples realize that suffering is inevitable in the Christian life (see Matthew 16:21-25). Having gone to the “school” of suffering many times in his Christian life, Peter understood the concept of Christian suffering and he could boldly write his first epistle to Christians to encourage them to face suffering so that the true grace of Jesus Christ would be evidenced in them. He made them realize that suffering for being a Christian is following the steps of Christ who also suffered in His body for our sins (see 1 Peter 2:21, 24; 3:18; 4:1). In fact, Peter wanted his recipients to rejoice that they were partaking in Christian suffering (1 Peter 4:13). Interestingly, the original recipients of Peter were passing through many suffering when he wrote this epistle. Apostle Paul also had a similar understanding when he prayed in Philippians 3:10: “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death” (NKJV). He had earlier pointed it out that suffering is included in our faith in Christ (see Philippians 1:29 and 2 Timothy 3:12). Another fact about Christian suffering is that it is a way of sharpening Christian faith and bringing the best out of Christians. Peter likened it to the relationship of fire and gold. As fire purifies and refines gold to make it valuable, so also Christian suffering makes Christian faith of greater worth than gold (see 1 Peter 1:6-7). As Peter emphasized it, Christian suffering is not one that is as a result of wrongdoing (see 1 Peter 4:15). It is sharing in the “suffering of Christ” which brings salvation to mankind and brings glory in the future. No wonder, Peter said that we should rejoice in it. What kind of suffering are you passing through presently? Is it for wrongdoing? Repent and ask for God’s forgiveness. However, if it is Christian suffering, that is, because you are a Christian and you are doing the will of God, rejoice, for you will also share in Christ’s glory at His coming. For a Christian to follow in Christ’s step, Christian suffering is indeed inevitable. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Lord, help me to endure any suffering I am having now because of Your name.

Quote for the Day 19Oct2013

Too often we spend time buying things we really do not want with money we really do not have to impress people we really do not like - John C. Maxwell

Quote for the Day 18Oct2013

Never yield to gloomy anticipation. Place your hope and confidence in God. He has no record of failure. - Charles E Cowman

Quote for the Day 17Oct2013

Once we recognize our need for Jesus, then the building of our faith begins. It is a daily, moment-by-moment life of absolute dependence upon Him for everything. - Catherine Marshall

Quote for the Day 16Oct2013

What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus; What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. Oh! precious is the flow That makes me white as snow; No other fount I know, Nothing but the blood of Jesus. - Robert Lowry

Quote for the Day 15Oct2013

Ultimate pleasure is not found in the short-lived thrills our world offers, but rather in the long-term joy from a deepening intimacy with our Lord. - Joe Stowell

Quote for the Day 14Oct2013

If you set your mind wholeheartedly on serving God, your example will bring a tremendous blessing to your family. - Henry Blackaby

Quote for the Day 13Oct2013

No matter the situation, God can surprisingly against all odds turn any state of barrenness to fruitfulness. - Bayo Afolaranmi

FROM BARRENNESS TO FRUITFULNESS

Dearly Beloved, FROM BARRENNESS TO FRUITFULNESS “I waited patiently for the Lord; And He inclined to me, And heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth — Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the Lord” (Psalm 40:1-3 NKJV). Scientifically, the average age of a woman having her last period (or menstrual circle) is 50. This is call menopause. However, some women may have their last period in their forties, and some may have it later in their fifties. A woman who has reached her menopause has little or no chances of getting pregnant. In spite of this scientific fact, recently two women in their sixties (in different locations in Nigeria) gave birth to sets of twins after thirty years of marriage! Both of them were in the news, and people marveled at the miracles that occurred in their lives. Honestly, I am lifted up by their stories. Probably, these women and those that know them might have lost hope of child bearing. However, against all odds, God surprised them. For somebody who is familiar with stories of the Holy Bible, such stories of childbirth at old age were not new. God has been defying nature to surprise some people in giving them children in their old age when all hope of childbearing was lost. The cases of Sarah and Elizabeth were good examples. Both of them with their husbands had lost hope of having biological children, but God turned their barrenness to fruitfulness. Barrenness does not have to do only with child bearing. Other synonyms of the word, barrenness, are infertility, sterility, unfruitfulness, unproductiveness, emptiness, desolateness, bleakness, and the likes. One may be barren academically, financially, professionally, materially, socially, psychologically, politically, and, worse of it all, spiritually. Because of the circumstances surrounding these states of barrenness, one may have lost hope or have little hope of productivity. However, no matter the situation, God can surprisingly against all odds turn any state of barrenness to fruitfulness. Like the writer of Psalm 40:1-3, if you also can patiently wait for the Lord, He will incline to you and hear your cry. He will turn your barrenness of any kind to fruitfulness. He will set your feet upon a rock and establish your steps. He will put a new song in your mouth. Many will indeed see it and fear, and they will trust in the Lord. From barrenness to fruitfulness! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray for the grace to patiently wait for the Lord as He turns your barrenness to fruitfulness.

Quote for the Day 12Oct2013

It is not our lack of strength that prevents us from enjoying God’s blessings, or stops us worshipping God wholeheartedly; it is our lack of faith in His strength. - Timothy Keller

Quote for the Day 11Oct2013

There is always the danger that we may just do the work for the sake of the work. This is where the respect, the love, and the devotion come in - that we do it to God, to Christ, and that is why we try to do it as beautifully as possible. - Mother Teresa

Quote for the Day 10Oct2013

A leader does not begin to serve until he puts serving into his leadership. - Author Unknown

Quote for the Day 09Oct2013

If you are unsure of where your treasure is, examine where you spend your available time and money. - Henry Blackaby

Quote for the Day 08Oct2013

God is looking out for you when you do not even know you are in danger! - Bob Gass

Quote for the Day 07Oct2013

Allow yourself to smile often. It will brighten your day and lighten your heart! - Charlene Spriggs

Quote for the Day 06Oct2013

Lord, dismiss us with Thy blessing; Fill our hearts with joy and peace; Let us each Thy love possessing, Triumph in redeeming grace. O refresh us, O refresh us, Traveling through this wilderness. - John Fawcett

LORD, DISMISS US WITH THY BLESSING

Dearly Beloved, LORD, DISMISS US WITH THY BLESSING “The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace” (Numbers 6:24-26 NKJV). One of the hymns I cherish is “LORD, DISMISS US WITH THY BLESSING.” I can sing its Yoruba version extemporaneously. It is one of the hymns we normally use as closing hymns. John Fawcett (1740-1817) wrote the benediction that became the first two stanzas, while the third stanza was attributed to Godfrey Thring. John Fawcett was ordained a Baptist minister at Wainsgate, Yorkshire. The stanzas attributed to him might have been written in 1772 when he was invited to London to succeed J. Gill as pastor of the Carter’s Lane Baptist Church. On the day of his departure, he had preached his farewell sermon, the wagons were loaded, and he was ready to go. But he was so overcome by the thought of leaving the congregation he had come to love that he canceled his plans and stayed in Wainsgate. In 1793, he was also invited to become president of the Baptist Academy in Bristol, but he similarly declined. In stanza 1, like a seasoned pastor or priest proclaiming the benediction after a worship service, John Fawcett prayed that the Lord should dismiss his congregation with divine blessing; that He should fill their hearts with joy and peace; and let them each possess divine love, as they triumph in redeeming grace. He added that God should refresh the congregation as they travel through the wilderness of the world. In stanza 2, Fawcett gave thanks and adoration for the Gospel’s joyful sound. He prayed that the fruits of divine salvation should abound in the hearts and lives of his congregation, and that they should be found ever faithful to the truth. In the additional stanza attributed to Godfrey Thring, Thring added a word of prayer to conclude the hymn: when the divine love calls us away from this world, the Savior should let no fear of death appall us, and that as we gladly obey the divine summons, we should ever reign with God in endless day. As you meditate on this hymn of prayer, may the Lord bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you in Jesus’ name. Amen. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Quote for the Day 04Oct2013

Make up your mind and heart today to obey God in the little things. Avoid big failures by walking in His Spirit one small step at a time. Major victories will eventually be yours. - Kenneth Copeland

Quote for the Day 03Oct2013

There is a purpose God has assigned for you. Until you rise up to fulfil this purpose, nothing will be done about that particular responsibility. - Femi Okunlola

Quote for the Day 02Oct2013

The only place of honor in the kingdom of God is the place of service. The only way to be useful is to be submitted entirely to the Lord. - Author Unknown

Quote for the Day 01Oct2013

Think of freedom not as the right to do as you please, but as the opportunity to do what is right. - Peter Marshall