Quote for the Day 01Dec2013

Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King; let every heart prepare Him room, and Heaven and nature sing. - Isaac Watts

JOY TO THE WORLD! THE LORD IS COME

Dearly Beloved, JOY TO THE WORLD! THE LORD IS COME “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’” (Luke 2:10-11 NIV). We are in another Christmas season! It has been a season set apart to commemorate the birth of our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ over two thousand years ago. Undoubtedly, the season is one of the most celebrated seasons throughout the world. Interestingly, there have been many arguments for and against the season. Some say that the season has a pagan origin. Others rightly observe that December 25 could not be the birthday of Jesus Christ. However, most people that celebrate the season devote it to the birth of Jesus Christ. No matter your position about the season, the birth of Jesus Christ was an historical fact, and is worthy of celebration not only during this season, but throughout the year. In 1719, Isaac Watts (1674-1748), also known as the “Father of English Hymnology”, wrote the lyrics of one of the most popular Christmas hymns that explains the reasons of the birth of Jesus Christ. The title of the hymn is “JOY TO THE WORLD! THE LORD IS COME.” Ironically, Watts never intended his hymn for Christmas use. Instead, he simply intended to paraphrase the words of Psalm 98: “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music... Let the sea resound, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy; let them sing before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity” (verses 4-9 NIV). In fact, Watts wrote the lyrics of this hymn as a hymn glorifying Christ’s triumphant return at the end of the age, rather than a song celebrating His first coming. Nevertheless, the hymn is also suitable for His first coming. It is indeed joy to the world that the Lord Jesus Christ has come to make His blessings flow as far as the curse of sin is found. It also is joy to the world that the Lord Jesus Christ will come in the future to rule the world with truth and grace, and make the nations prove the glories of His righteousness and wonders of His love. People of all races should, therefore, rejoice and celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ. However, as you are rejoicing, you should prepare room for Him in your heart. Yes! Prepare room for Him in your heart especially at this Christmas time when so many things can distract you from your faith. Remember Christ’s first coming as a humble King and Saviour. Reflect on the certainty of His return as Judge over all. As you think on these precious truths, you will experience the best feeling of all - the joy of knowing "the Lord is come" into your heart. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will indeed experience the joy of the coming of Jesus Christ to the world.

Quote for the Day 30Nov2013

People who inspire others are those who see invisible bridges at the end of dead-end streets. - Charles Swindoll

Quote for the Day 29Nov2013

Be at peace, no matter how severe the circumstance, how terrible the problem, how hopeless and helpless the situation. It is God's battle. - Amos O. Tella

Quote for the Day 28Nov2013

When you pray for anyone, you tend to modify your personal attitude toward them. - Norman Vincent Peale

Quote for the Day 27Nov2013

You cannot live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you. - John Wooden

Quote for the Day 26Nov2013

Do not try to survive using your own methods. Trust in God — and what He tells you — and discover just how big He is. - Author Unknown

Quote for the Day 25Nov2013

Do the right thing, and keep doing it. Even if it does not help you move ahead in the short-term, it will protect and serve you well over the long-term. - Bob Gass

Quote for the Day 24Nov2013

If the world does not know how to do clean politics, Christians that are led by God should boldly come out to show the way. Failure to do so is a sin! - Bayo Afolaranmi

SHOULD CHRISTIANS BE ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN POLITICS? (A Rejoinder)

Dearly Beloved, SHOULD CHRISTIANS BE ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN POLITICS? (A Rejoinder) “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (James 4:17 NKJV). I am so grateful to everyone that reacted to my weekly message last week. Expectedly, some people reacted negatively, but majority reacted positively. Those that reacted negatively have their reasons, though not convincing to me. Out of the responses, some issues were raised that are worthy of note in this rejoinder. One, who is really a Christian? Is one a Christian by birth, name, church attendance, religious services, morality, or genuine personal relationship with Jesus Christ? This has to be clarified. Two, does the fact that Jesus Christ did not actively participate in the politics of His days while on earth make Christians not to do so today? Then, it means Christians should not get married because Jesus Christ did not get married while on earth. Was Jesus Christ not the Leader of His disciples? Three, should we abandon politics to unbelievers because they have spoilt it without making efforts to correct the anomalies in present-day politics? Can we make any meaningful change in politics without active participation? It is a fact that Christians are not of the world, but we are in the world. While we are still in the world, we are to be light and salt of the world (see Matthew 5:13-16). Can we light the darkness of the world by being indifferent to the world? Four, one main tenet of politics is “Majority carries the vote while minority have their say.” Are we Christians content with the ungodly decisions of the majority unbelievers in politics? No wonder, we continue to have our say that does not change anything. Five, what is the purpose of being active in politics? Is it for selfish gain or the common good of the populace and to the glory of God? Apostle Paul admonished that “...whatever you do, do all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31 NKJV), “and whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men” (Colossians 3:23 NKJV). Six, before being actively involved in politics (or even any venture), are you really convinced that God is leading you into it? Christians get corrupted in politics only when they are not following the leadership of the Holy Spirit. From most of the reactions to my message last week, it is affirmative that Christians should be actively involved in politics. However, for people that still have negative or indifferent response, accurate answers to the above questions will make them to have as a rethink to their stance. The fact that one does not have flair for active politics does not mean one must discourage those that feel that God is leading them into it. Besides, each of us has the civic responsibilities of voting for our desired leaders and praying for those in leadership positions. If the world does not know how to do clean politics, Christians that are led by God should boldly come out to show the way. Failure to do so is a sin! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Points: 1. Pray for the courage for every Christian that is led to go into politics. 2. Pray for people in government that they will yield to the leadership of God. NB Send your comments/reactions to me directly at spiritualdigest@yahoo.com. God bless you!

Quote for the Day 23Nov2013

Never fear shadows. They simply mean there is a light somewhere nearby. - Ruth E. Renkee

Quote for the Day 22Nov2013

Like a spring of pure water, God's peace in our hearts brings cleansing and refreshment to our minds and bodies. - Billy Graham

Quote for the Day 21Nov2013

We must mirror God's love in the midst of a world full of hatred. We are the mirrors of God's love, so we may show Jesus by our lives. - Corrie ten Boom

Quote for the Day 20Nov2013

Sometimes our plans are not the plans of God. Hence, it is pertinent to structure our steps every time in alliance with God's plans. - Anonymous

Quote for the Day 19Nov2013

We can live by faith, one day at a time; not meddling with tomorrow because we are faced with unopened tomorrows. - Amos O. Tella

Quote for the Day 18Nov2013

Nothing speaks louder or more powerfully than a life of integrity. - Charles Swindoll

Quote for the Day 17Nov2013

Christians that are led by God should be actively involved in politics and be a light and a salt in the world of politics to the glory of God. - Bayo Afolaranmi

SHOULD CHRISTIANS BE ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN POLITICS?

Dearly Beloved, SHOULD CHRISTIANS BE ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN POLITICS? “Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm” (Daniel 6:3 NKJV). Undoubtedly, my devotional message this week is controversial and I want your candid opinion about this issue: Should Christians be actively involved in politics? My answer is YES. However, two incidents made me decide to raise the issue here. The first incident: I posted a message on my Facebook wall pages and also broadcast the message through the BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) that instead of criticizing people in government, we should be praying for them. Some people disagreed with me on this issue. Someone, after he engaged me in a long debate, decided to delete me from his BBM contact list. The argument of people that disagreed with me in praying for those in government is that most of the people in government have disappointed the people they govern. The second incident: there was a discussion in my local church about pressure groups and having dialogue with the government. Part of my contribution to the discussion was that Christian should be actively involved in politics if we Christians want any tangible change in government. Interestingly, the congregation was divided along the line of those who supported my submission and those that did not support it. The argument of those that did not support active participation of Christians in politics is that the Christians will be corrupt by other people in politics. Based on the injunctions of the Holy Bible, apart from submission, we are to be praying for our leaders especially political leaders, even when they are bad leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-3; Romans 13:1-7; Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13-17). If Christians refuse to pray for these leaders, probably because they are bad, how will they govern rightly? If “the king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, [and] like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes” (Proverbs 21:1 NKJV), then Christians ought to commit the hearts and the whole lives of government officers to God’s hand for divine leadership. Many people in the Bible were actively involved in the politics of their days and they were not corrupt by it. A classical example is Daniel who distinguished himself above other politicians of his time. Nehemiah, Zerubabel, Ezra, Gamaliel, Joseph of Arimathea, Joseph (son of Jacob in Egypt) and countless kings like David also used their political positions to positively influence the government of their days. If these people were not actively involved in politics then, only God knows what would have happened negatively to people of their time. I will still say affirmatively that Christians should be actively involved in politics if we do not want unbelievers to continue governing us. Politics may be a dirty game, but Christians should go into it and make it clean. However, any Christian that will go into active politics must be sure that God is leading him/her to do so, and he/she must be ready to be there “...to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31 NKJV). Such a person must also be ready to be a light and a salt in the world of politics (see Matthew 5:13-16). For other Christians, “...supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks [should] be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior...” (1 Timothy 2:1-3 NKJV). In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Points: 1. Pray for the courage for every Christians that are led to go into politics. 2. Pray for people in government that they will yield to the leadership of God. NB Send your comments/reactions to me directly at spiritualdigest@yahoo.com. God bless you!

Quote for the Day 16Nov2013

Do not waste your precious energy on gossip, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead, invest your energy in the positive present moment. - Anonymous

Quote for the Day 15Nov2013

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 14Nov2013

Even though friends can be a help, only Christ can reach beyond our tears and touch the deep hurts of our hearts. His comfort can carry us through the struggles of our lives until that day when God Himself wipes away every tear from our eyes. - Bill Crowder

Quote for the Day 13Nov2013

When you find your path, you must not be afraid. You need to have sufficient courage to make mistakes. Disappointment, defeat, and despair are the tools God uses to show us the way. - Paulo Coelho

Quote for the Day 12Nov2013

We do what we do only because of God’s grace, and that grace is given so that we might do what is pleasing to him. - Timothy Keller

Quote for the Day 11Nov2013

True thankfulness is more than being grateful for what we possess. It is an attitude that fills our relationship with God so that we may serve Him with gladness and joy. - David C. McCasland

Quote for the Day 10Nov2013

Is thanking God your habit? In this Thanksgiving season, do you have reasons to thank God? Thanking God should never be conditional or out of season. As for me, I have countless reasons to thank God and I will always thank Him. God, I thank You! - Bayo Afolaranmi

WHY THANKING GOD?

Dearly Beloved, WHY THANKING GOD? “Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will]” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 AMP). The Yorubas and many other tribes in Africa are fond of saying “Thank God” whenever they are been appreciated for anything they do. I am greatly influenced by this practice and it reflects in my chat with people regardless of who they are. Some people who are not Africans have questioned me more than once why I or they need to thank God for a mere conversation. However, the Holy Bible enjoins us to give thanks to God in everything (see Psalm 34:1; Ephesians 5:20; Philippians 4:6; Colossians 3:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; Hebrews 13:15). In fact, most part of the book of Psalms (which is the largest book in the Bible) is full of thanksgiving and praises of God. Have you ever thought why you should thank God? One of the most popular psalms, Psalm 100, gives some reasons why one should thank God. One, He is the LORD God (verse 3a). Two, He is the One that created everything and everybody, and everything and everybody belong to Him (verse 3b). Three, He is good to His creation and His love for them endures from generation to generation (verse 5). Apostle Paul, in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 said that thanking God is the will of God for us. Interestingly, as Job demonstrated, thanking God should not be only when things are pleasant. Even, in one’s adversity, one should learn how to thank God. Thanking God in such situation means that one knows that God is above the situation and that our relationship with Him should not be conditional. A careful study of the psalms in the Bible will reveal that in spite of the fact that they are full of thanksgiving and praises of God, most of them were composed in distress. Is thanking God your habit? In this Thanksgiving season, do you have reasons to thank God? Thanking God should never be conditional or out of season. As for me, I have countless reasons to thank God and I will always thank Him. God, I thank You! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray for a thankful heart that will be thanking God in all situations.

Quote for the Day 09Nov2013

Do you think you can sail through life smoothly without God in spite of how great you are doing? Only a fool will forget his source. - Bayo Afolaranmi

Quote for the Day 08Nov2013

When you do give, make sure that you are motivated by God and not guilt. Our motivation for giving to God’s work should be to praise, worship, and honor Him. - Michael Youssef

Quote for the Day 07Nov2013

When crisis hits, we do not have to stand alone. We have the right help. We can depend on God to be the greatest ally we could ever know. Lean on Him. - Bill Crowder

Quote for the Day 06Nov2013

Self-disciplined begins with the mastery of your thoughts. If you do not control what you think, you cannot control what you do. Simply, self-discipline enables you to think first and act afterward. - Napoleon Hill

Quote for the Day 05Nov2013

As long as you do not forgive, who and whatever it is will occupy rent-free space in your mind. - Isabelle Holland

Quote for the Day 04Nov2013

Not to the strong is the battle, not to the swift is the race; Yet to the true and the faithful victory is promised through grace! - Fanny J. Crosby

Quote for the Day 03Nov2013

What are the things seemingly offered to idols around you? These may not necessarily be meat or food used in shrines, but day-to-day activities that are controversial and that may cause young and weak Christians to stumble. What is your opinion about such things? - Bayo Afolaranmi

THINGS OFFERED TO IDOLS

Dearly Beloved, THINGS OFFERED TO IDOLS "Therefore concerning the eating of things offered to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one" (1 Corinthians 8:4 NKJV). The ancient city of Corinth was a cosmopolitan city. This made the young church in the city to have many socio-cultural problems. Paul had to write many letters to them to address some of the problems that confronted the church. One of such problems addressed by Paul in 1 Corinthians 8 had to do with things offered to idols. These were by and large meat offered in sacrifice, and then either brought for sale in the market, or served up at the feasts held in honour of idols, at their temples, or at the houses of their adherents. Some of the Corinthian Christians were of the opinion that it does not matter to eat such meat especially one bought in market; others opined that it does matter and that it can become a stumbling-block to young Christians. Of most concern was the meat offered to idols and later used to entertain people. Should a Christian partake in such entertainment? Well, to Paul, even the idols are nothing compared to God, the Creator of the universe. The idols are just mere gods. So, eating things offered to idols does not matter. However, because of conscience, especially of the young and weak Christians, one may abstain from eating such things offered to idols. What are the things seemingly offered to idols around you? These may not necessarily be meat or food used in shrines, but day-to-day activities that are controversial and that may cause young and weak Christians to stumble. What is your opinion about such things? Paul later gave this instruction: “‘Everything is permissible’ -- but not everything is beneficial. ‘Everything is permissible’ -- but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.... So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God?" (1 Corinthians 10:23-32 NIV. Read Romans 14 for Paul's further instruction on this matter). In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor) Prayer Requests: 1. Lord, do not let me cause others to stumble by my actions and words. 2. Let my actions and words always glorify you, Lord, and build up others around me. NB This message was first sent out on December 4, 2005.

MINISTERING THROUGH BBM

MINISTERING THROUGH BBM by Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor)

BBM (short form of BlackBerry Messenger) is a branded data-based instant messenger and videotelephony application that allows messaging (and videocalls for some smartphones) between BBM users. It was developed by the manufacturer of the BlackBerry, that is, BlackBerry Limited (formerly known as Research In Motion Limited [RIM]). BBM is now the best way to connect and share instant messages, pictures and more for free, in real time. Until recently, only people that own BlackBerry smartphones could exclusively use BBM. However, as announced during BlackBerry Live 2013, BBM officially has gone cross-platform on Android and iOS since October 21, 2013. With this, people with Android phones, Galaxy Tabs, iPhones and even iPads can now use BBM application on their devices. Unlike other instant messaging apps that use one’s phone number or email addresses as one’s identifier, BBM uses a PIN (personal identification number) so that one is always in control of who can contact him/her. This means that one can share one’s PIN while maintaining one’s privacy and always being in control of who can contact him/her. BBM automatically comes with every BlackBerry smartphone with a unique PIN. When one installs BBM on Android or iPhone, one will be assigned a new PIN. One’s PIN is unique to one’s device. Now that more and more people are joining millions of people throughout the world that are making use of BBM, how can Christians make use of this instant messaging app to minister to one another and even reach out to non-Christians? Here are some of the ways to do so: 1. Individual Chat: One can chat individually with any person in one’s BBM contact list. Apart from sending devotional messages, sermons, Bible study outlines, short quotes, prayer wishes, and so on through this individual chatting, it is good especially for counselling and praying with/for individuals in one’s BBM contact list. 2. Group Chat/Messages: There is opportunity of creating BBM groups or joining existing ones. Devotional messages, sermons, Bible study outlines, short quotes, prayer wishes, and so on can be sent to members of these groups, and each of them can respond to the sent messages. 3. Broadcast Messages: One can send a message to all (or some of) the people in one’s contact list at the same time. This is called broadcast message. All the people that the message is sent to once will receive the message. Devotional messages, sermons, Bible study outlines, short quotes, prayer wishes, and so on can be sent as many times as possible through this way. The difference between broadcast message and group message is that only the sender will receive any response to the broadcast message as individual chat while all the group members will get any response to a sent message. A message received through either individual chat, group chat or broadcast message can be sent or forwarded to other people through one’s individual chat, group chat or broadcast message. 4. Display Name: This is what one uses to be associated with one’s BBPIN. It can be one’s real name, nickname, or combination of characters or even smiley. One can use this to give a specific info like phone number, website address, and so on. There is even an opportunity to use a short profile as one’s display name. This profile may contain one’s name, sex, birthday, location, favourite football club, favourite food, and so on. Undoubtedly, this will give one’s contacts or anyone that sees one’s display name in one’s contacts’ lists a message about him/her. 5. Display Picture: this is the image that is placed beside one’s display name. It can be one’s picture or any other image. One can use an image with a message to minister to one’s contacts. This picture or image can be saved and used by one’s contacts thereby spreading the message on the image to other contacts. 6. Display Status/Personal Message: Ordinarily, there are two options in one’s display status: “Available” or “Busy”. However, one has the third option of personalising one’s status with a short message. This message will be included at the bottom of one’s display name and every contact will see it. Apart from display status, one can include a “Personal Message”. This personal message allows maximum of 64 characters (with spaces). Like display status, personal message is also included at the bottom of one’s display name and every contact will see it. 7. Emoticons/Smiley: The word emoticon is derived from two words: emotions and icons. Emoticons are a shorthand method of explaining a feeling (smiles, frowns, winks, and the like) on the Internet. Emoticons can be used in any communication over the Internet but are particularly popular with chat rooms and instant messaging. They can be used in e-mail also. They grew from clever combinations of punctuation marks that now are usually translated by software into an actual face. 8. Sending Info/Images: One can send information or images through other means like pictures, voice notes, files, locations, BBM contacts, BlackBerry contacts and appointments. Being on BlackBerry Messenger network used to be for a class of some people. Nonetheless, with BBM officially going cross-platform on Android and iOS since October 21, 2013, more people, especially young people, are now on the network. This indeed is a new “mission field” with a ripe harvest. Will you join the labourers in this field? (Pastor Bayo Afolaranmi has been ministering through BBM for the past two years. He can be connected through this BB PIN:29275BB9.)

Quote for the Day 02Nov2013

God is not bound or limited by His people’s obedience — He is faithful to His promises even when His people are unfaithful. - Timothy Keller

Quote for the Day 01Nov2013

What we see of God’s provisions teaches us to trust Him for what we cannot see of His purposes. - Author Unknown