Quote for the Day 01Jan2014

O God of our fathers, we praise and adore thee for all Thy great mercies through years that are gone; thy guidance and goodness through many generations have brought us now at last to a new day’s bright dawn. - Edward Hughes Pruden

OUR PRAYERS FOR YOU IN THE YEAR 2014

Dearly Beloved, OUR PRAYERS FOR YOU IN THE YEAR 2014 Praise the Lord for witnessing another year 2014! 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 Psalm 1:3 (AMP): - The Lord will firmly establish you this new year and make you be like a tree planted by the streams of water; - He will make your endeavours fruitful; - You shall not fade or wither in your undertakings; - And everything you lay your hands on this year shall prosper 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: 29275BB9 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 spiritualdigest@yahoo.com or spiritualdigest@gmail.com.

Quote for the Day 31Dec2013

For all the blessings of the year, For all the friends we hold so dear, For peace on earth, both far and near, We thank Thee, Lord. - Albert H. Hutchinson

Quote for the Day 30Dec2013

Faith is a living and unshakable confidence, a belief in the grace of God so assured that a man would die a thousand deaths for its sake. - Martin Luther

Quote for the Day 29Dec2013

As the year runs to an end, taking stock of our lives will really help us to fare better in the coming year. By His grace, the year 2014 will be far better for you in all ramifications in Jesus’ name. Amen. - Bayo Afolaranmi

LET’S TAKE A STOCK

Dearly Beloved, LET’S TAKE A STOCK “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you — unless, of course, you fail the test?” (2 Corinthians 13:5 NIV). It is the end of another year! The journey of another 365 days is about to come to an end. Just in few days, we will be in another year. Glory be to God! It is the usual practice of most companies to take stock of their activities for a financial year at the end of such year to ascertain their profits, loss, assets and liabilities. It is good for each of us to take stock of not only our businesses, but our lives, especially spiritual lives. You were at a point in your spiritual life at the beginning of this year. Have you improved on or even maintained that level? Can you say you have grown older and better spiritually this year? Many resolutions were made at the beginning of this year. How far could you go in line with those resolutions? You set a goal for yourself at a point in time this year. How far could you achieve such goal? Having discussed many issues with the Corinthians church in his epistles to them, Apostle Paul enjoined them to examine themselves to see whether they are still in the faith. Likewise, having sent messages to you every week this year, I am also encouraging you to examine yourself. Evaluate yourself. How will you rate yourself this year? Are you below average, on average, or above average? If you rate below average, do not be discouraged. You still have the opportunity to do better next year. If you rate above average, I congratulate you. However, do not relax next year till your average becomes the best. There is a song we used to sing when I was in primary school that goes thus: Good, better, best; I shall never rest; until my good is better; and my better is best. Join Apostle Paul to boast, “I can do everything through [Jesus Christ] who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13 NIV). As the year runs to an end, taking stock of our lives will really help us to fare better in the coming year. By His grace, the year 2014 will be far better for you in all ramifications in Jesus’ name. Amen. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Quote for the Day 28Dec2013

What a comfort to know that God is always with us - we do not need to go through life alone! - Cindy Hess Kasper

Quote for the Day 27Dec2013

The time we spend with God each day through prayer and reading of His Word will help us face what comes our way and draw us closer to the Lord. - Dave Sper

Quote for the Day 26Dec2013

The liar’s punishment is not in the least that he is not believed, but that he cannot believe anyone else. - George Bernard Shaw

Quote for the Day 25Dec2013

Good Christian men, rejoice with heart, and soul, and voice; Give ye heed to what we say: News! News! Jesus Christ was born to-day: Ox and ass before Him bow, and He is in the manger now. Christ is born today! Christ is born today. - Heinrich Suso

Quote for the Day 24Dec2013

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

Quote for the Day 23Dec2013

Christmas invites us to step out of the shadows of darkness and to allow the light of Christ to shine into our hearts. - David McCasland

Quote for the Day 22Dec2013

Regardless of any other meaning attached to the Christmas or any controversy about it, the paramount thing is that Jesus Christ came to this world in a time in history for the salvation of humankind. Have you been saved by Him? What does the Christmas season mean to you? - Bayo Afolaranmi

WHAT DOES THE CHRISTMAS MEAN TO YOU?

Dearly Beloved, WHAT DOES THE CHRISTMAS MEAN TO YOU? “[Mary] will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21 NIV). One of the most celebrated seasons in the year is the Christmas season. The season is here again. Many people, especially the children, have been caught the “fever” of the season. There has been this controversy about the origin of season. Many are of the opinion that it originated from a pagan festival. This has made some Christian denominations and sects to distance themselves from the season. Other people would argue that there is no such celebration in the Bible. Many people believe that the Christmas day is the birthday of Jesus Christ, although, this has been disproved from many evidences. However, what does the Christmas mean to you? Christmas is just a festive season to some people. Therefore, such people are ready to celebrate it just as they celebrate any other festive period. They see the season as a time to entertain themselves. Among such people are the ones that believe in taking their children to visit Father Christmas who will entertain the children and gives them gifts for a token. Christmas season is a period that some people feel they can make quick profit in their business or enterprise. Therefore, they inflate the cost of their wares and services. Most people, especially Christians, attach the season to the first coming of Jesus Christ into this world. However, some people are indifferent. To them, Christmas season or even the Christmas Day is like any other season or day. However, one has to consider the popular opinion about Christmas – the birth of Jesus Christ. Why did He “made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness” (Philippians 2:7 NIV) by coming to this wretched world? The main reason is to save people from their sins (Matthew 1:21; John 1:29; Acts 13:38-39; 1 John 3:5; Revelation 1:5-6) so “that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 NIV). This singular act entails many other things that give Christmas different meanings to different people. Regardless of any other meaning attached to the Christmas or any controversy about it, the paramount thing is that Jesus Christ came to this world in a time in history for the salvation of humankind. Have you been saved by Him? What does the Christmas season mean to you? In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). NB This message was first sent out on December 12, 2009.

Quote for the Day 21Dec2013

Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies. - Mother Teresa

Quote for the Day 20Dec2013

Some people think God does not like to be troubled with our constant coming and asking. The way to trouble God is not to come at all. - D.L. Moody

Quote for the Day 19Dec2013

When you use your life for God's glory, everything you do can become an act of worship. - Rick Warren

Quote for the Day 18Dec2013

Faith is like an empty, open hand stretched out towards God, with nothing to offer and everything to receive. - John Calvin

Quote for the Day 17Dec2013

If the Lord calls you, He will equip you for the task He wants you to fulfil. - Warren Wiersbe

Quote for the Day 16Dec2013

Real friends speak the truth to us in love - even if it is not what we want to hear. - Author Unknown

Quote for the Day 15Dec2013

Do you have a selfless life? Are you living for yourself and your self-interest or are you living a selfless life that is ready to sacrifice self-interest for the interest of other people? It really pays to live a selfless life. - Bayo Afolaranmi

LIVE A SELFLESS LIFE

Dearly Beloved, LIVE A SELFLESS LIFE “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:5-8 NKJV). The life and death of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (1918 – 2013) have a bundle of lessons to humankind. Here was a man who selflessly fought for rights of his countrymen and spent 27 years in prison on this account. At the end of Apartheid, he became the elected President of South Africa, and he voluntarily stepped down after a single term of five years. During his reign, he did not lift a finger against his political enemies and resisted pressure to go for revenge against the minority White racists who introduced and practised Apartheid against the majority Black people. He did not use his position as president to amass wealth or have undue influence on his political party and the country. After he stepped down as president, he remained an accessible and easy-going man advocating world peace. No wonder, he became a reference point for peace and reconciliation, and the whole world mourn and celebrate his death. Mandela was one of those people that lived a selfless and sacrificial life in this generation. Other people that come to mind were Mother Theresa and Martin Luther King, Jr. However, Jesus Christ surpassed them all. He was (and still is) God and “by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers” (Colossians 1:16 NKJV). In spite of this, He made Himself of no reputation by “taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:7-8 NKJV). No wonder, “God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians2:9-11 NKJV). God is still exalting such people that put the interest of others above theirs. Do you have a selfless life? Are you living for yourself and your self-interest or are you living a selfless life that is ready to sacrifice self-interest for the interest of other people? It really pays to live a selfless life. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray for the mind of Christ that will enable you to live a selfless life. NB This message is dedicated to Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (1918 – 2013) who epitomized a selfless live in this modern day.

Quote for the Day 14Dec2013

The people that will overcome are the people that diligently seek the Lord and wait on Him. - Supo Ayokunle

Quote for the Day 13Dec2013

Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent. - Marilyn vos Savant

Quote for the Day 12Dec2013

Those who bless God in their trials will be blessed by God through their trials. - Author Unknown

Quote for the Day 11Dec2013

We must be afraid of the Lord who can destroy both soul and body in hell. He alone deserves to be feared, and revered. - Rotimi Oluwaseyitan

Quote for the Day 10Dec2013

There is one quality which one must possess to win, and that is definiteness of purpose, the knowledge of what one wants, and a burning desire to possess it. - Napoleon Hill

Quote for the Day 09Dec2013

As God’s Word spreads from our heads to our hearts, sin loses its power over us. - Julie Ackerman Link

Quote for the Day 08Dec2013

Giving of hampers should not be restricted to corporate bodies alone. Individuals can also give “hampers” to other people, especially the less privileged so that they also can celebrate this season. As you are planning to celebrate this Christmas, who will you give hamper this Christmas season? - Bayo Afolaranmi

WHO WILL YOU GIVE HAMPER THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON?

Dearly Beloved, WHO WILL YOU GIVE HAMPER THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON? “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 NKJV). Ordinarily, a hamper is a large basket, usually with a cover, used for the packing and carrying of articles. There has been a long tradition of community and social philanthropy and charity related to hampers, whereby persons or community groups donate to needy people a hamper of food, clothing, toiletries, cleaning products, or other household necessities, to assist with their family needs. Until recently, in the Western tradition, such hampers containing tinned or packaged goods are given out to employees, business clients, family and friends during Christmas season, though some people do so anytime of the year. This practice is somehow associated with the Boxing Day. Interestingly, the purpose of giving of hampers during this season has been defeated as most people are giving it for selfish motives. This is applicable to corporate bodies that give hampers out to their clients. Many of these organizations are using hampers as a way of endearing their clients more to the organizations. Even many of those that are receiving the gifts are selfish too, as only the superior officers share the gifts, neglecting the junior staff. Jesus Christ is the greatest Hamper of all time given by God not because of Himself but because of the salvation of the world. The most popular verse of the Bible, John 3:16, confirms this. Isaiah 9:6 says, “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given...” (NKJV). Many people celebrate the Child that was born, but neglect the Son that is given and do not follow the spirit of love that made God to give the Son. Giving of hampers should not be restricted to corporate bodies alone. Individuals can also give “hampers” to other people, especially the less privileged so that they also can celebrate this season. As you are planning to celebrate this Christmas, who will you give hamper this Christmas season? In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Quote for the Day 07Dec2013

A fundamental concern for others in our individual and community lives would go a long way in making the world the better place we so passionately dreamt of. - Nelson Mandela

Quote for the Day 06Dec2013

We must give more in order to get more. It is the generous giving of ourselves that produces the generous harvest. - Orison Swett Marden

Quote for the Day 05Dec2013

We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools. - Martin Luther King, Jr.

Quote for the Day 04Dec2013

You may be trying to live in this world by your own power. Let God teach you meekness so that you can live in, and depend on, His strength. - C. P. Hia

Quote for the Day 03Dec2013

Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goals. - Henry Ford

Quote for the Day 02Dec2013

God is not what you imagine, or what you think you understand. If you understand you have failed. - Saint Augustine