Quote for the Day 30Jun2014

Do not despise what seems weak and insignificant to the world. God can use them to bring down the giants in your life! - Joseph Prince

Quote for the Day 29Jun2014

There will be showers of blessing for you from God - showers of fruitfulness and abundance, security and protection, freedom from oppression, promotion, and lots more. You will know that the Lord is good and His love endures forever. - Bayo Afolaranmi

THERE WILL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING

Dearly Beloved, THERE WILL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING "I will bless them and the places surrounding my hill. I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing" (Ezekiel 34:26 NIV). A shepherd in the Old Testament symbolized a royal caretaker of the people of God. This is the reason why the Old Testament great men are referred to as shepherd (Jeremiah 23: 1ff; Ezekiel 34:1ff). Even God was called the shepherd of Israel in Psalm 80:1 (cf. Psalm 23; Ezekiel 34:11-16). Unfortunately, most of the leaders of the people of Israel were bad shepherds. They misled the people. They only fed themselves to the detriment of the people. This made God to pronounce woe on them (Ezekiel 34:2-6). He said that He will hold them accountable for the misled and underfed sheep which were the people they were leading (verses 7-10). However, the good news is that God promises to search for His sheep and look after them (verses 11-16a). Where there has been no justice, especially amongst the people, God promises that He will shepherd the flock with justice (verses 16b-24). He promises to make a covenant of peace with them so that they will be at rest (verve 25). Above all, He will send to them showers of blessing (verse 26). These showers of blessing include fruitfulness, security, freedom from oppression, and lots more. The Lord will do these so that His people will know that they are His, and that He is the Sovereign God, the Lord above all lords, the God of the universe. Have the leaders of your country, church, or group disappointed you? Have they let God down in their leadership roles? Have you lost confidence in them? Take heart! The Lord will search for you and look after you. He will lead you with justice. He will make a covenant of peace with you and you will have rest. Above all, there will be showers of blessing for you from Him - showers of fruitfulness and abundance, security and protection, freedom from oppression, promotion, and lots more. You also will know that the Lord is good and His love endures forever (see Psalm 100:5). People will glorify God for the good things He will do in your life. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Requests: 1. Manifest yourself, Lord, in this world that is full of injustice and oppression and let the world that know you are the Sovereign Lord in Jesus' name. 2. Lord, let your showers of bless be on me, my spouse, children, work and everything that belongs to me in Jesus' name. 3. Let the people of the world know that you are my God by the good things you will do in my life in Jesus' name. Amen.

Quote for the Day 28Jun2014

Jesus' authority on earth allows us to dare to go to all the nations. His authority in heaven gives us our only hope of success. And his presence with us leaves us no other choice. - John Stott

Quote for the Day 27Jun2014

God knows us so well that He chooses the perfect time to give us what is best and to send reassurance of His care. — Bill Crowder

Quote for the Day 26Jun2014

Yielding control to God is a choice we can make every day - starting today. - David C. McCasland

Quote for the Day 25Jun2014

A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty. - Winston Churchill

Quote for the Day 24Jun2014

I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear. - Nelson Mandela

Quote for the Day 23Jun2014

Everything you say and do, is a reflection of the inner you. - Anonymous

YOU WILL COMPLETE IT!

Dearly Beloved, YOU WILL COMPLETE IT! "Then the word of the LORD came to me: 'The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple; his hands will also complete it. Then you will know that the LORD Almighty has sent me to you'" (Zechariah 4:8-9 NIV). The people of Israel were returning from the exile. They were picking up the crumbs of their nationhood under the leadership of Zerubbabel. One of such crumbs was the rebuilding of the temple of God in Jerusalem. However, they faced strong oppositions from the neighboring nations that did not want them to re-establish their nation (see Ezra 4). It was during one of those oppositions that the word of God came to Prophet Zechariah to assure Zerubbabel that he would be the one that will definitely complete the building project. Zechariah Chapter Four is full of prophecies in regards to the procedure of the completion of the rebuilding of the temple: firstly, it is neither by human might nor power, but by the Spirit of God (verse 6). It means that the success of the project would be by the Lord's doing, not by man's making. Secondly, all the mighty oppositions against the project will come to nothing (verse 7). This is exactly what happened when King Darius issued a decree to thwart all the oppositions (see Ezra 6:1-12). Thirdly, the very person that laid the foundation of the rebuilding of the temple will be the one that will complete it (verse 9). This promise actually came to pass (see Ezra 6:13-18). The last but not the least of the procedure is the fact that they should not despise the day of small things (verse 10a). That is, they should not look down on the little resources they had, and especially, the time they started the project with no hope. This may also mean that they should not underrate their small or slow progress at the work. They should not allow the contempt of others to discourage them (cf. 1 Timothy 4:12). The resultant effect is that people will rejoice at the completion of the project (verse 10b). What project have you started? Is it academic pursuit, building project, business project, or even a ministry? Are you facing oppositions or having difficulties in completing it? Do people despise you for your seemingly failure or slowness to its completion? Your hands that started the project will execute it to a successful completion in Jesus’ name. Follow also that procedure given to Zerubbabel. Do not rely on your own understanding, strength or resources. Rely on God. His grace is sufficient for you. He will silence all the oppositions that may arise against, or are facing you. All difficulties in your way shall vanish, and all the objections be got over. Believe that you that started the project will complete it. And do not despise your days of your humble beginning. Do not look down on yourself. Disregard people's contempt. Remember, "...He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:6 NIV). You will complete the project! People will rejoice with you! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Quote for the Day 22Jun2014

What project have you started? Are you facing oppositions or having difficulties in completing it? Do people despise you for your seemingly failure or slowness to its completion? Your hands that started the project will execute it to a successful completion in Jesus’ name. Amen. - Bayo Afolaranmi

Quote for the Day 21Jun2014

Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead. - Louisa May Alcott

Quote for the Day 20Jun2014

No matter what our strengths or weaknesses might be, God’s providential hand can give us what we need to make a difference for Him in our world. Rely on His strength to help you as you take a step of faith. - Dennis Fisher

Quote for the Day 19Jun2014

Complaining only makes you miserable. Either plan and take effective action, or gracefully accept the circumstances you are called upon to bear. - Jonathan Lockwood Huie

Quote for the Day 18Jun2014

Face your fears and doubts, and new worlds will open to you. - Robert Kiyosaki

Quote for the Day 17Jun2014

Humility is pleasing to God and places your life in a position where God will honor you. If pride has crept into some areas of your life, ask God to give you victory over it before it robs you of God’s will for you. - Henry Blackaby

Quote for the Day 16Jun2014

God is taking you to a new location where He will do a new thing in your life and give you a new position. - Supo Ayokunle

Quote for the Day 15Jun2014

Instead of being full of words, it is better for one to be full of action - what one can do to alleviate or even solve the problem if it is solvable. What kind of comforter are you? - Bayo Afolaranmi

WHAT KIND OF COMFORTER ARE YOU?

Dearly Beloved, WHAT KIND OF COMFORTER ARE YOU? "I have heard many things like these; miserable comforters are you all!" (Job 16:2 NIV). I always pity the man Job whenever I read the book of the Bible that bears his name. Here is a man that lost everything he had in a single day. He was afflicted with a disease, and his wife advised him to curse God and die. To compound his problems, his so-called friends that came to console him turned out to be "miserable comforters." They "tormented and crushed" (Job 19:2) him with words as they blamed him for his travails. They would have heeded to Job's advice, "If only you would be altogether silent! For you, that would be wisdom" (Job 13:5 NIV. See also verse 13; 16:3; 18:2; 19:2; 21:2-3). The more Job cautioned his friends to consider his plight, the more they rebuked him for his self-righteousness. They are indeed "worthless physicians" (Job 13:4). Experiences have proved that silence is the best way to comfort someone that is bereaved. People may have contrary opinion, especially people that are extroverts. The friends of Job did well when they first came to him for staying "with him for seven days and seven nights" (Job 2:13 NIV) without saying a word. That is empathy. Instead of being full of words, it is better for one to be full of action - what one can do to alleviate or even solve the problem if it is solvable. This is what Jesus Christ did in all the cases where He raised someone from the dead (see Luke 7:11-17; 8:49-56; John 11:17-44). In each of the cases, Jesus did not speak much. The apostles also followed this example (Acts 9:36-43; 20:7-12). You may not be able to do like Jesus Christ or the apostles in solving totally a problem, but you can follow this admonition, "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn" (Romans 12:15 NIV). Do not be a comforter like one of Job's friends. The Bible says, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of sympathy (pity and mercy) and the God [Who is the Source] of every comfort (consolation and encouragement), Who comforts (consoles and encourages) us in every trouble (calamity and affliction), so that we may also be able to comfort (console and encourage) those who are in any kind of trouble or distress, with the comfort (consolation and encouragement) with which we ourselves are comforted (consoled and encouraged) by God" (2 Corinthians 1:3-4 AMP). What kind of comforter are you? In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Quote for the Day 14Jun2014

If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. - Desmond Tutu

Quote for the Day 13Jun2014

Because the Lord is watching over us, we do not have to fear the dangers around us. - Author Unknown

Quote for the Day 12Jun2014

God's Word, when accompanied by God's Spirit, has the power to win the most important conflicts that are raging in your life right now. - Author Unknown

Quote for the Day 11Jun2014

We are not just thrown on this earth like dice tossed across a table. We are lovingly placed here for a purpose. - Charles Swindoll

Quote for the Day 10Jun2014

Are you in a position where all self-sufficiency is gone? As you turn your eyes on the Lord and put your hope in Him, you have God's reassuring promise that you need nothing more. - Joanie Yoder

Quote for the Day 09Jun2014

Always take advantage of God’s counsel because human devices can be desperately wicked. - Amos O. Tella

Quote for the Day 08Jun2014

Are you a blessing or a curse to your in-laws? One main thing that can make you a blessing to your in-laws is to relate with them not as relatives of your spouse, but as your own relatives. Your in-laws will not be a source of grief to you, and you also will not be a source of grief to your in-laws in Jesus’ name. Amen. - Bayo Afolaranmi

IN-LAWS: BLESSING OR CURSE?

Dearly Beloved, IN-LAWS: BLESSING OR CURSE? “When Esau was forty years old, he married Judith daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and also Basemath daughter of Elon the Hittite. They were a source of grief to Isaac and Rebekah” (Genesis 26:34-35 NIV). I was in a wedding reception some time ago when I overheard a woman sharing with another woman about her sweet experience with the sisters of her husband. According to her, her husband’s sisters are so nice to her and her son that whenever they see her, they always commend her and give her and her son monetary and material gifts. I cannot remember what initiated the discussion about these sisters-in-law, but that testimony reminded me of a woman who colluded with her mother and sisters to defraud her husband of thousands of US dollars. I wonder what kind of mother-in-law and sisters-in-law they are to the man. An in-law is simply a relative by marriage. He/she can be parent-in-law, child-in-law or sibling-in-law. In-laws can be a blessing to a married couple in many ways. It may be in offering love, wisdom, encouragement and gifts. The Bible makes note of several supportive in-law relationships, namely Ruth and Naomi (Ruth 1), Peter and his mother-in-law (Mark 1:31), and Jethro who guided his son-in-law, Moses (Exodus 18). However, in-laws can also be a heavy burden for a couple to bear. The Bible also has examples of this: the wives of Esau were a source of grief to their parents-in-law (Genesis 26:34-35). David's father-in-law, King Saul, tracked him down in attempts to kill him (1 Samuel 19:11). Laban, the father-in-law of Jacob cheated him (Genesis 31:7). Ahab and Jezebel had bad influence on Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, because Athaliah (wife of Jehoram, Jehoshaphat’s son) was their daughter. Whether you have had in-laws for just few months, or it has been for many years, they will either be blessings or a curse to you. Examples abound on in-laws as blessings on one hand and as a curse on the other hand. Similarly, you are either a blessing or a curse to your in-laws. Many factors will determine whether they are blessings or curse to you and vice versa. The big question is: are YOU a blessing or a curse to your in-laws? One main thing that can make you a blessing to your in-laws is to relate with them not as relatives of your spouse, but as your own relatives. Your in-laws will not be a source of grief to you, and you also will not be a source of grief to your in-laws in Jesus’ name. Amen. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Quote for the Day 07Jun2014

Time, like life itself, has no inherent meaning. We give our own meaning to time as to life. - Jonathan Lockwood Huie

Quote for the Day 06Jun2014

When you focus on being a blessing, God makes sure that you are always blessed in abundance. - Joel Osteen

Quote for the Day 05Jun2014

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

Quote for the Day 04Jun2014

Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step. - Martin Luther King, Jr.

Quote for the Day 03Jun2014

We must focus on prayer as the main thrust to accomplish God's will and purpose on earth. The forces against us have never been greater, and this is the only way we can release God's power to become victorious. - John Maxwell

Quote for the Day 02Jun2014

Are you at the verge of losing hope on a particular situation? Do not lose hope! It is not over until it is over. When there is life, there is hope. At the unexpected time, the Lord will arise and surprise you. People that have been looking down on you will soon be looking up to you. You will soon testify to the goodness of God over your life. - Bayo Afolaranmi

Quote for the Day 01Jun2014

If the glory of the youth resides in their strength, then every youth should sit down to analyse how he/she uses the strength. - SAK Olaleye