Spiritual Digest for the Day 31Dec2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Trust the Lord completely, and don't depend on your own knowledge. With every step you take, think about what the Lord wants, and he will help you go the right way. Don't trust in your own wisdom, but fear and respect the Lord and stay away from evil. If you do this, it will be like a refreshing drink and medicine for your body" (Proverbs 3:5-8 ERV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY If you want to see God's promises fulfilled in your life this coming year, do not rush things or you might give birth to an Ishmael. Be careful, people will try to involve you in all kinds of schemes to rescue and promote yourself. God does not need your help to bless you. - Yemi Ladokun ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Thank God for the passing year. Pray that you will be able to trust God totally in the coming year.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 30Dec2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God” (1 Peter 2:16 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The danger of excusing sin under the guise of Christian liberty is evil. To gain self-control, willingly allow Christ control. - Amos O. Tella ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to willingly allow Christ’s control over your life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 29Dec2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Moses answered the people, 'Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still'" (Exodus 14:13-14 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Most of our obstacles would melt away if, instead of cowering before them, we should make up our minds to walk boldly through them. - Orison SwettMarden ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to courageously face any challenge in life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 28Dec2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The best way to obtain truth and wisdom is not to ask from books, but to go to God in prayer, and obtain divine teaching. - Joseph Smith, Jr. ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for divine wisdom to be able live a meaningful life.

FORGET WHAT IS BEHIND

Dearly Beloved, FORGET WHAT IS BEHIND "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:12-14 NIV). Glory be to God that we have come to the end of another year. The Lord has done many things for me in the year, and I know He has done many things also for you this year that make Him deserve our praises and worship. Let us return all glory to Him for everything He made us to achieve in the year. However, I cannot achieve a particular goal that has to do with my study here in the United Kingdom this old year. I thought the goal would have been achieved by the end of the third quarter of the year. God still keeps me waiting to achieve it till now. Nevertheless, He still remains the faithful God that I can rely on. As the year is running to an end, I have learnt to forget what is behind and press on. Take an honest look at yourself. Have you also been disappointed in one way or the other in this old year? Are you unable to achieve your set goals for the year? Do not be dismayed. Forget what is behind and press on in the coming year. The New Year will be better for you in Jesus' name. Amen. Have you achieved your goals this year? Did you have many successes in the year? Praise God! However, do not let those achievements and successes blindfold you. God is taking you to higher ground. Do like Paul, "forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead…." Aim for higher things. Remember that old song, "Good, Better, Best/ I shall never rest,/ until my good is better,/ and my better's best." Happy New Year (2016) in advance! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will be able to leave the unachieved goals of this year behind and forge ahead for a better year (2016).

Spiritual Digest for the Day 27Dec2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:12-14 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Good, Better, Best; I shall never rest, until my good is better, and my better's best. - Author Unknown ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to leave the unachieved goals of this year behind and forge ahead for a better year (2016).

Spiritual Digest for the Day 26Dec2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow" (2 Thessalonians 3:9 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY It is important to set a good example for your children, your loved ones, your community, and future generations. Setting a good example becomes automatic if you always do your best. When you do your best, you never have to worry about having a negative impact on another. - Jonathan Lockwood Huie ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always set good example for others.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 25Dec2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “And great and important and weighty, we confess, is the hidden truth (the mystic secret) of godliness. He [God] was made visible in human flesh, justified and vindicated in the [Holy] Spirit, was seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, [and] taken up in glory” (1 Timothy 3:16 AMP). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The mystery of Christmas is how God could become man while remaining fully God. It defies human explanation, but in the perfect wisdom of God, it was the plan of the ages. - Bill Crowder ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will understand the mystery of Christmas more than before.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 24Dec2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY If Jesus were just for the poor and marginalized, or only for the famous and fortunate, many of us would not qualify. But Christ is for everyone, regardless of status, financial situation, or social standing. He is the only gift truly fit for all. - Joe Stowell ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that all that have not accepted the free gift of Jesus Christ will do so this Christmas.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 23Dec2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. - Melody Beattie ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always be grateful in all circumstances.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 22Dec2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.' When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, 'Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about'" (Luke 2:13-15 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Christmas is not in tinsel and lights and outward show. The secret lies in an inner glow. It is lighting a fire inside the heart. Good will and joy a vital part. It is higher thought and a greater plan. It's glorious dream in the soul of man. - Wilfred A. Peterson ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will celebrate this Christmas meaningfully.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 21Dec2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Everything that happens in this world happens at the time God chooses. He sets the time for birth and the time for death, the time for planting and the time for pulling up, the time for killing and the time for healing, the time for tearing down and the time for building" (Ecclesiastes 3:1-3 TEV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God is a God of times and seasons. There is usually a time destined for each thing that happens to us in life. There is a time God has purposed for each individual to accomplish certain things in life. - Supo Ayokunle ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will wait for God’s time in your life.

HE WILL SELL FEW COWS!

Dearly Beloved, HE WILL SELL FEW COWS! “...for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills” (Psalm 50:10 NIV). Recently, I was chatting with a pastor-colleague on Facebook and told her about my financial challenge as I continue my postgraduate study here in the United Kingdom. Here was her response: “God is faithful. He will do it. That is small. Just a few cows He will sell to settle it.” “Cows?” I questioned. What have cows got to do with my situation and God’s faithfulness in meeting my needs? She then referred me to the above quoted verse and explained that God has everything including “the cattle on a thousand hills” and what He needs to do is just to “sell” some of the cows to meet my needs. It was then I understood her point. I had a better understanding as I reflected on cattle rearers who usually sell some of their cows to meet their essential needs. While God does not need to sell any cow or any other thing for that matter to be able to meet the needs of His loved ones, He knows what to do, how to do it, and when to do it to meet their needs in His own way and in His own time. There were thousands of people that followed Jesus Christ to listen to Him. A time came when these people needed to be cared for. Jesus asked His disciples what they would do to feed these people. However, the writer of the Gospel added this: “...he already had in mind what he was going to do” (John 6:6 NIV). The thousands of people were provided for with many baskets full of left over. Are you also in need of one thing or the other? Apostle Paul told the Philippians: “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (4:19 NIV). You do not need to be worried or lose hope. Paul had earlier warned: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6 NIV). “God is faithful. He will do it. That is small. Just a few cows He will sell to settle it.” Do you believe this? In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will not worry about your needs, but that you will learn to trust God for the provision of your needs.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 20Dec2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Are you in need of one thing or the other? God knows what to do, how to do it, and when to do it to meet your needs in His own way and in His own time. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not worry about your needs, but that you will learn to trust God for the provision of your needs.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 19Dec2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them” (Acts 9:39 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The best portion of a good man's life is his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and of love. - William Wordsworth ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will have a lasting positive impact in the lives of people around you.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 18Dec2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “[Jesus Christ said:] ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light’ (Matthew 11:28-30 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY In a world that is too much for us to bear alone, Christ has come to bring us into a relationship with Him and give us rest. - Bill Crowder ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that nothing will hinder you from coming to the rest of Jesus Christ.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 17Dec2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2 NKJV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY If you are healthy, support those who are sick. If you have a job, support those who have lost theirs. If you are strong, support those who are feeble of body or mind. - Jonathan Lockwood Huie ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the enablement to help others around you.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 16Dec2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step. - Martin Luther King, Jr. ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the faith that help you to take the first step even when you do not know what lies ahead.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 15Dec2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness” (Psalm 150:1-2 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When we think about the Lord’s character and His mighty acts toward us, we cannot help but celebrate Him through our praise and worship. - Marvin Williams ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to always praise You for who You are all the time.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 14Dec2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “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). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Another opportunity to reflect presents us with another opportunity to evaluate. - ‘Dapo O. Akinlotan ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, Lord, to always reflect and evaluate myself to see if I am still standing or not.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 13Dec2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Merely hearing God's law is a waste of your time if you don't do what he commands. Doing, not hearing, is what makes the difference with God” (Romans 2:13 MSG). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY It is not about knowing; it is about doing. It is not about judging others; it is about ME judging myself. It is not about teaching others; it is about ME doing and living what I teach. - Femi Okunlola ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to be real doer of Your word.

ENRICHED WITH HONOUR

Dearly Beloved, ENRICHED WITH HONOUR “But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favour with God.’ ...And Mary said: ‘My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed...’” (Luke 1:30, 46-48 NIV). The reality of the real meanings of my names (Adebayo Olayinka Afolaranmi) manifested as I celebrated my fortieth birthday anniversary on December 8, 2010. I had similar experience last Tuesday as I celebrated another birthday. In Yoruba language, “Adebayo” means “One who has come to meet joy,” “Olayinka” means “I am surrounded by honour,” while “Afolaranmi” (my father’s name) means “I am enriched with honour.” Actually, the month of December has been a special month in my life: I was born on December 8, 1970; I got married on December 19, 1998; my daughter was born on December 7, 2002; my family moved to our personal house on December 23, 2005; my elder sister gave birth to her new baby on December 6, 2010 in a miraculous way; my wife got a new employment on December 6, 2010 after she was without a job for almost a year; twice God saved me from danger on December 8, 1992 and 2010; this year, in this month of December, I had breakthrough in a particular aspect of my study here in the UK, and my wife had another remarkable breakthrough. December 25 has been set apart to commemorate the birth of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. These incidents were never coincidental. Indeed, I have come to meet the joy and goodness of God; God has surrounded me and enriched me with His honour. I never thought of these things till December 8, 2010 (and this year also) when people were rejoicing with me and I looked back and reflected on the goodness of God to me. Glory be to His holy name! As I was reflecting on this, I remembered Mary the mother of Jesus. She was so favoured and honoured by God that she was used as the instrument of bringing the Saviour of the world to this world. The Roman Catholics still venerate her till today, though to an extreme. There were many virgins in Israel when God chose her. Likewise, there are many people on earth when God chose me to be favoured and honoured the way He did, and is still doing it. Once again, glory be to His holy name! Have you reflected on how God has favoured and honoured you also? Do you appreciate Him for this? Do not say He has not done so. Indeed, “He has blessed us by giving us every spiritual blessing in the heavenly world” (Ephesians 1:3 TEV). You might have not got what you want from Him, but I know that He has enriched you also with His favour and honour. I pray that as this year is running to an end, He will enrich you more with His honour and favour in Jesus’ name. Amen. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Points: 1. Thank God for how He has enriched you with His honour, favour and goodness. 2. Pray that you will always appreciate God for His favour and goodness in your life. 3. As this year is running to an end, pray that God will enrich you more with His honour and favour. NB I am so grateful to people that sent comments and prayers to me on the occasion of my birthday last Tuesday through e-greetings, SMS, phone calls, messages and comments by email, Facebook, etc. Some even sent birthday gifts to me! I am honoured. God will honour you also in your entire endeavour. Amen. * Message originally posted on December 11, 2010.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 12Dec2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end. He did not give up because of the cross! On the contrary, because of the joy that was waiting for him, he thought nothing of the disgrace of dying on the cross, and he is now seated at the right side of God's throne” (Hebrews 12:2 TEV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goals. - Henry Ford ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to always look up to You no matter the situation.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 11Dec2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency]" (Philippians 4:13 AMP). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY If you couldn't do something yesterday, it doesn't mean that you cannot do it today. For who you are today is not who you used to be. - Andres Lara ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me not to look down on myself.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 10Dec2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people" (Romans 16:17-18 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY At all times we must be on guard not to misrepresent God’s message to acquire what we want from others. With a heart yielded to God, we must honestly share spiritual truths that will benefit those who hear. - Dennis Fisher ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me not to misrepresent Your word.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 09Dec2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “‘The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ -which means, ‘God with us’” (Matthew 1:23 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God is with us. And when God comes to us, hope descends on us, praise ascends from us and, in defiance of the spiritual forces of evil, we experience peace even in the midst of a storm. - Neville Callam ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, let me experience Your presence this season.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 08Dec2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "With all my heart I praise the Lord, and with all that I am I praise his holy name! With all my heart I praise the Lord! I will never forget how kind he has been" (Psalm 103:1-2 CEV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings. - William Arthur Ward ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will thank God with all your heart.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 07Dec2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord" (Psalm 27:14 KJV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY 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 ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not be in haste more than God.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 06Dec2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to" (Acts 16:7 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Do you recognize when the Spirit of Jesus is leading you to do things that are contrary to your seeming good plan? Do you willingly yield to the leading of the Spirit of Jesus when He leads you to do things in His own way? - Bayo Afolaranmi ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will have the discerning spirit to know when the Holy Spirit is leading you as against when the devil wants to mislead you.

WHOSE SPIRIT?

Dearly Beloved, WHOSE SPIRIT? "When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to" (Acts 16:7 NIV). I can still remember vividly a little drama in my Yoruba Sunday school class many years ago when an elderly man was reading the above quoted passage. Instead of reading "the Spirit of Jesus," he read "the spirit of the devil." Interestingly, the word for the devil in Yoruba language, "ESU" is short of a letter from the transliteration of the word for Jesus in the language "JESU." The elderly man unintentionally confused the two words together. The other members of the class tried to cleverly correct the old man. Nevertheless, I learnt a lesson from the confusion. Reading the passage superficially, one may tend to intentionally think that it was the spirit of the devil that was hindering Paul and his companions to enter Bithynia to preach the gospel there. Probably, that was the thinking of the elderly man that misread the verse. However, it was the Spirit of JESUS, not that of the devil that did not allow them to go there because of His own divine plan for the missionary journey of Paul. The lesson from this misunderstanding of the verse is that there has been confusion to the spirit that is leading many men of God today, especially those that find it difficult to differentiate between the Spirit of Jesus and the spirit of the devil. Do you recognize when the Spirit of Jesus is leading you to do things that are contrary to your seeming good plan? Do you willingly yield to the leading of the Spirit of Jesus when He leads you to do things in His own way? It is a pity that the spirit of the devil is the one that is leading many people today, and they think that it is the Spirit of Jesus. Whose spirit is leading you, the Spirit of "JESU" or the spirit of "ESU"? "For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God" (Romans 8:14 NASB). In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Requests: 1. Pray that you will have the discerning spirit to know when the Holy Spirit is leading you as against when the devil wants to mislead you. 2. Pray that our men and women of God will know when the Holy Spirit is leading them to do things against their seemingly good plans.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 05Dec2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Today, whether life is ordinary or difficult, keep pressing on. At the end of the journey, you will see the amazing place God has prepared for us. And it will be well worth it! - C. P. Hia ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to press on in spite of all odds.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 03Dec2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Always remember what is written in that book of law. Speak about that book and study it day and night. Then you can be sure to obey what is written there. If you do this, you will be wise and successful in everything you do" (Joshua 1:8 ERV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY There is a wealth of spiritual truth in the Bible, but it has to be mined through prayer and study. - Ron Meyers ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, Lord, to always study Your words.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 02Dec2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “[The Virgin 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). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Jesus came to turn our darkness into light, to transform our despair into hope, and to save us from our sins. - David McCasland ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that Jesus’ coming to this world will not be in vain over your life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 01Dec2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?" (Psalm 56:3-4 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY In the face of all of life’s circumstances, we can know the peace of trusting the presence and power of God in the midst of trouble as we wait patiently and prayerfully for His deliverance. So drop your hands, for God’s hands are busy on your behalf! - Joe Stowell ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always trust God in the face of all of life’s circumstances.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 30Nov2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working]” (James 5:16 AMP). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Do not ever underestimate the power of prayer; prayer can achieve the impossible, because it provokes the supernatural intervention of God. - Rotimi Oluwaseyitan ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, Lord, to always make use of the power of prayer in all my circumstances.

ENDURE HARDSHIPS

Dearly Beloved, ENDURE HARDSHIPS "I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love" (Revelation 2:2-4 NIV). In His letter to the seven churches in the Asia Minor, God commended the church in Ephesus for enduring hardship for His name. However, the commendation was short-lived because the church forsook its first love. Many people are like that church who would at first endure hardship and persecution because of being Christians but who would later, because of pressures around them give in to the hardship. The Lord has called each of us into this ministry of reconciliation. He backs His call with many promises that assure us that He is with us (Matthew 28:19-20; 1 Thessalonians 5:24). Nevertheless, persecutions may come. "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted..." (2 Timothy 3:12 NIV). In spite of this, we should not be afraid of any opposition or persecution. When persecution comes, we should remember that God knows how He will deliver us from such persecution. Apostle Peter said, "And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast" (1 Peter 5:10 NIV). When He does, we become stronger and purer in our faith (see 1 Peter 1:6-9; 2 Peter 2:9). Therefore, stand fast in the ministry God has called you into. He depends on you, and He will not let you down. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Help me, Lord, to be able to endure hardship to the end.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 28Nov2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “For God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves” (1 John 3:20 MSG). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Lasting heart-level change and real progress with our problems originate with God. Trusting Him and living to please Him means we can flourish and be truly free. - Jennifer Benson Schuldt ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, Lord, to always trust You in spite of my problems.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 27Nov2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith — of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire — may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed” (1 Peter 1:6-7 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful. - Joshua J. Marine ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, Lord, to always face my challenges until I overcome them.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 26Nov2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge" (Psalm 51:4 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Willingness to honestly admit our mistakes is the first step in dealing with them. - Akin Akintunde ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, Lord, to always admit my mistakes and deal with them accordingly.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 25Nov2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “At all times and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father” (Ephesians 5:20 AMP). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude. - Ralph Waldo Emerson ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, Lord, to always be thankful all the time.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 23Nov2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Genesis 50:20 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Our lives are defined not by the challenges we encounter, but by how we respond to those challenges. - Jonathan Lockwood Huie ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to respond to any challenge with positive attitude.

DO YOU REMEMBER THE DAY?

Dearly Beloved, DO YOU REMEMBER THE DAY? “The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God — he and his whole family” (Acts 16:34 NIV). I was invited to a get-together recently where I met a white lady. This forty-year-old lady was so excited to narrate to anyone who cared to listen how she had a personal encounter with Jesus Christ in a similar get-together some weeks back. She narrated how she had previous been religious, how she read the Bible many times and went to church and other religious gatherings before this particular one. She concluded that since that encounter, she is now having an inner joy and peace that she did not previously had. From her countenance, it is certain that she is happy with her new-found relationship with the Saviour Jesus Christ. The experience of this lady reminds me of many of similar experiences of people in the Bible who also had personal encounters with Jesus Christ. There was great joy in the city of Samaria when many people came to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ through Philip (see Acts 8:8). The disciples in Pisidian Antioch “were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit” after Paul preached to them (Acts 13:52 NIV). The experiences of the Ethiopian eunuch who “went on his way rejoicing” after he accepted Jesus Christ into his life (Acts 8:39 NIV) and the Philippian jailer who “was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God” (Acts 16:34 NIV) are classic when one talks about people with personal encounters with the Saviour. Such day is indeed a happy day! Have you had the experience? Do you remember the day you had a personal encounter with Jesus Christ? Can you narrate the experience? Being religious is not enough to have such experience. You have to definitely and consciously accept Jesus Christ into your life. Apostle John asserted, “...to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God” (John 1:12-13 NIV). It is only by believing in Jesus Christ that you can have that inner joy and peace in life (see John 20:31). The hymn writer Philip Doddridge (1702-1751) put it this way: “Happy day, happy day, when Jesus washed my sins away! He taught me how to watch and pray, and live rejoicing every day; Happy day, happy day, when Jesus washed my sins away.” Do you remember that day? In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will continue to have the inner joy and peace of salvation in the Saviour Jesus Christ.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 22Nov2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God — he and his whole family” (Acts 16:34 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Happy day, happy day, when Jesus washed my sins away! He taught me how to watch and pray, and live rejoicing every day; Happy day, happy day, when Jesus washed my sins away. - Philip Doddridge ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will continue to have the inner joy and peace of salvation in the Saviour Jesus Christ.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 21Nov2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, but only empties today of its strength. - Charles H. Spurgeon ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, Lord, not to be anxious about tomorrow, but to always trust in You.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 20Nov2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Practice and cultivate and meditate upon these duties; throw yourself wholly into them [as your ministry], so that your progress may be evident to everybody” (1 Timothy 4:15 AMP). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY For consistent and nonstop growth, we must not just be regular in spiritual disciplines but stay passionate after God to know Him and make Him known. Every day with Jesus will be better than the day before! - R. Stanley ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will continually grow in your faith.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 19Nov2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "It is good to give thanks to the Lord, And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, And Your faithfulness every night" (Psalm 92:1-2 NKJV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Do you have any reason to thank God? Do not be unthankful. If you think very well, you will know that it is indeed good to thank God and sing praises to His name. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to be thankful always.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 18Nov2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "A friend is loving at all times, and becomes a brother in times of trouble" (Proverbs 17:17 BBE). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY A true friend is one who believes in you when you have ceased to believe in yourself. – Anonymous ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to always be a good friend.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 17Nov2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture” (Psalm 100:2-3 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Do not let the brutality of the world take away your thankful heart. Remember you are God’s child, and He has shown you His goodness and mercy through His work on the cross. - Albert Lee ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to always remember that I am Your child.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 16Nov2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “It troubled the Lord to see them in trouble, and his angel saved them. The Lord was truly merciful, so he rescued his people. He took them in his arms and carried them all those years” (Isaiah 63:9 CEV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Even when our situation looks difficult, we can trust that God is leading. He already knows what we will need when we get there. - Dave Branon ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, provide for my need when it matters most.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 15Nov2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man, ‘Where are you?’ He answered, ‘I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid’” (Genesis 3:8-10 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God is looking for people that will come boldly to Him to admit their sins and ask for His forgiveness. Will you come to Him NOW? "Where are you?" - Bayo Afolaranmi ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not rationalize your wrongdoings but always come to God for forgiveness.

"WHERE ARE YOU?"

Dearly Beloved, "WHERE ARE YOU?" “Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man, ‘Where are you?’ He answered, ‘I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid’” (Genesis 3:8-10 NIV). This question "Where are you?" supposedly was the first question God asked the first man - Adam. The question led to other series of questions. Does it mean that the omniscient God did not really know where Adam was? If He knew, why was He asking Adam where he was? Why did He not bring Adam out of where he was hiding? Why did He want Adam to expose himself? Why did God have to ask other questions in Genesis 3:9-13? God did not ask these questions because He needed information. Being the omniscient God, He knows everything. Rather, He asked the questions for the good of Adam and his wife to give them the opportunity to face facts, be honest, and confess their sins. Unfortunately, both Adam and Even tried to defend themselves by shifting the blame to others (see Genesis 3:11-13). This made God to pronounce severe judgments on them. Probably if they had admitted their errors and asked for forgiveness, God would had forgiven them. Many people deliberately sin and think that they can hide from God. In His graciousness, God is asking them, "Where are you?" However, like Adam, they are still not admitting their wrongdoings. In fact, many would rationalize the wrongdoings. They see God as an intruder who does not want them to live their lives as they want. Some people sin unintentionally and God would ask them, "Where are you?" He is doing this in order to bring them back to their senses. He wants them to be honest with themselves and ask for forgiveness. Only few people do admit their sins and come boldly to God for forgiveness. God is still asking you, "Where are you?" Will you admit your sins and ask for His forgiveness or will you rationalize your wrongdoings before Him? The Bible says, “He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy” (Proverbs 28:13 NIV. See also Leviticus 26:40-42; 1 Kings 8:48-49; Jeremiah 3:12-13; 1 John 1:8-10). God is looking for people that will come boldly to Him to admit their sins and ask for His forgiveness. Will you come to Him NOW? "Where are you?" In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will not rationalize your wrongdoings but always come to God for forgiveness. ________________ Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor) +447438782552 BB PIN:2BFAD68F

Spiritual Digest for the Day 14Nov2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “I forget what is behind, and I struggle for what is ahead” (Philippians 3:13 CEV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Put your past in the past and set your eyes on what lies ahead. - Author Unknown ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always set your eyes on what lies ahead, not past things.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 13Nov2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Going a little farther, [Jesus] fell with his face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will’” (Matthew 26:39 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY We should recognize the fact that God has a plan for our lives, and that what we crave may not be in accordance with His plan. We should never want, therefore, to press our will against God's will. - James R. Miller ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always allow the will of God to be fulfilled in your life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 12Nov2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:9-11 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY As we spend time with God in prayer and in His Word, we grow in our relationship with Him and learn to become more and more like Him. As time with God becomes a priority, we enjoy His company more and more. - Keila Ochoa ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will devote more time for prayer and the Word of God.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 11Nov2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord” (Psalm 27:14 AMP). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY What is it that is bearing down on you today? What is it that has you ready to run and hide? What is it that makes you want to give up your walk with the Lord? Whatever it is, before you make any move, Wait for the Lord! - Tom Norvell ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, Lord, to always wait for You no matter my situation.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 10Nov2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “The eternal God is our hiding place; he carries us in his arms” (Deuteronomy 33:27 CEV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God is there regardless of our feelings. He can see us. And when we call to Him and choose to put our trust in Him, He will help us. He is our refuge. Underneath us are His everlasting arms. And He loves us with an everlasting love. - Dick Innes ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, Lord, to commit and trust my life and way to you when darkness surrounds me and I am lost and do not know the way.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 09Nov2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit" (Jeremiah 17:7-8 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Trust on, trust on, believer! Though long the conflict be, Thou yet shalt prove victorious; Thy God shall fight for thee. Trust on! Trust on! Though dark the night and drear; Trust on! Trust on! The morning dawn is near! - Eliza A. Walker ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me Lord to always trust in You no matter the situation.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 08Nov2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life” (Galatians 6:7-8 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Do you wish to be at the receiving end of what you are doing now in the near future? There is no option. What goes around will one day come around. You will one day reap what you are sowing now. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will consciously be doing what is good so as to receive good things in turn in future.

WHAT GOES AROUND...

Dearly Beloved, WHAT GOES AROUND... “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life” (Galatians 6:7-8 NIV). My fellowship with some older adults in a care home in Belfast, UK has been so fascinating to me. The personal interaction I had with one of the old women was spectacular. The old woman who is in her eighties told me her childhood experience, her family background, and the fact that she was once a professional caregiver in one of the care homes in town when she was younger. She concluded that she did not know then that she would end up being in a care home in her old age. Interestingly, her only daughter is one of the professional caregivers in that particular care home where she now receives care. The life of this old woman reminds of the popular proverb: “What goes around comes around.” What you do now will come back to you in the near future. Indeed, whether good or bad, one will reap whatever one sows in life. It may not directly be in one’s choosing profession. This principle is re-echoed throughout the Scriptures. Here are some of the Bible passages: “As I have observed, those who plow evil and those who sow trouble reap it” (Job 4:8 NIV). “They will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes” (Proverbs 1:31 NIV). “The wicked man earns deceptive wages, but he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward” (Proverbs 11:18 NIV). “God ‘will give to each person according to what he has done.’ To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For God does not show favouritism” (Romans 2:6-11 NIV). “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously” (2 Corinthians 9:6 NIV). For more Bible passages, see Psalm 62:12; Proverbs 24:12; Hosea 8:7; 10:12; Luke 16:25; Galatians 6:7-8. This is both comforting and scaring. It is comforting if what one is doing is good because it is certain that good things will be done to one in returns later. It is scaring because if one is doing bad things against other people, one will be rewarded with bad things later in life whether one likes it or not. This is also referred to as “the law of Karma” or “the law of retribution”. What are you doing now? Do you wish to be at the receiving end of what you are doing now in the near future? There is no option. What goes around will one day come around. You will one day reap what you are sowing now. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will consciously be doing what is good so as to receive good things in turn in future. ________________ Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor) +447438782552 BB PIN:2BFAD68F

Spiritual Digest for the Day 07Nov2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “The Lord said to [Moses], ‘Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say’” (Exodus 4:11-12 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY All God wants from us is to follow His plans. He will sort out the rest. In His mighty hands, you can be a blessing to others. - Jaime Fernández Garrido ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, Lord, not to argue with You, but to follow Your plans for my life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 06Nov2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, always give thanks for everything to God the Father" (Ephesians 5:20 TEV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY With gratitude, all life appears as a blessing - without gratitude, all of life is perceived as a burden. - Jonathan Lockwood Huie ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to always give thanks for everything.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 05Nov2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “[Goliath] looked David over and saw that he was only a boy, ruddy and handsome, and he despised him. He said to David, ‘Am I a dog, that you come at me with sticks?’ And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. ‘Come here,’ he said, ‘and I'll give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!’” (1 Samuel 17:42-44 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Do not be too quick to judge yourself or others, for that matter, and say you or they are not worth much in God’s plan. God may have other ideas! - Larry Sydow ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not look down on yourself or anyone no matter what.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 04Nov2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY If Christ is not all to you He is nothing to you. He will never go into partnership as a part Saviour of men. If He be something He must be everything, and if He be not everything He is nothing to you. - Charles Spurgeon ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that nothing will compete with Jesus Christ in your life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 03Nov2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Hear, O LORD, and be gracious to me; O LORD, be my helper. You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness, That my soul may sing praise to You and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever" (Psalm 30:10-12 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Happiness is determined by circumstances, but true joy is a gift from God at all times. If you are reeling from life's pain, bring your suffering to the Cross. There, God will turn your sorrow into dancing. - Charles F. Stanley ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Turn my sorrow into joy, O Lord.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 02Nov2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-24 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God is not limited by space and time. God is not limited to the places of worship. God is looking for people who will let their spirit, soul and body worship Him. - Dapo O. Akinlotan ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, Lord, to always worship you in truth and in spirit.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 01Nov2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God” (Revelation 3:1-2 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Is your church still alive and Christ-centred? What of you as an individual? Are you still alive in Christ, or you just have the reputation of being a Christian? Wake up! - Bayo Afolaranmi ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not be a dying Christian but the Lord should keep you alive in Him.

ARE YOU STILL ALIVE?

Dearly Beloved, ARE YOU STILL ALIVE? “To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God” (Revelation 3:1-2 NIV). Many people reacted sadly to my message last week, “TO LET: FORMER CHURCH”. The reactions came both from the developing world and the western world. A reaction from a recipient in one of the online groups I posted the message mostly touches my heart. According to him, “[My] experience and observation in the UK is not just a western phenomenon alone. It is already here with us in Nigeria.” He went ahead to highlight some of the things that are happening in churches in Nigeria. He enumerated how churches have become entertainment centres where CHRIST is not enough anymore in many churches. To attract people to church events, “jesters or stand-up comedians” are needed thereby making people to come to church empty and leave empty. As time goes on, people will prefer to go to entertainment centres than to go church because entertainment is now taking the centre stage in many churches. This recipient also pointed my attention to the fact that the cross has become old fashion and is absent on the signboards of many churches. Rather, the portrait of church pastor and his beautiful wife is what is prominent on many churches’ signboards. At times, it is the portrait of the general overseer of the church. The pastor or the general overseer has become the centre of attraction in many churches. No wonder, some are fighting now for positions in many churches today in Nigeria. There have been cases assassinations of pastors because of positions in some churches today in Nigeria. To add to his observations, many churches no longer devote quality time to the study of the word of God and discipleship of new believers. The emphasis now is prayer for breakthrough, victory over perceived enemies and other self-centred issues. Holiness, righteousness, the second coming of Christ and the last judgement and other sound biblical teachings have been put aside in many churches. These have made many church goers to half-baked Christians. Many are only religious, they are not spiritual. The conclusion of this recipient is, “May God forbid... Nigerians churches may one day become... TO LET, FORMER CHURCH”. While it is certain that many churches in the western world are dead, many churches in Nigeria are like the church in Sardis. Jesus Christ told the church, “I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead” (Revelation 3:1 NIV). He went ahead to charge the church to wake up and strengthen what remains and is about to die, or else He would come unexpectedly to judge the church. Is your church in this category? Is your church still alive and Christ-centred? What of you as an individual? Are you still alive in Christ, or you just have the reputation of being a Christian? Wake up! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will not be a dying Christian but the Lord should keep you alive in Him. ________________ Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor) +447438782552 BB PIN:58E5054C

Spiritual Digest for the Day 31Oct2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "At least there is hope for a tree: If it is cut down, it will sprout again, and its new shoots will not fail. Its roots may grow old in the ground and its stump die in the soil, yet at the scent of water it will bud and put forth shoots like a plant" (Job 14:7-9 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The sun raises every day, and every night the star shine. If today was a disappointment, remember that the cycle of life goes on. Tomorrow will be a new start. Do not give up. You were not created to be a sluggard nor a failure. - Emmanuel Baba Isiaka ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, Lord, to move on in spite of any challenge I may face.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 30Oct2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "God says, 'Call me when trouble comes. I will help you, and you will honor me'" (Psalm 50:15 ERV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Calling on the Lord is the right thing to do when we fail. Calling on the Lord can change a failure into a successful learning opportunity - a successful failure. Even in a failure, a successful recovery is possible. Instead of lamenting the failure, why not celebrate the great recovery? - Ron Meyers ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to always call on you when I fall.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 29Oct2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall” (Psalm 55:22 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY We do not have to worry. We can throw all our anxieties to God and He will catch them. - Author Unknown ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, I cast my cares on You. Do not let me fall.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 28Oct2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “The sluggard says, ‘There is a lion in the road, a fierce lion roaming the streets!’ As a door turns on its hinges, so a sluggard turns on his bed” (Proverbs 26:13-14 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Do not wait for extraordinary opportunities. Seize common occasions and make them great! - Orison Swett Marden ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, Lord, to be proactive in all my endeavours.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 27Oct2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear-hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh" (Jude 22-23 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The most eloquent prayer is the prayer through hands that heal and bless. The highest form of worship is the worship of unselfish Christian service. The greatest form of praise is the sound of consecrated feet seeking out the lost and helpless. – Billy Graham ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, Lord, to be a channel of Your blessings to the needy around me.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 26Oct2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:31-32 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Once you forgive by faith, you will see the sting of bitterness removed from your heart. You will experience the peace and joy of God filling your mind, and see a greater measure of wholeness in your body! - Joseph Prince ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always forgive anyone that offends you.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 25Oct2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Go now to the place in Shiloh where I first made a dwelling for my Name, and see what I did to it because of the wickedness of my people Israel” (Jeremiah 7:12 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY As an individual Christian, are you as fervent in the Lord as when you first became born again? Is complacency not making you to be far from God? Can God still depend on you? Beware that you do not become an abandoned instrument in the hands of God.- Bayo Afolaranmi ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not become an abandoned instrument but that you will continue to be relevant in the things of the Lord.

TO LET, FORMER CHURCH

Dearly Beloved, TO LET, FORMER CHURCH “Go now to the place in Shiloh where I first made a dwelling for my Name, and see what I did to it because of the wickedness of my people Israel” (Jeremiah 7:12 NIV). I was prepared for many cultural shocks and surprises as I was leaving African soil for the Western World for the first time last month. I did have, and I am still having, many of such shocks in the less than two months of my sojourn in this so-called developed part of the world. One that baffles me most is the big churches and cathedrals with few or no worshippers on worship days. Most of these few worshippers are old people. The youth are nowhere to be found. I was more surprised one day when I saw an advert placed on a big old church that reads: "To Let: Former Church". I looked at the church and grieved within me. So, what some people are saying that many of the old churches in the western world have become halls for secular purposes is true. I will not be surprised if some of these churches are bought by Muslims and they turn them to mosques. As I was thinking over this, the situations of Shiloh and later Jerusalem came to my mind. The tabernacle (the Tent of Meeting) with the Ark of Covenant was set up in Shiloh (see Joshua 18:1-10). The town became the religious centre for the people of Israel (see Judges 21:1-2, 19; 1 Samuel 1:3). Because of the wickedness of the priests of Shiloh (and apparently other people of Israel), God abandoned the town and allowed the Philistines to capture the Ark of Covenant and destroy the city (see 1 Samuel 3:11-14; 4:1-22; Psalm 78:60). Jeremiah prophesied about the impending similar destruction to the temple in Jerusalem (see Jeremiah 7). Instead of the people to yield to his warning, they were persecuting him. The temple and the city were destroyed (see 2 Kings 25). I would not want to be judgmental about the decline in the growth of Christianity in the western world that results to abandonment of church buildings, but it is certain that the Christians there are to be blame. Complacency in their part has made Christianity unpopular, and many churches are dying gradually while some are dead already. As an individual Christian, are you as fervent in the Lord as when you first became born again? Is complacency not making you to be far from God? Can God still depend on you? Beware that you do not become an abandoned instrument in the hands of God. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will not become an abandoned instrument but that you will continue to be relevant in the things of the Lord. ________________ Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor) +447438782552

Spiritual Digest for the Day 24Oct2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "For thus says the Lord to the house of Israel: Seek Me [inquire for and of Me and require Me as you require food] and you shall live!" (Amos 5:4 AMP). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God is always ready to accept those who would come to Him seeking forgiveness, succour and redemption. - B. Uche Enyioha ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to come to God as you are without any pretence.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 23Oct2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “And Moses said to the people, ‘Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace’” (Exodus 14:13-14 NKJV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Standing still is sometimes the greatest action we can do, although it is the most difficult thing to do in the Christian walk. Stand still when God says stand and see the deliverance of the Lord. - Os Hillman ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, Lord, to know when to stand still and see Your deliverance.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 22Oct2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Don't let yourselves get taken in by religious smooth talk. God gets furious with people who are full of religious sales talk but want nothing to do with him” (Ephesians 5:6 MES). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY We must always be on guard against those who use spiritual language to seduce us away from the Truth. - Michael Youssef ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, give me discernment and wisdom so that I will be on guard against those who might try to deceive me.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 20Oct2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful for those who keep the demands of his covenant” (Psalm 25:10 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Some of God’s paths for us are rough and rugged, others tedious and boring, but all are filled with His love and faithfulness. - David Roper ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Let me experience Your faithfulness, Lord, in all Your ways in my life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 19Oct2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Like newborn babies you should crave (thirst for, earnestly desire) the pure (unadulterated) spiritual milk, that by it you may be nurtured and grow unto [completed] salvation" (1 Peter 2:2 AMP). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY 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 ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be growing daily in your Christian faith.

"O BAAL, ANSWER US!"

Dearly Beloved, "O BAAL, ANSWER US!" "So they took the bull given them and prepared it. Then they called on the name of Baal from morning till noon. `O Baal, answer us!' they shouted. But there was no response; no one answered. And they danced around the altar they had made" (1 Kings 18:26 NIV). The story of the contest between Prophet Elijah and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel to decide the true God is a fascinating one. The people of Israel under the leadership of King Ahab and his wicked wife Jezebel had abandoned the worship of the living God for Baal, one of the fertility gods of Canaan (see 1 Kings 16:30-33). Jezebel had even tried to exterminate all the prophets of the living God from the land (see 1 Kings 18:4). After God had proved through Elijah that He is the only one that can bring fertility, Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal to a contest to determine the true God. The contest was that each side would prepare a sacrifice and call on his god (or God) to send fire to consume the sacrifice. Because of their large number, the prophets of Baal firstly took their turn. They cried to Baal, their god, to answer them from morning till evening, but there was no response. They did all they could do to get response from Baal, but he did not respond. Even the jests of Elijah could not make him to save his adherents from the disgrace of their lives. Elijah on his turn did not have to task himself much after he had repaired his altar and filled it with water before the living God answered him and consumed his sacrifice by fire. Many of us are acting like those prophets of Baal today. We have abandoned the living God for worldly things, and we are expecting those things to give unto us what only God can give. We look unto things like money, occupation, time, sports, pleasure, reputation, position, children, spouse, or even our own self instead of God to give us enjoyment, protection and security. We have placed more priority on these things to the extent that God has been relegated to the obscurity. And we can do anything to get what we want from these "Baals," though most of the time they disappoint us at the crucial moment of our life. If you do not want to be disappointed, stop crying to these "Baals" and turn to God. He is the only "refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1 NIV). In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Help me, Lord, not to put my trust in people and mundane things. ________________ Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor) +447438782552

Spiritual Digest for the Day 18Oct2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs” (Jonah 2:8 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY If you do not want to be disappointed, stop trusting people and mundane things and turn to God. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, Lord, not to put my trust in people and mundane things.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 17Oct2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY There is security in knowing that the Lord will lead us each day, but we must not become so attached to our plans that we resist God’s redirection or His timing. - David McCasland ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me not to be so attached to my plans that I miss Your timing for my life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 14Oct2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1 NKJV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY No matter how dark the night, the unseen God is ready to respond appropriately to our need. - David Egner ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Respond appropriately to my needs, O Lord.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 13Oct2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 AMP). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Take the attitude of a student, never be too big to ask questions, never know too much to learn something new. - Og Mandino ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, Lord, to continue to learn new things that we make me relevant to my generation.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 11Oct2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways?" (Psalm 37:7 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Wait for God's appointed time. He will fulfill His promise in His own time in His own way. Even when it seems that the time does not come. Wait for God's appointed time. Do not lose hope. His appointed time for you will come! - Bayo Afolaranmi ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to always wait for Your appointed time for my life.

WAIT FOR GOD'S APPOINTED TIME

Dearly Beloved, WAIT FOR GOD'S APPOINTED TIME “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways?" (Psalm 37:7 NIV). After the disobedience of Saul to the command of God to totally destroy the Amalekites and his rejection as king of Israel by God, God sent Prophet Samuel to anoint David as the new king. David served King Saul for several years in spite of the fact that he knew that he was the rightful person approved by God to be the king of Israel. He fought many wars to the credit of Saul. Even when Saul hated him and sought to kill him, he did not try to retaliate and forcefully claim the throne. He had two good opportunities to kill Saul and become the king, yet he spared his life on the two occasions (1 Samuel 24, 26). He diligently waited for his time. The time eventually came when the men of his own tribe came and anointed him as king over them, and when the whole people of Israel came after some years to proclaim him king over the whole land (2 Samuel 2, 5). He waited for his appointed time. In one of the Yoruba legends about destine, a man has chosen before he came to the world that he would become affluent when he clocks the age of forty. When he came to the world, he began to struggle from one place to another in order to be rich. All his efforts were unsuccessful. He became a laughing stock among his contemporaries especially those that were successful in their undertakings. At age 39, when he could not bear the ridicules of his friends, he committed suicide. When he got to the gate of heaven, the gatekeeper looked at him with pity and led him to where the records of people's destinies were kept. When he saw his own record, he discovered that it remained only a year for him to become affluent. He begged the gatekeeper to allow him to go back to the world, but he did not have such opportunity any more. He did not wait for his appointed time. While I do not believe in all such legends, there is a lesson in it - waiting for one's appointed time - the God's time that is the best. Has God promised you something? Do not be in haste to get the promise. Do not try to help God to fulfill the promise. Abraham and Sara tried to help God in fulfilling His promises for them. Their help nearly ruined their peaceful home (see Genesis 16, 21). Wait for God's appointed time. He will fulfill His promise in His own time in His own way. Even when it seems that the time does not come. Wait for God's appointed time. Do not lose hope. His appointed time for you will come! "You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while, `He who is coming will come and will not delay'" (Hebrews 10:36-37 NIV). In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Lord, help me to always wait for Your appointed time for my life. ________________ Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor) +447438782552

Spiritual Digest for the Day 10Oct2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21 NKJV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY If you are unsure of where your treasure is, examine where you spend your available time and money. - Henry Blackaby ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me Lord to spend my available time and money on things that will make me have treasures in heaven.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 09Oct2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY A soft answer has often been the means of breaking a hard heart. - Author Unknown ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always break hard heart with soft answer.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 08Oct2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it” (1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When we feel as though we cannot go on, God knows what we are going through, and what we can handle, and He will never leave us or forsake us. - Timothy Jackson, Jr. ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always feel the presence of God in any situation you are passing through.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 07Oct2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is" (Psalm 39:4 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY No matter how much of a mess we have made of our lives, it is never too much of a mess for God to redeem. - J.R. Hudberg ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Redeem me Lord out of any mess I have made of my life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 06Oct2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!” (Luke 12:24 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY No matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value in God's eyes. To God, dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to Him. - Author Unknown ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me Lord to always look at myself as a valuable being in Your hands.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 05Oct2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete" (John 16:24 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Our all-powerful God desires to hear our prayers and answer our pleas. And though we do not always understand His timing or His purposes, God always responds with His best for our lives. - Poh Fang Chia ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me Lord to always make my requests known to You.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 04Oct2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning?" (Psalm 22:1 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY What situation are you passing through? Have you prayed and God has not answered your prayers? Does it seem as if God has forsaken you? Are people around you making jest of you because of your predicament? Well, God has not forsaken you! - Bayo Afolaranmi ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, when I think I am forsaken by You, reassure me that You have not forsaken me.

HAS GOD FORSAKEN ME?

Dearly Beloved, HAS GOD FORSAKEN ME? "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning?" (Psalm 22:1 NIV). Psalm 22 is one of those psalms sometimes called Passion Psalms. Jesus Christ used the opening cry on the cross and the amazing choice of words of verses 6-8 and 13-18 have made the psalm especially important to Christians. There is within the psalm an extraordinary combination of praise and complaint. The psalmist found himself in a difficult situation that made him think that God had forsaken him (verses 1-2). Because of his situation and the fact that God did not act for him at that very point in time made people to mock him (verses 6-8, 12-18). However, in the midst of this protest of seemingly neglect, he could still praise God for who He is and what He has done, and is still doing (verses 3-5, 22-31). It is noteworthy that there is no reference to sin as the cause of the trouble, no plea of innocence, no claim of righteousness, and no vengeance. The psalmist just cried to God for help (verses 19-21). Jesus Christ also found Himself in similar situation, and He also acted like the psalmist: He cried out to God (see Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34; Luke 23:46). It was evident, however, that God did not forsake Jesus Christ, as He did not forsake the psalmist as well. God allowed the situations to bring out something in the lives of the psalmist and Jesus Christ. We may not know what God brought out in the life of the psalmist through the difficult situation, but we know that the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ brought about our eternal salvation (Romans 5:6, 8; Hebrews 2:14-15; 5:9; 10:5-10). No wonder, the psalmist could praise God even when he did not know the outcome of his predicament. What situation are you passing through? Have you prayed and God has not answered your prayers? Does it seem as if God has forsaken you? Are people around you making jest of you because of your predicament? Well, GOD HAS NOT FORSAKEN YOU! Read this: "But Zion said, `The LORD has forsaken me, the Lord has forgotten me.' `Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I WILL NOT FORGET YOU! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me. Your sons hasten back, and those who laid you waste depart from you. Lift up your eyes and look around; all your sons gather and come to you. As surely as I live,' declares the LORD, `you will wear them all as ornaments; you will put them on, like a bride. `Though you were ruined and made desolate and your land laid waste, now you will be too small for your people, and those who devoured you will be far away. `The children born during your bereavement will yet say in your hearing, "This place is too small for us; give us more space to live in." Then you will say in your heart, "Who bore me these? I was bereaved and barren; I was exiled and rejected. Who brought these up? I was left all alone, but these-- where have they come from?"'" (Isaiah 49:14-21 NIV). In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Lord, when I think I am forsaken by You, reassure me that You have not forsaken me. ________________ Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor) +447438782552 BB PIN:58E5054C

Spiritual Digest for the Day 03Oct2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light” (Micah 7:8 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Life has many different chapters; one bad chapter doesn’t mean it’s the end of the book. - Author Unknown ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that a bad chapter in your life will not ruin the good chapters therein.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 02Oct2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ” (Philippians 1:9-10 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Spend time in God's Word and learn who you are as a child of God. Standing up for your beliefs will help you become a powerful tool for God. - Michael Youssef ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY God, help me to spend more time in Your Word, so that I will be confident in my beliefs and will be able to easily filter the messages I receive on a daily basis through Your Word.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 30Sep2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and his father's household heard about it, they went down to him there. All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their leader. About four hundred men were with him" (1 Samuel 22:1-2 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks that others throw at him. - David Brinkley ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me Lord to use bricks that others throw at me to build my life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 29Sep2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "A person who talks too much gets into trouble. A wise person learns to be quiet" (Proverbs 10:19 ERV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Instead of using whispers and gossip that can cause hurt and pain while serving no good purpose, we would do better to restrain ourselves and practice silence. - Bill Crowder ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to restrain yourself to be quieter than talking too much.

DO NOT LET YOUR HEARTS BE TROUBLED

Dearly Beloved, DO NOT LET YOUR HEARTS BE TROUBLED "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me…. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" (John 14:1 27b NIV). There are a lot of problems and hardships today that make the world unbearable for living. No one is immune from these things that are confronting human beings every day. Many have given up all hopes and are expecting the worst to happen. Some have even resorted to taking their lives. However, in all these, Jesus Christ says, "Do not let your hearts be troubled." Jesus Christ was with His disciples in the upper room giving them His farewell speech when He made this statement. His disciples were disturbed because of some events that He predicted. These events included: He was going away (John 7:34; 8:21; 12:8, 35; 13:33); He would die (John 12:32-33); one of them was a betrayer (John 13:21); Satan was at work against all of them (Luke 22:31-32); they would not be able to follow Him to where He was going (John 13:36); Peter would deny Him thrice (John 13:38); and all of them would fall away (Matthew 26:31). Nevertheless, Jesus counseled them to believe in God and also in Him (John 14:1). He was saying in essence that they should believe in, adhere to, trust in and rely on Him. Trust is the great antidote for a troubled heart. Seeing God above our problems will make our hearts not to be troubled. Jesus Christ did not ask His disciples to only trust in Him as an antidote for their troubled hearts, He also gave some other reasons for His admonition. He affirmed the reality of heaven where He was going to prepare a place for the disciples (as well as other believers), and come back to take them (John 14:2-3). The reward of Christian service in the hereafter is an encouragement to the disciples and even believers today to persevere in trials of faith. Jesus would not leave the disciples alone in the world. He promised that the Father would send another Comforter to them, Someone who would abide with them forever (John 14:15-17, 26). This would be the Holy Spirit. Despite the fact that Jesus Christ would leave His disciples, He would give them His peace (John 14:27). This peace would be different from the worldly peace or any other peace that they could think of. But this peace, as Paul put it, "…transcends all understanding, [and it] will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7 NIV). This would not be for them, just as part of their lives in eternity, but as a vital aspect of their lives on earth. The peace is also for all that put their total trust in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ briefly mentioned it as He was rounding off His farewell speech that He has overcome Satan, the prince of this world (John 14:30). Satan might have come to this world, yet he would not overcome the disciples. Jesus Christ reaffirmed it also in John 16:33 that He has overcome the world. What are you passing through that is making your heart to be troubled? Remember Jesus' admonition, "Do not let your hearts be troubled." He has gone to prepare our eternal home for us. He will come back to take us to Himself. Come to God through Him, the only true living Way. Allow the Holy Spirit to have His way in your life. You will experience His peace. "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:17-18 NIV). In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will always trust in Jesus instead of letting your heart be troubled. ________________ Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor) +447438782552 BB PIN:58E5054C

Spiritual Digest for the Day 23Sep2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears" (Philippians 1:6 MSG). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY What we see of God's provisions teaches us to trust Him for what we cannot see of His purposes. -Author Unknown ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me Lord to always see Your provisions when I cannot see Your purpose for me.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 23Sep2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears" (Philippians 1:6 MSG). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY What we see of God's provisions teaches us to trust Him for what we cannot see of His purposes. -Author Unknown ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me Lord to always see Your provisions when I cannot see Your purpose for me.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 22Sep2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY What a comfort to know that God is always with us - we do not need to go through life alone! - Cindy Hess Kasper ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always feel the presence of God no matter what you are passing though.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 21Sep2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “They gather together against the life of the righteous, And condemn innocent blood. But the Lord has been my defense, And my God the rock of my refuge” (Psalm 94:21-22 NKJV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY With God as our defender, we don’t have to fear what others will do. We can trust that God will support us when trouble comes. - Jennifer Benson Schuldt ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, be my defender and refuge against all foes.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 20Sep2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “And Jesus increased in wisdom (in broad and full understanding) and in stature and years, and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52 AMP). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God is preparing you for the manifestation of His glory in your life. The preparation may not be pleasant now. However, wait till when God is done with you. Do not be in a hurry. You will indeed shine for His glory, and people will celebrate you. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the patience to wait for God’s timing for your life.

YOUR SILENT YEARS

Dearly Beloved, YOUR SILENT YEARS “And Jesus increased in wisdom (in broad and full understanding) and in stature and years, and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52 AMP). The writers of the Gospels did not write much about the early years of Jesus Christ on earth. Apart from His birth narratives (Matthew 1:18—2:23; Luke 1:26-38; 2:1-39) and an incident when He was twelve years old (see Luke 2:42-52), nothing is known about Him from the Bible until He was about thirty years old (see Luke 3:23). Some Bible scholars have referred to these unknown years as the silent years of Jesus Christ on earth. Luke used just a verse to describe these silent years (see Luke 2:52). Almost all other Bible characters had their silent years. Much is not known about the early years of most of these people. These silent years were years when God was preparing each of these great men and women. Most of them did not have the best of time like Jesus in their silent years, but after God had prepared them in various ways secretly, He launched them into their public missions. Undoubtedly, each one of us nowadays also has our own silent years when no one knew about us before now that we become known. In fact, many people are even still in their silent years. They are not renowned. God is still preparing them for the manifestation of His glory in their lives. Such people are still like caterpillars in their cocoons. They are waiting for the mature time to rip open the cocoons and become beautiful butterflies. Any attempt to open the cocoons prematurely will cause a very adverse effect on the growing butterflies. Are you still in your silent years? God is preparing you for the manifestation of His glory in your life. The preparation may not be pleasant now. However, wait till when God is done with you. Do not be in a hurry. You will indeed shine for His glory, and people will celebrate you. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor) My new UK number: +447438782552 BB PIN:58E5054C

Spiritual Digest for the Day 19Sep2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “[The Lord] heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds [curing their pains and their sorrows]” (Psalm 147:3 AMP). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When we take our broken hearts to the Healer, the One who created our hearts, we can have them fixed. The only real fix for a broken heart is the Lord. He is not only the ultimate Creator, He is the ultimate Fixer. - Sally I. Kennedy ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, I bring my broken heart unto You. Heal and fix it in Your own way.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 18Sep2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' declares the Lord" (Isaiah 55:8 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY In moments when we do not understand God’s ways, we need to trust His unchanging character. - Poh Fang Chia ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me Lord to always trust in You in spite of my circumstance.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 17Sep2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “By your words I can see where I'm going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path” (Psalm 119:105 MES). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When we lose our bearings in life, we can trust our God who gives His trustworthy Word as our compass, using it to lead us into deeper fellowship with Him. - Marvin Williams ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to always use Your words to guide me every day.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 16Sep2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, ‘Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me’” (Mark 8:34 NKJV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Discipleship is a daily discipline; we follow Jesus a step at a time, a day at a time. - Warren Wiersbe ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to always follow You every day.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 15Sep2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" (Genesis 50:20 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Life has many twists and turns and sometimes what looks like a very bad day can just be clearing the way for good things to come. - J Kim Wright ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, turn the evil plans of the enemy to accomplish good things in my life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 13Sep2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; be gracious to me and hear my prayer" (Psalm 4:1 NASU). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Call unto God! He is ready to answer you. He has done it in past, and He can still do it again. Rely on Him, and He will give you rest from all your troubles. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, I call on You today. Answer me and let the world rejoice with me.

ANSWER ME, O MY GOD!

Dearly Beloved, ANSWER ME, O MY GOD! "Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; be gracious to me and hear my prayer" (Psalm 4:1 NASU). The fourth psalm is attributed to King David. It is believed that he composed it, in relation with the third psalm, when he was in a trouble, probably when he fled from his son, Absalom. It is one the psalmist’s calls for help. He called on God to hear him. He also asked for the mercy of God. He expressed his confidence in God who has relieved him of his distress in the past, and believed that He can still do it again. He wondered why people that were persecuting him were doing so. However, he expressed once again his confidence in God who has chosen him. He admonished his foes to ponder about this and serve God in the right way and rely on Him instead of engaging themselves in wickedness. In spite his travail, David rejoiced in God because he knew that God had given Him joy that was more than that of his enemies. Therefore, he would have rest of mind even in his sleep because God was there to protect him. What are you passing through at present? Are you been persecuted? Call unto God! He is ready to answer you. He has done it in past, and He can still do it again. Rely on Him, and He will give you rest from all your troubles. He promises, "...call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me" (Psalm 50:15 NIV). "He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him" (Psalm 91:15 NIV). "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know" (Jeremiah 33:3 NIV). In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Lord, I call on You today. Answer me and let the world rejoice with me.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 12Sep2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Out of respect for Christ, be courteously reverent to one another" (Ephesians 5:21 MSG). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Relating with others can sometimes be a tough experience but it is unavoidable, beneficial and indeed the true test of our Christian discipleship. - John O. Enyinnaya ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me Lord to relate well with other people no matter how tough it may be.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 11Sep2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY There is no escaping the Truth. We can choose eternal life or settle for an endless death that is far worse than any torment we can imagine. - Michael Youssef ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will choose eternal life instead of eternal death.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 10Sep2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “You show that you are a letter from Christ... written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts” (2 Corinthians 3:3 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The letter of our lives is not written with ordinary ink, but by the Spirit of God. God changes us by writing His Word on our hearts for others to read. - Lawrence Darmani ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, Lord, to portray You well to the world.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 09Sep2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints” (Ephesians 6:18 NASU). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Prayer is the most powerful weapon for a Christian to pull down every stronghold of the enemy. - Supo Ayokunle ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to pray until all the stronghold of the enemy is pulled down in your life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 08Sep2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me! I'm staying alert and in top condition. I'm not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself” (1 Corinthians 9:26-27 MSG). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY How different our lives are when we really know what is deeply important to us, and keeping that picture in mind, we manage ourselves each day to be and to do what really matters most - Stephen Covey ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, Lord, to be focused on what matters most in my life.