OUR TIME ON EARTH IS BRIEF

Dearly Beloved, OUR TIME ON EARTH IS BRIEF “Our time on earth is brief; the number of our days is already decided by [God]” (Job 14:5 CEV). The death of Reverend Tunde Taiwo (1969-2015), the senior pastor of Zion Baptist Church, Ilorin, Nigeria, is another evidence that anybody can die at any time without prior notice. Here was a man who left the seminary where he was doing his postgraduate study early in the day for a couples' retreat of pastors and interacted with many pastor-colleagues before going back home late in the night. He was awake still studying late that night when death struck him. It was a surprise to many people that saw him both at the seminary and the retreat earlier that day that somebody they interacted with some hours ago is dead. He died with many unfulfilled aspirations: aspirations for his life, aspirations for his wife, aspirations for his children, aspirations for his church and church members, aspirations for his country, aspirations for many people and things. Job, in his anguish, lamented about the brevity of life. Hear him: “Life is short and sorrowful for every living soul. We are flowers that fade and shadows that vanish.... Our time on earth is brief; the number of our days is already decided by [God]” (Job 14:1-2, 5 CEV). Gone were the days when a person could live nearly for a thousand years like Methuselah (see Genesis 5:27). Hardly do people live up to a hundred years nowadays. Moses, in his psalm, was of the opinion that “We can expect seventy years, or maybe eighty, if we are healthy, but even our best years bring trouble and sorrow. Suddenly our time is up, and we disappear” (Psalm 90:10 CEV). The bitter truth here is that regardless of our aspirations and status, death can come at any time without warning. In spite of this, God is not caught unaware about anyone’s death. If our life on earth is brief and death can come calling without prior notice, are you prepared to die? Someone has posited that we are not ready to live until we are prepared to die. If you die today, what will people say about you? Where will you find yourself after death? Death is never the end of anyone’s life. There is life after death. The writer of the book to the Hebrews succinctly put it: “We die only once, and then we are judged” (Hebrews 9:27 CEV). For this judgement, see also Ecclesiastes 11:9; Romans 14:9-12; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 2 Timothy 4:1; Revelation 20:11-15. Our time here on earth is indeed brief, but, what kind of judgement will be your lot after death? In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). NB This message is dedicated to late Reverend Oluwole Olatunde Taiwo (born on September 19, 1969, died on February 21, 2015 and buried on February 26, 2015), the senior pastor of Zion Baptist Church, Ilorin, Nigeria. May the Lord continue to uphold his wife, children, church and other beloved that survived him.

Quote for the Day 28Feb2015

When we learn to give thanks, we are learning not to concentrate on the bad things, but on the good things in our lives. - Author Unknown

Quote for the Day 27Feb2015

The way you live your life for God is your offering to Him. Relentlessly pursue holiness so that your offering to God is unblemished and acceptable to Him. - Henry Blackaby

Quote for the Day 26Feb2015

God can make all things beautiful in its time for you. As you involve Him in your daily life and trust His love for you, you will see Him lead and place you at the right place at the right time to enjoy His blessings. - Joseph Prince

Quote for the Day 25Feb2015

By relying on God’s guidance and the empowering of the Holy Spirit, our load can be lightened and our perseverance buoyant. - Dennis Fisher

Quote for the Day 24Feb2015

Our world may crumble around us, but our God is enthroned forever for His name endures to all generations. - Amos O. Tella

Quote for the Day 23Feb2015

To distinguish ourselves as Jesus’ people, we need to show kindness even to those who wish us harm. Only then will we reflect the heart of the One who, while we were still His enemies, paid the ultimate price to come to our rescue. - Mart De Haan

Quote for the Day 22Feb2015

No matter how a cause may be good, it has to be done rightly. This is the fact that most people that especially want to serve or worship God do not know. - Bayo Afolaranmi

DOING THE RIGHT THING RIGHTLY

Dearly Beloved, DOING THE RIGHT THING RIGHTLY "[David] said to [the priests], ‘You are the heads of the Levitical families; you and your fellow Levites are to consecrate yourselves and bring up the ark of the LORD, the God of Israel, to the place I have prepared for it. It was because you, the Levites, did not bring it up the first time that the LORD our God broke out in anger against us. We did not enquire of him about how to do it in the prescribed way.’" (1 Chronicles 15:12-13 NIV). How often people do the right thing wrongly. Some do so out of ignorance. Some do so out of zeal. Others do so out of negligence. Each instance does not bring good and desired result in most cases. Rather, they all bring adverse effects on the doers and/or people around them. This was what happened during the reign of David as the king of Israel. He was zealous for the Lord in appreciation of what the Lord had done to him. So, he wanted to bring the ark of the Lord, the symbol of the presence of God, to his capital city. However, he did the right thing wrongly, and it cost the life of Uzzah, a layman that was recruited to guide the sacred object (see 1 Chronicles 13:7-10). David later retraced his step: he recruited the priests that had been set apart for that duty (see 1 Chronicles 15:11-15). The latter action was successful because David did the right thing rightly. No matter how a cause may be good, it has to be done rightly. This is the fact that most people that especially want to serve or worship God do not know. They think they can just serve Him anyhow. Some of them are ignorant of the right way to serve Him. Some are too zealous to serve Him the right way, but they are not, even when they know the right way. Others are serving Him out of negligence because of their so-called familiarity with Him. Have you realized that you can do the right thing wrongly? This may have an adverse effect on you and/or people around you. Therefore, what are you doing presently? Are you doing it rightly? Are you worshipping God rightly? Peter said, "...And there is salvation in and through no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by and in which we must be saved [except the name of Jesus Christ]" (Acts 4: 10-12, AMP). Any act of worship to God (no matter how good it is) that is not through Jesus Christ will lead to doom. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Quote for the Day 21Feb2015

When our desire for God dominates our hearts, our minds will stay focused on ways to serve Him, and our actions will further His kingdom on earth and in heaven. - Julie Ackerman Link

Quote for the Day 20Feb2015

Do you feel drained? Exhausted? Ask God for help. Depend on Him for the power to go on and the strength to make it through the valley. - Dennis Fisher

Quote for the Day 19Feb2015

See beyond the ordinary by believing in the Lord that He will help you, and He will be glorified in your life. - Bayo Afolaranmi

TWELVE (12) YEARS OF MINISTERING THROUGH THE INTERNET AND OTHER TECHNOLOGICAL TOOLS

Dearly Beloved, TWELVE (12) YEARS OF MINISTERING THROUGH THE INTERNET AND OTHER TECHNOLOGICAL TOOLS It is exactly 12 years today that I have been ministering through the Internet and other technological tools. An email ministry that was started on February 18, 2003 to about 50 people has metamorphosed to these various aspects of Internet ministry to thousands of people throughout the world. Glory be to the Almighty God. I appreciate all of you that have been part of this ministry. A book titled Ministering through the Internet: A Decade of Unique Experiences was published two years ago to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the ministry. You can order its eBook here: http://www.lulu.com/shop/adebayo-afolaranmi/ministering-through-the-internet-a-decade-of-unique-experiences/ebook/product-20638861.html or the paperback here: http://www.lulu.com/shop/adebayo-afolaranmi/ministering-through-the-internet-a-decade-of-unique-experiences/paperback/product-20638837.html As I move forward in the ministry, it has been my heart desire to go back to school for further study to enhance me more in the ministry. As a ministry to people of diverse cultures and backgrounds throughout the world, I do not want to limit myself to my locality. So, I desire to have the further study in a foreign country this year where I will have international exposure to other peoples’ cultures and backgrounds. I have already started processing admissions to some schools overseas. Undoubtedly, this exploit is a huge capital intensive one. I need people that will support me prayerfully, morally, and especially financially to achieve the feat this year. If the Lord is leading you to be one of such people (especially through financial support), please contact me privately at spiritualdigest@yahoo.com. Thanks and God bless. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Quote for the Day 16Feb2015

Regardless of circumstances and how you feel, hang on to God’s unchanging character. - Rick Warren

Quote for the Day 15Feb2015

True love is rooted in what a man or woman can give, not what he or she can get from the object of his or her love. - Bayo Afolaranmi

DO YOU LOVE ME?

Dearly Beloved, DO YOU LOVE ME? “The third time [Jesus Christ] said to him, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ He said, ‘Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Feed my sheep’” (John 21:17 NIV). As a matter of fact, most of the followers of Jesus Christ were following Him because of what they could get from Him (see John 6:26). No wonder, when it seemed to them that His teaching was hard, many of them no longer followed Him (see John 6:60-66). From that incident, it seemed His twelve disciples were different because they stood by Him (verses 67-69). However, as Jesus Christ predicted, one of the Twelve - Judas Iscariot - betrayed Him (verse 70; 13:21-30; Luke 22:1-6, 47-48) and Simon Peter - the spokesperson of the disciples - denied Him trice (see Luke 22:54-62). This same Peter led some of the disciples to go back to their old profession after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (see John 21:1-3). When Jesus Christ appeared to them, He asked Peter that important question three times: “Do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus could ask him this question three times. Then, Jesus told him what was required of him if he truly loved Him: he should act in favour of Jesus Christ, NOT in his (Peter’s) favour. The Valentine’s Day for this year has just been celebrated. Many people (especially men) asserted that they love some ladies. Most of such ladies have been used and dumped after such assertion. The real meaning of the day (that is, sacrificial love as demonstrated by some people that were coincidentally named Valentine between third and fourth centuries AD that were killed because of their love-related actions) has been defeated. If anybody asserts that he or she loves you, you should ask him or her again and again, “Do you really love me?” If he or she answers in the affirmative, then let him or her prove it by acting in YOUR favour. Jesus Christ demonstrated the real love by laying down His life for us. We also ought to do likewise for our fellow human beings (cf. 1 John 3:16). Why are you following Jesus Christ? Is it not to get something from Him? Are you ready to really surrender your whole being to Him and do His biddings? Why do you love that person that you claim to love? True love is rooted in what a man or woman can give, not what he or she can get from the object of his or her love. Do you really love me? In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Quote for the Day 14Feb2015

The more you are motivated by love, the more fearless and free your actions will be. - Author Unknown

Quote for the Day 13Feb2015

Whenever God has a job to do and a gap to be filled, he always starts by choosing and calling an individual. While men use methods, God's methods are men and women. - Richard Innes

Quote for the Day 12Feb2015

No matter how far we have fallen into the depths of sin, we cannot fall beyond the reach of God's love and grace. - Michael Youssef

Quote for the Day 11Feb2015

No matter who you are or what your life has been like so far, the rest of your life’s journey can be different. With God’s help you can begin again. - Billy Graham

Quote for the Day 10Feb2015

Our conduct has a direct influence on how people think about the gospel. The world doesn’t judge us by our theology; the world judges us by our behavior. - Carolyn Mahaney

Quote for the Day 09Feb2015

In the midst of your needs, look out for other needy people, bless them, feed them or make them comfortable. If you cannot feed a hundred people, then feed just one. Who knows, this could be the key that will open doors and speak for you in places that matter. - Femi Emmanuel

Quote for the Day 08Feb2015

In what ways have you been taking the glory of God in your life? Do you remember to return the glory unto Him when people give you such glory? Give God the glory! Let His blessings, not His curses, be yours. - Bayo Afolaranmi

GIVE GOD THE GLORY!

Dearly Beloved, GIVE GOD THE GLORY! "On an appointed day Herod, having put on his royal apparel, took his seat on the rostrum and began delivering an address to them. The people kept crying out, ‘The voice of a god and not of a man!’ And immediately an angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and died" (Acts 12:21-23 NASU). King Herod Agrippa I who reigned between A.D. 37 and 44 died a mysterious death. The writer of the book of Acts of the Apostles recorded his history in the twelfth chapter of the book. "The people of Tyre and Sidon" were not in his good book (verse 20). Having secured the favour of one his trusted servants, they sought for his audience to make peace with him. During the peace meeting, he delivered an address that made the people to praise him and even ascribe unto him the position of a god. The Bible says an angel of the Lord struck him because he, King Herod, did not return the praise to God. He was eaten by worms and died (verses 21-23). An extra-biblical account explained it better that "...he was immediately seized with violent internal pains, and died five days after." His main offence was that he did not give God the glory. King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon was driven out of his exalted position and ate grass like cattle for seven years because he did not give God the glory for his achievements (see Daniel 4:29-37). Only God knows the number of people that have been struck by Him because of the offence of not giving Him the glory for what He has done in their lives or what He has done in the lives of other people through them. Spiritual worms "are eating" such people presently, and they will soon meet their Waterloo if they do not repent. The Lord says, "I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not give my glory to another or my praise to idols" (Isaiah 42:8 NIV). You have to know that "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (1 Peter 5:5 NIV). In what ways have you been taking the glory of God in your life? Do you remember to return the glory unto Him when people give you such glory? Give God the glory! Let His blessings, not His curses, be yours. "To [God] be glory both now and for ever! Amen" (2 Peter 3:18 NIV). In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Quote for the Day 07Feb2015

The greatest good we can do for others is not to share our riches with them, but to reveal to them their own. – Debra Cummings

Quote for the Day 06Feb2015

If you want to be miserable, look within; If you want to be distracted, look around; If you want to be peaceful, look up. - Author Unknown

Quote for the Day 05Feb2015

You know you love someone when you know you want them to be happy, even if their happiness means that you are not a part of it. - Anonymous

Quote for the Day 04Feb2015

In the Master’s hand many kinds of people are fit together and are being built into something with great potential for praise to God and service for others. - Dennis Fisher

Quote for the Day 03Feb2015

Speak when you are angry - and you will make the best speech you will ever regret. - Laurence J. Peter

Quote for the Day 02Feb2015

Don’t stand out in life’s storms alone. Seek God’s shelter. Ask Him to protect you. Make sure you have received His forgiveness. Get close to the Rock of Ages. It’s life’s safest spot. — Dave Branon

Quote for the Day 01Feb2015

I must tell Jesus all of my trials, I cannot bear these burdens alone; In my distress He kindly will help me, He ever loves and cares for His own. - Elisha A Hoffman