Quote for the Day 31Mar2015

What would you like to give to Jesus to show your love? Your time, talent, treasure? It doesn’t matter if it’s costly or inexpensive, whether others understand or criticize. Whatever is given from a heart of love is beautiful to Him. - Anne Cetas

Quote for the Day 30Mar2015

Every leader ought to build an inner circle that adds value to him or her and to the leadership of the organization. But choose well, for the members of this inner circle will become your closest confidantes; your inner circle will make you or break you. - John C. Maxwell

Quote for the Day 29Mar2015

Ride on, ride on, in majesty! Hark! all the tribes hosanna cry. 0 Savior meek, pursue Thy road, with palms and scattered garments strowed. - Henry H. Milman

RIDE ON, RIDE ON, IN MAJESTY

Dearly Beloved, RIDE ON, RIDE ON, IN MAJESTY “The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David!’ ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ‘Hosanna in the highest heaven!’" (Matthew 21:6-9 NIV). Henry Hart Milman (1791-1868) wrote this popular hymn, RIDE ON, RIDE ON, IN MAJESTY, to commemorate the Triumphal Entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem as He prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice on the cross. The hymn unites meekness and majesty, sacrifice and conquest, suffering and glory. Each stanza of the hymn begins with "Ride on, ride on in majesty." Majesty is the theme of the hymn as Henry Hart Milman helps us to experience the combination of victory and tragedy that characterizes the Triumphal Entry. Jesus Christ is hailed with "Hosanna" as He rode forth to be crucified. People honoured Him with palms and scattered garments on the road He would pass through. He knew He was going to die in Jerusalem, but His death would bring victory. It is his triumph "o'er captive death and conquered sin". The hosts of heaven were looking down with sad and wondering eyes awaiting the victory of Jesus Christ as with expectation. As Jesus Christ was about to have His last and fiercest strife, God the Father was also expecting Him in victory. Finally, Henry Hart Milman exclaimed that Jesus Christ rode forth "in lowly pomp ride" in spite of the mortal pain to take His "power and reign!" This event was a significant event, not only to the people of the days of Jesus Christ on earth, but to all Christians throughout history. It is significant because it is the story of the King who came as a lowly servant on a donkey, not a dancing horse, not in royal robes, but on the clothes of the poor and humble. Jesus Christ did not come to conquer by force as earthly kings, but by love, grace, mercy, and His own sacrifice for His people. His is not a kingdom of armies and splendor, but of lowliness and servanthood. He conquers not nations, but hearts and minds. His message is one of peace with God, not of temporal peace. If Jesus has made a triumphal entry into our hearts, He reigns there in peace and love. As His followers, we exhibit those same qualities, and the world sees the true King living and reigning in triumph in us. Allow Him to ride on in majesty in your life! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Quote for the Day 28Mar2015

As Nigerians are making the vital decision of electing another executive president of Nigeria I call on all lovers of good governance, especially Christians throughout the world, to pray for Nigeria and Nigerians. Pray for peace and tranquility before, during, and after the election. Pray for the safety of lives of electoral officials as they conduct this election. Pray that they will really be impartial in this exercise.

Quote for the Day 27Mar2015

As the spiritual darkness of our world grows deeper, the light of Christ shines more brightly through all those who know and love Him. - David McCasland

Quote for the Day 26Mar2015

God’s road is not easy, but it leads to eternal satisfaction. - Author Unknown

Quote for the Day 25Mar2015

Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else. - Judy Garland

Quote for the Day 24Mar2015

You do not have to be rich to be generous: If he has the spirit of true generosity, a pauper gives like a prince. - Coeinne Wells

Quote for the Day 23Mar2015

Spiritual growth is not an option for any serious Christian. It is a necessity. Are you growing spiritually? - Bayo Afolaranmi

Quote for the Day 22Mar2015

We will never have time for whatever we do not plan to have time for. - Kayode Oyedemi

WHAT WILL BE THE OUTCOME OF THIS ELECTION?

Dearly Beloved, WHAT WILL BE THE OUTCOME OF THIS ELECTION? “Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles” (Acts 1:26 NIV). After the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ, the apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ gathered in the upper room at Jerusalem. Under the leadership of Simon Peter, they decided to elect another person to replace Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve apostles, who betrayed Jesus and later committed suicide. A guideline was given as to who the elected person would be. Two people were proposed: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. The disciples earnestly prayed for who they will elect out of these two people. After their prayers, they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias. The outcome of the election was that Matthias was added to the eleven apostles, and the ministry continued (see Acts of Apostles 1:12-26). There was no rancour of any kind. In fact, the next record was the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost (see Acts of Apostles 2). In less than a week, the people of Nigeria will go to the poll to elect another executive president of the nation to take over from the incumbent president after the expiration of his tenure by May 29, 2015. Out of fourteen candidates that are officially seeking to be elected to the exalted position, only two are prominent - the incumbent president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan who is seeking re-election and retired General Muhammadu Buhari (onetime military ruler of the nation) of the main opposition party. There have been campaigns of all sorts for themselves and against each other among these two major contenders and their followers. There are proposals for the postponement of the election in some quarters (in fact, the election was postponed for six week). There are even some court cases that are threatening the peaceful conduct of the election. There are many controversies already about the removal or not of the head of the electoral body and the use or not of voters’ card reader at each polling unit. There is fear that violence may break out in some parts of the country if the expected candidate is not declared winner of the election. What will indeed be the outcome of this election? For Nigerians that are eligible to vote, your right is to go and cast your vote on the Election Day. Collect your permanent voters card (PVC) (if you have not done so, unfortunately, I could not get my own after many attempts). Vote wisely, rightly and as you are led by your conscience. Do not base your vote on any sentiment. Conduct yourselves civilly as you exercise your civic duty. Do not be involved in any act that will breach the peace of your community. For the candidates and their supporters, know that only one person will be declared elected as the next executive president of Nigeria. Losers should take the result in good faith. Do not resort to violence of any kind. Election tribunal is there to redress any grievance. The outcome of this election in Nigeria will determine the progress or otherwise of the country. What will be the outcome of this election? In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Requests: I call on all lovers of good governance, especially Christians throughout the world, to pray for Nigeria and Nigerians as we are making this vital decision. Pray for peace and tranquility before, during, and after the election. Pray for the safety of lives of electoral officials as they conduct this election. Pray that they will really be impartial in this exercise.

Quote for the Day 21Mar2015

While God's grace opens doors for us to experience freedom like we have never known, it is also the foundation for us to develop a deeper relationship with God. - Michael Youssef

Quote for the Day 20Mar2015

When we are united to Christ, our weakness to his strength, our emptiness to his fullness, for all our need there flows to us from him a supply adequate to our want. - James R. Miller

Quote for the Day 19Mar2015

Seek a good name, not to honor yourselves but to glorify Christ our Lord whose name is above all names. - David McCasland

Quote for the Day 18Mar2015

Courage is doing what you are afraid to do. There can be no courage unless you are scared. - Eddie Rickenbacker

Quote for the Day 17Mar2015

If Jesus is concerned about flowers and birds, He certainly cares about you and me. - Author Unknown

Quote for the Day 16Mar2015

Prayer is our way of connecting with God in all life’s circumstances. God is always listening. We can talk to Him any time throughout the day. - Marvin Williams

Quote for the Day 15Mar2015

In what do you base your faith? Base your faith in the efficacy of simple prayer offered in faith to God. Anything short of this is mere wasting of one’s time. - Bayo Afolaranmi

IN WHAT DO YOU DO BASE YOUR FAITH?

Dearly Beloved, IN WHAT DO YOU DO BASE YOUR FAITH? “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. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does” (James 1:5-8 NIV). I had an encounter with one of my BBM contacts early in the morning recently. He commented that the Bible verse I used for the day talking about being optimistic was for him as he was going to write an examination later that day. He then requested that I should say some words of prayer with him which I did immediately. However, he insisted and even begged me that I should record my prayer and send it to him as audio message because he believes more in audio prayer than written prayer. I made him understand that if he could not believe in the simple written prayer, it will be difficult for him to believe in my continuous prayer with him. I even doubt if the audio prayer he wanted would be effectual if I granted the request. I wonder why he based his faith in audio prayer. This BBM contact was different from the centurion that his story was recorded in Matthew 8:5-13 and Luke 7:1-10. One of the servants of this centurion was sick to the point of death. The centurion came to Jesus Christ and begged Him to come and heal the servant. Jesus Christ agreed to follow the man to his house, but the man replied, "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it" (Matthew 8:8-9 NIV). Jesus Christ did commend such a great faith and the sick servant was healed instantly. The centurion did not believe in the physical presence of Jesus Christ, but he based his faith in efficacious words of Jesus Christ. Many people nowadays would have preferred that Jesus Christ is physically present to heal them or intervene in their situations. Since this is not possible, these people resort to basing their faith on what they can see, touch, feel, hear, and/or smell before they can believe that they are healed or that Jesus Christ has intervened in their situations. No wonder, such people are being deceived by fake prophets/pastors and modern-day “prayer merchants”. In what do you base your faith? Base your faith in the efficacy of simple prayer offered in faith to God. Anything short of this is mere wasting of one’s time (see James 1:5-8; Matthew 21:22; Mark 11:22-24; Hebrews 11:6). In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Quote for the Day 14Mar2015

When you find peace within yourself, you become the kind of person who can live at peace with others. - Peace Pilgrim

Quote for the Day 13Mar2015

Thou my everlasting Portion, More than friend or life to me, All along my pilgrim journey, Savior, let me walk with Thee. Close to Thee, close to Thee, Close to Thee, close to Thee; All along my pilgrim journey, Savior, let me walk with Thee. - Fanny Jane Crosby

Quote for the Day 12Mar2015

The devil is satisfied if he can draw off our attention from great things, and engage it with little things; he will be happy if he can make you prefer opinions to practice, and controversy to devotion. - Supo Ayokunle

Quote for the Day 11Mar2015

To be honest is to tread the way of God, it will make you free, it will make people depend on you, it will make your mind and work flow and you do not have to remember what you said before you speak. - Nelson Tunde Akinola

Quote for the Day 10Mar2015

Your past does not have to be your prison; you have a say in your life, you have a voice in your destiny, you have a choice in the path you take. Choose well and some day - generations from now - others will thank God for the legacy you left. - Bob Gass

Quote for the Day 09Mar2015

Seeds of great discoveries are constantly floating around us, but they only take root in minds well prepared to receive them. - Joseph Henry

Quote for the Day 08Mar2015

Who are your associates? With whom do you work in partnership? Will your partnership with such people incur the blessings of God, or His wrath and destruction? Associate with godly people so that you will be more successful in all your undertakings. - Bayo Afolaranmi

WHO IS YOUR ASSOCIATE?

Dearly Beloved, WHO IS YOUR ASSOCIATE? "Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’" (1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV). "Eliezer son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, ‘Because you have made an alliance with Ahaziah, the LORD will destroy what you have made.’ The ships were wrecked and were not able to set sail to trade" (2 Chronicles 20:37 NIV). King Jehoshaphat of Judah was one of the good kings that did well in following the ways of the Lord. The writers of the Scriptures wrote good things about him and his reign. God in turn blessed him by being with him and making him prospered (see 2 Chronicles 17:1-5). He had successes in all his military endeavors (verse 10; 2 Chronicles 20). Because of the peace that God granted him, he built many forts and store cities in Judah, apart from the experienced fighting men that he had (see 2 Chronicles 17:12-19). However, he associated himself with wicked kings, Kings Ahab and Ahaziah of Israel (see 2 Chronicles 18:1; 20:35). This made him to have marriage alliance with them. He joined them in battle, and tried to make trade with them. Each of these alliances had adverse effects on Jehoshaphat. He was nearly killed in the battle (2 Chronicles 18); the partnership with Ahaziah failed woefully (2 Chronicles 20:37); and the marriage alliance renewed idolatry and wickedness in Judah. In fact, Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab who married the son of Jehoshaphat, later nearly wiped away all the royal lineage of Jehoshaphat. She committed great atrocities in the land before God intervened (see 2 Chronicles 22:10—23:15). What a great consequence of bad company! Many people today have been causing bad effects on themselves because of the people with whom they associate themselves. Most of such people are good people, but their associates are not. Some of such people have even become corrupted because of their associates. Since they cannot beat them in most cases, they join them in their corrupt practices. Besides, how can God bless such partnerships? God categorically told Jehoshaphat He would destroy such partnership, and He did! (2 Chronicles 20:37). He had earlier warned him, but he did not yield to the warning (see 2 Chronicles 19:2). Who are your associates? With whom do you work in partnership? Will your partnership with such people incur the blessings of God, or His wrath and destruction? Associate with godly people so that you will be more successful in all your undertakings. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Quote for the Day 07Mar2015

We need not fear the perils around us because the eye of the Lord is always upon us. - Author Unknown

Quote for the Day 06Mar2015

When you are weary in struggles of life, as if mounted up with wings like eagles, find your rest in the Lord. - Amos O. Tella

Quote for the Day 05Mar2015

Be thankful for each new challenge, because it will build your strength and character. Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons. Be thankful when you're tired and weary, because it means you've made a difference. - Debra Cummings

Quote for the Day 03Mar2015

Salvation is infinitely costly, but absolutely free. When we understand the cost of our salvation, we learn to be truly thankful. - Keila Ochoa

Quote for the Day 04Mar2015

Most people give up just when they are about to achieve success. They quit on the one-yard line. They give up at the last minute of the game one-foot from a winning touchdown. - Ross Perot

Quote for the Day 02Mar2015

Our time here on earth is indeed brief. Regardless of our aspirations and status, death can come at any time without warning. - Bayo Afolaranmi

Quote for the Day 01Mar2015

The Lord will march you out of every form of failure and disappointment and march you unto your breakthrough and success in Jesus' name. Amen. - Bayo Afolaranmi