SPIRITUAL DIGEST FOR THE DAY 31May2015

QUOTE FOR THE DAY When you are being maltreated, be sure that it is because of doing good thing, not because of any other reasons. God will indeed promote you when you are being maltreated for doing good thing. - Bayo Afolaranmi ******************* BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Joseph's master took him and put him in prison. But while Joseph was there in the prison, the LORD was with him; He showed him kindness and granted him favour in the eyes of the prison warder" (Genesis 39:20-21 NIV). ******************* ACTION/PRAYER POINT FOR THE DAY Pray that God will give you the grace to endure being maltreated for doing good thing till the time He will elevate you.

WHEN YOU ARE BEING MALTREATED

Dearly Beloved, WHEN YOU ARE BEING MALTREATED "Joseph's master took him and put him in prison. But while Joseph was there in the prison, the LORD was with him; He showed him kindness and granted him favour in the eyes of the prison warder" (Genesis 39:20-21 NIV). The story of Joseph has always been an attention-grabbing one to me. His father loved him because his mother was the favourite wife of his father. Nevertheless, there was another reason for the special love of his father for him. The Bible says, "he brought their father a bad report about [his other brothers]" (Genesis 37:2 NIV). The father's love and Joseph's action made his brothers to hate him. Their hatred notwithstanding, Joseph told them about his future as he had seen it in dreams. This also made them to hate him more. The thought that came to their minds when they had the opportunity of harming Joseph was to kill him! They maltreated him by throwing him into an empty cistern. They later decided to sell him as a slave to some merchants. The merchants in turn sold him to an Egyptian officer. In slavery, he was accused wrongly of an offence he did not committed by the wife of his master. Unfortunately, the master did not verify the authenticity of the accusation before sending Joseph to the prison. What a series of maltreatment! However, in all these, God did not forsake Joseph. He showed him kindness and favour both in the house of the Egyptian officer and even in prison. God made everything entrusted to Joseph a success. Even when he was been forgotten in the prison by an officer of Pharaoh, the Lord was still with him. No wonder, in God's appointed time, he was remembered and elevated to the highest position in Egypt second in rank to Pharaoh. Are you being maltreated for doing good thing? When you are being maltreated, be sure that it is because of doing good thing, not because of any other reasons. Peter says, "It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil" and "So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good" (1 Peter 3:17; 4:19 NIV). God will indeed promote you when you are being maltreated for doing good thing. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Requests: 1. Are you being maltreated for doing good thing? Pray that God will give you the grace to endure it till the time He will elevate you. 2. Pray that God will arise to vindicate those that are being maltreated for doing good thing and give Himself glory in their lives.

SPIRITUAL DIGEST FOR THE DAY 30May2015

QUOTE FOR THE DAY If you know that God’s hand is in everything, you can leave everything in God’s hand. - Author Unknown ******************* BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me” (Psalm 31:15 NIV). ******************* ACTION/PRAYER POINT FOR THE DAY Lord, let me learn to leave my time in your hand.

SPIRITUAL DIGEST FOR THE DAY 29May2015

QUOTE FOR THE DAY The person who refuses to hear criticism has no chance to learn from it. A rebuked scoffer responds with anger and hate. - Amos O. Tella ******************* BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “A fool spurns a parent’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence” (Proverbs 15:5 NIV). ******************* ACTION/PRAYER POINT FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always listen to constructive criticism.

SPIRITUAL DIGEST FOR THE DAY 28May2015

QUOTE FOR THE DAY We tend to forget that happiness does not come as a result of getting something we do not have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have. - Frederick Koenig ******************* BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want” (Philippians 4:12 NIV). ******************* ACTION/PRAYER POINT FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to be appreciative of what you have.

SPIRITUAL DIGEST FOR THE DAY 27May2015

QUOTE FOR THE DAY Children are not the same. Each child is a unique creature of God and God's design in each child cannot be questioned. - Comfort Ayanrinola ******************* BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well” (Psalm 139:14 NIV). ******************* ACTION/PRAYER POINT FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to treat each child uniquely.

SPIRITUAL DIGEST FOR THE DAY 26May2015

QUOTE FOR THE DAY The Lord knows what time is best for us. If you are waiting for answered prayer or the fulfilment of one of His promises, do not give up. If you think He has forgotten you, think again. When the fullness of time is right for you, He will show up - and His brilliant timing will amaze you! - Joe Stowell ******************* BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him...” (Psalm 37:7-8 NIV). ******************* ACTION/PRAYER POINT FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to patiently wait on the Lord till His timing for your life.

SPIRITUAL DIGEST FOR THE DAY 25May2015

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 ******************* 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). ******************* ACTION/PRAYER POINT FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to continue to trust in God no matter the situation.

SPIRITUAL DIGEST FOR THE DAY 24May2015

QUOTE FOR THE DAY There may be many ways in which people try to reach and please God. However, there is only one Way to do this. Jesus Christ is the Way. There is no other way! - Bayo Afolaranmi ******************* BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’” (John 14:6 NIV). ******************* ACTION/PRAYER POINT FOR THE DAY Pray that the Lord will open the eyes of people that are seeking Him in the wrong ways to the right Way.

THERE IS NO OTHER WAY!

Dearly Beloved, THERE IS NO OTHER WAY! “…then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. He is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.' Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:10-12 NIV). Many people desire to serve God. They do and believe all sorts of things to please Him. Many try to reach Him through other people and/or beings. No wonder, there are thousands of religions all over the world. Even, those that claim not to believe in the existence of God have things in them that they hold in high esteem in place of God. However, God does not hide Himself from His creation. He has made Himself known in many ways. He revealed Himself in the Holy Bible and clearly let people know what pleases Him. He can only be fully known and reached through His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ made this known as He addressed His disciples: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6 NIV). As Peter and John were defending their faith before the Sanhedrin after the healing of the cripple man, they succinctly declared this fact (see Acts 4:10-12). Likewise, in his first epistle, John summarized it: God commands that people should come to Him through Jesus Christ (1 John 3:23). Only those who obey this command live in Him, and He lives in them also. There is no other way in which God has made Himself known that is acceptable to Him apart from this. It indeed makes Christianity to be exclusive of all world religions. There is no controversy about it. In what or who do you believe? Do you really believe in Jesus Christ as the Saviour and Lord of your life? There may be many ways in which people try to reach and please God. However, there is only one Way to do this. Jesus Christ is the Way. There is no other way! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that the Lord will open the eyes of people that are seeking Him in the wrong ways to the right Way.

SPIRITUAL DIGEST FOR THE DAY 23May2015 Q

UOTE FOR THE DAY In our time of need - whether spiritual, emotional, or physical - we can depend on the faithful care and concern of the Father. - Bill Crowder ******************* 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). ******************* ACTION/PRAYER POINT FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to always depend on the faithful care and concern of God over your life.

SPIRITUAL DIGEST FOR THE DAY 22May2015

QUOTE FOR THE DAY Champions do not become champions when they win the event, but in the hours, weeks, months and years they spend preparing for it. The victorious performance itself is merely the demonstration of their championship character. - T. Alan Armstrong ******************* BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Now every athlete who goes into training conducts himself temperately and restricts himself in all things" (1 Corinthians 9:25 AMP). ******************* ACTION/PRAYER POINT FOR THE DAY Pray that you will take preparation for important things serious as from today.

SPIRITUAL DIGEST FOR THE DAY 21May2015

QUOTE FOR THE DAY Taking your eyes off God can result in failure, just like keeping your eyes firmly fixed on Him can bring some of the greatest victories you will ever know. - Michael Youssef ******************* BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:2 NIV). ******************* ACTION/PRAYER POINT FOR THE DAY Pray that the Lord will help you to stay focused on Him, trusting that He will work through you to accomplish great things.

SPIRITUAL DIGEST FOR THE DAY 20May2015

QUOTE FOR THE DAY You cannot change the past, but you can ruin the present by worrying about the future. - Anonymous ******************* BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34 NIV). ******************* ACTION/PRAYER POINT FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not ruin your present by worrying about the future.

SPIRITUAL DIGEST FOR THE DAY 19May2015

QUOTE FOR THE DAY Praising the Lord requires us to concentrate on God’s character while forsaking what we fear, what is wrong in our lives, and the self-sufficiency in our hearts. - Jennifer Benson Schuldt ******************* BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth” (Psalm 34:1 NKJV). ******************* ACTION/PRAYER POINT FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to always praise God all the time in spite of your circumstances.

SPIRITUAL DIGEST FOR THE DAY 18May2015

QUOTE FOR THE DAY Self-respect is the root of discipline; the sense of dignity grows with the ability to say no to oneself. - Abraham Lincoln ******************* BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “That is why I run straight for the finish line; that is why I am like a boxer who does not waste his punches. I harden my body with blows and bring it under complete control, to keep myself from being disqualified after having called others to the contest” (1 Corinthians 9:26-27 TEV). ******************* ACTION/PRAYER POINT FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to discipline yourself to be more God-like this week.

SPIRITUAL DIGEST FOR THE DAY 17May2015

QUOTE FOR THE DAY Life is full of ups and downs. However, many are the wonders of the LORD for anyone who can patiently wait on Him. - Bayo Afolaranmi ******************* BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Many, LORD my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare” (Psalm 40:5 NIV). ******************* ACTION/PRAYER POINT FOR THE DAY Pray that you will experience the wonder-working God wonderfully in every sphere of your life.

I SERVE THE WONDER-WORKING GOD!

Dearly Beloved, I SERVE THE WONDER-WORKING GOD! “Many, LORD my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare” (Psalm 40:5 NIV). It is believed that David was the writer of Psalm 40 testifying to the wonders of God and thanking Him for His steadfast love over him. The reason is obvious from David’s history. Because of Saul’s sins against God, God rejected him as king of Israel and sent Samuel to anoint David as the next king (1 Samuel 15-16). David faced a lot of hostilities and troubles even from his brothers. He became a fugitive in his own country. He had to relocate his parents to a foreign country for safety (see 1 Samuel 22:3-4). He twice sought refuge with the enemies of his nation (see 1 Samuel 21:10-15; 27:1-12). In spite of all his predicaments, the LORD did not let him down. He turned to him and lifted him out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire. The LORD set his feet on a rock and gave him a firm place to stand in Israel and among other nations. The LORD put a new song in his mouth, a hymn of praise. Many indeed saw these and feared and put their trust in the LORD during the lifetime of David. No wonder, David could declare the wonders of God in this psalm. Even in Job’s calamity, he also could declare: “[God] performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted” (Job 9:10 NIV). Life is full of ups and downs. Every person has his/her own dilemma to confront. However, the LORD is ready to do wonders in the life of anyone who can patiently wait on Him. He can make such person to successfully overcome any dilemma and sing song of praises like David. What are you facing presently? Trust in the LORD! He will do wonders in your life. He will bring you out of the predicament. He will lift you up out of the mud of life. He will set your feet on a rock and give you a firm place to stand among your contemporaries. He will put a new song in your mouth, a hymn of praise to His holy name. Many people will indeed see it and praise God with you. They will fear and trust God for what He will do in your life. I serve a wonder-working God! “May the LORD God, the God of Israel, who alone does wonders, be praised” (Psalm 72:18 HCSB). In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will experience the wonder-working God wonderfully in every sphere of your life.

SPIRITUAL DIGEST FOR THE DAY 16May2015

QUOTE FOR THE DAY Our story of God’s work in our lives can encourage others. Let those around you know that the God of the Bible is still at work today! - Poh Fang Chia ******************* BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "The might of your awesome deeds shall be proclaimed, and I will declare your greatness” (Psalm 145:6 NRSV). ******************* ACTION/PRAYER POINT FOR THE DAY Pray for an opportunity to share your testimony about God’s goodness with someone today.

SPIRITUAL DIGEST FOR THE DAY 15May2015

QUOTE FOR THE DAY When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive - to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love. - Marcus Aurelius ******************* BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustained me” (Psalm 3:5 NKJV). ******************* ACTION/PRAYER POINT FOR THE DAY Thank God for waking you up today.

SPIRITUAL DIGEST FOR THE DAY 14May2015

QUOTE FOR THE DAY Wisdom is the reward you get for a lifetime of listening when you'd have preferred to talk. - Doug Larson ******************* BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Understand [this], my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear [a ready listener], slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry” (James 1:19 AMP). ******************* ACTION/PRAYER POINT FOR THE DAY Pray that the Lord will enable you to listen more than speaking today.

SPIRITUAL DIGEST FOR THE DAY 13May2015

QUOTE FOR THE DAY Be the kind of person who cares for others and helps them hang on to faith in Jesus even when life looks hopeless. - Anne Cetas ******************* BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "David said to Mephibosheth, ‘Don’t be afraid. I will be kind to you because of your father Jonathan. I will give back to you all the land of your grandfather Saul. And you will always be able to eat at my table’” (2 Samuel 9:7 ERV). ******************* ACTION/PRAYER POINT FOR THE DAY Pray that the Lord will lead you to someone that you will deliberately be kind to today.

SPIRITUAL DIGEST FOR THE DAY 12May2015

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 ******************* 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). ******************* ACTION/PRAYER POINT FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to be resolute whatever the case may be.

SPIRITUAL DIGEST FOR THE DAY 11May2015

QUOTE FOR THE DAY God’s power can be more easily seen and experienced in our lives when we get rid of sin’s build up every day. - Cindy Hess Kasper ******************* BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear” (Isaiah 59:1-2 NIV). ******************* ACTION/PRAYER POINT FOR THE DAY Pray that you will make conscious efforts this week to abstain from sins that will draw you away from God.

SPIRITUAL DIGEST FOR THE DAY 10May2015

QUOTE FOR THE DAY Regardless of views of the world about parental discipline, parents should not be hesitant to discipline their children either publicly or privately. This will surely make this world a better place. Spare the rod, and spoil not only the child, but the society as well. Happy Mother’s Day! - Bayo Afolaranmi ******************* BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him” (Proverbs 13:24 NIV). ******************* ACTION/PRAYER POINT FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace not to spare the rod in disciplining your children either publicly or privately.

SPARE THE ROD...

Dearly Beloved, SPARE THE ROD... “He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him” (Proverbs 13:24 NIV). “The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother” (Proverbs 29:15 NIV). The heroism or otherwise of Ms. Toya Graham, the woman who publicly spanked her teenage son during the recent riot in Baltimore, USA, still baffles me. What is really heroism in this act? The publicity the incident attracted and people’s reactions and comments for and against it prove the depravity in the role of parents to bring up their children in the right way. It is unfortunate that discipline and upbringing of children have been given different meanings in many parts of the civilized world. In these places, parents cannot freely discipline their children because of some so-called laws of child abuse. Unfortunately, many children and youth have become wayward and depraved in their thinking and behaviours and the society is becoming more and more corrupt morally. This is not so in Africa as well as in the Ancient Near East where discipline of children is primarily the responsibility of the parents and at the same time the joint responsibility of the society at large. However, some children and youth, and even some adults, in Africa and other parts of the world where there is value for child discipline are clamouring for freedom of children and youth in the name of human rights. In spite of this, many people all the world still value parental discipline of children. No wonder, what the Baltimore woman did publicly was acclaimed by many as act of heroism and made many to even declare the woman as the mom of the year! The Holy Bible is clear about parental discipline of children. Consider these Bible passages: “He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him” (Proverbs 13:24 NIV). “Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death” (Proverbs 19:18 NIV). “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it” (Proverbs 22:6 NIV). “Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him” (Proverbs 22:15 NIV). “Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish him with the rod, he will not die. Punish him with the rod and save his soul from death” (Proverbs 23:13-14 NIV). “The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother…. Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul” (Proverbs 29:15, 17 NIV). “[Parents], do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4 NIV). Regardless of views of the world about parental discipline, parents should not be hesitant to discipline their children either publicly or privately. This will surely make this world a better place. Spare the rod, and spoil not only the child, but the society as well. To parents like Ms. Toya Graham, I wish you Happy Mother’s Day! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will not be condemned for failure to discipline your children either publicly or privately. NB This message is dedicated to Ms. Toya Graham and other mothers that value discipline of children no matter what.

SPIRITUAL DIGEST FOR THE DAY 09May2015

QUOTE FOR THE DAY You need not be afraid because God, who neither slumbers nor sleeps, is watching over you 24 hours a day! - Joseph Prince ******************* BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip — he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep” (Psalm 121:2-4 NIV). ******************* ACTION/PRAYER POINT FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to totally trust in the God who watches over you all the time.

SPIRITUAL DIGEST FOR THE DAY 08May2015

QUOTE FOR THE DAY Our goal should not be to see how many years we can live but instead to live fully in loving service to the Lord for all the years we are given. - David McCasland ******************* BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7 NKJV). ******************* ACTION/PRAYER POINT FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to live your life in loving service to the Lord for all the years He has given you.

SPIRITUAL DIGEST FOR THE DAY 07May2015

QUOTE FOR THE DAY There is a lot deposited in you but only what you develop that develops you. What you develop makes what you are. Develop many and you will be greater than many in many. - Abel Asubiaro ******************* BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well” (Psalm 139:13-14 NIV). ******************* ACTION/PRAYER POINT FOR THE DAY Lord, enable me to discover what you have deposited in me and use them to Your glory.

SPIRITUAL DIGEST FOR THE DAY 06May2015

QUOTE FOR THE DAY God is on the side of those who are on His side — who know His heart and mind and do His will — not those who insist on convincing God and others that their way is right. — Julie Ackerman Link ******************* BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Not to us, LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness” (Psalm 115:1 NIV). ******************* ACTION/PRAYER POINT FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not be wise in your own eyes but will always be on the Lord’s side all the time.

SPIRITUAL DIGEST FOR THE DAY 05May2015

QUOTE FOR THE DAY The defining moments of our lives are not determined by the evil done to us, but by our response through the grace and power of God. - David C. McCasland ******************* 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). ******************* ACTION/PRAYER POINT FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not respond to evil done to you by your human nature, but by the grace and power of God so as to bring good out of the evil.

SPIRITUAL DIGEST FOR THE DAY 04May2015

QUOTE FOR THE DAY What do you want from God – His blessings or His curses? Claiming the blessings is not enough. You have to diligently obey His commandments as spelt out in the Scriptures to have His blessings. Obey Him and His blessings will be yours. – Bayo Afolaranmi ******************* BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God” (Deuteronomy 28:1-2 NIV). ******************* ACTION/PRAYER POINT FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to always diligently obey God so that His blessings will be yours.

SPIRITUAL DIGEST FOR THE DAY 03May2015

SPIRITUAL DIGEST FOR THE DAY 03May2015 QUOTE FOR THE DAY Abide with me; fast falls the eventide; the darkness deepens; Lord with me abide. When other helpers fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, O abide with me. - Henry Francis Lyte ******************* BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “And they constrained him, saying, Abide with us; for it is toward evening, and the day is now far spent. And he went in to abide with them” (Luke 24:29 ASV). ******************* ACTION/PRAYER POINT FOR THE DAY Pray that the Lord will help you to allow Him in your life to abide with you so that you can experience His presence and grace both in life and in death.

ABIDE WITH ME

Dearly Beloved, ABIDE WITH ME “And they constrained him, saying, Abide with us; for it is toward evening, and the day is now far spent. And he went in to abide with them” (Luke 24:29 ASV). One of English favourite hymns is “ABIDE WITH ME” composed by Henry Francis Lyte (1793-1847), an Anglican clergyman who served nearly half his life as vicar of a church at Brixham, England. According to history, Lyte composed the hymn on the afternoon of the Sun¬day he gave his fare¬well ser¬mon in the par¬ish he served so ma¬ny years. It was as if he was prepared to die that day as he battled the deadly disease of tu¬ber¬cu¬lo¬sis. He died few weeks later. The hymn is lovely in both language and sentiment. However, it seems odd that a hymn about death could become as popular as this one. On closer reflection on the hymn, the reason seems clear because the hymn speaks to us, not only about death, but also about life. It assures us of God's presence and help in life and in death. The hymn is a hymn of hope in God who can abide with one in whatever situation even when all hope is lost and seemingly earthly helpers fail to help. The hymn is a hymn of peace and comfort. The world may be unstable and unreliable, but the hymn reassures us that the unchangeable God will abide with us. The hymn reminds us of the need for the presence and grace of God in every passing hour. These can foil the power of the devil. Because the Lord is there to abide with us and bless us, there is no need of fear of any foe, sickness or even death. In spite of his deteriorating health, Henry Francis Lyte could compose this inspiring hymn because he had put his trust in God. He was ready to die because he had surrendered his life to God and allowed Him to abide with him. The two disciples on the way to Emmaus invited Jesus Christ to abide with them, and they experienced Him more (see Luke 24:28-35). Only those who put their trust in God and invite Him to abide with them can enjoy His presence and grace both in life and in death. Such people will be able to say like Apostle Paul, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21 ASV). Lord, abide with me! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that the Lord will help you to allow Him in your life to abide with you so that you can experience His presence and grace both in life and in death.

Quote for the Day 02May2015

Because we all have faults and weaknesses, we should bear with one another and forgive each other when things go wrong. - Lawrence Darmani

Quote for the Day 01May2015

True courage is taking another small step each day toward achieving your vision. - Jonathan Lockwood Huie