Spiritual Digest for the Day 31Aug2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “This is the day which the Lord has brought about; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24 AMP). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead – tomorrow hasn’t arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I’m going to be happy in it. – Groucho Marx ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to really rejoice in this day.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 30Aug2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God” (2 Corinthians 6:14-16 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Christians are in the world, but not of the world. We are to be light of the world, not to compromise our faith with the world. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will have insight to who to have any alliance with.

DISCONNECT YOURSELF FROM EVIL COVENANTS

Dearly Beloved, DISCONNECT YOURSELF FROM EVIL COVENANTS “Now Jehoshaphat had great wealth and honor, and he allied himself with Ahab by marriage” (2 Chronicles 18:1 NIV). “When Jehoshaphat king of Judah returned safely to his palace in Jerusalem, Jehu the seer, the son of Hanani, went out to meet him and said to the king, ‘Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord? Because of this, the wrath of the Lord is upon you. There is, however, some good in you, for you have rid the land of the Asherah poles and have set your heart on seeking God’” (2 Chronicles 19:1-3 NIV). Jehoshaphat, son of Asa, was a good king in Judah. Unlike many other kings that reigned before and after him, he sought the face of God and walked in the good ways of David, his ancestor. He did not consult the false gods that other kings had put in place in the land. In fact, he destroyed the shrines of these false gods. God thereafter established him and made him prosperous. Unfortunately, he allied himself by marriage with Ahab, the evil king of Israel. He collaborated with Ahab to wage war against Syria. He acted foolishly to allow Ahab disguise himself as a king while he (Jehoshaphat) went to the warfront in his full regalia. Only God saved him from that war. When he came back home, God sent a prophet to him to rebuke him for the evil covenant he had with Ahab. Many Christians today ally themselves with unbelievers and evil people. They do not yield to the warnings in 2 Corinthians 6:14-16: “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God” (NIV). Many have ruined themselves by this act. Christians are in the world, but not of the world. We are to be light of the world, not to compromise our faith with the world. Who have you knowingly or unknowingly made any evil covenant with? Disconnect from that evil covenant if you want God to be pleased with you. Rise up today and pray against any evil covenant you might have made with the unbelievers. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will have insight to who to have any alliance with.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 29Aug2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23 AMP). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY There is always the danger that we may just do the work for the sake of the work. This is where the respect, the love, and the devotion come in - that we do it to God, to Christ, and that is why we try to do it as beautifully as possible. - Mother Teresa ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always work as if unto God.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 28Aug2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more" (Psalm 71:14 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Regardless of how we feel, if we lift up the name of Jesus, He will remove the cloud of discouragement surrounding us and give us His power and strength. - Michael Youssef ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY May Your praise, Lord, continually be on my lips, even when it is hard to praise You.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 27Aug2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied. The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Proverbs 18:20-21 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Words have the potential to produce positive or negative consequences. They have the power to give life through encouragement and honesty or to crush and kill through lies and gossip. - Marvin Williams ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that your words will always produce positive consequences.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 26Aug2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "As God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience" (Colossians 3:12 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others. Devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning. - Mitch Albom ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that your life will be a channel of God’s blessings to other people.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 25Aug2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God" ( 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Our struggles not only give us an opportunity to experience His comfort, but they also open the door for us to share that comfort with others in their struggles. - Bill Crowder ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to use your past experiences to minister to others that are going through similar ones now.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 24Aug2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When fear is overwhelming, the Lord is there. His comforting presence will carry us through our deepest trials. - Bill Crowder ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the manifestation of comforting presence of God to carry you through any trials.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 23Aug2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal” (Isaiah 26:3-4 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Courage is to take a step forward into an area of difficulty without a solution in mind, but yet feeling that victory is ahead. It is going empty handed, but knowing that God's hand is stretched out to pull you. - Debra Cummings ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Keep me Lord in Your perfect peace till I reach my goals in life.

VICTORY IS SURE! (A Testimony)

Beloved, VICTORY IS SURE! (A Testimony) “Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together” (Psalm 34:3 NIV). I am very glad to tell you the news that the Lord favoured me by granting me UK visa to study Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in an Irish school after 13 years of many attempts. Praise the Lord! As I am rejoicing for this breakthrough, I remember this poem I composed several years ago about victory. Let me share it again with you: VICTORY IS SURE! Do not accept defeat, Do not be downcast, Do not let your heart be depressed. Perhaps it is not well today, But it will be better tomorrow; Perhaps you do not have what you want now, But soonest you will have it; Perhaps you find it difficult to actualize your goals, Do not abandon such goals. Continue to encourage yourself, That you will certainly succeed. Perhaps you were defeated in one battle, Yet your victory is sure. Despite all obstacles, If you do not become weary; If you do not become discouraged; If you do not accept defeat; If you continue to struggle, It shall be well with you. Victory is sure! Continue to pray with as I am now preparing to go to the UK in the mid September to start the post graduate study in Trinity College (University of Dublin) at Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK that: a. God will meet me at the very point of my financial, moral, material, psychological, and even spiritual needs; b. God will grant a journey mercy from Ibadan, Nigeria to Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK; c. God will be with my wife and children that I will leave behind in Nigeria; d. God will give me His Spirit of wisdom, knowledge and understanding as I will start the academic activities after many years of break. e. God will help me to be able to cope with the new challenges that I will face over there. If the Lord puts it in your mind to specifically help me in any area before I leave Nigeria or when I get to the UK, write a personal email to me at or . In fact, I am looking for some people that will give me at least N5000 (or at least $50 or 50 Euro) before the end of this month towards the study. If you can, please contact me privately. Your little contribution will go a long way. Thank you very much and God bless you abundantly! Glad shouts of victory will be heard in your tents in Jesus’ name. Amen! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Spiritual Digest for the Day 19Aug2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:8-9 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The confession of evil works is the first beginning of good works. - Saint Augustine ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to always confess and be ready to forsake my sins.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 18Aug2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “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). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Faith beyond human sight is eternal. All that we have seen of God’s provision teaches us to trust Him for what is unseen. - Amos O. Tella ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, teach me to look more unto you in faith beyond human sight.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 17Aug2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago” (Isaiah 25:1 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When you consider all the wonderful things that God does silently on your behalf each day, you will see that your list of praises is much longer than your list of petitions. - Julie Ackerman Link ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to count your blessings instead of your requests.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 16Aug2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water” (Hebrews 10:22 NKJV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Draw me nearer, nearer, blessed Lord, to the cross where Thou hast died; draw me nearer, nearer, nearer, blessed Lord, to Thy precious, bleeding side. - Fanny Jane Crosby ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Sincerely commit yourself to God and ask Him to consecrate you for His service.

I AM THINE, O LORD

Dearly Beloved, I AM THINE, O LORD “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water” (Hebrews 10:22 NKJV). The hymn, “I AM THINE, O LORD”, written by Fanny Jane Crosby (1820-1915) is one of the most popular hymns of consecration. It was composed out of inspiration from the discussion of the blind Crosby and William Doane about the blessedness of enjoying the nearness of God. As they were discussing at length about this, Crosby started writing the words of the hymn - line by line, verse by verse, and then the refrain. Doane later arranged the stanzas and composed the tune. Like so many of Crosby’s hymns, this hymn is written in the first person - a personal testimony of her relationship with Christ. Stanza one begins with a total surrender to Christ and the desire to be closer drawn to God. The second stanza aptly draws upon the closeness of this relationship as a thrust of service, a desire for consecration to the service of Lord. Stanza three defines the relationship further as one centred in prayer. In the final stanza, Crosby acknowledges that her relationship will not be complete until she reaches heaven and then she will find rest in peace with God. The refrain is the focal point around which the stanzas all connect. This hymn is indeed a hymn of consecration. Do you really belong to God? How close are you to Him? Are you ready to totally surrender yourself for the service of the Lord? If the blind Fanny Jane Crosby could make this commitment in spite of her predicament, it is a big challenge to the contemporary Christian to commit him/herself to God no matter the situation. Apostle James summed it up: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8 NKJV). In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Sincerely commit yourself to God and ask Him to consecrate you for His service.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 15Aug2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Make sure you are not so concerned about your image that you lose sight of the principles in God's Word. - Michael Youssef ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that your concern will always be to please God, and not men.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 14Aug2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. For he says, ‘In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.’ I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:1-2 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY There is only one time that is important - NOW! It is the most important time because it is the only time that we have any power. - Leo Tolstoy ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to maximize your time NOW.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 13Aug2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Leave no [such] room or foothold for the devil [give no opportunity to him]" (Ephesians 4:27 AMP). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Refuse to give the devil a place. If you give him an inch he will take a mile. - EA Adeboye ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not give any room for the devil in your life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 12Aug2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:7-10 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God wants you to know that when everything else is gone, that makes more room for Him, and every time there is more room for Him, you are blessed. - Angela Thomas ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, let Your grace be sufficient for me when everything else is gone.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 11Aug2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "It's what we trust in but don't yet see that keeps us going" (2 Corinthians 5:7 MSG). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY You don’t have to see the entire staircase to take the first step. - Martin Luther King Jr. ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will trust God come what may.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 10Aug2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "For what is life? To me, it is Christ. Death, then, will bring more" (Philippians 1:21 TEV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY How do you see your life? Until you get the correct view of life, it will be difficult to live with eternity in perspective. - Gideon Akanbi ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to get correct view of life so as to live for You.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 09Aug2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself in this way" (Daniel 1:8 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Resolve to stand out for God in refusing to do even those seeming good things that can tarnish the image of God in you. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to resolve to stand out to do your will even when it is contrary to what is in vogue.

RESOLVE TO STAND OUT

Dearly Beloved, RESOLVE TO STAND OUT "But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself in this way" (Daniel 1:8 NIV). The people of Judah were led into exile in captivity because of their disobedience to God. The temple of God and the city of Jerusalem - the prides of Israel - were destroyed. The self-esteem of the people was dented. They were no longer a nation free of external forces. In fact, they were now captives in a foreign land. They could not worship their God in the way they preferred, and their children were now slaves that were serving their captors. In spite of these predicaments, Daniel and his colleagues resolved to distinguish themselves in that foreign land in not defiling themselves with things that seemed ordinary but that could make them be far from their God. These four Jewish young men were not like many people today that are ready to do anything that is in vogue. They resolved to stand out, and God rewarded them with prestige and position of authority in that land of captivity. Are you also ready to resolve to stand out in this depraved world? The Bible says, "Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong" (Exodus 23:2 NIV). Resolve to stand out for God in refusing to do even those seeming good things that can tarnish the image of God in you. Joshua told the people of Israel, "But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD" (Joshua 24:15 NIV). Resolve to stand out for God! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Lord, help me to resolve to stand out to do your will even when it is contrary to what is in vogue.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 08Aug2015

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint" (Isaiah 40:31 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When the storms of life come upon us, we can rise above them by setting our minds and hearts on Jesus, and putting our faith in Him. - Author Unknown ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to always set my mind on You in any storm of life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 07Aug2015

QUOTE FOR THE DAY Having peace with God does not ensure problem-free living. However, it does steady us during difficult times. - Jennifer Benson Schuldt ************************** BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NKJV). ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will have the peace of God in the midst of any turmoil.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 06Aug2015

QUOTE FOR THE DAY With the Grand Master, victory is assured, no matter how the board of life may look at any given moment. - Philip Yancey ************************** BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God" (Romans 8:20-21 NIV). ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to wait for God’s victory for your life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 05Aug2015

QUOTE FOR THE DAY Everything happens for a purpose. We may not see the wisdom of it all now but trust and believe in the Lord that everything is for the best. - Author Unknown ************************** BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28 NIV). ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray to continue to trust and believe in the Lord until His purpose is fulfilled in your life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 04Aug2015

QUOTE FOR THE DAY Most of us are farsighted about sin — we see the sins of others but not our own. - Julie Ackerman Link ************************** BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?" (Matthew 7:3-4 NIV). ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to see your sin clearly before seeing the sins of others.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 03Aug2015

QUOTE FOR THE DAY Jesus came to find us, for we could never have found Him if left to ourselves. It is a clear expression of the Creator’s love for His lost creation that He pursues us and desires to make us His own. - Bill Crowder ************************** BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10 NIV). ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for those that have not been found by Jesus that they will be led to His saving knowledge.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 02Aug2015

QUOTE FOR THE DAY God remains God no matter what. He will act in His own way and at His own time to deliver. He does not forget nor abandon His own. Continue to trust in Him. You will soon testify to His goodness over your life. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************************** BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “How long, LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? ... But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation” (Psalm 13:1, 5 NIV). ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will continue to trust in God no matter the situation.

ANGUISHED, YET TRUSTED IN GOD

Dearly Beloved, ANGUISHED, YET TRUSTED IN GOD “How long, LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? ... But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation” (Psalm 13:1, 5 NIV). King David was a man after God’s heart (see Acts 13:22). He got this appellation because of his unique relationship with God. Here was a man who was sanointed as king of Israel in place of Saul at a tender age but could not ascend the throne until after many years full of persecution, suffering, hardship and the likes. He could not stay at home. He became a wanderer with many other distressed people (see 1 Samuel 22:1-2). At a point, he had to relocate his parents to a foreign land (1 Samuel 22:3-4), and at another occasion, he had to seek refuge with the enemies of Israel to be safe (1 Samuel 27). Probably, David wrote Psalm 13 during this period of suffering. He complained that God had forgotten him and had hidden His face from helping him. He reasoned that his enemies were triumphing over him. In spite of his anguish, he expressed trust in the unfailing love of God, and still rejoiced in His salvation. What a contradiction! How could he trust Someone that had seemingly forgotten him? How could he rejoice in the salvation of Someone who seemingly allowed his enemies to triumph over him? David could trust in God in spite of his anguish because he knew the Lord that he was serving. He knew that God could deliver him from his suffering, and that that deliverance would come at God’s own time and God’s own way. No wonder, he normally enquired of the Lord before he ventured into any endeavour. Even when the lives of his loved ones were at stake, he enquired of the Lord before he pursue their captors (see 1 Samuel 30). He was never in a hurry more than God. He waited till the right time and he eventually became the greatest king of Israel. Many people cannot trust in God because of their predicaments. Some have even denied His existence because of one disappointment or the other that they have experienced in the past. To such people, if God exists and is powerful, He would not have allowed them to pass through such ugly experiences. Well, God remains God no matter what. He will act in His own way and at His own time to deliver. He does not forget nor abandon His own. Continue to trust in Him. You will soon testify to His goodness over your life. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will continue to trust in God no matter the situation.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 01Aug2015

QUOTE FOR THE DAY God’s dawn of deliverance often comes when hour of trial is darkest. That is God’s proof of presence and unending care. - Amos O. Tella ************************** BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me" (Psalm 23:4 NIV). ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always the presence of God in whatever situation you are passing through.