Spiritual Digest for the Day 01Mar2016

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY We have the opportunity to make the use of the time God has given us each day to do our own thing, or to do God’s thing. How much of your time is allotted each day for loving and serving God by loving and serving others? - Larry Sydow ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always make good use of your divine-given time.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 29Feb2016

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus” (John 1:40-42 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY One word of genuine and hearty confession of Christ by a person whose soul is full of the new-found joy is worth more than the most eloquent sermons to lead others to believe in Christ. - James R. Miller ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that your life will always point others to Jesus Christ the Saviour.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 28Feb2016

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Then David was angry because the Lord's wrath had broken out against Uzzah.... David was afraid of the Lord that day and said, ‘How can the ark of the Lord ever come to me? He was not willing to take the ark of the Lord to be with him in the City of David” (2 Samuel 6:8-10 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY No matter how seemingly good your service is to God, if you do not do it the right way, do not blame God if He does not accept your service or even strike you in His own way. - Bayo Afolaranmi ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not serve God in the wrong way no matter how seemingly good the way may be.

DO NOT BLAME GOD!

Dearly Beloved, DO NOT BLAME GOD! “Then David was angry because the Lord's wrath had broken out against Uzzah, and to this day that place is called Perez Uzzah. David was afraid of the Lord that day and said, ‘How can the ark of the Lord ever come to me? He was not willing to take the ark of the Lord to be with him in the City of David” (2 Samuel 6:8-10 NIV). David had ascended the promised throne of Israel after many years running from one place to the other from Saul, the then king. He had established himself in his new capital city. As part of the ways to appreciate God for these, he brought together thirty thousand men chosen out of the Israelites and went to Baalah of Judah to bring the Ark of Covenant to his capital city. The ark has been in that village for almost 100 years since the time the Philistines returned it from its capture. Abinadab had been the custodian of this sacred object, so, when David came for it, he volunteered his sons, Uzzah and Ahio, to guard the ark as it was being transported on a new cart to Jerusalem amidst fanfare. Alas, a tragic incident occurred. In a bid to prevent the ark from falling because the oxen that were pulling the cart stumbled, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark. He was struck dead immediately by God because of his “irreverent act”! King David was angry for this and he was afraid to bring the ark to his capital city. He seemed to be blaming God for that tragedy. How could God strike Uzzah when he (Uzzah) was actually trying to “help” God? Many things went wrong in this event. The Ark of the Covenant represented the presence of God who dwelled among His people in a special way (see Exodus 25:22). Therefore, it has to be handled with reverence, even in its transportation from place to place. The Mosaic Law specified that the Levites (to be specific, the Kohathites) have to carry it on their shoulders by means of poles passed through gold rings attached to the ark (see Exodus 25:14; Numbers 4:15). Even the Levites should not touch the ark or even look in it because of its holiness or they risk death (see Numbers 4:20). It is impossible to know why David overlooked these requirements, but he and Uzzah and Ahio placed the ark on a cart and proceeded to Jerusalem. Out of his overzealousness, Uzzah took hold of the ark so that it would not fall. He faced the consequence instantly. Why then should David be angry? Why should he blame God for what he (David) did not do right? Many people are committing similar error today. They want to serve or please God in their own ways while God has given a specific way to come to Him and serve Him. Jesus Christ said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6 NIV). Peter re-echoed this later: “...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. See also 1 John 2:23; 2 John 9). In what ways are you also try to serve or please God wrongly? No matter how seemingly good your service is to God, if you do not do it the right way, do not blame God if He does not accept your service or even strike you in His own way. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will not serve God in the wrong way no matter how seemingly good the way may be.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 27Feb2016

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Be still and rest in the Lord; wait for Him and patiently lean yourself upon Him...” (Psalm 37:7a AMP). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When we take our eyes off the Lord, we will slide into one of two extremes. We will impatiently rush ahead without Him, or we will cower and complain in fear. Focusing on Him brings courage tempered with His wisdom. - Tim Gustafson ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to always be still and wait for Your direction in all my endeavours.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 26Feb2016

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews 12:11 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The Lord is shaping us. Let us be patient and allow His chastening to do its work in our lives so we will be able to praise Him. - M. R. De Haan ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to be patient with You as You shape my life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 25Feb2016

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “If the Lord delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand” (Psalm 37:23-24 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God is the Potter and we are the clay. We are still in the making. He has not finished with us yet. When God Himself is so patient with us in shaping our character, how can we become impatient with ourselves and quit trying? For a child of God, no failure is final! - R. Stanley ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me not to become impatient because of any set back in my life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 24Feb2016

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “He who brings an offering of praise and thanksgiving honors and glorifies [God]; and he who orders his way aright [who prepares the way that I may show him], to him I will demonstrate the salvation of God” (Psalm 50:23 AMP). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God is the audience for our worship. He is interest in the sacrifice of the heart for thanksgiving and submission. - Amos O. Tella ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to always over sacrifice of the heart for thanksgiving for You.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 23Feb2016

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed” (Mark 1:35 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Turning down the volume of life allows you to listen to God. - David McCasland ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to always turn down the volume of my life to listen to You.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 22Feb2016

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds” (Psalm 77:12 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Our problems are opportunities to discover God’s solutions. - Anne Cetas ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to discover You more through my situation.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 21Feb2016

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Hear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.... Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my cry for mercy” (Psalm 86:1, 6 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY What is your predicament presently? Are you ready to cry to God? Cry unto Him, and He is ready to answer you. - Bayo Afolaranmi ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me not stop crying unto You till you answer me.

THE EIGHTY-SIXTH PSALM

Dearly Beloved, THE EIGHTY-SIXTH PSALM “Hear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.... Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my cry for mercy” (Psalm 86:1, 6 NIV). Psalm 86 was supposedly written by King David, though its placement among the psalms ascribed to “the Sons of Korah” made some people to doubt its Davidic authorship. However, its contents and layout resemble most of the psalms that are ascribed to David without any controversy. The writer of this psalm was undoubtedly in a danger, and he called on God to deliver him from his enemies. The psalmist considered himself as somebody who is “poor and needy,” therefore, he prayed that God should hear and answer his prayers (verse 1). There are at least five different kinds of prayers in this psalm: One, prayer of protection: because the psalmist was being attacked by people he regarded as “the arrogant” and “a band of ruthless men” in verse 14, his first prayer point was that God should guard his life (verse 2). He could attest to the fact that he was devoted to and trust in God, hence, this prayer. Two, prayer for mercy: thrice in this psalm, the psalmist cried out to God for mercy (verses 3, 6, 16). He knew that only God could grant him mercy. Three, prayer of forgiveness: the psalmist regarded God as a forgiving God who is good and abounding in love. By implication, he was asking God to forgive him as he was crying to Him. Four, prayer of worship: in spite of his predicament, the psalmist worshipped God for who He is (verses 8-10). Five, prayer of praises: closely related to the previous prayer is this. The psalmist praised God for what He is doing (verses 10, 12, 13). His predicament did not blindfold him to who God is and what His had done in his life. There are other prayers for joy (verse 4), instruction (verse 11), and the goodness of God (verse 17) also in this psalm. The eighty-sixth psalm is indeed worthy of meditation. What is your predicament presently? Are you also ready to cry to God? He has promised, “...call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me” (Psalm 50:15 NIV). Cry unto Him, and He is ready to answer you. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Lord, help me not stop crying unto You till you answer me.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 20Feb2016

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights” (Habakkuk 3:17-19 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When we do not understand the trials we are going through, we can recount how God has worked in history. - Poh Fang Chia ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to continue to rely on You no matter my situation.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 19Feb2016

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them" (Matthew 6:31-32 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The fact that God knows where you are and that He is very much aware of the difficult situation you are in provides the confidence and strength needed to live for His glory. So be encouraged. Remember God’s words of comfort. Help is on the way! - Joe Stowell ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me not to worry but rely on You no matter my situation.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 17Feb2016

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When God’s Word is hidden in our heart, His ways will become our ways. - Lawrence Darmani ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to hide Your word in my heart so as to always walk in Your ways.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 16Feb2016

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Do you not know that being the world's friend is being God's enemy? So whoever chooses to be a friend of the world takes his stand as an enemy of God" (James 4:4b AMP). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY You don't have to be like the world to have an impact on the world. You don't have to be like the crowd to change the crowd. You don't have to lower yourself down to their level to lift them up to your level. Holiness doesn't seek to be odd. Holiness seeks to be like God. - Diann L. White ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me not to lower my standard to have impact on the world.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 15Feb2016

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,' says the Lord. 'For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts'" (Isaiah 55:8-9 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When you want to make sense out of God's sense, it may appear nonsense to you. - John Ojewole ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, do not let me make any unnecessary sense out of Your sense, but let me accept You as who You are to me.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 14Feb2016

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you. Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day" (Deuteronomy 8:10-11 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY It shall be well with you! God will satisfy you with many good things. His good promise will surely come to pass in your life. However, will you not forget God when you are satisfied with the desires of your heart? Will you still remember to serve Him with what He has blessed you with? - Bayo Afolaranmi ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that your wellbeing will not make you to forget your God.

DO NOT FORGET YOUR GOD

Dearly Beloved, DO NOT FORGET YOUR GOD "When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you. Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day" (Deuteronomy 8:10-11 NIV). One of the recipients of my weekly messages reacted to the message I sent out last week about the reason why people especially the younger generation no longer go to church in the western world. From his experience for the past eleven years he has been living in this western world, he pointed out that the reason I gave is just one out of hundreds of reasons for the decline in church attendance in the western world. He went ahead to list many other reasons. Most of his reasons bother on the wellbeing of most people in this part of the world. Their problem is how to manage the wellbeing, not the absence of it as it is the case in other parts of underdeveloped and developing world. So, most people in the western world think that they do not need God or the church. These man’s reasons remind me of Moses' valedictory speech to the people of Israel at his old age that contained warnings. One of such warnings is the one quoted above: do not forget your God when you are at ease. Moses knew that it is easier to remember God when we are in need than when things are going on well with us. In the same way, the rich man in Jesus' parable in Luke 12:16-21 failed to yield to this warning. He had a bountiful harvest. His possession became his idol and he forgot God the Giver. That day, his life was taken from him, and his possession became other people's possession. Jesus Christ pointed out the meaning of prosperity without God: "This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God" (Luke 12:21 NIV). Beloved, it shall be well with you! God will satisfy you with many good things. His good promise will surely come to pass in your life. However, will you not forget God when you are satisfied with the desires of your heart? Will you still remember to serve Him with what He has blessed you with? Do not be like that rich fool nor like most people in the western world. Placing God, the Giver above the gifts is a mark of true achievement. Do not forget your God when it is well with you. Serve and obey Him the more. He rewards. "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:19-21 NIV). In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that your wellbeing will not make you to forget your God.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 13Feb2016

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free’” (John 8:31-32 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When we allow God’s truth to transform our lives, we gain much more than the right answer. We introduce the world to Jesus. - Tim Gustafson ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, Lord, to allow Your truth to really transform my life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 12Feb2016

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "'Come!' answered Jesus. So Peter got out of the boat and started walking on the water to Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he was afraid and started to sink down in the water. 'Save me, Lord!' he cried" (Matthew 14:29-30 TEV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When you find yourself in the storm of life, you have to determine to overcome it by walking on it by faith. – Supo Ayokunle ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to walk by faith over your life storm.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 11Feb2016

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "And let us consider and give attentive, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir up (stimulate and incite) to love and helpful deeds and noble activities" (Hebrews 10:24 AMP). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY You were put on earth to make a contribution. You were not created to consume resources. God designed you to make a difference with your life. - Rick Warren ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to make a difference with your life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 10Feb2016

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty’” (John 6:35 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Only Jesus Christ the Living Bread can satisfy the world’s spiritual hunger. - Mart DeHaan ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will fully accept the spiritual bread that Jesus Christ offers to be spiritually satisfied.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 09Feb2016

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16 NKJV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Though we may not always get everything we want when we pray, but prayer truly makes a difference. - Alan Smith ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to always pray unto You in all my situations.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 08Feb2016

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Great peace is available in Christ, and it is more than enough to help us navigate whatever life throws at us. - Bill Crowder ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to navigate whatever life throws at me.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 07Feb2016

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only take care of themselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock? You eat the curds, clothe yourselves with the wool and slaughter the choice animals, but you do not take care of the flock” (Ezekiel 34:2-3 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Are you a church leader? Are you not self-centred to the detriment of people you are leading? Do you care about your congregation? Can your congregation follow your example or you are expecting them to just be following your messages? - Bayo Afolaranmi ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me not to mislead the people you have entrusted into my care.

ARE YOU NOT AT FAULT ALSO?

Dearly Beloved, ARE YOU NOT AT FAULT ALSO? “The word of the Lord came to me: ‘Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to them: “This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only take care of themselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock? You eat the curds, clothe yourselves with the wool and slaughter the choice animals, but you do not take care of the flock”’” (Ezekiel 34:1-3 NIV). In less than a month of my sojourn in the United Kingdom, I have discovered many pathetic things about the western world. One of those things is the decline in the number of people that go to church, especially the absence of youth in most of the churches. Many church buildings have become empty and been sold because of this. This has been a great burden to me, and I always ask pastors here what they are doing to bring back the youth into the church. Just of recent, I discovered that I have been asking the wrong question! I met a lady in her early fifties who told me that the last time she went to church was when she was sixteen. I asked her why she stopped going to church and she told me a bitter truth about the church here: the church has become institutionalized and the church leaders are not living by example. She cited some examples of the atrocities that the church leaders were doing then which are becoming worse even today. One of such atrocities she emphasized is the fact most of the church leaders are getting richer at the expense of their congregations. She pointed out that the youth here will continue to abandon the church because the people of the church are not practising what they preach. I had no option that day than to agree with her because I know that she was saying the truth. No wonder, many people (especially the younger generation) are no longer interested in the things of the church. The indictment of the church leaders by this white lady reminds me of the leaders of the people of Israel in the time of Prophet Ezekiel (see Ezekiel 34). The Lord indicted these leaders because they were self-centred. They did not care about the people that they led. The people were suffering under their watch while the leaders continued to live in affluence. This made the people to wander away in search of care. God was not happy with these leaders and promised to hold them accountable (see verse 10). Are you a church leader? Are you not at fault also of this indictment? Are you not self-centred to the detriment of people you are leading? Do you care about your congregation? Can your congregation follow your example or you are expecting them to just be following your messages? Do you attract people to the church or are you driving them away from the church because of your way of life? Well, if you are just a member of a church, the infamous way of life of your church leaders should not drive you away from the church. Jesus Christ is our ultimate role Model. He should be your standard (see Hebrews 12:1-2), not any church leader no matter how highly placed or respected. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Lord, help me not to mislead the people you have entrusted into my care.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 06Feb2016

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” (Psalm 34:8 NKJV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY As we taste the goodness and love of God, He will reveal the distinctive flavor of His sovereignty, holiness, and faithfulness. - Tommy Johnson ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to taste the goodness and love of God.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 05Feb2016

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them” (Psalm 34:7 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Angels may not appear to men in these days, but they are continually around us, encamping about our homes, and watching over us by day and by night. - James R. Miller ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, let Your angels keep watch over me and my household.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 04Feb2016

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:13 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway. - Mother Teresa ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to always forgive other people no matter the offence.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 03Feb2016

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven’” (Matthew 6:9-10 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Prayer is not a means of coercing God to do what we want. It is a process of recognizing His power and plan for our lives. - David McCasland ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to always according to Your will.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 02Feb2016

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “‘For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid, O worm Jacob, O little Israel, for I myself will help you,’ declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel” (Isaiah 41:13-14 NIV). ************************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Hold Thou my hand; so weak I am, and helpless, I dare not take one step without Thy aid; Hold Thou my hand; for then, O loving Savior, No dread of ill shall make my soul afraid. - Fanny J. Crosby ************************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, hold my hands do not let me fall.