Spiritual Digest for the Day 01Apr2016

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" (Matthew 6:33 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY If Jesus is not fitting into the mold you have, then come to the mold maker and get His new one. Submit to His plan for your life and you will see your eternal need met first, then all the other things you have need of will be taken care of as well. - Author Unknown ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to allow the great Molder to mold you in His own way.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 31Mar2016

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). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may find myself. For I have learned that the greater part of our misery or unhappiness is determined not by our circumstance but by our disposition. - Martha Washington ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always be content and happy no matter your circumstance.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 27Mar2016

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made…. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption” (Hebrews 9:11-12 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Jesus Christ has made the once-for-all sacrifice. No other sacrifice is needed or accepted by God. And every one that accepts this once-for-all sacrifice by Jesus Christ will have eternal redemption and eternal inheritance. Have you accepted it, or are you still trying to serve God in your own way? - Bayo Afolaranmi ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will totally accept the once-for-all sacrifice by Jesus Christ for your life.

ONCE FOR ALL!

Dearly Beloved, ONCE FOR ALL! “When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption” (Hebrews 9:11-12 NIV). Every year, on the Day of Atonement, the high priest in the Mosaic Law had to sacrifice with the blood of goats and rams for the atonement of the sins of the Israelites. He was to first of all atone for his own sins by the blood of a ram before using the blood of goats to atone for the sins of the people. This had to be done every year. This is explained in Leviticus 16:3-10 and recaptured in Hebrews 9:1-8. The recipients of the epistle to the Hebrews understood these concepts of priesthood and sacrifice very well. However, Jesus Christ surpasses any high priest because He came to sacrifice His own blood on the cross of Calvary once for all. While the Levitical high priests had to use the blood of bulls to first of all atone for their sins, Jesus Christ is sinless, so He does not need to do that. While the Levitical high priests thereafter had to use ordinary blood of goats to atone for the sins of the people, Jesus Christ used His own precious blood to atone for the sin of humankind. While the Levitical high priests would sacrifice in man-made tabernacles, Jesus Christ presented Himself to God by “greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made”. While the Levitical high priests would have to repeat this sacrifice every year, Jesus Christ offered Himself once for all. His offering on the cross is the ultimate sacrifice, there is no other. No wonder, He said on the cross: "It is finished" (John 19:30 NIV). It is a pity that many people find it difficult to accept the once-for-all finished sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. They still prefer the Levitical order to what Jesus Christ has done. They prefer to offer their own sacrifices of good works. They still want an intermediary that will help them to take their sacrifices to God. Many even still make blood sacrifices to appease God! It is finished! It is once-for-all sacrifice by Jesus Christ. No other sacrifice is needed or accepted by God. And every one that accepts this once-for-all sacrifice by Jesus Christ will have eternal redemption and eternal inheritance. Have you accepted this sacrifice, or are you still trying to serve God in your own way? In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will totally accept the once-for-all sacrifice by Jesus Christ for your life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 26Mar2016

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love” (1 John 4:18 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY There can be no happiness when one lives in fear. Whatever the future holds, fear will not improve tomorrow, and it will destroy your happiness today. - Jonathan Lockwood Huie ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not live in fear of the future.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 25Mar2016

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:9-10 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Love in its purest form is beyond comprehension. No one can merit it. It is freely given. It is agape, the love of God. Look to the cross. At the cross we encounter love in its purest form. - King Duncan ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will appreciate the love of God in sending Jesus Christ to die on the cross for you.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 24Mar2016

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “[Jesus Christ] made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:7-8 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Jesus Christ voluntarily became one of us. He placed Himself in our shoes. He left the glories of heaven to live on this earth as one of us - to suffer our pains and feel our fears. - Author Unknown ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will appreciate the once emptiness of Jesus Christ for your sake.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 23Mar2016

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!” (Galatians 1:8-9 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Examine carefully any teaching that asks you to do anything more than what is in God’s Word. Otherwise it can be deadly to your spiritual well-being. - C. P. Hia ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always be mindful of the kind of teaching or preaching you accept.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 22Mar2016

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “For it is not by hearing the Law that people are put right with God, but by doing what the Law commands” (Romans 2:13 TEV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY You have not really learned a commandment until you have obeyed it. Nothing clarifies doctrine like doing. - Vance Havner ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always obey the words of God.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 21Mar2016

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “We are tempted by our own desires that drag us off and trap us” (James 1:14 CEV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Temptation knocks often at our door. Sometimes it comes from our own desires, other times through the situations and people we encounter. - Lawrence Darmani ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that your desires will not lead you into temptation or sin.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 20Mar2016

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:19-21 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Who are your perceived enemies? Are you ready to help them if you have the opportunity? Or, are you in the habit of praying against your enemies? Love your perceived enemies and do good unto them. The Lord will reward you greatly for this. - Bayo Afolaranmi ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to pray for your perceived enemies and even help them if you have the opportunity.

A LESSON FROM ST. PATRICK

Dearly Beloved, A LESSON FROM ST. PATRICK “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:19-21 NIV). March 17 is set apart in the island of Ireland and many other parts of the world to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. St. Patrick of Ireland born in Roman Britain was captured by Irish pirates during a raiding party when he was around fourteen years. He was a slave tending sheep in Ireland until when he was twenty when he was able to escape. He later became a priest and was sent to evangelize Ireland where he was able to do many marvellous things and convert many people to Christianity. In fact, he is considered as the one who brought Christianity to Ireland. He died at Saul, where he had built the first Irish church. He is believed to be buried in Down Cathedral, Downpatrick, Northern Ireland. Someone has written this about him: “Patrick was a humble, pious, gentle man, whose love and total devotion to and trust in God should be a shining example to each of us. So complete was his trust in God, and of the importance of his mission, he feared nothing - not even death.” However, an important lesson from the life of this great man of God is his love for his enemies who made him slave and treated him cruelly for almost seven years before he could escape. Although, he was supposedly moved by dream to go back to Ireland and preach the Gospel there, he could have out of hatred refused to go to Ireland and instead go elsewhere to work for God. He did not repay the Irish people with evil they had done him. Rather, he overcame their evil with good by going back to the place to become a channel of God’s blessings to that generation. Today, he is being celebrated not only by the Irish people who used to be his enemies, but by people throughout the world. It is unfortunate that many people today do not want to be of help to their perceived enemies. They would rather wish those enemies dead or ill-luck. Some even waste their precious prayer times in praying against their enemies while Jesus Christ teaches that we should love and pray FOR our enemies (see Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:27-36). He demonstrated this on the cross (see Luke 23:34) and Stephen followed His example (Acts 7:60). Who are your perceived enemies? Are you ready to help them if you have the opportunity? Or, are you in the habit of praying against your enemies? Love your perceived enemies and do good unto them. The Lord will reward you greatly for this. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will be able to pray for your perceived enemies and even help them if you have the opportunity.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 19Mar2016

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth” (Psalm 46:10 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Prayer allows us to admit our failures, weaknesses, and limitations to the One who responds to human vulnerability with infinite mercy. - Philip Yancey ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to be still. Nourish my soul as I spend time with You in prayer.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 18Mar2016

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 The bad news is time flies. The good news is you are the pilot. - Michael Althsuler ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to always make good use of my time.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 17Mar2016

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “[Martha] had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, ‘Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’ ‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her’” (Luke 10:39-42 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Slow down and invest yourself in knowing God; let His Word reveal Himself to you. If you are too busy to spend time with God, you are simply too busy. - Randy Kilgore ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to care more about my fellowship with You than my busyness for You.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 16Mar2016

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Then another said, ‘I'm ready to follow you, Master, but first excuse me while I get things straightened out at home.’ Jesus said, ‘No procrastination. No backward looks. You can't put God's kingdom off till tomorrow. Seize the day’” (Luke 9:61-62 MSG). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY If a task is important, do it now. If it is not truly important, forget about it forever, relax, and do something that really is important. - Jonathan Lockwood Huie ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me not to procrastinate what I suppose to do now.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 15Mar2016

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When someone tells you that you cannot do something, perhaps you should consider that he is only telling you what he cannot do. - Sheldon Cahoon ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help to be able to do what the world thinks I cannot do.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 14Mar2016

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "When a man's ways are pleasing to the Lord, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him" (Proverbs 16:7 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When our desire is to honor God in our relationships, He is able to make even our enemies to be at peace with us. - Jennifer Benson Schuldt ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that your ways will be pleasing to God in order to have good relationship with other people.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 13Mar2016

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 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 12:1-2 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY No matter what may be going on around you, keep going! Be focused! Do not let anything distract you from your goal. Victory is yours in Jesus’ name. Amen. - Bayo Afolaranmi ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to keep going in spite of the distracting situation around me.

KEEP GOING!

Dearly Beloved, KEEP GOING! “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 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 12:1-2 NIV). I was touched by the life history of a visiting lecturer that was the main facilitator in a week-long intensive course on conflict resolution lessons where I do my postgraduate study. He was born and raised in one of the major violent conflict-affected areas in the world. According to him, because of his determination to be educated, he had to go to school in the midst of this violent conflict. One of the instructions that his mother used to give him every morning is, “No matter what you see or hear, do not look left or right, keep going!” This particular instruction kept him going in spite of the violence and effects of violence around him till he completed his education in that conflict-inflicted area. He recalled the incidents of bombings, killings, maiming of people around him including his contemporaries. However, in spite of these, because of his focus to be educated, his mother’s instruction every morning - “Keep going!” - kept him going. Today, he is an associate professor in one of the reputed universities in the world. The writer of the epistle to the Hebrews gave a similar instruction. The early Hebrew Christians were surrounded by many persecutions. They were been distracted in their faith in Jesus Christ, and they contemplated going back to Judaism. Having highlighted the supremacy of Jesus Christ above the angels, the Mosaic Law, the Levitical priesthood, the sacrifices and offerings that are associated with the priesthood, and later the exploits of some men and women of faith, the writer advised his audience to keep going by fixing their eyes on Jesus Christ who was their focus. Jesus was saying similar thing when He told someone that wanted to follow Him with divided attention: "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God" (Luke 9:62 NIV). Keep going! This instruction is very relevant for anyone that wants to succeed in life. No matter what may be going on around you, keep going! Be focused! Do not let anything distract you from your goal. Victory is yours in Jesus’ name. Amen. As Christian, do not be distracted with anything in this world from following Jesus Christ. Keep your eyes on Jesus Christ, NOT these distractions, even if they seem to be good. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Lord, help me to keep going in spite of the distracting situation around me.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 12Mar2016

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God calls us to live by faith, believing that He will fulfill His promises. - Amy Boucher Pye ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to always live by faith in You.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 11Mar2016

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it — he will be blessed in what he does” (James 1:22-25 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY View the Word of God, not as a microscope to examine the lives of others, but as a mirror to search into your own hearts and lives. - Alan Smith ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to always use Your words to examine my life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 10Mar2016

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light” (Psalm 36:7-9 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The springs of my faith and all my graces; the springs of my life and all my pleasures; the springs of my activity and all its right doings; the springs of my hope, and all its heavenly anticipations, all lie in thee, my Lord. - Charles Spurgeon ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to always delight in You as the Fountain of my life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 09Mar2016

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, ‘Why couldn't we drive it out?’ He replied, ‘Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, “Move from here to there” and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you’” (Matthew 17:19-20 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Seeds of faith are always within us; sometimes it takes a crisis to nourish and encourage their growth. - Susan Taylor ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to always use my faith in You in any situation I find myself.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 08Mar2016

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3:16 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Singing together to the Lord embeds the message of His love in our minds and souls. It is a powerful ministry of teaching and encouragement that we share together. - David McCasland ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to always sing with gratitude in my heart to You.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 07Mar2016

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Share your plans with the Lord, and you will succeed. The Lord has a reason for everything he does...” (Proverbs 16:3-4a CEV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY I know who holds the future, and I know who holds my hand. With God things do not just happen, everything by Him is planned: so as I face tomorrow with its problems large and small, I will trust the God of miracles. - A. B. Smith ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to always trust in You no matter my situation.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 06Mar2016

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise" (Proverbs 19:20 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Medical, professional, ministerial and other specialized advices have been given to many people today, and many people do not yield to such good advices to their detriment. Part of taking care of yourself is yielding to such good advices. - Bayo Afolaranmi ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to always take of myself in every ramification.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!

Dearly Beloved, TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF! "Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses" (1 Timothy 5:23 NIV). The above Bible passage has been one of the most misinterpreted and misapplied ones. In fact, it is one of those controversial verses of the Bible. Drunkards and those that are inclined to drinking too much wine and alcoholic drinks are quick to refer to it in support of their action. However, as I was in a Sunday school class one Sunday, I saw a different application to the instruction of Paul to Timothy: Timothy should take care of himself. The means of doing this was taking of some wine. Other places where the Bible refers to wine as something of medicinal substance are: Second Samuel 16:2 where it was said to revive the faint; Proverbs 31:6 where it was said to be suitable as a sedative for people in distress; Luke 10:34 where the Samaritan poured oil and wine on the wounds of the injured traveller; and Matthew 27:34 and Mark 15:23 where it was mixed with a drug to ease suffering. Well, this devotional write-up is not aimed at supporting or not supporting the use of wine, but to underscore the importance of taking care of oneself. Paul was concerned about the wellbeing of Timothy, and he recommended to him a way of taking care of himself. No doubt, Timothy yielded to this advice to his own good. Medical and other advices have been given to many people today, and many people do not yield to such good advices to their detriment. Are you one of such people that do not yield to medical, professional, ministerial and other specialized advices about your health, business, family or other endeavors? Part of taking care of yourself is yielding to such good advices. "Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise" (Proverbs 19:20 NIV). In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Lord, help me to always take of myself in every ramification.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 05Mar2016

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Jesus said to the servants, ‘Fill the jars with water’; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, ‘Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.’ They did so” (John 2:7-8 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The simplest things we do at Christ's bidding may become immortal blessings to other souls or to our own! - James R. Miller ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, Lord, to be able to join You in Your work to bless other people.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 04Mar2016

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 Our own way is usually in direct opposition to God's will. - Daphne Harrington ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not impose your own way on God, but always allow for His will for your life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 03Mar2016

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “In fact, if you know the right thing to do and don't do it, that, for you, is evil” (James 4:17 MSG). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. - Martin Luther King, Jr. ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not fail to always do the right thing at the right time.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 02Mar2016

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)” Ephesians 5:8-9 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Jesus is the Light of the world, and everyone who trusts Him for the forgiveness of sin will receive eternal life. Only as we turn to Him will we increasingly reflect His goodness and truth. - Jennifer Benson Schuldt ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will never forget to always depend on the Light, Jesus, in order to reflect His goodness and truth.