OUR PRAYERS FOR YOU IN THE YEAR 2018

Dearly Beloved, OUR PRAYERS FOR YOU IN THE YEAR 2018 Praise the Lord! He has demonstrated His faithfulness again in enabling us to start another year. Happy New Year (2018). Opeyemi (my wife), Boluwatife, IfeOluwa, Michael, Abraham (my children) and I are welcoming you to this New Year with these prophetic prayers adapted from Psalm 128 (AMP). This New Year: - You will be blessed and sheltered by God’s favour; - You will eat the fruit of the labour of your hands; - It will be well with you; - Your family shall be like a fruitful vine within the innermost part of your house; - You will see the prosperity of where you dwell this year and all the days of your life; - Indeed, you will see the goodness of your generations. - Peace be upon you this year in Jesus’ name. Amen. Happy and prosperous New Year! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor), Baptist Building, Oke Bola, PMB 5113, Ibadan 200001, Nigeria +2348055159591 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spiritualdigest2003/ https://www.facebook.com/PastorBayoAfolaranmi (Facebook Fan Page) https://www.facebook.com/afolabayo https://twitter.com/spiritualdigest

Spiritual Digest for the Day 01Jan2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Oh, bless our God, you peoples! and make the voice of His praise to be heard, Who keeps our soul among the living, and does not allow our feet to be moved” (Psalm 66:8-9 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The old year now has passed away; we thank you, O our God, today that you have kept us through the year when danger and distress were near. - Johann Steuerlein ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Thank God for keeping you alive to witness another year.

WHAT IS YOUR REPORT CARD FOR THE YEAR?

Dearly Beloved, WHAT IS YOUR REPORT CARD FOR THE YEAR? “So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12 NKJV). When I was in the primary school in the late 70s and early 80s, we used to look forward to the last day of the school term when every pupil would line up on the assembly ground to be given his/her end-of-term report card where he/she would find what he/she scored in each subject and his/her position in the class. It used to be a day of joy for brilliant pupils who would be firstly called to receive their report cards with possible prizes, and a day of sadness for other pupils that were not that brilliant because they would be called last with no prizes. While the brilliant pupil would be glad and proud to show their report cards to anyone, those that had bad reports would be ashamed to do so. This is the end of another year. Imagine it is the end of a school term where you will line up on the assembly ground before God to be given report card for what your actions, inactions, words, and thoughts have been this year. What will be your report card? Will you be among those that God will call first to reward for best results this year? Will you be proud to show other people your report card for this year? The psalmist prayed to God to teach us to number our days so that we may gain a heart of wisdom. If you number your months, weeks, days, hours, minutes, and seconds this year, how many of them have you used to please God? How many of them have you used meaningfully for your own good? How many of them have you used for the benefit of others around you? If God is to rate you this year, what will be your score? If God is to reward you for your actions, inactions, words, and thoughts this year, what kind of reward will you get from Him? Job asked his friends: “Will it be well when [God] searches you out?” (13:9 NKJV), and Apostle Paul emphatically told the Galatians: “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life” (6:7-8 NKJV). If you have done well this year, congratulations! Determine to do better this coming year. It is a pity if you have done woefully in the year. However, you have the opportunity to turn a new leaf and do better this coming year. What is your report card for the year? In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will be able to do far better next year in serving God and the humanity.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 30Dec2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! ‘For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become His counselor?’ ‘Or who has first given to Him and it shall be repaid to him?’” (Romans 11:33-35 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God is not what you imagine, or what you think you understand. If you understand you have failed. - Saint Augustine ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Reveal Yourself more unto me, O Lord!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 29Dec2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “A heart full of joy and goodness makes a cheerful face, but when a heart is full of sadness the spirit is crushed” (Proverbs 15:13 AMP). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY With a happy heart, happy from the inside out, we can respond to surprising circumstances with a genuine smile, inviting others to embrace the hope and peace they too can experience with God. – Elisa Morgan ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be happy and be able to spread that happiness to other people around you.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 28Dec2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another” (John 13:34 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity. - Martin Luther King, Jr. ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to have concerns for other people around you.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 27Dec2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The peace of God is the inner calm or tranquillity that comes from a confident trust in God who hears our cries. - Sim Kay Tee ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to have the inner peace that always trusts in God even in crisis.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 26Dec2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh” (Matthew 2:11 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The story of Christmas is not complete without the gifts of the Magi to Jesus Christ. What have you given Him and other people around you this Christmas season? – Bayo Afolaranmi ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that the Lord will open your eyes to people that deserve your gifts and the ability to really give them something tangible before the end of this Christmas season.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 25Dec2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Christmas is the perfect time to celebrate the love of God and family and to create memories that will last forever. Jesus is God's perfect, indescribable gift. The amazing thing is that not only are we able to receive this gift, but we are able to share it with others on Christmas and every other day of the year. - Joel Osteen ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Accept God's perfect, indescribable gift, Jesus Christ into your life if you have not done so.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 24Dec2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger'" (Luke 2:8-12 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY As we are celebrating Christmas this year, let us worship the King, Jesus Christ, with our lives and everything that we have for what He has done for us through His coming to the world. - Bayo Afolaranmi ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to celebrate this Christmas by really worshiping the King, Jesus Christ, with your lives and everything that you have for what He has done for you through His coming to the world.

THE FIRST NOEL

Dearly Beloved, THE FIRST NOEL "And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger'" (Luke 2:8-12 NIV). Historically, December 25 was the climax day for the celebration of Saturnalia, an ancient Roman festival in honour of the deity Saturn. However, the day has been adopted worldwide as the birth date of Jesus Christ, thereby dumping the worship of Saturn to the celebration of God the Son who "was made visible in human flesh" to "save His people from their sins" (1 Timothy 3:16; Matthew 1:21 AMP). Matthew Chapters One and Two and Luke Chapters One and Two chronicled the birth of Jesus Christ regarded as the first Christmas. An unknown poet composed a popular Christmas hymn titled "THE FIRST NOEL THE ANGEL DID SAY" to portray the event. This hymn is a traditional classical English carol, most likely from the 18th century, although possibly earlier. The word Noel comes from the French word Noël meaning "Christmas", from the Latin word "natalis" that means "birthday". On the first Noel, after the birth of Jesus Christ, an angel went to certain poor shepherds as they lay in fields keeping their sheep on a cold winter's night that was so deep, and informed them that the King of Israel was born. The shepherds looked up and saw a star shining in the east beyond them far. The star gave great light to the earth as it continued to shine both day and night. By the light of that same star some wise men came from a far country. Their intent was to seek for the King, and to follow the star wherever it went. This star drew near to the northwest and took its rest over Bethlehem, right over the place where Jesus was laid. The wise men entered in full reverence upon their knees, and offered there in His presence their gifts made of gold, and myrrh, and frankincense. The unknown poet then concluded his hymn with this great lesson: "let us all with one accord sing praises to our heavenly Lord; that hath made heaven and earth of nought, and with his blood mankind hath bought." As we are celebrating Christmas this year, let us worship the King, Jesus Christ, with our lives and everything that we have for what He has done for us through His coming to the world. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year (2018) in advance! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will be able to celebrate this Christmas by really worshiping the King, Jesus Christ, with your lives and everything that you have for what He has done for you through His coming to the world.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 23Dec2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The spectacular glory of God’s love for us was revealed in the coming of Jesus. - Bill Crowder ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Thank God for revealing His glory in the first coming of Jesus Christ.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 22Dec2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The Christmas in a nutshell: the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. If you want to really celebrate Christmas, then let this truth become incarnational in your life. Let the eternal Word penetrate your everyday life by being like Christ in everyday life. When He is seen in you, then Christmas is really being celebrated. - Skip Heitzig ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that the eternal Word, Jesus Christ, will really be seen in you by being like Christ as you celebrate this Christmas, and throughout the days of your life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 21Dec2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Christmas is about God taking extreme measures to reclaim those who were lost. - Joe Stowell ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Invite Jesus Christ into your life today to save your lost soul if you have not done so.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 21Dec2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Christmas is about God taking extreme measures to reclaim those who were lost. - Joe Stowell ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Invite Jesus Christ into your life today to save your lost soul if you have not done so.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 21Dec2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Christmas is about God taking extreme measures to reclaim those who were lost. - Joe Stowell ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Invite Jesus Christ into your life today to save your lost soul if you have not done so.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 20Dec2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “And [Mary] brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields.... And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them..." (Luke 2:7-9 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY If man were to script the Son of God's birth, Jesus would have been born in a palace or a mansion. The news of His birth would have first been sent to one of the power brokers of the day - King Herod or Caesar Augustus. But, God's script was different. - Marji Kruger ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not miss the true meaning of the birth of Jesus Christ.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 19Dec2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just” (Luke 14:13-14 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much. It is whether we provide enough for those who have little. - Franklin D. Roosevelt ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always be able to help those that cannot repay you.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 18Dec2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen” (Ephesians 3:20-21 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God’s grace is immeasurable, His mercy inexhaustible, His peace inexpressible. - Bill Crowder ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY O Lord, let me be able to enjoy Your immeasurable grace and peace throughout the days of my life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 17Dec2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Everybody is welcome to enjoy the goodness in the Lord Jesus. He stands at the door of your heart and is knocking today. He wants you to taste and see that He is good. Will you come to Him? - Bayo Afolaranmi ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Receive Jesus Christ into your life today and enjoy His goodness if you have not done so.

EVERYBODY IS WELCOME

Dearly Beloved, EVERYBODY IS WELCOME “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20 NKJV). One of the unforgettable experiences I had when I was in the United Kingdom a year ago was my involvement with the International Meeting Point (IMP) (run by Presbyterian Church Ireland) located on Lisburn Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland that reaches out to migrants and asylum seekers in the city. I just relocated to that part of the city, and I was exploring the area when I saw the signpost of the centre. As curious as I was during my sojourn in the country, I entered the centre and inquired from a staff what the centre is up to. I was made to understand that it is a centre where everybody is welcome to enjoy “a wide variety of help and services [for] those who come through its doors [by] serving food and drinks in the cafe, offering legal advice, running English classes, taking people shopping, helping the unemployed find jobs and leading Bible studies.” For almost five months, I used to visit this centre to enjoy its rendered services. This centre is on a major road in the city, but not everyone in the city (especially migrants and asylum seekers) cares to visit the centre and make use of the facilities provided and services rendered in the centre. Only those who care to visit the centre are enjoying what the centre has to offer. Similarly, Jesus Christ “was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:10-13 NKJV). While many people are already enjoying the goodness that is in Jesus Christ, it is a pity that many people are still refusing to test and taste this goodness. Some of these latter people think that they are self-sufficient and do not need Jesus Christ and what He has to offer. Some of them look elsewhere to find succor where there is none. However, Jesus Christ declared: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20 NKJV). This is another Christmas season when we are been reminded about the coming of Jesus Christ in human form to this world. Do not be like “His own” (the Jews) that did not receive Him. Everybody is welcome to enjoy the goodness in the Lord Jesus. He stands at the door of your heart and is knocking today. He wants you to taste and see that He is good (compare Psalm 34:8). Everybody is welcome. Will you come to Him? In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Action: Receive Jesus Christ into your life today and enjoy His goodness if you have not done so.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 16Dec2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going” (Ecclesiastes 9:10 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The richest deposits on our planet lie not many blocks from your house—in your local cemetery. Buried beneath the soil of those sacred grounds are songs that never were sung, books that never were written, paintings that never filled a canvas, ideas that never became reality. - Myles Munroe ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, not to die with my potentials.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 14Dec2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Oh, I want to see [Jesus], look upon His face, there to sing forever of His saving grace; on the streets of glory let me lift my voice, cares all past, home at last, ever to rejoice. - Rufus H. Cornelius ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to live a worthy life here on earth that will make you see Jesus when He is revealed on the last day.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 13Dec2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The difference between success and failure, mediocrity or excellence, is character. Along with character is the importance of opportunity, but perhaps most crucial, is the grace of God. - Yemi Osinbajo ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace that makes one to exceed above every effort in life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 11Dec2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “There was a little city with few men in it; and a great king came against it, besieged it, and built great snares around it. Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city. Yet no one remembered that same poor man” (Ecclesiastes 9:14-15 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Your appreciation of the lives of others may very well be the very best gift you can ever give. So give it often. For it costs you little and those who receive it will be wealthy indeed. - Author Unknown ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to always appreciate people that deserve it from you.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 10Dec2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "[Hezekiah] destroyed the pagan places of worship, broke the stone pillars, and cut down the images of the goddess Asherah. He also broke in pieces the bronze snake that Moses had made, which was called Nehushtan. Up to that time the people of Israel had burned incense in its honor" (2 Kings 18:4 TEV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Check your life, beliefs and practices. Anything that does not conform to the sound teachings of the word of God should be discarded no matter how popular it may be. - Bayo Afolaranmi ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to do away with anything that does not conform to the sound teachings of the word of God.

WHAT IS YOUR BRONZE SNAKE?

Dearly Beloved, WHAT IS YOUR BRONZE SNAKE? "Do not make for yourselves images of anything in heaven or on earth or in the water under the earth" (Exodus 20:4 TEV). "[Hezekiah] destroyed the pagan places of worship, broke the stone pillars, and cut down the images of the goddess Asherah. He also broke in pieces the bronze snake that Moses had made, which was called Nehushtan. Up to that time the people of Israel had burned incense in its honor" (2 Kings 18:4 TEV). On their way to the Promised Land in the wilderness, the Israelites grew impatient and spoke against God and their leader, Moses. So, the Lord sent venomous snakes that bit them, and many of them died. After the people repented, God directed Moses to make a bronze snake and lift it up, that anyone who looks at it will live. Moses did as God directed and as many as the people of Israel that looked at the image survived the poison of the deadly snakes (see Numbers 21:4-9). It is interesting to note that the people of Israel kept this bronze snake for centuries burning incense to it. In other words, what God used as a type to save the Israelites from a calamity was turned by them to a god (named Nehushtan) that they were worshiping! It took hundreds of years before a king in person King Hezekiah destroyed this image. Nowadays, people have many seemingly bronze snakes that they are worshipping knowingly or unknowingly. Even some Christians denominations and churches are not left out in this error. They have turned many things that God used one time or the other to accomplish His purposes in their lives to norms and practices. Such things have become traditions that are competing with (or even taking the place of) the word of God! No matter how good such traditions may be, they have to be discarded. What are your seemingly "bronze snakes"? They may not necessarily be physical images. In what honour are you still "burning incense"? Check your life, beliefs and practices. Anything that does not conform to the sound teachings of the word of God should be discarded no matter how popular it may be. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will be able to do away with anything that does not conform to the sound teachings of the word of God.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 09Dec2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory” (1 Timothy 3:16 KJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The great mystery of the incarnation is the crux and the core of the Christian message. It is the mystery over which the rationalists stumble, by which the humanists are offended, and by which the world is bewildered. - Billy Graham ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Accept the God that manifested in the flesh today if you have not done so.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 08Dec2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “[Jesus Christ] who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen” (Galatians 1:4-5 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, let the earth hear His voice! Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, let the people rejoice! O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son, and give Him the glory, great things He has done. - Fanny Crosby ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Praise the Lord for the great things He has done in your life this year.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 07Dec2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved” (Psalm 62:5-6 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY There are times when holding on to our Master's robe is all that we can do. It is all that He wants us to do. - Os Hillman ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to silently wait for God alone when you find yourself in a difficult situation.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 06Dec2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him” (1 John 4:16 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Believing God is love and loves us personally is what gives us reason to love Him and one another. - Mart DeHaan ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to demonstrate the love of God to others.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 05Dec2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “If anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either” (2 Thessalonians 3:10 AMP). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Good ideas do not bring success. Good hard work does. To re­lease your true potential, you must be willing to work. - Myles Munroe ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to work hard in order to bring your ideas to success.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 04Dec2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him” (2 Chronicles 16:9 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When we are abandoned to God, He works through us all the time. - Oswald Chambers ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to abandon yourself to God so that He may demonstrate His greatness through you.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 03Dec2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock” (Psalm 27:5 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee; let the water and the blood, from Thy wounded side which flowed, be of sin the double cure; save from wrath and make me pure. - Augustus M. Toplady ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not depend on any other thing, but be able to hide yourself in Jesus Christ, the Rock of Ages.

ROCK OF AGES

Dearly Beloved, ROCK OF AGES “For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock” (Psalm 27:5 NIV). The hymn "Rock of Ages" is one of the best known and best loved hymns. Augustus M. Toplady (1740-1778), an Anglican Church clergyman, composed it. The hymn’s strong declaration of Jesus Christ and His work on the cross as the only hope of salvation for man from the judgment that his sin deserves earns it a place of honour among hymns of grace. The analogy of Jesus Christ to a rock has its roots in the Scriptures. In fact, the word “rock” is often used figuratively in the Bible to speak of God and Jesus Christ. As Rock, God is the Creator (Deuteronomy 32:18), His people’s strength (Deuteronomy 32:4), His people’s defence and refuge (Psalm 31:2-3; 94:22), and His people’s salvation (Deuteronomy 32:15; Psalm 89:26). In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is the Rock from whom the Spirit of life flows (John 4:13-14; 1 Corinthians 10:4), the foundation of the church (Matthew 16:18) and its cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20). Alluding to the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings, Paul wrote, “...for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ” (1 Corinthians 10:4 NIV). Paul was apparently referring to the event recorded in Exodus 17:6. Moses, at God’s command, struck the rock in Horeb, miraculously bringing forth a needed supply of water for God’s people. The physical rock is a picture of Jesus Christ being struck to provide the “water” needed to satisfy sinful man’s spiritual need. In addition, there are numerous Old Testament references to the Lord as a “Rock” or “Rock of salvation”. The specific picture of Jesus Christ as a rock split open (cleft) to provide a place of spiritual refuge for sinful people is surely drawn from Moses’ experience recorded in Exodus 33:20-23. Because Moses, a fallen man, could not see God’s face and live, God Himself protected Moses by placing him in the cleft of a rock as He passed by. In like manner, by being hidden in Jesus Christ, the Rock cleft on his behalf at the cross, the believer is sheltered from the eternal death he would face when he stands before a holy, righteous God. This hymn indeed reiterates the clear scriptural teaching regarding man’s utter inability to, in any way, offer God anything to earn or merit salvation. Paul told Titus, “... [Jesus Christ] saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy” (Titus 3:5a NIV. See also Romans 3:20, 28; 4:5; 11:6; Galatians 2:16; 3:16-21; Ephesians 2:8-9; 2 Timothy 1:9). Are you in the cleft of this Rock, or are you still depending on your efforts to be saved? Hide yourself in Him, and you will never regret you did! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will not depend on any other thing, but be able to hide yourself in Jesus Christ, the Rock of Ages.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 02Dec2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Don’t get tired of helping others. You will be rewarded when the time is right, if you don’t give up. We should help people whenever we can, especially if they are followers of the Lord” (Galatians 6:9-10 CEV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Do all the good you can; by all the means you can; in all the ways you can; in all the places you can; at all the times you can; to all the people you can; as long as ever you can. - John Wesley ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to help other people wherever you find yourself.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 01Dec2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God is in charge. He sees the big picture; He knows the future. He controls all things, and He loves you more than you can imagine. - D. James Kennedy ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Fulfil Your plans and purposes for my life in an extraordinary way, O Lord!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 30Nov2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “God will bless you, if you don’t give up when your faith is being tested. He will reward you with a glorious life, just as he rewards everyone who loves him” (James 1:12 CEV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Take confidence in the protection and grace of God and do not give up, even if you feel you are on a sinking ship. - Author Unknown ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, not to give up, but to always trust in You in any situation I find myself.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 29Nov2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him” (1 Peter 5:7 CEV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God knows every single care you have and He has all the time for you as if no one else exists. - Joseph Prince ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to always turn all my worries over to You.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 28Nov2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Always give thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20 CEB). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Have gratitude for the smallest blessings, for the crust of bread and the cool drink of water. - Jonathan Lockwood Huie ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always be thankful for everything.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 27Nov2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly” (Matthew 6:3-4 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY We need not look to others for recognition and praise; we can take heart that God knows when we are faithful in serving Him and others. - Leslie Koh ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to help others without looking for recognition and praise.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 26Nov2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY If you will not just be a channel of the blessings of God, but a partaker of His blessings, you need to be a “branch” that will abide in Jesus Christ and be ready to bear fruit – fruit that will last. - Bayo Afolaranmi ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not just be a channel of the blessings of God, but also a partaker of these blessings.

DO NOT JUST BE A CHANNEL OF BLESSINGS!

Dearly Beloved, DO NOT JUST BE A CHANNEL OF BLESSINGS! “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5 NKJV). It is a common thing to hear people wish to be a channel of the blessings of God to others. That is my wish also. In fact it is part of the goals of my life right from my childhood. However, the desire of Jesus Christ is that His followers are not only channels of His blessings to others, but that they also partake in the blessings. He articulated this in His categorical statement quoted above. What is a channel? A channel can be defined in many ways especially in information and communication technology. However, simply for the purpose of this message, a channel is a route or tool through which something passes from one end to the other. Conduit, hose, tube, pipe, passage, among others are other words used for channel. They all have one thing in common: they do not benefit through what they pass on. They are just intermediary to pass the thing from one place to the other. Many people are just channels of the goodness and blessings of God to others. They are like signposts. They allow God to use them mightily to bless others, but they are not partakers of the blessings. No wonder, they are not bearing the desired fruit that Jesus Christ wants them to bear. Note that such people abound in the world today. They are the ones that Jesus Christ will tell that He never knew in spite of the fact that they “prophesied in [Jesus’] name, cast out demons in [Jesus’] name, and done many wonders in [Jesus’] name” (Matthew 7:21-23 NKJV). Jesus Christ did not refer to His followers as channels, but branches. For a branch of a tree to remain alive and bear fruit, it will remain in the tree, get savor from the tree, make use of the savor, and then bear fruits. A branch that does not remain in the tree cannot get savor from the tree, and if it does not get savor, it will wither and become useless except becoming utility for fire and other purposes that are not originally designed for it. Jesus Christ vividly gave this description in His analogy of the relationship that His followers should have with Him (see John 15:2, 6). Are you a branch of Jesus Christ or just a channel of His blessings to other people? If you will not just be a channel of the blessings of God, but a partaker of His blessings, you need to be a “branch” that will abide in Jesus Christ and be ready to bear fruit – fruit that will last (see John 15:2, 5, 16). Do not just be a channel of blessings! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will not just be a channel of the blessings of God, but also a partaker of these blessings.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 25Nov2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Leave your troubles with the Lord, and he will defend you; he never lets honest men be defeated” (Psalm 55:22 TEV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Whatever our circumstances we can give them to God. He has lifted the burden of our sins; will He not lift the weight of our sorrows? We have trusted Him with our eternal souls; can we not entrust our present circumstances to Him? - David Roper ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to leave your troubles with the Lord and allow Him to handle them.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 25Nov2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Leave your troubles with the Lord, and he will defend you; he never lets honest men be defeated” (Psalm 55:22 TEV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Whatever our circumstances we can give them to God. He has lifted the burden of our sins; will He not lift the weight of our sorrows? We have trusted Him with our eternal souls; can we not entrust our present circumstances to Him? - David Roper ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to leave your troubles with the Lord and allow Him to handle them.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 24Nov2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need” (Philippians 4:11-12 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY We have a good life when we manage to live with both satisfied and unsatisfied needs, when we are not obsessed by what is beyond our reach. - Kjell Magne Bondevik ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not be obsessed by what is beyond your reach.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 23Nov2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The condition of your heart is revealed in how you handle finances. - Jentezen Franklin ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will have right attitude towards finances.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 22Nov2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered” (Proverbs 11:24-25 ESV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The greatest miracle of life is to give generously and see how what you have given returns to you manifold. - Roxana Jones ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always be able to give generously.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 21Nov2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “For You formed my inward parts; you covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well” (Psalm 139:13-14 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Each one of us, intentionally designed to be unique and purposed as God’s beloved masterpieces, contributes to reflect God’s magnificence. - Xochitl Dixon ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always be able to see yourself, and others, as God’s unique masterpieces.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 20Nov2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “No one who gossips can be trusted with a secret, but you can put confidence in someone who is trustworthy” (Proverbs 11:13 TEV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Do not waste your precious energy on gossip, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead, invest your energy in the positive present moment. - Anonymous ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, not to waste my time on gossip, but to invest my time in things that will build others up.

BEAR FRUIT TO THE GLORY OF GOD

Dearly Beloved, BEAR FRUIT TO THE GLORY OF GOD “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples” (John 15:8 NKJV). Can you imagine planting a tree that refuses to bear desired fruits? What would you do to such tree? How would you treat a tree that bears its fruits in due season? The discourse of Jesus Christ that is recorded in John 15 was part of His valedictory speech to His disciples. It is believed by some Bible scholars that the discourse was delivered in the Temple where there was a golden vine symbolizing the life of Israel as God’s vine. Other scholars believe that it was delivered on the Mount of Olives where there were many vine and olive trees. This discourse was the last “I AM” saying out of the seven of such sayings in the Gospel of St. John. Jesus Christ declared: “I am the true vine.... you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit..." (John 15:1, 5 NKJV). The analogy of the vine was familiar to the disciples of Jesus Christ because in the Old Testament, the people of Israel were referred to as God’s vine (Psalm 80:8-16; Isaiah 5:1-7; Jeremiah 2: 21). It was a pity that the people of Israel failed God in not bearing the desired good fruit. They became wild vine. So, Jesus Christ referred to Himself as the true Vine because He was doing the will of His father, and His personal life testifies to it. The secret of this was that God, the Gardener, was in charge of all He was doing. Vine plant is the common grape vine that is slender and trails on the ground or climbs supports. It is one of the prominent plants in Palestine. You can liken it to any prominent tree in your neighborhood. In John 15:5, Jesus Christ referred to His disciples, and every Christian, as the branches of the vine. A branch cannot exist on itself. For it to survive, it must remain in the plant. Moreover, its main purpose is to bear fruits. Christians are to bear fruits from Jesus Christ. They are not to produce the fruits. To bear is to bring forth from another thing, but to produce is to make, create, grow, or manufacture something. The fruits that we are to bear involve a godly life (Matthew 7:16-20), and virtues of character (Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 5:9; Philippians 1:11). We are not just to bear fruit, but also to bear much fruit (John 15:2, 8). This is the reason why Jesus Christ will prune us to bear much fruit – fruit that will last (John 15:2, 8, 16). However, to be able to bear fruit for Christ, Christians have to remain in Him (John 15:4). Just as an ordinary branch has to remain in the plant for it to survive, we also have to remain in Jesus Christ. If we do not remain in Him, we are like a cutaway branch that will soon wither and become firewood. Jesus Christ said it point-blank that, “…for without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5b NKJV). Are you in Christ? Jesus Christ promised two things for those who remain in Him and bear fruit for Him. These two things are: growth (John 15:2) and answer to prayer (John 15:7). He promised to prune everyone that is bearing fruit for Him. In Palestine every year, gardeners prune their vines. They cut off the dead wood, which has no life in it, and trim the living branches so that their yield will be greater. Likewise, God is dressing every fruitful believer to make him/her grow in the faith. Furthermore, if anyone remains in Jesus Christ, his/her prayers will be answered (cf. Proverbs 28:9). God is ready to do whatever he/she wishes, provided it is in accordance with God’s will (John 14:13; 1 John 3:21-22; 5:14-15), and will give God glory (cf. John 15:8). The main thing for bearing fruit for Jesus Christ is for God to be glorified (John 15:8). Anything that would not bring glory to God is not worth doing (see John 2:11; 1 Corinthians 10:31; 1 Peter 5:8-11). The desire of the Lord Jesus Christ is that you bear fruit that will glorify God. Are you bearing fruit for Jesus Christ to the glory of God? In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will continue to bear fruit for Christ so that God will be glorified in your life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 18Nov2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God is faithful and His provision for us has no limits. - Cindy Hess Kasper ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always experience God’s faithfulness in His provisions over your needs.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 17Nov2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Learn to go for what you believe with a mind-set fixed on the end result and not on the challenges in the process. - Emmanuel Arotile ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to believe in yourself and bring out the best in you.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 16Nov2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Luke 12:7 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God knows you intimately. He knows every small problem you are worried about and every single burden you have. And when you approach Him for help, He has all the time for you as if no one else exists. That is how valuable you are to Him and how absorbed He is in you! - Joseph Prince ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to depend on God who knows you intimately no matter what you may be passing through.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 15Nov2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers and overwhelms all transgressions [forgiving and overlooking another’s faults]” (Proverbs 10:12 AMP). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Man must evolve for all human conflict, a method which rejects revenge, aggression and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love. - Martin Luther King, Jr. ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to resolve conflicts that you may have with other people with love.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 14Nov2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the crawling locust, the consuming locust, and the chewing locust, My great army which I sent among you. You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you; and My people shall never be put to shame” (Joel 2:25-26 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God brings about both the good and the bad. The seasons of famine have a divine purpose in our lives. They accomplish things that only these hard places can accomplish. But there is a time when those hard places have accomplished their purpose and He begins to restore. - Os Hillman ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Restore all my lost glory before the end of this year, O Lord!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 13Nov2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “But Jesus called them to Himself and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant’” (Matthew 20:25-26 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The path to greatness is self-sacrifice for the good of others. You will only be great if you devote your life, and your efforts, to serving others. - Yemi Osinbajo ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the spirit of servanthood to others in order to be great in life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 12Nov2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Praise our God, O peoples, let the sound of his praise be heard; he has preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping. For you, O God, tested us; you refined us like silver. You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance" (Psalm 66:8-12 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Do not be dismayed! Your trial is for a time. You are just passing through it. The Lord is with you. He will bring you out of it, and make you more refined and purer than gold. You will soon praise Him! - Bayo Afolaranmi ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to thank God before the end of this year for a particular thing you have been looking unto Him.

YOU WILL SOON PRAISE GOD

Dearly Beloved, YOU WILL SOON PRAISE GOD "Praise our God, O peoples, let the sound of his praise be heard; he has preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping. For you, O God, tested us; you refined us like silver. You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance" (Psalm 66:8-12 NIV). Psalm 66 is one of the thanksgiving psalms. It is a call to praise God for His awesomeness, power, glory, wonderful deeds, sovereignty, and guidance over His people. However, the psalmist gave another reason for praising Him: He brought out His people out of difficulty. In doing this, He tested them; He make them pass through fire of life (as a raw silver or gold would) so that they would be refined; He made them suffered many hardship; He even allowed people to maltreat them. Nevertheless, at the end, He brought them to a place of abundance. Indeed, He is to be praised! God is dealing with His people the same way today. He tests them. He allows them to pass through many difficulties of life. At times, He allows people to maltreat them. However, in all these, He is with them. He promised, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze" (Isaiah 43:2, NIV. See also Psalm 23:4; 46:4-7; 91:15; Isaiah 41:10). He will soon make them overcome all these difficulties, and they will praise Him. What are you passing through now? What is your own test of faith? Are you been maltreated presently? Are you in "the valley of the shadow of death" right now? Do not be dismayed! It is for a time. You are just passing through it. The Lord is with you. He will bring you out of it, and make you more refined and purer than gold. You will soon praise Him! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will be able to thank God before the end of this year for a particular thing you have been looking unto Him.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 11Nov2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God multiplies the impact of His comfort by calling us to use the memory of the comfort He gives us to comfort others in similar situations. - Randy Kilgore ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to be able to comfort other people through the comfort I have received from you in the past.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 10Nov2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God always gives His best to those who leave the choice with Him. - Jim Elliot ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to leave the choice of your life with God so as to get His best.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 09Nov2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips” (Psalm 141:3 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Setting a guard over our mouth requires that we keep our mouth shut when we are irritated. - Poh Fang Chia ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to guard your mouth at all time.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 08Nov2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Stop acting as if life is a rehearsal. Live this day as if it were your last. The past is over and gone. The future is not guaranteed. - Wayne Dyer ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to live every day as your last day on earth.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 07Nov2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Christ died for us when we were unable to help ourselves. We were living against God, but at just the right time Christ died for us. Very few people will die to save the life of someone else, even if it is for a good person. Someone might be willing to die for an especially good person. But Christ died for us while we were still sinners, and by this God showed how much he loves us” (Romans 5:6-8 ERV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY At just the right time, God uses people to represent Him in the lives of those who need Him. Be aware that today you may be His instrument for someone He needs to help. It will likely be at just the right time. - Tom Norvell ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to just at the right time be of help to someone today.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 06Nov2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “At the time of harvest [God] will say to the reapers, ‘First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn’” (Matthew 13:30 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Be ready for the last harvest when God will “reap” you and place you in the place that you rightly belong. - Bayo Afolaranmi ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to be able to live my life in a way that You will be able to harvest me into Your presence forever.

COME YE THANKFUL PEOPLE, COME

Dearly Beloved, COME YE THANKFUL PEOPLE, COME “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name” (Psalm 100:4 NKJV). As somebody who grew up partly in a farm settlement setting and partly in what can be referred to nowadays as a traditional church setting, I can easily identify with Henry Alford, a 19th century Anglican clergyman, who composed the hymn “COME YE THANKFUL PEOPLE, COME” which has become a traditional harvest song that is now associated with Thanksgiving Day. Like any other person who has ever lived in a farming community, I know the importance that is associated with the harvest time. The fruit of the work of the whole year depends on the harvest. This cannot be accomplished until the crop is ready and which must be harvested diligently lest pests or weather spoil the harvest. During the busy harvest season, farmers literally work tirelessly to get the job done. The farmers would relax and celebrate only after the harvest. Well, if you have not had that experience, you should be able to appreciate the urgency of deadlines, the joy of an important job well done, and the relief of a break after a busy time at work. It was against this background that Reverend Henry Alford composed the popular harvest or thanksgiving hymn. He called on thankful people to come and raise the song of “Harvest Home” because all the harvest of the year is safely gathered in before the winter storms begin. He attributed this harvest to divine provision. So, people that are thankful should come to thank God in His temple. Alford affirmed that the whole world is God's own field where several things are happening. He then prayed that the Lord of harvest would enable us to have good harvest from this “field”. He further reminded people that the Lord shall come one day to take the harvest home, that He shall ask His angels to cast “the tares” in the hell fire, but the “fruitful ears” will be stored in the “garner” for eternity. This is in comparison to the parable of Jesus Christ in Matthew 13:24-30 and the words of John the Baptist in Matthew 3:12. Lastly, Alford prayed that God should quickly come with His angels to bring His final harvest home by gathering His people in, so that they may be free from sorrow and sin, and be forever purified and abide in His presence. At a glance, this hymn is a hymn thanksgiving and/or harvest. It is indeed good to thank God for thus far He has helped us this year. However, the lyrics of the hymn are more about the final harvest that God will do in the future. As you celebrate the Harvest and/or the Thanksgiving this year, are you ready for the last harvest when God will “reap” you and place you in the place that you rightly belong? Will that place be in His everlasting presence or the eternal damnation in the lake of fire? In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will be able to live your life in thankfulness of God, and in a way that He will be able to harvest you into His presence forever.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 04Nov2017

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 God's ways are not our ways. The most important quality God desires to develop in us is our dependence on Him and Him alone. - Os Hillman ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to be able to allow You to have Your ways in my life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 03Nov2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need” (Philippians 4:11-12 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY In other for you not to trouble your happiness, prepare yourself in advance to accept with serenity whatever occurs. - Adeolu Olusodo ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will able to be contented with whatever befalls you with the faith that God will make it work out for your good.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 02Nov2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "What may we say, then? are we to go on in sin so that there may be more grace? In no way" (Romans 6:1-2a BBE). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God is ready to revive us if we sincerely pray for revival. However, we must not, because of this, continue to sin. God will forgive and revive, but the scars of the sins will still be there! - Bayo Afolaranmi ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will able to consciously abstain from sin as you ask God to revive you.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 01Nov2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works” (Psalm 9:1 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Be thankful for what you have; you will end up having more. If you concentrate on what you do not have, you will never, ever have enough. - Oprah Winfrey ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Purposely thank God today for what He has done for you this year.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 31Oct2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through Your precepts I get understanding” (Psalm 119:103-104 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY A commitment to read and follow God’s Word begins a daily journey of discovering His love and power. - David C. McCasland ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to start each day with reading and meditating on the word of God.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 30Oct2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:12-13 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Christian life is indeed warfare against the devil and his cohorts, and every Christian must be ready to stand up for Jesus if he/she will win the spiritual battle. - Bayo Afolaranmi ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to consciously engage in spiritual warfare against the devil and his cohorts.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 29Oct2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness” (Ephesians 6:14 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Stand up, stand up for Jesus, ye soldiers of the cross; lift high His royal banner, it must not suffer loss. From victory unto victory His army shall He lead, till every foe is vanquished, and Christ is Lord indeed. - George Duf­field, Jr. ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to stand up for Jesus and fight against the devil and his cohorts till victory is yours.

STAND UP, STAND UP FOR JESUS

Dearly Beloved, STAND UP, STAND UP FOR JESUS “Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness” (Ephesians 6:14 NKJV). The popular hymn, “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus”, was an inspiration that Dr George Duffield, Jr. (1818-1888) received from the dying words of his friend, Reverend Dudley Atkins Tyng (1825-1858): "Stand up for Jesus, father, and tell my brethren of the ministry to stand up for Jesus." Tyng had been a prolific preacher in the early nineteen century in Philadelphia, USA. The arm of Tyng was amputated due to an injury he sustained in an accident that he had with his mule in his farm, and this led to his death few days later. Duffield, Jr. was moved by the dying words of Tyng that he preached a sermon the following Sunday, exhorting his congregation to stand firm for Jesus Christ. His text was Ephesians 6:14, “Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness” (NKJV). At the end of the sermon he recited a poem he had written. The poem is the lyrics of the hymn, “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus”. This hymn has a distinctly military tone because it refers to believers as Christian soldiers, and pictures Christ leading His followers in a battle against evil forces. It mentions obeying Christ’s trumpet call. It encourages putting on Gospel armour, an allusion to Ephesians 6:10-18, where Paul said that the armour of God is the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, footwear of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, and prayer. In deed, the hymn writer was right in saying that “the arm of flesh will fail you” because the warfare is not carnal but spiritual (see 2 Corinthians 10:3-6; Ephesians 6:10-18). The last stanza holds out a promise of peace that “the strife will not be long.” We may be at the warfront today, a day is coming when we will sing “the victor’s song”. Therefore, anyone that overcomes will be rewarded with “a crown of life” and reign eternally “with the King of Glory” (see James 1:12). Many people may disagree with the lyrics of this hymn of its aggressiveness and a sort of militant song. Such people prefer jolly and easy life where they can get anything they want without any struggle. However, the hymn accurately portrays the Christian life as being a life full of struggle against evil. Christian life is indeed a warfare against the devil and his cohorts, and every Christian must be ready to stand up for Jesus if he/she will win the spiritual battle. Are you ready to stand up for Jesus? In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor) Prayer Point: Pray that you will be able to stand up for Jesus and fight against the devil and his cohorts till victory is yours.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 28Oct2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Joseph said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive’” (Genesis 50:19-20 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY We may not understand why things happen the way they do; but if we will continue to love God with all our heart and consistently trust Him in and through all our trials, we can be certain (and we will one day see) that God is in control and our situation is truly intended for good. - Steve Troxel ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to wait patiently as God works out His perfect will in your life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 27Oct2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say "thank you"? - William Arthur Ward ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to be thankful all the time.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 26Oct2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, ‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water’” (John 7:37-38 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When by faith we believe the promises of God’s Word, we can experience rivers of living water and grace for our daily needs. - Dennis Fisher ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Come to Jesus Christ today (if you have not done so) to experience the flow of rivers of living water and grace through Him.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 25Oct2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “So then, in everything treat others the same way you want them to treat you, for this is [the essence of] the Law and the [writings of the] Prophets” (Matthew 7:12 AMP). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The only way you can serve God is by serving other people. - Rick Warren ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to always serve others in any capacity I find myself.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 24Oct2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When the storms of life come upon us, we can rise above them by setting our minds and hearts on God. - Author Unknown ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to always depend on You in any storm of life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 23Oct2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul, Like a weaned child with his mother; Like a weaned child is my soul within me" (Psalm 131:2 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset. - Saint Francis de Sales ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to be calm and depend on God in whatever situation you find yourself.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 22Oct2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you” (Luke 6:27-28 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Instead of praying "the prayer of death" against your enemies, pray for yourself for more power of the Holy Spirit to be able to withstand all the wiles of the enemies. - Bayo Afolaranmi ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, Lord, not to pray against my enemies, to be able to be filled with your Spirit to overcome all the wiles of these enemies.

PRAYER OF DEATH?

Dearly Beloved, PRAYER OF DEATH? “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you” (Luke 6:27-28 NKJV). Recently, I was in a public transport. Two ladies were discussing openly what was happening in their workplace. I was not interested in their discussion, but a statement of one of the ladies caught my attention: "I no longer have mercy for anyone. I will pray the prayer of death for anyone who does any evil against me!" I thought within me, "Prayer of death? Is this what the Bible teaches?" I could not ascertain whether this lady is a Christian or not, but I am aware that that has become the main prayer point of many so-called Christians in this part of the world. It will not be a surprise if some people after reading this message argue in favour of such prayer points against perceived and real enemies. Prayer of death? I still cannot find any of such in the Holy Bible, especially the New Testament. There are enemies, agreed. However, how do we relate with them according to the Bible? How did Jesus Christ and His disciples relate with their enemies? What are their teachings about enemies? Did they encourage us to pray for the death of the enemies? Here are some of their teachings: “Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles; lest the Lord see it, and it displease Him, and He turn away His wrath from him” (Proverbs 24:17-18 NKJV). “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you” (Luke 6:27-28 NKJV. See also Matthew 5:43-48). “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.... If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head” (Romans 12:14, 20 NKJV). “...not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing” (1 Peter 3:9 NKJV). Jesus Christ and Stephen demonstrated these teachings while they were about to die in the hands of their enemies (see Luke 23:34; Acts 7:59; 1 Peter 2:21-23). The apostles were persecuted by the power that be. They did not pray against these "enemies". They rather prayed for themselves for more enablement. The outcome of their prayer was awesome as they were refilled with the power of the Holy Spirit (see Acts 4:23-31). What has been the outcome of your prayer in response to the action of the enemies against you? Instead of praying "the prayer of death" against your enemies, pray for yourself for more power of the Holy Spirit to be able to withstand all the wiles of the enemies. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Help me, Lord, not to pray against my enemies, to be able to be filled with your Spirit to overcome all the wiles of these enemies.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 21Oct2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Then [Moses] said to [the Lord], ‘If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here’” (Exodus 33:15 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY If we are to be effective in anything we do for the Lord, the Lord must be in the midst of it. - Os Hillman ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Ask the Lord today to assure you of His presence and power in your activities.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 21Oct2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Then [Moses] said to [the Lord], ‘If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here’” (Exodus 33:15 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY If we are to be effective in anything we do for the Lord, the Lord must be in the midst of it. - Os Hillman ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Ask the Lord today to assure you of His presence and power in your activities.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 20Oct2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “And the Lord said to Moses, ‘Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward’” (Exodus 14:15 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Going forward will give you solutions to your problem. You will never get solutions to your problems when you turn your back on them. Obstacles will give way when you face them. They will persist if you do not. In whatever challenging position you find yourself, make sure you go forward. Go forward. - Dapo Akinlotan ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to move forward instead of complaining or contemplating of going backward.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 19Oct2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Relax, takes a few deep breathes, give all your anxieties to God so that you can receive and enjoy the peace He has for you. - Tom Norvell ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not be anxious for anything, but always be able to give all your anxieties to God.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 18Oct2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “So any person who knows what is right to do but does not do it, to him it is sin” (James 4:17 AMP). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent. - Thomas Jefferson ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to do what is right at all time.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 17Oct2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “There is one who scatters, yet increases more; and there is one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty. The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself” (Proverbs 11:24-25 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY We are rich only through what we give, and poor only through what we refuse. - Ralph Waldo Emerson ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to give generous at all time.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 16Oct2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears" (Philippians 1:6 MSG). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY What we see of God's provisions teaches us to trust Him for what we cannot see of His purposes. -Author Unknown ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to be able to trust You that You will perfect what You have started in me.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 15Oct2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “As an eagle stirs up its nest, hovers over its young, spreading out its wings, taking them up, carrying them on its wings, so the Lord alone led [the people of Israel], and there was no foreign god with [the people of Israel]” (Deuteronomy 32:11-12 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When God stirs up the nest on your comfort, it is to make you stronger and lead you to your Promised Land. - Bayo Afolaranmi ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to come out stronger when God “stirs up your nest”.

WHEN GOD STIRS UP YOUR NEST!

Dearly Beloved, WHEN GOD STIRS UP YOUR NEST! “As an eagle stirs up its nest, hovers over its young, spreading out its wings, taking them up, carrying them on its wings, so the Lord alone led [the people of Israel], and there was no foreign god with [the people of Israel]” (Deuteronomy 32:11-12 NKJV). An eagle is a unique bird among other birds. Many lessons can be learnt from its uniqueness. One of such lessons is its deliberate stirring of the nest where it keeps its chicks (or young ones) in order to teach them how to fly and be stronger. An eagle always builds its nest on tall trees or high cliffs where enemies cannot easily reach. The eagle that has been taking good care of its chicks for some time in this safe and comfortable nest would without warning stir up the nest thereby making the chicks to be in danger of falling from the high place. As the chicks try to fly, the eagle would hover over the chicks and spread its wings to catch them and carry them on its pinions to safety. This is repeated on several occasions till the chicks could fly perfectly on their own to safety without the help of the mother eagle. In the Song of Moses as Moses was about leaving the people of Israel after forty years of leading them to the verge of the Promised Land, he compared the dealing of God with the people of Israel to the stirring of nest of an eagle so that the people of Israel would be able to be strong (see Deuteronomy 1:31; 32:11). He recounted how God had been with the people of Israel in the wilderness for forty years, leading them, encircling them, instructing them, keeping them as the apple of His eye, protecting them, feeding them, and taking them to where they were about to enter the Promised Land. The people of Israel did not know that God was training them to become a strong and formidable nation when they were passing through the wilderness experience. Are you also wondering why God is stirring up the nest on your comfort? Why would He allow you to face the difficulties you have presently? Why can He not make everything rousing for you? Why is He allowing the righteous to suffer? He is stirring up your nest so that you will become stronger. Job testified of God: “But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold” (Job 23:10 NKJV). Apostle Peter considered this test as something done by fire (see 1 Peter 1:7). In spite of this, it is to bring “praise, honor, and glory” to God. As the eagle is always with its chicks during and after the stirring up of the nest, and even taking the chicks to safety, so also the Lord is with us (see Hebrews 13:5). He will hover over you, carry you on His wings, and lead you to your Promised Land (see Psalm 36:7; 61:4; 63:7; 91:4). So, when God stirs up your nest, it is to make you stronger. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will be able to come out stronger when God “stirs up your nest”.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 14Oct2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up” (Psalm 5:3 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY It is not a job but a joy to spend time with Jesus and know that He prepares us for whatever lies ahead that day. - David C. McCasland ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always be able to set time apart early in the morning to spend time with Jesus.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 13Oct2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men” (Colossians 3:23 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence. - Martin Luther King, Jr. ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be diligently to work anywhere you find yourself.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 12Oct2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:31-33 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Worry is not believing God will get it right, and bitterness is believing God got it wrong. - Timothy Keller ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not be worried or bitter because of what you have received from God.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 11Oct2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones" (Proverbs 16:24 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Instead of hurling angry words that wound and stir up strife, use words of kindness, filled with love, that heal and nourish life. - Dave Sper ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to use sweet and kind words in your communication.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 10Oct2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Now go and write down these words. Write them in a book. They will stand until the end of time as a witness” (Isaiah 30:8 NLT). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God has ordained writing as one of the means to transmit information, inspire others, change minds and change lives. - Jerry Akinsola ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, Lord, to be able to do what you have ordained me to do in life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 09Oct2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Of course, my brothers, I really do not think that I have already won it; the one thing I do, however, is to forget what is behind me and do my best to reach what is ahead. So I run straight toward the goal in order to win the prize, which is God's call through Christ Jesus to the life above" (Philippians 3:13-14 TEV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY If you want to reach your potential and become the person you were created to be, you must do much more than just experiencing life and hoping that you learn what you need along the way. - John C Maxwell ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, Lord, to put more efforts in achieving my life’s goals.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 08Oct2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body” (Ephesians 4:25 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY While it is good to be informed and let other people benefit from the information you have, be mindful the information you will disseminate to other people. It is better to be sure of the source of any information and its veracity before passing such information to others. - Bayo Afolaranmi ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not join others to spread rumor, but that you will always verify any information before spreading it.

DO NOT BE A RUMORMONGER!

Dearly Beloved, DO NOT BE A RUMORMONGER! “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body” (Ephesians 4:25 NIV). I have had my message for the week ready both in English and Esperanto languages. However, like Jude in the Bible who had to change the subject of his epistle (see Jude 3), I have to set aside the initial message and write about a trend on social media in this part of the world. Undoubtedly, access to social media has made dissemination of information easier these days. However, this has made many people out of falsehood, deceit, pretense, inferiority complex, identity theft, plagiarism, and the likes to mislead others by what they disseminate through social media. This trend has led to ascribing information to renowned religious or political leaders to give credence to such information. Recently, a leading famous religious leader had to release an official statement to refute a message credited to him. Unfortunately, this opportunity of easy access to social media in disseminating information has made other people to disseminate further the misleading, untrue, semi-true or even sensitive information to other people without verifying the authenticity of the source of the information. Some people are even ready to argue blindly in support of such baseless information. In Ephesians 4:25, Apostle Paul admonished, “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body” (NIV). Apostle John added: “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1 NIV). Although the admonition here was about false spirits, however, it is applicable also to false information. Furthermore, God warned the people of Israel in Exodus 23:2: “Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong” (NIV). Therefore, why would you be involved in disseminating misleading, untrue, semi-true or sensitive information to other people? Why would you not first verify any information before forwarding it to others? While it is good to be informed and let other people benefit from the information you have, be mindful the information you will disseminate to other people. It is better to be sure of the source of any information and its veracity before passing such information to others. Do not be a rumormonger! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will not join others to spread rumor, but that you will always verify any information before spreading it.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 07Oct2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly” (Proverbs 14:29 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY A man who is a master of patience is master of everything else. - George Savile ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to master patience in my dealings with other people.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 06Oct2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “We should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love” (Ephesians 4:14-16 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Speaking the truth in love to the one who has offended us is vital, even if it means stepping outside our comfort zone. - Dennis Fisher ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to speak the truth in love with those that have offended you.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 06Oct2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “We should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love” (Ephesians 4:14-16 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Speaking the truth in love to the one who has offended us is vital, even if it means stepping outside our comfort zone. - Dennis Fisher ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to speak the truth in love with those that have offended you.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 05Oct2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Behold, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, who by night stand in the house of the Lord! Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord. The Lord who made heaven and earth bless you from Zion!” (Psalm 134 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Whether you are in the sunshine or in the darkness, whether you are serving on the day shift or the night shift, remember that you are serving the Lord. Because He never slumbers or sleeps, He hears your prayer and praise at all times, and He will bless you. - Author Unknown ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to serve God faithfully whether night or day.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 04Oct2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You; and in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, until these calamities have passed by” (Psalm 57:1 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Whatever crisis we face today, we can run to God for help. Then, we can praise Him as we wait expectantly, confident in His infinitely creative care for us. - Tim Gustafson ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to run to God for safety during any crisis.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 03Oct2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Be lifted up in your spirit. Be lifted up from low moment of faith because weeping may endure all night but one thing is certain, joy comes in the morning. - Kayode Oyedemi ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to lift up your spirit in faith.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 02Oct2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Let your kingdom come. Let your will be done on earth as it is done in heaven” (Matthew 6:10 GW). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The only place of honor in the kingdom of God is the place of service. The only way to be useful is to be submitted entirely to the Lord. - Author Unknown ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be conscious of the impending kingdom of God.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 01Oct2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.... [Therefore] let justice run down like water, and righteousness like a mighty stream” (Proverbs 14:34; Amos 5:24 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY As good as being religious and prayerful are, it is far better to be righteous and just before God if we want our religiosity and prayers be accepted by God. - Bayo Afolaranmi ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not only be religious, but godly and righteous.

“RIGHTEOUSNESS EXALTS A NATION…”

Dearly Beloved, “RIGHTEOUSNESS EXALTS A NATION…” “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.... [Therefore] let justice run down like water, and righteousness like a mighty stream” (Proverbs 14:34; Amos 5:24 NKJV). Nigeria as a nation will celebrate its 57th independence anniversary on October 1, 2017. To mark this and as a result of the prevailing situations in the country, Christian Association of Nigeria (the national body of Christians in the country) has declared the day as a day of prayer for the nation. As I reflected on this declaration, I felt sorry for the body in particular and the nation in general. The nation needs prayers, agreed. However, the people of the nation need re-orientation. Here is a nation and people that are largely divided by Christianity and Islam. Everybody is either a Christian or a Muslim. Even, handful of the citizens openly identifies with traditional religion. Church buildings and mosques are found on almost every street of villages, towns and cities of the country. Almost everybody is a pastor or imam in Nigeria. People are trooping into prayer mountains/camps everyday seeking blessings and miracles. Religion has become the major export of the country to other parts of the world. In spite of these, the moral situation of the country is like that of the people of Judah as described in Isaiah 59 where the hands of the people were defiled with blood of innocent people; their fingers were tainted with iniquity; their lips spoke lies; no one called for justice, nor does anyone pleaded for truth; they trusted in empty words; their works were works of iniquity, and the act of violence was in their hands; their feet ran to evil; their thoughts were thoughts of iniquity; justice and righteousness were far from them; they spoke and acted in oppression and revolt; and they conceived and uttered words of falsehood from the heart (see Isaiah 59:3-13). In fact, “Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands afar off; for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. So truth fails, and he who departs from evil makes himself a prey” (verses 14-15 NKJV). The so-called religious leaders are not helping matters as most of them are like the shepherds in the days of Ezekiel who fed themselves instead of feeding the flock (see Ezekiel 34:1-10). No wonder, Isaiah earlier said that the people had been separated from God by these sins, and these sins had hidden the face of God from the people. Is this not the true picture of Nigeria and its people? It is good to be religious as many Nigerians are today. But it is far better to be godly and righteous. It is good to cry out to God in prayers for the prevailing situations of Nigeria, or any other country or person. But it is far better to live holy and righteous life. For God to hear and answer our prayers, we must be ready to yield to the advice of another prophet, Amos: “But let justice run down like water, and righteousness like a mighty stream” (Amos 5:24 NKJV). God categorically told King Solomon: “If My people who are called by My name will HUMBLE THEMSELVES, and pray and seek My face, and TURN FROM THEIR WICKED WAYS, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14 NKJV emphasis added). Righteousness indeed exalts a nation and its people. I wish Nigeria and Nigerians Happy Independence Day! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will not only be religious, but godly and righteous.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 30Sep2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Ointment and perfume delight the heart, and the sweetness of a man’s friend gives delight by hearty counsel.... As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend” (Proverbs 27:9, 17 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Any friendship that is not helping you to become better or whom you are not helping to be better should be reviewed for relevance. - Author Unknown ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always be a channel of God’s blessings to your friends.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 29Sep2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Romans 8:26 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY It is a comfort that the Holy Spirit knows our own limitations and weaknesses and translates our requests to God in conformity with His will. - Dennis Fisher ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Thank God for the Holy Spirit who is helping you in your weakness as you try to reach God in prayers.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 28Sep2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Then David said to [Goliath], ‘You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied’” (1 Samuel 17:45 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY If your faith is in the living God, everything will work out. Do not put man in the place of God, no matter their status and pedigree. Your faith must totally rest on God. - Kayode Oyedemi ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to put your faith wholly in God, and not in any man or thing.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 27Sep2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified” (Acts 20:32 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Though we are far away from those we love, they are never far from God. - Linda Washington ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Commit your loved ones that are far away from you to the Lord’s care.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 26Sep2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.... And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men” (Colossians 3:17, 23 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Wherever you will be and whatever you are doing there, you will be part of the spread-out, scattered-over-the-world church. Your role is to be a stand-in for Jesus, to make the world a better place and to invite people to receive his free gift of salvation. - Steve Blair ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to do everything anywhere as to the Lord, and not to anyone.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 25Sep2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil” (Proverbs 4:25-27 NLT). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Keep your constant focus on your dreams and targets to avoid distractions. - Dapo O. Akinlotan ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to keep focused and not be distracted in any way.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 24Sep2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "While Israel was staying in Shittim, the men began to indulge in sexual immorality with Moabite women, who invited them to the sacrifices to their gods. The people ate and bowed down before these gods. So Israel joined in worshiping the Baal of Peor. And the LORD's anger burned against them" (Numbers 25:1-3 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY In spite of the fact that sin does not bring every calamity, it can bring a devastating havoc on any errant child of God. - Bayo Afolaranmi ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not willingly loosen the fortified edge that God has built round you.

NO CURSE, BUT...

Dearly Beloved, NO CURSE, BUT... "No misfortune is seen in Jacob, no misery observed in Israel. The LORD their God is with them.... There is no sorcery against Jacob, no divination against Israel" (Number 23:21-23 NIV). "While Israel was staying in Shittim, the men began to indulge in sexual immorality with Moabite women, who invited them to the sacrifices to their gods. The people ate and bowed down before these gods. So Israel joined in worshiping the Baal of Peor. And the LORD's anger burned against them" (Numbers 25:1-3 NIV). As the Israelites were about to enter the Promised Land after forty years of wandering in the wilderness in their exodus from the land of slavery, Balak, the king of Moab hired Balaam, a diviner, to come and curse the Israelites so that he, Balak, could wage war against the Israelites and defeat them. However, Balaam knew that the Israelites were blessed people of God and that they could not be cursed. He reluctantly came to do the evil assignment, though on the condition that if he was allowed by God to curse the Israelites. It was evident from his four oracles that the people of Israel could not be cursed. In fact, he blessed them on each occasion that Balak wanted him to curse them to the displeasure of Balak. He categorically said in one of his oracles that there was no curse against the Israelites because their God was with them. However, he knew another way that the Lord could turn against His blessed people: sin! He taught Balak to make the Moabite women entice the Israelites into sexual immorality and idolatry (see Numbers 25:1-3; 31:16; Revelation 2:4). This made God to be angry with His people, and 24,000 people died among the Israelites on a single day. What a curse could not do, sin easily did! There is no curse, sorcery, divination or any kind of evil planned or invoked against any true child of God that will come to pass (see Isaiah 54:17). However, in spite of the fact that sin does not bring every calamity, it can bring a devastating havoc on any errant child of God. Satan knows that God builds a fortified edge round His beloved ones, but he also knows that he can wreak his havoc on any wayward Christian. Are you wayward in your relationship with God? You are giving the devil an opportunity to operate in your life. Beware that YOU will not loosen the fortified edge that God has built round you. No curse, but.... In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).  Prayer Point: Pray that you will not willingly loosen the fortified edge that God has built round you.