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.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 23Sep2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart..." (Luke 18:1 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY A great many people get discouraged in praying because the answer does not come at once. It should be settled in the mind, first, that God always hears the true prayer, and that he will always send an answer, though it may not always be the answer we desire. - James R. Miller ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, not to be discouraged when Your answer to my prayers is been delayed.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 22Sep2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The journey of life is not to be walked alone but benefits from mutual support of another. - Dennis Fisher ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to walk harmoniously with others in this life journey.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 21Sep2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “And when they came to Chidon’s threshing floor, Uzza put out his hand to hold the ark, for the oxen stumbled. Then the anger of the Lord was aroused against Uzza, and He struck him because he put his hand to the ark; and he died there before God” (1 Chronicles 13:9-10 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When we begin to make decisions based on reason and analysis instead of the leading and prompting of the Holy Spirit, we get into trouble with God. - Os Hillman ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O God, to follow Your leadership in doing anything for You so that I will not get into trouble with You!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 20Sep2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens” (2 Corinthians 5:1 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Reflecting on our heavenly home, and all that we will have there, helps us to be at peace with God always. - Amos Tella ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to always reflect on your heavenly home.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 19Sep2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “God can do anything, you know - far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us” (Ephesians 3:20 MSG). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God is the God who created all of space and if you believe in that kind of God, He can do anything. - Billy Graham ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to believe in the God who has created all of space and can do anything.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 17Sep2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters-one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.’ While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!’” (Matthew 17:4-5 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY It is good to be in the presence of God and worship Him. It is good to serve Him in any way we can. However, it is better to listen to Him and obey Him in our day-to-day activities. - Bayo Afolaranmi ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will learn to always listen to God when you are serving Him.

“LISTEN TO HIM!”

Dearly Beloved, “LISTEN TO HIM!”   “Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters-one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.’ While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!’” (Matthew 17:4-5 NIV). Many people nowadays enjoy being in the presence of God (in churches, prayer mountains, camps, religious conferences and seminars, and the like) serving Him and most especially praying (and possibly fasting) to Him for one thing or the other. However, most of these people are not ready to listen to and obey Jesus Christ in that presence of God and in their day-to-day activities.  This was the error about which God corrected Peter and the other two disciples when Jesus Christ was transfigured in their presence on a mountain. They were so overwhelmed with the experience that Peter suggested that they should remain there. However, God reaffirmed His declaration that Jesus Christ is His beloved Son in whom He is well pleased, and that they should listen to Him. Listening to Jesus entails total obedience to His commands and wills for one’s life especially in one’s day-to-day activities. No wonder, He led the disciples to where they could really listen to Him. It is good to be in the presence of God and worship Him. It is good to serve Him in any way we can. However, it is better to listen to Him and obey Him in our day-to-day activities. Going to churches, prayer mountains, camps, religious conferences and the likes to worship God without listening to Him and obeying His commands is like wasting one’s precious time. Samuel candidly told Saul: Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams (1 Samuel 15:22 NIV). Jesus Christ also said, “If you love me, you will obey what I command” (John 14:15 NIV). Note that He did not say, “You will serve me,” though serving Him is also good, but listening to Him and obeying His commands are more paramount. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will learn to always listen to God when you are serving Him.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 16Sep2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “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). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The church exists to illuminate the world. And this will only be possible when we understand that our mission is not to guarantee personal benefits, but to take the Gospel of Good News to all. The day this happens, the world will be a better place, and everything else we need will be added. - Paulo Barbosa ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not seek your personal benefits, but ways that the Gospel will be spread to everywhere in the world.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 15Sep2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Amazing grace! How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found; was blind, but now I see. - John Newton ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Thank God for the amazing grace of God that saved you by faith.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 14Sep2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Take care that no one takes you away by force, through man's wisdom and deceit, going after the beliefs of men and the theories of the world, and not after Christ" (Colossians 2:8 BBE). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY We must be wise and sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit so that our relationship will not drag us away from Christ and the focus of our ministry. - Israel Adelani Akanji ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that your relationship with other people will not drag you away from Christ.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 13Sep2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God” (2 Corinthians 3:5 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Christian ministry cannot be run outside God. Anyone that will work for God must have emptied self for God to have His way in his/her life. Until a man is acceptable to God, he cannot be fit for God’s service. - Segun Babalola ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to empty yourself so that your service will be acceptable to God.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 12Sep2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God is lovingly working toward restoration and joy in and through the pain of our lives. - Monica Brands ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to allow God to work in you towards your restoration in life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 11Sep2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy’” (Leviticus 19:2 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Take time to be holy, the world rushes on; Spend much time in secret with Jesus alone. By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be; Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see. - William Longstaff ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to live a holy life always.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 10Sep2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Now it came to pass, as [Jesus Christ] was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples’” (Luke 11:1 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY There are various ways of prayer. Only God can teach us the proper method of praying if we are ready to learn. Indeed, we cannot pray acceptably at all unless God take us through the course of prayer. - Bayo Afolaranmi ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that the Lord will teach you how to correctly pray unto Him so that your prayers will be acceptable to Him.

LORD, TEACH US TO PRAY!

Dearly Beloved, LORD, TEACH US TO PRAY! “Now it came to pass, as [Jesus Christ] was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples’” (Luke 11:1 NKJV). Our Lord Jesus Christ while on earth knew the importance of prayer, and He did not play with it. He started His earthly ministry with prayer and ended it with prayer. One of the instances of His prayer life is the verse quoted above. As He finished His prayer, one of His disciples came to Him asked Him to teach them (i.e. the disciples) how to pray. This indicates that they had been seeing Him praying, and probably they had partaken in His time of prayer, but they did not know how to pray. The Bible does not disclose the identity of this particular disciple. However, one of them asked, and it led to the teaching of what we know today as "The Lord's Prayer." The prayer life of a Christian cannot be over-emphasized. It is proper for us to meditate beforehand what we are to ask of God, and to arrange our thoughts, that we may not come thoughtlessly into His presence. As Christians, we are in the war front against the devil and his host. The Bible clearly states this that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the satanic powers (Ephesians 6:12), and that though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does (2 Corinthians 10:3-4). We can use the efficacy of prayer against these satanic powers. But, how can we use this power effectively? Promises of God abound in the Bible that we should ask Him anything in prayer and He will do it for us. How can we rightly utilize these promises in prayer? We have to ask God to teach us how to pray. There are various ways of prayer. Only God can teach us the proper method of praying if we are ready to learn. Indeed, we cannot pray acceptably at all unless God take us through the course of prayer. Somebody has suggested the acronym "ACTS" to describe the ways of prayer. The acronym stands for Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication. While praying, what method should we use? We need to ask God to teach us. Lord, teach us to pray! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that the Lord will teach you how to correctly pray unto Him so that your prayers will be acceptable to Him.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 09Sep2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “And Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and read it; and Hezekiah went up to the house of the Lord, and spread it before the Lord” (2 Kings 19:14 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Lay your problem before God and trust Him to guide your steps and calm your uneasy hearts. - Kirsten Holmberg ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always be able to lay your problem before God.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 08Sep2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother’s eye” (Luke 6:41-42 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY We are all sinners and we all have faults and make our share of mistakes. So, before we try to take the speck out of another's eye, let us first take the log out of our own. - Richard Innes ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always first look inwardly at yourself before pointing accusing finger at others.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 07Sep2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Then [Jesus Christ] said to them all, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me’” (Luke 9:23 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God’s legs, heart, and love for us are longer and greater than what we could ever have. Knowing this and that God knows exactly what He is doing and exactly where we are, we must have the courage to let Him walk ahead of us and do what needs to be done while we follow close behind. - Timothy Jackson, Jr. ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to willingly follow Jesus Christ daily.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 06Sep2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone. You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, the young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot” (Psalm 91:11-13 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY A God wise enough to create me and the world I live in is wise enough to watch out for me. - Philip Yancey ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will continue to experience the watchfulness of God the more over your life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 05Sep2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Our lives do not have to succumb to adverse conditions because we have the ultimate escape plan through trusting our Father in Heaven. - Author Unknown ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to trust in God in any condition you find yourself.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 04Sep2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “So [Jesus Christ] called His disciples to Himself and said to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood’” (Mark 12:43-44 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When we present God the best of our time, talents, or treasure with hearts motivated by love, we are lavishing Him with offerings of priceless worship. - Xochitl Dixon ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to give your best to God as priceless worship unto Him.

THE MAJORITY!

Dearly Beloved, THE MAJORITY! "But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship. Since the harbor was unsuitable to winter in, the majority decided that we should sail on, hoping to reach Phoenix and winter there" (Acts 27:11-12 NIV). In a democratic society, majority always have their way while the minority have their say. In other words, majority carry the day while the minority are left in the cold. That is the ideal. However, at times, majority opinion or decision may be dangerous and be detriment of the whole society. Paul the apostle was in a voyage to Rome as a prisoner. It was evident that the sailing had become dangerous. So, he advised the sailors against continuing the voyage. The centurion who was leading the journey and majority of people in the ship thought otherwise. The majority had their way while Paul had his say. However, the decision of the majority nearly cost them their lives after losing everything they had in a storm that led to a shipwreck. When Moses was leading the Israelites to the Promised Land, twelve spies were sent ahead of them to the land. Ten of the spies brought bad reports while only two brought good reports. The Israelites followed the majority and rebelled against God. This made the whole generation of those people not to get to that land except the two people that brought the good reports (see Numbers 13, 14). In leadership, while it is good to listen to the view of the majority and follow it, it is better, at times, to thoughtfully consider the view of the minority. Majority may have the same view, but they are not right all the time. The majority view may be dangerous at times. Therefore, pray for the discerning spirit, especially, the leadership of the Holy Spirit, before following the majority. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
 Prayer Point: Pray for the discerning spirit, especially, the leadership of the Holy Spirit, before following the majority.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 02Sep2017

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, ‘Who then can be saved?’ But Jesus looked at them and said to them, ‘With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible’” (Matthew 19:25-26 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When you say a situation or a person is hopeless, you are slamming the door in the face of God. - Charles L. Allen ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to see possibility in every impossibility of your life.