OUR PRAYERS FOR YOU IN THE YEAR 2019

Dearly Beloved, OUR PRAYERS FOR YOU IN THE YEAR 2019 Glory be to God! He has done it again in enabling us to start another year. Great indeed is His faithfulness! Happy New Year (2019). As we always do every year, Opeyemi (my wife), Boluwatife, IfeOluwa, Michael, Abraham (my children) and I are welcoming you to this New Year with these prophetic prayers adapted from Jeremiah 30:19 (NIV). This New Year: - songs of thanksgiving will come from you; - the sound of rejoicing will come from your dwelling; - the Lord will add to your numbers, and you will not be decreased; - the Lord will bring you honor, and - you will not be despised 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 01Jan2019

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 Develop an attitude of gratitude this year, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation. - Brian Tracy ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY O Lord, help me to develop an attitude of gratitude this year, and give always thanks for everything that happens to me.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 30Dec2018

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 No matter your experience this year, God is working to fulfill His purpose in your life. He works in mysterious ways to bring out His purposes in the lives of His beloved. - Bayo Afolaranmi ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to endure whatever situation you may be passing through as God is working to fulfill His purpose in your life.

GOD IS WORKING IN YOUR SITUATION!

Dearly Beloved, GOD IS WORKING IN YOUR SITUATION! “So [Joseph] got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt” (Matthew 2:14 NIV). “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). Another year is coming to an end! Many things have happened in the passing year. Some of these things were enigmatic. One may wonder why they happened the way they did. However, there are purposes for their occurrences. The purposes may be to make the persons that the occurrences happened to become better persons or to make them learn some lessons of life. There is a proverb in Yoruba that literally means, “A warrior who knows how to retreat in battles when he supposes to would come back to fight greater battles while a warrior who does not know how to do so may be conquered and never have the opportunity of fighting any other battle.” This does not mean that the warrior is coward. It means knowing when to do the right thing at the right time. This is applicable to Baby Jesus when the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph, His earthly father, and told him (that is, Joseph) to take Jesus and His mother and escape to Egypt because King Herod was looking for ways to kill Jesus. Why would Joseph and his family be subjected to such ordeal? Could God not protect Jesus from Herod without escaping to a foreign land? No! God works in mysterious ways. He decided to use that way to protect the Baby Jesus. Besides, that action would fulfill one of the prophecies about Jesus that He would be brought out of Egypt (see Hosea 11:1). Jesus was not the only one that became a “migrant” in Egypt to fulfill prophecies. Joseph, son of Jacob, in the Old Testament was sold to Egypt (see Genesis 37:28). He was imprisoned unjustly there (see Genesis 39:20). However, he became what God wanted him to be eventually (see Genesis 41:37-45). The people of Israel went for a greener pasture in Egypt (see Genesis 46) and they became slaves there (see Exodus 1). However, God brought them out as a mighty nation from the land where they were migrants (see Exodus 14). Where is the “Egypt” that God has sent you to be a “migrant” this year? Does it seem as if God has abandoned you there? Why has God allow what happened to you this year? Is God no longer with you? No! Do not be dismayed. No matter your experience this year, God is working to fulfill His purpose in your life. He works in mysterious ways to bring out His purposes in the lives of His beloved. In fact, your present situation could be a way of fulfilling God’s purpose in your life. He will bring you out of the situation as a mighty person. You will soon shine this coming year in Jesus’ name. Amen. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will be able to endure whatever situation you may be passing through as God is working to fulfill His purpose in your life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 29Dec2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Brothers and sisters, I know that I still have a long way to go. But there is one thing I do: I forget what is in the past and try as hard as I can to reach the goal before me” (Philippians 3:13 ERV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY You cannot get stuck in your past if you intend to be productive in your present and fruitful in your future! - Shermaine Franklin-Sanders ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not dwell in your past, live in present in order to make something good out of your future.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 28Dec2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “[God] made Christ who knew no sin to [judicially] be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we would become the righteousness of God [that is, we would be made acceptable to Him and placed in a right relationship with Him by His gracious lovingkindness]” (2 Corinthians 5:21 AMP). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY A matchless man, Jesus Christ bears our nature but not our corruption! He was made in the likeness of sinful flesh, but in His flesh there is no sin! This Holy One is the Son of God, and yet He is the Son of man—the Savior of the World! - Charles Spurgeon ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Appreciate Jesus Christ for His willingness to be made in human likeness in order to save you from your sins.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 27Dec2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him’” (Matthew 2:1-2 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Do not be like the religious leaders who were more concerned with tradition. Follow the example of the wise men, and seek God this Christmas. It is the reason we celebrate Christmas - God wants to connect with you! - Rick Warren ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to really seek You during this festive season.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 26Dec2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “[Jesus Christ] 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 1:11-13 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY We can participate in every festivity of the Christmas season, but until we receive the gift of Jesus Christ, we will never truly experience Christmas. - Mary Southerland ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not celebrate this Christmas in vain, but truly receive the gift of Jesus Christ during the festivity.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 25Dec2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die” (John 3:16 CEV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Christmas holds its place in the hearts of men because they know that love is the greatest thing in the world. Christmas is celebrated in its true spirit only by those who make some sacrifice for the benefit of their fellow men. - Calvin Coolidge ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will really love your fellow human being in the true spirit of Christmas.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 24Dec2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “But Mary treasured all these things, giving careful thought to them and pondering them in her heart” (Luke 2:19 AMP). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Christmas is a season not only of rejoicing, but of reflection. - Winston Churchill ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will really reflect on the first coming of Jesus Christ into this world.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 23Dec2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed” (Genesis 2:24-25, KJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY An ideal marriage is still for better for worse! That is the bitter truth. Let there be no shame in your marriage. Be determined to cleave to your spouse for life. Then, ask God for help in your marriage. He will help you if you allow Him. - Bayo Afolaranmi ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will have a marriage where both you and your spouse will be able to cleave together in love for better for worse till death do you apart.

STILL FOR BETTER FOR WORSE

Dearly Beloved, STILL FOR BETTER FOR WORSE “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed” (Genesis 2:24-25, KJV). Why is it that many people nowadays do not want to hear the expression “For Better For Worse”? Could this have contributed to the common cases of divorce, separation, unresolved marital conflicts, and even spouse murder these days? The idea of “For Better For Worse” in marriage has to do with a pivotal issue that most people do not take note of, and this is ruining many marriages today. This issue is “leaving and cleaving” in marriage. The Bible says that a man will leave his parents (and by inference all other relations) and cleave to (or preferably unite with) his wife. The man puts aside his former relationships and way of living and thinking, and starts a new relationship, and a new way of living and thinking with his wife who is now one with him. It has to be emphasized here that to cleave in this context means to be glued together for life. That is, the man and his wife are together “for better for worse” for life! That is the original plan of God for marriage. The man and his wife cleave together, they become one, and they are not ashamed in spite of their “nakedness.” Have you ever wondered about the nature of this “nakedness”? Any attempt to separate this gluing or cleaving together will result in emotional damage to each of the partners, and by extension, their relations and friends, and even the children born out of the union. The more we are ready to understand this and accept it, the better our marriages in particular and the society in general will be. The implication of this is that any man or woman that wants to enter into this relationship should do so with extra care. It “must not be entered into carelessly, or from selfish motives, but responsibly, and prayerfully” as stated in a marriage declaration. This is because marriage is one of the oldest institutions created by God, and He has many reasons for instituting it. Similarly, there are many guidelines for an ideal marriage. One has to know and follow these reasons and guidelines to the letter if one wants to maintain the ideal marriage as it was originally in the mind of God. It is unfortunate, however, that people now create different reasons and guidelines for marriage. No wonder, many marriages are in shambles, and cases of divorce and remarriage are common, especially in the western world, even among Christians! My first and only marriage with my darling wife was twenty years old some days ago! This is not a big deal to many people in this part of the world where the institution of marriage is still held in high esteem. However, it is a great feat or rather something unimaginable to many people in the western world. I have been cleaved to my wife (and she has been cleaved to me) for the past twenty years, and both of us were, and still are, not ashamed of each other because we have determined to live for life for better for worse. Ours is not a perfect marriage. There is never one! We have determined to enjoy life together, and to endure it together for better for worse, even after twenty years in marriage. Are you married? Let there be no shame in your marriage. Be determined to cleave to your spouse for life. Are you still single? Do not rush into any relationship and pray that the Lord will help you to be able to have an ideal marriage as He originally planned it. Is your marriage in crisis? Go back to the original plan of God for marriage. Deliberately cleave to your spouse. Then, ask God for help. He will help you if you allow Him. An ideal marriage is still for better for worse! That is the bitter truth. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Points: 1. Pray for my over-twenty-year-old marriage with my beloved wife that the Lord will enable us to continue to cleave together in love for better for worse till death do us apart. 2. Pray that you will have a marriage where both you and your spouse will be able to cleave together in love for better for worse till death do you apart. 3. Pray for unmarried young ones that they will not enter into marriage carelessly, or from selfish motives, but responsibly, and prayerfully. 4. Pray for marriages presently in crisis that the Lord will help the partners in the marriage to resolve the crisis and determine to cleave together in love for better for worse till death do them apart. NB This message is dedicated to my dearest wife, Opeyemi, for sharing her life “for better for worse” with me for these past twenty years.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 22Dec2018

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. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35 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 love other people and show concern for them.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 21Dec2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained.... O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth!” (Psalm 8:3, 9 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Things will start to look up for you when you start looking up. Your circumstances will improve when you stop looking at them and start looking at God. - Rick Warren ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to always look unto You instead of my circumstances.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 20Dec2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “But [God] gives us more and more grace [through the power of the Holy Spirit to defy sin and live an obedient life that reflects both our faith and our gratitude for our salvation]” (James 4:6a AMP). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God’s grace makes our hope possible. Not just for today, but for all of eternity. - Stephanie Raquel ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Thank God for His abundant grace He has lavished on you.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 19Dec2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “The wise will hear and increase their learning, and the person of understanding will acquire wise counsel and the skill [to steer his course wisely and lead others to the truth]” (Proverbs 1:5 AMP). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Spending what it takes to become a little more efficient is an investment that pays rich dividends. Time spent on the right things is never wasted. - Chuck Swindoll ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to be able to wisely spend time to be more efficient in your endeavours.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 18Dec2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Merely hearing God's law is a waste of your time if you don't do what he commands. Doing, not hearing, is what makes the difference with God” (Romans 2:13 MSG). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY It is not about knowing; it is about doing. It is not about judging others; it is about ME judging myself. It is not about teaching others; it is about ME doing and living what I teach. - Femi Okunlola ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to be real doer of Your word.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 17Dec2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does” (James 1:23-25 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Like a mirror, the Bible helps us to examine our character, attitude, thoughts, and behavior. As a mirror reflects our image, the Bible reveals our inner being. - Lawrence Darmani ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to make necessary changes as Your words mirror my life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 16Dec2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “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 1:11-13 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Do not miss Jesus Christ this Christmas! Believe in the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and you will be given right to become a child of God. - Bayo Afolaranmi ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not miss the essence of Christmas, but really believe in Jesus Christ as you celebrate the season.

DO NOT MISS CHRIST THIS CHRISTMAS!

Dearly Beloved, DO NOT MISS CHRIST THIS CHRISTMAS! “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 1:11-13 NKJV). Unarguably, Christmas is the most celebrated season of the year. The aura of the season can be felt already. Many buildings have been decorated in Christmas colours. Jingles of Christmas-related events, sales and the likes have taken over many television and radio broadcast. Some people may say that the origin of the season was pagan. However, even those people agree that the season is now been celebrated to commemorate the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. In spite of this, many people are missing the essence of the celebration today. They are celebrating the season without Jesus Christ. It is interesting to note that most of the people that Jesus Christ came to save in His lifetime missed Him! They were expecting Him, the Messiah, but they could not recognize or accept Him as the Messiah when He came. The powers that be when He was born looked for ways to eliminate Him when they heard about the birth of a newborn King (see Matthew 2). The people that grew up with Him in Nazareth took offence at or refused to believe in Him (see Matthew 13:53-58). Even His own earthly siblings initially did not believe in Him! (see John 7:5). No wonder, the then constituted authorities connived together to kill Him (see Matthew 26:3-4; 27:22-25; Acts 2:22-23). What a pity! These people missed Jesus Christ. They missed the expected Saviour of the world. It is interesting that some people of the Jewish lineage are still expecting the Messiah till date! Nonetheless, the good news in spite of these rejections from His own is that, as many who believe in Him will be given the right to become children of God (John 1:11-13). It is good to celebrate the Christmas. I have started the celebration already. However, do you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ? Are you not too familiar with the Christmas celebration that you have lost the essence of the celebration? Do not miss Jesus Christ this Christmas! Believe in the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and you will be given right to become a child of God, a child “not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:13 NKJV). I wish you a Merry Christmas! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will not miss the essence of Christmas, but really believe in Jesus Christ as you celebrate the season.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 15Dec2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people" (Romans 16:17-18 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY At all times we must be on guard not to misrepresent God’s message to acquire what we want from others. With a heart yielded to God, we must honestly share spiritual truths that will benefit those who hear. - Dennis Fisher ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me not to misrepresent Your word.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 14Dec2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God is always faithful, though not necessarily on our timeline nor always according to our desires. - Elisa Morgan ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Appreciate God for His faithfulness.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 13Dec2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Everything that happens in this world happens at the time God chooses. He sets the time for birth and the time for death, the time for planting and the time for pulling up, the time for killing and the time for healing, the time for tearing down and the time for building" (Ecclesiastes 3:1-3 TEV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God is a God of times and seasons. There is usually a time destined for each thing that happens to us in life. There is a time God has purposed for each individual to accomplish certain things in life. - Supo Ayokunle ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will wait for God’s time in your life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 12Dec2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end. He did not give up because of the cross! On the contrary, because of the joy that was waiting for him, he thought nothing of the disgrace of dying on the cross, and he is now seated at the right side of God's throne” (Hebrews 12:2 TEV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goals. - Henry Ford ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to always look up to You no matter the situation.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 11Dec2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Hatred stirs up trouble; love overlooks the wrongs that others do” (Proverbs 10:12 CEV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illumines it. - Martin Luther King Jr. ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to use love to conquer every hatred.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 10Dec2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “I will offer the Lord a sacrifice to show how grateful I am, and I will pray” (Psalm 116:17 CEV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Everything we do should be a result of our gratitude for what God has done for us. - Lauryn Hill ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always do everything in your life to praise God.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 09Dec2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Oh come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms” (Psalm 95:1-2 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God has indeed done so much for you! You should praise Him for who He is and what He has done, is doing, and will do, for you. If you think deeply, you will have many reasons why you should praise Him! - Bayo Afolaranmi ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not be ungrateful, but think deeply to discover many reasons why you should praise God.

WHY I SHOULD PRAISE GOD

Dearly Beloved, WHY I SHOULD PRAISE GOD “Oh come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms” (Psalm 95:1-2 NKJV). Do you have any reason to praise God? I do! I do not know about you, but the Lord has been good to me. He wonderfully and fearfully created me in my mother’s womb (compared Psalm 139:14). I was born into this world almost fifty years ago. Since the day I was born, the Lord has been taking good care of me. He has been protecting me. He has been safeguarding me. He has been saving me from evils and dangers. He has been sustaining me. He has been providing for me. He has enabled me to achieve many things academically, matrimonially, professionally, ministerially, and spiritually. He has been blessing me and making me a channel of His blessings to others. In fact, He has been doing great things in my life. Why should I not praise God? I join the psalmist to implore you: “Oh come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms” (Psalm 95:1-2 NKJV). In addition to what the Lord had done for the psalmist who composed Psalm 95, the psalmist recognized the Lord as the great God and great King above all the kings on earth and the so-called gods (verse 3). He affirmed that all amazing places of the earth are firmly in the hands of God (verses 4-5). He enjoined people to come and worship God because people (including him) are sheep in the pasture of God (verses 6-7b). As a seasoned shepherd, the psalmist knew what it is to lead sheep into good pastures (compare Psalm 23). The Lord indeed had led him and many other people (including me) to His flourishing pasture. I should indeed join the psalmist to praise God! As the year is going to an end, do you have reasons to praise God? Do you see yourself as a sheep in His pasture? Will you appreciate His goodness and faithfulness over your life? Has He really helped you to achieve anything this year? Are you not holding grudge against Him that He has not done what you want Him to do for you this year? Are you not saying why should you praise God? God has indeed done so much for you! You should praise Him for who He is and what He has done, is doing, and will do, for you. If you think deeply, you will have many reasons why you should praise God, and you will be able to join the psalmist to say, “Oh come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms” (Psalm 95:1-2 NKJV). In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will not be ungrateful, but think deeply to discover many reasons why you should praise God. NB: I dedicate this message to the Almighty God who enabled me to celebrate another birthday today December 8, 2018. Oh come, let us praise the Lord together for what He has done for ME!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 08Dec2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name” (Psalm 100:4 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God will always be the Creator and Sustainer of the universe and our intimately loving Father. He deserves our genuine joy-filled gratitude. - Xochitl Dixon ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always have a heart full of gratitude.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 07Dec2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Only by holding our Father’s hand in the valley can we endure to see the light of the mountaintop ahead. - Dennis Fisher ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, Lord, to always hold Your hand in anticipation of great things You will do for me.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 06Dec2018

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!” (Romans 11:33 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 Help me, Lord, to accept You as You are.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 05Dec2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’” (Acts 20:35 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY If you want to bring yourself joy, then seek to give to others, for it is in losing your life that you truly will find it. - Karen Ehman ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always look for ways to give to others so as to be blessed.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 04Dec2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Wise people see trouble coming and get out of its way, but fools go straight to it and suffer for it” (Proverbs 22:3 ERV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The wise person recognizes there is going to be problems in any decision and prepares for them. - Rick Warren ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be wise enough to recognize impending problems and be able to prepare for them.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 03Dec2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “God made great and marvelous promises, so that his nature would become part of us” (2 Peter 1:4 CEV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Take your stand on the promises of God. Thousands of them are right there, waiting to be used. - Chuck Swindoll ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to take stand on Your promises and make use of them.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 02Dec2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “I will always thank the LORD; I will never stop praising him” (Psalm 34:1 TEV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Start now to thank God for the year. Look back and be grateful for what He has done in your life. Even, if He has not done what you want from Him this year, the remaining days of the year are more than enough for Him to surprise you. - Bayo Afolaranmi ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always be thankful to the Lord for His goodness over your life.

START NOW!

Dearly Beloved, START NOW! “I will always thank the LORD; I will never stop praising him” (Psalm 34:1 TEV). “...always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20 NIV). I have been composing and sending text messages to people, and people have been sending text messages to me. However, I received a text message from an online friend recently that really touched me. Here is its content: “You can spend the remaining days of this year asking God for what He has not done. But you can choose a better option thanking Him for all He has done for you this year. You do not have to wait until December 31 before you thank Him for the year. Have a THANKFUL month.” Truly, people (including me) tend to still be looking unto God for one thing or the other that He has not done for them this year without considering those things He has done and praise Him for them. We may even be thinking that the time to appreciate Him for His goodness should be the end of the year. However, the message of that text message is pertinent to us. We have to start thanking God for the year now even without knowing what the remaining days have in stock for us. The Lord that has helped thus far will make us see the end of the year and even do more than what we are expecting from Him. Start now to thank God for the year. Look back and be grateful for what He has done in your life. Even, if He has not done what you want from Him this year, the remaining days of the year are more than enough for Him to surprise you. Praise Him for who He is in your life. Thank Him for what He has done, is doing, and will do. He will perfect His plans and purpose in your life. Do not wait until the end of the year. Start now! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will always be thankful to the Lord for His goodness over your life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 01Dec2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead” (Philippians 3:13 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY We should not look back unless it is to derive useful lessons from past errors, and for the purpose of profiting by dearly bought experience. - George Washington ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always learn from past experiences and move on with life with such lessons.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 30Nov2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life” (Romans 5:10 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY We who once were enemies of God are now called his friends. We who once were far away have been brought near to God. We who once were aliens and strangers are now part of God's family. - Ray Pritchard ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Thank God for reconciling us to Himself making us to now be part of His family.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 29Nov2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When we listen to the words of Jesus and obey them, we are building our lives on a steady, rock-solid foundation. - Amy Peterson ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always listen to Jesus’ words and obey them so as to have a rock-solid foundation in Him.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 28Nov2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “But when [Jesus Christ] saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd” (Matthew 9:36 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY In a world filled with heartache, we can model the compassion of Jesus. - Bill Crowder ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will have the kind of compassion of Jesus Christ for this world filled with heartache.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 27Nov2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “[John the Baptist] answered and said to them, ‘He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise’” (Luke 3:11 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The most eloquent prayer is the prayer through hands that heal and bless. - Billy Graham ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always help people wherever you find yourself.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 26Nov2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Always let others see you behaving properly, even though they may still accuse you of doing wrong. Then on the day of judgment, they will honor God by telling the good things they saw you do” (1 Peter 2:12 CEV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Our everyday lives at home, in our work environment, or at school make an impact on others when we let God work in us. - Keila Ochoa ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that your life will always lead others to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 25Nov2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “God has done it all! He sent Christ to make peace between himself and us, and he has given us the work of making peace between himself and others. What we mean is that God was in Christ, offering peace and forgiveness to the people of this world. And he has given us the work of sharing his message about peace” (2 Corinthians 5:18-19 CEV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY As we are committed to the message of reconciliation, we should promote it anywhere we find ourselves. We should make peace with people around us and live at peace with them. - Bayo Afolaranmi ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY O God, help me to always make peace with other people around me.

COMMITTED TO MAKING PEACE

Dearly Beloved, COMMITTED TO MAKING PEACE “God has done it all! He sent Christ to make peace between himself and us, and he has given us the work of making peace between himself and others. What we mean is that God was in Christ, offering peace and forgiveness to the people of this world. And he has given us the work of sharing his message about peace” (2 Corinthians 5:18-19 CEV). In the one-chapter book to Philemon in the Bible, Onesimus was a slave of Philemon, an influential member of the Colossian church. Onesimus ran away from his master, but had an encounter with Paul in the prison in Rome. He became born again through Paul. As he was returning to his master, Paul had to re-introduce him to his master so that his master would be able to treat him not as a slave, but as a brother in Christ. Slavery was a normal thing in the Greco-Roman world when incident happened. In that era, people became slaves if they were either taken as the spoils of war or became such because they sold themselves into slavery (known as “bond-servant”). Most of them were well educated. Their treatment was far different from the treatment of slaves in the recent times. It is interesting to note that majority of people in that era were either slaves or once slaves. The scenario of Onesimus and Philemon is that of reconciliation, forgiveness and brotherliness. Apostle Paul wanted Philemon to forgive Onesimus of any wrongdoing Onesimus might have done, and start treating Onesimus as a brother in Christ. Although, the ministry of reconciliation that every Christian is committed to (see 2 Corinthians 5:19) is leading people to make peace with God, still as Apostle Paul had earlier admonished the Romans: “and do your best to live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18 CEV), he wanted Philemon to demonstrate this by making peace with Onesimus and live at peace with him (that is, Onesimus). There are some people that we also need to forgive and extend hands of brotherliness to no matter what they might have done against us. As we are committed to the message of reconciliation, we should promote it anywhere we find ourselves. We should make peace with people around us and live at peace with them. Who do you need to make peace with today? In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: O God, help me to always make peace with other people around me.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 24Nov2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “For You are the God of my strength; why do You cast me off? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? Oh, send out Your light and Your truth! Let them lead me; let them bring me to Your holy hill and to Your tabernacle. Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy; and on the harp I will praise You, O God, my God” (Psalm 43:2-4 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Instead of holding onto anger and distrust of God’s ways, choose to recognize God’s sovereignty and seek after Him in the midst of your solitude and confusion. - Tracie Miles ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to always acknowledge Your sovereignty and seek after You in the midst of your solitude and confusion.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 23Nov2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “[God] 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 1:4-5 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When facing despair, we can do far more than merely endure. We can use our travails to identify with and understand our brothers and sisters who suffer and to pray for them. - Tim Gustafson ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to use your present or past travails to comfort and pray with others that are passing through similar travails.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 22Nov2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:17-18 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Faith beyond human sight is eternal. All that we have seen of God’s provision teaches us to trust Him for what is unseen. - Amos O. Tella ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, teach me to look more unto you in faith beyond human sight.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 21Nov2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done” (Philippians 4:6 NLT). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY If we prayed as much as we worried, we would have a whole lot less to worry about. - Rick Warren ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will worry, but instead make your request known to God.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 20Nov2018

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

Spiritual Digest for the Day 19Nov2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched [the leper], and said to him, ‘I am willing; be cleansed’” (Mark 1:41 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY As God gives us opportunities, we can extend grace and show compassion with a gentle touch that conveys dignity and value. - Lisa Samra ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to extend grace and show compassion with a gentle touch that conveys dignity and value to those that really need it.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 18Nov2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits” (Psalm 103:1-2 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Regardless of where you live, whether in the developed world or in the under-developed world, appreciate God for who He is and for what He is doing in your life. Recognize His goodness over you. He deserves your praises! - Bayo Afolaranmi ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, not to forget or downplay all Your goodness over my life, but to always remember to praise You for who You are and thank You for everything You are doing to me.

DOES HE DESERVE YOUR PRAISES?

Dearly Beloved, DOES HE DESERVE YOUR PRAISES?  “Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits” (Psalm 103:1-2 NIV). My family was having its lunch when the children were jokingly asking each other whether each of them remembered to pray before starting eating or not and the contents of their prayers. From there discussion, they mentioned God and mummy as people worthy of praises for the provision of the food. One of them inquired whether they should include daddy in the list or not. The other objected because it was not daddy that cooked the food. Mummy, who was following their discussion, reminded them that it was daddy that provided the resources for the food before she could cook it for them, therefore, daddy also deserves to be praised. The children agreed and continued their eating. Daddy did not join the discussion, but he was rather reflecting on it. He did provide the resources for the cooked food, but the children did not know. To them, mummy was the originator and provider of the food. Daddy has no place in its provision. Sometimes, we do the same thing to God. This is applicable mostly to most people in the developed world where there is virtually everything provided compared to people in the under-developed world where poverty and suffering are reigning. The former people tend to forget God in the provision of what they enjoy, hence, the apathy to spirituality there. The latter people have to look unto God for almost everything, hence, the love for religiosity in the part of the world. However, the part of the world in which some people live does not determine their appreciation of God. Such people do not appreciate God for who He is and for what He is doing in their lives. They do not praise Him for their lives and everything that is happening in their lives. They cannot see the hands of God in their daily activities. Regardless of where you live, whether in the developed world or in the under-developed world, do you appreciate God for who He is and for what He is doing in your life? Do you recognize His goodness over you? Does He deserve your praises? The psalmist said, “Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits” (103:1-2 NIV). Do not forget or downplay all His goodness over your life! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Help me, O Lord, not to forget or downplay all Your goodness over my life, but to always remember to praise You for who You are and thank You for everything You are doing to me.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 17Nov2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him” (Luke 17:3-4 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Forgive those who have injured you – not because they deserve your forgiveness, but because you can never be happy until you release your anger and grant forgiveness. Forgiving is not a gift to someone else. Forgiving is your gift to yourself – a great gift – the gift of happiness. - Jonathan Lockwood Huie ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always be ready to forgive those that offend you.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 16Nov2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “I forget what is behind, and I struggle for what is ahead” (Philippians 3:13 CEV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Put your past in the past and set your eyes on what lies ahead. - Author Unknown ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always set your eyes on what lies ahead, not past things.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 15Nov2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “We must not quit meeting together, as some are doing. No, we need to keep on encouraging each other” (Hebrews 10:25 ERV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The Christian life is to be lived in relationship with others, encouraging each other to be more like Christ. - J.R. Hudberg ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always encourage others in your Christian life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 14Nov2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Surrendering our desires to God is not easy, and His wisdom can be difficult to understand in challenging moments. - James Banks ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to always surrender my desires to You even when it is not easy for me to do so.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 13Nov2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “So I...appeal to you to live a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called [that is, to live a life that exhibits godly character, moral courage, personal integrity, and mature behavior — a life that expresses gratitude to God for your salvation]” (Ephesians 4:1 AMP). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God does not give you a calling you will find miserable. He will call you to do something you enjoy and something you are good at. - Rick Warren ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to know, live and enjoy Your calling over my life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 12Nov2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:12-14 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY In this race called life, when the pressing demands of time are upon us, we need to stop and get oriented. We need to discover that the Lord is God. He will be exalted; He is with us; He is our stronghold. - Chuck Swindoll ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to patiently undergo your spiritual growth.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 11Nov2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Improve your peaceful relationship with everyone for the sake of who you are in Christ. Only peaceful people can lead others to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. - Bayo Afolaranmi ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY O God, help me to always live peacefully with others around me.

IMPROVE YOUR PEACEFUL RELATIONSHIP

Dearly Beloved, IMPROVE YOUR PEACEFUL RELATIONSHIP “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18 NKJV). “See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all” (1 Thessalonians 5:15 NKJV). Why is it that some people find it difficult to live peacefully with others around them? Why is it that there are so many conflicts among people in the world? Can it be that some people are not ready to be cheated, or they just like to be causing or nurturing conflicts? Christians do not have any other option than to shun any form of conflicts and live peacefully with others because they are called to peace (see Proverbs 17:14; Romans 14:13, 19; Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:13, 15; Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 3:11). We are to exhibit this in our relationship with other people. Even, if those people are not ready to live peacefully with us, we are to make every effort, as far as it depends on us, to cultivate peaceful relationship with those people. We are not to pay wrong for wrong by being hostile to people that are hostile to us. We should rather endeavor to be kind to everyone, including our so-called enemies (see Romans 12:17-21). This will show us as followers of Jesus Christ who is the Prince of Peace. The psalmist described how pleasant it is to live peacefully with other people (see Psalm 133). If the people of the world find it difficult to live relate peacefully with other people, Christians should be at the vanguard of peaceful co-existence. Can people describe you as a man/woman of peace? Can other emulate peaceful co-existence from you? Can your behavior as a man/woman of peace lead other people to Jesus Christ? Your life is the Bible that many people are reading. Have you not been sending people away from coming to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ by your hostile behavior? Improve your peaceful relationship with everyone for the sake of who you are in Christ. Only peaceful people can lead others to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: O God, help me to always live peacefully with others around me.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 10Nov2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “The Lord did not force all the other nations to leave Israel’s land. He wanted to test the Israelites. None of the Israelites living at this time had fought in the wars to take the land of Canaan. So he let those other nations stay in their country. (He did this to teach the Israelites who had not fought in those wars)” (Judges 3:1-2 ERV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Training and testing God's people is one of God's important strategies that enable His children to succeed in spiritual warfare. - Os Hillman ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to succeed in spiritual training and testing that God is giving you through circumstances around you.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 09Nov2018

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 Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation. - Brian Tracy ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to develop an attitude of gratitude, and always give thanks for everything that happens to me.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 08Nov2018

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

Spiritual Digest for the Day 07Nov2018

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 loving heavenly Father promises He is always present with us, even in our darkest moments. - Adam Holz ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Let me always feel Your presence, even in my darkest moments, O Lord!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 06Nov2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses. – Author Unknown ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always give thanks instead of complaining.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 05Nov2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Trusting God’s goodness and faithfulness can help us get a good grip on gratitude. Today we can thank Him for the countless ways He cares for us. - Xochitl Dixon ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always trust God’s goodness and faithfulness in order to get a good grip on gratitude.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 04Nov2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me? I will take up the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows to the Lord now in the presence of all His people” (Psalm 116:12-14 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Only ungrateful people will have nothing to thank God for. As for me, I will render thanksgiving to the Lord, and not forget all His benefits towards me this year. - Bayo Afolaranmi ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, not to be ungrateful, but always render worship and thanksgiving to You for all Your benefits to me.

WHAT SHALL I RENDER TO THE LORD?

Dearly Beloved, WHAT SHALL I RENDER TO THE LORD? “What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me? I will take up the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows to the Lord now in the presence of all His people” (Psalm 116:12-14 NKJV). Psalm 116 is generally termed “A Psalm of Thanksgiving for Deliverance”. Its author is not known, although many people attributed it to King David. However, it is evident from the psalm that the person that wrote the psalm was delivered from an impending danger, possibly death (verses 3, 8). He declared his love for God who heard his prayers, and he reaffirmed his faith in God as long as he lived (verses 1-2, 9). The Lord had been merciful and gracious to him, and He (the Lord) had saved him from the precarious circumstance he found himself (verses 5-6, 10). The writer discovered that human beings are not reliable (verse 11), but the Lord is righteous (verse 5). For all these, he wondered what he would render or pay to the Lord (verse 12). He concluded that he would worship God and pay his vows to the Lord in the presence of His people (verses 13-14, 17-19). Has the Lord done anything for you this year to deserve His worship and thanksgiving? Definitely, He has! Looking back to the past months, weeks and days in the passing year, the Lord has done many things. He has protected you from evils. He has saved you from dangers. He has averted many accidents that might have occurred to you. In fact, He has spared your life from death. What shall you render to the Lord for all these? What of His provisions? The Lord has been providing your daily bread. He has been meeting you at the point of your needs. He has been sustaining you with air and other necessities of life. The fact that you are alive till now is because of His sustainability. What shall you render to the Lord for all these? The Lord has been answering your prayers. He has been coming to your aid whenever you call on Him. Even, if He has not done what you want from Him this year, it is certain that He will do it at His time and in His way because He is a righteous and reliable God. What shall you render to the Lord for these? Like the unknown psalmist, are you ready to love God and affirm your faith in Him? Are you ready to worship Him for who He is and thank Him for what He is doing in your life? Are you ready to pay your vows to Him in the presence of His people? What shall you render to the Lord for all His benefits towards you? Only ungrateful people will have nothing to thank God for. As for me, I will render thanksgiving to the Lord, and not forget all His benefits towards me this year. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Help me, O Lord, not to be ungrateful, but always render worship and thanksgiving to You for all Your benefits to me.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 03Nov2018

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 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 Help me, O Lord, to always be thankful for what I have.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 02Nov2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits” (Psalm 103:1-2 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When we sing, "Bless the Lord, O My Soul", we are praising Him with the blessings He puts in our lives. - Donald Grey Barnhouse ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to always bless You with the blessings You have put in my life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 01Nov2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever” (Psalm 30:12 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY New blessings come every day. Therefore, we are always, every day, to give thanks "forever." - John Butler ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Give me the grace, O Lord, to always thank You.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 31Oct2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Do not fear sudden calamity if you are walking uprightly before God. It may be setting the stage for a great victory that will bring praise and honor to your heavenly Father. - Os Hillman ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, not to fear, have the spirit of power, love and a sound mind.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 30Oct2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them” (Acts 9:39 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal. - Albert Pike ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to be able to help other people so that I will be remembered for good when I am no more.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 29Oct2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:13-14 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Jesus Christ calls us to travel the road of discipleship and obedience to God’s Word — to follow Him instead of the crowd. - David C. McCasland ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will answer the call of Jesus Christ instead of following the crowd.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 28Oct2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Is there no balm in Gilead, is there no physician there? Why then is there no recovery for the health of the daughter of my people?” (Jeremiah 8:22 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY There is indeed balm in Gilead! God is still active as in the time past. Our sins and shortcomings are the major hindrances. - Bayo Afolaranmi ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will continue to apply “the balm of Gilead” for your spiritual healing.

THERE IS STILL BALM IN GILEAD!

Dearly Beloved, THERE IS STILL BALM IN GILEAD! “Is there no balm in Gilead, is there no physician there? Why then is there no recovery for the health of the daughter of my people?” (Jeremiah 8:22 NKJV). Jeremiah Chapter 8 is indeed not one of the popular passages of the Bible for the contemporary Christians! It is full of bad prophecies for the people of Judah through Prophet Jeremiah. Prophecies like: the remains of the dead of the people will not rest in peace in their graves (verses 1-2); even some of the dead will not be buried (verse 3); in spite of these, people will prefer to die rather than to live (verse 3); other people will take possession of their wives and properties (verse 10); they shall fall in time of their punishment (verse 12); they will have no fruits to harvest (verse 13); and, poisonous snakes will be sent among them (verse 17). All these bad things would happen to the people of Judah because: the people held fast to deceit and did not do the right thing (verse 5); they refused to turn from their wickedness to God (verse 9); everyone was given to covetousness (verse 10); and even their leaders were not ashamed to mislead them by proclaiming peace where was none (verses 8-11). Prophet Jeremiah mourned this situation (verses 18-21). He wondered why all these things could be happening. He concluded: “Is there no balm in Gilead…?” (verse 22). What is balm of Gilead? A balm is an aromatic, medicinal substance derived from plants. Gilead was a mountainous region east of the Jordan River. It is well known for its spices and ointments. The “balm of Gilead” was, therefore, a high-quality ointment with healing properties made from resin taken from a flowering plant in the Middle East, although the exact species is unknown. The Bible uses the term “balm of Gilead” figuratively as an example of something with healing or soothing powers (see Genesis 37:25; Jeremiah 8:22; 46:11). This balm was so common that the people of Israel even traded with it (see Ezekiel 27:17). Jeremiah could wonder: “How can a people who traded in balm be so sick?” And by inference, “How can the people of God, with the Law in their midst, be so sinful?” With the moral situation of our society like corruption, perversion, lawlessness, fraudulence, malpractices, kidnapping, cultism, drug abuse, religious extremism, terrorism and so on, one would wonder if really there is still balm in Gilead of our society. To make the situation worse, the society, especially the Nigerian society, is more religious and enlightened today than it used to be. Why is it that even our religious leaders are not helping the situation, but rather compounding it? Would God not be justified if He pronounces similar judgments on this contemporary society? No wonder, in spite of all the religious gatherings, prayer mountains, aggressive prayers and the likes that we witness nowadays, the situation is not getting better. “Is there no balm in Gilead…?” There is indeed balm in Gilead! God is still active as in the time past. Our sins and shortcomings are the major hindrances. Prophet Isaiah declared: “Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear” (59:1-2 NKJV). Examine your ways. In what ways are you doing contrary to the will of God? There is still balm in Gilead! Are you appropriately applying this balm for your spiritual healing? In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will continue to apply “the balm of Gilead” for your spiritual healing.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 27Oct2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (Luke 11:11-13 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God is never going to give you anything that is hurtful or bad for you. He is ready to answer your prayer — in his own perfect time and way. - Rick Warren ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to always wait for God’s timing when you pray to Him.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 26Oct2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "How shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed and keeping watch [on himself] according to Your word [conforming his life to it]" (Psalm 119:9 AMP). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Do not allow yourself to be possessed, bombarded, and driven by the wheel of sin. Give yourself to be driven by the Word and the Spirit of God. Then, you will be secure and prosperous. - Lawrence Oladimeji ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to give myself to be driven by Your Word and Spirit so as to be secure and prosperous.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 25Oct2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Food is our most fundamental material blessing. Use each meal as an opportunity to feel gratitude for all the blessings of this life. - Jonathan Lockwood Huie ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to always appreciate every meal you have.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 24Oct2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “So Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, “Be removed and be cast into the sea,” it will be done. And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive’” (Matthew 21:21-22 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY If we have faith in God and do not doubt that He is doing everything that is best for us, every mountain in life will be removed — perhaps not in the way we want it moved or even to the place we wish it were moved, but it will be moved! - Larry W. Wilson ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, not to doubt, but to have faith in You so that the mountains of my life will be removed.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 23Oct2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “[God’s] word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Make a habit of reading the Word of God when you are facing tough decisions or moves, and study it prayerfully. God will talk to you! - Chuck Swindoll ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray the grace to always read and study the Word of God for God’s guidance in life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 22Oct2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Any bragger you correct will only hate you. But if you correct someone who has common sense, you will be loved. If you have good sense, instruction will help you to have even better sense. And if you live right, education will help you to know even more" (Proverbs 9:8-9 CEV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY If you want to be successful, expect to be criticized. Accept criticism with love and make amendment. - Rachel A. Lateju ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to expect and accept criticism with love and make necessary amendment.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 21Oct2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Their father Jacob said to them, 'You have deprived me of my children. Joseph is no more and Simeon is no more, and now you want to take Benjamin. Everything is against me!'" (Genesis 42:36 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY No matter the situation, everything is not against you! In fact, God is at work in everything that happens to you. Everything is indeed working for you! - Bayo Afolaranmi ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to patiently wait on God as He is working everything in your favour.

IS EVERYTHING AGAINST YOU?

Dearly Beloved, IS EVERYTHING AGAINST YOU? "Their father Jacob said to them, 'You have deprived me of my children. Joseph is no more and Simeon is no more, and now you want to take Benjamin. Everything is against me!'" (Genesis 42:36 NIV). Jacob had lost his dearest wife, Rachel, when she was giving birth to her second son, Benjamin (see Genesis 35:16-19; 48:7). The other half-brothers of her first son, Joseph, who had been very dear to Jacob, sold Joseph into slavery and deceived their father that a wild animal killed him (i.e. Joseph). They even came with a convincing evidence of bloodstained cloth of Joseph (see Genesis 37:31-35). Undoubtedly, Jacob was still mourning the demise of his dear son when another tragedy struck - Simeon was imprisoned in Egypt for no reason. To compound his distress, the other sons wanted to take Benjamin, the only source of joy for Jacob, as they were about to go back to Egypt, otherwise, they all would die of hunger because of famine. Jacob voiced out in agony: Everything is against me! Indeed, one would agree with Jacob that everything was against him. However, was everything really against him? Absolutely no! God was working behind the scene to make everything works for him. Joseph confirmed this when his brothers came to beg him for the evil they had done him. Hear him: "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" (Genesis 50:20 NIV). As a matter of fact, Jacob realized later on the working of God in all these events. He alluded to this in his discussion with Joseph (see Genesis 48). What has happened to you before, and what is happening to you presently that make it seems as if everything is against you? Have you allowed those events to weigh you down? Have you lost all hope because of all these events? Paul has this to say: "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). No matter the situation, everything is not against you! In fact, God is at work in everything that happens to you. Everything is indeed working for you! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will be able to patiently wait on God as He is working everything in your favour.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 20Oct2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "You are like salt for everyone on earth. But if salt no longer tastes like salt, how can it make food salty? All it is good for is to be thrown out and walked on. You are like light for the whole world. A city built on top of a hill cannot be hidden, and no one would light a lamp and put it under a clay pot. A lamp is placed on a lampstand, where it can give light to everyone in the house. Make your light shine, so that others will see the good that you do and will praise your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:13-16 CEV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Your life is your primary message, the way you live is a message in itself and also determines the effectiveness of your spoken message. - Samuel Adeola Adeniyi ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that your life will really be a message that will attract people to Jesus Christ.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 19Oct2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You” (Isaiah 26:3 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The right way out of a hard situation is not always the shortest. So in hard times, seek God’s guidance in prayer and in Scripture. That is where you will find the road map to His perfect peace. - Author Unknown ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to seek God’s guidance in all your endeavours.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 18Oct2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Time is a precious commodity that we can waste, spend, or invest. - Bill Crowder ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to make use of my time wisely.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 17Oct2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “God makes everything happen at the right time” (Ecclesiastes 3:11 CEV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God is always on time. He is never late, and He is seldom early. - Os Hillman ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to wait for God’s time for your life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 16Oct2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “[Cast] all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]” (1 Peter 5:7 AMP). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God is interested in everything going on with you. Everything you think, everything you say, everywhere you go, everything you do, everything and everyone you are involved with. - Sally I. Kennedy ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to always cast my care on You.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 15Oct2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork” (Psalm 19:1 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Without a word the nature witnesses to the wisdom and greatness of God. - Arthur Jackson ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to appreciate God through the nature around you.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 14Oct2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites. So He said, ‘Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had’” (Luke 21:1-4 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God’s standard of laudable generosity to His cause is not what we give out of our abundance, but what we give out of our deficiency - what costs us some real sacrifice, that is, sacrificial giving. - Bayo Afolaranmi ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to give sacrificially to God, His cause, and other people.

THE WIDOW’S MITES

Dearly Beloved, THE WIDOW’S MITES “And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites. So He said, ‘Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had’” (Luke 21:1-4 NKJV). Jesus Christ was sitting in a place in the temple in Jerusalem where He could see people placing their offerings into the temple treasury. Apart from the rich people that offered substantial amounts of money or gifts, a widow came and offered two mites (a mite was the smallest copper or bronze coin among the Jews). Ordinarily, her offering was insignificant, but, Jesus saw its significance, and He pointed it out to His disciples. According to Him, the poor widow gave more than the others because while the others gave out of their abundance, she gave out of her poverty all that she had. People (including me!) have been misapplying the action of this widow for many years. In fact, it has become part of our vocabulary. It is common to hear, “to contribute one’s widow’s mite.” The general meaning of that clause is that one is contributing at least a small amount to a cause. However, from the widow’s example in the Bible, a widow’s mite should be a contribution (especially small) that comes out a generous heart of somebody who has little or nothing to give.  There are some implications from the event of the widow’s mites. One should know that: One, God takes note of all men and all things. All our actions are before His eyes. What we do in public and what we do in private are equally known unto him. Two, God’s standard of laudable generosity to His cause is not what we give out of our abundance, but what we give out of our deficiency - what costs us some real sacrifice, that is, sacrificial giving. The Macedonian churches demonstrated such a kind of giving (see 2 Corinthians 8:1-7). However, this does not mean that God does not accept the offerings of those that have in abundance. Three, God does not despise the humblest offering, if made in sincerity. He loves a cheerful giver (see 2 Corinthians 9:6-7). Four, giving should not be something done out of coercion or subtleness of the so-called recipient. It should be done willingly and wholeheartedly.  What is your attitude towards giving your substance to the cause of the gospel? Can your giving be considered as really a widow’s mite? Or are you giving reluctantly, out of coercion, or by the subtleness of your spiritual leaders? How can you really give your widow’s mite to God in a way that He will appreciate it and reward you for it? In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).  Prayer Point: Pray that you will be able to give sacrificially to God, His cause, and other people.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 13Oct2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:7-8 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY If you give cheerfully and liberally, God will take care of all your needs—all the time, in every way, however you need them. - Rick Warren ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to always give cheerfully and liberally to You and other people.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 12Oct2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY If you are feeling overwhelmed with a difficult life situation, hand it all over to God, and let Him take control. With God at your side, you are never alone! - Melanie Schurr ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to always hand over my life situation to You.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 11Oct2018

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 When we think our prayers are weak or too short, the Holy Spirit helps us by speaking through us to God the Father. He yearns for us to talk with Him in prayer. - Lawrence Darmani ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Thank God for His Spirit that is helping us in our prayers.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 10Oct2018

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 Help me, O Lord, to be more mindful of those who have little as I reach out to people in giving.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 09Oct2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “My soul, praise the Lord! Every part of me, praise his holy name! My soul, praise the Lord and never forget how kind he is!” (Psalm 103:1-2 ERV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The unthankful heart discovers no mercies; but let the thankful heart sweep through the day and, as the magnet finds the iron, so it will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings! - Henry Ward Beecher ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always be thankful for what God has done, is doing, and will still do in your life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 08Oct2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3-4 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY A man is called selfish not for pursuing his own good, but for neglecting his neighbor's. - Richard Whately ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not be selfish, but always think of other people’s interests too.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 07Oct2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Do not despise this small beginning, for the eyes of the Lord rejoice to see the work begin, to see the plumbline in the hand of Zerubbabel” (Zechariah 4:10 TLB). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Do not despise your small beginning! The Lord will make it great. You will do great exploits through that small thing. The present obstruction will become a stepping-stone to your greatness. The greatness will indeed be through you. - Bayo Afolaranmi ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not despise your small beginning no matter how small it is, but will always look out for how to maximise it.

DO NOT DESPISE YOUR SMALL BEGINNING

Dearly Beloved, DO NOT DESPISE YOUR SMALL BEGINNING “Do not despise this small beginning, for the eyes of the Lord rejoice to see the work begin, to see the plumbline in the hand of Zerubbabel” (Zechariah  4:10 TLB). David was wandering from place to place as he tried to escape from King Saul that was seeking to kill him. In spite of the fact that he has been secretly anointed to be the next king of Israel with outstanding qualities and performances that made him stood out for the exalted position, he was not safe. It seemed there was no hope for him. He had to even relocate his parents and their household to another country for safety. In this distress, “[some others] who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered round him, and he became their leader. About four hundred men were with him” (1 Samuel 22:2 NIV). There was tendency for David to despise himself and these people because of their peculiar problems. However, he did not. He became their leader, and trained them to be brave like him. These seemingly despised people later became mighty men of valour that did great exploits for David and the land of Israel. Their exploits were recorded in 2 Samuel 23:8-39. The Lord has made it that the beginning of many great things is always small. No wonder, He told people through Prophet Zechariah that they should not despise the days of small beginnings because the hands of Zerubbabel that started the small things would definitely finish the work. From history, in spite of all odds, that small beginning became something great. Many other great things were once seemingly despised small things in the beginning. What is the small thing you are doing now? What do you consider as a small beginning? Are you leading a seemingly despised small group or project? What and/or who are your present obstacles in making the small thing great? Do not despise this small thing! The Lord will make it great. You will do great exploits through that small thing. The present obstruction will become a stepping stone to your greatness. The greatness will indeed be through you. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will not despise your small beginning no matter how small it is, but will always look out for how to maximise it.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 06Oct2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “I always pray to the great and glorious Father, the God of our Lord Jesus Christ. I pray that he will give you the Spirit, who will let you know truths about God and help you understand them, so that you will know him better” (Ephesians 1:17 ERV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Knowing Christ brings the only real meaning and purpose to the human soul. Spend time today getting to know the Lord in a more intimate way. - Os Hillman ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to always spend time with You to be able to know You better.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 05Oct2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “And the mystery is this: Because of Christ Jesus, the good news has given the Gentiles a share in the promises that God gave to the Jews. God has also let the Gentiles be part of the same body” (Ephesians 3:6 CEV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Praise God for our salvation. It unlocks for us the mystery of unity as people of any and all backgrounds become one in Jesus. - Dave Branon ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Thank God for the mystery that unlocks the obstacle that might have stood against anyone from becoming a Christian.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 04Oct2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, ‘Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it’” (Numbers 13:30 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Stand up to your obstacles and do something about them. You will find that they have not half the strength you think they have. - Norman Vincent Peale ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to be able to stand up to your obstacles.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 03Oct2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him” (Nahum 1:7 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Whatever problem we face, we can thank God for knowing how to resolve it, and praise Him for His loving wisdom in steering us through whatever sea of confusion we face. - Paul Adams ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Thank You, Lord, for knowing about what I am passing through.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 02Oct2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “For [God] Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:5-6 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY We must know and understand that God has not forgotten about us and He knows what we can bear better than ourselves. When we feel as though we cannot go on, God knows what we are going through, what we can handle and he will never leave us or forsake us. - Timothy Jackson, Jr. ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Let me always feel Your presence with me, O Lord.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 01Oct2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ’May they prosper who love you. Peace be within your walls, prosperity within your palaces.’ For the sake of my brethren and companions, I will now say, ‘Peace be within you.’ Because of the house of the Lord our God I will seek your good” (Psalm 122:6-9 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Arise and build Nigeria. This is a task for us all. Let us arise from everywhere and take heed to this great call. - Gabriel Ademola Oyeniyi ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for Nigeria as it celebrates another Independence Day this day.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 30Sep2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “I look to the mountains; where will my help come from? My help will come from the LORD, who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2 TEV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Do not look up to any mountain for help. Only God can help you. Look unto Him. He will indeed help! - Bayo Afolaranmi ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you not look to any mountain, but God who created the mountains for help.

HELP FROM THE MOUNTAINS?

Dearly Beloved, HELP FROM THE MOUNTAINS? “I look to the mountains; where will my help come from? My help will come from the LORD, who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2 TEV). Poets and writers usually use the events around them, their environments and even sometimes their circumstances to compose their messages. The exact background of Psalm 121 is not known. There is the argument that it was written by David probably when his life was in danger in the high places of the field, and as a result trusted God to cover his head in the day of trouble. Some other Bible scholars see this psalm as the traveller's psalm because there is nothing in it of military dangers and think that David penned it when he was going abroad, and designed it for the journey. Apparently, the writer of the psalm was on a mountain or surrounded by mountains when he was composing the psalm. Ordinarily, mountains are places of refuge (see Genesis 14:10; Judges 6:2; Psalms 125:2; Matthew 24:16; Hebrews 11:38). It is noteworthy that people have given this popular psalm both literal and figurative meanings. Many people believe that their prayers cannot be answered unless they go to a mountain to pray. This has led to the emergence of numerous prayer mountains in many parts of the world. Many so-called modern-day prophets have set apart places mostly on mountains and ask people to come there for prayer sessions. There is nothing wrong in going to mountains to pray, if such places will create an avenue for privacy in prayer. Jesus Christ also used many mountains as His prayer arenas (see Matthew 17:1; 28:16; Mark 6:46; Luke 6:12; 9:28). However, to think or believe that prayers can only or mostly be answered on mountains is erroneous. Jesus Christ even corrected a similar error when a Samaritan woman was trying to argue that one should worship God on a particular mountain. Hear Him: “... a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem.... a time is coming and has now come when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshippers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshippers must worship in spirit and in truth” (John 4:21-24 NIV). Many people on the other hand give the psalm figurative meanings. They put their trust in men, riches, experience, and the likes. However, the psalmist quickly added that his help would not come from any place, person or thing, but that his help would come from the God who made heavens and the earth. He knew that only “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1 NKJV). What mountain are you looking up to for help? Is it a specific mountain? Have you made people, riches, experience, and the likes your mountains that you are looking up to in time of distress? Only God can help you. Look unto Him. He will indeed help! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you not look to any mountain, but God who created the mountains for help.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 29Sep2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “What the eyes see [enjoying what is available] is better than [craving] what the soul desires. This too is futility and chasing after the wind” (Ecclesiastes 6:9 AMP). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY If you are going to learn contentment, you have got to stop comparing your life to everyone else’s. You cannot have a contented life until you learn not to compare. - Rick Warren ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace not to compare your life to everyone else’s.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 28Sep2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “He has put a new song in my mouth—Praise to our God; many will see it and fear, and will trust in the Lord” (Psalm 40:3 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Praise is not manufactured by human beings. It comes from God; He puts it into our hearts and we express it. - Paul Adams ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to alway express the praise that You have put in my heart.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 27Sep2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them” (Mark 11:24 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY We must pray, not only asking with strong desire - begging and craving - but also with hearts that overflow with expectancy and faith. - Author Unknown ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to always believe when I ask anything from You. _________________________ Have a great Thursday!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 26Sep2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; on You I wait all the day” (Psalm 25:4-5 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Patient waiting is often the highest way of doing God's will. - R. Stanley ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to always patiently wait on God.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 25Sep2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “[God] made Christ who knew no sin to [judicially] be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we would become the righteousness of God [that is, we would be made acceptable to Him and placed in a right relationship with Him by His gracious lovingkindness]” (2 Corinthians 5:21 AMP). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Jesus Christ came in to the world. He was without sin – but on the cross He took upon Himself your sins and mine. He came to take upon Himself the punishment for our sins. - Billy Graham ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Appreciate Jesus Christ who has taken your sins upon Himself.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 24Sep2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter days” (Proverbs 19:20 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Listening to more experienced believers and having a teachable attitude can do wonders in maintaining harmony within the body of Christ. - Dennis Fisher ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to always listen to the counsel of more experience believers.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 23Sep2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap” (Galatians 6:7 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY You can deceive people with your acts of religiosity, but you cannot deceive the all-knowing God. - Bayo Afolaranmi ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, not to deceive people in any way with my action or words.

UNMARKED GRAVES

Dearly Beloved, UNMARKED GRAVES "How terrible for you! You are like unmarked graves which people walk on without knowing it" (Luke 11:44 TEV). Gravesite is a place that most people would not want to move close to not to talk of walking through or walking on it. Therefore, gravesite is marked with designs and marks that will distinguish it from any other structure or place. It is interesting to discover that Jesus Christ compared the religious leaders of His days on earth to graves that were not marked that made people to move closer to them unsuspectingly. People would have maintained a distance from them if they knew their real identity. The main reason for the comparison of the religious leaders and unmasked graves is the hypocrisy of the leaders. They pretended to be religious while they were neither spiritual nor godly. People were looking at them as exemplary while they were misleading those people. Many people today are also like those religious leaders. They are indeed religious, but they are far from being godly or Christlike. Outwardly, they claim to be Christians, but they are different inwardly. This causes the increased number of churches, especially in this part of the world, but the people that attend these churches almost everyday are not different from the people outside the church. At times they are worst than the people outside. They have the form of godliness, but their conduct contradicts the genuineness of their profession (see 2 Timothy 3:5). They are indeed unmarked graves!  Are you an unmarked grave? Are you really what you claim to be? Will people like to move closer to you if they know your real identity? You can deceive people with your acts of religiosity, but you cannot deceive the all-knowing God. He will reward you accordingly (see Matthew 7:21-23; Galatians 6:7).  In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Help me, O Lord, not to deceive people in any way with my action or words.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 22Sep2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died. His eyes were not dim nor his natural vigor diminished” (Deuteronomy 34:7 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY There may be retirement from secular jobs and even from Christian ministerial positions. But God never relieves anyone from serving Him just because of age. - R. Stanley ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to be able to serve You even to my old age.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 21Sep2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Understand [this], my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear [a ready listener], slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry” (James 1:19 AMP). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Remember, you are given two ears, two eyes and one mouth. This means that you must hear and see twice as you speak. - Nelson Tunde Akinola ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, Lord, to always hear and see twice as I speak.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 19Sep2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.... If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:7, 9 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY There is only one way for us to be freed from our sins and that is for God to forgive us and cleanse us. We cannot do it ourselves. - Billy Graham ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Confess your sins now and ask God to forgive you and cleanse from them!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 18Sep2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price” (Isaiah 55:1 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God can satisfy our spiritual and emotional hunger through the promise of His presence. - Linda Washington ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Satisfy my spiritual and emotional thirst and hunger, O Lord!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 17Sep2018

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord’” (Matthew 25:21 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Serving God by serving others definitely has rewards, and they are numerous. They far outweigh the consequences. When we think about them, they motivate us to keep going. - Chuck Swindoll ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to always serve others as you intend to serve God.