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.