Spiritual Digest for the Day 01Dec2019

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Moses answered the people, ‘Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still’” (Exodus 14:13-14 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Stop being afraid of any unpleasant situation, and start trusting God to fight your battles. If you can still trust in God, you will not see that raging challenge in your life again before the end of the year. - Bayo Afolaranmi ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY O Lord, give me the grace to always trust in You in whatever situation I find myself.

DO NOT BE AFRAID, JUST TRUST IN GOD!

Dearly Beloved, DO NOT BE AFRAID, JUST TRUST IN GOD! “Moses answered the people, ‘Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still’” (Exodus 14:13-14 NIV). What would you do if you find yourself in a very precarious state? Would you resign to fate and be expecting the worst to happen? The people of Israel found themselves in a very threatening situation as they started their exodus from Egypt to the Promised Land. The Red Sea was before them; mountains were in their left and right sides; and the chariots of the army of Egypt were advancing to consume them from the rear! Expectedly, they were afraid, and they expressed their fear to God and Moses. They even expressed their displeasure by blaming Moses for bringing them to such a fatal situation. Moses, on the other hand, was calm and assured the people that God would fight for them. What they needed was to stand still and see the deliverance of God. God also assured them through Moses that He would deliver them. God did fight for the Israelites as He led them through the Red Sea on a dry land. God made His angel that was leading the people of Israel to go in between them and the raging army of Egypt. He also made the cloud of light that was accompanying the Israelites to shine light to them while the army of Egypt was in total darkness. God is still in the business of fighting for anyone who is ready not to be afraid, but stand still and trust in Him. Will you stop to be afraid, and start trusting in God today? You have been afraid and worried that this year is going to an end, and you are still surrounded by unpleasant situation. You have called on God, and it seems He would not answer you before the end of the year. You might have been blaming yourself and/or other people for your predicament. Do not be afraid! If you can still trust in God, you will not see that raging challenge of life again before the end of the year. The psalmist said, “Trust in the Lord and do good.... Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:3-4 NIV). Stop being afraid of any unpleasant situation, and start trusting God to fight your battles. As the Israelites sang song of praises later when God fought for them, you also will soon sing song of praises and testify to the goodness of God in your life in Jesus’ name. Amen. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: O Lord, give me the grace to always trust in You in whatever situation I find myself.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 30Nov2019

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 Think of those things you have to praise the Lord for. Do not forget all His benefits. Recount them and praise the Lord. Bless the LORD, O my soul! - Bayo Afolaranmi ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, not to forget all Your benefits in my life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 29Nov2019

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “[Isaac] moved from there and dug another well, and they did not quarrel over it. So he called its name Rehoboth, because he said, ‘For now the Lord has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land’” (Genesis 26:22 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY If one will have to fight and bite others to get to a position or acquire a thing, it may not be a "Rehoboth”. When God makes room for us as His people, it will be free of fighting and discords. - ObalOluwa Osuolale ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY O Lord, lead me into the room You have made for me!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 28Nov2019

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY We cannot grow beyond our dependence on Jesus Christ. We only grow by sinking our roots deeper in the grace and knowledge of Him. - Mike Wittmer ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always sink your roots deeper in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ in order to be growing in Him everyday.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 27Nov2019

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Colossians 3:16 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The spiritual discipline of gratitude flows from a grateful heart in response to deep thought on God’s love and deeds in our lives and surroundings. - Foluke Bosede Ola ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always involve yourself in the spiritual discipline of gratitude.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 26Nov2019

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “I will meditate on Your precepts and [thoughtfully] regard Your ways [the path of life established by Your precepts]” (Psalm 119:15 AMP). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY In this age of hectic activity, whether spiritual or secular, we must guard ourselves of the danger of becoming too busy to spend unhurried time in Bible meditation. - R. Stanley ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that the hectic activities of life will not hinder you from meaningful meditation of the word of God.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 25Nov2019

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Moses left Egypt because he had faith. He was not afraid of the king’s anger. He continued strong as if he could see the God no one can see” (Hebrews 11:27 ERV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY You can only accomplish the impossible when you see the invisible. The key to faith is to be persistent. Keep your eyes on God, not on your problem. - Rick Warren ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to always look unto You in faith in order to accomplish the impossible.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 24Nov2019

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "My tongue will speak of your righteousness and of your praises all day long" (Psalm 35:28 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY A thousand tongues are not enough to sing about the praise of the great Redeemer, about the glories of God the King, and about the triumphs of His grace! - Bayo Afolaranmi ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, I praise You for Your righteousness demonstrated over my life every day.

O FOR A THOUSAND TONGUES TO SING

Dearly Beloved, O FOR A THOUSAND TONGUES TO SING "My tongue will speak of your righteousness and of your praises all day long" (Psalm 35:28 NIV). Charles Wesley is known as the co-founder (with his brother, John Wesley) of the Methodist Church, however, he is more known for his hymns. He is the author of some 6,000 hymns which after more than 200 years are showing no sign of losing their appeal. One of his hymns is titled "O FOR A THOUSAND TONGUES TO SING." He wrote this hymn while he and his brother were studying under the Moravian scholar Peter Böhler in London and he framed the title which now becomes the first line of the hymn from Böhler's words, "Oh, Brother Wesley, the Lord has done so much for my life.  Had I a thousand tongues, I would praise Christ Jesus with every one of them." Undoubtedly, Böhler said this in appreciation of God's goodness to him, Charles Wesley, and the humankind. According to history, the Wesley brothers had earlier had suffered a bout of pleurisy. The ailment led Charles Wesley to renew his faith in God, and as a commemoration of that, he composed this hymn. A thousand tongues are not enough to sing about the praise of the great Redeemer, about the glories of God the King, and about the triumphs of His grace! The reasons are not far-fetched. As Charles Wesley put it in the hymn, "Jesus! the name that charms our fears, that bids our sorrows cease; 'tis music in the sinner's ears, 'tis life, and health, and peace. He breaks the power of canceled sin, He sets the prisoner free; His blood can make the foulest clean; His blood availed for me. He speaks, and listening to his voice, new life the dead receive; the mournful, broken hearts rejoice, the humble poor believe." Charles Wesley was talking about the redemptive works of Jesus Christ here. He knew that Jesus did not only heal him from physical ailment, but that Jesus saved him from spiritual death that everyone is experiencing since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden. He therefore prayed that God should help him to proclaim His goodness to all. Without doubt, you also would have had many reasons to praise God for who is and what He is doing in your life. Will you not join Charles Wesley to pray: "My gracious Master and my God, assist me to proclaim, to spread through all the earth abroad the honors of thy name"? Will you not praise Him with the tongue and other resources He has given you? Indeed, a million tongues are not enough to sing about the goodness of God to mankind! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Lord, I praise You for Your righteousness demonstrated over my life every day.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 23Nov2019

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise - the fruit of lips that confess his name” (Hebrews 13:15 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY What can you do right now to begin to turn your life around? The very first thing is to start making a list of things to be grateful for. - Joe Vitale ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Thank You, O God, for everything You have done for me this year!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 22Nov2019

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death” (James 1:14-15 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Be careful of what you entertain. Sin fascinates before it assassinates. - Author Unknown ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always be mindful of sin before it destroys you.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 21Nov2019

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:10 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY We all need a quiet place in the midst of all the noise in this world. A safe place, where we can be STILL, and hear the Lord. He very much wants to tell us how much He loves us, and how unique and special we are to Him. - Sally Kennedy ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always be to be still before the Lord to hear what He has in store for you.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 20Nov2019

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Like newborn babies you should crave (thirst for, earnestly desire) the pure (unadulterated) spiritual milk, that by it you may be nurtured and grow unto [completed] salvation" (1 Peter 2:2 AMP). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Being a Christian is more than just an instantaneous conversion - it is a daily process whereby you grow to be more and more like Christ. - Billy Graham ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be growing daily in your Christian faith.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 19Nov2019

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “We are part of the same body. Stop lying and start telling each other the truth” (Ephesians 4:25 CEV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Telling or living a life of lie always discolours our personality and displaces us before God. - Simon Olatunji ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to be truthful in all undertakings.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 18Nov2019

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you" (Genesis 28:15 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When God assures you of His presence and support on anything, do not ask questions. Start from where you are till He takes you to where you should be. - Emmanuel Oloruntoba Arotile ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to obediently trust You in all my endeavours.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 17Nov2019

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 The mercies, compassions and faithfulness of God are being renewed in our lives every moment, not only every morning. - Bayo Afolaranmi ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Appreciate God for the renewing of His mercies, compassions and faithfulness every moment in your life.

EVERY MORNING OR EVERY MOMENT?

Dearly Beloved, EVERY MORNING OR EVERY MOMENT? “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). The words of Prophet Jeremiah quoted above have been turned to axioms and most especially songs in praise of God for the renewing of His mercies, compassions and faithfulness every time. There was a mild drama in a departmental prayer meeting of in my workplace recently as one of such songs was sung in appreciation of the goodness of God to us. Customarily, every one sang, “…they are new every morning…”, but the prayer leader that day whispered loudly: “every moment!” Intuitively, most of us in the prayer meeting changed the lyrics to “…they are new every moment…”, and the prayer meeting continued. Nevertheless, as we continued in the prayer session, I was pondering on the two phrases: “every morning” and “every moment”. Is there any difference in them? Does it really matter if the words are interchanged as that prayer leader suggested? Yes! The mercies, compassions and faithfulness of God are not only being renewed every morning, but every MOMENT! The best illustration is our breathing in and out and the pumping of our heart every second. If any of these stops, that is the end of the person, and God is so merciful, compassionate, and faithful that these bodily systems are functioning in the life of every living organism including human beings. Prophet Jeremiah in his reasoning thought that these mercies, compassions and faithfulness of God are being renewed every morning as he woke up. He was right! It is by the mercies, compassions and faithfulness of God that we are being awaken every morning after some hours of partial death in sleeping. However, more than Prophet Jeremiah and many other persons could (or can) think, it is by these mercies, compassions and faithfulness of God that we are being alive and agile to do things every moment. It is by these mercies, compassions and faithfulness of God that we are being protected from all evils every moment. We can think of many other things that these mercies, compassions and faithfulness of God are doing for us every moment. In fact, mercies, compassions and faithfulness of God are being renewed in our lives every moment. Do you recognize these mercies, compassions and faithfulness of God every moment in your life? Or, are you one of those ungrateful and foolish people that are thinking that they are existing by chance? The mercies, compassions and faithfulness of God are being renewed in our lives every moment, not only every morning. Appreciate Him for these moment-by-moment renewed mercies, compassions and faithfulness. While the words of God cannot be changed or be rewritten, yet, next time you are singing that song, sing it this way: “The steadfast love of our God never ceases, His mercy never comes to an end, they are new every MOMENT, new every MOMENT, great is Thy faithfulness, O Lord, great is Thy faithfulness.” The mercies, compassions and faithfulness of God are indeed new every moment! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Appreciate God for the renewing of His mercies, compassions and faithfulness every moment in your life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 16Nov2019

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Corinthians 12:8-9 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY In the middle of the storm, God gives us His grace to stand it, His grace to bear it, His grace to overcome it. - Elizabeth Livingston ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to be able to stand in the middle of your life storm till you overcome it.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 15Nov2019

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “God, you have tested us, as people test silver with fire. You let us be trapped. You put heavy burdens on us. You let our enemies run over us. We went through fire and water, but you brought us to a safe place” (Psalm 66:10-12 ERV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Time after time, God brings us to our absolute end and then proves Himself faithful. - Charles R. Swindoll ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that God will prove Himself faithful in whatever challenge you may be passing through.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 14Nov2019

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “And the name of the second [Joseph] called Ephraim: ‘For God has caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction’” (Genesis 41:52 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God does not waste our afflictions if we allow Him the freedom to complete the work in us. His desire is to create virtue that remains during the times of testing so that He can bring us into the place of fruitfulness in the very area of our testing. - Os Hillman ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to endure afflictions by allowing God to freely complete His work in you through the afflictions.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 13Nov2019

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace” (Hebrews 6:6 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Watch your life and be sure that you do nothing deliberately to recrucify your loving Lord, because doing so holds Him up to contempt and will be to your own harm. - ObalOluwa Osuolale ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not crucify Jesus Christ again by your actions and/or inactions.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 12Nov2019

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance” (Proverbs 1:5 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The man who has never listened to others, has never really learnt anything in life. If you are not willing to listen, you are not ready to learn. - Rotimi Oluwaseyitan ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always be ready to listen in order to learn more in life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 11Nov2019

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “O GIVE thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever!” (Psalm 118:1 AMP). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY By remembering specific ways God has provided for us in the past, we can change our perspective for the better. God’s steadfast love endures forever! - Dennis Fisher ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always remember what God has done for you in the past, and appreciate Him for what He will do in the future.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 10Nov2019

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread, but he who follows frivolity is devoid of understanding” (Proverbs 12:11 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Other undesirable works, but works of necessity, have their dignity. You will need them one day. Do not look down on them! - Bayo Afolaranmi ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always appreciate workers of necessities in life.

DO NOT LOOK DOWN ON THEM!

Dearly Beloved, DO NOT LOOK DOWN ON THEM! “He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread, but he who follows frivolity is devoid of understanding” (Proverbs 12:11 NKJV). I am not happy as I type this message. One of my elder sisters, Lady Evangelist Omolade Olowokere (nee Afolaranmi) (1968-2019) went to be with the Lord about twenty-four hours ago. She died in a hospital after a brief illness. She will be burry tomorrow. As we were planning for her burial today and looked endlessly for a moderate coffin in her vicinity for the burial, I remembered my experience on my way to the northeastern part of Nigeria some weeks ago. There is a town that it seems the booming business in the town is making and selling of coffins. As we went through the town and saw makers and sellers of coffins, we were making jest of them that they do not have other business apart from this. However, I value their entrepreneurship as one of my cousins and I were combing the town where my late sister lived today for a coffin seller or someone that can help us make one. We eventually got one in another town. The lesson I learnt today is that there is goodness and dignity in some businesses and professions that we normally look down on because such businesses and professions like coffin making, taking care of corpses, vulcanizing, and people like auto mechanics, and other professionals that their professions connote evil things. They are part of the necessities of life that one cannot do away with. In fact, they would be appreciated very well the day one needs them. Inasmuch as these professions are legitimate, they should not be looked down on. They are as important as any other legitimate work. The Bible on many occasions admonishes on the dignity of work (see Psalm 104:23; Proverbs 10:4; 12:11, 24; 14:23; Ecclesiastes 3:12-13; 9:10; Romans 12:11; 2 Thessalonians 3:10). These admonitions are not only for works that we consider being good and desirable. Even the other undesirable works, but works of necessity, also have their dignity. You will need them one day. Do not look down on them! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Points: 1. Pray that you will always appreciate workers of necessities in life. 2. Remember my siblings, other loved ones and me that my late sister left behind in your prayers in these mourning moments. NB: I dedicate this message to my elder sister, late Lady Evangelist Omolade Olowokere (nee Afolaranmi) (1968-2019).

Spiritual Digest for the Day 09Nov2019

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:20-21 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The greatest tragedy in life is not death, but a life without a purpose. - Myles Munroe ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not live a purposeless life, but really live for Christ.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 08Nov2019

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, and his glory is to overlook a transgression” (Proverbs 19:11 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Those who apologize first after a fight, do so not because they are wrong but because they value the people around them. - Author Unknown ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to be quick to quench conflicts.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 07Nov2019

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full” (John 16:24 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Jesus Christ invites us to keep reaching for Him, to trust Him and never give up hope, and to believe He is always able, always trustworthy, and always within reach. - Xochitl Dixon ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, Jesus Christ, to continue to reach for You until You fulfil Your perfect will for my life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 06Nov2019

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “So [the Lord] humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord” (Deuteronomy 8:3 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Trusting God requires us to place our dependence on Him. And the pathway that leads us away from pride and into a place of truly trusting God is paved with humility. - Lysa Terkeurst ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that for the grace to always trust in as He leads you in your life journey.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 05Nov2019

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY A friend is someone who understands my past, believes in my future, and accepts me just the way I am. – Anonymous ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that for the grace to always be a trusted friend to your friends.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 04Nov2019

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “[The Lord said] I will bring the blind by a way they did not know; I will lead them in paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them, and crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, and not forsake them” (Isaiah 42:16 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY We can scheme and envision, but our Lord’s imagination far transcends our plans. We must hold our plans loosely and see what God has in mind. - David H. Roper ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that for the grace to always allow God to lead you in all your ways.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 03Nov2019

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing with partiality” (1 Timothy 5:21 NKJV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY While it is good to be kind and merciful to other people, beware that your kindness and mercifulness does not turn to favouritism at the detriment of others. - Bayo Afolaranmi ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that the Lord will help you not to turn your mercifulness to favouritism at the detriment of others.

WHEN BEING MERCIFUL IS WRONG

Dearly Beloved, WHEN BEING MERCIFUL IS WRONG “I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing with partiality” (1 Timothy 5:21 NKJV). I went to an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) gallery to withdraw some cash recently. When I got to the place, there was a long queue of people waiting for their turn to use the available machines. I joined the queue and some other persons later queued behind me as each of us was using the machines in turn. A lady behind me cited another lady she knows who was using one of the machines. She called her, and the other lady beckoned on her. The lady in the queue went to the lady using the machine and they started chatting. As the other lady completed her transaction, the first lady used the opportunity to start her own transaction while they continued their chatting. Other people in the queue started protesting for the trick the ladies used to make one of them use the machine when it was not her turn. The two ladies did not say anything until both of them completed their transactions. As they were leaving the ATM gallery, people continue to rain words of abuse on both of them. One of the ladies replied, “Is it wrong to be merciful?” Although, other people replied her, but I was pondering within me, “Is it wrong to be merciful?” When does being merciful become wrong? Was that act a merciful act or an unfair act? Can one be merciful at the detriment of other people? Many other questions came to my mind as I made use of the ATM and left the place. This scenario is a good example of what is called situational ethics. I know that many people will support it while many other people (including me) will frown at it and condemn it. What does the Bible say about favouritism and other similar acts like partiality, nepotism, discrimination and the likes? Apart from the fact that the God we serve is not a partial God neither does He show favouritism (see Deuteronomy 10:17; 2 Chronicles 19:7; Job 34:19; John 3:16; Acts 10:34; Romans 2:11; Ephesians 6:9; Colossians 3:25), the Bible sternly speaks against favouritism and other similar acts. Here are some of the biblical injunctions: “You shall do no injustice in judgment. You shall not be partial to the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty. In righteousness you shall judge your neighbor” (Leviticus 19:15 NKJV. Also see Deuteronomy 16:19). “To show partiality is not good...” (Proverbs 28:21 NKJV). “I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing with partiality” (1 Timothy 5:21 NKJV). “My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality.... If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you do well; but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors” (James 2:1, 8-9 NKJV). “These things also belong to the wise: It is not good to show partiality in judgment” (Proverbs 24:23 NKJV). While it is good to be kind and merciful to other people, beware that your kindness and mercifulness does not turn to favouritism at the detriment of others. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that the Lord will help you not to turn your mercifulness to favouritism at the detriment of others.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 02Nov2019

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins" (Matthew 6:14-15 NIV). ****************** QUOTE FOR THE DAY You lose nothing by forgiving someone who wronged you but you lose everything by refusing to forgive. Unforgiving spirit is more dangerous than danger itself. - Chris Tayo Orodiji ******************** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to forgive those that offend you so as to do more good to yourself.