Spiritual Digest for the Day 01Feb2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved” (Psalm 55:22 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY I must tell Jesus all of my trials, I cannot bear these burdens alone; In my distress He kindly will help me, He ever loves and cares for His own. - Elisha A Hoffman ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY O Lord, help me to always cast my burdens on You.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 31Jan2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Not getting what you want can make you feel sick, but a wish that comes true is a life-giving tree” (Proverbs 13:12 CEV). ******** QUOTE FOR THE DAY “Disappointments are just God’s way of saying, ‘I’ve got something better.’ So be patient, have faith and live your life.” - Author Unknown ******** PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will able to accept disappointments as blessings in disguise.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 28Jan2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “‘Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?’ In all this Job did not sin with his lips” (Job 2:10 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Our lives are defined not by the challenges we encounter, but by how we respond to those challenges. - Jonathan Lockwood Huie ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always have the right attitude towards the challenges of life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 27Jan2020

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 The miracle of gratitude is that it shifts your perception to such an extent that it changes the world you see. - Robert Holden ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that will always have the right perception of gratitude.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 26Jan2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Their descendants shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people. All who see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the posterity whom the Lord has blessed” (Isaiah 61:9 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Whoever God blesses is blessed. His blessings are irreversible even in the troubles of this life. Similarly, whoever God curses is cursed, even when it seems the person is living in affluence. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY O Lord, help me to walk righteously before You so as to enjoy more of Your blessings even in life’s troubles.

THE LORD WILL BLESS YOU EVEN IN AFFLICTION

Dearly Beloved, THE LORD WILL BLESS YOU EVEN IN AFFLICTION “Their descendants shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people. All who see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the posterity whom the Lord has blessed” (Isaiah 61:9 NKJV). Whoever God blesses is blessed. His blessings are irreversible even in the troubles of this life. Similarly, whoever God curses is cursed, even when it seems the person is living in affluence. God is the only One that can reverse such curse. When one is been afflicted in this world, one can still enjoy the blessings of God because they go beyond physical or material blessings. They include spiritual and eternal blessings. No wonder, someone that is blessed of God can rejoice in affliction. In spite of the disobedience of the people of Israel to God that caused their predicaments in captivity, God still promised to bless them. Isaiah 61:4-9 reveals how the Israelites had been humiliated, shamed and suffered from Babylonians who had taken them into captivity. God used the Assyrians and Babylonians to punish the people of Israel. However, God judged the Assyrians and Babylonians by tearing down their kingdoms because of their cruelty to the people of Israel. God is always jealous because of His own people. Suffering happens for so many reasons. It could be either by personal mistakes, mistakes of others or by injustice. Individuals get what they deserve from their mistakes. Although, the Israelites (the people of God) suffered because of their sins against God, God in His mercy, blessed them for their suffering from their oppressors. He still fought for them and restored them back to their land. Apostle Paul has said, “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?” (Romans 6:1-2 NKJV). If you are suffering because of your sins against God, repent today and ask for God’s forgiveness. He will forgive you and bless you. If you are suffering for being righteous, just or faithful, God will fight for you and reward you greatly. Do not stop being faithful no matter the affliction. You will still enjoy the blessings of the Lord even in the affliction. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: O Lord, help me to walk righteously before You so as to enjoy more of Your blessings even in life’s troubles.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 25Jan2020

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 be able to wait for God’s time for your life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 24Jan2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect” (1 Corinthians 15:9-10 NIV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Our society is so caught up in winning. We forget that most of the great men and women in history have, at one time or another, failed at something, often repeatedly, and discouragingly. But each failure is nothing more than a brick in the wall that forms the foundation of our success. - Carlton Young ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, help me to endure, in spite of my failures, till I succeed in life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 22Jan2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The Christian life is compared to a race. Running a race takes discipline, consistency, effort and movement in the same direction. - Arlene Pellicane ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always run your Christian race with discipline, consistency, effort and movement in the direction towards the heavenly goal.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 21Jan2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men” (Colossians 3:23 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Whatever your life's work is, do it well. A man should do his job so well that the living, the dead, and the unborn could do it no better. - Martin Luther King, Jr. ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always work as if you are working for God.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 20Jan2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “You are great, O Lord God. For there is none like You, nor is there any God besides You, according to all that we have heard with our ears” (2 Samuel 7:22 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God is ready to fill your empty hands like you would never believe, if you will only lift them up to Him in obedience and praise. - Charles R. Swindoll ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to always praise and obey You.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 19Jan2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “The hand of the Lord came upon me and brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley; and it was full of bones. Then He caused me to pass by them all around, and behold, there were very many in the open valley; and indeed they were very dry. And He said to me, ‘Son of man, can these bones live?’ So I answered, ‘O Lord God, You know’” (Ezekiel 37:1-3 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The bones of uprightness can live again wherever you find yourself by contributing your own positive quota towards it. Shun corruption in any form! - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that the Sovereign Lord will break every yoke of corruption in your life and society.

CAN THESE BONES LIVE?

Dearly Beloved, CAN THESE BONES LIVE? “The hand of the Lord came upon me and brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley; and it was full of bones. Then He caused me to pass by them all around, and behold, there were very many in the open valley; and indeed they were very dry. And He said to me, ‘Son of man, can these bones live?’ So I answered, ‘O Lord God, You know’” (Ezekiel 37:1-3 NKJV). I am not happy with the level of corruption in my country, Nigeria. Corruption has eating deep into the fibre of every place from the highest level in the corridors of power in the country to the lowest level one can think of. Even, our religious (and especially Christian) settings are not left out of this moral decadence. I have been thinking if there would be any remedy from this situation. Will Nigeria ever be corruption free again? As I ruminated on this, the vision of Ezekiel in Ezekiel 37 came to my mind and specifically, the question of the Sovereign Lord: “Can these bones live?” Ezekiel could not answer the question, but the Lord asked him to command the dry bones to come back to life. After the dry bones had come back to life at Ezekiel’s command, the Lord gave the meaning of the vision: the dry bones were the whole house of Israel who thought that “[their] bones are dry, [their] hope is lost, and we ourselves are cut off!” (verse 11 NKJV). The Lord then asked Ezekiel to prophesy to the people that He (God) would open their graves and bring them up from their scattered places; that He would bring them back to the land of Israel. After these, the people of Israel would know that He is the Lord, when He opens their graves and brings them up from the far places. He also promised to put His Spirit in them and that they would live (see verses 12-14). In spite of the level of corruption in Nigeria, I believe that Nigeria will be free of corruption one day. Only, I cannot say how soon this will be. However, what role am I playing to make this come to reality sooner? What roles are you playing to make Nigeria corruption free? For non-Nigerians, what roles are you playing to make your society corruption free? The bones of uprightness can live again wherever you find yourself by contributing your own positive quota towards it. Shun corruption in any form! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that the Sovereign Lord will break every yoke of corruption in your life and society. 

Spiritual Digest for the Day 18Jan2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome" (Jeremiah 29:11, AMP). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God may be keeping you in His will and purpose for your life, and He may be waiting for the appropriate time to answer your prayer in His own way. Do not be dismayed. It is for your good! - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to wait patiently as God is fulfilling His will and purpose for your life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 17Jan2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Do not rejoice over me, my enemy; when I fall, I will arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me” (Micah 7:8 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time. - Thomas Edison ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not give up till you are able to succeed in life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 16Jan2020

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 What we see today is not the fruit of chance but a fruit from seeds planted in the past. Plant seeds of peace now and you will create a life of peace in the future. – Debra Cummings ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always be an instrument of peace wherever you find yourself.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 15Jan2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Your words can be as satisfying as fruit, as pleasing as the food that fills your stomach. The tongue can speak words that bring life or death. Those who love to talk must be ready to accept what it brings” (Proverbs 18:20-21 ERV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY An encouraging word to someone who is down can lift him up and help him make it through the day. A destructive word to someone who is down can be what it takes to kill his joy. Be careful of what you say. Speak life to those who cross your path. - Author Unknown ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that your words will always be a source of encouragement to others around you.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 14Jan2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “We must not get tired of doing good. We will receive our harvest of eternal life at the right time. We must not give up” (Galatians 6:9 ERV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Achievement seems to be connected with action. Successful men and women keep moving. They make mistakes, but they do not quit. - Conrad Hilton ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not give up until you achieve your God-given purposes in life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 13Jan2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “The commander of the guards trusted Joseph with everything that was in the prison. This happened because the Lord was with Joseph. The Lord helped Joseph be successful in everything he did” (Genesis 39:23 ERV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The Lord is not respecter of where you are located or working to bless you. If you are at the centre of the heart of God, He will establish you wherever you are. - Supo Ayokunle ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY O Lord, bless me and make me successful regardless where I am located or working.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 12Jan2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “But now, thus says the Lord, who created you… ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God....’” (Isaiah 43:1-3a NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY No matter your seeming hopeless situation, do not lose heart! The situation will not overcome you. You will indeed overcome the situation for the Lord is with you. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY O Lord, save and deliver me from all my adversities and do not let my situation overcome me.

YOUR SITUATION WILL NOT OVERCOME YOU!

Dearly Beloved, YOUR SITUATION WILL NOT OVERCOME YOU! “But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God....’” (Isaiah 43:1-3a NKJV). There have been controversies among Bible scholars about the date and authorship of the later part of the Book of Isaiah especially Chapters 40-66. However, whether this part was written as a futuristic prophecy or immediate one, it is a fact that the prophecy is applicable to us today. Let me focus my devotional message this week on the first verses of Isaiah 43. From history as confirmed by many Bible passages, the people of Judah were taken to captivity in Babylon. It seemed that all hope was lost for them. They were indeed depressed and downcast. However, in this hopeless situation, God reminded them that He was their Creator who have redeemed them and summoned them by name, therefore, they needed not be afraid. God promised to be with them in their miserable situation and that the situation would not overcome them. He reminded them that they were precious to Him and that He would rescue them out of their disheartened situation and bring them back to their home land. God did fulfil these promises for the people of Judah. The Lord has been faithful in fulfilling these promises for His people, especially those that diligently put their trust in Him. They may pass through many waters and rivers of life, but they will not be drowned in them. They may walk through the fire of life, it will not burn them nor shall it scorch them. They need not fear all these adversities of life because the Lord will be with them (compare Psalm 23:4). What are you passing through now? Do not lose heart! No matter the seeming hopeless situation, the Lord is with you. The situation will not overcome you. You will indeed overcome the situation for the Lord is with you. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: According to Your word, oh Lord, save and deliver me from all my adversities and do not let my situation overcome me in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 11Jan2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “If you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5:23-24 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Meaningful fellowship cannot be enjoyed with God in an atmosphere of unforgiveness. Lack of forgiveness can separate anyone from the place of fellowship. - Rotimi Oluwaseyitan ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that unforgiveness will not deprive you of meaningful fellowship with God and other people.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 09Jan2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY We have a Savior who understands and offers His peace in the midst of our struggles. - Bill Crowder ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the peace of God in times of struggles.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 08Jan2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Israel, I, the Lord, will lure you into the desert and speak gently to you” (Hosea 2:14 CEV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God uses enlarged trials to produce enlarged saints so He can put them in enlarged places! - Henry Blackaby ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY O Lord, put me in an enlarged place as You use different kinds of trials to make me.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 07Jan2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Be hospitable to one another without grumbling” (1 Peter 4:9 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Hospitality must come from the heart. It is an offering – a sacrifice that must have a heart to it. - ObalOluwa Osuolale ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that the Lord will help you to do hospitality wholeheartedly.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 06Jan2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one's youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed, But shall speak with their enemies in the gate” (Psalm 127:3-5 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Our children are the heritage of the Lord. Do not destroy the future of God’s heritage in your care. Our children shall be taught of the Lord and great shall be their peace. - Babatunde Isiaka ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY O Lord, help me not to do anything that will destroy the future of Your heritage in my care.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 05Jan2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “For you shall expand to the right and to the left, and your descendants will inherit the nations, and make the desolate cities inhabited. Do not fear, for you will not be ashamed; neither be disgraced, for you will not be put to shame; for you will forget the shame of your youth, and will not remember the reproach of your widowhood anymore” (Isaiah 54:3-4 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY If you align yourself with the new covenant in Jesus Christ this year, you will not be put to shame. You will not be disgraced. You will not remember your past reproach again. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will align yourself with the new covenant in Jesus Christ so as not to be put to shame this year.

YOU WILL NOT BE PUT TO SHAME

Dearly Beloved, YOU WILL NOT BE PUT TO SHAME “For you shall expand to the right and to the left, and your descendants will inherit the nations, and make the desolate cities inhabited. Do not fear, for you will not be ashamed; neither be disgraced, for you will not be put to shame; for you will forget the shame of your youth, and will not remember the reproach of your widowhood anymore” (Isaiah 54:3-4 NKJV). Once again, I welcome you to the New Year. As my family and I prayed for you on the first day of the year, I pray again that in this New Year, you shall increase in all ramifications; you shall inherit the nations; you will overcome what used to be insurmountable in your life; you will not be ashamed; you will not be disgraced; and you will forget your past shame and disappointments this year in Jesus’ name. Amen. As it has become my tradition, my first message for the New Year will be based on these prayers as adapted from Isaiah 54:3-4. The Israelites were in exile because of their disobedience to God. Nonetheless, God did not abandon them. He had promised a “Suffering Servant” that would atone for their sin in the previous chapter. He was now promising them blessings, safety and peace under new covenant that He would make with them. This is a promise of a new covenant that was amplified in Jeremiah 31 and Ezekiel 36. Isaiah 54 is an anticipation of salvation and restoration of the people of Israel from the exile, though the promises in the chapter go beyond the people of Israel as they portray the climax of all of the covenant promises of God at the end of the age. The promises particularly in verses 3 and 4 have to do with restoration and expansion of the once-neglected people of God. Like a barren woman who used to bear much shame, but later has many promising children, the Lord promises to restore His people and turn their shame to honour and expand them in all ramifications. The positive turnaround will be so enormous that the people will no longer remember their shame. The Lord that we serve is a covenant-keeping God. He fulfilled these promises in the lives of the people of Israel. He fulfilled it when Jesus Christ came to this world. He fulfilled (and still fulfilling) it by sending the Holy Spirit to be our Comforter. Yes! The Lord that we serve is a covenant-keeping God. He has made a new covenant of eternal inheritance with as many people that believe in, and accept Jesus Christ – the Mediator of the new covenant – as their personal Lord and Saviour, and continue to abide in Him by obeying His commands. For such people, there is no more fear, shame, and frustration. He has promised as part of the covenant not to let you be ashamed. He has promised not to let you be disgraced. He has promised to make you forget the shame and disappointment of the past years. As we begin another year, you need to align yourself with this new covenant by deliberately giving your life to Jesus Christ who is the Mediator of the new covenant. If you have done so, I congratulate you. However, you need to rededicate your life to Him by serving Him more than how you have done so in the past years. You will not be put to shame this New Year. You will not be disgraced. You will not remember your past reproach again in Jesus’ name. Welcome to your year of new covenant! Once again, Happy New Year (2020)! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will align yourself with the new covenant in Jesus Christ so as not to be put to shame this year.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 04Jan2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty” (1 Corinthians 1:27 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God does things His way, without our help, and through methods that we may struggle to understand, but the best thing we can do is to get with His programme. - Becky Brooks ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to allow You to do things in Your own way in my life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 03Jan2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men” (1 Timothy 2:1 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God moves through faithful prayer in countless ways to encourage others and draw them near to Himself. We may not know someone’s circumstances when they come to mind, but God does. And He will help that person as we pray! - James Banks ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to always pray for other people as You lay it in my mind.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 02Jan2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY What the New Year brings to you will depend a great deal on what you bring to the New Year. - Vern McLellan ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not be conformed to this world this New Year, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.