Spiritual Digest for the Day 01Mar2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits’” (1 Corinthians 15:33 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Be mindful of your associates and co-travellers in life. They may make or mar you. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always be mindful of people you associate with in life.

BE MINDFUL OF YOUR CO-TRAVELLERS IN LIFE!

Dearly Beloved, BE MINDFUL OF YOUR CO-TRAVELLERS IN LIFE! “And the soldiers’ plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim away and escape. But the centurion, wanting to save Paul, kept them from their purpose...” (Acts 27:42-43a NKJV). There was a controversial scenario in the political and legal landscape in Nigeria when the highest law court in the country ruled against the inauguration of a state governor-elect and his deputy governor-elect on the eve of the inauguration day. This is because it was proved that the deputy governor-elect has a forged certificate. Both of them were disqualified since they held joint ticket during election. This devotional write-up is not about the morality or legality of the judgment. It is about the being mindful of people one travels with in the journey of life. Jonah travelled with some people as he was trying to run away from God. There was great storm on the sea because of Jonah, and the people lost their possessions in the course of lightening the ship (see Jonah 1). Apostle Paul traveled with some people en route Rome. There was a storm that threatened the lives of everyone on board. Even when there was a glimpse of landing, the soldiers on board planned to kill all the prisoners in the ship so that the prisoners would not escape. However, because of Paul, the centurion prevailed on the soldiers not to kill anyone. They all safely reached the shore. The presence of Paul miraculously saved all of the travelers (see Acts 27:33-44). Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, had an alliance with Ahab, the wicked king of Israel. This nearly cost Jehoshaphat his life if not for divine intervention (see 2 Chronicles 18:1, 31; 19: 2). Who is your co-traveler in this journey of life? The person (or people) may be one that you deliberately choose, or they may coincidentally be with you in the journey. The presence of this person (or people) will have great influence either positively or negatively on your life. Apostle Paul warned the Corinthians: “Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits’” (1 Corinthians 15:33 NKJV). Conversely, good company encourages good habits and brings good omen. Be mindful of your associates and co-travellers in life. They may make or mar you. The Lord will not allow you to travel with people that will be hindrance to your breakthrough in life in Jesus’ name. Amen. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will always be mindful of people you associate with in life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 29Feb2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content... I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need” (Philippians 4:11-12 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY We tend to forget that happiness does not come as a result of getting something we do not have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have. - Frederick Koenig ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will learn how to be happy and contented with whatever you have.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 28Feb2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s” (Exodus 20:17 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY A good life is not measured in material goods. There is no quicker path to misery than coveting your neighbors' stuff. - Jonathan Lockwood Huie ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not covet your neigbor’s stuff, but be contented with what you have.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 26Feb2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Jabez prayed to the God of Israel and said, ‘I pray that you would bless me and give me more land! Be near me and don’t let anyone hurt me! Then I will not have any pain.’ God gave Jabez what he asked for” (1 Chronicles 4:10 ERV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The God that answered the prayer of Jabez and gave him what he asked can visit the very foundation of your life too, and get it all fixed if you trust Him, and call upon Him. - Simon Wale Olatunji ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Visit the foundation of my life, O Lord, and fix all the faults and failures that are found in it.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 25Feb2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God rewards faithful obedience. It often requires patience, suffering, and perseverance. Be of good cheer; He will reward you if you faint not. - Os Hillman ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will continue to faithfully obey and serve God even when it seems that the reward does not come.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 24Feb2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength” (Deuteronomy 6:5 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When our desire for God dominates our hearts, our minds will stay focused on ways to serve Him, and our actions will further His kingdom on earth and in heaven. - Julie Ackerman Link ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Enable me, O Lord, to love You always with my whole heart.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 23Feb2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Joseph's master took him and put him in prison. But while Joseph was there in the prison, the LORD was with him; He showed him kindness and granted him favour in the eyes of the prison warder" (Genesis 39:20-21 NIV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When you are being maltreated, be sure that it is because of doing good thing, not because of any other reasons. God will indeed promote you when you are being maltreated for doing good thing. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that God will give you the grace to endure being maltreated for doing good thing (if you are) till the time He will elevate you.

WHEN YOU ARE BEING MALTREATED

Dearly Beloved, WHEN YOU ARE BEING MALTREATED "Joseph's master took him and put him in prison. But while Joseph was there in the prison, the LORD was with him; He showed him kindness and granted him favour in the eyes of the prison warder" (Genesis 39:20-21 NIV). The story of Joseph has always been an attention-grabbing one to me. His father loved him because his mother was the favourite wife of his father. Nevertheless, there was another reason for the special love of his father for him. The Bible says, "he brought their father a bad report about [his other brothers]" (Genesis 37:2 NIV). The father's love and Joseph's action made his brothers to hate him. Their hatred notwithstanding, Joseph told them about his future as he had seen it in dreams. This also made them to hate him more. The thought that came to their minds when they had the opportunity of harming Joseph was to kill him! They maltreated him by throwing him into an empty cistern. They later decided to sell him as a slave to some merchants. The merchants in turn sold him to an Egyptian officer. In slavery, he was accused wrongly of an offence he did not committed by the wife of his master. Unfortunately, the master did not verify the authenticity of the accusation before sending Joseph to the prison. What a series of maltreatment! However, in all these, God did not forsake Joseph. He showed him kindness and favour both in the house of the Egyptian officer and even in prison. God made everything entrusted to Joseph a success. Even when he was been forgotten in the prison by an officer of Pharaoh, the Lord was still with him. No wonder, in God's appointed time, he was remembered and elevated to the highest position in Egypt second in rank to Pharaoh. Are you being maltreated for doing good thing? When you are being maltreated, be sure that it is because of doing good thing, not because of any other reasons. Peter says, "It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil" and "So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good" (1 Peter 3:17; 4:19 NIV). God will indeed promote you when you are being maltreated for doing good thing. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Points: 1. Are you being maltreated for doing good thing? Pray that God will give you the grace to endure it till the time He will elevate you. 2. Pray that God will arise to vindicate those that are being maltreated for doing good thing and give Himself glory in their lives.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 22Feb2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love him. These are the people God chose, because that was his plan” (Romans 8:28 ERV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY A coincidence is a small miracle in which God chooses to remain anonymous. - Anonymous ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY O God, let me experience You in everything that is happening to me in life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 21Feb2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY Always be filled with joy in the Lord. I will say it again. Be filled with joy.... Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have” (Philippians 4:4, 6 ERV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY If only the people who worry about their liabilities would think about the riches they do possess, they would stop worrying. - Dale Carnegie ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY O Lord, help me to always think about the riches I possess in You instead of worrying about my liabilities.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 20Feb2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “And Elisha prayed, and said, ‘Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.’ Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha” (2 Kings 6:17 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Our difficult circumstances may lead us to believe all is lost, but God desires to open our eyes and reveal that He is greater. - Remi Oyedele ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, open my inner eyes to see how greater You are than all my circumstances and enemies.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 19Feb2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him...” (Job 13:15 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Regardless of circumstances and how you feel, hang on to God’s unchanging character. - Rick Warren ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to always hang on to Your unchanging character in spite of my circumstances.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 18Feb2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Leave no [such] room or foothold for the devil [give no opportunity to him]" (Ephesians 4:27 AMP). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Refuse to give the devil a place. If you give him an inch he will take a mile. - EA Adeboye ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY O Lord, help me not to give the devil any space in my life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 17Feb2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “John answered and said, ‘A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, “I am not the Christ,” but, “I have been sent before Him.” ...Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease’” (John 3:27-30 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY If you are a person who desires to live a godly life that will leave its mark upon this world, you must learn to stand in the shadow of your Savior, trusting Him to work through the trials you encounter, through the extreme circumstances you cannot handle. - Charles R. Swindoll ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the enablement to always stand in the shadow of the Saviour in order to be great in life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 16Feb2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "In righteousness you shall be established; you shall be far from oppression, for you shall not fear; and from terror, for it shall not come near you" (Isaiah 54:14 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY A person that wants tyranny and terror of the evil ones to be far from him must be righteous. Such person must have allowed God to really establish him/her in act of righteousness and he must remain in it. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY O Lord, establish me in Your righteousness so that evils and the evil ones will not be able to overcome me.

BE ESTABLISHED IN RIGHTEOUSNESS

Dearly Beloved, BE ESTABLISHED IN RIGHTEOUSNESS "In righteousness you shall be established; you shall be far from oppression, for you shall not fear; and from terror, for it shall not come near you" (Isaiah 54:14 NKJV). In Isaiah 54:14-17, God promised that He would establish His people in righteousness. To be righteous is to be virtuous, blameless, morally upright, and be in right standing with God. A synonym of the word "righteousness" is justice: to be just, fair, impartial and honest. A person that wants tyranny and terror of the evil ones to be far from him must be righteous. Such person must have allowed God to really establish him/her in act of righteousness and he must remain in it. Allow God to establish you in righteousness by moving closer to Him in prayer and meditation of His words this year. Be just and fair with people around you. Be in right standing with your God. "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people" (Proverbs 14:34 NKJV). Then, tyranny and terror of the evil ones will indeed be far from you. Being established in righteousness does not mean that there will be no hitch. In God‘s promise in Isaiah 54:14-17, God made it clear that His people will be attacked, but, such attack will not be His doing, and He will definitely give His people victory over the attackers. Jesus Christ gave the same assertion (see John 16:33). Three truths can be deduced from this assertion. One, the fact that God has established a person in righteousness does not mean such person will not be attacked. A child of God who is doing the will of God is not free from the attack of the enemy. This attack may come in any form. Two, such attack is not from God. In the Parable of the Weeds, Jesus said of the enemy, the Devil, who came while everyone was sleeping and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away (see Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43). Christians are facing many attacks today that are not God‘s doing, but the handiwork of the Devil and his cohorts. Three, no matter the attack, victory is sure for those that have been established in righteousness. The Lord will enable His loved ones to overcome any trouble that may come their way. No wonder, the Psalmist could boldly say, "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning" (Psalm 30:5 NKJV. See also John 16:20-22). In spite of the fact that many troubles will come this year, know that they are not God‘s doing. If you are established in righteousness, your attackers will surrender to you in Jesus’ name. Amen. God is the Creator of the heavens and the earth, and everything in them. However, the fall of man recorded in Genesis 3 distorted the good creation of God. In spite of this, God never disowns His creation. The fact still remains that He was, and still is, the Creator. This is what He was reminding His people in Isaiah 54:16. He does have the power to restrain the evils. No matter what man does to harm God‘s people, it shall not overcome them. In fact, God‘s people will triumph over such evil at the end of the day. The prophecy ends with the affirmation that it is the heritage of the servants of the LORD. Who are these people? They are the people that have dedicated their lives for God to be used by Him as instruments of honor in His vineyard (see 2 Timothy 2:21). These are people that are living consecrated or sanctified lives to the glory of God. It has to be noted that they are not people that are living self-achieved righteous lives, but people that have been sanctified by the blood of Jesus Christ and have the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ through faith in Him (see Romans 1:17; 3:21-22; 5:17; 10:4; Philippians 3:9). The promises in Isaiah 54:14-17 and many other comforting promises of God in the Bible are not for all and sundry. They are for people that are ready to dedicate their lives to God and allow Him to sanctify them and make them His instruments for noble purposes. Are you one of those people? In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: O Lord, establish me in Your righteousness so that evils and the evil ones will not be able to overcome me.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 15Feb2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away” (1 Corinthians 13:8 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Where love is in its correct and genuine version, it will survive all odds, overcome all obstacles and outlive any adverse conditions. - ObalOluwa Osuolale ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always demonstrate genuine love that can stand the test of time.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 14Feb2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Let us not love [merely in theory] with word or with tongue [giving lip service to compassion], but in action and in truth [in practice and in sincerity, because practical acts of love are more than words]” (1 John 3:18 AMP). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY If we have got the true love of God shed abroad in our hearts, we will show it in our lives. We will not have to go up and down the earth proclaiming it. We will show it in everything we say or do. - Dwight L. Moody ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to really love in deeds, not in mere words.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 13Feb2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “You can trust what your friend says, even when it hurts. But your enemies want to hurt you, even when they act nice” (Proverbs 27:6 ERV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Real friends speak the truth to us in love - even if it is not what we want to hear. - Author Unknown ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to speak the truth in love with your friends.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 12Feb2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY In the Master’s hand many kinds of people are fit together and are being built into something with great potential for praise to God and service for others. - Dennis Fisher ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to join You in working for Your glory and benefits of people around me.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 11Feb2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY In the midst of your needs, look out for other needy people, bless them, feed them or make them comfortable. If you cannot feed a hundred people, then feed just one. Who knows, this could be the key that will open doors and speak for you in places that matter. - Femi Emmanuel ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to always do the good I can to people that really need it around me.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 10Feb2020

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 It is not enough to say we must not wage war. It is necessary to love peace and sacrifice for it. - Martin Luther King, Jr. ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always make efforts to live peacefully with other people around you.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 09Feb2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself" (Daniel 1:8 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Resolve to stand out for God in refusing to do even those seeming good things that can tarnish the image of God in you. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to resolve to stand out to do Your will even when it is contrary to what is in vogue. 

RESOLVE TO STAND OUT

Dearly Beloved, RESOLVE TO STAND OUT "But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself" (Daniel 1:8 NKJV). The people of Judah were led into exile in captivity because of their disobedience to God. The temple of God and the city of Jerusalem - the prides of Israel - were destroyed. The self-esteem of the people was dented. They were no longer a nation free of external forces. In fact, they were now captives in a foreign land. They could not worship their God in the way they preferred, and their children were now slaves that were serving their captors. In spite of these predicaments, Daniel and his colleagues resolved to distinguish themselves in that foreign land in not defiling themselves with things that seemed ordinary but that could make them be far from their God. These four Jewish young men were not like many people today that are ready to do anything that is in vogue. They resolved to stand out, and God rewarded them with prestige and position of authority in that land of captivity. Are you also ready to resolve to stand out in this depraved world? The Bible says, "You shall not follow a crowd to do evil…” (Exodus 23:2 NKJV). Resolve to stand out for God in refusing to do even those seeming good things that can tarnish the image of God in you. Joshua told the people of Israel, "And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:15 NKJV). Resolve to stand out for God! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).   Prayer Point: Lord, help me to resolve to stand out to do Your will even when it is contrary to what is in vogue. 

Spiritual Digest for the Day 08Feb2020

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 What we do matters, but how we do it, why, and who we do it for matters more. - Julie Schwab ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always do things to the glory of God.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 07Feb2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “But God is rich in mercy, and he loved us very much” (Ephesians 2:4 ERV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Whatever the hardship, the suffering, the difficulty we face, it is not bigger or more powerful than the mercy and comfort of God. - Becky Brooks ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, let me experience Your mercy and comfort beyond the hardship, the suffering, and the difficulty of life that I may face.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 06Feb2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “I will lift up my eyes to the hills—from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY If you want to be miserable, look within; If you want to be distracted, look around; If you want to be peaceful, look up. - Author Unknown ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, I lift up my eyes to You for Your peace and divine help.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 05Feb2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Man who is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble” (Job 14:1 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Life is full of challenges. As our faces differ, so our challenges are. - Dickson Madoghwe ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O God, to overcome all the challenges of my life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 04Feb2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “But Jesus did not trust them, because he knew how all people think. He did not need anyone to tell him what a person was like. He already knew” (John 2:24-25 ERV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out,but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within. - Elisabeth Kubler-Ross ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to discern who people around you truly are.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 03Feb2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (James 4:17 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Do your little bit of good where you are. It is those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world. - Desmond Tutu ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to do your little bit of good wherever you are.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 02Feb2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “The Lord has sworn in truth to David; He will not turn from it: ‘I will set upon your throne the fruit of your body. If your sons will keep My covenant and My testimony which I shall teach them, their sons also shall sit upon your throne forevermore’” (Psalm 132:11-12 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY In order to enjoy the lasting covenant of God with His children, you need to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Saviour, then be obeying Him and consciously keeping His commands. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you always obey God’s commands so as to enjoy His covenant for your life.

WHAT A LASTING COVENANT!

Dearly Beloved, WHAT A LASTING COVENANT! “The Lord has sworn in truth to David; He will not turn from it: ‘I will set upon your throne the fruit of your body. If your sons will keep My covenant and My testimony which I shall teach them, their sons also shall sit upon your throne forevermore’” (Psalm 132:11-12 NKJV). “Attempt great things for God and expect great things from God.” This is a popular saying attributed to William Carey. It described best the situation of King David when he wanted to build a befitting house for the Ark of the Covenant that symbolized the presence of God with the people of Israel (see 2 Samuel 7; 1 Chronicles 17). Although, God did not allow him to achieve this feat, nevertheless, God promised that his son that would reign after him would carry out the project. God made more promises to David that included a covenant that his descendants would rule forever. This covenant is ultimately fulfilled in the Lord Jesus Christ who is the promised Son of David (see 2 Samuel 7:15-16; Matthew 1:1; Romans 1:3; Revelation 22:16). David indeed got greater things than what he expected from God as he attempted great thing for God. Solomon, the son of David who reigned after him, started and completed the building of a befitting temple for God in Jerusalem. Many people believe that Solomon composed Psalm 132 to be sung at the dedication of the temple. He beseeched God to remember the afflictions of his father, David. He reminded God that it was David that originally had the intention of building the temple (verses 1-5). He recalled how the Ark of the Covenant was captured by the Philistines and later found in the fields near Kiriath-Jearim (verse 6, see 1 Samuel 6). David later brought the ark to Jerusalem, the seat of power (see 2 Samuel 6). The people yearned to go and worship God by this ark (verses 7-9). As David planned to build a befitting place for the Ark, and God hindered him from doing so, God made a lasting covenant with him and his descendants (verses 11-12). Verses 11 to 18 record the contents of this covenant: descendants of David would be ruling; Jerusalem has been chosen as a dwelling place for God; blessings and provisions would abound; there would be deliverance and joy; the dynasty of David would be firmly established; and David’s enemies would be put to shame. It is interesting to note that God promised not to turn away from this covenant, though He put a condition there that if the descendants of David would keep the covenant (see verses 11-12). God fulfilled all the promises in the covenant in spite of the fact that Solomon and other descendants of David later breached the covenant. God fulfilled the covenant in the life of Jesus Christ when He (Jesus) was on earth, and the covenant will be ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ when He (Jesus) will reign supremely over the whole universe at His second coming. Believers in Christ are enjoying the ingredients of this covenant now. They will ultimately enjoy the covenant when they reign with Jesus Christ at His second coming. What a lasting covenant! Do you want to enjoy this lasting covenant? Accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Saviour. Obey Him and consciously keep His commands. Do great exploits for God, and He will do greater things for you. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you always obey God’s commands so as to enjoy His covenant for your life.