Spiritual Digest for the Day 01Jun2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “You also gave Your good Spirit to instruct them, and did not withhold Your manna from their mouth, and gave them water for their thirst” (Nehemiah 9:20 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God has provided all that we need for this life. We do, however, have a responsibility to fulfill. We must sincerely seek Him each day and be willing to let go of past hurts. - Michael Youssef ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Thank God for His daily provision.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 31May2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Don’t worry about tomorrow. It will take care of itself. You have enough to worry about today” (Matthew 6:34 CEV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY While is good to be proactive and provide for one’s future needs, it is far better not to worry about the future, but have total trust in God who can provide one’s needs even before one asks for them. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace not to worry about anything, but to have trust in God who can provide your needs even before you ask for them.

TOMORROW WILL TAKE CARE OF ITSELF

Dearly Beloved, TOMORROW WILL TAKE CARE OF ITSELF “Don’t worry about tomorrow. It will take care of itself. You have enough to worry about today” (Matthew 6:34 CEV). As we were having our breakfast in my family some days ago, I set apart some of the food items and instructed my family members not to touch it because I intended to use it as my breakfast the following day. My wife jokingly wondered why I would be thinking of another day when the family members have not eaten to satisfaction for the day. Obviously, I was worried about getting a ready-made food for the breakfast of the following day because I planned to leave the house early for an engagement outside my home that day. Before the end of the day, a family friend visited our family and brought more than enough food items for us that I can readily be used for the breakfast the following day. When the visitor left, my wife referred to the kept food items and the newly brought items. She commented that if I had believed God would provide the new items, I would not have kept the remnant in anticipation for the following day. My wife was right, and I learned a lesson of life from that incident: “Don’t worry about tomorrow. It will take care of itself. You have enough to worry about today” (Matthew 6:34 CEV). Those are the words of the Lord Jesus Christ as He concluded His admonition on worrying. He had earlier given people reasons why they should not worry about their life in relations to what they would eat, drink or wear. He told them that their lives are far more than food, and their bodies are far more than clothing. If God can be taking care of the birds of the air that neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, God will take care of people that are far more valuable to Him than the birds. This does not mean that one should not care about these things because they are unimportant, but rather it means that our care for them should not belittle God who can provide all these things. It is also a pointer to having total trust in God as one cares for having these things. Since God knows that human beings need all these things, He wants them to look unto Him for their provision. People are urged not to worry because they were not the creators of themselves, and they cannot add a day to their life’s span. If no one can bring himself forth, and no one can prolong the number of his/her days on earth, then, no one should worry unduly about these things. Worrying cannot solve people’s problems. It rather adds to the problems. While is good to be proactive and provide for one’s future needs, it is far better not to worry about the future, but have total trust in God who can provide one’s needs even before one asks for them. Tomorrow will indeed take care of itself! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray for the grace not to worry about anything, but to have trust in God who can provide your needs even before you ask for them.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 29May2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you” (Luke 6:38 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY We do not give to get things; we give because God delights in our generosity. Our love for others reflects His loving heart toward us. - Remi Oyedele ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to always give generously to others as the Lord provides for you.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 28May2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:27 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The first person you have to conquer is you. This is because when at last you win over million people, the first person to bring you down could be you. Discipline yourself! ― Israelmore Ayivor ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to always discipline yourself in everything you are thinking saying and doing.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 27May2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The greatest legacy one can pass on to one's children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one's life, but rather a legacy of character and faith. — Billy Graham ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to be able leave a legacy of character and faith for my children and grandchildren.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 26May2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “You do not have what you want because you do not ask God for it” (James 4:2c GNT). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY So many times we miss out on God’s best simply because we never ask Him for it. - Rick Warren ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that the Holy Spirit will teach you how to ask things from God in order not to miss out on His best.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 24May2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of sympathy (pity and mercy) and the God [Who is the Source] of every comfort (consolation and encouragement), Who comforts (consoles and encourages) us in every trouble (calamity and affliction), so that we may also be able to comfort (console and encourage) those who are in any kind of trouble or distress, with the comfort (consolation and encouragement) with which we ourselves are comforted (consoled and encouraged) by God" (2 Corinthians 1:3-4 AMP). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Instead of being full of words, it is better for one to be full of action - what one can do to alleviate or even solve the problem if it is solvable. Be a good comforter that will not add more to the pain of the person you are trying to comfort by your many words. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace of being a good comforter, and not adding to the pain of the person you are trying to comfort.

WHAT KIND OF COMFORTER ARE YOU?

Dearly Beloved, WHAT KIND OF COMFORTER ARE YOU? "I have heard many things like these; miserable comforters are you all!" (Job 16:2 NIV). I always pity the man Job whenever I read the book of the Bible that bears his name. Here is a man that lost everything he had in a single day. He was afflicted with a disease, and his wife advised him to curse God and die. To compound his problems, his so-called friends that came to console him turned out to be "miserable comforters." They "tormented and crushed" (Job 19:2) him with words as they blamed him for his travails. They would have heeded to Job's advice, "If only you would be altogether silent! For you, that would be wisdom" (Job 13:5 NIV. See also verse 13; 16:3; 18:2; 19:2; 21:2-3). The more Job cautioned his friends to consider his plight, the more they rebuked him for his self-righteousness. They are indeed "worthless physicians" (Job 13:4). Experiences have proved that silence is the best way to comfort someone that is bereaved. People may have contrary opinion, especially people that are extroverts. The friends of Job did well when they first came to him for staying "with him for seven days and seven nights" (Job 2:13 NIV) without saying a word. That is empathy. Instead of being full of words, it is better for one to be full of action - what one can do to alleviate or even solve the problem if it is solvable. This is what Jesus Christ did in all the cases where He raised someone from the dead (see Luke 7:11-17; 8:49-56; John 11:17-44). In each of the cases, Jesus did not speak much. The apostles also followed this example (Acts 9:36-43; 20:7-12). You may not be able to do like Jesus Christ or the apostles in solving totally a problem, but you can follow this admonition, "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn" (Romans 12:15 NIV). Do not be a comforter like one of Job's friends. The Bible says, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of sympathy (pity and mercy) and the God [Who is the Source] of every comfort (consolation and encouragement), Who comforts (consoles and encourages) us in every trouble (calamity and affliction), so that we may also be able to comfort (console and encourage) those who are in any kind of trouble or distress, with the comfort (consolation and encouragement) with which we ourselves are comforted (consoled and encouraged) by God" (2 Corinthians 1:3-4 AMP). What kind of comforter are you? In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray for the grace of being a good comforter, and not adding to the pain of the person you are trying to comfort.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 23May2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit" (Jeremiah 17:7-8 NCV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The Lord will make you like a tree planted near water that sends its roots by a stream. You will be not afraid when the days are hot, for your leaves will always be green. However, you have to trust in the Lord and be in right standing with Him. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, enable me to put my total trust in You so as to flourish in You!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 22May2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "But Eliezer the son of Dodavah of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, “Because you have allied yourself with Ahaziah, the Lord has destroyed your works.” Then the ships were wrecked, so that they were not able to go to Tarshish" (2 Chronicles 20:37 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Who are your associates? With whom do you work in partnership? Will your partnership with such people incur the blessings of God, or His wrath and destruction? Associate with godly people so that you will be more successful in all your undertakings. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be mindful of who you partner with in order to incur the blessings of God, not His wrath and destruction.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 20May2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men" (Proverbs 22:29 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God is not looking for ordinary workers, but workers that are willing to work for Him diligently. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be a diligent worker for God wherever you find yourself.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 19May2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Although they know God’s righteous decree and His judgment, that those who do such [bad and wrong] things deserve death, yet they not only do them, but they even [enthusiastically] approve and tolerate others who practice them” (Romans 1:32 AMP). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY What are those bad and wrong things that you take pleasure in? In what way do you approve of those that are doing such bad and wrong things? Beware that you do not take pleasure in bad and wrong things. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always be mindful of your actions by not taking pleasure in bad and wrong things.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 18May2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “According to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified 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 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY What is your priority in life? My priority in life is to be channel of God's blessing to as many people as possible throughout the world. What of you? - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, Lord, not to be ashamed of You wherever I find myself.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 17May2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY What we worry about are additional things that God intends to give us after we have focused our attention on Him and chosen to please Him. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Heavenly Father, help me to always submit to Your will and live by it by seeking Your kingdom above any other thing.

THE NEEDFUL THING

Dearly Beloved, THE NEEDFUL THING “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33 NKJV). Abraham Maslow gave the basic needs of life as physiological needs, safety needs, social belonging, self-esteem, self-actualization, and wholeness. The human tendency is to worry about these basic earthly things. However, instead of worrying about earthly things, Jesus Christ gave what is needful that everyone should care about: the kingdom of heaven and its righteousness. Apostle Paul put it in another words: “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:1-2 NKJV). The kingdom of heaven is another form of the kingdom of God. Essentially, to seek the kingdom of heaven means to seek the salvation that is fundamental to it because it is of greater value than all the world’s possessions. This does not mean that one should neglect the reasonable and daily duties that help sustain one’s life. For the Christian, there should be a difference in attitude toward these basic needs of life. If a Christian is taking care of God’s business as a priority by seeking His salvation, living in obedience to Him, and sharing the good news of the kingdom with others, then God will take care of that person’s needs as He promised (see Philippians 4:19). There is then no need to worry if that is the arrangement. This is in contrast with the people of the world that centre their lives on things of this world. They do not know God, and they cannot please Him. Their priority is how to please themselves. So, they worry about what God should ordinarily provide for them. No wonder, Jesus Christ said that after seeking the kingdom of heaven and its righteousness that the things of the world that the Christian does not care about will be added unto him. It then means that what we worry about are additional things that God intends to give us after we have focused our attention on Him and chosen to please Him. This is the needful thing! Seek the kingdom of heaven today. You will have all other things as addition. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Heavenly Father, help me to always submit to Your will and live by it by seeking Your kingdom above any other thing.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 16May2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “But Jesus looked at them and said to them, ‘With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible’” (Matthew 19:26 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The more impossible the situation, the greater God accomplishes His work. - Charles Swindoll ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Accomplish Your work in the seemingly impossible situation of my life, O Lord!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 13May2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Only those people who are led by God’s Spirit are his children” (Romans 8:14 CEV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY One of the most important things you can learn in life is how to be led by the Holy Spirit. If you are a child of God, the Holy Spirit will guide and lead you. - Rick Warren ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always be sensitive to the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 11May2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out” (1 Timothy 6:6-7 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When we view life with an attitude of entitlements, we are susceptible to becoming disappointed, resentful, and even bitter when our expectations go unmet. - Os Hillman ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will have a contented view of life so that you will not become disappointed when your expectations go unmet.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 10May2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “[The mother] watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness” (Proverbs 31:27 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God is expecting every mother to be caring and industrious over her children and husband. You cannot do less. Happy Mother’s Day! - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for all living mothers that actively care and watch over their children.

ARE YOU A CARING MOTHER?

Dearly Beloved, ARE YOU A CARING MOTHER? “[The mother] watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness” (Proverbs 31:27 NKJV). “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s command” (Hebrews 11:23 NKJV). The memory of my late mother still lingers in my mind. I can remember how she took special care of me, my siblings, and other children that she had adopted as hers as the practice then in many parts of Yoruba land. Her caring was extraordinary. She was proactive. She was energetic. She was sympathetic. I thought then that she was a super woman. I am grateful to God for given me a wife that is a replica of my late mother. My wife’s caring of her children is superlative. I am not jealous of her nature, but at times, I wish I could be like her when it comes to active caring of children. It seems this caring nature is characteristic of almost all women. Moses’ mother was so caring that she could not afford losing him to the raging resentment of the then king of Egypt. She (specifically according to Exodus 2:2-3) hid Moses for three months (the writer of Hebrews gave credit to both parents! [see Hebrews 11:23]). Even when the daughter of Pharaoh handed over Moses to her as a caregiver, she did not relent in her efforts to raise Moses in the right ways. No wonder, Moses did not lose his real identity even in the affluence of the palace of Pharaoh (see Exodus 2:9-11). One of the characteristics of the wife of noble character as described in Proverbs 31:27 is that the mother was watchful of her children. She was active in taken care of her household. No wonder, her children and her husband applauded her for her industrious acts (verses 28-29). Are you a caring mother? Are you sensitive to the needs of your children? Can your children and husband praise you for your care and watchfulness over them? God is expecting every mother to be caring and industrious over her children and husband. You cannot do less. Happy Mother’s Day! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray for all living mothers that actively care and watch over their children. NB 1. This message is dedicated to my late mother, Hannah Abiola Afolaranmi, my caring wife, Florence Opeyemi Afolaranmi, and all actively caring mothers throughout the world. 2. The free eBook, “COVID-19: My Spiritual Thoughts” (seven encouraging messages based on biblical teachings about the COVID-19 pandemic), is still available FREE upon request by email to . Thanks.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 09May2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “For I am the Lord, I do not change [but remain faithful to My covenant with you]; that is why you, O sons of Jacob, have not come to an end” (Malachi 3:6 AMP). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Our God is not changed by circumstances. He changes circumstances to accomplish His ultimate good. - Debo Onabanjo ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Thank You, O God, for Your immutability in spite of the changing world.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 08May2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: ...a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing” (Ecclesiastes 3:1a, 5b NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY COVID-19 has fulfilled the biblical injunction about one form of social distancing: a time to keep space between yourself and other people outside of your home. Keep it to reduce the spread of the disease. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the enablement to abide by the rules of reducing the spread of COVID-19 in a time like this.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 06May2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law” (Deuteronomy 29:29 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Technological advancement should make people to reverence God the more because He is the Revealer of knowledge. - Supo Ayokunle ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that the mundane knowledge and advancement of this world will not make you to disrespect God, but rather reverence Him.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 05May2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Then [God] said [to Elijah], ‘Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.’ And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice” (1 Kings 19:11-12 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY If there is stillness and quiet in my heart, I will be able to hear God’s whisper there. - Angela Braniff ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Enable me, O God, to be still and quiet in my heart to be able to hear Your whisper to me.

COVID-19: MY SPIRITUAL THOUGHTS (free eBook)

I was led to compile the seven encouraging messages based on the teachings of the Holy Bible that I have sent by email and other weblogs to thousands of people since the beginning of this COVID-19 pandemic, and publish them as an eBook. The messages are indeed words of encouragement at such a time. Be blessed as you get a copy the eBook by requesting it FREE by email through . Thanks.

THE LORD IN YOU IS GREATER THAN COVID-19!

Dearly Beloved, THE LORD IN YOU IS GREATER THAN COVID-19! “So he answered, ‘Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them’” (2 Kings 6:16 NKJV). “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4 NKJV). The ravaging COVID-19 pandemic has become not only an army that besieges the whole world, but also a sort of war that the world is battling with for over four months without any victory in sight. Many opinions and schools of thoughts have been formed about the pandemic. Many people are not only in despair, but they do not also know what to do again. It seems God is not there to save people from this deadly virus. However, God is there! A great army of Syria besieged the town of Dothan in readiness to capture Prophet Elisha. When his servant woke up and saw the great army with their horses and chariots, he cried out to his master. Elisha calmed him down by saying, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them” (2 Kings 6:16 NKJV). He then prayed that God should open the spiritual eyes of the servant so as to see the army of fire from God that surrounded them. This latter army is like the Angel of the Lord that surrounds those who fear God to deliver them (see Psalm 34:7). Elisha, his servant and the entire town were delivered from the army of Syria. He even turned the Syrian army to a laughing-stock. It may seem as if this ravaging COVID-19 pandemic is insurmountable as it continues to spread unabated and more and more people are dying every day throughout the world as a result of the disease. However, a Christian does not need to panic about the pandemic. The Lord who is with the Christians is greater than the COVID-19 pandemic (see 1 John 5:4). The Lord God Almighty is His name. He is mighty in battle. He will help us fight this battle. He will give us victory over it. No wonder, we can say with the psalmist that even though we pass through the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic we will fear no evil or disease, for the Lord is with us (see Psalm 23:4). Even if a Christian dies of COVID-19 or any other form of diseases, it is a gain for him or her. Apostle Paul declared, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” and “For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens” (Philippians 1:21; 2 Corinthians 5:1 NKJV). Those who died of COVID-19 pandemic and were really in God will be translated to a far better place. Hallelujah! This COVID-19 pandemic may continue to rage. It will be overcome. People of God need not fear it because He who is in them is greater than the disease. It will soon become a history. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Lord, let me be mindful of Your mightiness and presence in this COVID-19 pandemic period.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 02May2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Do you think you really understand God? Do you completely understand God All-Powerful? That knowledge is higher than the heavens and deeper than the place of death. So what can you do? How can you learn it all?” (Job 11:7-8 ERV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY We seem more interested in managing life into a comfortable existence than in letting God spiritually transform us through life's hardships. - Charles R. Swindoll ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always allow God to spiritually transform you through life's hardships as you seek to understand Him more.