THANKSGIVING TO THE GOD OF PERFECTION

Dearly Beloved, THANKSGIVING TO THE GOD OF PERFECTION “I will praise You with my whole heart; before the gods I will sing praises to You…. The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands” (Psalm 138:1, 8 NKJV). Gradually, the year 2020 is running to an end. Do you have any reason to thank God in the peculiar year? I do! I started the year (like any other year) with high hope of breaking new frontiers in every sphere of my life. In spite of the challenges that came with the year, especially the global COVID-19 pandemic and its resultant lockdown and the recent #ENDSARS protests that forced many organizations in Nigeria to be closed down for almost a week, I have many reasons to thank God. In spite of the fact that God has not seemingly fulfilled everything that I am expecting from Him this year, I am thanking Him because I know that, being one of the works of His hands, He will perfect that which concerns me. He will never forsake me because His love and mercy for me never fail. In fact, they endure forever. I will give thanksgiving with my whole heart to my God of perfection. I will praise Him wherever I find myself. Psalm 138 (like many other psalms in the Book of Psalms) was attributed to King David. The psalmist was ready to praise God with his whole heart even before “the gods”! “The gods” here meant other kings like David that were considered as “gods” in many ancient Near Eastern societies. In some African societies (like among the Yorubas), traditional kings especially are considered to be second in command to the gods. Undoubtedly, the Lord had been so good to King David. The Lord had manifested His lovingkindness in the life of David. The Lord had answered him when he called on Him. Indeed, great is the glory of God that He had demonstrated in the life and kingship of David. David knew that the Lord would continue to protect him even though he found himself in trouble. He knew that the Lord would perfect that which concerned him. The Lord God deserves our thanksgiving for who He is and for everything He has been doing for us since the beginning of the year 2020. Look back and see what He has done for you. Has He not done so much for you? He has answered you when you called on Him. Even, when you did not call, He has preserved you. Worship Him with your whole heart. Worship Him with your whole being. Worship Him with your resources. Praise Him before the people. Praise Him in His sanctuary. Praise Him everywhere. It is certain that He has helped you thus far in the year. Even, if it seems He has not done what you want Him to do for you this year, He will perfect what He has promised in your life. He is the God of perfection. Apostle Paul said in Philippians 1:6: “being confident of this very thing, that [God] who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (NKJV). I will indeed give thanksgiving with my whole heart to my God of perfection. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Specifically thank God for what He has done for you this year. Pray that He will perfect what He has started in your life before the end of the year.

IS PROTESTING RIGHT?

Dearly Beloved, IS PROTESTING RIGHT? “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan” (Proverbs 29:2 NKJV). For over two weeks, there have been nationwide protests against police brutality and bad governance in Nigeria. Initially, the protests were peaceful and well organized and coordinated. However, some days ago, suspected hoodlums hijacked the protests and started destroying and looting properties. Unfortunately, the Nigerian government could not handle the situation as there were video evidences that the government allegedly hired thugs to disperse the peaceful protesters, and when this did not work, government security operatives allegedly started killing defenceless protesters. The attitudes of the nation's political leaders especially the long silence of the president of the county do not help matter. In spite of the fact that I joined the protests online and made my stand known on some social media platforms, I did not have any intention to base my weekly devotional message on the unfortunately events. However, a post in a WhatsApp group condemning the peaceful protests on the ground that it is against a religious tenet is making me to look at the matter biblically. Does the Holy Bible support bad governance and inhuman actions against fellow humans? Do people have rights to make known their demands to, and protest against the constituted authorities? Are we to remain silent in the face of injustice and bad governance because we want to be obedient to the power that be? Christians are called to be a light in the darkness of the world. They are to speak up for those who have no voice. It is the opinion of some people that protesting is a sign of disrespect for authority. Nevertheless, Christians are also to call out and condemn evil and sinful behavior, injustice and bad governance. While the Holy Bible teaches in many places that Christians should submit to those in authority and obey the laws of the land (see Romans 13:1; Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13-14), the sacred Book also admonishes Christians to speak up against injustice and bad governance (see Proverbs 31:8-9; Romans 12:9; James 4:17). Let me round up this message by a word study on the last word in the key verse quoted above: “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people GROAN” (Proverbs 29:2 NKJV). The word “groan” as it is used here means to mourn, to sigh, to complain, to protest! Christians as well as other people under bad governance have been groaning (protesting) inwardly for a long time! The recent public protests in Nigeria are the manifestation of the private groaning that has been going for years because of bad governance of successive governments in Nigeria. It is right to protest and speak out so that the government will know that people are suffering. While I commend the peaceful and well-coordinated protests by the Nigerian youth for over two weeks, I sternly condemn the forcefulness the government tried to stop the protests and the looting and destruction of properties by hoodlums. IT IS RIGHT TO HAVE PEACEFUL PROTESTS. I SAY NO TO BAD GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA AND IN ANY OTHER PLACE! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Lord, the hearts of people in governance are in Your hands. Lead them to govern the people rightly.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 22Oct2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “When the rulers are good, the people are happy. When the rulers are evil, the people complain” (Proverbs 29:2 ERV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY There is no way people will not complain and even protest about bad leadership. It is honourable for a so-called leader to listen to the complaints of the people he is leading. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that our leaders will have listening ears to the complaints of the people. Pray specifically for Nigerian political leaders at this critical moment in the history of the country.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 20Oct2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them” (James 4:17 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. -Martin Luther King Jr. ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able stand for the truth all the time.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 19Oct2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "[Jesus Christ prayed] that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me" (John 17:21 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The greatest power God's children have over darkness is unity. There is a dynamic multiplication factor in unity of numbers. We are a hundred times more effective when we are a unified group. - Os Hillman ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always cooperate with other brethren to maintain the unity in Christ.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 18Oct2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise" (Proverbs 19:20 NIV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Medical and other advices have been given to many people today, and many people do not yield to such good advices to their detriment. Part of taking care of yourself is yielding to such good advices. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always listen to medical and other advices that have been given to you.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!

Dearly Beloved, TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF! "Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses" (1 Timothy 5:23 NIV). The above Bible passage has been one of the most misinterpreted and misapplied ones. In fact, it is one of those controversial verses of the Bible. Drunkards and those that are inclined to drinking too much wine and alcoholic drinks are quick to refer to it in support of their action. However, as I was in a Sunday school class one Sunday, I saw a different application to the instruction of Paul to Timothy: Timothy should take care of himself. The means of doing this was taking of some wine. Other places where the Bible refers to wine as something of medicinal substance are: Second Samuel 16:2 where it was said to revive the faint; Proverbs 31:6 where it was said to be suitable as a sedative for people in distress; Luke 10:34 where the Samaritan poured oil and wine on the wounds of the injured traveler; and Matthew 27:34 and Mark 15:23 where it was mixed with a drug to ease suffering. Well, this devotional write-up is not aimed at supporting or not supporting the use of wine, but to underscore the importance of taking care of oneself. Paul was concerned about the well being of Timothy, and he recommended to him a way of taking care of himself. No doubt, Timothy yielded to this advice to his own good. Medical and other advices have been given to many people today, and many people do not yield to such good advices to their detriment. Are you one of such people that do not yield to medical, professional, ministerial and other specialized advices about your health, business, family or other endeavors? Part of taking care of yourself is yielding to such good advices. "Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise" (Proverbs 19:20 NIV). In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will always listen to medical and other advices that have been given to you.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 17Oct2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete" (John 16:24 NIV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Our all-powerful God desires to hear our prayers and answer our pleas. And though we do not always understand His timing or His purposes, God always responds with His best for our lives. - Poh Fang Chia ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to always make my requests known to You.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 16Oct2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "How I love to do your will, my God! I keep your teaching in my heart" (Psalm 40:8 TEV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY To know the will of God is the greatest knowledge, to find the will of God is the greatest discovery, and to do the will of God is the greatest achievement. - George W. Truett ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always aspire to know and do the will of God for your life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 15Oct2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY In every tempting and potentially life-damaging situation, God had offered a way of escape. - Francine Rivers ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Provide a way of escape for me in every tempting and potentially life-damaging situation, O Lord!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 12Oct2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also" (John 14:2-3 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Jesus Christ has gone to prepare a place for us. We must prepare ourselves for the place. - Emiola Nihinlola ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Enable me, O Lord, to always prepare myself for the place You are preparing me in heaven.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 11Oct2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "The blessing of the LORD brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it" (Proverbs 10:22 NIV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY It is better to seek for the blessings of God that bring wealth with no sorrow than having wealth and other material things "filthy" and ungodly means. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not be involved in sourcing for wealth and other material things "filthy" and ungodly means, rather seek for God's blessings that bring wealth with no sorrow.

WHAT IS THE SOURCE OF YOUR WEALTH?

Dearly Beloved, WHAT IS THE SOURCE OF YOUR WEALTH? "The blessing of the LORD brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it" (Proverbs 10:22 NIV). When one is talking about wealth, one's mind quickly goes to the popular definition of the word "wealth" which a dictionary gives as "(possession of a) large amount of money, property, etc." Another meaning by an encyclopedia is "an accumulation of goods having economic value." It is simply referred to as "riches." However, this write-up is aimed at the broader meaning of the word - a large amount of something. This thing may be education, knowledge, understanding, wisdom, skill, talent, experience, intelligence, etc. A Yoruba proverb literally goes thus: the source of wealth is filthy. One is bound to agree with this proverb if one thinks of getting wealth in the worldly way. To be wealthy either in monetary or material term or in the general term is not an easy thing. The curse of God on man after the fall in the Garden of Eden is part of this hardship in getting wealth (see Genesis 3:17-19). Those that are wealthy in term of any of these will explain better what they passed through before they could become what they are today. In fact, the source of the wealth of many rich people today cannot be exposed to other people because of its filthiness morally. Nevertheless, the proverb is in great contrast to the teachings of the Bible. In spite of the curse that makes things difficult for man, the Bible says, "Wealth and honor come from you [i.e. God]; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all" (1 Chronicles 29:12 NIV). In another place, God told the people of Israel, "...remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth" (Deuteronomy 8:18 NIV). It is this kind of wealth that comes from the blessing of the LORD to which He adds no trouble. The source of such wealth is not filthy. It is clean and godly. Anyone who has it will enjoy it to the fullness. But the worldly wealth will always bring insatiable desire for more that will make one who has it not to enjoy it. What is the source of your wealth? Is it filthy or godly? As you are aspiring to become wealthy financially, materially or in other areas, what would you want to be the source of your wealth? Ask for the blessings of God that bring wealth with no sorrow. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will not be involved in sourcing for wealth and other material things "filty" and ungodly means, rather seek for God's blessings that bring wealth with no sorrow.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 10Oct2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "But King Solomon loved many foreign women, as well as the daughter of Pharaoh: women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians, and Hittites.... his wives turned his heart after other gods; and his heart was not loyal to the Lord his God, as was the heart of his father David" (1 Kings 11:1, 4 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Be careful lest the thing you love becomes your master and turn you away from God. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that what you love will not turn you away from your God.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 09Oct2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “But God showed how much he loved us by having Christ die for us, even though we were sinful” (Romans 5:8 CEV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe; yet, at the very same time, we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope. - Tim Keller ************ ACTION FOR THE DAY Accept the amazing grace of Jesus Christ today if you have not done so.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 08Oct2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you” (Luke 6:27-28 NIV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies. - Martin Luther King, Jr. ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to have the right attitude towards other people, especially your enemies.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 07Oct2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and his father's household heard about it, they went down to him there. All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their leader. About four hundred men were with him" (1 Samuel 22:1-2 NIV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks that others throw at him. - David Brinkley ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me Lord to use bricks that others throw at me to build my life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 06Oct2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you" (James 4:7-8a NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Walk with God. Make the most of your day by pursuing Him, strolling humbly and joyfully by His side. Do what you know must be done to place Christ at the center of everything. - Charles R. Swindoll ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Enable me, O Lord, to humble myself and move closer to You so as to enjoy Your presence with me.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 05Oct2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Don't you see, you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good, as you see all around you right now — life for many people" (Genesis 50:20 MSG). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The devil may throw obstacles and evil circumstances at you, but God will turn those evil schemes around for your greater blessing because He is for you! - Joseph Prince ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to always turn the obstacles in your way to opportunities to advance in life.

WHAT IMPACT WILL YOU MAKE?

Dearly Beloved, WHAT IMPACT WILL YOU MAKE? “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). I am always fascinated by the life of Frances Jane van Alstyne née Crosby (March 24, 1820 - February 12, 1915), more commonly known as Fanny Crosby whenever I sing any of her hymns. Here was a woman who was blind for most part of her life (she was blinded by an incompetent doctor at six weeks of age). In spite of this, she wrote over 8,000 hymns. An online source quoted her saying: “It seemed intended by the blessed providence of God that I should be blind all my life, and I thank Him for the dispensation. If perfect earthly sight were offered me tomorrow I would not accept it. I might not have sung hymns to the praise of God if I had been distracted by the beautiful and interesting things about me.” Some of Crosby's best-known songs include "To God Be the Glory", "Blessed Assurance", "Pass Me Not, O Gentle Saviour", "Jesus Is Tenderly Calling You Home", "Praise Him, Praise Him", "Rescue the Perishing", “All The Way My Saviour Leads Me”, “Take The World But Give Me Jesus” and many others. Crosby wrote over 1,000 secular poems, and had four books of poetry published, as well as two best-selling autobiographies. Additionally, she co-wrote popular secular songs, as well as political and patriotic songs, and at least five cantatas on biblical and patriotic themes, including “The Flower Queen”, the first secular cantata by an American composer. Crosby was committed to Christian rescue missions, and was known for her public speaking. Undoubtedly, her works have inspired and blessed millions of souls throughout the world. Apostle Paul was “...hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9 NIV). He was in a Roman prison awaiting death sentence when he wrote many of his epistles. In one of such epistles, the Epistle to the Philippians, Paul expressed his desire to exalt Jesus Christ in spite of his predicament. He was even ready to die for the cause of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ (see Philippians 1:20-21). No wonder, he also made a lot of impact in the lives of many people. What are you passing through now? What impact will you make in spite of your situation? What legacy will you leave behind when you are no more? Determine to make a positive impact in your generation. Do not let any situation hinder you. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that God will help you to make positive impact in your generation in spite of any situation you may be passing through.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 03Oct2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.... that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 4:10-11 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God blesses and entrusts each of us with influence, talent, power and spiritual gifts to glorify Him and build His Kingdom. - Jamie Ivey ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always use the God-given gifts and abilities in your life for His glory and to bless others.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 02Oct2020

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The day is coming when there will be no war, no poverty, no boiling political strife. Peace - God’s peace - will reign in the hearts of those who worship Him. There will be a state of complete reconciliation between man and God and between nation and nation. - Billy Graham ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not miss the glorious end when the perfect peace of God will reign in the universe.