Spiritual Digest for the Day 31Mar2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks” (Romans 14:5-6 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When we find ourselves in a position where we disagree with other Christians, it is good to remember that God has given us room to disagree and help for how to handle our differing opinions. - J.R. Hudberg ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to accommodate other people’s opinions even when you do not agree with them.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 30Mar2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “O taste and see that the Lord [our God] is good; How blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who takes refuge in Him” (Psalm 34:8 AMP). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God works in our lives at the most difficult times and His gracious lessons are worth passing on to others. - Dennis Fisher ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able enjoy God and pass your experience of this enjoyment to others.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 29Mar2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:14 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY It may seem as if perpetrators of evil are succeeding in their evil deeds, but God will expose them and bring them to judgment one day. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that God will arise and put an end to all the evil deeds in the world.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 28Mar2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, 'Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.' But He answered and said to them, 'I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out'” (Luke 19:39-40 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY One of the significances of the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem is that if we refuse to praise God, He will raise other people, even stones to praise Him! - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY May God not replace me with stones in His vineyard.

THE TRIUMPHANT ENTRY: ANY SIGNIFICANCE?

Dearly Beloved, THE TRIUMPHANT ENTRY: ANY SIGNIFICANCE? (Text: Luke 19:28-40) Palm Sunday, the annual celebration before Easter Sunday commemorates the triumphant entry of our Lord Jesus Christ into Jerusalem. The event happened on the first day of the Passion Week. The name "Palm Sunday" comes from John 12:13, "They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, 'Hosanna?'" (NIV). The celebration started around 3rd-4th century AD. However, does the event have any significance for us today? Can we learn any lesson from it? This event demonstrates humility and peace by Jesus (verse 30). Jesus opted to enter Jerusalem on a donkey (see Matthew 21:2), not a horse. Donkey and colt symbolize humility and peace while horse is usually associated with power and war. The outcomes of His option were honor and glorification (verses 37, 38; John 12:19). The Christian message is not of force or domineering, but a message of peace (see Ephesians 6:15), because "...everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted" (Luke 18:14 NIV). The event amplifies total surrender (verse 35). The owners surrendered the colt to the strangers that came to untie it. Likewise, the colt allowed itself to be used by Jesus to ride on it. We should also be ready to surrender our possessions and even ourselves totally for the Master's use. The aftermath of the submission is another significance - unmerited honor (verses 35, 36). It is unusual to saddle a donkey or a colt, but because of the submission of the colt, it was saddled and it became an instrument for Jesus Christ. The colt received part of the honor done to Jesus by people. Anyone that surrenders his/her life to Jesus will also experience the grace - the unmerited favor - granted by God (see Ephesians 1:3-4; 2:4-8). Furthermore, the unreliability and inconsistency of man were demonstrated in this event (verses 37-38). Less than a week after the event, the same Jerusalem crowd that was shouting "Hosanna!" to Jesus was also shouting, "Crucify Him!" (23:18-23). Jesus was not surprised. He had earlier declared about them: "You bunch of hypocrites! Isaiah the prophet described you very well when he said, 'These people speak very prettily about the Lord but they have no love for him at all. Their worship is a farce?'" (Mark 7:6 TLB). Are you such a person? Lastly, we see the need to be praising God always in this event (verses 38-40). Some of the Pharisees wanted Jesus to stop the people that were praising Him, but He told them a fundamental truth: "If they keep quiet, the stones will cry out" (Luke 19:40 NIV). This means that if we also refuse to praise God, He will raise other people, even stones to praise Him! May God not replace me with stones in His vineyard. As we celebrate this year Palm Sunday, think of it: Do you know its significances? Do they have any impact in your life? In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that the significances of the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem will have great impact in your life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 26Mar2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God is closer than we often realize. He sees things we do not see, and He knows things we do not know. He has a perspective from where He is that allows Him to see all things — the past, the present and the future — from the day we were conceived to the day we will breathe our last breath, and even beyond that into eternity. - Lysa Terkeurst ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to see things as the Lord sees them for your life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 25Mar2021

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 is preparing a place for us, with Him, to live forever. And you can be assured it will be far greater than we could ever imagine. - Debbie McDaniel ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not miss the place that Jesus Christ has been preparing for you in heaven.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 24Mar2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “If you refuse to be corrected, you are only hurting yourself. Listen to criticism, and you will gain understanding” (Proverbs 15:32 ERV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY To avoid criticism, do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing. - Elbert Hubbard ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not avoid criticism, but gain understanding through it.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 22Mar2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Blessed be the Lord my Rock, Who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle" (Psalm 144:1 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Do not shrink back from the battle that God may be leading you to today. It may be a training ground that is necessary for the calling He has on your life. - Os Hillman ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will allow God to train you in the battle of life and make you victorious.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 21Mar2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways?" (Psalm 37:7 NIV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Wait for God's appointed time. He will fulfill His promise in His own time in His own way. Even when it seems that the time does not come. Wait for God's appointed time. Do not lose hope. His appointed time for you will come! - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to always wait for Your appointed time for my life.

WAIT FOR GOD'S APPOINTED TIME

Dearly Beloved, WAIT FOR GOD'S APPOINTED TIME “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways?" (Psalm 37:7 NIV). After the disobedience of Saul to the command of God to totally destroy the Amalekites and his rejection as king of Israel by God, God sent Prophet Samuel to anoint David as the new king. David served King Saul for several years in spite of the fact that he knew that he was the rightful person approved by God to be the king of Israel. He fought many wars to the credit of Saul. Even when Saul hated him and sought to kill him, he did not try to retaliate and forcefully claim the throne. He had two good opportunities to kill Saul and become the king, yet he spared his life on the two occasions (1 Samuel 24, 26). He diligently waited for his time. The time eventually came when the men of his own tribe came and anointed him as king over them, and when the whole people of Israel came after some years to proclaim him king over the whole land (2 Samuel 2, 5). He waited for his appointed time. In one of the Yoruba legends about destine, a man has chosen before he came to the world that he would become affluent when he clocks the age of forty. When he came to the world, he began to struggle from one place to another in order to be rich. All his efforts were unsuccessful. He became a laughing stock among his contemporaries especially those that were successful in their undertakings. At age 39, when he could not bear the ridicules of his friends, he committed suicide. When he got to the gate of heaven, the gatekeeper looked at him with pity and led him to where the records of people's destinies were kept. When he saw his own record, he discovered that it remained only a year for him to become affluent. He begged the gatekeeper to allow him to go back to the world, but he did not have such opportunity any more. He did not wait for his appointed time. While I do not believe in all such legends, there is a lesson in it - waiting for one's appointed time - the God's time that is the best. Has God promised you something? Do not be in haste to get the promise. Do not try to help God to fulfill the promise. Abraham and Sara tried to help God in fulfilling His promises for them. Their help nearly ruined their peaceful home (see Genesis 16, 21). Wait for God's appointed time. He will fulfill His promise in His own time in His own way. Even when it seems that the time does not come. Wait for God's appointed time. Do not lose hope. His appointed time for you will come! "You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while, `He who is coming will come and will not delay'" (Hebrews 10:36-37 NIV). In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Lord, help me to always wait for Your appointed time for my life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 20Mar2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel” (Philippians 4:6-7 CEV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY You may not be able to do anything about the problem of your life, but you have a caring God who is ready to listen to you and give you His peace when you pray to and put your trust in Him, then why worry? - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not worry, but always pray to and put your trust in God no matter the problem of your life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 19Mar2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Filling our minds with things that are true, honorable, pure, and lovely will bring hope and the knowledge that Jesus Christ cares for those who place their faith and trust in Him. - Billy Graham ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to always put your hope in Jesus Christ who cares.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 18Mar2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “For [God] is like a refiner’s fire and like launderers’ soap. He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer to the Lord an offering in righteousness” (Malachi 3:2b-3 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When God takes you through the refiner's fire, be encouraged because it is His overriding commitment to turn you from a rough, hard-edged stone to a precious metal. - Os Hillman ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to endure as God refines you to become who He wants you to be.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 17Mar2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “God has shown you his grace in many different ways. So be good servants and use whatever gift he has given you in a way that will best serve each other” (1 Peter 4:10 ERV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God may call you out of your comfort zone, but He does so to develop your unique gifts and personalities to serve His good purposes. You honor His creative nature when you permit Him to use you as you are. - Dave Branon ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, Lord, to be able to use the gifts You have given me to serve other people and for Your glory.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 16Mar2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "'These are the things you shall do: Speak each man the truth to his neighbor; Give judgment in your gates for truth, justice, and peace; Let none of you think evil in your heart against your neighbor; And do not love a false oath. For all these are things that I hate,' says the Lord” (Zechariah 8:16-17 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God hates dishonesty for good reason. It tears relationships apart. We are called to be people who do justice, love mercy, walk humbly, and in all things be truthful. - Mark Hendrickson ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always hate dishonesty as God hates it.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 15Mar2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "When a man's ways are pleasing to the Lord, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him" (Proverbs 16:7 NIV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When our desire is to honor God in our relationships, He is able to make even our enemies to be at peace with us. - Jennifer Benson Schuldt ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that your ways will be pleasing to God in order to have good relationship with other people.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 14Mar2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption” (Hebrews 9:11-12 NIV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY No other sacrifice is needed or accepted by God. And every one that accepts this once-for-all sacrifice by Jesus Christ will have eternal redemption and eternal inheritance. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will totally accept the once-for-all sacrifice by Jesus Christ for your life.

ONCE FOR ALL!

Dearly Beloved, ONCE FOR ALL! “When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption” (Hebrews 9:11-12 NIV). Every year, on the Day of Atonement, the high priest in the Mosaic Law had to sacrifice with the blood of goats and rams for the atonement of the sins of the Israelites. He was to first of all atone for his own sins by the blood of a ram before using the blood of goats to atone for the sins of the people. This had to be done every year. This is explained in Leviticus 16:3-10 and recaptured in Hebrews 9:1-8. The recipients of the epistle to the Hebrews understood these concepts of priesthood and sacrifice very well. However, Jesus Christ surpasses any high priest because He came to sacrifice His own blood on the cross of Calvary once for all. While the Levitical high priests had to use the blood of bulls to first of all atone for their sins, Jesus Christ is sinless, so He does not need to do that. While the Levitical high priests thereafter had to use ordinary blood of goats to atone for the sins of the people, Jesus Christ used His own precious blood to atone for the sin of humankind. While the Levitical high priests would sacrifice in man-made tabernacles, Jesus Christ presented Himself to God by “greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made”. While the Levitical high priests would have to repeat this sacrifice every year, Jesus Christ offered Himself once for all. His offering on the cross is the ultimate sacrifice, there is no other. No wonder, He said on the cross: "It is finished" (John 19:30 NIV). It is a pity that many people find it difficult to accept the once-for-all finished sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. They still prefer the Levitical order to what Jesus Christ has done. They prefer to offer their own sacrifices of good works. They still want an intermediary that will help them to take their sacrifices to God. Many even still make blood sacrifices to appease God! It is finished! It is once-for-all sacrifice by Jesus Christ. No other sacrifice is needed or accepted by God. And every one that accepts this once-for-all sacrifice by Jesus Christ will have eternal redemption and eternal inheritance. Have you accepted this sacrifice, or are you still trying to serve God in your own way? In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will totally accept the once-for-all sacrifice by Jesus Christ for your life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 13Mar2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Excellence is the result of caring more than others think is wise, risking more than others think is safe, dreaming more than others think is practical, and expecting more than others think is possible. - Anonymous ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to surpass every other person in doing more good things through the strenght of Jesus Christ.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 12Mar2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “These [Bereans] were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY By searching the Scriptures diligently, believers grow in God's truth and understand how God wants them to live and serve Him. - Amos O. Tella ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Determine to always diligently search the Scriptures to be able to understand God better.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 09Mar2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY As you focus your attention on God, you begin to see He is bigger and more powerful than any of your problems, and that understanding will increase your faith because you will begin to believe He can fulfill His promises. - Rick Warren ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always focus your attention on God and ask for His wisdom in your life endeavours.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 08Mar2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “I don’t care about my own life. The most important thing is that I finish my work. I want to finish the work that the Lord Jesus gave me to do—to tell people the Good News about God’s grace” (Acts 20:24 ERV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The only way to break the grip of selfish living is to surrender to the will and purposes of God. - Charles R. Swindoll ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not be selfish, but be able to surrender your total life to do the will of God for your life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 07Mar2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “And Jesus increased in wisdom (in broad and full understanding) and in stature and years, and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52 AMP). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God is preparing you for the manifestation of His glory in your life. The preparation may not be pleasant now. However, wait till when God is done with you. Do not be in a hurry. You will indeed shine for His glory, and people will celebrate you. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to wait for the manifestation of God's glory in your life as He prepares you in your seemingly silent years.

YOUR SILENT YEARS

Dearly Beloved, YOUR SILENT YEARS “And Jesus increased in wisdom (in broad and full understanding) and in stature and years, and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52 AMP). The writers of the Gospels did not write much about the early years of Jesus Christ on earth. Apart from His birth narratives (Matthew 1:18—2:23; Luke 1:26-38; 2:1-39) and an incident when He was twelve years old (see Luke 2:42-52), nothing is known about Him from the Bible until He was about thirty years old (see Luke 3:23). Some Bible scholars have referred to these unknown years as the silent years of Jesus Christ on earth. Luke used just a verse to describe these silent years (see Luke 2:52). Almost all other Bible characters had their silent years. Much is not known about the early years of most of these people. These silent years were years when God was preparing each of these great men and women. Most of them did not have the best of time like Jesus in their silent years, but after God had prepared them in various ways secretly, He launched them into their public missions. Undoubtedly, each one of us nowadays also has our own silent years when no one knew about us before now that we become known. In fact, many people are even still in their silent years. They are not renowned. God is still preparing them for the manifestation of His glory in their lives. Such people are still like caterpillars in their cocoons. They are waiting for the mature time to rip open the cocoons and become beautiful butterflies. Any attempt to open the cocoons prematurely will cause a very adverse effect on the growing butterflies. Are you still in your silent years? God is preparing you for the manifestation of His glory in your life. The preparation may not be pleasant now. However, wait till when God is done with you. Do not be in a hurry. You will indeed shine for His glory, and people will celebrate you. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will be able to wait for the manifestation of God's glory in your life as He prepares you in your seemingly silent years.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 06Mar2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “When life is good, enjoy it. But when life is hard, remember that God gives us good times and hard times. And no one knows what will happen in the future” (Ecclesiastes 7:14 ERV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Each day offers new opportunities, joys, struggles, and suffering. As God’s beloved children, we can rest in His sovereignty and trust Him through the good and bad times alike. - Poh Fang Chia ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to accept each day as it comes in total reliance on God's sovereignty.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 03Mar2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY It is our privilege to give everything we have to the One who gave us everything on the cross. - Tim Gustafson ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to give your total self to God.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 02Mar2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Continue loving each other as brothers and sisters in Christ” (Hebrews 13:1 ERV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY One of the greatest gifts God has given us is the ability to love each other as if we were biologically related. - Carol Rittenhouse ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will have the grace to love other people as if your are biologically related.