Spiritual Digest for the Day 01Jul2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When you accept God, nothing in your past stops Him from loving you. You become His beneficiary and have access to everything He left in trust for you. - Kassandra Haughton ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Accept God through Jesus Christ today (if you have not done so) and start enjoying the benefits of the children of God.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 30Jun2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Surround your goals and plans with prayer and ask the Lord to bless you as you work toward each one. - Mary Southerland ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to always trust in God as you make your plans.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 29Jun2021

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 I challenge you to be different, to stand apart from the crowd, with inner fortitude and strength of character. Be disciplined to remain consistent, strong, and diligent regardless of the odds or the demands. Have courage! - Charles Swindoll ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to stand out for God among the crowd of the world.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 28Jun2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith” (Romans 12:5-6 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY There are no soloists in God’s concert band, but every instrument is essential. The music is best when we each play our part in unity with others. - David C. McCasland ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to play your part no matter how small in God’s business on earth.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 27Jun2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming” (Matthew 25:13 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Do not be like the foolish virgins. Jesus Christ will come back one day. It may be now, it may be later. The fact that He has not come for the past two thousand years does not negate the certainty of His coming. Be ready for His coming. Let Him find you watching - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ will not meet you unprepared.

WILL JESUS FIND US WATCHING?

Dearly Beloved, WILL JESUS FIND US WATCHING? "Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming” (Matthew 25:13 NKJV). The story of the Ten Virgins is one of the popular parables of Jesus Christ. It tells of ten virgins that were waiting for a bridegroom. Interestingly, five of these virgins were wise by having oil in their jars along with their lamps while the other five were foolish by not having extra oil thereby not preparing for any eventuality. The bridegroom delayed in coming and arrived late in the night. The prepared wise virgins could accompany the bridegroom to the wedding banquet while the foolish ones missed the banquet because they were not adequately prepared. It was probably this Bible story that motivated the famous blind hymn writer, Frances J. Crosby (also known as Fanny Crosby), to compose the hymn “WILL JESUS FIND US WATCHING?” in 1875. The words of the hymn attest to this. Crosby asked that will Jesus find us faithfully watching with our lamps all trimmed and bright when He comes to reward His servants whether it is noon or night. Can we say we are ready for the soul’s bright home? If Jesus shall call us one by one at the dawn of the early morning to restore our talents back to Him, will He be able to say “Well done” to us? We shall have a glorious rest if there is nothing in our hearts to condemn us after we have been true to the trust He left us and have sought to do our best. Blessed indeed are those whom the Lord finds watching because they shall share in His glory. However, the big question is, “If He shall come at the dawn or midnight, will He find us watching there?” So are you really ready if Jesus Christ should return today? Or are you like the foolish virgins in the biblical story? Jesus Christ will come back one day. It may be now, it may be later. The fact that He has not come for the past two thousand years does not negate the certainty of His coming. Are you ready for His coming? Will He find you watching? In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ will not meet you unprepared.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 26Jun2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “We have this treasure from God, but we are only like clay jars that hold the treasure. This is to show that the amazing power we have is from God, not from us. We have troubles all around us, but we are not defeated. We often don’t know what to do, but we don’t give up. We are persecuted, but God does not leave us. We are hurt sometimes, but we are not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:7-9 ERV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Though pressure squeezes from every side, the power of Christ keeps us from being crushed. Though perplexed with all that is happening, we do not despair, for in Christ we know we are on the victorious side. - Gerry Whetstone ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that the power of Jesus Christ will keep you from being crushed in spite of all life pressures.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 25Jun2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)" (Ephesians 2:4-5 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Only Jesus Christ can bring us into intimate relationship with God as Father by removing our sin which provokes His wrath. - Paul Adams ************ ACTION FOR THE DAY Come to God through Jesus Christ today (if you have not done so) to be able to enjoy an intimate relationship with Him.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 24Jun2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks" (Luke 6:45 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Everything you say and do, is a reflection of the inner you. - Anonymous ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to always be mindful of what I say and do.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 23Jun2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “So then, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of [our great] God” (1 Corinthians 10:31 AMP). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When our greatest desire is to bring glory to God and walk in obedience, we become driven people who seek to love and serve Jesus in the power of the Spirit. - Keila Ochoa ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to always desire to do things to Your glory.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 22Jun2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance is of the Lord" (Proverbs 21:31 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God’s purposes and plans will prevail, so it’s foolish to fight against or without Him. Victory and deliverance come only from God, who turns battles His way to fulfill His sovereign purposes. - K. T. Sim ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to always allow God to fight the battles of your life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 21Jun2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit" (Psalm 34:18 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Do not fear brokenness, for it may be the missing ingredient to a life that emerges with a new kind of strength and experience not known before. - Os Hillman ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for a broken and contrite heart that God can bless.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 20Jun2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Victory is certain only for people who gallantly fight battles of life with the help of Jesus Christ. He did not promise life devoid of battles, but victory over these battles. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the strength to face the battles of life and victory over these battles.

VICTORY WITHOUT BATTLES?

Dearly Beloved, VICTORY WITHOUT BATTLES? "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33 NKJV). As I was driving along one of the major roads of the city where I reside recently, I saw a big bill board advertising a church programme with the caption: VICTORY WITHOUT BATTLES. I could not keep my attention to the caption as I asked people that were in the car with me if there can be victory without any battle. I further probed: “How can one have victory if one does not fight any battle?” This is one of the erroneous teachings that are thriving in many churches today. Unfortunately, many people believe such teachings. Ordinarily, victory comes after battle. Life is full of many struggles. Only people that accept the reality of this fact and summon the courage to confront the challenges of life can have victory. To think that victory will come without battle is to think that a child will be born without conception. Likewise, to pray for victory without battle is to pray that a ship should land in another harbour without setting out to sail from a harbour and pass through storms and waves of the water. The Holy Bible teaches that man will have many battles in life. Job declared: “man who is born of woman is…full of trouble" (Job 14:1 NKJV). Jesus Christ corroborated this: "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33 NKJV). There are many other places in the Bible where it is stated clearly that life is full of sufferings, troubles, tribulations and other challenges of life. The Christian life is even a life of both physical and spiritual warfare. Indeed, the doctrine of suffering for a Christian is an elaborate one throughout the Bible. However, the good news is that victory is sure for the Christian who passes through these sufferings and engages in these battles of life because Jesus Christ has overcome the world and its challenges. It is better to accept the reality of battles of life and prepare to confront them than to live a life of denial of these battles. Victory is certain only for people who gallantly fight battles of life with the help of Jesus Christ. He did not promise life devoid of battles, but victory over these battles. In His service Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray for the strength to face the battles of life and victory over these battles.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 19Jun2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Joseph said to them, 'Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive'" (Genesis 50:19-20 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY If our world were as predictable as we believe it should be, we would never be inspired to be creative or adventurous. Let us give thanks that our world is designed to challenge us and to bring out the best of the human spirit. - Jonathan Lockwood Huie ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that the challenges of your life will bring out the best in you.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 18Jun2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established" (Proverbs 16:3 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Do not plan without God. God seems to have a delightful way of upsetting the plans we have made, when we have not taken Him into account. - Oswald Chambers ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not leave God out of any of your plans.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 17Jun2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny” (Matthew 5:25-26 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY It is not always possible to mend a broken relationship. Be willing to go the extra mile in an effort to be reconciled with someone who has turned against you. - Billy Graham ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to be willing to go the extra mile in an effort to be reconciled with anyone who has offended you.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 16Jun2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for [God] who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The Lord does not promise us each and every desire of our hearts, but He does promise to be faithful. - Trillia Newbell ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY O Lord, let me always count on Your faithfulness in spite of the challenges of my life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 15Jun2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers” (Acts 13:36 KJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Move beyond the prevailing spirit of complacency and lethargy and consciously explore your potential by developing and utilizing it for service. - Philip Bukola Oyewale ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to develop and utilize your potential for service to God and humanity.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 14Jun2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “I give you peace, the kind of peace that only I can give. It isn’t like the peace that this world can give. So don’t be worried or afraid” (John 14:27 CEV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. Peace means to be in the midst of all those things and still be calm in your heart. - Author Unknown ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to experience the peace of God in your life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 13Jun2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “'Vanity of vanities,' says the Preacher; 'Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.' What profit has a man from all his labor in which he toils under the sun?" (Ecclesiastes 1:2-3 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY It is certain that one will die one day, though the actual day may not be known. What are you struggling for in life? If you die today, what will you leave behind as your legacy? What will people remember you for? - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not be self-centred, but always struggling to positively impacts the lives of people around you, and be living to give glory to God.

WHAT ARE YOU STRUGGLING FOR IN LIFE? (in honour of late Mrs. Lanre Taiwo)

Dearly Beloved, WHAT ARE YOU STRUGGLING FOR IN LIFE? (in honour of late Mrs. Lanre Taiwo) “'Vanity of vanities,' says the Preacher; 'Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.' What profit has a man from all his labor in which he toils under the sun?" (Ecclesiastes 1:2-3 NKJV). I was devastated when one of my friends informed me about the death of Mrs. Bosede Lanre Taiwo (July 13, 1969-June 10, 2021). Here was an accomplished professional editor and Yoruba translator who aspired to become a practicing lawyer in her late 40's. She was about achieving that aspiration before the cold hands of death caught her after a brief illness. O, a struggling mother of two who lost her dear husband six years ago has gone to be with her husband in the world beyond leaving her two children and other loved ones behind. I asked myself as I heard the sad news, "Why are we struggling to become somebody in life if death would come any day to truncate all the aspirations of life?" Would it not be better to stop toiling in life and be expecting the uncertain day of death that will certainly come one day? Why does God conceal what will happen in the future to man? Probably, the struggle of life will be minimal if man is in the know of what will become of him in the next second talk less of the near future. However, in spite of the fact that a “man who is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble" (Job 14:1 NKJV), yet, man has to struggle to become somebody in life. Man has to toil to have positive impacts in the lives of people that come his way. Above all, man has to struggle to live to glorify God in life and also in death. Man’s struggle in life must not be so self-centred that he forgets to impact the lives of other people positively and to live to the glory of God. Either one lives to the fullest old age in life or one dies as a young man, the impacts that one has on people will be the legacy that one will leave behind, not the personal accomplishments in life. Academic, professional, and other personal achievements in life are worthless when one dies. Living for the glory of God is another important thing that should be paramount in one’s struggle in life (1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:23). This will make one’s death to be a gain (Philippians 1:21). It is certain that one will die one day, though the actual day may not be known. What are you struggling for in life? If you die today, what will you leave behind as your legacy? What will people remember you for? Adieu Lanre Taiwo! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Points: 1. Pray that you will not be self-centred, but always struggling to positively impacts the lives of people around you, and be living to give glory to God. 2. Pray for the two children and other loved ones that late Mrs. Lanre Taiwo left behind for God’s comfort, care and guidance. NB: This message is dedicated to late Mrs. Bosede Lanre Taiwo (July 13, 1969-June 10, 2021).

Spiritual Digest for the Day 12Jun2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY We can allow disappointment to be a hindrance to our happiness, or we can trust God has good plans for us. Disappointment will lessen when we change our perspective of it, considering it a redirect from God rather than His neglect. - Tracie Miles ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to always look at disappointment in God’s perspective.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 11Jun2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "I, even I, am He who comforts you. Who are you that you should be afraid of a man who will die, and of the son of a man who will be made like grass?” (Isaiah 51:12 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When people put you down, do not assume their judgments are the same as God’s. Do not automatically accept someone’s criticism; instead, judge it for what it’s worth. - Rick Warren ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to always focus on God, and not people who may put you down in their judgments.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 10Jun2021

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 Though your situation may be dire or impossible, you can lift your eyes and heart and watch for the One (God) who loves to rescue. - Winn Collier ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray to always lift your eyes and heart up to God who can help in any situation.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 09Jun2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving]” (James 1:19 AMP). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY One skill that anyone can learn to help make their relationships better—whether in marriage or in friendship—is how to pay attention. - Rick Warren ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to always pay close attention when people are speaking with you.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 08Jun2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "And Israel said to Joseph, 'I had not thought to see your face; but in fact, God has also shown me your offspring!'” (Genesis 48:11 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Your best days are not behind you. Never give up hoping and expectantly looking for the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. - Meredith Houston Carr ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY O Lord, let me live to see my best days on earth.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 07Jun2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers" (Ephesians 4:29 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Think carefully about the words that come from your mouth. Christians should speak only words that uplift and bring grace to others. - Henry Blackaby ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to always control the words that come from your mouth.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 06Jun2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome" (Jeremiah 29:11, AMP). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Probably God has been keeping you in His will and purpose for your life, and waiting for the appropriate time to answer your prayer in His own way. Do not be dismayed. It is for your good! - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will continue to appreciate the care of God for your life even when it seems it is not convenient for you.

IT IS FOR YOUR GOOD!

Dearly Beloved, IT IS FOR YOUR GOOD! "For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome" (Jeremiah 29:11, AMP). "It is good that one should hope in and wait quietly for the salvation (the safety and ease) of the Lord" (Lamentations 3:26, AMP). I learned more lessons of life sometimes ago when my wife decided to nurture some chicks that suddenly became motherless through the mysterious death of their mother hen. One of such lessons is the way God handles our situation, especially when we do not like such way. My wife did not allow the motherless chicks to move freely around outside our residence when she is not at home to monitor their movement. Therefore, she used to confine them to an enclosure. Whenever this happens, they normally made pathetic noises. The moment they were released, the joy of freedom was seen in them as they moved freely around our courtyard to look for what they could eat on their own. One day, when my wife was not at home, out of pity for these chicks, one of our children released them from their enclosure. Alas, one of the chicks fell prey to a hawk. If the other chicks could reason, they would have blamed the person that carelessly released them, and appreciated my wife that always confines them to safety and allows them to move out freely under her watchful eyes. They would have known that their confinement was for their good. God, at times, relates with us in a similar way! He "confines" us into His will and purpose so that no evil will befall us. He releases us to be free to do what we want when He knows that there is no danger ahead of us, or when He is ready to watch over us. In such cases of "confinements," we may be groaning and praying that He should release us, but He will not if it is not for our good. Any attempt for us to do things against His will and purpose may have adverse consequences. Have you been praying that God should do something for you, and He has not done it? Probably He is keeping you in His will and purpose for your life, and waiting for the appropriate time to answer the prayer in His own way. Do not be dismayed. It is for your good! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will continue to appreciate the care of God for your life even when it seems it is not convinient for you.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 05Jun2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Be strong and let your hearts take courage, all you who wait for and confidently expect the Lord” (Psalm 31:24 AMP). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Vision is the ability to see God's presence, to perceive God's power, to focus on God's plan in spite of the obstacles. - Charles Swindoll ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Give me the grace, O Lord, to focus on You in spite of any obstacle.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 04Jun2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Always let others see you behaving properly, even though they may still accuse you of doing wrong. Then on the day of judgment, they will honor God by telling the good things they saw you do” (1 Peter 2:12 CEV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY In whatever passion or skill God has gifted us, we can embrace added meaning and purpose in doing all of it in a manner that has the power to point people to Him. - Lisa M. Samra ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that your actions and words will always point people to God you are serving.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 03Jun2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God’s purpose is to train us in His righteousness. We must not let anything or anyone take the place of the Bible to guide our lives. - Billy Graham ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY O Lord, give me the grace not to allow anything or anyone to take the place of Your word to guide my life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 02Jun2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Do for others what you would want them to do for you. This is the meaning of the Law of Moses and the teaching of the prophets” (Matthew 7:12 ERV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY You can transform the world if you treat others as you would like to be treated regardless of how they have treated you. - Clark Armstrong ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to always treat others the way you would want them treat you.