HE SENT HIM THERE

Dearly Beloved, HE SENT HIM THERE "He sent a man before them—Joseph—who was sold as a slave. They hurt his feet with fetters, he was laid in irons" (Psalm 105:17-18 NKJV). The story of Joseph has been one of the pathetic but interesting stories in the Bible. Joseph, a loved child, was hated by his elder brothers because of his destine. He was thrown to an empty cistern by these brothers who earlier planned to kill him. They sold him as slave to foreigners who took him to Egypt. In Egypt, he was sent to prison for a sin he did not commit. You can imagine the hardship he would have as a slave and a prisoner – the bruises of shackles in his feet, the pains of iron chains on his neck, etc. Even in prison, he was forgotten by those that should have rescued him from all these misfortunes. In spite of this, God was working behind the scene for his good. Remember that in each of these situations, the Bible records it that the Lord grant him favour in the eyes of everybody (see Genesis 39:4, 5, 21-23). In fact, he confirmed it to his brothers later that it was God that sent him ahead of them to Egypt to preserve lives (see Genesis 45:5-7; 50:20). Actually, Joseph's story was not a tragedy, for he was made the prime minister of Egypt the very day he was brought out of prison. Think of yourself. What are you passing through? What is happening to you now that seems as misfortune? What shackles and irons of hardship are you experiencing now? Who knows, it may be God that sent you to this apparent misfortune to bring something good out of you. He may be purifying you as gold in fire of life so that you will come out more shining (see 1 Peter 1:6-7). The Psalmist corroborates this. Hear him: "For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us as silver is refined. You brought us into the net; you laid affliction on our backs. You have caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water; but You brought us out to rich fulfillment" (Psalm 66:10-12 NKJV). Beloved, no matter what you are passing through, God knows about it, and He has a purpose for allowing it. Paul confirms this in Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose" (NKJV). He sent you there – for a purpose! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Lord, let the purpose of bringing me to my present situation come to pass in your own time in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 31Jul2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king” (Daniel 3:16-17 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When challenges come in waves, remember to change the direction of your eyes. Look to and worship the One who has the power and desire to help you in your time of need. - Glynnis Whitwer ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to always focus on and trust in God in whatever situation you find yourself.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 30Jul2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “...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 Jesus desired that the faithful would not fight against each other but come together in unity. What greater good can be accomplished when we seek peace with God and each other to work for a common goal? - Karolyn Parsons ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to always seek peace with You and other people around me.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 29Jul2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Oftentimes, God calls us to do things that are risky, do not make sense or might seem crazy. Things that we are scared to do. - Paula Faris ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to do your God-given assignment no matter how risky it may seem.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 28Jul2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones” (Proverbs 17:22 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When life seems dark, choose joy. Let your smile be a window of hope reflecting God’s love and the light of His presence in your life. - Cindy Hess Kasper ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to always have a merry heart and a smiling face to reflect Your love for me.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 27Jul2021

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 Stand firm against the evil forces that desire to keep you from walking in freedom in the Promised Land. Jesus is your victory for every battle you will encounter. - Os Hillman ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to be able to stand firm till your victory is sure.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 26Jul2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “And you shall do what is right and good in the sight of the Lord, that it may be well with you, and that you may go in and possess the good land of which the Lord swore to your fathers” (Deuteronomy 6:18 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY To do what is right is to act in a way that pleases and glorifies God. It is having a mind disposed towards what is just according to good sense, not minding the circumstance. - Femi Emmanuel ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to always do what is right and what pleases God.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 25Jul2021

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. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways” (James 1:5-8 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Base your faith in the efficacy of simple prayer offered in faith to God through Jesus Christ. Anything short of this is mere wasting of one’s time. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not base your faith on any other thing or person except on the efficacy of simple prayer offered in faith to God through Jesus Christ.

IN WHAT DO YOU DO BASE YOUR FAITH?

Dearly Beloved, IN WHAT DO YOU DO BASE YOUR FAITH? “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. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways” (James 1:5-8 NKJV). I had an encounter with one of my online contacts early in the morning some time ago. He commented that the Bible verse I used for the day talking about being optimistic was for him as he was going to write an examination later that day. He then requested that I should say some words of prayer with him which I did immediately. However, he insisted and even begged me that I should record my prayer and send it to him as audio message because he believes more in audio prayer than written prayer. I made him understand that if he could not believe in the simple written prayer, it will be difficult for him to believe in my continuous prayer with him. I even doubt if the audio prayer he wanted would be effectual if I granted the request. I wonder why he based his faith in audio prayer. This online contact was different from the centurion that his story was recorded in Matthew 8:5-13 and Luke 7:1-10. One of the servants of this centurion was sick to the point of death. The centurion came to Jesus Christ and begged Him to come and heal the servant. Jesus Christ agreed to follow the man to his house, but the man replied, "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it" (Matthew 8:8-9 NIV). Jesus Christ did commend such a great faith and the sick servant was healed instantly. The centurion did not believe in the physical presence of Jesus Christ, but he based his faith in efficacious words of Jesus Christ. Many people nowadays would have preferred that Jesus Christ is physically present to heal them or intervene in their situations. Since this is not possible, these people resort to basing their faith on what they can see, touch, feel, hear, and/or smell before they can believe that they are healed or that Jesus Christ has intervened in their situations. No wonder, such people are being deceived by fake prophets/pastors and modern-day “prayer merchants”. In what do you base your faith? Base your faith in the efficacy of simple prayer offered in faith to God through Jesus Christ. Anything short of this is mere wasting of one’s time (see James 1:5-8; Matthew 21:22; Mark 11:22-24; Hebrews 11:6). In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will not base your faith on any other thing or person except on the efficacy of simple prayer offered in faith to God through Jesus Christ.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 24Jul2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Just be determined, be confident; and make sure that you obey the whole Law that my servant Moses gave you. Do not neglect any part of it and you will succeed wherever you go. Be sure that the book of the Law is always read in your worship. Study it day and night, and make sure that you obey everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful" (Joshua 1:7-8 TEV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Make the word of God the shock absorbers to absorb the “vibration” of your life by studying it, meditating in it frequently, understanding it and applying it to your daily living. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to be well versed in the word of God and apply them to your life to be able to absorb the “vibration” of life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 23Jul2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "'O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter?' says the Lord. 'Look, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel!'" (Jeremiah 18:6 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The Lord as the Potter who moulded you and placed you where you are has a purpose for your life and He will finish His work in your life if you allow Him to do so. - Supo Ayokunle ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always allow God to mould you the way He wants.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 22Jul2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "All I want is to know Christ and to experience the power of his resurrection, to share in his sufferings and become like him in his death" (Philippians 3:10 TEV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY More about Jesus would I know, More of His grace to others show; More of His saving fullness see; More of His love-who died for me! - Eliza E. Hewitt ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to really know Jesus Christ relationally.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 21Jul2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “A faithful man will abound with blessings, but he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished” (Proverbs 28:20 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God often blesses obedience beyond what we deserve. If God brings wealth to your life, it should come as a by-product of obedience, not an end in itself. - Os Hillman ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always be faithful in serving God wherever you find yourself.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 19Jul2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:4 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God is never in a hurry, but he is always on time. He will use your entire lifetime to prepare you for your role in eternity. - Rick Warren ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always be patient with God as He prepares you for His divine purpose for your life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 18Jul2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Now therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: 'Consider your ways!'” (Haggai 1:5 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Think about your relationship with God and make sure that nothing derail you from your good relationship with Him. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always consider your ways that nothing will derail you from your good relationship with God.

WHAT WENT WRONG?

Dearly Beloved, WHAT WENT WRONG? "Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God" (2 Chronicles 14:2 NKJV). "Then Asa was angry with the seer, and put him in prison, for he was enraged at him because of this. And Asa oppressed some of the people at that time" (2 Chronicles 16:10 NKJV). Asa was one of good kings of Judah. The writers of the Scriptures chronicled his good deeds thus: he did what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God (2 Chronicles 14:2); he removed the foreign gods and the high places (2 Chronicles 14:3, 5); he expelled the male shrine-prostitutes from the land of Judah (1 Kings 15:12); he commanded the people of Judah to seek God and obey Him (2 Chronicles 14:4); he trusted God in time of war (verses 11); he repaired the altar of the LORD (2 Chronicles 15:8b); he led the people of Judah and even some from Israel to reestablish their covenant with God (2 Chronicles 15:10-14); he even deposed his grandmother Maacah from her position as queen mother because of her idolatry (2 Chronicles 15:16); and his heart was fully committed to the LORD all his life (2 Chronicles 15:17). Because of these, God gave him and his people rest on every side (2 Chronicles 14:6, 7). Even when somebody with a vast army waged war against him, God gave him a resounding victory with many plunders (2 Chronicles 14:9-15). Nevertheless, his last years were a tragedy! He abandoned the almighty God for a mere man when another country waged war against him (2 Chronicles 16:1-6). When a prophet of God confronted him for his lack of trust in God, he was angry and put the prophet in prison (2 Chronicles 16:7-10). He also brutally oppressed some of his people (2 Chronicles 16:10b). When he was afflicted with a disease, he refused to seek God (2 Chronicles 16:12). He died in that disease! One may wonder what actually went wrong in the life of Asa. Why did he start well and ended tragically? The writers of the Scriptures did not give a hint to his decadence. Apparently, his successes went to his head and he forgot his God. This is a food for thought for all of us. Think about yourself. Are you serving God the way you used to serve Him some years ago? Are you not deteriorating in your devotion to God? What went wrong? You have to think about it in your relationship with God and “Consider your ways!" (Haggai 1:5, 7 NKJV). In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will always consider your ways that nothing will derail you from your good relationship with God.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 17Jul2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks He distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted” (John 6:11 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Food is our most fundamental material blessing. Use each meal as an opportunity to feel gratitude for all the blessings of this life. - Jonathan Lockwood Huie ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to always thank You for the food You are providing for me every day.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST?

Dearly Beloved, WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST? "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). He was the richest king in his time. There was, and still is, no one as wise as this king. God favoured him above all other kings. God had determined to establish his kingdom forever. However, because of what he loved, his kingdom crumbled. That was king Solomon whom God endowed with greatness in wisdom, understanding and even wealth. Apart from the written Law of Moses that was guiding the people of Israel that he was leading, God appeared to him twice to warn him to keep these commands. Yet, Solomon loved foreign women and made them to turn his heart from his God. Having many wives (especially foreign) for a king is not a new thing. It is a diplomatic way of establishing one's kingdom. Nevertheless, it is not the God's way. That way caused the fall of Solomon. What do you also love most? The thing may be legitimate and permissible, but is it beneficial? Is it constructive? Is it God's will for you? Would God be happy with that thing that you love most? Apostle Paul warned the Corinthians twice: “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any” and “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me,[b] but not all things edify” (1 Corinthians 6:12; 10:23 NKJV). Be careful lest the thing you love becomes your master and turn you away from God. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that what you love will not turn you away from your God.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 06Jul2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "I am not trying to please people. I want to please God. Do you think I am trying to please people? If I were doing that, I would not be a servant of Christ" (Galatians 1:10 CEV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Commit yourself to seeking the Lord’s plan rather than pursuing the approval of others. It will not always be easy, but God is continually faithful. He can teach you how to confidently live your life despite the expectations and opinions of others. - Karen Ehman ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY O Lord, do not let seek the approval of people to the detriment of Your approval for my life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 05Jul2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "...but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Being a Christian is a daily process whereby we grow to be more and more like Christ. This is a great blessing that comes from faith in the Lord. - Billy Graham ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to always grow daily in your Christian life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 04Jul2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "So Moses brought Israel from the Red Sea; then they went out into the Wilderness of Shur. And they went three days in the wilderness and found no water. Now when they came to Marah, they could not drink the waters of Marah, for they were bitter. Therefore the name of it was called Marah" (Exodus 15:22-23 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When success comes, be ready to face more challenges. Such challenges may be positive or negative. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that God will enable you to handle the challenges after your successes successfully.

WHEN SUCCESS COMES

Dearly Beloved, WHEN SUCCESS COMES "So Moses brought Israel from the Red Sea; then they went out into the Wilderness of Shur. And they went three days in the wilderness and found no water. Now when they came to Marah, they could not drink the waters of Marah, for they were bitter. Therefore the name of it was called Marah" (Exodus 15:22-23 NKJV). The people of Israel had just recorded a great success - God delivered them completely from the oppressing Egyptians by making them pass through the Red Sea on dry ground and completely drowning their foes in the sea (Exodus 14). They acknowledged this victory by singing songs of praise to the Lord (Exodus 15:1-21). However, immediately after leaving the Red Sea, they were confronted with a challenge - wandering in the desert for three days without finding water. Even when they eventually found one, they could not drink it because it was bitter. The reaction of the people of Israel showed that they could not manage their success neither could they rely on the source of the success. Nevertheless, the point of emphasis here is not about their reaction, but about the aftermath of the success. The Bible is full of aftermaths of successes: Noah could not control himself at the first fruit of his labour after the flood (Genesis 9); Abraham was asked to sacrifice the son he had in his old age (Genesis 22); the people of Israel went through River Jordan on a dry ground into the waiting hands of the hostile Canaanites (Joshua 3-10); Gideon fell into the sin of idolatry after God gave him and the people of Israel victory over the oppressing Midianites (Judges 8:22-27); Samson failed to manage his many successes over the rampaging Philistines and eventually fell into their hands (Judges 14-16); Samuel was a successful minister of God, but he could not train his children the ways of the Lord (1 Samuel 7:13-8:3); Saul was overcome by covetousness after his success over the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15); David fell into the sins of adultery and murder after God had established his kingdom (2 Samuel 11); in spite of his wisdom, Solomon loved and married many foreign women to his peril (1 Kings 11); of note was Uzziah whose success made him to go against the law of God (2 Chronicles 26:16-21). The list cannot be exhausted. Do you know that success is not the end of the story in your life? Do you always prepare to manage the aftermath of your success? When success comes, be ready to face more challenges. Such challenges may be positive or negative. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that God will enable you to handle the challenges after your successes successfully.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 03Jul2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” (James 1:17 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God has the welfare of His people at heart. The prosperity He offers may not be material – wealth, success, power – but every good thing comes from the Lord, and He is not a God who withholds good things from those who follow Him. - Becky Brooks ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that the good things that God has in store for you will not elude you.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 02Jul2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “'Be angry, and do not sin': do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil” (Ephesians 4:26-27 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When you are angry or frustrated, what comes out? Whatever it is, it is a good indication of what you are made of. - H. Jackson Brown, Jr. ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to always control your anger.