Spiritual Digest for the Day 01Oct2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,' and You forgave the iniquity of my sin” (Psalm 32:5 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The life of faith is not about showing only our good side. It is about exposing our dark side to the light of Christ through confession to God and also to others. - Julie Ackerman Link ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not have any cause to hide your sins from God, but will always confess them and forsake them.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 30Sep2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold, I’d rather be His than have riches untold; I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands, I’d rather be led by His nail-pierced hands. - Rhea F. Miller ************ ACTION FOR THE DAY If you have not truly committed your life to Jesus Christ, do so today before it is too late!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 29Sep2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (James 4:17 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. - Martin Luther King, Jr. ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Give me the grace, O Lord, to do my part in making life better for myself and others around me.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 28Sep2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Christ died for us, so that we could live with him, whether we are alive or dead when he comes. That’s why you must encourage and help each other, just as you are already doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:10-11 CEV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY One of the most powerful things one person can share with another person is encouragement. Do not let someone drift into despair from neglect or lack of encouragement. Share your Christian joy by encouraging those around you on a regular basis! - Steve Blair ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to always be a source of encouragement to people around you.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 27Sep2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Life will bring all kinds of burdens, but how much better to follow after Christ. He promises a peace that the world cannot give. - Tim Gustafson ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the peace of Christ that passes all peace that the world can give.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 26Sep2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Then the Lord said to him, ‘Now you Pharisees make the outside of the cup and dish clean, but your inward part is full of greed and wickedness’” (Luke 11:39 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Do not be a modern-day Pharisee. Be cleansed inside and out. Do not be only religious outwardly. Be genuinely spiritual inwardly by acting honestly in your service to God and humanity. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not only be religious outwardly but also be genuinely spiritual inwardly in your dealing with God and other people around you.

BE CLEANSED INSIDE AND OUT

Dearly Beloved, BE CLEANSED INSIDE AND OUT “Then the Lord said to him, ‘Now you Pharisees make the outside of the cup and dish clean, but your inward part is full of greed and wickedness’” (Luke 11:39 NKJV). How would you feel if get to a restaurant, ready to order for what you can eat, and you find out that the dishes and cup that the attendants are about to use to serve the food are only clean outside, but dirty inside? Would you allow them to use the half-clean utensils to serve you? Unfortunately, the Pharisees and many experts of the law while Jesus Christ was on earth were like those deceptive utensils. After a teaching engagement of Jesus Christ, one of the Pharisees invited Him for a meal in his house. The Pharisee was surprised that Jesus Christ did not follow the traditions of ceremonially washing His hands before the meal. He expressed his surprise. However, Jesus Christ compared him and other religious leaders to utensils that were clean outside but dirty inside. The Pharisees and other religious leaders were clean outside in their outward religious and ceremonial activities, but their lives were full of wickedness and greed against their fellow human beings. Jesus Christ did not spare them as He condemned them for this hypocritical lifestyle. He wanted them to live a life of honesty that will show concerns for less privilege and be acceptable to God. It is unfortunate that many people nowadays are like the Pharisees. They are outwardly religious, but inwardly not spiritual. Such people cannot deceive God with religious activities. Prophet Micah put it in other words: “[God] what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (6:8 NKJV). Do not be a modern-day Pharisee. Be cleansed inside and out. Do not be only religious outwardly. Be genuinely spiritual inwardly by acting honestly in your service to God and humanity. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will not only be religious outwardly but also be genuinely spiritual inwardly in your dealing with God and other people around you.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 25Sep2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Now Jesus was telling the disciples a parable to make the point that at all times they ought to pray and not give up and lose heart” (Luke 18:1 AMP). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY A great many people get discouraged in praying because the answer does not come at once. In fact, many Christians lose heart just when the answer is about to be granted. - James R. Miller ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, Lord, to always persevere in prayer till answer to the prayer is manifested.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 24Sep2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “In [Jesus Christ] was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it” (John 1:4-5 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY A person can have a colorful and well put together life. But if Jesus does not live within them, they will not have the proper light to shine through them to illuminate their assets. - Marion Smith ************ ACTION FOR THE DAY Invite Jesus Christ into your life (if you have not done so) in order that His light may shine through you.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 23Sep2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Now the [seeds] that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity” (Luke 8:14 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY You cannot hear God if your mind is crowded with other thoughts or concerns—particularly worries, plans, and activities. - Rick Warren ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that worries, plans, and other life’s activities will not hinder you from hearing from God.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 22Sep2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Praise be to the God [who] has great mercy, and because of his mercy he gave us a new life [that] brings us a living hope through Jesus Christ’s resurrection from death. Now we wait to receive the blessings God has for his children [that] are kept for you in heaven. They cannot be ruined or be destroyed or lose their beauty” (1 Peter 1:3-4 ERV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Followers of Christ need not fear anything or anyone in this world, not even death. Through the atoning death and bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ, we have been born again into an eternal, living hope. - Laura Bailey ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always be mindful of your eternal position in Christ.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 21Sep2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed” (Acts 13:36 NIV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Do not die without fulfilling God’s purpose for your life. Purposefully live to glorify God and have positive impacts on your generation. - SAK Olaleye ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to serve God’s purpose in your generation before you die.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 20Sep2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God knew each of us before we were even conceived, and He has chosen us for His good purposes. - Tim Gustafson ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Appreciate God for knowing and choosing you to be His own even before you were born.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 19Sep2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He 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 3:2-3 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Endure and allow God to make you what He wants through any seemingly unpleasant situation. You will become refined and people will admire you and give glory to God for your life. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to endure any seemingly unpleasant situation till God manifest Himself through the situation.

ALLOW GOD TO CUT AND SEW YOU

Dearly Beloved, ALLOW GOD TO CUT AND SEW YOU “But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He 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 3:2-3 NKJV). In spite of the fact that my daughter is an undergraduate studying a promising course in one of the reputable universities, she is still learning how to sew clothes during the holidays. She brought a piece of cloth home one day and she began to cut it into pieces. As I watched her cutting the material, I got an inspiration that that is how the Lord also cut His creatures into pieces to “sew” them together to make a beautiful “dress”. Just as a piece of cloth is almost worthless until it is cut and sewn to become something admirable, man should submit himself to the cutting and sewing of God through many seemingly unpleasant situations in life to become who God wants to make him in life. Prophet Malachi gave a similar picture of God in his book when he presented God as a refiner who deliberately cast raw piece of gold into the burning flame to refine the gold in order to become an adorable precious ornament (see Malachi 3:2-3). Despite the fact that the context of this passage was that of judgment, yet, that is exactly what God does to His creatures. God may do this by allowing other men to “maltreat” His creatures, but it is for a purpose that will bring glory to His name (compare Psalm 66:12). No wonder, Apostle Paul declared, “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” (Romans 8:28 NKJV). In what ways are you being “cut” and “sewn” in your journey of life? What seems like fire that is “burning” you presently? Do not be dismay. It is for a purpose! God is using the seemingly unpleasant situation to refine you and make you become adorable precious person in His sight and in the world. Endure and allow Him to make you what He wants through the seemingly unpleasant situation. You will become refined and people will admire you and give glory to God for your life. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray for the grace to endure any seemingly unpleasant situation till God manifest Himself through the situation.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 18Sep2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, for in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You” (Psalm 143:8 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The important thing for each of us is to make the Lord and His Word our priority. God’s Word sets the course for our day, empowering us to live out the day before us while honoring Him. - Lynn Cowell ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to always hear from God through the reading of His Word before doing anything every morning.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 17Sep2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “And when [Jesus Christ] got into the boat, he who had been demon-possessed begged Him that he might be with Him. However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, ‘Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you’” (Mark 5:18–19 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When God sets us free to serve Him, He can turn even a messy past into a message of hope and love. - James Banks ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Turn my messy past into a message of hope and love, O Lord!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 16Sep2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "And [Jesus Christ] spoke a parable to them: “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into the ditch?" (Luke 6:39 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY A person who cannot lead himself cannot effectively lead other people. - Israel Adelani Akanji ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to lead yourself so as to lead others effectively.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 15Sep2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out" (1 Timothy 6:6-7 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY A godly lifestyle will strengthen you, check your potential excesses, and empower you to fulfil your purpose in life. - Jerry Akinsola ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to always live a godly life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 14Sep2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Out of respect for Christ, be courteously reverent to one another" (Ephesians 5:21 MSG). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Relating with others can sometimes be a tough experience but it is unavoidable, beneficial and indeed the true test of our Christian discipleship. - John O. Enyinnaya ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me Lord to relate well with other people no matter how tough it may be.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 13Sep2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Now it came to pass, as [Jesus Christ] was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples’” (Luke 11:1 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY There are various ways of prayer. Only God can teach us the proper method of praying if we are ready to learn. Indeed, we cannot pray acceptably at all unless God takes us through the course of prayer. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that the Lord will teach you how to correctly pray unto Him so that your prayers will be acceptable to Him.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 12Sep2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “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 50:20 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY It may seem as if people are doing bad things against you. Do not be discouraged. God is using those seemingly bad people and bad situations to make you fulfil your divine purpose in life. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to be able to stand in spite of bad situations in your life till the divine purpose for you is fulfilled.

YOUR DIVINE PURPOSE WILL BE FULFILLED

Dearly Beloved, YOUR DIVINE PURPOSE WILL BE FULFILLED “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 50:20 NKJV). Joseph was a favoured child among the children of Jacob. God had special plans for his life. His brothers had known these, and they were not happy with it. They looked for means to thwart these divine plans in his life. They eventually had the opportunity, and they first threw Joseph into a pit before they sold him into slavery in Egypt. Joseph was wrongly accused of sexual assault on his master's wife, and he was thrown into prison. In spite of his goodwill to other prisoners, he was forgotten and abandoned in the prison for years. However, all these seemingly bad players and situations in Joseph's life played vital roles though negatively to make Joseph fulfil his destiny. At times, God allows people to play seemingly bad roles in a person's life to make that person fulfil his divine destiny. Due to the negative actions of these people, the person may experience many unpleasant situations. However, no matter what, the purpose and plan of God for the person will finally come to pass. Are you experiencing unpleasant situation at the moment? Does it seem as if people are doing bad things against you? Do not be discouraged. God is using those seemingly bad people and bad situations to make you fulfil your divine purpose in life. Apostle Paul declared: “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” (Romans 8:28 NKJV). Do not hate those seemingly bad people or wish them ill luck. As Joseph outlived his bad and unpleasant situations, you also will outlive your bad and unpleasant situations. As the seemingly bad people in the life of Joseph lived to witness the fulfillment of his divine purpose, those seemingly bad people in your will live long to witness your greatness in life. In fact, the Lord will prepare a table before you in the presence of your enemies, and anoint your head with oil, and your cup will run over (see Psalm 23:5). Come what may, your divine purpose will be fulfilled in Jesus’ name. Amen. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray for the grace to be able to stand in spite of bad situations in your life till the divine purpose for you is fulfilled.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 11Sep2021

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 As we trust God and deepen our personal, experiential knowledge of Him, He will facilitate our progress through life and help us successfully follow the path He has marked out for us. - Charles R. Swindoll ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to always put my trust in You.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 10Sep2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me! I'm staying alert and in top condition. I'm not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself” (1 Corinthians 9:26-27 MSG). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY How different our lives are when we really know what is deeply important to us, and keeping that picture in mind, we manage ourselves each day to be and to do what really matters most - Stephen Covey ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, Lord, to be focused on what matters most in my life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 09Sep2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "If you want to be happy, be kind to the poor; it is a sin to despise anyone" (Proverbs 14:21 TEV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY We hurt people by being too busy. Too busy to notice their needs. Too busy to drop that note of comfort or encouragement or assurance of love. Too busy to listen when someone needs to talk. Too busy to care. - Billy Graham ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me not to be too busy to care for other people today.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 08Sep2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Then his wife said to him, 'Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!' But he said to her, 'You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?' In all this Job did not sin with his lips” (Job 2:9-10 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Only when life is difficult, are we challenged to become our greatest selves. - Jonathan Lockwood Huie ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Strengthen me, O Lord, in my days of adversity.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 07Sep2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture” (Psalm 100:3 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When we understand that God created us and watches over us, we can find security, hope, and love. - Amy Boucher Pye ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to always be conscious that You are the One that created me and watches over me all the time.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 06Sep2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Praying is vital for our spiritual growth, and it gives us the opportunity to be in continual conversation with Him every day - Cindy Hess Kasper ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me. O Lord, to move closer to You every day in prayer.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 05Sep2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY There is nothing special in the last four months of the year. You do not need to worry or fear about any “ember” month! All days are evil. Redeem each day or make the right use of every opportunity you have. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the continued protection of God over your life in the remaining months of this year and even beyond.

WHAT IS SPECIAL IN THE LAST FOUR MONTHS OF THE YEAR?

Dearly Beloved, WHAT IS SPECIAL IN THE LAST FOUR MONTHS OF THE YEAR? “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16 NKJV). There are some people I usually call by phone every Sunday morning to ask about their wellbeing. Being elderly ones, some of these people normally pray for me and my family members as we exchange pleasantries. As I called one of them last Sunday, one of her prayer points is that as we go into the last four months of the year (what some people refer to as "ember months"), evil things will not happen to me and all the members of my family. I said Amen to the prayer. However, I wondered aloud why some people give undue attention to the last four months of the year and think that they have more evil occurrences than the first eight months. Apostle Paul admonished, “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16 NKJV). Jesus Christ had earlier asserted “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:34 NKJV). All days are indeed evil. It is only God that is saving us from these daily evils. Ascribing more evils to some months of the year or being too conscious of the months is not biblical. The Lord has promised to keep us all the days of our lives. We do not need panic about any month, week, day or time of the year. “He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore” (Psalm 121:4-8 NKJV). These promises are explicit enough. There is nothing special in the last four months of the year. You do not need to worry or fear about any “ember” month! All days are evil. Redeem each day or make the right use of every opportunity you have. The Lord that has been taking care of us since the beginning of the year will continue to take care of us till the end of the year and beyond. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor) Prayer Point: Pray for the continued protection of God over your life in the remaining months of this year and even beyond.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 04Sep2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end. He did not give up because of the cross! On the contrary, because of the joy that was waiting for him, he thought nothing of the disgrace of dying on the cross, and he is now seated at the right side of God's throne” (Hebrews 12:2 TEV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goals. - Henry Ford ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to always look up to You no matter the situation.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 03Sep2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When we turn our worries into prayer, we discover that God is faithful in unexpected ways! — James Banks ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, Lord, to learnt how to turn my worries into prayers.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 02Sep2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23 AMP). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY There is always the danger that we may just do the work for the sake of the work. This is where the respect, the love, and the devotion come in - that we do it to God, to Christ, and that is why we try to do it as beautifully as possible. - Mother Teresa ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always work as if unto God.