Spiritual Digest for the Day 01Nov2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “So any person who knows what is right to do but does not do it, to him it is sin” (James 4:17 AMP). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Let us cry out against all forms of perversion in our society. What is not good is NOT good. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will join other right-thinking people to stand against all forms of perversion in our society.

ARE YOU STILL IN THE FAITH?

Dearly Beloved, ARE YOU STILL IN THE FAITH? “And [Delilah] said, ‘The Philistines are upon you, Samson!’ So [Samson] awoke from his sleep, and said, ‘I will go out as before, at other times, and shake myself free!’ But he did not know that the Lord had departed from him. Then the Philistines took him and put out his eyes..." (Judges 16:20-21a NKJV). As my wife switched off the electric fan in our bedroom, I noticed as the fan continued to rotate at a slower speed till it came to standstill after about two minutes. The spiritual life of many Christians is like that electric fan that is just being switched off or disconnected from its power source. Many Christians that used to be fervent in the Spirit and in the things of God like prayer, reading and meditating on the words of God, worshipping God, fellowshipping with other believers, evangelizing the world about Jesus Christ, and the likes find themselves dwindling in such spiritual things. They may think that they are still in the Lord and fervent in the things of God, but the reserve is the case. The main causes of this degeneration mostly are sin and carelessness. No wonder, Apostle Paul admonished, “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall [into sin]” (1 Corinthians 10:12 NKJV). The life of Samson is a good example here. Samson was a mighty man who did great exploits for the Lord by delivering the Israelites from the Philistines (see Judges 14-16). There is even a record that “…he tore the lion apart as one would have torn apart a young goat..." (Judges 14:6 NKJV). However, he dabbled into sin and carelessness by unequally associating himself with a Philistine woman - Delilah, and he paid dearly for it. He thought he was still in the Lord and as powerful as before. Nonetheless, the enemies came and conquered him (see Judges 16). As Apostle Paul again admonished, “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves” (2 Corinthians 13:5 NKJV), are you still in the faith? Are you as fervent in the Lord as when you first believed? Is the Lord still with you, or rather, are you still with the Lord? Take heed, lest you become a disconnected fan! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will always examine yourself to make sure you are still in the faith.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 31Oct2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves” (2 Corinthians 13:5 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY You need to constantly examine yourself whether you are still connected with God in your faith. Take heed, lest you become a disconnected fan! - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always examine yourself to make sure you are still in the faith.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 30Oct2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “But go now to My place which was in Shiloh, where I set My name at the first, and see what I did to it because of the wickedness of My people Israel” (Jeremiah 7:12 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Do not let complacency make you to be far from God. Let God still be able to depend on you. Beware that you do not become an abandoned instrument in the hands of God. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not become an abandoned instrument but that you will continue to be relevant in the things of the Lord.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 29Oct2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.... Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:14, 16 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Wherever you go, whoever you meet, you have the chance to bring light. You are vital in the Kingdom of God. Let your light shine! - Becky Brooks ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that your light will be shining wherever you find yourself.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 28Oct2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "How shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed and keeping watch [on himself] according to Your word [conforming his life to it]" (Psalm 119:9 AMP). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Do not allow yourself to be possessed, bombarded, and driven by the wheel of sin. Give yourself to be driven by the Word and the Spirit of God. Then, you will be secure and prosperous. - Lawrence Oladimeji ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to give myself to be driven by Your Word and Spirit so as to be secure and prosperous.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 27Oct2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "The Lord God is waiting to show how kind he is and to have pity on you. The Lord always does right; he blesses those who trust him" (Isaiah 30:18 CEV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God yearns to give us the very best. God is compassionate. God is fair and His justice for our welfare far exceeds just giving us what we want. - Glenn W. Miller ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to always wait for God’s time for your life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 26Oct2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "For thus says the Lord to the house of Israel: Seek Me [inquire for and of Me and require Me as you require food] and you shall live!" (Amos 5:4 AMP). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God is always ready to accept those who would come to Him seeking forgiveness, succour and redemption. - B. Uche Enyioha ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to come to God as you are without any pretence.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 25Oct2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, ‘Alas, my master! What shall we do?’ So he answered, ‘Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them’” (2 Kings 6:15-16 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Only when we are aware of the danger that faces us every day will we consciously seek the help we need. And only if we are on the alert will we lean on the strength of our Lord, who is greater than our spiritual enemy. - Bill Crowder ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY O Lord, help me to always lean on You in whatever situation I find myself.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 24Oct2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustained me” (Psalm 3:5 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY It is not ordinary or normal to sleep and wake up. Only God makes one do so every day. So, always praise God for the gift of life every day and the ability to do what you are able to do each day. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me not to take the seemingly ordinary things of life for granted, but to always appreciate you for all these things.

IT IS NOT ORDINARY!

Dearly Beloved, IT IS NOT ORDINARY! “I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustained me” (Psalm 3:5 NKJV). Every morning, my alarm clock would ring by 4.00 am and I would wake up and start my daily routine. At times, I would have woken up before the sound of the alarm. This has been happening for years, and I tend to think that it is ordinary or normal to wake up early in the morning either by the sound of the alarm or before its rings. However, it recently dawned on me that it is really not ordinary to sleep and wake up; it is a divine arrangement and grace. If you do not agree with this, place an alarm beside a dead man and see if he would wake up when the alarm rings. It is not ordinary or normal to sleep and wake up. Only God makes one do so every day. The psalmist realized this and declared, “I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustained me” (Psalm 3:5 NKJV). “I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8 NKJV). “It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; for so He gives His beloved sleep” (Psalm 127:2 NKJV). Sleeping and waking up are not the only things that we consider normal or ordinary. Breathing, eating, drinking, talking, hearing, walking, lifting of hands, and any other part of our body, in fact, everything that one can think of as ordinary or normal is not really ordinary and normal. It is God in His infinite mercy that has arranged them and allows us to be enjoying them. As part of His covenant with Noah after the flood, God said, “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease” (Genesis 8:22 NKJV). He continues to keep that covenant! The implication of this is that we ought to always praise God for the gift of life every day and the ability to do what we are able to do each day. Thank You, Lord, for everything. It is not ordinary! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Lord, help me not to take the seemingly ordinary things of life for granted, but to always appreciate you for all these things.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 23Oct2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world” (John 17:15-16 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY For those who live for Christ, God calls us out of this world’s sin and confusion. But then He sends us back into the world—not to share any longer in its sin and spiritual darkness, but to bear witness for the light of Christ. - Billy Graham ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always bear witness for Christ’s light in the world through your actions and words.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 22Oct2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Our human fathers correct us for a short time, and they do it as they think best. But God corrects us for our own good, because he wants us to be holy, as he is” (Hebrews 12:10 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Consider it a blessing to be corrected by God often through His word. When you are corrected, it proves that God loves you and is preparing you to become His child. - Israel Adelani Akanji ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always yield to God’s correction through His word.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 21Oct2021

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 Acknowledge God in all your ways today. Lean completely on Him to reveal His direction for your life. If you do so, He will direct you to the desired destination He has for you. - Os Hillman ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to always trust in You in all my endeavours.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 20Oct2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “When Jesus finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Take the boat into the deep water. If all of you will put your nets into the water, you will catch some fish.’ Simon answered, ‘Master, we worked hard all night trying to catch fish and caught nothing. But you say I should put the nets into the water, so I will.’ The fishermen put their nets into the water. Their nets were filled with so many fish that they began to break” (Luke 5:4-6 ERV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Undertake something difficult; it will do you good. Unless you try something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow. - Ronald E. Osborn ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Enable me, O Lord, to always try seemingly difficult things in order to achieve what are seemingly unachievable.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 19Oct2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “...man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord” (Deuteronomy 8:3b NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Real life comes by feeding on every word of the Lord. We do not just need physical nourishment; we need spiritual nourishment too. - Rick Warren ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always feed your soul with the word of God.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 18Oct2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.... Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it” (Genesis 2:7, 15 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY All that you have has been given to you in order for you to cultivate it and take care of it. Just like Adam, God has entrusted and empowered you to share and spread His love to fill the earth. - Paul Dazet ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to be a faithful steward of what You have entrusted into my care.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 17Oct2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb” (Psalm 37:1-2 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Do not fret because of evildoers, and do not be weary in striving for justice and righteousness. You will get your reward in spite of what the world may say or do against you. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to always stand for justice and righteousness in spite of what it might cost you.

DO NOT BE WEARY IN STRIVING FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS

Dearly Beloved, DO NOT BE WEARY IN STRIVING FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS “Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb” (Psalm 37:1-2 NKJV). Let me start this message with a word of appreciation to God for not allowing the heartless ones to turn me into a one-eyed person. I was about to cross the road in front of my office when one “Okada” (commercial motorcycle) rider almost ran over me because he was riding against the traffic. Another rider followed him. As I was trying to caution the second one of the illegality of what they are doing and the danger such action portends, he on motion gave me a blow directly on my right eye. The hit made me fall down, and passersby had to rush to me to lift me up and sympathize with me. The Okada man did not stop to see the havoc he has caused to my eye. Anyway, I thank God that the damage was not much. As I left the clinic of my office where I went for immediate treatment, I was thinking within me if I have done anything wrong to warrant such ill-treatment. Is it wrong to correct what is wrong in the society? Why would people be so heartless to the point of maltreating others especially when others are trying to correct them? Why would evildoers continue to thrive in the society and the ones that attempt to make things right always suffer for it? Many other questions kept coming to my mind especially about the increasing atrocities of the evildoers in Nigeria in spite of the high religiosity in the country. Prophet Jeremiah suffered greatly in the hands of evildoers in his days. Even kings persecuted him and wanted to kill him for saying the truth (see Jeremiah 11:18-23; 20:1-6; 26:7-24; 36:5; 37:11-21; 38:1-28). In fact, Jeremiah was nicknamed “The Weeping Prophet” because of the ill-treatment he suffered in the course of delivering God’s message to his people and making his society a better place. However, God was with him throughout. The growing popularity of wickedness and ungodliness in the society is making many people that want to uphold righteousness become more unpopular and at times suffer for their righteousness. Should this discourage them from promoting righteousness? NO! It may seem as if wickedness and ungodliness are flourishing now, but be sure that these are for a time. In spite of any suffering or hardship that may come with righteousness, there are promises of blessings and good fortunes for the righteous (see Psalms 1:3; 106:3; 112:4-8; Proverbs 10:16; 11:5-6, 18-19, 30; 12:28; 13:6; 14:34; 21:3; Isaiah 32:17; 33:15-16). Therefore, do not fret because of evildoers, and do not be weary in striving for justice and righteousness. You will get your reward in spite of what the world may say or do against you. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray for the grace to always stand for justice and righteousness in spite of what it might cost you.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 16Oct2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “But Abraham never doubted or questioned God’s promise. His faith made him strong, and he gave all the credit to God” (Romans 4:20 CEV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Abraham’s faith was in something far bigger than himself—the one and only God. It’s the object of our faith that makes all the difference. - Tim Gustafson ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, I want a strong faith in You, not just faith in myself or my abilities or in others.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 15Oct2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “So then, my brothers, because of God's great mercy to us I appeal to you: Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to his service and pleasing to him. This is the true worship that you should offer” (Romans 12:1 TEV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God wants you to first totally surrender your life to Him before He can accept your possession, service or any other form of worship you can render to Him. Be a living sacrifice to God! - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to firstly surrender your total life to God before thinking of serving Him.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 14Oct2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my mind and my heart. For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes, and I have walked in Your truth” (Psalm 26:2-3 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When wrong comes your way, be open before the Lord. Invite Him to make an internal search and examination of your life for the purpose of determining your character. - Charles R. Swindoll ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to always submit yourself to the scrutiny of God whenever you sin against Him.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 13Oct2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Your word I have treasured and stored in my heart, that I may not sin against You” (Psalm 119:11 AMP). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Storing up the truths of God’s Word in our hearts is also a key to walking in the right way — God’s way — on Earth. When we read and study His Word, it helps prepare us for whatever comes into our lives and helps us in the good and bad times. - Billy Graham ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to always store Your word in my heart so that I may not sin against You, but walk in the right way.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 12Oct2021

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 God is close to you, and he understands what you are going through. Turn to him. He is already there waiting for you! - Rick Warren ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Thank You for Your closeness to me, O Lord. Let me always feel in Your presence in my life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 11Oct2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things” (Romans 14:1 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY We are never to insist that others give up their freedoms based on our personal convictions. - Tim Gustafson ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to always tolerate other people’s opinions.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 10Oct2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men—the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do” (Mark 7:8 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Do not let any human tradition, doctrine, saying, or practice drift you from obeying the word of God, no matter how popular such tradition, doctrine, saying, or practice is. It is far better to follow God and His words rather than human traditions. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY O Lord, help me not to follow human traditions, doctrines, sayings, or practices to the detriment of Your word.

FOLLOW GOD, NOT HUMAN TRADITIONS

Dearly Beloved, FOLLOW GOD, NOT HUMAN TRADITIONS “For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men—the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do” (Mark 7:8 NKJV). The story of the old prophet and the young prophet in 1 Kings 13:11-31 is a pathetic one. It illustrates how many people prefer to listen to men rather than adhere to the words of God. In the story, God has specifically told the young prophet what he should do and not do as he went to deliver God’s message to the king of Israel. However, he yielded to the persuasion of a man and this cost him his life. The Pharisees and the teachers of the law in Jesus’ days on earth were like the young prophet. They had the Old Testament which was the expressed words of God, but they preferred to follow human traditions. These traditions were a set of rules that had to do mainly with outward cleansing and religiosity. Referring to the prophecy of Isaiah in Isaiah 29:13, Jesus condemned such acts and enjoined them to follow God and His commands (see Mark 7:8-13). It is good to follow human traditions, but one has to be very careful not to let what people say supersede what the word of God says. God has given His commands through His words written in the Holy Bible. Do not let any human tradition, doctrine, saying, or practice drift you from obeying the word of God, no matter how popular such tradition, doctrine, saying, or practice is. It is far better to follow God and His words rather than human traditions. In what ways are human traditions depriving you of following God’s words? In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: O Lord, help me not to follow human traditions, doctrines, sayings, or practices to the detriment of Your word.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 09Oct2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “We should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love” (Ephesians 4:14-16 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Speaking the truth in love to the one who has offended us is vital, even if it means stepping outside our comfort zone. - Dennis Fisher ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to speak the truth in love with those that have offended you.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 08Oct2021

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 Do not fall into the trap of believing that God cannot redeem the time you give for Him. If He calls you to give outside your normal work life, be assured He can make up that time. - Os Hillman ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Redeem my time, O God, and help me to always trust You to do so.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 07Oct2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden" (Matthew 5:13-14 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY In a world full of darkness and evil, we must be a channel of God’s love every day. - Author Unknown ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to always be a channel of God’s love to people around you.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 06Oct2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "To keep Satan from getting the advantage over us; for we are not ignorant of his wiles and intentions" (2 Corinthians 2:11 AMP). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Satan's strategy is to introduce his thoughts and ideas into your mind and deceive you into believing that they are yours. - Neil T. Anderson ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, do not let me be ignorant of the strategy of Satan to deceive in believing his wiles.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 05Oct2021

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 Worry about nothing, pray about everything, thank God for anything, and keep your mind on the right things. - Rick Warren ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always keep your mind on the right things by worrying about nothing, praying about everything and thanking God for all things.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 04Oct2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a good (encouraging) word makes it glad” (Proverbs 12:25 AMP). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY A troubled heart lacks peace and struggles to find assurance. One remedy for a troubled heart is a friend who can offer wise counsel. - Charles R. Swindoll ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to offer encouraging words to people around you who need such words.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 03Oct2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, nor sworn deceitfully” (Psalm 24:3-4 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Outward cleansing is not enough. How clean and holy are you inwardly (in your heart) as you worship God, and even in your other daily activities? Come to God in cleanliness and holiness. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will prioritize your inward cleansing, not only the outward one, as you worship God and all the time.

CLEANLINESS IS NEXT TO GODLINESS

Dearly Beloved, CLEANLINESS IS NEXT TO GODLINESS “When [the priests] go into the tabernacle of meeting, or when they come near the altar to minister, to burn an offering made by fire to the Lord, they shall wash with water, lest they die” (Exodus 30:20 NKJV). When the deadly COVID-19 broke out in late 2019 and early 2020, one of the preventive measures put in place in many public places is running water for washing hands. People are enjoined to thoroughly wash their hands before entering public places and sanitize their hands regularly even after the washing. This is applicable at the entrance of many churches also. This may not be strange to Muslims who have the tradition of not only washing hands but also some other parts of their bodies before entering mosques or performing the daily mandatory prayers. These health and religious practices confirm the popular saying: cleanliness is next to godliness. As the people of Israel were going to the Promised Land through the wilderness, God prioritized the issue of cleanliness when the people, especially the priests, were about to perform religious duties. In the above-quoted text, God reiterated this by ordering Moses to prepare a washing utensil between the Tent of Meeting and the altar so that Aaron and his sons (and by extension other priests that would descend from them) would be able to wash their hands and feet as a prerequisite to their offering of sacrifice to Him. The penalty for the violation of the instruction was death! The practice was to be a lasting one among the priests. For health reasons, it is good to wash one’s hands and other parts of one’s body, not only before performing any act of worship to God but also all the time. However, God is expecting His people to “wash their hearts” before coming to Him and at all times. This would make them clean and holy. This is what the Psalmist was communicating in Psalm 24:3-4: “Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, nor sworn deceitfully” (NKJV). Outward cleansing is not enough. How clean and holy are you inwardly (in your heart) as you worship God, and even in your other daily activities? Come to God in cleanliness and holiness. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will prioritize your inward cleansing, not only the outward one, as you worship God and all the time.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 02Oct2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Then she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees; for she said, ‘Have I also here seen Him who sees me?’” (Genesis 16:13 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God desires to be with us. God loves us so much and He sees us in every part of life; the good, the bad, and the in between. - Cara Shonamon ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY O God, see me and deliver me from any precarious situation I may found myself.