Spiritual Digest for the Day 01Dec2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY We must not allow the clock and the calendar to blind us to the fact that each moment of life is a miracle and mystery. - H. G. Wells ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, Lord, to see each moment as a miracle from You.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 30Nov2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “But I have always tried to preach where people have never heard about Christ. I am like a builder who doesn’t build on anyone else’s foundation” (Romans 15:20 CEV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail. - Ralph Waldo Emerson ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to be a pacesetter in your endeavours for the Lord.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 29Nov2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Life sometimes takes us through hard places. But even in the midst of them, God is with us, and nothing can happen to us that is beyond His ability to help. - Billy Graham ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always enjoy the presence of God in any situation you find yourself.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 28Nov2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Therefore, since a promise remains of entering [God's] rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it” (Hebrews 4:1 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God wants everyone to enter His rest. However, it depends on each person to make efforts to enter the rest. God is not partial. Only those who have faith in Him and obey His commands will enter His eternal rest. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not despise the great opportunity of eternal rest of God by your act of disobedience.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 27Nov2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. ...that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 4:10-11 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY We are faithful stewards of our spiritual gifts when we deploy our gifts the way God wants us to, for the glory of God. - Foluke Bosede Ola ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always use your God-given gifts faithfully to the glory of God.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 26Nov2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Colossians 4:6 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Be impeccable with your word. Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using your word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love. - don Miguel Ruiz ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to make your words seasoned with salt all the time.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 25Nov2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “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). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY We must maintain an eternal perspective. God is on the throne. He is in control of the good things that happen to us, and He remains in control when bad things occur. - Greg Laurie ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Give me an eternal perspective, O God, to be able to see You in whatever happens to me in life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 24Nov2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119:11 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When we hide God’s wisdom in our hearts, His truth and love can pour into our conversations naturally. We can be like walking Bibles sharing God’s eternal hope wherever we go. - Xochitl Dixon ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to always hide the words of God in your heart.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 23Nov2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Improve your peaceful relationship with everyone for the sake of who you are in Christ. Only peaceful people can lead others to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY O God, help me to always live peacefully with others around me.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 22Nov2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,’ says the Lord. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts’” (Isaiah 55:8-9 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Realize that God’s ways are not your ways. God will provide the necessary circumstances to accomplish His purposes in your life. - Os Hillman ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Create the necessary circumstances to accomplish Your purposes in my life, O Lord!

GRACE! 'TIS A CHARMING SOUND

Dearly Beloved, GRACE! 'TIS A CHARMING SOUND “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast…. But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift” (Ephesians 2:8-9; 4:7 NKJV). One of the hymns I cherished when I was growing up in the village was the hymn GRACE! 'TIS A CHARMING SOUND. I could sing almost all of its lyrics in Yoruba offhand. It is indeed a charming song for me to date. Philip Doddridge (1702-1751) and Augustus Montague Toplady (1740-1778) composed verses of this hymn, though some historians attributed the hymn to only Doddridge. The hymn has been set to several melodies but that of Ira D. Sankey is likely the most popular one. The importance of the saving grace of God is emphasized in the hymn. Grace is a charming sound because it is by grace that we have been saved (Ephesians 2:8-9). Grace is harmonious to our ears because God has given grace to each of His children (Ephesians 4:7). All the earth needs to hear this grace because the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared for all man (Titus 2:11). Grace is indeed vital to people’s salvation because it was God’s grace that first forced a way to save rebellious man through the coming of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:21). This grace displayed all the steps that enable people to have remission of sins (Acts 2:36-38). It is grace that drew the amazing plan for people’s redemption that God purposed in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 3:10-11). Grace is the medium of provision for spiritual needs (Philippians 4:19). This grace makes possible an eternal home in heaven. The grace of God has written the names of as many that have been redeemed by the blood of Christ in the book of life (Revelation 21:11-15). The grace of God also makes it possible for people to approach God and keep them in His favour. The last stanza of the hymn is a prayer that the grace may inspire “my soul with strength divine” so that one may aspire to be with God in all one’s days. As the refrain reflects, we are saved by grace alone! This is made possible by the death of Jesus Christ for mankind. Have you been saved by this charming grace? Only those that have been saved and justified by God’s grace upon their obedience to the gospel can certainly say with conviction, “Grace! ‘Tis A Charming Sound”! Invite Jesus Christ into your life (if you have not done so), and you will enjoy the charming grace He brings. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will not miss the charming grace of Jesus Christ both here on earth and in heaven.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 21Nov2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast…. But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift” (Ephesians 2:8-9; 4:7 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Only those that have been saved and justified by God’s grace upon their obedience to the gospel can certainly enjoy the charming grace Jesus Christ brings. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not miss the charming grace of Jesus Christ both here on earth and in heaven.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 20Nov2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness" (Lamentations 3:22–23 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God’s great love enables us to go on, to get up to face the day. Our trials may feel overwhelming, but we will not be destroyed by them because God’s love is far greater! - Karen Huang ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Renew Your love and faithfulness in my life every moment, O Lord!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 19Nov2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior... Since you were precious in My sight, you have been honored, and I have loved you; therefore I will give men for you, and people for your life" (Isaiah 43:3–4 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The value God places on those He loves does not come from anything we do, but from the simple and powerful truth that He has chosen us to be His own. - Leslie Koh ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Appreciate God for the love He has for you in making you one of His precious ones.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 18Nov2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law" (Romans 13:8 NIV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Love is more than a feeling. It is a commitment, a continuing debt to be paid mandatorily without expecting any appreciation. - Mike Babatunde ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to love continuingly without expecting any reward.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 17Nov2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you" (Genesis 28:15 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When God assures you of His presence and support on anything, do not ask questions. Start from where you are till He takes you to where you should be. - Emmanuel Oloruntoba Arotile ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not question when He is directing you, but smply obey Him.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 16Nov2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Therefore [Jesus Christ] is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Because of His deep compassion and understanding of our darkest moments and greatest fears, Jesus lives to intercede for us every moment of every day. - Laura Bailey ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Appreciate God for the intercession of Jesus Christ for you.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 15Nov2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Say to the righteous that it shall be well with them, for they shall eat the fruit of their doings. Woe to the wicked! It shall be ill with him, for the reward of his hands shall be given him” (Isaiah 3:10-11 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY While your entering the kingdom of God depends on your relationship with Jesus Christ, your rewards both on earth and in heaven depend on you. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always do good things so that good things will be your portion both here on earth and in heaven.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 14Nov2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits?" (Psalm 103:1-2 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Think of many things that the Lord has done in your life. Do not forget all His benefits. Recount them and praise the Lord. Bless the LORD, O my soul! - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that your soul and all that is within you will always praise and bless God for everything He is doing in your life.

BLESS THE LORD, O MY SOUL! (Part 2)

Dearly Beloved, BLESS THE LORD, O MY SOUL! (Part 2) "Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits?" (Psalm 103:1-2 NKJV). This is the continuation of the study on Psalms 103 and 104 started last week. We examined who God is especially in His greatness manifested in His creation which made the psalmist to exclaim to his soul to bless or praise the Lord. In this second part of the study, we will examine what God has done, is doing, and will still do for us that make Him deserve our worship, praises and thanksgiving. The psalmist urged his soul not to forget all the benefits of God. What are these benefits? He enumerated them in this Psalm 103: the Lord forgives all his sins (verse 3a); the Lord heals all his diseases (verse 3b); the Lord redeems his life from destruction (verse 4a); the Lord crowns him with love and compassion (verses 4b, 8, 11, 13, 17); and the Lord satisfies his desires with good things (verse 5). The psalmist declared that the Lord did all those things to his soul, hence, the exclamation to his soul to bless the Lord. He went further to declare other things that the Lord has done and is doing to him as well as other people: the Lord is just to the oppressed (verse 6); the Lord led the Israelites out of slavery through Moses (verse 7); the Lord is gracious and slow to anger (verses 8-10); and in His compassion and love, He treats us like children (verses 10-14). Having declared the goodness (or benefits) of God, the psalmist entreated the angels and all the heavenly hosts to join him in blessing the Lord. He even entreated you and me, His works, to also bless the Lord. Undoubtedly, you also will have many things to praise the Lord for. Think of those things. Do not forget all His benefits. Recount them and praise the Lord. Bless the LORD, O my soul! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that your soul and all that is within you will always praise and bless God for everything He is doing in your life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 13Nov2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Take pleasure in the gifts God has given to you this day. And let His glory shine through you. - Os Hillman ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY O God, let me appreciate You by utilizing the gifts You have given me to Your glory.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 12Nov2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “If you try to save your life, you will lose it. But if you give it up for me, you will surely find it” (Matthew 10:39 CEV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When we surrender our will to the will of Jesus, it means that we let go of what we want and give ourselves to God to do whatever He wants for us. He blesses this obedience in ways that cannot be imagined, though it may not be what we anticipate. - Billy Graham ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to surrender your total self to God in order to have it back in Him.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 11Nov2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “‘If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword’; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken” (Isaiah 1:19-20 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God is not a capricious God who does things without a reason. You are the major determinant of what He will do with you. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be obedient to God and do His will so that He will do well with you and make good use of you.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 10Nov2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart" (Galatians 6:9 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Determine to make your little contribution even if it will be unnoticed. God knows how He rewards every good act in His own way and in own time. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will make all efforts to be in the list of those that God will reward for working for and with Him in His vineyard.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 09Nov2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "It is good to give thanks to the Lord, And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, And Your faithfulness every night" (Psalm 92:1-2 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Do you have any reason to thank God? Do not be unthankful. If you think very well, you will know that it is indeed good to thank God and sing praises to His name. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to be thankful always.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 08Nov2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Better is a little with righteousness, than vast revenues without justice" (Proverbs 16:8 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Discontentment rarely has anything to do with one's financial status. Some people will never be satisfied, no matter how much they acquire. Discontentment is a thief that continues to rob us of peace and steal our integrity. - Charles R. Swindoll ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that discontentment will not rob you of your peace and integrity.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 07Nov2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD my God, You are very great: You are clothed with honor and majesty?" (Psalm 104:1 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Let your soul always bless God for who He is as He has demonstrated it in His creation especially in your life. Bless the LORD, O my soul! - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that your soul and all that is within you will always praise and bless God for who He is in your life.

BLESS THE LORD, O MY SOUL!

Dearly Beloved, BLESS THE LORD, O MY SOUL! "Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD my God, You are very great: You are clothed with honor and majesty?" (Psalm 104:1 NKJV). The book of Psalms is full of praises of, and prayers to God. Psalms 103 and 104 are distinct out of the other psalms because of their description of who God is and what He is doing to us that make Him deserve our worship, adoration, praises and thanksgiving. Let us examine first who God is in Psalm 104 before coming back to Psalm 103 to discover what He is doing for us that made the psalmist told his soul "and all that is within" him to bless or praise the Lord. The psalmist started with the greatness of God. The greatness of God is manifested in His creation: He stretches out the heavens like a tent (verse 2b); He sets the earth on its unmovable foundations (verse 5) and covers it with the deep (verse 6a); He sets the course of water (verses 6b-9); He satisfies the earth and other creatures by His work (verses 10-13); He makes the earth produce food for the animals and even man (verses 14-15); He provides dwelling place for His creatures (verses 16-18); and He marks off seasons, days and years by the sun and the moon (verses 19-23). The psalmist continues to describe how God made His creation in wisdom, and all these creatures look unto God for sustenance (verses 24-29). Having considered all these things, the psalmist concludes that the glory of God will endure for ever and that he would respond to God's greatness by singing to Him all his life and that he would find pleasure in meditating about it. The implication of this psalm is that we should always praise God for who He is as He has demonstrated it in His creation. Bless the LORD, O my soul! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that your soul and all that is within you will always praise and bless God for who He is in your life. NB Next week, we will consider the other aspect of why our soul should bless the Lord. Till then, God bless you!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 06Nov2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; or You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me" (Psalm 23:4 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The presence of God—a sense that God is near—is a gift to us as believers. Although we cannot see the Almighty in a physical way, we can know the care of our heavenly Father. - Michael Johnson ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Let me always feel Your presence with me, O God, wherever I find myself.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 05Nov2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "There is one who scatters, yet increases more; and there is one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty. The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself" (Proverbs 11:24–25 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The blessings God has graciously given you are multiplied when you freely share them with others. - Cindy Hess Kasper ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always give others generously in order to be blessed more by God.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 04Nov2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Make sure that no one misses out on God’s wonderful kindness. Don’t let anyone become bitter and cause trouble for the rest of you" (Hebrews 12:15 CEV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When a root of bitterness is allowed to be planted and grown, it not only affects that person, but it also affects all others who are involved. - Os Hillman ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not allow any form of bitterness to affect you or people around you through you.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 03Nov2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full" (John 16:24 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God does not want us to get to a stage of not asking Him of things. - Israel Adelani Akanji ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to always go to the Lord in prayer in any situation you find yourself.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 02Nov2021

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "When you have eaten and are full, then you shall bless the Lord your God for the good land which He has given you. Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God by not keeping His commandments, His judgments, and His statutes which I command you today" (Deuteronomy 8:10-11 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY It shall be well with you! God will satisfy you with many good things. His good promise will surely come to pass in your life. However, will you not forget God when you are satisfied with the desires of your heart? Will you still remember to serve Him with what He has blessed you with? - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that your wellbeing will not make you to forget your God.