Spiritual Digest for the Day 01Jan2023

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “The Lord is good! There is no end to his faithful love. We can trust him forever and ever!” (Psalm 105:5 ERV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY No matter the situation you find yourself, you will indeed enjoy the goodness and ever faithful love of the Lord this year. You will testify to the goodness of God and many people will join you to praise God for His goodness over your life before the end of the year in Jesus' name. Amen. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Enable me to enjoy Your goodness and ever faithful love this year, O God! ______________ Welcome to the year 2023!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 31Dec2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “[God] stopped the storm and calmed the waves. The sailors were happy that the sea became calm, and he led them safely to where they wanted to go. Thank the Lord for his faithful love and for the amazing things he does for people” (Psalm 107:29-31 ERV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY No matter how loud, unwanted, or disorienting the storms of life might be, God’s notes of grace ring clear and true, reminding us of His watchful care over us. - Adam Holz ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Calm all the storms of my life, O God! ______________ Thank God for enabling you to see the last day in the year 2022!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 30Dec2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Moses answered the people, ‘Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still’” (Exodus 14:13-14 NIV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Most of our obstacles would melt away if, instead of cowering before them, we should make up our minds to walk boldly through them. - Orison SwettMarden ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always be to courageously face any challenge in life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 29Dec2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another” (John 13:34 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity. - Martin Luther King, Jr. ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always have concerns for other people around you.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 28Dec2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Everything that happens in this world happens at the time God chooses. He sets the time for birth and the time for death, the time for planting and the time for pulling up, the time for killing and the time for healing,the time for tearing down and the time for building” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-3 TEV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God’s timing is always perfect and right, and it is worth the wait. So, wait patiently for Him. - Julie Ackerman Link ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always wait for God’s time for your life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 27Dec2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “The Lord is good! There is no end to his faithful love. We can trust him forever and ever!” (Psalm 100:5 ERV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Focusing on God’s goodness is so important to your life. It gives you perspective on your darkest days when you need it the most. When you forget God’s goodness, you lose perspective and can only see the difficulty you are facing. - Rick Warren ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always focus on the goodness of God in your life no matter the situation you find yourself.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 26Dec2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him would not be lost but have eternal life” (John 3:16 ERV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY On a rescue mission designed by His Father before time began, Jesus Christ silently slipped into our world, breathed our air, felt our pain, became acquainted with our sorrows, suffered and died for our sins to show us the way out of our darkness and into His glorious light. - Chuck Swindoll ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not miss the original purpose of the first coming of Jesus Christ to this world. ______________ Happy Boxing Day!

THE FIRST NOEL

Dearly Beloved, THE FIRST NOEL "And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger'" (Luke 2:8-12 NIV). Historically, December 25 was the climax day for the celebration of Saturnalia, an ancient Roman festival in honour of the deity Saturn. However, the day has been adopted worldwide as the birth date of Jesus Christ, thereby dumping the worship of Saturn to the celebration of God the Son who "was made visible in human flesh" to "save His people from their sins" (1 Timothy 3:16; Matthew 1:21 AMP). Matthew Chapters One and Two and Luke Chapters One and Two chronicled the birth of Jesus Christ regarded as the first Christmas. An unknown poet composed a popular Christmas hymn titled "THE FIRST NOEL THE ANGEL DID SAY" to portray the event. This hymn is a traditional classical English carol, most likely from the 18th century, although possibly earlier. The word Noel comes from the French word Noël meaning "Christmas", from the Latin word "natalis" that means "birthday". On the first Noel, after the birth of Jesus Christ, an angel went to certain poor shepherds as they lay in fields keeping their sheep on a cold winter's night that was so deep, and informed them that the King of Israel was born. The shepherds looked up and saw a star shining in the east beyond them far. The star gave great light to the earth as it continued to shine both day and night. By the light of that same star some wise men came from a far country. Their intent was to seek for the King, and to follow the star wherever it went. This star drew near to the northwest and took its rest over Bethlehem, right over the place where Jesus was laid. The wise men entered in full reverence upon their knees, and offered there in His presence their gifts made of gold, and myrrh, and frankincense. The unknown poet then concluded his hymn with this great lesson: "let us all with one accord sing praises to our heavenly Lord; that hath made heaven and earth of nought, and with his blood mankind hath bought." As we are celebrating Christmas this year, let us worship the King, Jesus Christ, with our lives and everything that we have for what He has done for us through His coming to the world. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year (2023) in advance! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will celebrate this Christmas by really worshiping the King, Jesus Christ, with your life and everything that you have for what He has done for you through His coming to the world.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 25Dec2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger’” (Luke 2:8-12 NIV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY As we are celebrating Christmas this year, let us worship the King, Jesus Christ, with our lives and everything that we have for what He has done for us through His coming to the world. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will celebrate this Christmas by really worshiping the King, Jesus Christ, with your life and everything that you have for what He has done for you through His coming to the world.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 24Dec2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The Christmas in a nutshell: the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. If you want to really celebrate Christmas, then let this truth become incarnational in your life. Let the eternal Word penetrate your everyday life by being like Christ in everyday life. When He is seen in you, then Christmas is really being celebrated. - Skip Heitzig ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that the eternal Word, Jesus Christ, will really be seen in you by being like Christ as you celebrate this Christmas, and throughout the days of your life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 23Dec2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! The Father is a merciful God, who always gives us comfort. He comforts us when we are in trouble, so that we can share this same comfort with others in trouble” (2 Corinthians 1:3–4 CEV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God’s loving ways of comforting us are many and varied. He may give us a Scripture verse that encourages us to continue on, or He may have someone send a special note or prompt a friend to give us a call that touches our spirit. While the struggle may not go away, because God bends down low to help us, we can get up and pedal on. - Anne Cetas ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Comfort me, O God, in my trouble and enable me to comfort others in their times of trouble.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 22Dec2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Share your plans with the Lord, and you will succeed. The Lord has a reason for everything he does...” (Proverbs 16:3-4a CEV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY I know who holds the future, and I know who holds my hand. With God things do not just happen, everything by Him is planned: so as I face tomorrow with its problems large and small, I will trust the God of miracles. - A. B. Smith ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to trust God who holds your future.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 21Dec2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “The Lord is close to those who have suffered disappointment. He saves those who are discouraged” (Psalm 34:18 ERV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God shares the pain of every single person—including you. When you are hurting, He is not distant, aloof, or unfeeling. He is aware of your pain, and He cares. And He even shares the pain with you. - Rick Warren ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY O God, let me feel Your presense in my trying times.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 20Dec2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “The wise men came to the house where the child [Jesus Christ] was with his mother Mary. They bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened the boxes of gifts they had brought for him. They gave him treasures of gold, frankincense, and myrrh” (Matthew 2:11 ERV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Celebrating a right Christmas requires that you make Jesus the Object of worship and love Him with all your heart, mind and strength. Let this Christmas be a season of your true worship of God. - Victor Akerele ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Jesus Christ, help me to make this Christmas a season of my true worship of You.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 19Dec2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21 NIV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY As you celebrate this Christmas, think of how you will lead others to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ so that they also will not be celebrating Christmas without Christ. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Jesus Christ, help me not to celebrate this Christmas without You.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 18Dec2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem.... After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was” (Matthew 2:1, 9 NIV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Where is your "Herod's palace"? Where are you seeking help outside of God's will and purpose for your life? Come back to God and allow Him to lead you to your divine destination. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not seek help outside of God's will and purpose for your life.

HEROD'S PALACE

Dearly Beloved, HEROD'S PALACE "After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem.... After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was" (Matthew 2:1, 9 NIV). The Lord revealed to some wise men from the East (or simply, the Magi) through a special star that a King was born. They decided to come and pay homage to the King. The star led them to Israel. Because there was a famous king in land that time, King Herod the Great, the Magi thought that the best and right place for the birth of the newly born King must be in the palace of Herod in Jerusalem, so they abandoned the guidance of the star and went to the palace to inquire of the newly born King. However, they were surprised to discover that even King Herod and all his wise men were not aware of the birth of the new King. They only knew from prophecy that such King would be born in a remote town called Bethlehem. Herod then told the Magi to find out about the newly-born King in Bethlehem. Interestingly, when the Magi came out of Herod's palace, the abandoned star led them to the right place. Similarly, God has given a specific vision to some people, but they have, on many occasions, abandoned God's guidance and relied on human wisdom to pursue the vision. Many have even abandoned God and relied on themselves or other people to accomplish their God-given vision. Until such people return to God and follow His guidance, they will not reach their God-assigned destination. According to the Bible, "This is what the Lord says: 'Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the Lord. He will be like a bush in the wastelands; he will not see prosperity when it comes. He will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit'" (Jeremiah 17:5-8 NIV). Where is your "Herod's palace"? Where are you seeking help outside of God's will and purpose for your life? Come back to God and allow Him to lead you to your divine destination. As the Magi rejoiced and worshipped Jesus, you also will rejoice and worship God soon in Jesus' name. Amen. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year (2023) in advance! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will not seek help outside of God's will and purpose for your life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 17Dec2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The difference between success and failure, mediocrity or excellence, is character. Along with character is the importance of opportunity, but perhaps most crucial, is the grace of God. - Yemi Osinbajo ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace that makes one to exceed above every effort in life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 16Dec2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY We have a Savior who understands and offers His peace in the midst of our struggles. - Bill Crowder ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Thank God for the Saviour that understands and offers His peace in the midst of your struggles.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 15Dec2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY While it is good to decently celebrate the Child that was born in Bethlehem, it is far better to believe in the Son that was given during that event for the salvation of humankind. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Believe in the Son (Jesus Christ) that was given to the world, if you have not done so.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 14Dec2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “You are the salt for everyone on earth. But if salt no longer tastes like salt, how can it make food salty? All it is good for is to be thrown out and walked on. You are the light for the whole world. A city built on top of a hill cannot be hidden, and no one lights a lamp and puts it under a clay pot. Instead, it is placed on a lampstand, where it can give light to everyone in the house. Make your light shine, so others will see the good you do and will praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:13-16 CEV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling. Live your life so that when you die, you are the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying. - Author Unknown ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will have positive impacts on the lives of people that come your way.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 13Dec2022

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 12Dec2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “[The LORD] said to me, ‘Son of man, have you seen what the elders of the house of Israel are doing in the darkness, each at the shrine of his own idol? They say, “The LORD does not see us; the LORD has forsaken the land.”’ Again, he said, ‘You will see them doing things that are even more detestable’” (Ezekiel 8:12-13 NIV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY You may hide things from man. You cannot hide them from God. If nobody sees you, God does! - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that God will deliver you from secret/hidden sins. ______________ Have a blessed week.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 11Dec2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music... Let the sea resound, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy; let them sing before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity” (Psalm 98:4-9 NIV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY It is indeed joy to the world that the Lord Jesus Christ has come to make His blessings flow as far as the curse of sin is found. It also is joy to the world that the Lord Jesus Christ will come in the future to rule the world with truth and grace, and make the nations prove the glories of His righteousness and wonders of His love. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will indeed experience the joy of the coming of Jesus Christ to the world.

JOY TO THE WORLD! THE LORD IS COME

Dearly Beloved, JOY TO THE WORLD! THE LORD IS COME “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord’” (Luke 2:10-11 NIV). We are in another Christmas season! It has been a season set apart to commemorate the birth of our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ over two thousand years ago. Undoubtedly, the season is one of the most celebrated worldwide. Interestingly, there have been many arguments for and against the season. Some say that the season has a pagan origin. Others rightly observe that December 25 could not be the birthday of Jesus Christ. However, most people that celebrate the season devote it to the birth of Jesus Christ. No matter your position about the season, the birth of Jesus Christ was an historical fact, and is worthy of celebration not only during this season, but throughout the year. In 1719, Isaac Watts (1674-1748), also known as the “Father of English Hymnology”, wrote the lyrics of one of the most popular Christmas hymns that explains the reasons of the birth of Jesus Christ. The title of the hymn is “JOY TO THE WORLD! THE LORD IS COME.” Ironically, Watts never intended his hymn for Christmas use. Instead, he simply intended to paraphrase the words of Psalm 98: “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music... Let the sea resound, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy; let them sing before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity” (verses 4-9 NIV). In fact, Watts wrote the lyrics of this hymn as a hymn glorifying Christ’s triumphant return at the end of the age, rather than a song celebrating His first coming. Nevertheless, the hymn is also suitable for His first coming. It is indeed joy to the world that the Lord Jesus Christ has come to make His blessings flow as far as the curse of sin is found. It also is joy to the world that the Lord Jesus Christ will come in the future to rule the world with truth and grace, and make the nations prove the glories of His righteousness and wonders of His love. People of all races should, therefore, rejoice and celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ. However, as you are rejoicing, you should prepare room for Him in your heart. Yes! Prepare room for Him in your heart especially at this Christmas time when so many things can distract you from your faith. Remember Christ’s first coming as a humble King and Saviour. Reflect on the certainty of His return as Judge over all. As you think on these precious truths, you will experience the best feeling of all - the joy of knowing "the Lord is come" into your heart. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will indeed experience the joy of the coming of Jesus Christ to the world.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 10Dec2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory” (1 Timothy 3:16 KJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The great mystery of the incarnation is the crux and the core of the Christian message. It is the mystery over which the rationalists stumble, by which the humanists are offended, and by which the world is bewildered. - Billy Graham ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Accept the God that manifested in the flesh today if you have not done so.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 09Dec2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The knowledge that God has loved me beyond all limits will compel me to go into the world to love others in the same way. - Oswald Chambers ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, Lord, to be tenderhearted and love others as You have loved me.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 08Dec2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so” (Psalm 107:1-2 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY O for a thousand tongues to sing my great Redeemer's praise, the glories of my God and King, the triumphs of His grace. – Charles Wesley ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY I thank You, O God, for Your bountiful mercies over my life!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 07Dec2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “The Son of Man came to find lost people and save them” (Luke 19:10 ERV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The God of Eternity is looking to pour out the riches of his salvation to anyone willing to admit his spiritual poverty. He is willing to heal anyone who is willing to admit that he is spiritually wounded. He is seeking to find anyone who is willing to admit he is lost. He is eager to heal those who are broken and sick. - Kenneth L. Pierpont ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY I submit myself as I am to You, O Lord. Heal and save me from my spiritual poverty.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 06Dec2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “So I will look to the Lord for help. I will wait for God to save me. My God will hear me” (Micah 7:7 ERV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY If you keep your eyes on your pain, you will not be able to look up. But if you keep your eyes on your Savior, you are going to walk through difficulty with His grace. - Rick Warren ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to always look unto You in any situation I find myself.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 05Dec2022

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. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition” (1 Timothy 6:6-9 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The good life — the one that truly satisfies — exists only when we stop wanting a better one. It is the condition of savoring what is rather than longing for what might be. The itch for things, the lust for more — so brilliantly injected by those who peddle them—is a virus draining our souls of happy contentment. - Charles Swindoll ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Give me the spirit of contentment, O God!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 04Dec2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “…always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20, NIV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Eating food and drinking water may be ones of those things that are ordinary and normal to us, but they are indeed ones of the miracles of God. It is when they mistakenly pass through the wrong passage or when we are unable to eat because of an ailment that we appreciate them as miracles. So, always be grateful to God not only for providing your foods, but also for enabling you "to perform the miracle" without any accident during the act. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O God, to always appreciate You for the seemly ordinary and normal routines of life.

THE MIRACLE OF EATING

Dear Beloved, THE MIRACLE OF EATING “…always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20, NIV). “…give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV). The Yoruba people have a form of greetings for every occasion. One of such forms of greetings, especially to someone eating, is translated literally, "The food will pass through the right passage." Such a form of greetings may not be meaningful to a novice in physiology or somebody who does not care about how the food we eat, and even the water we drink, get to their destination in the stomach before the digestive process commences. Such ignorance and/or carelessness do not make people appreciate God for the miracle of eating and even drinking water. To them, eating and drinking water are one of such normal routines of life. However, they are indeed miracles. Interestingly, some Yoruba people jokingly tell someone eating that he is performing a miracle. (The word "miracle" in Yoruba etymologically means "the opening of the mouth.") Eating food and drinking water may be one of those things that are ordinary and normal to us, but they are indeed one of the miracles of God. It is when they mistakenly pass through the wrong passage or when we are unable to eat because of an ailment that we appreciate them as miracles. For this reason, we should always be grateful to God for providing our foods and enabling us "to perform the miracle" without any accident during the act. We should also learn to thank Him for other seemly ordinary and normal routines of life. For "The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end" (Lamentations 3:22 RSV). Lord, thank you for the miracle of eating! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Help me, O God, to always appreciate you for the seemly ordinary and normal routines of life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 03Dec2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Don’t get tired of helping others. You will be rewarded when the time is right, if you don’t give up. We should help people whenever we can, especially if they are followers of the Lord” (Galatians 6:9-10 CEV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Do all the good you can; by all the means you can; in all the ways you can; in all the places you can; at all the times you can; to all the people you can; as long as ever you can. - John Wesley ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to help other people wherever you find yourself!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 02Dec2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12 NIV). *********** 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, O Lord, to always number my days aright.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 01Dec2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10 NIV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY What a comfort to know that God is always with us - we do not need to go through life alone! - Cindy Hess Kasper ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always experience the presence of God.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 30Nov2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love” (Revelation 2:2-4 NIV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Do not be afraid of any opposition or persecution in the ministry God has called you into. When persecution comes, remember that God knows how He will deliver you from such persecution. Therefore, stand fast. He depends on you, and He will not let you down. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, Lord, to be able to endure hardship to the end.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 29Nov2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith — of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire — may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed” (1 Peter 1:6-7 NIV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful. - Joshua J. Marine ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, Lord, to always face my challenges until I overcome them.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 28Nov2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, ‘Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.’ And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. Then he said to me, ‘Write: “Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!”’ And he said to me, ‘These are the true sayings of God’ (Revelation 19:6–9 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Some of our hopes and desires might not be fulfilled right away, and some might only be met through God after we die. Whatever our longing, we can trust in Him, knowing He loves us unceasingly. And, one day, we will be reunited with loved ones as we feast with Him and give thanks to Him. - Amy Boucher Pye ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY O God, grant my hopes and my desires according to Your wisdom and love for me.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 27Nov2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Rejoice in the Lord, you who are righteous, and praise his holy name” (Psalm 97:12 NIV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY If God can be good to us in many ways, then we have to appreciate Him by serving Him joyfully even if He does not do, or has not done, what we want Him to do for us. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Let me be always appreciating You, O Lord!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 26Nov2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Consider [God's] teaching as precious as your own eyes. Obey [God's] commands, and you will have a good life” (Proverbs 7:2 ERV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God is not looking for magnificent specimens of humanity. He is looking for deeply spiritual, genuinely humble, honest-to-the-core servants who have integrity. - Charles Swindoll ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to always value God’s teaching and be honest in whatever you do.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 25Nov2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need” (Philippians 4:11-12 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY We have a good life when we manage to live with both satisfied and unsatisfied needs, when we are not obsessed by what is beyond our reach. - Kjell Magne Bondevik ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not be obsessed by what is beyond your reach.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 24Nov2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God — he and his whole family” (Acts 16:34 NIV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Happy day, happy day, when Jesus washed my sins away! He taught me how to watch and pray, and live rejoicing every day; Happy day, happy day, when Jesus washed my sins away. - Philip Doddridge ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will continue to have the inner joy and peace of salvation in the Saviour Jesus Christ.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 23Nov2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9 NIV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The majority of people meet with failure because of their lack of persistence in creating new plans to take the place of those that fail. - Napoleon Hill ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always persist in pursuing your life goal.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 22Nov2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “My frame was not hidden from You [God], when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them” (Psalm 139:15-16 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God's hand on your life may be just beginning to make its mark. That steep hill you have been climbing for such a long time may be the ramp to a destiny beyond your dreams. - Charles Swindoll ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Fulfil Your purpose in my life, O Lord!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 21Nov2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty” (Proverbs 21:5 NLT). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Prior planning, preparation and practice prevent poor performance. - James Baker ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to be consciously planning and preparing for my endeavours to prevent poor performance.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 20Nov2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds. Woe to the wicked! Disaster is upon them! They will be paid back for what their hands have done” (Isaiah 3:10-11 NIV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY What would be your portion if God decides to reward people according to their deeds today? Would you be rewarded with good things or with bad things? While your entering His kingdom 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.

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR PORTION?

Dearly Beloved, WHAT WOULD BE YOUR PORTION? “Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds. Woe to the wicked! Disaster is upon them! They will be paid back for what their hands have done” (Isaiah 3:10-11 NIV). Every right thinking man wants good things happen to him. He wishes good things for himself. He does good things to himself. Nevertheless, good things cannot be his portion if he is not good to other people. The Lord told Prophet Isaiah to inform His people about what He planned to do for them according to what they were doing: good things for the righteous and disaster for the wicked. This is not a matter of either God is good or not. It is a matter of reaping what one sows. Consider the following verses: “He who is pregnant with evil and conceives trouble gives birth to disillusionment. He who digs a hole and scoops it out falls into the pit he has made. The trouble he causes recoils on himself; his violence comes down on his own head” (Psalm 7:14-16, NIV). “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life” (Galatians 6:7-8, NIV). “Let him who does wrong continue to do wrong; let him who is vile continue to be vile; let him who does right continue to do right; and let him who is holy continue to be holy. Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done” (Revelation 22:11-12 NIV). What would be your portion if God decides to reward people according to their deeds today? Would you be rewarded with good things or with bad things? While your entering His kingdom depends on your relationship with Jesus Christ, your rewards both on earth and in heaven depend on you. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: 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 19Nov2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Luke 12:7 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God knows you intimately. He knows every small problem you are worried about and every single burden you have. And when you approach Him for help, He has all the time for you as if no one else exists. That is how valuable you are to Him and how absorbed He is in you! - Joseph Prince ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to depend on God who knows you intimately no matter what you may be passing through.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 18Nov2022

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 We are injured and hurt emotionally, not so much by other people or what they say and don't say, but by our own attitude and our own response. - Maxwell Maltz ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not allow what others do to you to hurt you emotionally, but that you will be able to respond to it maturely.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 17Nov2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Learn to go for what you believe with a mindset fixed on the end result and not on the challenges in the process. - Emmanuel Oloruntoba Arotile ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to believe in yourself and bring out the best in you.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 16Nov2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “It troubled the Lord to see them in trouble, and his angel saved them. The Lord was truly merciful, so he rescued his people. He took them in his arms and carried them all those years” (Isaiah 63:9 CEV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Even when our situation looks difficult, we can trust that God is leading. He already knows what we will need when we get there. - Dave Branon ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to be able to trust in You even when I do not know what to do.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 15Nov2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Forget what happened long ago! Don't think about the past. I am creating something new. There it is! Do you see it? I have put roads in deserts, streams in thirsty lands” (Isaiah 43:18-19 CEV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past, you cannot go on well in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches. - Author Unknown ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, not to dwell on my past failures, but always look ahead unto You for a brighter future.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 14Nov2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps” (Proverbs 16:9 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY If your plan is not in the plan of God for your life, it is a useless plan. - Peter Taiwo Oke ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always align your plans to the plan of God for your life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 13Nov2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘When you take a census of the Israelites to count them, each one must pay the LORD a ransom for his life at the time he is counted. Then no plague will come on them when you number them’” (Exodus 30:11-12 NIV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY We owe God our lives, and we have to be appreciating Him for the gift of life He has given us. Giving of money to the cause of the gospel is just one of the numerous ways to appreciate God for our lives. The most important appreciation we can give God is our life. Only an ingrate and a fool will disregard God and do not appreciate God for his life. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to give my life totally to You in appreciation of the life You have given me.

HOW WOULD YOU APPRECIATE GOD?

Dearly Beloved, HOW WOULD YOU APPRECIATE GOD? "Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘When you take a census of the Israelites to count them, each one must pay the LORD a ransom for his life at the time he is counted. Then no plague will come on them when you number them’" (Exodus 30:11-12, NIV). As the people of Israel were coming out of slavery in the land of Egypt, God gave them many laws that would guide them as a peculiar nation to Him. Among these laws was the atonement money to be paid to the sanctuary when men from twenty years and above were being counted as part of the military force. In contrast to other offerings, the rich were not to give more, nor the poor less (verse 15). This was to point out that the souls of the rich and poor are alike precious, and that God is no respecter of persons. This particular offering was to be paid as a ransom of the soul, so that "no plague will come on them". Thus they acknowledged that they received their lives from God, that they had surrendered their lives to Him, and that they depended upon His power and patience for the continuance of them; and hence, they did homage to the God of their lives. Most of these laws including this one are not applicable to us today because we are not under the law but under the grace of God. However, there is a lesson for us today from such law: we owe God our lives, and we have to be appreciating Him for the gift of life He has given us. Giving of money to the cause of the gospel is just one of the numerous ways to appreciate God for our lives. The most important appreciation we can give God is our life. This was what the Macedonian churches did. "They gave themselves first to the Lord..." (2 Corinthians 8:1, 5, NIV). Then, they did other kinds of giving to appreciate God. How would you appreciate God for your life? What would you use to appreciate God for everything He is doing in your life? While many ministers of God would emphasize giving of money, have you considered firstly giving of your whole life back unto Him as your appreciation for that life? He deserves nothing less than that from you. Only an ingrate and a fool will disregard God and do not appreciate Him for his life. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Help me, O Lord, to give my life totally to You in appreciation of the life You have given me.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 12Nov2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “So be very careful how you live. Live wisely, not like fools. I mean that you should use every opportunity you have for doing good, because these are evil times. So don’t be foolish with your lives, but learn what the Lord wants you to do” (Ephesians 5:15-17 ERV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Planning is a matter of stewardship. Your life is God’s gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God. - Rick Warren ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to always live as You want.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 11Nov2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over [with no space left for more]. For with the standard of measurement you use [when you do good to others], it will be measured to you in return” (Luke 6:38 AMP). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Show me your hands. Do they have scars from giving? Show me your feet. Are they wounded in service? Show me your heart. Have you left a place for divine love? - Fulton J. Sheen ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to be able to make positive impact in the lives of people around me.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 10Nov2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “At the time of harvest [God] will say to the reapers, ‘First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn’” (Matthew 13:30 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Be ready for the last harvest when God will “reap” you and place you in the place that you rightly belong. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will live your life in a way that God will be able to harvest you into His presence forever.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 09Nov2022

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 Gratitude is an attitude that hooks us up to our source of supply. The more grateful you are, the closer you become to your Maker, to the Architect of the universe, to the spiritual core of your being. - Bob Proctor ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY O Lord, help me to be more grateful so as to be closer to You.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 08Nov2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it” (Hebrews 13:2 NASU). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY As followers of Jesus, we are called to be hospitable, to be a “hospital” that helps those who are going through life’s storms and need restoration. We can be used by the Lord because He has provided for us. - Marvin Williams ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always be hospitable to other people.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 07Nov2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23-24 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Serving God should be a response to who God is to us, what God has done for us and what we know by faith that He will still do for us – not what people will do for us. - Israel Adelani Akanji ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always serve God and the humanity not because of what you will get, but because you want to serve.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 06Nov2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name” (1 Chronicles 29:12-13 NIV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY As we move gradually to the end of another year, ponder the blessings of God you have enjoyed this year. These blessings are not by your power, knowledge, or experience. They are by the grace of God. Do not be ungrateful. Express your heart of gratitude to the Lord for all the blessings you have received this year. Do not wait until the end of the year before doing so. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY O Lord, do not let me be ungrateful for all Your blessings over my life.

FOR ALL THE BLESSINGS OF THE YEAR

Dearly Beloved, FOR ALL THE BLESSINGS OF THE YEAR “Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name” (1 Chronicles 29:12-13 NIV). Little is known about the composer of the hymn “FOR ALL THE BLESSINGS OF THE YEAR,” Albert H. Hutchinson. An unverified online source states that he was born in 1880 and lived for sixty years. Hutchinson likely composed the hymn in 1909. Apart from this information about the year of the composition of the hymn, there is no other available information about the historical background to the hymn. The music (OLDBRIDGE) to the hymn is ascribed to Robert Newton Quaile, a son of a Methodist pastor who lived between 1867 and 1927. The lyrics of the hymn show that the author was full of gratitude for everything God had done for him throughout the year. The hymn possibly has inspiration from 1 Chronicles 29:12-13 as cited above. This three-stanza hymn is a hymn of thanksgiving. Numerous people have sung it to express their gratitude to God since the composition of the hymn. Every Christian, and indeed every human being, should always be grateful to God for everything God is doing to them. Everyone should heed the admonition of Apostle Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “…give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” We should “enter [God’s] gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name” (Psalm 100:4). In the first stanza of the hymn, the composer expressed his thanksgiving to the Lord for blessings that He, the Lord, has given throughout the year. These blessings include dear friends and the peace that these people are enjoying. This divine peace transcends human understanding (see John 14:27; Philippians 4:7). The composer continued in the second stanza to thank the Lord for what ordinarily could be regarded as “common things.” These things – life, health, home and the like – are not common or ordinary. They are by the power and grace of God (Zechariah 4:6; Ephesians 2:8). The composer concluded his thanksgiving by recognizing the divine love that never ceases. This great love is renewed every moment in the life of a child of God (see Lamentations 3:22-23). Instead of being consumed, the life of a child of God is being warmed by the everlasting love that the composer tagged “heavenly fires.” The Lord is gracious to His people. He is demonstrating this every day through what He is doing in their lives. His people should be grateful for all these blessings. As we move gradually to the end of another year, ponder the blessings of God you have enjoyed this year. These blessings are not by your power, knowledge or experience. They are by the grace of God. Do not be ungrateful. Express your heart of gratitude to the Lord for all the blessings you have received this year. Do not wait till the end of the year before doing so. FOR ALL THE BLESSINGS OF THE YEAR, I THANK YOU, O LORD! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: O Lord, do not let me be ungrateful for all Your blessings over my life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 05Nov2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, ‘Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it’” (Numbers 13:30 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Stand up to your obstacles and do something about them. You will find that they have not half the strength you think they have. - Norman Vincent Peale ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to be able to stand up to your obstacles.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 04Nov2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Be merciful (responsive, compassionate, tender) just as your [heavenly] Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36 AMP). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Jesus Christ is calling us to demonstrate mercy in our damaged and needy world, by being merciful people like our heavenly Father. - Rotimi Oluwaseyitan ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for a tender and compassionate heart in dealing with other people.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 03Nov2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Enter into [God's] gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name” (Psalm 100:4 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. - Melody Beattie ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Give me a heart of gratitude, O Lord!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 02Nov2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “You have experienced many things. Were all those experiences wasted? I hope they were not wasted!” (Galatians 3:4 ERV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Before you rush off and start a bunch of new things after going through a difficult time, God wants you to pause and consider the lessons you learned. Do not let all the pain you went through be wasted. Take time to glean the spiritual truths from everything you have experienced. - Rick Warren ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always learn from your past experiences.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 01Nov2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “At least there is hope for a tree: If it is cut down, it will sprout again, and its new shoots will not fail. Its roots may grow old in the ground and its stump die in the soil, yet at the scent of water it will bud and put forth shoots like a plant” (Job 14:7-9 NIV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The sun raises every day, and every night the star shine. If today was a disappointment, remember that the cycle of life goes on. Tomorrow will be a new start. Do not give up. You were not created to be a sluggard nor a failure. - Emmanuel Baba Isiaka ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to move on in spite of any challenge I may face.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 31Oct2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea” (Psalm 46:1-2 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY You have an ever-present help in the time of trouble that is always standing guard. Because He walks ahead of you, He can spot trouble down the road and set up a roadblock or detour accordingly. - Author Unknown ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able rely on the ever-present help of God in time of trouble.

THEY BROUGHT MORE THAN ENOUGH

Dearly Beloved, THEY BROUGHT MORE THAN ENOUGH "[The workers] said to Moses, 'The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the LORD commanded to be done.' Then Moses gave an order and they sent this word throughout the camp: 'No man or woman is to make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary.' And so the people were restrained from bringing more, because what they already had was more than enough to do all the work" (Exodus 36:5-7, NIV). For forty years, the story of the nation of Israel in the wilderness was littered with their stubbornness. Their stubbornness denied Moses the opportunity of getting to the Promised Land. However, they were not totally bad after all. They willingly brought freewill offerings to the construction of the tabernacle. In fact, they were told not to bring it again because they brought more than enough. In the days of Hezekiah, the people also brought more than enough. The priests "had enough to eat and plenty to spare because the LORD has blessed his people, and this great amount is left over" (2 Chronicles 31:10, NIV). I wonder if such can happen in our churches today. Can people give to the cause of the church and missions in excess? Has the pastor/church leader ever told the people to keep their offerings because the church had had more than enough? Giving should not be a thing that the pastors and church leaders will be monitoring. People should be ready to give willingly, out of their hearts, without compulsion or reluctantly, even beyond their ability "for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7, NIV, see also 8:3, 12; Exodus 25:2; 35:5; 1 Chronicles 29:17; Romans 12:8). Many rewards await anyone who freely gives (Proverbs 11:24-25; 22:9; Acts 20:35; 2 Corinthians 9:6). Are you also ready to give more than enough? In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will have the heart of giving that nobody will be running after you to give to humanity and the cause of God.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 29Oct2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Moses said to the Lord, ‘O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.’ So the Lord said to him, ‘Who has made man’s mouth? … go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say’” (Exodus 4:10-12 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Our impairments, our disabilities, our limitations, our handicaps are used by God for His own glory. His way of dealing with them may not be to remove them but to endow us with strength and use our limitations for good. - David H. Roper ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Use my weaknesses for Your glory, O Lord!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 28Oct2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust’” (Psalm 91:2 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Those who have put their hope in God have Someone they can rely on in every circumstance of life. - Author Unknown ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to always rely on You in any circumstance of life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 27Oct2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When the storms of life come upon us, we can rise above them by setting our minds and hearts on God. - Author Unknown ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to always depend on You in any storm of life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 26Oct2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Any bragger you correct will only hate you. But if you correct someone who has common sense, you will be loved. If you have good sense, instruction will help you to have even better sense. And if you live right, education will help you to know even more” (Proverbs 9:8-9 CEV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY If you want to be successful, expect to be criticized. Accept criticism with love and make amendment. - Rachel A. Lateju ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to accept criticism with love and make amendment where necessary.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 25Oct2022

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 24Oct2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “And Moses said to the people, ‘Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace’” (Exodus 14:13-14 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Standing still is sometimes the greatest action we can do, although it is the most difficult thing to do in the Christian walk. Stand still when God says stand and see the deliverance of the Lord. - Os Hillman ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to know when to stand still and see Your deliverance.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 23Oct2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “There is a time for everything…. a time to be silent and a time to speak” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7, NIV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Sometimes, we also have to keep silent to some criticisms and disapproval. We should know that everyone cannot love us and approve of our actions. No matter the accusation of people, if you are right, let God vindicate you. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that God will teach you when to keep silent in spite of opposition.

TIME TO KEEP SILENT

Dearly Beloved, TIME TO KEEP SILENT "There is a time for everything…. a time to be silent and a time to speak" (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7, NIV). "Saul also went to his home in Gibeah, accompanied by valiant men whose hearts God had touched. But some troublemakers said, "How can this fellow save us?" They despised him and brought him no gifts. But Saul kept silent" (1 Samuel 10:26-27, NIV). Samuel has just publicly anointed Saul as the first king of Israel. The people were happy that they had had what they wanted. Some even immediately enlisted themselves into his service. However, some worthless fellows looked down on him. They even voiced out their displeasure to the kingship of Saul: "How can this one deliver us?" (1 Samuel 10:27, NASU). They scorned him and did not give him the honour due to him. Saul nonetheless did something noteworthy. The Bible says he kept silent. Sometimes, we also have to keep silent to some criticisms and disapproval. We should know that everyone cannot love us and approve of our actions. Saul kept silent and waited till when God would vindicate him. The time did come. The man that was despised now turned a deliverer when the Ammonites came to disgrace the people of Israel (see 1 Samuel 11). Remember the psalmist's prayer: “Meanwhile my enemies are trying to kill me. They plot my ruin and spend all their waking hours planning treachery. But I am deaf to all their threats; I am silent before them as a man who cannot speak. I have nothing to say. For I am waiting for you, O Lord my God. Come and protect me” (Psalm 38:12-15, TLB). No matter the accusation of people, if you are right, let God vindicate you. Silence, they say, sometimes, is the best answer to a fool. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that God will teach you when to keep silent in spite of opposition.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 22Oct2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Make your light shine, so that others will see the good that you do and will praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16 CEV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God has chosen us to reach out and bring light into the darkness, to light our world, to light up the lives of others, no matter how small or insignificant we may feel! - Author Unknown ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to be light to the world around you.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 21Oct2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “And the Lord will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, and are careful to observe them” (Deuteronomy 28:13 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When you do not set your heart to seek the Lord, calamity is the inevitable result. The surest way to prosper in your endeavors is to diligently pursue the will of God. - Henry Blackaby ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will earnestly seek to obey God all the days of your life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 20Oct2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up” (Psalm 5:3 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY It is not a job but a joy to spend time with Jesus and know that He prepares us for whatever lies ahead that day. - David C. McCasland ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always be able to set time apart early in the morning to spend time with Jesus.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 19Oct2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “So he left and went to his father. While the son was still a long way off, his father saw him coming and felt sorry for him. So he ran to him and hugged and kissed him” (Luke 15:20 ERV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY If you sense that you are falling out of love with God, remember that He is still faithful. He has always longed for your love and is waiting with open arms to receive you once again. If you are a prodigal child and need to return home, He will be there to greet you. Do not let your feelings of love lost for God hinder your return to Him today. - Stephen A. Macchia ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Come back to the living God NOW before it is too late if you have not done so.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 18Oct2022

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 There is security in knowing that the Lord will lead us each day, but we must not become so attached to our plans that we resist God’s redirection or His timing. - David McCasland ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY O Lord, help me not to be so attached to my plans that I miss Your timing for my life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 17Oct2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. ‘Your daughter is dead,’ they said. ‘Why bother the teacher any more?’ Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, ‘Don't be afraid; just believe’” (Mark 5:35-36 NIV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Jesus Christ can turn your seemingly hopeless situation to a testimony. When it seems there is no more hope, just believe in Him and you will see the glory of God. You will indeed testify to His goodness over that situation. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that the Lord will arise to your situation when it seems there is no more hope for you.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 16Oct2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Then the LORD said, ‘I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son’” (Genesis 18:10 NIV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY By this time next year, you will have one or more things to testify about God's goodness in your life. Do you believe it? - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Glorify Yourself in my life at Your appointed time, O Lord!

BY THIS TIME NEXT YEAR

Dearly Beloved, BY THIS TIME NEXT YEAR "Then the LORD said, 'I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son'" (Genesis 18:10 NIV). Wonders never end. Sarah and Abraham seemed to say when God told them they would have their own child "about this time next year" (Genesis 17:15-16, 19-21; 18:10, 13-14). How would a man of hundred years impregnate a woman of ninety years? Naturally, it is impossible! Sarah laughed it off, while Abraham gave God another option to fulfil His promises for his (i.e. Abraham's) life (see Genesis 17:18; 18:12). However, God insisted that His promise of making Abraham the father of many nations would be fulfilled through the son that Sarah would bear to him, "for nothing is impossible with God" (Luke 1:37 NIV. See also Genesis 18:14; Jeremiah 32:17, 27; Mark 10:27; Luke 18:27). God did fulfil His promise! In Genesis 21:1-2, the Bible says, "Now the LORD was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what he had promised. Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him" (NIV). I want to emphasize two things in this passage: a. God was gracious to Sarah: it was by the grace (the unmerited favour) of God that made God to remember her and fulfil the promise; and b. At the very time: God fulfilled His promise for Abraham and Sarah at the very appointed time, not earlier, not later, but at the very time. What are you also trusting God to do for you? Have you lost hope on it? Are you thinking of another means that God would do it for you? By this time next year, God would have done that thing for you in His own way, and at His very appointed time. God will be gracious to you and remember you for good. It may not even be up to a year. It may be less than a year, a month, a week, or even a day. Remember, the Lord spoke through prophet Elisha, "Hear the word of the LORD. This is what the LORD says: About this time tomorrow, a seah of flour will sell for a shekel and two seahs of barley for a shekel at the gate of Samaria" (2 Kings 7:1 NIV). The prophecy did happen less than a day. The officer who did not believe only saw it but never enjoyed it. By this time next year, you also will have one or more things to testify about God's goodness in your life. Do you believe it? In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Glorify Yourself in my life at Your appointed time, O Lord!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 15Oct2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “You [God] have caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water; but You brought us out to rich fulfillment” (Psalm 66:12 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Take heart if you find yourself in a place where God is testing you, and realize that if you are faithful through the tests, you will enter a place of abundance that few will ever attain. The darkest hour is just before daybreak. - Os Hillman ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to always take heart if you find yourself in a place where God is testing you.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 14Oct2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me” (Philippians 3:12 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Do not lose hold of your dreams or aspirations. For if you do, you may still exist but you have ceased to live. - Henry David Thoreau ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Do not let me lose hold of my dreams and aspirations in life, O Lord!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 13Oct2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, [God] is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us” (1 John 1:8-10 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God is willing to offer mercy to sinners, even though they do not deserve it: that is what the gospel is all about - telling the wicked that God will forgive all who repent. Those who respond embrace God's merciful and gracious love. - Paul Adams ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Repent of your sins and accept the mercy that God offers today, if you have not done so.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 12Oct2022

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 Giving thanks brings us a peace that uniquely guards our hearts and minds and changes the way we look at life. A heart full of gratitude nurtures a spirit of joy. - Elisa Morgan ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Give me a heart full of gratitude, O Lord.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 11Oct2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Sing and shout, even though you have never had children! The Lord has promised that you will have more children than someone married for a long time” (Isaiah 54:1 CEV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God’s ways of thinking, are completely the opposite of man’s ways of reasoning. His thoughts are higher than our thoughts, and His ways are superior to our ways. When God gives you a promise, He expects you to act and talk like you already received it, before He performs it. - Rotimi Oluwaseyitan ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will believe in God even when He has not fulfilled His promises in your life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 10Oct2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me” (Philippians 3:12 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Our Lord holds us in His grip of love each day—and we hold out His message of love to others. - David McCasland ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that the Lord will hold you tightly as you cling to His cross and extend His love to others.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 09Oct2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will]” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, AMP). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When there is life, there is still hope. No matter the situation, we will have causes to thank God if we ponder very well. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for a grateful heart in whatever situation you find yourself.

BE THANKFUL ALWAYS

Dearly Beloved, BE THANKFUL ALWAYS “Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will]” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, AMP). The story was told of three men that went to thank their Creator. The first one had just a piece of cloth to cover his body. He would have to be naked for the period he washed and dried the piece of cloth when it was dirty. The second had just underpants. The third one did not have anything. The first one that first expressed his heart of gratitude thanked God for the piece of cloth that he had and also thanked God that he was better than the other two men. The second one also thanked God for his situation though he had only underpants. He was grateful to God because he was not like the third man that did not have anything. One would wonder what the third man that did not have anything would thank God for, but he also expressed his heart of gratitude to God because, to him, he was better than the dead. He believed that there was still hope for him that it shall be well with him soon. This old story teaches us that we should be thankful in any situation we find ourselves in. When there is life, there is still hope. No matter the situation, we will have causes to thank God if we ponder very well. That hymn writer (Johnson Oatman, Jr.) said: When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed, When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings, name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done. Lord, I thank you for who I am and all what you have done, is doing, and will still do for me. Thank you Jesus! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray for a grateful heart in whatever situation you find yourself.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 08Oct2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Blessed [happy, spiritually prosperous, favored by God] is the man who is steadfast under trial and perseveres when tempted; for when he has passed the test and been approved, he will receive the [victor’s] crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12 AMP). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY If we learn to handle life's trials correctly, we will experience God's blessings now—and receive God's rewards in eternity. - Charles R. Swindoll ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to learn to handle life's trials correctly.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 07Oct2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “But God showed how much he loved us by having Christ die for us, even though we were sinful” (Romans 5:8 CEV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe; yet, at the very same time, we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope. - Tim Keller ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Accept the amazing grace of Jesus Christ today if you have not done so.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 06Oct2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY As we choose to walk God’s path, we can expect to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, and to be changed into his image. - Becky Brooks ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to walk in Your path so as to be transformed by the renewing of my mind.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 05Oct2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Do not rejoice over me, my enemy; when I fall, I will arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me” (Micah 7:8 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Life has many different chapters; one bad chapter doesn’t mean it’s the end of the book. - Author Unknown ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that a bad chapter in your life will not ruin the good chapters therein.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 04Oct2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Don’t you see, you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good, as you see all around you right now — life for many people” (Genesis 50:20 MSG). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The devil may throw obstacles and evil circumstances at you, but God will turn those evil schemes around for your greater blessing because He is for you! - Joseph Prince ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Turn the evil schemes of the devil against me around for my greater blessing, O God!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 03Oct2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; or so He gives His beloved sleep” (Psalm 127:1-2 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY We may try all our best but unless God comes to our aid, we will fail in the end. It is because we have been doing so many things on our own that we have not received the kind of help we need from God. - Israel Adelani Akanji ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Let me not depend on my ability or experience, but on You, O Lord!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 02Oct2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “We may think we are doing the right thing, but the Lord always knows what is in our hearts. (Proverbs 21:2 CEV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY What is your intention in initiating a plan, suggestion, program, or even a ministry? The Lord knows your heart, and He will reward you accordingly. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always have good intentions in initiating or supporting any plan, suggestion, or program.

WHOSE INTEREST?

Dearly Beloved, WHOSE INTEREST? “But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said, “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it” (John 12:4-6, NKJV). Judas Iscariot condemned the act of Mary, Martha's sister, who came to anoint the feet of Jesus Christ with expensive perfume. He argued that the “wasted” perfume should be sold, and the sale proceeds should be given to the poor. One would have thought that he really had the interest of the poor in mind when he gave the suggestion, but it was revealed that he did not have the interest of the poor but his own selfish interest. He just used the poor as a cover-up for his own personal interest. Many people have the same attitude as that of Judas Iscariot. They have good plans, suggestions and programs for the less privileged and others around them, but in most cases, the benefits of these good things are not for the people; their original intention is how they – the originators of the plans, suggestions and programs – will benefit from such action. Yes, there are good plans, suggestions and programs that are purely designed for the less privileged and other people, and the originator of these plans, suggestions and programs have a genuine interest in the people they designed them for. However, what is your intention in initiating a plan, suggestion, program, or even a ministry? Whose interest are you in initiating such plans, suggestions, programs or ministry? The writer of the book of Proverbs says, “We may think we are doing the right thing, but the Lord always knows what is in our hearts” (21:2, CEV). In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will always have good intentions in initiating or supporting any plan, suggestion, or program.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 01Oct2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “The Lord God has told us what is right and what he demands: ‘See that justice is done, let mercy be your first concern, and humbly obey your God’” (Micah 6:8 CEV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY If our society will develop, God expects that you must love justice, show mercy and do humility. - Supo Ayokunle ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will love justice, show mercy and do humility to develop your society. Pray especially for Nigeria as it celebrates another independence anniversary today.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 30Sep2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “A person who talks too much gets into trouble. A wise person learns to be quiet” (Proverbs 10:19 ERV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Instead of using whispers and gossip that can cause hurt and pain while serving no good purpose, we would do better to restrain ourselves and practice silence. - Bill Crowder ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to restrain yourself to be quieter than talking too much.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 29Sep2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous” (Romans 5:19 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God can do exceedingly great things through one man or woman who is willing to be obedient to His voice. - Author Unknown ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Ask for God's grace today to be obedient to His voice.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 28Sep2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Whoever can be trusted with small things can also be trusted with big things. Whoever is dishonest in little things will be dishonest in big things too. If you cannot be trusted with worldly riches, you will not be trusted with the true riches” (Luke 16:10-11 ERV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God is watching to see how you manage your finances, your time, your relationships, your health, and your opportunities. The way you manage your money is a test of your faithfulness, and it’s going to help determine what you do in heaven. - Rick Warren ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always be faithful in little things so as to be entrusted with bigger things.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 27Sep2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him For the help of His countenance” (Psalm 42:5 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Never allow life's hardships to weigh you down. No one can avoid problems. Not even saints or sages. We get better with hardships. - Oyesoji Aremu ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O God, not to let any hardship weigh me down.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 26Sep2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “I only gave them this command: ‘Obey me and I will be your God, and you will be my people. Do all that I command, and good things will happen to you’” (Jeremiah 7:23 ERV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Our obedience to the Lord may seem insignificant in the big picture, but it breathes freshness and life into the spiritual atmosphere of every believer. - David C. McCasland ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to always obey You no matter what it will cost me.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 25Sep2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “‘Lord, if it's you,’ Peter replied, ‘tell me to come to you on the water.’ ‘Come,’ he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’” (Matthew 14:28-30 NIV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY To enjoy the tranquillity of Jesus Christ in the storm of life and even walk above it without sinking, you have to remain focused on Him. Whatever the situation, He is more than able to rescue you from your storm of life. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that nothing will be able to distract you from focusing Jesus in the storm of life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 24Sep2022

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 While it is wise to watch our food consumption, it is even more important to watch our media consumption. With the wide variety of media content surrounding us today, we need to be discerning consumers. - Poh Fang Chia ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to be mindful of what I feed my mind with through social media.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 23Sep2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose” (Romans 8:28 AMP). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Rejoicing always becomes a reality when we know that all things are working together for us, even when they appear to be working against us. - Rotimi Oluwaseyitan ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O God, to always rejoice always having it in mind that You are working together in all things for my good.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 22Sep2022

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 Courage is doing what you are afraid to do. There can be no courage unless you are scared. - Eddie Rickenbacker ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will have the courage to do what you are afraid to do.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 21Sep2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Then the king said to me, ‘What do you request?’ So I prayed to the God of heaven. And I said to the king, ‘If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight...’” (Nehemiah 2:4-5a NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Do not open your mouth to man until you have opened your heart to God. - David Dunlop ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will learn how to first open your heart to God before opening your mouth to man.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 20Sep2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, ‘Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me’” (Mark 8:34 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Discipleship is a daily discipline; we follow Jesus a step at a time, a day at a time. - Warren Wiersbe ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY O Lord, help me to always follow You every day.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 19Sep2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: ‘See, I have called by name Bezalel.... And I have filled him with the Spirit of God... to design artistic works... and to work in all manner of workmanship’” (Exodus 31:1-5 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Your interest in your vocation is not born of your own making. Serve the Lord faithfully in the workplace where He has gifted you and called you. - Os Hillman ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always see profession work as a calling from God and ask for the grace to do it as a work for God and service to humanity.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 18Sep2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “When these troubles came to him, Manasseh begged for help from the Lord his God. He humbled himself before the God of his ancestors. Manasseh prayed to God and begged God to help him. The Lord heard his begging and felt sorry for him, so the Lord let him return to Jerusalem and to his throne. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord was the true God” (2 Chronicles 33:12-13 ERV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY What are your failures or things that are hurting you? Are you trying to distance yourself from them? Make them your friend and learn from them as you allow them to be your teacher. They will indeed become your stepping stones to your breakthrough. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to make failure your friend by learning from it and making it your stepping stone to your success and breakthrough in life.

MAKING FAILURE YOUR FRIEND

Dearly Beloved, MAKING FAILURE YOUR FRIEND “When these troubles came to him, Manasseh begged for help from the Lord his God. He humbled himself before the God of his ancestors. Manasseh prayed to God and begged God to help him. The Lord heard his begging and felt sorry for him, so the Lord let him return to Jerusalem and to his throne. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord was the true God” (2 Chronicles 33:12-13 ERV). Undergoing leadership studies of EQUIP® founded by the renowned author and speaker, Dr John C. Maxwell, has been fascinating to me. One of the studies which is seemingly awkward is titled “Failing Forward”. One of its lessons, the sub-titled “Make Failure Your Best Friend” is more awkward. How can one make failure one’s best friend? The writer of the lesson admitted that the idea might seem odd, but he went further to explain that “...the truth of the matter is that failure is either your friend or your enemy, and you are the one who chooses which it is. Failure will remain your enemy if you whine and complain every time you fail. But if you learn from your failures, you actually benefit from them, making failure your friend.” This can be possible if one is ready to make one’s failure a stepping stone to one’s future successes. Three biblical case studies were used to buttress this point. One, Jacob, the deceiver who became Israel, a prince with God that God used to raise a nation separated unto Himself (see Genesis 25-32). Two, Manasseh, a wicked king in Judah who God taught a lesson in the hard way by making him become a captive in a foreign land. He learnt from his failure and cried unto God. God restored him to his throne (see 2 Chronicles 33:10-20). Three, the prodigal son in Luke 15 who willfully lost himself. He accepted full responsibility for his wrong choices and returned the lost joy of his family. All these people learnt from their failures by admitting their wrongdoings and the end of their stories became desirable. Twice in Psalm 119, the psalmist endeared himself to failure. Hear him: “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word.... It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees” (Psalms 119:67, 71 NIV). What are your failures or things that are hurting you? Are you trying to distance yourself from them? Make them your friend and learn from them as you allow them to be your teacher. They will indeed become your stepping stones to your breakthrough. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray for the grace to make failure your friend by learning from it and making it your stepping stone to your success and breakthrough in life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 17Sep2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him” (Proverbs 16:7 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When you win God’s approval, all men, including your enemies, will rush at you with favour. - Gbile Akanni ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that your ways will always be pleasing to God so that you will always win His approval in all your endeavours.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 16Sep2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Even those that encourage others need to be encouraged. The next time someone encourages you, don’t forget to encourage the person too. You never know what the person may be going through. - Martha Tatum Salone ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be a source of encouragement to people you come with today.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 15Sep2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Take care that no one takes you away by force, through man's wisdom and deceit, going after the beliefs of men and the theories of the world, and not after Christ” (Colossians 2:8 BBE). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY We must be wise and sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit so that our relationship will not drag us away from Christ and the focus of our ministry. - Israel Adelani Akanji ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that your relationship with other people will not drag you away from Christ.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 14Sep2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2-4 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through the experiences of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened. Remember, the finest steel gets sent through the hottest furnace. A real winner is not one who never fails, but one who never quits! - Author Unknown ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to persevere till you achieve your life goals.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 13Sep2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:10 NKJV) *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Has God brought you to a place of nothingness? Be still and know that He really is God. When this happens, your nothingness will be turned into something you will value for the rest of your life. - Author Unknown ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to be still and see what God would do out of your situation.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 12Sep2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Clearly you are an epistle of Christ... written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart” (2 Corinthians 3:3 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The letter of our lives is not written with ordinary ink, but by the Spirit of God. God changes us by writing His Word on our hearts for others to read. - Lawrence Darmani ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to portray You well to the world.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 11Sep2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NASU). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY If you sincerely allow Jesus Christ to come into your heart, you will experience that wonderful change that happens to anyone that is in Him. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord Jesus, I sincerely invite you into my heart today. Come, and let me experience Your wonderful change in my life.

SINCE JESUS CAME INTO MY HEART

Dearly Beloved, SINCE JESUS CAME INTO MY HEART “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NASU). Honestly, I was not familiar with the hymn, SINCE JESUS CAME INTO MY HEART, until an elderly pastor sang it as a solo in one of the chapel services of my office. The way the pastor sang it made me to have an interest in the hymn and its lyrics. The hymn was written by Rufus Henry McDaniel, born in 1850 and preaching at age nineteen. In 1914, following the untimely death of his son, Rufus Henry McDaniel penned the words of this hymn as an expression of his faith and hope. Undoubtedly, the message of the hymn is captivating. If Jesus indeed has come into one’s heart, there should be obvious changes. This hymn talks about some of these changes. If Jesus has come into one’s heart, a wonderful change will occur in one’s life; there will be a light in one’s soul for which everyone has been longing. Floods of joy will roll over such a person's soul like the sea billows. Anyone that Jesus comes into his/her heart will cease from his/her wandering and going astray, and his/her sins which are many will all be washed away. Such a person will possess a steadfast and sure hope, and no dark clouds of doubt will obscure his/her pathway. There will be a light in the valley of death now for anyone who Jesus comes into his/her heart and he/she will be able to see the gates of the heavenly City beyond. In fact, he/she shall go there to dwell in that City at the end of this Age. “Since Jesus came into my heart....” Can you honestly and joyfully sing that hymn? Have you experienced that wonderful change that happens to anyone that Jesus comes into his/her heart? Jesus Christ says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20 NASU). Will you accept that He come into your heart today? If you have accepted Him before, how has your own faith in Christ transformed your life? In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Lord Jesus, I sincerely invite you into my heart today. Come, and let me experience Your wonderful change in my life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 10Sep2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “In [Jesus Christ] we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Ephesians 1:7 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY There may be some sins of which a man cannot speak, but there is no sin which the blood of Christ cannot wash away. - Charles H. Spurgeon ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Come to Jesus Christ for the cleansing of your sins through His precious blood, if you have not done so.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 09Sep2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Gideon said to [the Israelites], ‘I will not rule over you, nor shall my son rule over you; the Lord shall rule over you.’ Then Gideon said to them, ‘I would like to make a request of you, that each of you would give me the earrings from his plunder.’ ...Then Gideon made it into an ephod and set it up in his city, Ophrah. And all Israel played the harlot with it there. It became a snare to Gideon and to his house” (Judges 8:23-27 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Be very careful lest you are tempted to idolise your victory! This is why victory must be celebrated within the bounds of humility. If success is not well managed, it will become a snare to the successful. - Enoch A. Adeboye ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not allow any success to turn you against God.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 08Sep2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “So He said to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life’” (Luke 18:29-30 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY There is almost nothing that God will not do for the person who really wants to help other people. In fact, God guarantees that if you will concentrate on blessing others, He will take care of your needs. - Rick Warren ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always be a channel of God's blessings to people around you.