Spiritual Digest for the Day 01Sep2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Then [God] brought him outside and said, ‘Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.’ And He said to [Abram], ‘So shall your descendants be’ And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness” (Genesis 15:5-6 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God has a purpose for each of us. And when we obey that call, He equips us with everything we need, and sends us on a journey of new and wondrous beginnings. - Author Unknown ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Enable me, O Lord, to always obey You so that Your purpose for my life will come to pass.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 31Aug2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Mark 14:38 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY We need to be alert to the possibilities of an attack and pray to maintain vigilance. If we remain watchful and pray, the Spirit will enable us to resist temptation. - Keila Ochoa ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always be watchful and prayerful to be able to resist any temptation.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 30Aug2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Don’t do wrong to anyone to pay them back for doing wrong to you. Or don’t insult anyone to pay them back for insulting you. But ask God to bless them. Do this because you yourselves were chosen to receive a blessing” (1 Peter 3:9 ERV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY There should not be any reason whatsoever for cursing other people. Even when people do things that deserve your curse, bless them and leave room for God to judge. You are called to be a blessing to others. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not curse, but be a blessing to others, including even your enemies.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 29Aug2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “But I will hope continually, and will praise You yet more and more” (Psalm 71:14 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Regardless of how we feel, if we lift up the name of Jesus, He will remove the cloud of discouragement surrounding us and give us His power and strength. - Michael Youssef ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY May Your praise, Lord, continually be on my lips, even when it is hard to praise You.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 28Aug2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth — Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the Lord” (Psalm 40:1-3 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY No matter the situation, God can surprisingly, against all odds, turn any state of barrenness to fruitfulness. If you can patiently wait for the Lord, He will hear your cry. He will turn your barrenness of any kind to fruitfulness. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to patiently wait for the Lord as He turns your barrenness to fruitfulness.

FROM BARRENNESS TO FRUITFULNESS

Dearly Beloved, FROM BARRENNESS TO FRUITFULNESS “I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth — Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the Lord” (Psalm 40:1-3 NKJV). Scientifically, the average age of a woman having her last period (or menstrual circle) is 50. This is called menopause. However, some women may have their last period in their forties, and some may have it later in their fifties. A woman who has reached her menopause has little or no chance of getting pregnant. In spite of this scientific fact, recently, two women in their sixties (in different locations in Nigeria) gave birth to sets of twins after thirty years of marriage! Both of them were in the news, and people marvelled at the miracles that occurred in their lives. Honestly, I am lifted up by their stories. Probably, these women and those that know them might have lost hope of childbearing. However, against all odds, God surprised them. For somebody familiar with stories of the Holy Bible, such stories of childbirth at old age were not new. God has been defying nature to surprise some people by giving them children in their old age when all hope of childbearing was lost. The cases of Sarah and Elizabeth were good examples. Both of them, with their husbands, had lost hope of having biological children, but God turned their barrenness to fruitfulness. Barrenness does not have to do only with childbearing. Other synonyms of barrenness are infertility, sterility, unfruitfulness, unproductiveness, emptiness, desolateness, bleakness, and the likes. One may be barren academically, financially, professionally, materially, socially, psychologically, politically, and, worse, spiritually. Because of the circumstances surrounding these states of barrenness, one may have lost hope or have little hope of productivity. However, no matter the situation, God can surprisingly, against all odds, turn any state of barrenness to fruitfulness. Like the writer of Psalm 40:1-3, if you can also patiently wait for the Lord, He will incline you and hear your cry. He will turn your barrenness of any kind to fruitfulness. He will set your feet upon a rock and establish your steps. He will put a new song in your mouth. Many will indeed see it and fear, and they will trust in the Lord. From barrenness to fruitfulness! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray for the grace to patiently wait for the Lord as He turns your barrenness to fruitfulness.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 27Aug2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Our struggles not only give us an opportunity to experience His comfort, but they also open the door for us to share that comfort with others in their struggles. - Bill Crowder ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to use your past experiences to minister to others that are going through similar ones now.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 26Aug2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “I will lift up my eyes to the hills—from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY As we trust and obey God, we can look ahead with hope, knowing we are within the protective boundaries of His wisdom and love. - Karen Huang ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY O Lord, be my Help as I look unto You.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 25Aug2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When fear is overwhelming, the Lord is there. His comforting presence will carry us through our deepest trials. - Bill Crowder ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the manifestation of comforting presence of God to carry you through any trials.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 24Aug2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God wants to be at the very center of your life. He does not want to be on the edge of your life, and He does not want to be just a segment of your life. - Rick Warren ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always put God at the centre of your life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 23Aug2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you” (Genesis 28:15 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When God assures you of His presence and support on anything, do not ask questions. Start from where you are till He takes you to where you should be. - Emmanuel Oloruntoba Arotile ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY O Lord, help me to obediently trust You in all my endeavour.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 22Aug2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “That is why the army of Israel turned and ran away from the fight. They did that because they have done wrong. They should be destroyed. I will not continue to help you or be with you unless you destroy everything I commanded you to destroy” (Joshua 7:12 ERV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Sin makes us vulnerable to attack from Satan, who then gains permission from God to attack us in the area where we have failed to uphold righteousness. - Os Hillman ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not make yourself vulnerable to Satan’s attack by your actions against God’s words.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 21Aug2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “...I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Ascribing the ownership of any church to any man or group of people is like sharing God’s glory with such man or group of people. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY O Lord, help me to recognize You as the owner of the church.

WHO OWNS YOUR CHURCH?

Dearly Beloved, WHO OWNS YOUR CHURCH? “...I will build My church...” (Matthew 16:18 NKJV). “...I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15 NKJV). The word church has been used to mean many things. The term “church” can be referred to at least four meanings: one, a building used for public Christian worship; two, a local group of Christians (worshipping in such a building); three, a particular Christian organization, typically one with its own clergy, structures, and distinctive doctrines (another word for this is a denomination); and four, all believers in Jesus Christ or adherents of Christian faith. Simply, the church is the assembly of a local group of Christians living in a certain place or the universal church comprises all believers in Jesus Christ both living and dead. There has been a trend where an individual or group of people refers to a particular church (local assembly) or a number of churches (probably a denomination) as “my” or “our” church. Some other people will refer to the church as “their” or “your” church. These references may be to the church's leader (or leaders) or founder of the denomination. Undoubtedly, this trend has affected how such people view or administer things of the church. However, the big question is: who owns the church? Jesus Christ, in His response to Peter’s confession, simply said, “...I will build MY church...” (Matthew 16:18 NKJV emphasis mine). By implication, the church belongs to Jesus Christ. Apostle Paul explained this further by referring to the church as “the church of the living God” (1 Timothy 3:15 NKJV). Each word here is very important. The preposition “of” refers to who really owns the church. The church does not belong to any other person than the living God. The article “the” emphasises that there is no other god, but the one and only true God. The adjective “living” highlights God's eternity, strength and vitality. Lastly, the noun, the most important word, refers to GOD, not man or any other thing. No wonder, Jesus Christ added that “the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18 NKJV). Who owns your church? Is it your pastor, general overseer or founder of your denomination? Are you even thinking that you are the owner of your church? Ascribing the ownership of any church to any man or group of people is like sharing God’s glory with such man or group of people. The only exception here is if the church is not a church of God. Who owns your church? In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Lord, help me to recognize You as the owner of the church.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 20Aug2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “A man’s pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor" (Judges 6:15-16 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY A man is called selfish not for pursuing his own good, but for neglecting his neighbor's. - Richard Whately ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not be proud and selfish in your dealings with other people.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 19Aug2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “So [Gideon] said to Him, ‘O my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.’ And the Lord said to him, ‘Surely I will be with you...'" (Judges 6:15-16 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Do not let your background put your back on the ground. - Frank Edwards ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, Lord, not to look down on myself.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 18Aug2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land” (Isaiah 1:19 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God often requires simple obedience to an act that seems ridiculous to the logical mind. It is this faith mixed with the practical that God honors. - Os Hillman ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always obey God in order to enjoy Him.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 17Aug2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Then [Jesus Christ] came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, ‘What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak’” (Matthew 26:40-41 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY You cannot be spiritually awake and have a weak prayer life. - David Dunlop ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to be spiritually awake in my prayer life.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 16Aug2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10 NIV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Make sure you are not so concerned about your image that you lose sight of the principles in God's Word. - Michael Youssef ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that your concern will always be to please God, and not men.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 15Aug2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “For He says: ‘In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you.’ Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY There is only one time that is important - NOW! It is the most important time because it is the only time that we have any power. - Leo Tolstoy ************ ACTION FOR THE DAY Accept Jesus Christ as the Saviour into your life NOW (if you have not done so).

Spiritual Digest for the Day 14Aug2022

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 You might have been calling on God to do something for you, and it seems He is delaying answering you. Do not lose hope! He is on His way. Your waiting will be a blessing to you and glory to God. Just wait and believe. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the patience to wait for God’s timing as you pray unto Him.

AN INTERRUPTING BLESSING

Dearly Beloved, AN INTERRUPTING BLESSING “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). The story of the raising of Jairus' daughter from the dead, as recorded by two of the Gospel writers (Mark 5 and Luke 8), is fascinating. Jesus had just crossed over the lake from where he was rejected because He healed a demon-possessed man when a large crowd of people gathered around Him. Among these people was a synagogue ruler who came to beg Jesus to come and heal his dying daughter. The man believed Jesus could rescue his daughter from the looming death. Jesus did not hesitate in following him to go and save the daughter. The other aimless crowd also followed them. As they were going, there was an interruption: a woman with a flow of blood intercepted Jesus and received her healing from the twelve-year-long problem. The dialogue that followed made Jesus to wait more before He could go to where He intended to go and rescue the dying child. Alas, while discussing the healed woman’s faith, somebody came from Jairus’ house to disclose the sad news: the child had died. There was no need to bother Jesus. The news bearer reasoned. What would have been the reaction of Jairus? If there was no interruption, Jesus would probably have reached the house and rescued the child before she died. However, Jesus encouraged him to have faith. In spite of the unbelief and ridicule of the people, Jesus still went to the house and raised the child from the dead. The seeming interruption was a blessing to both the interrupting woman and Jairus. Have you also called on God to do something for you? Does it seem that He is delaying in answering you? Do not lose hope! He is on His way. Who knows, He might have been “interrupted” by another person. However, the “interruption” will turn out to be a blessing for you. Probably you want God to rescue you from a small problem. He may allow it to become bigger, even without hope, before He acts so that His name will be glorified. Remember Lazarus' story. Jesus deliberately waited for two more days to bring glory to God. Your “interruption” will also be a blessing to you, and glory to God. Just wait and believe. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray for the patience to wait for God’s timing as you pray unto Him.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 13Aug2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them” (Proverbs 11:3 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY It takes years to build up trust, and only seconds to destroy it. - Anonymous ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O God, to continue to my integrity all the time.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 12Aug2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “It’s what we trust in but don’t yet see that keeps us going” (2 Corinthians 5:7 MSG). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY You do not have to see the entire staircase to take the first step. - Martin Luther King Jr. ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will trust God come what may.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 11Aug2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY "For what is life? To me, it is Christ. Death, then, will bring more" (Philippians 1:21 TEV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY How do you see your life? Until you get the correct view of life, it will be difficult to live with eternity in perspective. - Gideon Akanbi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to get correct view of life so as to live for You.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 10Aug2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up” (James 4:10 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The whole foundation of prayer is humility. The more we humble ourselves in prayer, the more will God lift us up. - St. Teresa of Avila ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to always humble yourself before God.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 09Aug2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “...in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Appreciation is the highest form of prayer, for it acknowledges the presence of good wherever you shine the light of your thankful thoughts. - Alan Cohen ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always have a grateful heart.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 08Aug2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Having peace with God does not ensure problem-free living. However, it does steady us during difficult times. - Jennifer Benson Schuldt ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will have the peace of God in the midst of any turmoil.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 07Aug2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham” (Matthew 1:1 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY No matter who you are, your past and even your family historical background, God has you in mind to be used for a definite assignment. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord Jesus, help me live a life that will leave a good legacy for the coming generation.

FOR WHAT WILL YOU BE KNOWN?

Dearly Beloved, FOR WHAT WILL YOU BE KNOWN? “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham” (Matthew 1:1 NKJV). Many African societies value family historical background. Apart from the histories behind many families and communities, the Yorubas, especially, have what are known as ORIKI and ORILE of many of these families and communities that they cherish till date. Do you know the historical background of your parents and/or where you come from? What were the people in these histories known for? What legacy did they leave for this generation? The earthly parents of Jesus Christ had a family historical background. This is known as the genealogy of Jesus Christ, as presented in today’s passage. While the genealogy started from Abraham in this passage, Luke, in his Gospel, traced the genealogy to Adam, the first man, and God (see Luke 3:23-38). Both accounts of the genealogy end with Joseph and Mary. It is interesting to note that there were various kinds of people in this genealogy as chronicled in the Old Testament. They were covenant people that God used, even including people with questionable characters that did not leave a good legacy for their generation, to perfect His redemptive plan in bringing Jesus Christ to the world at the fullness of time (Galatians 4:4). Hardly did any of these people know that God was working through them to do this. Why would the writers of the Gospels include these people in the genealogy of Jesus Christ? However, God’s ways of dealing with His people are mysterious and unquestionable. What are you known for, and what footprint are you leaving for your next generation? No matter who you are, your past and even your family's historical background, God has you in mind to be used for a definite assignment. Make yourself a veritable instrument that God can use by dedicating your life. Your action will be the beginning of the new relationship of your entire family with God. Decide today to be known for your faith in the Lord and your commitment to His cause. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Lord Jesus, help me live a life that will leave a good legacy for the coming generation.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 06Aug2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples” (John 15:8 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY To bear fruit is the life Jesus Christ calls us to, and our total reliance on Him yields a fruitful life, a life lived to the Father’s glory. - John Blase ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that your life will always be a fruitful one for the Lord.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 05Aug2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have” (Philippians 4:6 ERV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Worry gets us nowhere, but prayer gets us in touch with the One who can handle all of our concerns. - Jennifer Benson Schuldt ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will worry less and pray more about your life situation.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 03Aug2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving]” (James 1: 19 AMP). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Listening is probably the most important skill in building friendships and relationships. You cannot love people without listening to them. - Rick Warren ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to be a good listener in your relationship with other people.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 02Aug2022

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “[Jesus Christ] Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls” (1 Peter 2:24-25 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY As the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ does not leave us alone in our suffering. As the watchman or overseer, He looks after the sheep’s welfare with constant care. He is the guardian who guides and protects. - Lynda Boardman ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always experience the watchfulness and protection of Jesus Christ.