Spiritual Digest for the Day 01Oct2023

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me…. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:1, 27b NIV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Whatever you may be passing through, do not let your heart be troubled. Just trust in Jesus Christ. He will see through the situation. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always trust in Jesus Christ instead of letting your heart be troubled. ______________ Happy New Month!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 28Sep2023

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls — Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills” (Habakkuk 3:17-19 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Though dark be my way, since [God] is my guide, 'tis mine to obey, 'tis His to provide; though cisterns be broken and creatures all fail, the word He has spoken shall surely prevail. - John Newton ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the faith to stand firm in the Lord in spite of life challenges. ______________ Have a great Thursday!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 27Sep2023

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “My deep desire and hope is that I shall never fail in my duty, but that at all times, and especially right now, I shall be full of courage, so that with my whole being I shall bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die” (Philippians 1:20 TEV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Your life is a story. Each day you get to write a new page. So fill those pages with responsibility to God, to others, and to yourself. If you do, in the end you will not be disappointed. - Author Unknown ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O God, to make positive impacts in the lives of people around me. ______________ Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 26Sep2023

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “[God] restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake” (Psalm 23:3 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God knows what is right for you in every circumstance. When you do not know the way forward, and the right choice to make, bring it before the Lord in prayer, and He will guide you. - Rotimi Oluwaseyitan ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Guide me in my life journey, O Lord! ______________ Have a tremendous Tuesday!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 25Sep2023

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise; But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge” (Proverbs 21:11 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY No matter how fast the promotion or how high the exaltation may be, we are never to lose our teachability. We never reach a level where we are above criticism or we no longer need the input of others. - Charles Swindoll ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Give me a teachable heart, O God! ______________ Have a blessed week!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 24Sep2023

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning?” (Psalm 22:1 NIV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY What situation are you passing through? Have you prayed and God has not answered your prayers? Does it seem as if God has forsaken you? Are people around you making jest of you because of your predicament? Well, God has not forsaken you! - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, when I think I am forsaken by You, reassure me that You have not forsaken me. ______________ Have a divine-encounter worship experience today!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 23Sep2023

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out” (1 Timothy 6:6-7 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want, but the realization of how much you already have. - Author Unknown ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Give me a heart of contentment, O Lord! ______________ Have a refreshing weekend!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 22Sep2023

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “They gather together against the life of the righteous, And condemn innocent blood. But the Lord has been my defense, And my God the rock of my refuge” (Psalm 94:21-22 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY With God as our defender, we don’t have to fear what others will do. We can trust that God will support us when trouble comes. - Jennifer Benson Schuldt ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, be my defender and refuge against all foes. ______________ Have a fabulous Friday!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 21Sep2023

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Then David said to the Philistine, 'You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied'” (1 Samuel 17:45 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY No matter how big the giant might be, God is greater. And no matter how powerful he might be, God is all-powerful. - Charles Swindoll ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not focus on your problem, but on God. ______________ Have a great Thursday!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 20Sep2023

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “[The Lord] heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds [curing their pains and their sorrows]” (Psalm 147:3 AMP). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When we take our broken hearts to the Healer, the One who created our hearts, we can have them fixed. The only real fix for a broken heart is the Lord. He is not only the ultimate Creator, He is the ultimate Fixer. - Sally I. Kennedy ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, I bring my broken heart unto You. Heal and fix it in Your own way. ______________ Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 19Sep2023

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The faithfulness of God provides a sure anchor of hope and comfort for the true believer - an anchor that remains steadfast amidst the uncertainties and vicissitudes of life. - WF Kumuyi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always enjoy the faithfulness of God in your life. ______________ Have a tremendous Tuesday!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 18Sep2023

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Genesis 50:20 NIV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Life has many twists and turns and sometimes what looks like a very bad day can just be clearing the way for good things to come. - J Kim Wright ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, turn the evil plans of the enemy to accomplish good things in my life. ______________ Have a marvelous Monday!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 17Sep2023

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God desires to have a closer fellowship with you. As wanderers on this life’s journey, are you aware that He is with you? Are you drawing yourself nearer to God? If you do, you will enjoy His eternal presence, safety and comfort. No matter your circumstance, let your aspiration always be to be nearer to God. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Draw me nearer to You, O Lord, in my life’s journey. ______________ Have a divine-encounter worship experience today!

NEARER, MY GOD, TO THEE

Dearly Beloved, NEARER, MY GOD, TO THEE “Then [Jacob] dreamed, and behold, a ladder was set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God were ascending and descending on it” (Genesis 28:11 NKJV). “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8 NKJV). As I was led to base my weekly devotional message on a hymn this week, my mind was on a particular hymn. However, a situation led me to another hymn - NEARER, MY GOD, TO THEE. This hymn is one of the popular hymns that I have known and loved since childhood. It was composed by Sarah Flower Adams (1805-1848). Sarah was born on February 22, 1805 in Essex, England. She married William Bridges Adams and moved to London. She was a British actress. Health problems disrupted her plans to continue as an actress. However, as somebody who was nurtured in a home where poetry and songwriting were loved, she found comfort in writing poems and hymns. She wrote the hymn in a week to follow a sermon on Genesis 28:11-19 that recounts the encounter of Jacob in a dream. One event that first made the hymn popular was the sinking of the Titanic in 1912. History has it that the band on the ship played the tune of the hymn, and the passengers, all of whom were looking death in the face, joined in singing the hymn. This hymn has to do with the joy and comfort found in being close to God. The first stanza introduces the theme of the hymn, with the repeated phrase “Nearer, my God, to thee.” The story of Jacob and the ladder to heaven, found in Genesis 28:10-22 forms the basis of second through fourth stanzas. Jacob was a wanderer running away from the anger of his twin brother. He rested for the night using a stone as a pillow when he had the dream where God’s angels were descending and ascending on a ladder. God's close connection to Jacob in this story is seen as a form of relief from the darkness and “stony griefs” of his human journey. He woke up and came to the realization that God was nearer to him. The last stanza looks forward to the time when we will come to stand before God in eternal song. God desires to have a closer fellowship with you. As wanderers on this life’s journey, are you aware that He is with you? Are you drawing yourself nearer to Him? Are you drawing yourself nearer to God? James counseled, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (4:8 NKJV). If you do, you will enjoy His eternal presence, safety and comfort. No matter your circumstance, let your aspiration always be to be nearer to God. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Draw me nearer to You, O Lord, in my life’s journey.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 16Sep2023

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Jesus taught the followers that they should always pray and never lose hope” (Luke 18:1 ERV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY As God inspires us, let us seek to persistently pray and never give up. In His time and perfect way, God will answer. - Patricia Raybon ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O God, not to give up, but to always persistently pray unto You. ______________ Have a refreshing weekend!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 15Sep2023

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “You know very well that the day when the Lord comes again will be a surprise, like a thief who comes at night” (1 Thessalonians 5:2 ERV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY We are told not to speculate about the dates of the second coming of Jesus Christ. But every indication is that it will be sooner than we thought. - Billy Graham ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that the second coming of Jesus Christ will not meet you unprepared. ______________ Have a fantastic Friday!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 14Sep2023

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “At the Lord's command they encamped, and at the Lord's command they set out. They obeyed the Lord's order, in accordance with his command through Moses” (Numbers 9:23 NIV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY When God asks us to follow Him, He wants to lead us to a place of closer fellowship with Himself. His Word assures us that He is loving and faithful in leading those who humbly follow Him. - Jennifer Benson Schuldt ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Enable me to follow You, O Lord, to a place of closer fellowship with You. ______________ Have a great Thursday!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 13Sep2023

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “So the serpent spewed water out of his mouth like a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood. But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the flood which the dragon had spewed out of his mouth” (Revelation 12:15-16 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God uses whatever means or methods that please Him, whenever there is a need to act for His people. He is not limited in His capacity to help, because all creation is at His disposal as vessels of executing His plan and purpose. He may not always use the same method to resolve similar problem. - Rotimi Oluwaseyitan ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Use Your unique way, O Lord, to act on my behalf. ______________ Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 12Sep2023

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

Spiritual Digest for the Day 11Sep2023

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison” (James 3:8 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Taming the tongue is not just about training ourselves to say the right things. It is about accepting the Holy Spirit’s guidance so that our words generate the kindness and encouragement our world needs. - Jennifer Benson Schuldt ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance as you speak to other people. ______________ Have a blessed week!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 10Sep2023

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want...” (Psalm 23:1 NIV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY What a great privilege to have Jesus Christ as our Great Shepherd! Put your total trust in Him. You will never be in wants. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will learn to rely on God so as not to be in want. ______________ Have a divine-encounter worship experience today!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 08Sep2023

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Our origins and history do not matter. It is our identity in Jesus Christ that counts. - Tim Gustafson ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to always to be mindful of my identity in You. ______________ Have a fantastic Friday!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 07Sep2023

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “We do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2 Corinthians 4:16-17 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God is more interested in what you are becoming than what is happening to you. He often allows trials, troubles, tribulations, and problems in your life to teach you diligence, determination, and character. - Rick Warren ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Strengthen me, O Lord, as You allow challenges of life to teach me diligence, determination, and character. ______________ Have a great Thursday!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 06Sep2023

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “When [Jesus Christ] had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, 'Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch'” (Luke 5:4-4 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY If God chooses to take us into deep waters, it is for a reason. The greater the calling, the deeper the water. Trust in His knowledge that your deep waters are preparation to see the works of God in your life. - Os Hillman ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always cooperate with God as He leads into the deep waters of life to accomplish His divine purpose in your life. ______________ Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 05Sep2023

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal” (Isaiah 26:3-4 NIV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Courage is to take a step forward into an area of difficulty without a solution in mind, but yet feeling that victory is ahead. It is going empty handed, but knowing that God's hand is stretched out to pull you. - Debra Cummings ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Keep me, O Lord, in Your perfect peace till I reach my goals in life. ______________ Have a tremendous Tuesday!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 04Sep2023

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Be tolerant with one another and forgive one another whenever any of you has a complaint against someone else. You must forgive one another just as the Lord has forgiven you” (Colossians 3:13 TEV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Give yourself the gift of forgiving others, not because THEY deserve it, but because YOU deserve the serenity and joy that comes from releasing resentment and anger. Unconditional forgiveness is the path to your own inner peace. - Jonathan Lockwood Huie ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, to always forgive those that have offended me. ______________ Have a marvelous Monday!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 03Sep2023

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “The wings of the ostrich flap joyfully, but they cannot compare with the pinions and feathers of the stork. She lays her eggs on the ground and lets them warm in the sand, unmindful that a foot may crush them, that some wild animal may trample them” (Job 39:13-15 NIV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Do not be an ostrich! Harness your supposed greatness together with the wisdom and experiences of others in order to bring about desired results. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not in any way behave like an ostrich. ______________ Have a divine-encounter worship experience today!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 02Sep2023

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?” (Romans 9:21 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY God made every person differently and for different purposes. Not everyone is made to be in the public eye. Some are made to serve behind the scenes. It is important to know and be at peace with how and why God made you. - Os Hillman ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Enable me, O Lord, to know and be at peace with how and why You made me. ______________ Have a refreshing weekend!