Spiritual Digest for the Day 31Dec2023

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you — unless, of course, you fail the test?” (2 Corinthians 13:5 NIV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY As the year runs to an end, taking stock of our lives will really help us to fare better in the coming year. By His grace, the year 2024 will be far better for you in all ramifications in Jesus’ name. Amen. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to examine yourselves as the year ends so that you will fare better in the coming year. ______________ Welcome to the last day in year 2023! Thank God for witnessing the day.

LET’S TAKE A STOCK

Dearly Beloved, LET’S TAKE A STOCK “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you — unless, of course, you fail the test?” (2 Corinthians 13:5 NIV). It is the end of another year! The journey of another 365 days is about to come to an end. Just in few days, we will be in another year. Glory be to God! It is the usual practice of most companies to take stock of their activities for a financial year at the end of such year to ascertain their profits, loss, assets and liabilities. It is good for each of us to take stock of not only our businesses, but our lives, especially spiritual lives. You were at a point in your spiritual life at the beginning of this year. Have you improved on or even maintained that level? Can you say you have grown older and better spiritually this year? Many resolutions were made at the beginning of this year. How far could you go in line with those resolutions? You set a goal for yourself at a point in time this year. How far could you achieve such goal? Having discussed many issues with the Corinthians church in his epistles to them, Apostle Paul enjoined them to examine themselves to see whether they are still in the faith. Likewise, having sent messages to you every week this year, I am also encouraging you to examine yourself. Evaluate yourself. How will you rate yourself this year? Are you below average, on average, or above average? If you rate below average, do not be discouraged. You still have the opportunity to do better next year. If you rate above average, I congratulate you. However, do not relax next year till your average becomes the best. There is a song we used to sing when I was in primary school that goes thus: Good, better, best; I shall never rest; until my good is better; and my better is best. Join Apostle Paul to boast, “I can do everything through [Jesus Christ] who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13 NIV). As the year runs to an end, taking stock of our lives will really help us to fare better in the coming year. By His grace, the year 2024 will be far better for you in all ramifications in Jesus’ name. Amen. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray for the grace to examine yourselves as the year ends so that you will fare better in the coming year.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 30Dec2023

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Trust the Lord completely, and don't depend on your own knowledge. With every step you take, think about what the Lord wants, and he will help you go the right way. Don't trust in your own wisdom, but fear and respect the Lord and stay away from evil. If you do this, it will be like a refreshing drink and medicine for your body” (Proverbs 3:5-8 ERV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY If you want to see God's promises fulfilled in your life this coming year, do not rush things or you might give birth to an Ishmael. Be careful, people will try to involve you in all kinds of schemes to rescue and promote yourself. God does not need your help to bless you. - Yemi Ladokun ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Thank God for the passing year. Pray that you will be able to trust God totally in the coming year. ______________ Have a refreshing weekend!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 29Dec2023

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12-14 NIV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Good, Better, Best; I shall never rest, until my good is better, and my better's best. - Author Unknown ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be able to leave the unachieved goals of this year behind and forge ahead for a better year (2024). ______________ Have a fabulous Friday!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 28Dec2023

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow” (2 Thessalonians 3:9 NIV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY It is important to set a good example for your children, your loved ones, your community, and future generations. Setting a good example becomes automatic if you always do your best. When you do your best, you never have to worry about having a negative impact on another. - Jonathan Lockwood Huie ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will be a good model to people around you. ______________ Have a great Thursday!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 27Dec2023

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me. O Lord, what is man that you care for him, the son of man that you think of him?” (Psalm 144:1-3 NIV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Undoubtedly, the Lord has done many things for you this fading year. Reflect on these things. Praise Him for the year, and be expectant for a better new year. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will always reflect and thank God for what He has done for you in the past. ______________ Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 26Dec2023

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “[Jesus Christ] came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:11-12 NIV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Boxing Day is associated with giving and receiving of gifts. Have you received the greatest Gift, Jesus Christ, into your life? - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that the greatest Gift, Jesus Christ, will not elude you during this Christmas season. ______________ Happy Boxing Day!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 25Dec2023

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 Word of God (Jesus Christ) became a Man in the world so that people of the world may benefit from the Word of life full of God’s grace and glory. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will benefit from the Word that became a Man during this Christmas season. ______________ I wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year (2024) in advance!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 24Dec2023

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 Pray that you will not only join others to celebrate this Christmas season, but really believe in the Son that was given during the event. ______________ Have a divine-encounter worship experience today.

UNTO US A SON IS GIVEN

Dearly Beloved, UNTO US A SON IS GIVEN “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). Christmas season every year has been dedicated to the celebration of the Child Jesus Christ that was born “...wrapped... in swaddling cloths, and laid... in a manger” (Luke 2:7 NKJV) in Bethlehem some two thousand years ago. It is interesting that Prophet Isaiah rightly prophesied that a Child would be born, and a Son would be given. However, it is unfortunate that many people take no or little notice of this, especially the Son that was given that day! While the Child that was born signifies the humanity of Jesus Christ, the Son that was given signifies His deity. The attraction centred on the Child that was born has belittled the significance of the Son that was given. The Child that was born was the Son that was given through the demonstration of the love of God the Father to the world “…that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 NKJV. See also John 1:14, 18; Romans 5:6-10; 8:32; 1 Timothy 1:15-16). The latter part of the prophecy in Isaiah 9:6 is referring to the Son that was given. He is the Messiah that “the government will be upon His shoulder” - the eternal King that will reign and rule over the Universe. This Son’s “...name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6 NKJV). He is indeed more than a child that many people are celebrating during Christmas. 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. Do not let the celebration of the born Child blindfold you to the importance of the given Son who will judge the world one day. Unto us a Son is given! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will not only join others to celebrate this Christmas season, but really believe in the Son that was given during the event.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 23Dec2023

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, 'I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life'” (John 8:12 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY No matter how you are hurting this Christmas, Jesus Christ can heal you. He can take your resentment, worry, guilt, fear, bitterness, boredom, and pain and cover it with the light of His love. This is what it means for Jesus Christ to be the Light of the World. - Rick Warren ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Shine Your light, O Jesus Christ, into the darkness of my life. ______________ Have a refreshing weekend.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 21Dec2023

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “And [Mary] brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields.... And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them..." (Luke 2:7-9 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY If man were to script the Son of God's birth, Jesus would have been born in a palace or a mansion. The news of His birth would have first been sent to one of the power brokers of the day - King Herod or Caesar Augustus. But, God's script was different. - Marji Kruger ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not miss the true meaning of the birth of Jesus Christ. ______________ Have a great Thursday.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 19Dec2023

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 There is no such thing as a hopeless situation. Every single circumstance of your life can change! - Rhonda Byrne ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, turn my seemingly hopeless situation to a hopeful one. ______________ Have a tremendous Tuesday.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 18Dec2023

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy” (Proverbs 28:13 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The authentic walk of faith is not a sinless walk, but one in which the believer feels uncomfortable with sin and reaches out to God for forgiveness and change. - Dennis Fisher ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Lord, help me not to be comfortable with sin. ______________ Have a marvelous Monday.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 15Dec2023

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Merely hearing God's law is a waste of your time if you don't do what he commands. Doing, not hearing, is what makes the difference with God” (Romans 2:13 MSG). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY It is not about knowing; it is about doing. It is not about judging others; it is about ME judging myself. It is not about teaching others; it is about ME doing and living what I teach. - Femi Okunlola ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY O Lord, help me to be real doer of Your word. ______________ Have a fabulous Friday.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 14Dec2023

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “And above all things have fervent love for one another, for 'love will cover a multitude of sins'” (1 Peter 4:8 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Man must evolve for all human conflict, a method which rejects revenge, aggression and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love. - Martin Luther King, Jr. ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O God, to love in order to cover a multitude of sins. ______________ Have a great Thursday.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 13Dec2023

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “‘All things are allowed,’ you say. But not all things are good. ‘All things are allowed.’ But some things don’t help anyone” (1 Corinthians 10:23 ERV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Some things are not necessarily wrong — they are just not necessary. Once you figure this out, you are going to be able to better withstand the hard times in life. You are going to be resilient! - Rick Warren ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O God, to know what is really necessary for me in life. ______________ Have a wonderful Wednesday.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 12Dec2023

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand” (Psalm 121:3-5 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Life’s challenges sometimes seem impossible. Do you feel you are too weak to fight the battle? Do not give up! Keep your heart loyal to God, for He constantly watches over you, and He desires to demonstrate His strength in your life. - Henry Blackaby ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Demonstrate Your strength in my life, O Lord! ______________ Have a tremendous Tuesday.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 11Dec2023

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:29-30 NIV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY You keep in step with God’s Spirit by being yoked to Jesus—partnering with him and letting him set the pace. Jesus was never in a hurry, and you won’t be either when you’re connected to him. - Rick Warren ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray for the grace to always learn from Jesus Christ in you life journey. ______________ Have a blessed week!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 10Dec2023

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “[God] 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 40:2-3 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY The Lord will bring you out of the “miry clay” of your life, set your feet upon a rock, and establish your steps. He will turn your story to glory. What you need to do is to trust in Him. If you believe, you will see the glory of God. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Bring me out of the miry clay of my life and establish my steps, O Lord! ______________ Have a divine-encounter worship experience today.

OUT OF THE MIRY CLAY…

Dearly Beloved, OUT OF THE MIRY CLAY… “[God] 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 40:2-3 NKJV). I used a group photograph taken around forty-five years ago when I was in primary school to celebrate my birthday recently on some social media platforms. As I looked at the picture again, I noticed that I was without school sandals or shoes. I took the picture barefooted! Then I remembered my life in those days. I was not opportune to have school sandals and many other basic things that a primary schoolboy should have. My parents were not rich, but they insisted that all their children must go to school. Thanks to the government of the day that made schooling affordable for as many as those who wanted to attend then. My life did not fare better when I was in secondary school. Over forty years later, I look at myself today, and I have many reasons to thank God for it. I am not a rich man today, but I will be counted among people that are not poor in my immediate society. The old primary schoolboy without sandals is now an erudite scholar lecturing in a private university with scores of international writings. This is apart from ministering daily to thousands of people through the Internet and being an ordained pastor in one of the leading evangelical churches. The Lord has indeed brought me “out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock”. Many are seeing it and are praising God with me. My life story is similar to the story of the writer of Psalm 40. King David likely wrote this psalm because of his background as an unnoticed shepherd boy who later became the king of Israel (see 1 Samuel 16:11; 2 Samuel 5:1-5). This was after many perils instituted against him by King Saul out of jealousy (see 1 Samuel 18:6ff). He became a vagabond in a foreign land. His relatives had to be relocated with him to a seeming safer place (see 1 Samuel 22:1-2). However, he eventually became the king of Israel. God indeed established his steps and put a new song in his mouth. Many saw it and trusted in the Lord. What has been your situation in the past or currently? What “miry clay” are you currently? The Lord can bring you out of the “miry clay”, set your feet upon a rock, and establish your steps. He can turn your story to glory. What you need to do is to trust in Him. If you believe, you will see the glory of God (see John 11:40). In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Bring me out my miry clay and establish my steps, O Lord!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 09Dec2023

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord” (Psalm 27:14 KJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY If you have a tendency to move too quickly or to operate in your own strength and skill, pray for a red light in your spirit. Ask God to let you know when you are moving in your own will rather than in His. It will save you untold heartache! - Bob Gass ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not be in haste more than God. ______________ Have a refreshing weekend.

Spiritual Digest for the Day 08Dec2023

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “[Jesus Christ] who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen” (Galatians 1:4-5 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, let the earth hear His voice! Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, let the people rejoice! O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son, and give Him the glory, great things He has done. - Fanny Crosby ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Praise the Lord for the great things He has done in your life this year. ______________ Praise the Lord! It is my BIRTHDAY!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 07Dec2023

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them” (Luke 9:56 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Jesus Christ is looking for broken people to bless. He is looking for hurting people to help. He is looking for sinners to save. Let him know you qualify. - Kenneth L. Pierpont ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Find me and save me, Jesus Christ, from this perilious world! ______________ Have a great Thursday!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 06Dec2023

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “[Jesus Christ] gave up everything, even his place with God. He accepted the role of a servant, appearing in human form. During his life as a man, he humbled himself by being fully obedient to God, even when that caused his death—death on a cross” (Philippians 2:7-8 ERV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Jesus Christ, the Great Physician, voluntarily became one of us. He placed Himself in our shoes. He left the glories of heaven to live on this earth as one of us - to suffer our pains and feel our fears. - Author Unknown ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that the emptiness of Jesus Christ when He was on earth will not be in vain over your life. ______________ Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 05Dec2023

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You [God] are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Our God has promised to be with us and to be our source of light even when we travel through the darkest of shadows. - Cindy Hess Kasper ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Let me always feel Your presence, O God, in my walk of life. ______________ Have a tremendous Tuesday!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 04Dec2023

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “God will bless you, if you don’t give up when your faith is being tested. He will reward you with a glorious life, just as he rewards everyone who loves him” (James 1:12 CEV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Take confidence in the protection and grace of God and do not give up, even if you feel you are on a sinking ship. - Author Unknown ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Help me, O Lord, not to give up, but to always trust in You in any situation I find myself. ______________ Have a marvellous Monday!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 03Dec2023

BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY “Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry” (2 Timothy 4:11 NKJV). *********** QUOTE FOR THE DAY Do not give up. You can still be useful. If no one believes in you or encourages you, believe in yourself that you can make it and be useful to yourself and to others around you. - Bayo Afolaranmi ************ PRAYER/ACTION FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not look down on anybody, but always look for the usefulness in the lives of others. ______________ Have divine-encounter worship experience today!

Spiritual Digest for the Day 02Dec2023

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. ______________ Have refreshing weekend!