Dearly Beloved,

ARE YOU GROWING SPIRITUALLY?

“…grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2
Peter 3:18 NIV).

Growth is very essential to any living being or organization. Nobody would
want to remain stagnant where he/she was last year. Also, no one would want
his/her child to refuse to grow. We all want to grow physically, mentally,
emotionally, financially, materially and in other ramifications. This
should be applicable also to our spiritual life. However, only believers
grow spiritually. Just like any other growth or development, spiritual
growth is not attained instantaneously. It is not dramatic experiences,
climactic turning points, or instant solutions to spiritual problems that
many people are looking for today. God’s design is that we be seasoned to
maturity through a continual process of growth. This made Peter to tell his
readers in 2 Peter 3:18 to grow spiritually.

Peter admonished believers to grow, not any other person. This is rather a
command, not an advice, so you have to desire and determine to grow
spiritually. The determination to grow must be consistent without any
distraction (compare Hebrews 12:2). If you are to be prepared for spiritual
growth, your focus must be right. The focus must not be on what you must
do, but on who you must be!

Peter instructed us to grow spiritually in two things: grace and knowledge.
Grace is important because it is the foundation of the spiritual life
(compare Ephesians 2:8). The spiritual life is impossible without grace.
You cannot know God apart from grace. You cannot grow apart from grace. You
cannot deal with failure apart from grace. Moses knew this, and he asked
for it (see Exodus 33:13). Grace also sustains you when you fail or when
things are not going the way you want (see 2 Corinthians 12:7-10). To grow
in one’s knowledge of Jesus Christ is not factual knowledge, but the
experiential knowledge of Jesus Christ (see Philippians 3:10). The order of
these items is important. Grace must precede knowledge. Therefore, keep
things in order. Grace comes before knowledge. Without Jesus there is no
understanding of grace. You cannot have knowledge without Jesus. Jesus is
the embodiment of grace and spiritual truth.

The last thing to note in this verse is the purpose of the growth: God’s
glory. Everything we do or whoever we are must be to God’s glory (John
2:11; 1 Corinthians 10:31; 1 Peter 5:10-11; Jude 25; Revelation 1:6;
5:9-14).

The second part of this message next week will briefly discuss what
spiritual growth is not.

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Prayer Point: Help me Lord to be growing in Your grace and knowledge.

--
_________________________
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
+234 805 515 9591
+234 816 304 5450
BBPIN:27C6552C
http://www.thewordthruthenet.org/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spiritualdigest2003/
http://www.facebook.com/bayo.afolaranmi
Visit http://inspirationaldailyquotes.blogspot.com/ for updated daily
inspiring quotes from notable Christians. Also visit
http://bibleverseofthedaybypastorbayo.blogspot.com/ for daily edifying
Bible verses.

"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have
sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body,
whether by life or by death. FOR TO ME, TO LIVE IS CHRIST AND TO DIE IS
GAIN" (Philippians 1:20-21, NIV).


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Dearly Beloved,

ARE YOU GROWING SPIRITUALLY?  (Part 2)

“…grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2
Peter 3:18 NIV).

It is a pity that the contemporary Christianity is no longer emphasizing
spiritual growth. Our emphases have been shifted from spirituality to
religiosity and materialism. Many Christians no longer want to grow in God;
they rather want to work for God and expect God in turn to bless them
materially. No wonder, many so-called Christians cannot relate with God
directly without their so-called spiritual leaders.

Spiritual growth has been misunderstood to be some things that it is not.
This has misled some people to think they are growing spiritually. Some of
these things are: One, our position in Christ: we are positionally children
of God (John 1:12-13; Romans 8:16). He sees us as already perfect in His
Son (Colossians 2:10). We are new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17). Two,
God’s favour: God does not like us better because we are more spiritual
than before. God’s love for us is not conditional upon our behaviour. The
Bible says, while we were still helpless, ungodly, sinners, and enemies,
God showed His great love for us by sending His Son to die for our sins
(see Romans 5:6-10). God cannot love us more just because we grow. Three,
time: maturity in the spiritual realm is not measured by the calendar. It
is possible for a person to be a Christian for half a century and yet
remain a spiritual infant. Four, knowledge: facts, data, information, and
intelligence cannot be equated with spiritual maturity. Unless your
knowledge results in conforming you to Christ, it is useless. Truth that
fails to change your life and behavior may in fact be hurtful, hardening
you instead of bringing you to maturity. Five, activity: some people make
the mistake of assuming that the most mature Christians are always the
busiest ones. However, busyness does not necessarily bring maturity, nor
can it be substituted for maturity. Excessive activity may, in fact, even
hinder what is really vital and important in the Christian life. Busyness
cannot earn salvation, let alone bring about spiritual maturity (see
Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 10:38-42). Six, prosperity: some people so dedicate
themselves to the pursuit of prosperity that they neglect everything else.
God might have allowed you to prosper, but that is no mark of spiritual
growth. Being poor is neither a sign of spirituality as well! Seven,
sinless perfection: some people think that someone who is growing
spiritually will not sin. This is based on misinterpretation of some Bible
passages especially 1 John 3:9.

Have you been equating your spiritual growth with any of the highlighted
things above? That is not it! What spiritual growth entails will be
discussed in the last part next week.

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Prayer Point: Lord, help me not to equate my spiritual growth with anything
no matter how good the thing may be.

--
_________________________
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
+234 805 515 9591
+234 816 304 5450
BBPIN:27C6552C
http://www.thewordthruthenet.org/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spiritualdigest2003/
http://www.facebook.com/bayo.afolaranmi
Visit http://inspirationaldailyquotes.blogspot.com/ for updated daily
inspiring quotes from notable Christians. Also visit
http://bibleverseofthedaybypastorbayo.blogspot.com/ for daily edifying
Bible verses.

"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have
sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body,
whether by life or by death. FOR TO ME, TO LIVE IS CHRIST AND TO DIE IS
GAIN" (Philippians 1:20-21, NIV).


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Dearly Beloved,

ARE YOU GROWING SPIRITUALLY?  (Part 3)

“…grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2
Peter 3:18 NIV).

Spiritual growth entails knowing the Lord Jesus Christ progressively
better. This process starts after accepting Jesus Christ as your Saviour
and Lord. Spiritual growth is therefore expected from every believer
because no believer reaches a point of no growth while living in this
world.

There are many things that a believer can do to enhance his or her
spiritual growth. Some of these things are: one, being born again: be sure
of being a new creation through accepting the Lord Jesus Christ. To
identify with spiritual growth you must first be born again because it is
not possible for a non-believer to grow spiritually. The moment you accept
Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, you become a new creation and gain
entry into spiritual person (2 Corinthians 5:17). Two, abstaining from all
sins: it is not possible to grow spiritually if you still engage in some
ungodly practices (Romans 6:1-2). Three, communicating with Jesus Christ
through prayer: a believer should have a special prayer time (1
Thessalonians 5:17). Four, reading the Holy Bible at all times: the more
you read your Holy Bible, the more you change. The Holy Bible is a mirror
on which your life should reflect. Let the Holy Bible talk to you. Five,
telling others about Jesus Christ: spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ
helps you grow. Six, fellowshipping with other believers: belong to and be
active in a local church (Hebrews 10:25). This makes you have a spiritual
home and the pastor your spiritual leader. These are what spiritual growth
is all about.

Spiritual growth is critical. It is a way of: pursuing righteousness (1
Timothy 6:11); being transformed (Romans 12:2); perfecting holiness (2
Corinthians 7:1); pressing toward the goal (Philippians 3:14); or being
built up in the faith (Colossians 2:7). The goal is the same for every
Christian: to be transformed into the Lord’s image (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Spiritual growth is not an option for any serious Christian. Are you
growing spiritually? In what area are you lacking in your spiritual growth?
There is nothing you can do to substitute your spiritual growth. It is a
necessity.

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Prayer Point: Lord, help me to be growing spiritually in all ramifications.

NB

If you missed any part of this message or you want the whole message sent
to you, send a request to me by email at spiritualdigest@....

--
_________________________
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
+234 805 515 9591
+234 816 304 5450
BBPIN:27C6552C
http://www.thewordthruthenet.org/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spiritualdigest2003/
http://www.facebook.com/bayo.afolaranmi
Visit http://inspirationaldailyquotes.blogspot.com/ for updated daily
inspiring quotes from notable Christians. Also visit
http://bibleverseofthedaybypastorbayo.blogspot.com/ for daily edifying
Bible verses.

"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have
sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body,
whether by life or by death. FOR TO ME, TO LIVE IS CHRIST AND TO DIE IS
GAIN" (Philippians 1:20-21, NIV).


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Dearly Beloved,

JESUS CHRIST IS ALIVE!

"I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever!
And I hold the keys of death and Hades" (Revelation 1:18 NIV).

I once saw a sticker on a vehicle that reads thus: "If your God is
crucified, try Allah." I laughed to yourself and pitied the originator of
such idea. Apparently it refers to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, but the
originator of the idea and those that are promoting it do not know that the
crucifixion of Jesus Christ was not the end of His story. In fact it was
the beginning of His triumph over death and Satan. Paul put it this way:
"None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would
not have crucified the Lord of glory" (1 Corinthians 2:8 NIV).

It is a historical fact that Jesus Christ was crucified outside the city of
Jerusalem. He died on the cross according the Scriptures. He was buried in
a tomb. But praise the Lord, He was raised on the third day! He appeared to
many of His disciples and others for forty days before He ascended to
heaven (see Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20, 21 and Acts 1). He told
John: "I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and
ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades" (Revelation 1:18 NIV). He is
now at the right hand of God interceding for us (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25;
1 John 2:1).

Jesus Christ is alive! He was the only religious leader that died and was
raised again. This is a great assurance that Christians are not serving a
dead God. It is a great hope that when Christians die, they also will be
raised with Him at the end of the age. Jesus said, "I am the resurrection
and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and
whoever lives and believes in me will never die" (John 11:25-26 NIV). Do
you have these assurance and hope? If you are not sure of your eternal
life, try the eternal living Jesus.

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

NB

This message was first sent out on March 23, 2008. There is a message
written by me that proves the logic of the doctrine of resurrection of
Jesus Christ. It is titled "IF JESUS CHRIST HAS NOT BEEN RAISED...." You
may request for it by writing me at <spiritualdigest@...>. Happy
Easter!

--
_________________________
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
+234 805 515 9591
+234 816 304 5450
BBPIN:27C6552C
http://www.thewordthruthenet.org/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spiritualdigest2003/
http://www.facebook.com/bayo.afolaranmi
Visit http://inspirationaldailyquotes.blogspot.com/ for updated daily
inspiring quotes from notable Christians. Also visit
http://bibleverseofthedaybypastorbayo.blogspot.com/ for daily edifying
Bible verses.

"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have
sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body,
whether by life or by death. FOR TO ME, TO LIVE IS CHRIST AND TO DIE IS
GAIN" (Philippians 1:20-21, NIV).


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Dearly Beloved,

DO YOU RECOGNIZE HIM?

“‘Woman," [Jesus] said, ‘why are you crying? Who is it you are looking
for?’ Thinking he was the gardener, [Mary Magdalene] said, "Sir, if you
have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him’”
(John 20:15 NIV).

This year Easter season has come and gone, but many lessons are to be
learnt from the events that surrounded the season. One of the lessons has
to do with Mary Magdalene. Here was a woman that once possessed seven
demons before Jesus cast them out of her (see Luke 8:2). Here was a woman
that devotedly followed and supported Jesus in His earthly ministry (see
Luke 8:3). Here was a woman that identified with Jesus in His suffering and
death on the cross (see Matthew 27:55; Mark 15:40). Here was a woman who
with other women monitored the burial of Jesus while His disciples were
nowhere to be found (Mark 15:47). Here was a woman who with other women
arose early on the first day of the week to go and anoint the corpse of
Jesus (Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:1) and even stayed behind to weep profusely
for the seemingly “lost” corpse (John 20:11). What a devoted woman!

Nonetheless, the sorrow that overwhelmed Mary Magdalene did not let her
recognize Jesus Christ when He appeared to her. She thought that He was a
gardener! She could recognize Jesus only when Jesus called her by name.
Interestingly, some of the disciples that went to fish after the
resurrection also did not recognize Jesus until He performed a miracle (see
John 21:1-7).

On many occasions, we allow our circumstances to blind us from recognizing
the fact that God is with us even in those circumstances. The psalmist
said, “Even 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” (23:4 NIV emphasis mine). The psalmist recognized God even in his
circumstance, and he put his trust in Him.

What are you passing through at the moment? Are you so overwhelmed with the
situation that you do not recognize God in it? It may seem as if He is not
there, but God is indeed nearby to help you out of the situation  because
He “...is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm
46:1 NIV).

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).



Prayer Point: Help me Lord that my circumstance will not blind my eyes to
recognize you in the circumstance.

--
_________________________
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
+234 805 515 9591
+234 816 304 5450
BBPIN:27C6552C
http://www.thewordthruthenet.org/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spiritualdigest2003/
http://www.facebook.com/bayo.afolaranmi
Visit http://inspirationaldailyquotes.blogspot.com/ for updated daily
inspiring quotes from notable Christians. Also visit
http://bibleverseofthedaybypastorbayo.blogspot.com/ for daily edifying
Bible verses.

"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have
sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body,
whether by life or by death. FOR TO ME, TO LIVE IS CHRIST AND TO DIE IS
GAIN" (Philippians 1:20-21, NIV).


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Dearly Beloved,

O JESUS, I HAVE PROMISED

“You are my portion, O Lord; I have promised to obey your words” (Psalm
119:57 NIV).

“As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, ‘I will follow you
wherever you go’” (Luke 9:57 NIV).

“Mo ti seleri, Jesu” the Yoruba version of the hymn, “O Jesus, I Have
Promised” was one of the hymns I loved when I was growing up as a teenager.
I could sing off-hand almost all the lyrics of the hymn in Yoruba. It is a
hymn of commitment composed by John Ernest Bode (1816-1874), an Anglican
clergyman serving a small parish near Cambridge, England when his three
children, a daughter and two sons, were ready for confirmation.  As the
priest of the church, he would preside over the ceremony. So, he composed
the hymn to remind the children of their commitment to Jesus Christ, the
spiritual warfare that is associated with Christian life, and the fact that
if Jesus Christ is with them, they will overcome and in the end be with Him
in Heaven.

In this hymn, John Bode declared that he had promised to serve Jesus to the
end and asked Jesus who he knew as “my Master and my friend” to be near him
forever. He confessed that he would not fear the battle if Jesus is by his
side, nor wander from the pathway if He would be his guide. Because of many
temptations that the world often offers the Christian and the fact that
foes are ever near both within and without, John Bode prayed that he feels
Jesus near him and shield his soul from sin. He continued to pray that he
hear Jesus speaking in accents clear and still above the storms of passion
and the murmurs of self-will. Because Jesus is the guardian of his soul, he
wanted Him to speak to reassure him and make him listen to Him. John Bode
reminded Jesus that He has promised all who follow Him that where He is in
glory there shall they also be. Therefore, he reaffirmed his promise to
Jesus to serve Him to the end. John Bode also prayed that he see the
footprints of Jesus, and desired to plant his own footprints in them. He
affirmed that his hope is to duly follow alone in the strength of Jesus. He
wanted Jesus, his Savior and Friend, to guide him, call him, draw him,
uphold him to the end, and receive him in Heaven. What a great commitment!

What is your commitment to Jesus Christ? Have you promised to follow and
serve Him till the end? Are you ready to listen to Him and let Him be your
Guide? You will never regret you did!

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Prayer Point: Pray that you will be committed to faithfully following and
serving Jesus for the rest of your life.

--
_________________________
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
+234 805 515 9591
+234 816 304 5450
BBPIN:27C6552C
http://www.thewordthruthenet.org/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spiritualdigest2003/
http://www.facebook.com/bayo.afolaranmi
Visit http://inspirationaldailyquotes.blogspot.com/ for updated daily
inspiring quotes from notable Christians. Also visit
http://bibleverseofthedaybypastorbayo.blogspot.com/ for daily edifying
Bible verses.

"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have
sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body,
whether by life or by death. FOR TO ME, TO LIVE IS CHRIST AND TO DIE IS
GAIN" (Philippians 1:20-21, NIV).


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Dearly Beloved,

EVERYTHING?

"So they pulled their boats up on shore, left EVERYTHING and followed him"
(Luke 5:11, NIV).

"But all those things that I might count as profit I now reckon as loss for
Christ's sake. Not only those things; I reckon EVERYTHING as complete loss
for the sake of what is so much more valuable, the knowledge of Christ
Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have thrown EVERYTHING away; I consider it
all as mere garbage, so that I may gain Christ" (Philippians 3:7-8 GNB).

In spite of all their struggles, Simon Peter and his colleagues could not
catch a single fish. But the words of Jesus Christ saved the day, "they
caught such a large number of …" (Luke 5:6 NIV). This event changed their
life goals. They left everything to become disciples of Jesus Christ! Also,
Abraham left what he had to do the will of God (Genesis 22). In his old
age, he was ready to give up his only son to God. In fact, the Bible says
he did sacrifice the son (Hebrews 11:17). Undoubtedly, Isaac, the son, was
everything to him and his wife. Paul was an accomplished scholar, yet he
considered it invaluable so that he might experience Christ! All of them
prized their faith above the temporal benefits.

Can one say that all of them were sensible? How could they abandon what
they had toiled for - achievements, status, prestige and the like? Would
they gain anything from such actions? In fact, once, Peter asked the same
question: "What is our benefit?" (see Mark 10:28). Jesus Christ's answer
was captivating: "I tell you the truth… no one who has left home or
brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and
the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age
(homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields-and with them,
persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life" (Mark 10:29-30 NIV).

Faith is not a gamble. It is giving of what you cannot keep into the hands
of Him who keeps and multiplies all things for your own benefits, no matter
how painful and unreasonable.

What is your "everything" that God asks you to leave for Him today?
Probably God has just given you what He asks for. Are you ready to leave
it? Think of the outcome of Abraham's faith. Every decision taken due to
God's word is a road to life. You will get "everything" back if you leave
them for God (see Hebrew 11:19). Everything!

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

NB

This message was first sent out on November 9, 2003.

--
_________________________
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
+234 805 515 9591
+234 816 304 5450
BBPIN:27C6552C
http://www.thewordthruthenet.org/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spiritualdigest2003/
http://www.facebook.com/bayo.afolaranmi
Visit http://inspirationaldailyquotes.blogspot.com/ for updated daily
inspiring quotes from notable Christians. Also visit
http://bibleverseofthedaybypastorbayo.blogspot.com/ for daily edifying
Bible verses.

"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have
sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body,
whether by life or by death. FOR TO ME, TO LIVE IS CHRIST AND TO DIE IS
GAIN" (Philippians 1:20-21, NIV).


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Dearly Beloved,

"IS IT TOO LATE?"

"The children born during your bereavement will yet say in your hearing,
'This place is too small for us; give us more space to live in.' Then you
will say in your heart, 'Who bore me these? I was bereaved and barren; I
was exiled and rejected. Who brought these up? I was left all alone, but
these--where have they come from?'" (Isaiah 49:20-21 NIV).

I was with my father in his farmhouse some years ago when he was telling me
his life story. It was the early part of his marriage with my mother. They
had lost their first three sons in succession. All his contemporaries were
successfully having children. It seemed that there was no hope of having
another child. As he was in that same farmhouse one afternoon pondering
about his dilemma, he heard a voice saying: "IS IT TOO LATE?" He did not
know the source of the voice, but he believed that it came from God, and
that it was actually not too late for him and his young wife to have
children that would live.

That was about forty years ago. The Lord has now blessed my parents with
five sons, three daughters and eight other grandchildren - all alive to
God's glory! It was indeed not too late for my father to be a biological
father and even now a grandfather. The bereaved family of two is now about
twenty. My parents still wonder till today that they could have such number
of living children.

I remembered this situation as I was reading the above Bible passage
recently. Hannah was in a similar situation. The Bible introduced her as a
sad childless woman (1 Samuel 1:2-7). However, God changed her story. She
later had three sons and two daughters after giving birth to that great man
of God, Samuel (1 Samuel 2:21).

What is your situation? Do you also have a similar situation? It may not be
childlessness. It may be any other seemingly hopeless situation. Let me
reaffirm it that IT IS NOT TOO LATE! The Lord is not done with you yet. He
will arise in His appointed time and manifest His power in your life.
Remember the words the Psalmist, "When the LORD brought back the captives
to Zion, we were like men who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with
laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the
nations, 'The LORD has done great things for them.' The LORD has done great
things for us, and we are filled with joy" (Psalm 126:1-3 NIV. Read also
Jeremiah 31:16-17).

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor)

Prayer Point: Lord, arise in Your appointed time and manifest Your power in
my life in Jesus’ name. Amen.

NB

This message was first sent out on October 31, 2004.

--
_________________________
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
+234 805 515 9591
+234 816 304 5450
BBPIN:27C6552C
http://www.thewordthruthenet.org/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spiritualdigest2003/
http://www.facebook.com/bayo.afolaranmi
Visit http://inspirationaldailyquotes.blogspot.com/ for updated daily
inspiring quotes from notable Christians. Also visit
http://bibleverseofthedaybypastorbayo.blogspot.com/ for daily edifying
Bible verses.

"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have
sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body,
whether by life or by death. FOR TO ME, TO LIVE IS CHRIST AND TO DIE IS
GAIN" (Philippians 1:20-21, NIV).


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Dearly Beloved,

ACTION SPEAKS LOUDER THAN VOICE

"Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1
NIV).

"Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those
who live according to the pattern we gave you" (Philippians 3:17 NIV).

My one-year-old daughter has adopted his older brother's way of greeting.
Instead of kneeling down (as the custom of girls and young women among the
Yorubas), she likes to prostrate (as boys and young men do). She likes to
imitate his brother rather than taking to our (her parents') instruction
about mode of greeting.

Her action has a spiritual and moral meaning. Young people tend to imitate
what they see more than what they hear. Young ones often look up to people
older than them for direction. To imitate what people do than listen to
their instructions is no doubt natural.

The history of the Israelites points to this. In spite of the fact that
Israelites had the written Law through Moses and many priests and prophets
they loved to do what the ungodly leaders did. However, when godly leaders
reigned, they were focused. Why? Leaders influence followers.

People seldom read the Bible. We Christians, especially Christian leaders
are their "books." They read us. They have a tendency of imitating what we
do than what we say at times.

You are a leader! Some people are looking up to you as their role model.
Are your actions matching your message? Example is better than precepts.
What will people imitate from you? Can you say like Paul, "Follow my
example, as I follow the example of Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1 NIV)?

Whatever our verbal instructions to other people, our action (character)
speaks louder than our voice. Ask God to enable you live a life that will
be a portrait of your message.

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Prayer Point: Help me, O Lord, that my action will not mislead other people.

NB

This message was first sent out on June 20, 2004.

--
_________________________
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
+234 805 515 9591
+234 816 304 5450
BBPIN:27C6552C
http://www.thewordthruthenet.org/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spiritualdigest2003/
http://www.facebook.com/bayo.afolaranmi
Visit http://inspirationaldailyquotes.blogspot.com/ for updated daily
inspiring quotes from notable Christians. Also visit
http://bibleverseofthedaybypastorbayo.blogspot.com/ for daily edifying
Bible verses.

"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have
sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body,
whether by life or by death. FOR TO ME, TO LIVE IS CHRIST AND TO DIE IS
GAIN" (Philippians 1:20-21, NIV).


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Dearly Beloved,
MOTHERS DESERVE MORE HONOUR!
“A capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman — who is he who can find
her? She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above
rubies or pearls” (Proverbs 31:10 AMP).
Mother’s Day is a celebration honouring mothers and motherhood,
maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in the society. It is
celebrated on various days in many parts of the world, most commonly
in March (in most European countries and especially by the Roman
Catholics and some Protestant denominations) or May (in the United
States of America and among  many Evangelical denominations). Because
these various countries and denominations have influences on the
African Christians, the Day is celebrated at least twice in many
African countries around the months of March and May.
A friend on Facebook joking posted on his Facebook wall last year that
the honour for mothers is too much and asked why two days should be
dedicated for them in a year. To him, if care is not taken, women will
ask for more days of celebration in their honour. The post might be a
joke, but I replied him that mothers indeed deserve more days of
honour in a year.
My mother was superb when it comes to taking care of her husband,
children, grandchildren, relatives, and even other people that she had
contact with. I can never forget her. My wife is more than excellent
when it comes to exhibiting virtues of motherhood. She demonstrates
this even to the livestock that we rear at home. As young as my
daughter is (just above ten years of age), she has been showing the
enviable traits of motherhood! Almost all my sisters, female cousins,
nieces, and female intimate friends have these virtues in considerable
degrees. I thank God for their lives! Indeed, mothers deserve more
honour. It is not too much if every day is dedicated to celebrating
them.
However, not every mother deserves this honour, because there are some
worthless women that care less about their children. They do not have
the virtues enumerated in Proverbs 31:10-31. Their husbands and
children cannot praise them because of who they are and what they have
done (and is still doing). Are you such a mother?
Virtuous mothers deserve more honour. Happy Mother’s Day!
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
Prayer Points:
1. Thank God for all virtuous mothers throughout the world.
2. Pray that the Lord will honor them for all their sacrifices to
their husbands, children and others.
3. If you are a lady, pray that the Lord will make you a virtuous
woman indeed.
NB
I dedicate this message to all virtuous mothers, especially my late
mother, Hannah Abiola Afolaranmi, who slept in the Lord on October 28,
2012. You all deserve more honour!


--
_________________________
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
+234 805 515 9591
+234 816 304 5450
BBPIN:27C6552C
http://www.thewordthruthenet.org/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spiritualdigest2003/
http://www.facebook.com/bayo.afolaranmi
Visit http://inspirationaldailyquotes.blogspot.com/ for updated daily
inspiring quotes from notable Christians. Also visit
http://bibleverseofthedaybypastorbayo.blogspot.com/ for daily edifying
Bible verses.

"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have
sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body,
whether by life or by death. FOR TO ME, TO LIVE IS CHRIST AND TO DIE IS
GAIN" (Philippians 1:20-21, NIV).

Dearly Beloved,

REPENTED, BUT…

"In [Manasseh's] distress he sought the favor of the LORD his God and
humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers. And when he prayed
to him, the LORD was moved by his entreaty and listened to his plea; so he
brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that
the LORD is God" (2 Chronicles 33:12-13 NIV).

"I will make them abhorrent to all the kingdoms of the earth because of
what Manasseh son of Hezekiah king of Judah did in Jerusalem" (Jeremiah
15:4 NIV).

Our God is compassionate and forgiving (Daniel 9:9). Yet one has to be very
careful in relating with Him especially in keeping His commandments. The
reason is that if one sins against Him and later on repents, one would
still face the consequence of one's sins (Proverbs 11:21; 16:5).

The story of Manasseh attests to this. Manasseh was one of the worst kings
in Israel. He was the direct opposite of his godly father, Hezekiah. He did
many detestable things to provoke the Lord. Tradition has it that he was
the one that killed prophet Isaiah. After God had warned him and his
people, and they did not heed to God's warning, God made him a prisoner in
the court of another powerful king. However, in his distress, he repented
and asked for God's forgiveness. The compassionate and forgiving God heard
his prayers and restored him back to his kingdom. He later spent his life
doing good things (see 2 Chronicles 33). Nevertheless, his people faced the
consequence of his atrocities (see Jeremiah 15). The Lord promised to make
them suffer because of what he did.

One should not view this as injustice on the part of God. The people also
had their own share of the blame, but that is not the emphasis here. The
emphasis is a particular repented and forgiven person was made as a
reference point for the impending judgment. This indicates that though God
forgave Manasseh, the punishment of his sins were still there.

The punishment of Manasseh's sins might not be directly on him, but the
cases of David and Paul were different. David committed the sins of
adultery and murder. When confronted by prophet Nathan, he repented and
said the prayer found in Psalm 51. Undoubtedly, his sins were forgiven, but
he paid dearly for them (2 Samuel 12:13-14; 13-21). Paul (formerly Saul)
persecuted the disciples of Jesus Christ. When he had an encounter with
God, God promised, "I will show him how much he must suffer for my name"
(Acts 9:16 NIV). He did suffer.

What are you doing now? Is it good or bad? You may be thinking of later
repentance. However, hear the words of Solomon: "Now all has been heard;
here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments,
for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into
judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil"
(Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 NIV).

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

NB

This message was first sent out on November 14, 2004.

--
_________________________
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
+234 805 515 9591
+234 816 304 5450
BBPIN:27C6552C
http://www.thewordthruthenet.org/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spiritualdigest2003/
http://www.facebook.com/bayo.afolaranmi
Visit http://inspirationaldailyquotes.blogspot.com/ for updated daily
inspiring quotes from notable Christians. Also visit
http://bibleverseofthedaybypastorbayo.blogspot.com/ for daily edifying
Bible verses.

"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have
sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body,
whether by life or by death. FOR TO ME, TO LIVE IS CHRIST AND TO DIE IS
GAIN" (Philippians 1:20-21, NIV).


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Dearly Beloved,

ARE YOU MINDFUL OF DEATH?

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in
me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me
will never die. Do you believe this?’” (John 11:25-26 NIV).

Honestly, I am not afraid of death. My favourite Bible verse has always
been Philippians 1:21, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain”
(NIV). However, as I was reading John 11:25-26 some weeks ago, I was struck
with the phrase, “even though he dies…” as if I never heard or read it
before. “Even though he dies….” It was as if the phrase meant that I would
die that day. I paused reading the Bible and started thinking of death.
Death is inevitable. People are dying every minute. I have witnessed and
even officiated in the burial services of many people. In fact, I once
buried a very young niece-in-law who lived with my family. Death is not
strange to me. But, it dawned on me that day that I had not prepared for
death.

Humanly speaking, no one would want to die. We want to have a long life,
and if possible, live forever on earth. Nevertheless, each of us will die
one day. No one knows when it will be his/her turn. This turn is not by age
or any other factor. So, anyone can die at any time. Are you mindful of
this?

While being mindful of death, a believer in Jesus Christ does not need to
be afraid of death. He will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives
and believes in Jesus Christ will never die eternally. It means that
physical death is not the end of a person. This was what Jesus Christ was
asking Martha whether she believed or not. Thank God, Martha answered in
the affirmative. Do you also believe this?

Are you mindful of death? You do not need to be afraid of this. If you die
in Jesus Christ, you will live with Him forever. If you die without Him,
you will die eternally. The choice is yours.

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

--
_________________________
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
+234 805 515 9591
+234 816 304 5450
BBPIN:27C6552C
http://www.thewordthruthenet.org/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spiritualdigest2003/
http://www.facebook.com/bayo.afolaranmi
Visit http://inspirationaldailyquotes.blogspot.com/ for updated daily
inspiring quotes from notable Christians. Also visit
http://bibleverseofthedaybypastorbayo.blogspot.com/ for daily edifying
Bible verses.

"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have
sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body,
whether by life or by death. FOR TO ME, TO LIVE IS CHRIST AND TO DIE IS
GAIN" (Philippians 1:20-21, NIV).


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Dearly Beloved,

"WHERE DID IT FALL?"

“The man of God asked, ‘Where did it fall?’ When he showed him the place,
Elisha cut a stick and threw it there, and made the iron float” (2 Kings
6:6 NIV).

“The company of the prophets” (or theological students of Elisha) faced a
problem of lack of space for their training, so they tried to find a way of
solving the problem. They suggested that they should relocate to Jordan
where they would have a lot of space. They thought they could solve the
problem on their own. We should not be surprised when Elisha gave them up
to their arrogance. However, one of the students realized their folly and
humbly invited their master to follow them. Surprisingly, Elisha agreed to
follow them.

The students with their master went near River Jordan to prepare another
place for themselves. As they were working, the axe head of one of the
students fell into the river. He could use the opportunity to rest or
pretend as if nothing had happened, but he cried out for help instantly.

Elisha asked the most important question from the embattled student, “Where
did it fall?” He did not ask him how it fell or the cause of the problem.
He asked him about the exact place where the axe head was. God is not
interested in the trivial detail of your problem. His interest is in the
problem and how it will be solved.

The blind Bartimaeus was crying for help to Jesus, but Jesus seemed to be
telling him, “Man, be specific. Do not bother me with the detail of your
problem. What exactly do you want me to do for you?” (Mark 10:51). As if he
also got the message, he declared, “Rabbi, I want to see.” When you are in
any problem, instead of grumbling, specifically make your request known
unto God, and a miracle is waiting at your doorstep. Hannah was childless,
she went to God and specifically told Him about her predicament, and she
was blessed with Samuel (1 Samuel 1:9-20). Jabez cried out to God for a
particular problem in his life, and He bailed him out of the big mess (1
Chronicles 4:9-10).

The Bible says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by
prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God”
(Philippians 4:6), and “cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for
you” (1 Peter 5:7).

Do you involve God in your day-to-day activities, or you are thinking that
you can do without Him? Are you using your problems as an excuse not to
serve God? Who do you turn to when you are in trouble? Only God can help
you. Call upon Him; He is ready to help you. However, you have to be
SPECIFIC. Tell Him exactly what you want, and He will surprise you.

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

NB

This message was first sent out on September 15, 2003.

I recently replaced the BlackBerry device that I used to minister through
BlackBerry Messenger. Please add this BB PIN:29275BB9 to your BBM contact
list to be able to receive my daily messages (if you have not done so). God
bless you!

--
_________________________
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
+234 805 515 9591
+234 816 304 5450
BB PIN:29275BB9
http://www.thewordthruthenet.org/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spiritualdigest2003/
http://www.facebook.com/bayo.afolaranmi
Visit http://inspirationaldailyquotes.blogspot.com/ for updated daily
inspiring quotes from notable Christians. Also visit
http://bibleverseofthedaybypastorbayo.blogspot.com/ for daily edifying
Bible verses.

"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have
sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body,
whether by life or by death. FOR TO ME, TO LIVE IS CHRIST AND TO DIE IS
GAIN" (Philippians 1:20-21, NIV).


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Dearly Beloved,

HONOR GOD WITH YOUR BODY

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in
you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought
at a price. Therefore honor God with your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NIV).

In 1987,  World Health Organization (WHO) created World No Tobacco Day
(WNTD) to be observed every year on May 31 around the world intended to
encourage a 24-hour period of abstinence from all forms of tobacco
consumption across the globe. Furthermore, the day is intended to draw
global attention to the widespread prevalence of tobacco use and to
negative health effects, which currently lead to 5.4 million deaths
worldwide annually. Since 1988, the day has been observed every year with
different themes. The theme for this year was “Ban tobacco advertising,
promotion and sponsorship”.

Recently, I watched a documentary on a national network television
programme on adverse effects of smoking cigarette in particular and using
tobacco in general to human beings. These effects were analyzed in the
documentary, then some people, especially those that have the smoking
habit, were interviewed. One of the people admitted that smoking is not
good, and that he has been trying to stop the habit, but he cannot stop it
because he has been addicted to it. Another person was indifferent to the
adverse effects. To him, something will eventually kill one, so what is the
big deal in warning people against smoking cigarette or using tobacco?

It is interesting that some people even argue that smoking cigarette or
using tobacco is not condemned in the Bible, so, it is never a sin to smoke
cigarette or use tobacco! Well, it is a fact that the Bible does not
expressly condemn smoking cigarette or using tobacco, but it teaches how to
take care of our body which belongs to God. If smoking cigarette and using
tobacco are dangerous to one’s body, why knowing destroying that body that
really belongs to God? If one does not like oneself or cares about what
happens to one’s body, why not honor God who really owns the body?

Honor God with your body!

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Prayer Point: Pray for all that have been addicted to smoking cigarette or
using tobacco that they will conscious make efforts to forsake the habit.

--
_________________________
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
+234 805 515 9591
+234 816 304 5450
BB PIN:29275BB9
http://www.thewordthruthenet.org/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spiritualdigest2003/
http://www.facebook.com/bayo.afolaranmi
Visit http://inspirationaldailyquotes.blogspot.com/ for updated daily
inspiring quotes from notable Christians. Also visit
http://bibleverseofthedaybypastorbayo.blogspot.com/ for daily edifying
Bible verses.

"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have
sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body,
whether by life or by death. FOR TO ME, TO LIVE IS CHRIST AND TO DIE IS
GAIN" (Philippians 1:20-21, NIV).


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Dearly Beloved,

WHAT WILL BE YOUR SCORE SHEET?

“[Jotham] did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father
Uzziah had done” (2 Kings 15:34 NIV).

Recently, the theme of the morning devotional thought in my family was
about following good examples of fathers as it was demonstrated by Uzziah
and Jotham. Both of them were kings in Judah. The former was the father of
the latter. In the early years of Uzziah as king, he did what was right in
the eyes of the Lord, and, undoubtedly, he instructed his children in the
ways of the Lord and laid good examples for them until later in his years
when he was successful and became proud towards God. However, his son
followed his good example.

As I led the devotional thought that morning, I laid emphasis on the fact
that fathers should not only instruct their children to do good things,
that they (the fathers) should be ready to show the example of doing good
things to their children. Since the message that day was directly for me,
the father of the house, I was challenged to allow my children to frankly
tell me the good and bad examples they see in me. It was like giving them
score sheets to evaluate me. Each of the children told me what they
consider as good and bad in my behaviours. I decided not to defend myself
that day for the good and seemingly bad behaviours they pointed out.

As a father or a leader, can you allow your children or subordinates to
openly evaluate you? What will be your score sheet if your children or
subordinates have such opportunity? Fathers have great responsibilities in
showing their children good examples. That is the best legacy they can give
their children. Will your children score you high on this? What will be
your score sheet?

Happy Father’s Day!

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
Prayer Point: Pray for fathers that we will lay good examples for our
children to follow.

--
_________________________
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
+234 805 515 9591
+234 816 304 5450
BB PIN:29275BB9
http://www.thewordthruthenet.org/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spiritualdigest2003/
http://www.facebook.com/bayo.afolaranmi
Visit http://inspirationaldailyquotes.blogspot.com/ for updated daily
inspiring quotes from notable Christians. Also visit
http://bibleverseofthedaybypastorbayo.blogspot.com/ for daily edifying
Bible verses.

"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have
sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body,
whether by life or by death. FOR TO ME, TO LIVE IS CHRIST AND TO DIE IS
GAIN" (Philippians 1:20-21, NIV).


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]