spiritualdigest2003 : Messages : 364-393 of 393

Dearly Beloved,

OUR PRAYERS FOR YOU IN THE YEAR 2010

To God be the glory for the grace to see another year—year 2010!

As usual, Opeyemi my wife, and Boluwatife and IfeOluwa our children are joining me to welcome you into the New Year with these prayers adapted from Isaiah 54:14-17 (AMP):

- The Lord will establish you in His righteousness;

- Oppression and terror will be far from you;

- You will have nothing to fear;

- The Lord will not allow anyone to attack you;

- Even whoever attacks you will surrender to you;

- No weapon fashioned against you will prevail; and

- You will refute every tongue that accuses you.

This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and, they will come to pass in your life this New Year in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Happy and prosperous New Year!

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor),

Baptist Building, Oke Bola,

PMB 5113, Ibadan 200001, Nigeria.

+234 805 515 9591

http://www.thewordthruthenet.org/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spiritualdigest2003/

http://thewordthruthenet.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/bayo.afolaranmi

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
+234 805 515 9591
http://www.thewordthruthenet.org/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spiritualdigest2003/
http://www.facebook.com/bayo.afolaranmi
Visit and become a follower of http://thewordthruthenet.blogspot.com/

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).

#392

From: Bayo Afolaranmi <spiritualdigest@...>
Date: Sat Dec 26, 2009 7:56 pm
Subject: IF YOU DO NOT SEE...

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Dearly Beloved,

IF YOU DO NOT SEE...

"To have faith is to be sure of the things we hope for, to be certain of the things we cannot see" (Hebrews 11:1 TEV).

During one of his presentation in a recent conference, my boss in my workplace alluded to a quote by an unknown author that is so inspiring to me. Here is the quote: "If you do not see before you see, then you will not see." To buttress his point, he used a building plan that an architect draws and serves as the blueprint of the proposed building. The architect has seen the actual building before it is built.

There may not be any act of faith in drawing a building plan, but there is a correlation between the two. A popular adage says, "Seeing is believing." However, a child of God "live by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7 NIV). A man of faith will draw a plan in his mind and work towards the actualization of that plan. He has seen the actualization before it really takes place. The writer of the book to the Hebrews asserted that to have faith is to see the impossibility with the eye of possibility (11:1). It is to view in one’s mind what will take place in the future and working towards its actualization. No wonder, he listed many Old Testament men and women who first saw before they saw and became heroes of faith that we are emulating today.

As we are approaching year 2010, what are you seeing in your mind? Are you seeing good things happening to you? "If you do not see before you see, then you will not see."

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
+234 805 515 9591
http://www.thewordthruthenet.org/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spiritualdigest2003/
http://www.facebook.com/bayo.afolaranmi
Visit and become a follower of http://thewordthruthenet.blogspot.com/

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).

#391

From: Bayo Afolaranmi <spiritualdigest@...>
Date: Sat Dec 19, 2009 9:14 pm
Subject: AT THE FULLNESS OF TIME…

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Dearly Beloved,

AT THE FULLNESS OF TIME…

"But when the time arrived that was set by God the Father, God sent his Son, born among us of a woman, born under the conditions of the law so that he might redeem those of us who have been kidnapped by the law" (Galatians 4:4 MSG).

The above passage is seldom used for Christmas messages. However, it vividly reveals the purpose of Christmas – the birth of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ, "who, being in very nature God" (Philippians 2:6 NIV), was born of a woman when the Mosaic Law was still in full force so that He might redeem as many who believe in Him from the bondage of sin and the law. He came under the law in order to fulfil the law (Matthew 5:17). He was born at the appropriate time, or rather, when the time for His first coming was ripe thereby fulfilling the promises about His birth by many prophets hundreds and thousands of years ago.

This is very significant to us today because it confirms the fact that God will fulfil His promises for us at the fullness of time for the fulfilment of such promises. While the promises of the first coming of Jesus Christ took hundreds and thousands of years before they were fulfilled when the time had fully come, the promises about His second coming will also be fulfilled when the time for their fulfilment fully come. Likewise, when the time fully comes, no matter the situation or obstacle, God will fulfil His promises for each one of us.

As we celebrate the Christmas this year, has the Lord promised you anything from His written Word or in a specific spoken word that He has not fulfilled? Do not lose hope! When you do not expect it, He will fulfil the promises at their fullness of time, because "Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass" (1 Thessalonians 5:24 NASU).

In His service,

#390

From: Bayo Afolaranmi <spiritualdigest@...>
Date: Sat Dec 12, 2009 8:07 pm
Subject: WHAT DOES THE CHRISTMAS MEAN TO YOU?

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Dearly Beloved,
WHAT DOES THE CHRISTMAS MEAN TO YOU?
“[Mary] will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21 NIV).
One of the most celebrated seasons in the year is the Christmas season. The season is here again. Many people, especially the children, have been caught the “fever” of the season. There has been this controversy about the origin of season. Many are of the opinion that it originated from a pagan festival. This has made some Christian denominations and sects to distance themselves from the season. Other people would argue that there is no such celebration in the Bible. Many people believe that the Christmas day is the birthday of Jesus Christ, although, this has been disproved from many evidences. However, what does the Christmas mean to you?
Christmas is just a festive season to some people. Therefore, such people are ready to celebrate it just as they celebrate any other festive period. They see the season as a time to entertain themselves. Among such people are the ones that believe in taking their children to visit Father Christmas who will entertain the children and gives them gifts for a token. Christmas season is a period that some people feel they can make quick profit in their business or enterprise. Therefore, they inflate the cost of their wares and services. Most people, especially Christians, attach the season to the first coming of Jesus Christ into this world. However, some people are indifferent. To them, Christmas season or even the Christmas Day is like any other season or day.
However, one has to consider the popular opinion about Christmas – the birth of Jesus Christ. Why did He “made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness” (Philippians 2:7 NIV) by coming to this wretched world? The main reason is to save people from their sins (Matthew 1:21; John 1:29; Acts 13:38-39; 1 John 3:5; Revelation 1:5-6) so “that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 NIV). This singular act entails many other things that give Christmas different meanings to different people.
Regardless of any other meaning attached to the Christmas or any controversy about it, the paramount thing is that Jesus Christ came to this world in a time in history for the salvation of humankind. Have you been saved by Him? What does the Christmas season mean to you?
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
+234 805 515 9591
http://www.thewordthruthenet.org/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spiritualdigest2003/
http://www.facebook.com/bayo.afolaranmi
Visit and become a follower of http://thewordthruthenet.blogspot.com/

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).

#389

From: Bayo Afolaranmi <spiritualdigest@...>
Date: Thu Dec 10, 2009 8:31 am
Subject: COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON

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Dearly Beloved,

COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON

"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now" (Philippians 1:3-5, NIV).

As this year is running to an end, let me wish you all merry Christmas and Happy New Year in advance. The Lord will continue to protect you. He will save you from all evils. He will guide and guard you in all your ways. He will preserve your life in Jesus' name. Amen.

Let me also use this medium to express my heart of gratitude to our God Almighty who enables me to continue this online ministry in spite of all odds, and the opportunity to publish a book on the Internet ministry. I am also grateful to you for what you have allowed God to do through you in my life and this unique online ministry.

There are four categories of people that I will specifically thank:

1. Those that always pray with me for this online ministry;

2. Those that always forward the weekly devotional messages and the daily offline/online instant messages (in Yahoo Messenger) to their loved ones;

3. Those that always send words of encouragement to me through email, wall posts and comments in Facebook, online instant messages, text messages, phone calls, and even personal discussion when they see me; and

4. Those that have been contributing to the ministry financially in one way or the other.
You are all partners with me in this online ministry, and I really appreciate each one of you.

The ministry is expanding more and more everyday. I need your constant prayers that God will continue to make the ministry a channel of His blessings to more and more people everyday. If you can, I need your regular financial assistance to sustain the ministry especially its SMS aspect. Visit http://www.thewordthruthenet.org/support.php to see ways you can use to support the ministry, OR contact me. I will explain better.

Let me use this medium to also request for the mobile phone numbers (including country code if not in Nigeria) of your beloved ones that you would like to be receiving my regular SMS prayer wishes/quotes.
(Please inform them about me before you give their phone numbers.)

God bless you!

#388

From: Bayo Afolaranmi <spiritualdigest@...>
Date: Sat Dec 5, 2009 6:49 pm
Subject: CONDUCT, NOT CONDOM

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Dearly Beloved,

On December 3, 2006, I first sent out the message below to commemorate that year’s World AIDS Day. There were many reactions both for and against the message. However, I decide to resend it again to commemorate year’s World AIDS Day. Here is it:

CONDUCT, NOT CONDOM

"It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable" (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4, NIV).

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), a clinical syndrome (a group of various illnesses that together characterize a disease) resulting from damage to the immune system caused by infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), has been on the rampage since early 1980s. The unfortunate thing about it is that no cure has been found for it. Therefore, there have been many campaigns to prevent it and to manage it in the lives of those that it has infected or affected.

Because it is contacted mainly by sexual intercourse, the use of condom has been one of the ways advocated by many people to prevent the spread of this deadly disease. This has made many people to be more promiscuous. It even seems that people are promoting the use of condom to the detriment of being faithful to one’s spouse, or total abstinence from sexual intercourse till marriage, which is the original will and purpose of God. However, research has shown that the use of condom is not totally safe to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS. This new discovery has vindicated some religious organizations that preach total abstinence for unmarried people or faithfulness to one’s spouse for married people as one of the ways to prevent the spread of the virus.

Recently, I was in a gathering where some representatives of an organization came to enlighten us more about the prevention and management of HIV/AIDS. These people were the first non-religious people to say it openly to my hearing that they do not advocate condom but conduct as a way of preventing the spread of the virus. To them, since condom is not totally safe, it is better to switch from condom to conduct – a manner in which an unmarried person will totally abstain from sexual intercourse, and where a married person will be faithful to his/her spouse.

Yes! Conduct is better than condom because apart from preventing you from that deadly virus and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), it will make you to do according to the will and purpose of God (Exodus 20:14; Leviticus 18:20; 20:10; Proverbs 6:24-35; Matthew 5:27-28; 1 Corinthians 6:9; Ephesians 5:3-5; Colossians 3:5-6; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8; Hebrews 12:16; 13:4).

HIV/AIDS is real! Conduct yourself in godly ways and take note of other prevention of its spread so that you will not be infected by it.

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

#387

From: Bayo Afolaranmi <spiritualdigest@...>
Date: Sat Nov 28, 2009 7:01 pm
Subject: BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE

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Dearly Beloved,

BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE

“He 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 - children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God” (John 1:11-13 NIV).

Recently there was an incident in my family that is thought-provoking. My wife was preparing the breakfast and gave the children the opportunity of choosing the kind of stew they preferred for the meal. Each of them made his/her choice, and was served with the chosen stew. Then, my nine-year-old son said regretfully, “Oh, I would have chosen egg stew, but it is too late now.” He discontentedly had his breakfast that day.

Each of us also has a choice to make now about where and how to spend our eternity. The choice has to be made before it is too late. We can choose to be with God and His holy angels in heaven or with Satan and his cohorts in hell. The only way to be with God is to believe in His Son, Jesus Christ, because He is “the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father [God] except through [Him]” (John 14:6 NIV), and “Whoever believes in [Jesus Christ] is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son” (John 3:18 NIV).

There is no other way to heaven than this Way. Making any other choice will lead to regret and eternal condemnation. Before it is too late, make the right choice. Choose the Way of Jesus. Prophet Micah warned his people: “Will the LORD be pleased if I bring him thousands of sheep or endless streams of olive oil? Shall I offer him my first-born child to pay for my sins? No, the LORD has told us what is good. What he requires of us is this: to do what is just, to show constant love, and to live in humble fellowship with our God” (Micah 6:7-8 TEV). Living in fellowship with Him and having His life is believing in His Son, Jesus Christ (John 1:11-12; 1 John 3:23; 5:12).

Before it is too late, make the right choice now! “I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2 NIV).

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

#386

From: Bayo Afolaranmi <spiritualdigest@...>
Date: Sat Nov 21, 2009 7:28 pm
Subject: LOOKING BEYOND THE PROBLEM

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Dearly Beloved,

LOOKING BEYOND THE PROBLEM

“I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth” (Job 19:25 NIV).

The man Job was a man of integrity that God could boast of even in the presence of the devil. By God’s permission, he faced many sufferings from the devil. His wife wanted him to curse God and die. His friends did not help matters in his trying time as they blamed him for his woes. In spite of all these, Job did not let his problem overshadow his belief in God. He was futuristic. He could look beyond his problem. He believed in his God and confessed that He would soon rescue him from all the calamities that he faced. God did rescue him and restore unto him all the things he lost.

Many people allow their problems to overshadow their belief in God. They are so overwhelmed by the problems that they find it difficult to look beyond the problems. Many even have given up to the problems and they are waiting for the worst. However, like Job, we should not give up. We should rather look beyond our problems and look unto “Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end. He did not give up because of the cross!” (Hebrews 12:2 TEV).

What is the problem or challenge you are having now? Are you so overwhelmed with the problem that you are forgetting your all-powerful God? Are you about to give up because of your life challenges? Do not give up! Look beyond your problem! Your Redeemer is still living! He will see you through. You will overcome the problem, and people will rejoice with you in Jesus’ name. Amen.

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

#385

From: Bayo Afolaranmi <spiritualdigest@...>
Date: Sat Nov 14, 2009 8:10 pm
Subject: YOUR LABOR IS NOT IN VAIN

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Dearly Beloved,

YOUR LABOR IS NOT IN VAIN

“Then Jesus went back across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing in the early days. Here he stayed and many people came to him. They said, ‘Though John never performed a miraculous sign, all that John said about this man was true.’ And in that place many believed in Jesus”(John 10:40-42, NIV).

John the Baptist did his public ministry in the wilderness and where one can consider as remote places. He did not preach in towns and cities where he could easily gain cheap popularity. In spite of this, many people went to him in those remote places (see Matthew 3:1-13; Mark 1:4-9; Luke 3:1-19; John 3:23). He preached to and baptized many people, but there was no record that those people actually repented from their sins. In fact, he imprisoned and later beheaded because of his preaching (Matthew 14:3-12; Mark 6:17-29; Luke 3:19-20; John 3:23-24). However, he was faithful in his duty in preparing the way for Jesus Christ. He even said somewhere, “[Jesus Christ] must become greater; I must become less” (John 3:30, NIV).

One would have concluded that he did not have a successful ministry, but the record of John 10:40-42 shows that his ministry indeed prepared way for the ministry of Jesus Christ. The record has it that people testified about his ministry and believed in Jesus Christ because of his ministry.

What has God committed into your hands? Where are you striving to do it? How faithful are in doing it? Are you facing difficulties in it? Is it successful as you want it to be? It does not matter where you are now and how successful you are. What matters is faithfulness. Who knows you may be preparing the way for the success of the works of God in the near future. Your labor of love is never in vain.

Paul admonished the Corinthians, “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58, NIV).

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

This message was first sent out on June 10, 2007.

#384

From: Bayo Afolaranmi <spiritualdigest@...>
Date: Mon Nov 9, 2009 8:56 am
Subject: THE IMPERISHABLE WORD

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Dear Beloved,

THE IMPERISHABLE WORD

"Take another scroll and write on it all the words that were on the first scroll, which Jehoiakim king of Judah burned up" (Jeremiah 36:28, NIV).

"The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands for ever" (Isaiah 40:8, NIV).

For many years, the Lord through prophet Jeremiah had predicted doom for the people of Judah because of their sins and unrepentant stance to Him in spite of many warnings and entreating to them to come back to God. As another way of warning, the Lord told Jeremiah to write all the words of the prophecies in a scroll with the notion that the people of Judah may probably turn back to God when they read the written words, and God would forgive them.

Jeremiah did as God told him by writing the words of the prophecies in a scroll and gave them to his secretary to read to the people. When the people heard the words, they told Jehoiakim, their king. It is surprising, however, that instead of repentance, the king cut the scroll in pieces and burnt it in a brazier. Nevertheless, to let him know that the words of God are imperishable, God told Jeremiah to rewrite the words of the prophecies in another scroll.

Throughout the history of the Church, many other kings and other rulers had tried to burn and destroy the word of God, but it still stands firm till today. In fact, the Bible, the written word of God, is the most translated book and the bestseller of all time. All attempts to destroy it by discrediting it prove abortive.

Many people are still trying to "burn" the spoken words of God today. They use their knife of criticism, neglect, indifference, and disobedience to "cut" the word of God they hear and read and try to dump it in the trash bin of oblivion. However, Jesus Christ says, "I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished" (Matthew 5:18, NIV).

In what way are you also trying to burn or destroy the word of God? Remember, it is imperishable. It stands forever. Jehoiakim tried to burn it and he was punished for it. Take heed to its warnings lest you also is been judged by it.

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

This message was first sent out on August 21, 2005.

#383

From: Bayo Afolaranmi <spiritualdigest@...>
Date: Sat Oct 31, 2009 7:45 pm
Subject: PENCILS IN THE HANDS OF GOD

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Dearly Beloved,

PENCILS IN THE HANDS OF GOD

“‘O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does?’ declares the LORD. ‘Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel’” (Jeremiah 18:6 NIV).

Recently, I received an SMS from an online friend that is very inspiring. The SMS was titled “Five Pencil Tips.” These tips are:

1. In everything you do, always leave a mark.

2.You can always correct your mistakes.

3. What is important is what is inside you.

4. In life, you will undergo some painful sharpening that will make you a better pencil.

5. To be the best pencil, you must allow yourself to be held and guided by the hand that holds you.

The SMS ends with these words: Remember! We are nothing but pencils in the hands of our Creator. (Interestingly, this statement is the slogan of the producer of a popular national television drama series here in Nigeria.)

The message of the SMS is self-explanatory. Each of us is indeed like a pencil in the hand of God. God Himself used another analogy to establish this to the people of Israel. The Lord sent Prophet Jeremiah to a potter’s house in order to see the potter as he worked at the wheel. When Jeremiah got to the place, he saw the potter shaping and reshaping the clay till he got a desired result. Then God equated the people of Israel, as well as any other human being, to the clay in the hands of the potter.

God is ready to make good use of you if you can surrender yourself unto Him. No matter the seemingly difficult experience, He is working to bring something good out of you (Romans 8:28; 2 Corinthians 4:15-17; 1 Peter 1:7-8). Indeed, we are pencils in His hand.

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

#382

From: Bayo Afolaranmi <spiritualdigest@...>
Date: Sat Oct 24, 2009 7:24 pm
Subject: DO YOU HAVE SHOCK ABSORBERS?

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Dearly Beloved,

DO YOU HAVE SHOCK ABSORBERS?

"Just be determined, be confident; and make sure that you obey the whole Law that my servant Moses gave you. Do not neglect any part of it and you will succeed wherever you go. Be sure that the book of the Law is always read in your worship. Study it day and night, and make sure that you obey everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful" (Joshua 1:7-8 TEV).

The designers of various kinds of motor-vehicles, aircrafts, and so on design hidden devices that are fitted to the tyres or springs of vehicles to absorb vibration caused by the unevenness of the road surface. These devices are called shock absorbers. No one would enjoy riding in any vehicle with no or bad shock absorbers. Even in smooth and good roads, these devices are still very relevant parts of a vehicle.

The world is full of unevenness and rough roads. Only "good shock absorbers" can absorb the "vibrations" caused by the unevenness and rough roads of life. These shock absorbers are proper understanding and application of the words of God while the vibrations of life are life experiences including the good ones like success, affluence, position of authority, and the bad ones like trials, suffering, persecution, and the like.

Unfortunately, many people are indifferent to these shock absorbers and this has been to their detriment. A good example of such people was King Solomon. Because of his affluence, he did not yield to the words of God written in the Mosaic Law (Deuteronomy 17:16-20) and even the ones that he heard directly from God twice (1 Kings 3:14; 9:3-9). This made him to sin against God, and the Lord was angry with him and tore the kingdom of Israel from him and gave it to one of his subordinates (see 1 Kings 11). Jesus Christ was different. He could counter the temptations of the devil by the words of God (see Matthew 4:1-11).

Do you have the shock absorbers to absorb the vibration of life? How good are they? How knowledgeable are you in the words of God? Are you meditating in them frequently? Do you have proper understanding of them? Are you applying them to your daily living? The Psalmist said, "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you" (119:11 NIV).

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

#381

From: Bayo Afolaranmi <spiritualdigest@...>
Date: Mon Oct 19, 2009 9:39 am
Subject: Re: A Book on Internet Ministry

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Dearly Beloved,

Re: A Book on Internet Ministry

Calvary greetings to you in Jesus’ name.

Let me once again appreciate all that took part in the initial contributions toward the productions of copies of my recently published book on Internet ministry. (Visit http://ministeringthroughtheinternet.blogspot.com/ to know more about this book.) Your contributions went a long way during the production. Many people promised to be part of the project, but they could not then. Many are indifferent to it then. Some even blamed me for making my request known! Some that recently joined my online ministry are hearing about this project for the first time. I really appreciate each of you.

As I said when I announced the final publication of the book early September, I took a loan from my employer to augment the money raised from people’s contribution to balance the cost of the production. This loan has to be paid before the end of November.

I am now soliciting again for your assistance to pay this loan and make more copies of the book. My vision is to make copies of the book available to people at a minimal cost so that they will know more about ministering through the Internet. So far, most copies of the book have been given out freely to some pastors and institutions. The other copies are already on sale.

Here are the ways to make the contribution:

1. For people outside Nigeria, you can send any amount through Western Union or MoneyGram money transfer or any other money transfer service that is in operation in Nigeria to me. (The name on my international passport and national driver’s licence is “Adebayo Ola Afolaranmi.”) Please send me the details about the transfer, your full names and contact address, and phone number to facilitate the collection of the money. My mobile phone number is +234 805 515 9591.

2. For people in Nigeria, I operate a current account with the Guarantee Trust Bank (GTB) Plc with the account number 902440794110. You can deposit any amount into my account at any branch of the bank. (The name of the account is “Adebayo Ola Afolaranmi.”) I would appreciate it if you notify me about it.

3. People in Nigeria can use local money transfer of any bank to send money to me. (The name on my international passport, national driver’s licence and national identity card is “Adebayo Ola Afolaranmi.”) Please send me the details about the transfer, your full names and contact address, and phone number to facilitate the collection of the money. My mobile phone number is +234 805 515 9591.

4. People in Nigeria and Ghana can also use the FlashMeCash of FinBank (former First Inland Bank) Plc. to send money to me. My mobile phone number is 2348055159591. The name on my international passport is “Adebayo Ola AFOLARANMI.” Please inform me of this immediately.

“A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25, NIV).

God bless you!

#380

From: Bayo Afolaranmi <spiritualdigest@...>
Date: Sat Oct 17, 2009 7:20 pm
Subject: THERE IS STILL HOPE!

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Dearly Beloved,

THERE IS STILL HOPE!

"Anyone who is among the living has hope-even a live dog is better off than a dead lion!" (Ecclesiastes 9:4 NIV).

The counselor sat down calmly as the man poured out his mind. It was obvious that the man has lost all hope. He did not know what to do again. The man concluded, "Nothing is working well with me. I am fed up with life. It is better if I am dead than being alive with no hope."

Many people are in similar situations like that disillusioned man. They prefer to die rather than to live because they have lost all hope. However, no matter the situation, there is still hope. Inasmuch as there is still life, there is hope. Even, if one is totally down, a little opportunity can turn one’s story to glory. Job, in his anguish, put it this way: "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).

What is your present situation? Have you lost hope in such situation? Are you wishing that it is better that you are dead rather than living? The writer of the book of Ecclesiastes said, "Anyone who is among the living has hope-even a live dog is better off than a dead lion!" (9:4 NIV). Yes, a live dog is better off than a dead lion! A living wretched man is better that a dead wealthy man. The reason is that the life of the former can be improved; there is no hope for the latter even in his expensive grave.

No matter your situation, when there is life, there is hope. Even, in an obviously hopeless situation, Jesus Christ reminded Martha, "Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?" (John 11:40 NKJV). She did see that glory. In your seemingly hopeless situation, indeed, there is still hope!

In His service,

#379

From: Bayo Afolaranmi <spiritualdigest@...>
Date: Sat Oct 10, 2009 7:42 pm
Subject: HE DOES NOT NEED ANY DEFENSE

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Dearly Beloved,

HE DOES NOT NEED ANY DEFENSE

"‘Put your sword back in its place,’ Jesus said to him, ‘for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?’" (Matthew 26:52-54 NIV).

Recently I received a forwarded chain mail asking me to participate in a cause to protest to a popular online social network service to remove a website that is offensive to the personality of Jesus Christ from the social network’s online service. Hundreds of people had added their names to the mail as it was been forwarded to other people before it got to me. I wanted to add my name, but I remembered that there is no need to start the cause in the first instance because Jesus Christ does not need any kind of defense from anybody.

Adherents of many world religions, denominations, and causes are ready to defend the founders of such religions, denominations, or causes with the last drop of their blood. However, Jesus Christ or the God that the Christians serve does not need such defense. He is self-sufficient, unchangeable and unmovable. Nothing can subtract anything from His Being no matter the derogatory language used for Him. Attempts to defend Him may even be working against His wills!

When Jesus Christ was about to be arrested, one of His disciples tried to defend Him, but He cautioned him and made him realize that He is up to the task. At that particular time, it was part of the arrangement to fulfill the divine purpose of His coming to the world. In spite of the arrest, molestation, trial, crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ, He resurrected the third day. He was exalted to the highest place and given "the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:9-11 NIV). No amount of derogatory language can reduce His sovereignty. People that are using foul languages against Him are just wasting their time.

Jesus Christ does not need any kind of defense. In spite of this, who He to you? How do you refer Him? He has come as the Savior of the world. He is presently defending those that believe in Him. He is coming back soon as the Judge of the whole world. Are you ready to face Him?

In His service,

#378

From: Bayo Afolaranmi <spiritualdigest@...>
Date: Sat Oct 3, 2009 10:03 pm
Subject: WAKE HIM UP!

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Dear Beloved,

WAKE HIM UP!

"Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, 'Teacher, don't you care if we drown?'" (Mark 4:38, NIV).

Jesus Christ and His disciples were sailing on the turbulent Sea of Galilee when a furious storm started. It was an impending danger to their lives and properties. I believe that as veteran fishermen, some of them would have tried all the tactics to bring the situation under control. What surprises one is that Jesus Christ was somewhere in the boat sleeping. How could He sleep in such a situation? However, the disciples knew the right thing to do: they went to wake Him up. When He woke up, He just spoke to the storm, and there was serenity!

Christian life is not an escape from danger, but an assurance of His presence all the time. What is the storm of your life? What is threatening your life? Are you trying to help yourself out of it? Despite the fact that Jesus Christ "who watches over [His people] will neither slumber nor sleep" (Psalm 121:4, NIV), yet, you have to call Him into your situation. He is there by you seemingly sleeping. Wake Him up!

These are some of the promises of God for you:

"And call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me" (Psalm 50:15, NIV).

"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know" (Jeremiah 33:3, NIV).

"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened" (Luke 11:9-10, NIV).

"Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear" (Isaiah 65:24, NIV).

"The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth" (Psalm 145:18, NIV).

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

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

#377

From: Bayo Afolaranmi <spiritualdigest@...>
Date: Sat Sep 26, 2009 7:12 pm
Subject: TO THE WORK!

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Dearly Beloved,

TO THE WORK!

"For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: ‘If a man will not work, he shall not eat’" (2 Thessalonians 3:10 NIV).

"He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty" (Proverbs 28:19 NIV).

I seldom base my messages on people’s reactions to my past messages. However, I am led to base this message on the reactions of some people to my message last week. These people who are undoubtedly anti-Christian and are ready to say anything anytime against Christian messages disagreed with me that one should patiently wait for God’s miracle. However, they ignored the fact that I included the word "faithful" in the act of waiting. To these people, I am encouraging laziness. Unfortunately, as these people pointed out in their antagonism, many pastors nowadays indeed encourage laziness on the part of their congregations due to the pastors’ undue emphasis on prosperity without work, instant miracles, breakthrough, and the likes. Such pastors and their followers have forgotten that God does not bless idleness. He will bless only those who are doing something. No wonder, all the people that He called and used in the Bible were busy and hardworking people.

Apostle Paul addressed the issue of working hard against idleness in his epistles to the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12; 5:12-13; 2 Thessalonians 3:10). He frowned at idleness and encouraged his audience to be hardworking. That famous Christian hymn writer, Fanny J. Crosby (1820-1915), wrote, "To the work! To the work! We are servants of God, Let us follow the path that our Master has trod; With the balm of His counsel our strength to renew, Let us do with our might what our hands find to do. Toiling on, toiling on, toiling on; Let us hope, let us watch and labor till the Master comes." The writer of the book of Proverbs gave many admonitions in opposition to idleness and in favor of diligent work (see Proverbs 6:6-11; 10:4, 26; 12:11, 24; 13:4; 15:19; 18:9; 19:15, 24; 20:4; 21:25; 24:30-34). Today’s Christians are expected to pay attention to such admonitions.

From the aforementioned Bible verses, it is glaring that Christianity does not promote laziness or anything relating to it. Therefore, anyone who thinks that God will bless him when he is lazy is deceiving himself. Yes, miracles still exist nowadays, but if you want God to bless you, be diligent in your work. If you are unemployed, the Lord will soon provide a befitting job for you. If you are under-employed, that is, not well paid, continue to be faithful.

To the work!

In His service,

#376

From: Bayo Afolaranmi <spiritualdigest@...>
Date: Sat Sep 19, 2009 8:29 pm
Subject: WHEN GOD IS SILENT

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Dearly Beloved,

WHEN GOD IS SILENT

"Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore him Ishmael. When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, "I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless" (Genesis 16:16—17:1, NIV).

Abraham was seventy-five years old when God told him to leave his people and go to a land that He would show him. This command was with a seven-fold promise that God would make Abraham into a great nation; that God would bless him; that God would make his name great; that he would be a blessing; that God would bless those who bless him, and curse those who curse him; and that all people on earth would be blessed through him (see Genesis 12:1-4). These promises were made to a man that did not have any biological child at seventy-five. Yet he believed God and obeyed Him. After some time, God reaffirmed His promises for him, but he wondered how the promises would be fulfilled since he remained childless. He even reasoned that his head servant would inherit his possession. However, God reassured him that "a son coming from [his] own body will be [his] heir" (Genesis 15:4, NIV), and that his descendants would inherit the land where he was a stranger. Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.

However, when it seemed that God was silent and relented in fulfilling His promise to give him a son, Sarah, Abraham’ wife, and he tried to help God. They arranged that the maidservant of Sarah should bear children for Abraham. This according to their custom was right, but that was not God’s absolute plan for them. At eighty-six, Hagar, Sarah’s maidservant bore Abraham a son named Ishmael. It was as if God was still silent about His promises for Abraham for another thirteen years. Abraham might have been thinking that God would fulfill His promises through Ishmael. In fact, he argued in that direction when God appeared to him again after thirteen years when he doubted the fact that Sarah could still bear a son in her old age and told God to let Ishmael receive the blessings. God told him that His absolute will was for Isaac, the son that Sarah would bear, not Ishmael (Genesis 17:15-21). It might seem as if God was silent, but He had a plan for Abraham and Sarah, and He declared the plan: "…my covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you by this time next year" (Genesis 17:21, NIV). God did fulfill His plans and promises in the life of Abraham.

In what way is God silent about your affairs? Have you lost confidence in Him for His silence? Are you trying to help God? It may seem as if God is silent, but He is not. He has a better plan for you. He says, "For I know the plans I have for you…plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV). Hear this also: "‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the LORD. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Instead of the thornbush will grow the pine tree, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the LORD's renown, for an everlasting sign, which will not be destroyed’" (Isaiah 55:8-13, NIV).

When God is seemingly silent about your affair, He wants you to "walk before [Him] and be blameless" (Genesis 17:1, NIV). That is, be faithful and wait for His miracle. It may be in a long time, but He will certainly do it!

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

This message was first posted on October 8, 2006.

#375

From: Bayo Afolaranmi <spiritualdigest@...>
Date: Sat Sep 12, 2009 7:31 pm
Subject: ANGRY WITH GOD? NEVER!

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Dear Beloved,

ANGRY WITH GOD? NEVER!

"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights" (Habakkuk 3:17-19, NIV).

As I was coming out of the US embassy after the third consecutive visa refusal, I was embittered. What really went wrong? Did I not pray enough? What of the prayers and prophecies of hundreds of people towards the success of this visa interview? What of my numerous fastings? Does God not answer prayers again? Why did He deprive me of overseas trip for further studies these three times? These thoughts were making me to be angry at life and with God. Is He still worthy of my praises and worship? Then the words of Habakkuk came to my mind: though God does not "answer" my prayers and there might be no visible evidence of His care, yet I will praise Him!

The book of Habakkuk portrays God as awesome, yet Habakkuk was complaining about why the wicked prospered while the righteous suffered. It seemed God did not acted as he had expected. Yet he concluded his prophecy with praises of God because he knew that there was a benevolent God behind the seemingly unpleasant circumstance. He would rather rejoice in the Lord than to be angry with Him.

Job, in his anguish praised God. Why? He remembered in his pains that God's purpose is always good. Hear him, "Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him…" (Job 13:15, NIV); "I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God…" (Job 19:25-26, NIV); and "But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold" (Job 23:10, NIV).

Have you been asking God to do something for you but He seems to be delaying it? Are you thinking of abandoning your initial trust in Him because of this? Do you doubt the worthiness of His praises and worship? Are you also at the point of being angry with Him for this? Never think so!

The psalmist boasted of God's care, "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" (Psalm 23:4, NIV), and Solomon also said, "When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge" (Proverbs 14:32, NIV).

God has a purpose in your pain. This purpose is always good. The grief may be divinely arranged to re-examine our desires and reveal His better plan to us. Turn your anxiety to Him. He will prove Himself to you. He is still God. He is worthy of your trust and worship. Angry with God? Never!

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

This message was first posted on July 19, 2004.

#374

From: Bayo Afolaranmi <spiritualdigest@...>
Date: Sat Sep 5, 2009 8:46 pm
Subject: TREASURE IN CLAY JARS

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Dearly Beloved,

TREASURE IN CLAY JARS

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us" (2 Corinthians 4:7 NIV).

Being a problematic church, Paul wrote his two known epistles to the Corinthian church to correct some of the anomalies that existed in the church. One of such anomalies was the erroneous view about the gospel message and the messengers of the gospel. This view is that the gospel, which is the New Covenant, is inferior to the Old Covenant given to Moses, and so, the messengers of the gospel, or the ministers of the New Covenant, were inferior to Moses and the teachers of the Law. However, in this second epistle to the Corinthians, Paul explained the superiority of the gospel to the Law. He considered the gospel message as a treasure kept in jars of clay. Such illustration was familiar to the Corinthians.

The gospel message is indeed a treasure that supersedes any human knowledge or philosophy. God has kept or entrusted the gospel message in "clay jars," the apostles, now the preachers of the gospel. Clay jars are undoubtedly fragile. As humans, the preachers of the gospel are frail and weak like clay jar but the gospel message is entrusted to them. It was not entrusted to the angels or any other super-humans. God did this to show that spreading of the gospel message is not by human power, knowledge or even experience, but by His all-surpassing power. So, we must not look down on ourselves that we cannot preach the gospel, or depend on our ability or wisdom to do it, but rely wholly on God.

The treasure, the gospel message, has been entrusted unto you to keep it and share it with other people. Are you jealously keeping it and zealously sharing it with other people around you? You do not need any special power or knowledge to do so. What you need is total reliance on the Holy Spirit who is there to teach, guide, remind, and strengthen you as you are keeping and sharing the treasure. No matter the pressure around you, He will see you through. "For this reason we never become discouraged. Even though our physical being is gradually decaying, yet our spiritual being is renewed day after day. And this small and temporary trouble we suffer will bring us a tremendous and eternal glory, much greater than the trouble. For we fix our attention, not on things that are seen, but on things that are unseen. What can be seen lasts only for a time, but what cannot be seen lasts forever" (2 Corinthians 4:16-18 TEV).

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Hurrah! My new book on Internet ministry is out. To view the cover of the book and read the book review, people’s endorsements of the book, the contents page, and how you can get copies of the book in Nigeria, you can visit the website I created purposely for the promotion of the book: http://ministeringthroughtheinternet.blogspot.com/.

There will not be any formal launching of the book, but you can still identify with this success by contacting me at spiritualdigest@.... God bless you!

#373

From: Bayo Afolaranmi <spiritualdigest@...>
Date: Fri Sep 4, 2009 5:16 pm
Subject: Hurrah! My New Book on Internet Ministry is Out

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Dearly Beloved,

Hurrah! My New Book on Internet Ministry is Out

I am greatly delighted to inform you that my new book on Internet ministry is out at last. Some thousands of copies of the book are now in print. I am really grateful to all that contribute towards the realization of this vision. The Lord will continue to bless you immeasurably in Jesus’ name. Amen. Nevertheless, I had to obtain a loan from my employer to complete the balance for the production of the book. The loan has to be paid back once on or before three months after its approval. So, I will really appreciate it if people, especially those that have not contributed, can rise to my help to pay the loan, and print more copies of the book. I still have it in my plan to sell the book at a very minimal cost to enable as many people as possible to have access to it.

While efforts will be made to publish the book online in an e-book format and place it in reputable online bookstores for people to have access to it throughout the world, I am looking for distributors here in Nigeria that will help distribute copies of the book to notable bookshops in Nigeria. Presently, the Nigerian Baptist Bookstores Ltd, Oke Bola, Ibadan, Nigeria is my major distributor. (The company has many agents throughout Nigeria.) Its management can be contacted by email: nbbslimited@... and phone numbers: 234 803 577 1874, 234 2 752 4162, 234 806 834 0356. Arrangement can be made with anyone visiting Nigeria (if such person contact me) to be a distributor for people and libraries in his/her country of residence.

I am making efforts to donate copies of the book to libraries of some notable theological seminaries/Bible colleges and some universities here in Nigeria. Other colleges that want copies of the book in their libraries can contact me.

To view the cover of the book and read the book review, people’s endorsements of the book, and the contents page, you can visit the website I created purposely for the promotion of the book: http://ministeringthroughtheinternet.blogspot.com/.

God bless you!Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
+234 805 515 9591
http://www.thewordthruthenet.org/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spiritualdigest2003/
http://www.facebook.com/bayo.afolaranmi
Visit and become a follower of http://thewordthruthenet.blogspot.com/

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).

--- On Wed, 8/12/09, Bayo Afolaranmi <spiritualdigest@...> wrote:

From: Bayo Afolaranmi <spiritualdigest@...>
Subject: [Spiritual Digest] A Book on Internet Ministry (The Final Stage) [1 Attachment]
To: spiritualdigest2003@yahoogroups.com, TheWordThrutheNet@yahoogroups.com
Date: Wednesday, August 12, 2009, 11:56 PM

Dearly Beloved,
A Book on Internet Ministry (The Final Stage)
Calvary greetings to you in Jesusâ€™ name.
I am writing this mail to intimate you about the last stage of the production of my proposed book on Internet ministry. Courtesy of the contributions of many of my online contacts, the money for the typesetting, inner layout, cover designing, digital separation, lithography, and cards and papers for the printing of the book has been paid to the publisher. Attached with this mail is the cover page of the book. This will give you a glimpse of what the book will look like.
The final stages of the production are impression, collation, binding, finishing, laminating, creaming and embossing of copies of the book. I am believing God for the provision of the money for these before the end of this month. You can still be part of the project by sending in your contribution if you have not done so, or do more if you have done so before.
Ways to send your contribution are specified below in the forwarded mails. Remember, my vision still remains to make copies of the book available to people at a minimal cost so that they will know more about ministering through the Internet.
God bless you!
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
+234 805 515 9591
http://www.thewordt hruthenet. org/
http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/spirituald igest2003/
http://www.facebook .com/bayo. afolaranmi
Visit and become a follower of http://thewordthrut henet.blogspot. com/

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).

--- On Tue, 7/21/09, Bayo Afolaranmi <spiritualdigest@ yahoo.com> wrote:

From: Bayo Afolaranmi <spiritualdigest@ yahoo.com>
Subject: [Spiritual Digest] A Book on Internet Ministry (Progress So Far)
To: spiritualdigest2003 @yahoogroups. com, TheWordThrutheNet@ yahoogroups. com
Date: Tuesday, July 21, 2009, 10:09 AM

Dearly Beloved,
A Book on Internet Ministry (Progress So Far)
Calvary greetings to you in JesusÃ¢â‚¬â„¢ name.
I am writing this message to appreciate all that have contributed towards the production of my proposed book on Internet ministry, and inform you all about the progress so far about the production. I thank God for the people He has used to contribute their widowÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s mites so far. To God be the glory, almost one third of the estimated production cost has been contributed by people in this online ministry. The money contributed as at last week Tuesday has been remitted to the bank account of the publisher of the book as an advance payment for the project. The final galley has been printed for proof-reading. By the grace of God, the book will be published by the middle of August.
While I once again express my appreciation to all that have made a contribution so far, I am still looking unto God to use others that have not done so to do so to make this vision a reality. As others have done, you also can send in your widowÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s mite (no matter how small it may be).
Let me remind you the ways to make the contribution:
1. For people outside Nigeria , you can send to me any amount through Western Union or MoneyGram money transfer or any other money transfer service that is in operation in Nigeria . (The name on my international passport is Ã¢â‚¬Å“Adebayo Ola AFOLARANMI.Ã¢â‚¬ï¿½) Please send me the details about the transfer, your full names and contact address, and phone number to facilitate the collection of the money. My mobile phone number is +234 805 515 9591.
2. For people in Nigeria , I operate a current account with the Guarantee Trust Bank (GTB) Plc with the account number 902440794110. You can deposit any amount into my account at any branch of the bank. (The name of the account is Adebayo Ola AFOLARANMI.) I would appreciate it if you notify me about it.
3. People in Nigeria can use local money transfer of any bank to send money to me. (The name on my international passport and national identity card is Adebayo Ola AFOLARANMI.) Please send me the details about the transfer, your full names and contact address, and phone number to facilitate the collection of the money. My mobile phone number is +234 805 515 9591.
4. People in Nigeria and Ghana can also use the FlashMeCash of FinBank (former First Inland Bank) Plc. to send money to me. My mobile phone number is 2348055159591. The name on my international passport is Adebayo Ola AFOLARANMI. Please inform me of this immediately.
Remember, my vision still remains to make copies of the book available to people at a minimal cost so that they will know more about ministering through the Internet.
God bless you!
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
+234 805 515 9591
http://www.thewordt hruthenet. org/
http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/spirituald igest2003/
http://www.facebook .com/bayo. afolaranmi
Visit and become a follower of http://thewordthrut henet.blogspot. com/

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).

--- On Tue, 6/23/09, Bayo Afolaranmi <spiritualdigest@ yahoo.com> wrote:

From: Bayo Afolaranmi <spiritualdigest@ yahoo.com>
Subject: [Spiritual Digest] A Book on Internet Ministry (Reminder)
To: spiritualdigest2003 @yahoogroups. com, TheWordThrutheNet@ yahoogroups. com
Date: Tuesday, June 23, 2009, 9:18 AM

Dearly Beloved,
Calvary greetings to you in JesusÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢ name.
Let me once again refer to the forwarded messages. I thank God for the reactions of each of you toward this project. I am using this opportunity to remind as many that have decided to be financially committed to the project to do so as soon as possible. It is my desire that the book will go to press early month and be ready by the month of August.
Some people have advised against giving copies of the book out freely because that will make it valueless. However, I still have it in mind to be including copies of the book in registration packs of conferences, seminars, workshops, and so on that involves pastors and other church workers at no cost to the organizers of such conferences, seminars or workshops. If the book will be sold in the market, it will be at a minimal price.
God bless you!

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

--- On Tue, 5/19/09, Bayo Afolaranmi <spiritualdigest@ yahoo.com> wrote:

From: Bayo Afolaranmi <spiritualdigest@ yahoo.com>
Subject: [Spiritual Digest] Re: A Book on Internet Ministry
To: spiritualdigest2003 @yahoogroups. com, TheWordThrutheNet@ yahoogroups. com
Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2009, 9:41 PM

Dearly Beloved,

Re: A Book on Internet Ministry

I refer to the forwarded mail below. Let me first appreciate all of you for your reactions to the mail. Some people have even started contributing to the cause. However, some people gave a more practical suggestion: giving the approximate cost of production and precise ways of doing the contribution.

The approximate cost of producing five thousand (5000) copies of the book is four hundred and fifty thousand naira (N450,000.00) . (This is the initial phase of the project.) So, if about one hundred (100) people can contribute at least five thousand naira (N5000.00) or fifty dollars (US$50) each before June ending, the project will come to reality by July ending. (However, you may contribute less or more as you are led.) These are the ways to make the contribution:

1. For people outside Nigeria, you can send any amount through Western Union or MoneyGram money transfer or any other money transfer service that is in operation in Nigeria to me. (The name on my international passport is ÃƒÆ’Ã‚Â¢ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚Â¬Ãƒâ€¦Ã¢â‚¬Å“Adebayo Ola Afolaranmi.ÃƒÆ’Ã‚Â¢ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚Â¬ÃƒÂ¯Ã‚Â¿Ã‚Â½) Please send me the details about the transfer, your full names and contact address, and phone number to facilitate the collection of the money. My mobile phone number is +234 805 515 9591.

2. For people in Nigeria, I operate a current account with the Guarantee Trust Bank (GTB) Plc with the account number 902440794110. You can deposit any amount into my account at any branch of the bank. (The name of the account is ÃƒÆ’Ã‚Â¢ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚Â¬Ãƒâ€¦Ã¢â‚¬Å“Adebayo Ola Afolaranmi.ÃƒÆ’Ã‚Â¢ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚Â¬ÃƒÂ¯Ã‚Â¿Ã‚Â½) I would appreciate it if you notify me about it.
3. People in Nigeria and Ghana can also use the FlashMeCash of FinBank (former First Inland Bank) Plc. to send money to me. My mobile phone number is 2348055159591. The name on my international passport is ÃƒÆ’Ã‚Â¢ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚Â¬Ãƒâ€¦Ã¢â‚¬Å“Adebayo Ola Afolaranmi.ÃƒÆ’Ã‚Â¢ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚Â¬ÃƒÂ¯Ã‚Â¿Ã‚Â½ Please inform me of this immediately.
God bless you!

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
+234 805 515 9591
http://www.thewordt hruthenet. org/
http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/spirituald igest2003/
Visit and become a follower of http://thewordthrut henet.blogspot. com/

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).

--- On Mon, 5/11/09, spiritualdigest@ yahoo.com <spiritualdigest@ yahoo.com> wrote:

From: spiritualdigest@ yahoo.com <spiritualdigest@ yahoo.com>
Subject: [Spiritual Digest] A BOOK ON MINISTERING THROUGH THE INTERNET: A CALL FOR SUPPORT
To: spiritualdigest2003 @yahoogroups. com, TheWordThrutheNet@ yahoogroups. com
Date: Monday, May 11, 2009, 11:34 PM

Dearly Beloved,ÃƒÆ’Ã†â€™ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…Â¡

A BOOK ON MINISTERING THROUGH THE INTERNET: A CALL FOR SUPPORT

Calvary greetings to you in Jesus' name.

The Internet has become the new mission field of the twenty-first century and an assertive evangelization tool. In fulfilling the mandate of the Great Commission, pastors have the great opportunity of making use of the Internet.

Out of my over-six-year experience in ministering to people through the Internet and the outcome of my postgraduate research about the training of pastors in the use of the Internet in their ministries, I have written a book titled "A GUIDE TO MINISTERING THROUGH THE INTERNET." The ten-chapter book is a description of some aspects of the Internet (especially email, online chatting, website posting and web-based SMS) and how they can be used to minister to people online. It contains some other information about the Internet that will greatly help pastors and other committed Christians as they use the Internet in Christian ministries. There are some selected testimonies of people that have been blessed through online ministry in the appendices. Interestingly, I have not come across any book of such written by any Nigerian author.

Since many people (undoubtedly including you) have been blessed through my Internet ministry, I believe that more people will be blessed if more people especially pastors know about ministering through the Internet and involve themselves in this unique ministry. It is my vision that this proposed book will be my little contribution to the awareness about the Internet ministry as I want as many pastors as possible to have a copy of this book FREE OF CHARGE! Already, I have a target of the pastors of my denomination (the Nigerian Baptist Convention) and the entire pastors-in-training of my seminary (the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso) during their annual ministers' conference in September this year. Arrangement will later be made for pastors of other denominations and pastors-in-training of other seminaries, Bible colleges and pastors' schools to have free copies of the book as I have the opportunity.

Therefore, I want you to join me in this vision and CONTRIBUTE toward the production of thousands of copies of this book before the end of July. You can contribute your widow's mite to this vision by visiting http://www.thewordt hruthenet. org/support. php to see how you can send money to me, or reply this email. Please, notify me by email if you make any contribution. You can link me with an individual or organization that may share in this vision. If you want to know detail of the production cost, I will tell you. If you want to contribute substantial amount of money, you may contact me, and I will link you with the company that will print the book (if you prefer it that way). I would even prefer, if possible, that all contributors deal directly with the company.

"There are those who [generously] scatter abroad, and yet increase more; there are those who withhold more than is fitting or what is justly due, but it results only in want. ÃƒÆ’Ã†â€™ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…Â¡ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡ The liberal person shall be enriched, and he who waters shall himself be watered" (Proverbs 11:24-25 AMP).

God bless you!

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).ÃƒÆ’Ã†â€™ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…Â¡ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
+234 805 515 9591
http://www.thewordt hruthenet. org/
http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/spirituald igest2003/
Visit and become a follower of http://thewordthrut henet.blogspot. com/

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).

#372

From: Bayo Afolaranmi <spiritualdigest@...>
Date: Sat Aug 29, 2009 8:24 pm
Subject: BECAUSE OF THE KINGDOM?

spiritualdigest

Offline

Dearly Beloved,

BECAUSE OF THE KINGDOM?

"And from the days of John the Baptist until the present time, the kingdom of heaven has endured violent assault, and violent men seize it by force [as a precious prize — a share in the heavenly kingdom is sought with most ardent zeal and intense exertion]" (Matthew 11:12 AMP)

Throughout church history, denominations, groups of people, and individuals (both Christians and non-Christians) had misinterpreted and misapplied the Scriptures. These misinterpretations and misapplications which many people will claim are because of the kingdom of God have caused many erroneous doctrines and practices today. It is unfortunate that people are still misinterpreting and misapplying the Scriptures today especially to suit their selfish wishes. It would have been better if such selfish ambitions advance the cause of the gospel, but most of such are to deliberately deceive people to the selfish gains of the perpetrators of such misinterpretations and misapplications.

To buttress this, here is a mild drama that ensued between me and an unknown person recently. The person sent an SMS to me thus: "2nd edition of the ongoing chevron/Texaco bonanza, you just won N500,000.00, your number is one of the 15 lucky winners, ticket BT352k. Call us on [a mobile phone number]." Immediately I received the message, I knew it was a hoax. I called the person and advised him to desist from such act. The moment he discovered that I was not going to play along with him, he ended the call. Therefore, I sent this SMS to him: "I will advise you to stop this dubious act of duping unsuspecting people before God catch up with you with His wrath. You are warned!" He did reply my SMS. Here is his response: "I will advise you to stop this dubious act of yours because the kingdom of God suffers violence and the violent take it by force. You are warned! Mind your business." I replied him again thus: "So, your own way of taking the kingdom of God by force is deceiving people! The Lord will reward you greatly! I mind my business, but do not try such on me and other unsuspecting people again. I warn you, be ready for God’s wrath!" He never replied my second SMS.

One would wonder that such person could be bold to say that he is duping people because of the kingdom of God. No wonder, there are many questionable churches and fake pastors today. They hide under the kingdom of God and cause much havoc to unsuspecting people. Many scam emails have been sent to people telling them that there are donations to be used for God’s kingdom purpose. A careful verification of mails would reveal that they come from fraudulent people.

Are you one of such dubious people? Are you also deceiving other people because of the kingdom of God? Jesus Christ declared, "Let him who does wrong continue to do wrong; let him who is vile continue to be vile; let him who does right continue to do right; and let him who is holy continue to be holy. Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done" (Revelation 22:11-12 NIV).

In His service,

start: 0000-00-00 end: 0000-00-00

#371

From: Bayo Afolaranmi <spiritualdigest@...>
Date: Sat Aug 22, 2009 8:18 pm
Subject: WHEN GOD BECOMES "INACTIVE"

spiritualdigest

Offline

Dear Beloved,

WHEN GOD BECOMES "INACTIVE"

"[God] will not let your foot slip--he who watches over you will not

slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD watches over you…. The LORD will keep you from all harm--he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore" (Psalm 121:3-8, NIV).

No doubt, the psalmist penned several promises of God's protection and care for His own people. However, there are times when God seems "inactive" - times when it seems He could keep these promises.

The Israelites experienced such times. It was one of their numerous wars with the hostile and domineering Philistines (1 Samuel 4). The Israelites decided to bring the Ark of the Covenant - the symbol of God - to the battleground when the Philistines were gaining the upper hand. It was as if God Himself was present with them in battle when the ark arrived. The Philistines had the same impression when they heard the Israelites' shout of joy to welcome the ark. They were afraid. Nevertheless, the courageous Philistines won the battle and even captured the Ark of the Covenant!

Samson also found himself in similar situation. He had been a threat to the Philistines until one day he found himself in the net of the same

Philistines. The Bible records, "Then [Delilah] called, 'Samson, the

Philistines are upon you!' [Samson] awoke from his sleep and thought, 'I'll go out as before and shake myself free.' But he did not know that the LORD had left him. Then the Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes and took him down to Gaza. Binding him with bronze shackles, they set him to grinding in the prison" (Judges 16:20-21, NIV).

One may wonder what went wrong in the two situations. Could God not save them? Why did He leave them in such critical situations? Why was He "inactive" when it mattered most? The answer is not far-fetched. SIN had separated them from God. Samson flirted with a strange woman against God's will. Even he could not discern the danger that such action depicted for him (Judges 16). Because of the sins of the house of Eli, God decided to punish the Israelites (1 Samuel 2:27-36; 3:11-14).

What could make God to be "inactive" in your life? What could make Him not to be ready to help you? Isaiah declared: "Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear" (Isaiah 59:1-2, NIV).

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Note:

This message was first posted on Sunday May 2, 2004.

#370

From: Bayo Afolaranmi <spiritualdigest@...>
Date: Sat Aug 15, 2009 7:14 pm
Subject: REMAIN FOCUSED!

spiritualdigest

Offline

Dearly Beloved,

REMAIN FOCUSED!

"‘Lord, if it's you,’ Peter replied, ‘tell me to come to you on the water.’ ‘Come,’ he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’" (Matthew 14:28-30 NIV).

The disciples of Jesus Christ were in a boat buffeted by the storm. Jesus had to interrupt His prayer time in order to rescue the situation. Being the omnipotent God, He walked on the water! The disciples were terrified to see somebody walking on the water, so they concluded that that person must be a ghost. They cried out in fear. However, Jesus Christ revealed His identity and dissuaded them from the fear. Simon Peter wanted to be sure, and even wanted to do what Jesus was doing – walking on the water. Jesus invited him. Peter got down from the boat and started walking on the water. As he was walking towards Jesus, he lost focus and remembered that he was on a storming sea. Immediately, he started sinking. Thank God that he retraced his steps by focusing on Jesus again. He called for help and Jesus helped him.

Undoubtedly, we are all in the stormy sea of life. The waves of life are buffeting us every day. The good news is that the Lord is not indifferent to our situations. He has come to our rescue and extended to us the call of relief from these storms. In Matthew 11:28-30, He said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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" (NIV). Some people have yielded this call while many have not. However, like Simon Peter, many of those people that have yielded the call have lost their focus on Jesus. They are now focusing on the storms of life. No wonder, they are sinking into the sea of life.

Have you come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ? Have you yielded to His call to come to Him? If yes, congratulations! If no, please come today! However, to enjoy His tranquility in the storm of life and even walk above it without sinking, you have to remain focused on Jesus Christ. Whatever the situation, He is more than able to rescue you from your storm of life.

In His service,

#369

From: Bayo Afolaranmi <spiritualdigest@...>
Date: Wed Aug 12, 2009 9:56 pm
Subject: A Book on Internet Ministry (The Final Stage)

spiritualdigest

Offline

Dearly Beloved,

A Book on Internet Ministry (The Final Stage)

Calvary greetings to you in Jesus’ name.

I am writing this mail to intimate you about the last stage of the production of my proposed book on Internet ministry. Courtesy of the contributions of many of my online contacts, the money for the typesetting, inner layout, cover designing, digital separation, lithography, and cards and papers for the printing of the book has been paid to the publisher. Attached with this mail is the cover page of the book. This will give you a glimpse of what the book will look like.

The final stages of the production are impression, collation, binding, finishing, laminating, creaming and embossing of copies of the book. I am believing God for the provision of the money for these before the end of this month. You can still be part of the project by sending in your contribution if you have not done so, or do more if you have done so before.

Ways to send your contribution are specified below in the forwarded mails. Remember, my vision still remains to make copies of the book available to people at a minimal cost so that they will know more about ministering through the Internet.

God bless you!

From: Bayo Afolaranmi <spiritualdigest@...>
Subject: [Spiritual Digest] A Book on Internet Ministry (Progress So Far)
To: spiritualdigest2003@yahoogroups.com, TheWordThrutheNet@yahoogroups.com
Date: Tuesday, July 21, 2009, 10:09 AM

Dearly Beloved,
A Book on Internet Ministry (Progress So Far)
Calvary greetings to you in Jesusâ€™ name.
I am writing this message to appreciate all that have contributed towards the production of my proposed book on Internet ministry, and inform you all about the progress so far about the production. I thank God for the people He has used to contribute their widowâ€™s mites so far. To God be the glory, almost one third of the estimated production cost has been contributed by people in this online ministry. The money contributed as at last week Tuesday has been remitted to the bank account of the publisher of the book as an advance payment for the project. The final galley has been printed for proof-reading. By the grace of God, the book will be published by the middle of August.
While I once again express my appreciation to all that have made a contribution so far, I am still looking unto God to use others that have not done so to do so to make this vision a reality. As others have done, you also can send in your widowâ€™s mite (no matter how small it may be).
Let me remind you the ways to make the contribution:
1. For people outside Nigeria , you can send to me any amount through Western Union or MoneyGram money transfer or any other money transfer service that is in operation in Nigeria . (The name on my international passport is â€œAdebayo Ola AFOLARANMI.â€�) Please send me the details about the transfer, your full names and contact address, and phone number to facilitate the collection of the money. My mobile phone number is +234 805 515 9591.
2. For people in Nigeria , I operate a current account with the Guarantee Trust Bank (GTB) Plc with the account number 902440794110. You can deposit any amount into my account at any branch of the bank. (The name of the account is Adebayo Ola AFOLARANMI.) I would appreciate it if you notify me about it.
3. People in Nigeria can use local money transfer of any bank to send money to me. (The name on my international passport and national identity card is Adebayo Ola AFOLARANMI.) Please send me the details about the transfer, your full names and contact address, and phone number to facilitate the collection of the money. My mobile phone number is +234 805 515 9591.
4. People in Nigeria and Ghana can also use the FlashMeCash of FinBank (former First Inland Bank) Plc. to send money to me. My mobile phone number is 2348055159591. The name on my international passport is Adebayo Ola AFOLARANMI. Please inform me of this immediately.
Remember, my vision still remains to make copies of the book available to people at a minimal cost so that they will know more about ministering through the Internet.
God bless you!
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
+234 805 515 9591
http://www.thewordt hruthenet. org/
http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/spirituald igest2003/
http://www.facebook .com/bayo. afolaranmi
Visit and become a follower of http://thewordthrut henet.blogspot. com/

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).

--- On Tue, 6/23/09, Bayo Afolaranmi <spiritualdigest@ yahoo.com> wrote:

From: Bayo Afolaranmi <spiritualdigest@ yahoo.com>
Subject: [Spiritual Digest] A Book on Internet Ministry (Reminder)
To: spiritualdigest2003 @yahoogroups. com, TheWordThrutheNet@ yahoogroups. com
Date: Tuesday, June 23, 2009, 9:18 AM

Dearly Beloved,
Calvary greetings to you in JesusÃ¢â‚¬â„¢ name.
Let me once again refer to the forwarded messages. I thank God for the reactions of each of you toward this project. I am using this opportunity to remind as many that have decided to be financially committed to the project to do so as soon as possible. It is my desire that the book will go to press early month and be ready by the month of August.
Some people have advised against giving copies of the book out freely because that will make it valueless. However, I still have it in mind to be including copies of the book in registration packs of conferences, seminars, workshops, and so on that involves pastors and other church workers at no cost to the organizers of such conferences, seminars or workshops. If the book will be sold in the market, it will be at a minimal price.
God bless you!

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

--- On Tue, 5/19/09, Bayo Afolaranmi <spiritualdigest@ yahoo.com> wrote:

From: Bayo Afolaranmi <spiritualdigest@ yahoo.com>
Subject: [Spiritual Digest] Re: A Book on Internet Ministry
To: spiritualdigest2003 @yahoogroups. com, TheWordThrutheNet@ yahoogroups. com
Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2009, 9:41 PM

Dearly Beloved,

Re: A Book on Internet Ministry

I refer to the forwarded mail below. Let me first appreciate all of you for your reactions to the mail. Some people have even started contributing to the cause. However, some people gave a more practical suggestion: giving the approximate cost of production and precise ways of doing the contribution.

The approximate cost of producing five thousand (5000) copies of the book is four hundred and fifty thousand naira (N450,000.00) . (This is the initial phase of the project.) So, if about one hundred (100) people can contribute at least five thousand naira (N5000.00) or fifty dollars (US$50) each before June ending, the project will come to reality by July ending. (However, you may contribute less or more as you are led.) These are the ways to make the contribution:

1. For people outside Nigeria, you can send any amount through Western Union or MoneyGram money transfer or any other money transfer service that is in operation in Nigeria to me. (The name on my international passport is ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œAdebayo Ola Afolaranmi.ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¯Â¿Â½) Please send me the details about the transfer, your full names and contact address, and phone number to facilitate the collection of the money. My mobile phone number is +234 805 515 9591.

2. For people in Nigeria, I operate a current account with the Guarantee Trust Bank (GTB) Plc with the account number 902440794110. You can deposit any amount into my account at any branch of the bank. (The name of the account is ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œAdebayo Ola Afolaranmi.ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¯Â¿Â½) I would appreciate it if you notify me about it.
3. People in Nigeria and Ghana can also use the FlashMeCash of FinBank (former First Inland Bank) Plc. to send money to me. My mobile phone number is 2348055159591. The name on my international passport is ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œAdebayo Ola Afolaranmi.ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¯Â¿Â½ Please inform me of this immediately.
God bless you!

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
+234 805 515 9591
http://www.thewordt hruthenet. org/
http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/spirituald igest2003/
Visit and become a follower of http://thewordthrut henet.blogspot. com/

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).

--- On Mon, 5/11/09, spiritualdigest@ yahoo.com <spiritualdigest@ yahoo.com> wrote:

From: spiritualdigest@ yahoo.com <spiritualdigest@ yahoo.com>
Subject: [Spiritual Digest] A BOOK ON MINISTERING THROUGH THE INTERNET: A CALL FOR SUPPORT
To: spiritualdigest2003 @yahoogroups. com, TheWordThrutheNet@ yahoogroups. com
Date: Monday, May 11, 2009, 11:34 PM

Dearly Beloved,ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡

A BOOK ON MINISTERING THROUGH THE INTERNET: A CALL FOR SUPPORT

Calvary greetings to you in Jesus' name.

The Internet has become the new mission field of the twenty-first century and an assertive evangelization tool. In fulfilling the mandate of the Great Commission, pastors have the great opportunity of making use of the Internet.

Out of my over-six-year experience in ministering to people through the Internet and the outcome of my postgraduate research about the training of pastors in the use of the Internet in their ministries, I have written a book titled "A GUIDE TO MINISTERING THROUGH THE INTERNET." The ten-chapter book is a description of some aspects of the Internet (especially email, online chatting, website posting and web-based SMS) and how they can be used to minister to people online. It contains some other information about the Internet that will greatly help pastors and other committed Christians as they use the Internet in Christian ministries. There are some selected testimonies of people that have been blessed through online ministry in the appendices. Interestingly, I have not come across any book of such written by any Nigerian author.

Since many people (undoubtedly including you) have been blessed through my Internet ministry, I believe that more people will be blessed if more people especially pastors know about ministering through the Internet and involve themselves in this unique ministry. It is my vision that this proposed book will be my little contribution to the awareness about the Internet ministry as I want as many pastors as possible to have a copy of this book FREE OF CHARGE! Already, I have a target of the pastors of my denomination (the Nigerian Baptist Convention) and the entire pastors-in-training of my seminary (the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso) during their annual ministers' conference in September this year. Arrangement will later be made for pastors of other denominations and pastors-in-training of other seminaries, Bible colleges and pastors' schools to have free copies of the book as I have the opportunity.

Therefore, I want you to join me in this vision and CONTRIBUTE toward the production of thousands of copies of this book before the end of July. You can contribute your widow's mite to this vision by visiting http://www.thewordt hruthenet. org/support. php to see how you can send money to me, or reply this email. Please, notify me by email if you make any contribution. You can link me with an individual or organization that may share in this vision. If you want to know detail of the production cost, I will tell you. If you want to contribute substantial amount of money, you may contact me, and I will link you with the company that will print the book (if you prefer it that way). I would even prefer, if possible, that all contributors deal directly with the company.

"There are those who [generously] scatter abroad, and yet increase more; there are those who withhold more than is fitting or what is justly due, but it results only in want. ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š The liberal person shall be enriched, and he who waters shall himself be watered" (Proverbs 11:24-25 AMP).

God bless you!

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
+234 805 515 9591
http://www.thewordt hruthenet. org/
http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/spirituald igest2003/
Visit and become a follower of http://thewordthrut henet.blogspot. com/

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).

1 of 1 Photo(s)

Ministering

#368

From: Bayo Afolaranmi <spiritualdigest@...>
Date: Sat Aug 8, 2009 7:03 pm
Subject: DO NOT CHANGE THE ORDER!

spiritualdigest

Offline

Dearly Beloved,

DO NOT CHANGE THE ORDER!

"[God] will bless you… and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you" (Genesis 12:2-3 NIV).

Being a Saturday, I woke up late that day. I could not properly do my daily "Quite Time" with God before I rushed out of bed. I was eager to send my monthly prayer wish by SMS to people in my SMS lists. I successfully sent the same prayer wish by email and even uploaded it on my website, but the SMS could not be immediately delivered to people as I expected. I was frustrated. My purpose for rushing out of bed was defeated. I went back to do my "Quite Time" properly. Then I remembered that I had changed the old order of God’s way of blessing people. God’s order as He told Abraham (in Genesis 12:2-3) is that He will first bless a person if the person has a close relationship with Him, then use the person to bless others.

Many people want to serve God and want God to bless other people through their services, but most of the time, such people do not wait for God’s blessings for them. Many are so pre-occupied by the work of God that they neglect the God of the work. They can spend hours with people ministering to them but find it difficult to spend quality time with God.

Martha was guilty of this when Jesus Christ visited her home. She was pre-occupied with service and even accused her sister who was with Jesus of not helping her with the service. Jesus corrected her, "Martha, Martha! You are worried and troubled over so many things, but just one is needed. Mary has chosen the right thing, and it will not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:41-42 TEV). Mary knew the order: she first received the blessings of God before thinking of being a "blessing" to Jesus and others.

Are you not also knowingly or unknowingly changing the order: trying to be a channel of God’s blessing to other people while you have not allowed God to bless you? Are you not being pre-occupied more in the work of God than being in the presence of or close fellowship with the God of the work? God will make you a channel of His blessings to other people, but let Him first bless you. Do not change the order!

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

You still have the opportunity of being part of my SMS ministry. Send your mobile phone number (including country code if not in Nigeria) to me at <spiritualdigest@...>. God bless you!

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
+234 805 515 9591
http://www.thewordthruthenet.org/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spiritualdigest2003/
http://www.facebook.com/bayo.afolaranmi
Visit and become a follower of http://thewordthruthenet.blogspot.com/

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).

#367

From: Bayo Afolaranmi <spiritualdigest@...>
Date: Sat Aug 1, 2009 7:15 pm
Subject: THE MAJORITY!

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Dearly Beloved,

THE MAJORITY!

"But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship. Since the harbor was unsuitable to winter in, the majority decided that we should sail on, hoping to reach Phoenix and winter there" (Acts 27:11-12 NIV).

In a democratic society, majority always have their way while the minority have their say. In other words, majority carry the day while the minority are left in the cold. That is the ideal. However, at times, majority opinion or decision may be dangerous and be detriment of the whole society.

Paul the apostle was in a voyage to Rome as a prisoner. It was evident that the sailing had become dangerous. So, he advised the sailors against continuing the voyage. The centurion who was leading the journey and majority of people in the ship thought otherwise. The majority had their way while Paul had his say. However, the decision of the majority nearly cost them their lives after losing everything they had in a storm that led to a shipwreck.

When Moses was leading the Israelites to the Promised Land, twelve spies were sent ahead of them to the land. Ten of the spies brought bad reports while only two brought good reports. The Israelites followed the majority and rebelled against God. This made the whole generation of those people not to get to that land except the two people that brought the good reports (see Numbers 13, 14).

In leadership, while it is good to listen to the view of the majority and follow it, it is better, at times, to thoughtfully consider the view of the minority. Majority may have the same view, but they are not right all the time. The majority view may be dangerous at times. Therefore, pray for the discerning spirit, especially, the leadership of the Holy Spirit, in following the majority.

In His service,

#366

From: Bayo Afolaranmi <spiritualdigest@...>
Date: Sat Jul 25, 2009 6:33 pm
Subject: IN SPITE OF ALL OBSTACLES (Part 2)

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Dearly Beloved,

IN SPITE OF ALL OBSTACLES (Part 2)

“Then Jesus answered, ‘Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.’ And her daughter was healed from that very hour” (Matthew 15:28 NIV).

Last week, I started the story of a Syrio-Phoniecian woman who came to Jesus Christ for help but faced with many obstacles. One of such obstacles was Jesus’ seeming rude answer to her plea. The woman was not discouraged with the answer. She came nearer and worshipped Jesus. Jesus’ second response (now directly to the woman) was not favourable either. He referred to her and her child as dogs! (The Jews used to refer to non-Jews as “dogs” because they considered themselves as the only ones worthy of getting favour of God.) Jesus used this common term to tell the woman that she did not merit what she was asking for. He had not completed His assignment to the Jews. However, Jesus wanted to try her faith the more. This was the fourth seeming obstacle—another psychological or emotional obstacle. (Do you still remember the first three seeming obstacles as highlighted in the first part of this message?)

The response of the woman was classic. She agreed that she was a “dog,” but she contended that even dogs could eat the fragments of food that fall from children’s table, thereby underscoring her faith that she could get a little out of the favour of God. In spite of the seeming humiliation, she believed that she could be blessed in some little way. She was so humble to get just a fragment. Jesus commended her great faith and granted her the request. The healing of her daughter “that very hour” exhibited that Jesus is ready to heal anybody that comes to Him with great faith and persistency.

What kind of obstacle are you facing as this year is gradually running to an end? Do not forget these two facts. One, delay is not denial. The fact that God does not answer our prayer the first time does not mean that He will not answer it if we persist in asking Him. He may want to know how persistent we are when we are making a request to Him. When the answers of prayer are deferred, God is thereby teaching us to pray more, and pray better. It may also be that His time for us has not come. Two, no matter the situation we may find ourselves, we must have great faith in God that He can solve our problems, and that He will solve them in His own way and in His own time. We must be ready to accept His way and time for us.

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

NB
This message is an abridged version of a Bible study titled “A Mother’s Faith.” You may request for the study by contacting me directly at <spiritualdigest@...>. God bless you.

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
+234 805 515 9591
http://www.thewordthruthenet.org/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spiritualdigest2003/
http://www.facebook.com/bayo.afolaranmi
Visit and become a follower of http://thewordthruthenet.blogspot.com/

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).

#365

From: Bayo Afolaranmi <spiritualdigest@...>
Date: Tue Jul 21, 2009 8:09 am
Subject: A Book on Internet Ministry (Progress So Far)

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Offline

Dearly Beloved,

A Book on Internet Ministry (Progress So Far)

Calvary greetings to you in Jesus’ name.

I am writing this message to appreciate all that have contributed towards the production of my proposed book on Internet ministry, and inform you all about the progress so far about the production. I thank God for the people He has used to contribute their widow’s mites so far. To God be the glory, almost one third of the estimated production cost has been contributed by people in this online ministry. The money contributed as at last week Tuesday has been remitted to the bank account of the publisher of the book as an advance payment for the project. The final galley has been printed for proof-reading. By the grace of God, the book will be published by the middle of August.

While I once again express my appreciation to all that have made a contribution so far, I am still looking unto God to use others that have not done so to do so to make this vision a reality. As others have done, you also can send in your widow’s mite (no matter how small it may be).

Let me remind you the ways to make the contribution:

1. For people outside Nigeria, you can send to me any amount through Western Union or MoneyGram money transfer or any other money transfer service that is in operation in Nigeria. (The name on my international passport is “Adebayo Ola AFOLARANMI.”) Please send me the details about the transfer, your full names and contact address, and phone number to facilitate the collection of the money. My mobile phone number is +234 805 515 9591.

2. For people in Nigeria, I operate a current account with the Guarantee Trust Bank (GTB) Plc with the account number 902440794110. You can deposit any amount into my account at any branch of the bank. (The name of the account is “Adebayo Ola AFOLARANMI.”) I would appreciate it if you notify me about it.

3. People in Nigeria can use local money transfer of any bank to send money to me. (The name on my international passport and national identity card is “Adebayo Ola AFOLARANMI.”) Please send me the details about the transfer, your full names and contact address, and phone number to facilitate the collection of the money. My mobile phone number is +234 805 515 9591.

Remember, my vision still remains to make copies of the book available to people at a minimal cost so that they will know more about ministering through the Internet.

God bless you!

From: Bayo Afolaranmi <spiritualdigest@...>
Subject: [Spiritual Digest] A Book on Internet Ministry (Reminder)
To: spiritualdigest2003@yahoogroups.com, TheWordThrutheNet@yahoogroups.com
Date: Tuesday, June 23, 2009, 9:18 AM

Dearly Beloved,
Calvary greetings to you in Jesusâ€™ name.
Let me once again refer to the forwarded messages. I thank God for the reactions of each of you toward this project. I am using this opportunity to remind as many that have decided to be financially committed to the project to do so as soon as possible. It is my desire that the book will go to press early month and be ready by the month of August.
Some people have advised against giving copies of the book out freely because that will make it valueless. However, I still have it in mind to be including copies of the book in registration packs of conferences, seminars, workshops, and so on that involves pastors and other church workers at no cost to the organizers of such conferences, seminars or workshops. If the book will be sold in the market, it will be at a minimal price.
God bless you!

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

--- On Tue, 5/19/09, Bayo Afolaranmi <spiritualdigest@ yahoo.com> wrote:

From: Bayo Afolaranmi <spiritualdigest@ yahoo.com>
Subject: [Spiritual Digest] Re: A Book on Internet Ministry
To: spiritualdigest2003 @yahoogroups. com, TheWordThrutheNet@ yahoogroups. com
Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2009, 9:41 PM

Dearly Beloved,
Re: A Book on Internet Ministry
I refer to the forwarded mail below. Let me first appreciate all of you for your reactions to the mail. Some people have even started contributing to the cause. However, some people gave a more practical suggestion: giving the approximate cost of production and precise ways of doing the contribution.
The approximate cost of producing five thousand (5000) copies of the book is four hundred and fifty thousand naira (N450,000.00) . (This is the initial phase of the project.) So, if about one hundred (100) people can contribute at least five thousand naira (N5000.00) or fifty dollars (US$50) each before June ending, the project will come to reality by July ending. (However, you may contribute less or more as you are led.) These are the ways to make the contribution:
1. For people outside Nigeria, you can send any amount through Western Union or MoneyGram money transfer or any other money transfer service that is in operation in Nigeria to me. (The name on my international passport is Ã¢â‚¬Å“Adebayo Ola Afolaranmi.Ã¢â‚¬ï¿½) Please send me the details about the transfer, your full names and contact address, and phone number to facilitate the collection of the money. My mobile phone number is +234 805 515 9591.
2. For people in Nigeria, I operate a current account with the Guarantee Trust Bank (GTB) Plc with the account number 902440794110. You can deposit any amount into my account at any branch of the bank. (The name of the account is Ã¢â‚¬Å“Adebayo Ola Afolaranmi.Ã¢â‚¬ï¿½) I would appreciate it if you notify me about it.
3. People in Nigeria and Ghana can also use the FlashMeCash of FinBank (former First Inland Bank) Plc. to send money to me. My mobile phone number is 2348055159591. The name on my international passport is Ã¢â‚¬Å“Adebayo Ola Afolaranmi.Ã¢â‚¬ï¿½ Please inform me of this immediately.
God bless you!

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
+234 805 515 9591
http://www.thewordt hruthenet. org/
http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/spirituald igest2003/
Visit and become a follower of http://thewordthrut henet.blogspot. com/

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).

--- On Mon, 5/11/09, spiritualdigest@ yahoo.com <spiritualdigest@ yahoo.com> wrote:

From: spiritualdigest@ yahoo.com <spiritualdigest@ yahoo.com>
Subject: [Spiritual Digest] A BOOK ON MINISTERING THROUGH THE INTERNET: A CALL FOR SUPPORT
To: spiritualdigest2003 @yahoogroups. com, TheWordThrutheNet@ yahoogroups. com
Date: Monday, May 11, 2009, 11:34 PM

Dearly Beloved,Ãƒâ€š

A BOOK ON MINISTERING THROUGH THE INTERNET: A CALL FOR SUPPORT

Calvary greetings to you in Jesus' name.

The Internet has become the new mission field of the twenty-first century and an assertive evangelization tool. In fulfilling the mandate of the Great Commission, pastors have the great opportunity of making use of the Internet.

Out of my over-six-year experience in ministering to people through the Internet and the outcome of my postgraduate research about the training of pastors in the use of the Internet in their ministries, I have written a book titled "A GUIDE TO MINISTERING THROUGH THE INTERNET." The ten-chapter book is a description of some aspects of the Internet (especially email, online chatting, website posting and web-based SMS) and how they can be used to minister to people online. It contains some other information about the Internet that will greatly help pastors and other committed Christians as they use the Internet in Christian ministries. There are some selected testimonies of people that have been blessed through online ministry in the appendices. Interestingly, I have not come across any book of such written by any Nigerian author.

Since many people (undoubtedly including you) have been blessed through my Internet ministry, I believe that more people will be blessed if more people especially pastors know about ministering through the Internet and involve themselves in this unique ministry. It is my vision that this proposed book will be my little contribution to the awareness about the Internet ministry as I want as many pastors as possible to have a copy of this book FREE OF CHARGE! Already, I have a target of the pastors of my denomination (the Nigerian Baptist Convention) and the entire pastors-in-training of my seminary (the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso) during their annual ministers' conference in September this year. Arrangement will later be made for pastors of other denominations and pastors-in-training of other seminaries, Bible colleges and pastors' schools to have free copies of the book as I have the opportunity.

Therefore, I want you to join me in this vision and CONTRIBUTE toward the production of thousands of copies of this book before the end of July. You can contribute your widow's mite to this vision by visiting http://www.thewordt hruthenet. org/support. php to see how you can send money to me, or reply this email. Please, notify me by email if you make any contribution. You can link me with an individual or organization that may share in this vision. If you want to know detail of the production cost, I will tell you. If you want to contribute substantial amount of money, you may contact me, and I will link you with the company that will print the book (if you prefer it that way). I would even prefer, if possible, that all contributors deal directly with the company.

"There are those who [generously] scatter abroad, and yet increase more; there are those who withhold more than is fitting or what is justly due, but it results only in want. Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ The liberal person shall be enriched, and he who waters shall himself be watered" (Proverbs 11:24-25 AMP).

God bless you!

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).Ãƒâ€šÃ‚

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
+234 805 515 9591
http://www.thewordt hruthenet. org/
http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/spirituald igest2003/
Visit and become a follower of http://thewordthrut henet.blogspot. com/

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).

#364

From: Bayo Afolaranmi <spiritualdigest@...>
Date: Sat Jul 18, 2009 8:02 pm
Subject: IN SPITE OF ALL OBSTACLES

spiritualdigest

Offline

Dearly Beloved,

IN SPITE OF ALL OBSTACLES

"A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, ‘Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is suffering terribly from demon-possession’" (Matthew 15:22 NIV).

Ideally, a mother can do anything to get something for her children. She can go any length to see that she gets the desired result for her children. This message is about a woman who sought help for her daughter that was demon-possessed. In spite of the obstacles she encountered, she did not give up until she got what she wanted.

Jesus Christ withdrew from the land of the Jews, and went to the region of Tyre and Sidon, possibly to have some rest from the teeming Jewish crowd. A woman from that region came to Him and begged Him. The content of her cry was that Jesus should have mercy on her and heal her daughter who was terribly suffering from demon possession. Her prayer was short. She prayed with humility. She was fervent and modest. She showed respect. Although she was not a believer, she demonstrated total reliance on the mercy of Jesus. What a good example for us today in our prayers to God!

Jesus did not answer her initially. It does not mean that He did not hear her plea or that He wanted to ignore her. He might be testing her faith and persistency. He might even want to teach His disciples a lesson from the event. This was the first seeming obstacle—a psychological obstacle. In spite of the inaction of Jesus, it was apparent that the woman did not give up. She continued to plead for mercy. The reaction of the disciples showed this. They wanted Jesus to send the woman away so that she would no longer disturb them with her supplication. Their words might also suggest that they wanted Jesus to do something tangible for the woman. This was the second seeming obstacle—a social obstacle.

Jesus’ answer was like adding insult to injury for the woman – she was not qualified to receive His mercy! Jesus was sent first to the Jews, then to other people. He came as their expected Messiah. He came to preach the gospel Himself to the Jews only. Afterward the gospel was preached to the Gentiles, but the ministry of Jesus was confined almost entirely to the Jews. He confirmed this in the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:18-20. This was the third seeming obstacle—another social or religious obstacle.

What kind of obstacles are you facing as this year is gradually running to an end? How are you reacting to these obstacles? No matter the obstacle, "if you believe, you would see the glory of God" (John 11:40 NIV). The conclusion of this story next week will attest to this.

In His service,