Dear Beloved,

Redemption and propitiation have been discussed in Parts 2 and 3 of
this serial study of the atoning death of Jesus Christ as things that
made Good Friday a good day for Christians and anyone who accepts
Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and Lord. In this concluding part
of the study, I will discuss the third accomplishment of the death -
reconciliation.

WHAT IS GOOD IN IT? (Part 4)
(RECONCILIATION)

"For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him
through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled,
shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also
rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have
now received reconciliation" (Romans 5:10-11, NIV).

Reconciliation is simply the abolition of enmity between two parties
who have quarreled. However, more theologically, it is the work of
God through the death of Jesus Christ by which a sinful person is
brought to spiritual fellowship and moral harmony with God. This
accomplishment is closely related to the previous one. The striking
difference between them is that propitiation is towards God while
reconciliation is towards man. Man as a sinner is an enemy of God
(Romans 5:10) because of his sin and sinful nature (Colossians 1:21).
To reconcile man to God, the cause of the enmity (which is sin) must
be removed. Jesus Christ has done this in His death on the cross
(Romans 5:10-11; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Ephesians 2:11-18; Colossians
1:19-21).

In these passages, God, NOT man, effects this reconciliation. It is
important to observe that in reconciliation only man is changed (i.e.
reconciled) - God is not; and of course, this makes sense -
otherwise, God would be compromised. It is man, not God, who needs
changing, and this is what happens in reconciliation.

The extent of reconciliation in particular and other accomplishments
of the death of Jesus Christ in general is controversial. Some opined
that the extent is only applicable to the elect, that is, Christ died
only for the elect, using Matthew 20:28, John 10:15 and Ephesians
5:25 as their scriptural supports. Others said that the extent is to
the whole world, that is Christ died for the whole world using
passages like John 1:29; 1 Timothy 2:6; Hebrews 2:9; 2 Peter 3:9; 1
John 2:2 etc. as their scriptural supports. Well, it can be concluded
that the death of Christ was unlimited in its value. It was for all
men, but, of course, the personal application of that death is
limited to those who believe in Him. The results of reconciliation
are all the objective works of God as seen in the believer by which
the sinner (an enemy of God) is transformed into a saint (a friend of
God).

It has been established in this study that Jesus Christ, through His
atoning death, paid the price of man' sin in order to remove the
wrath of God and thereby reconcile man to God. There is no doubt that
the day Jesus Christ accomplished all these is not only a good day,
but one of the best days for Christians and everyone who accepts Him
as his personal Savior and Lord. So I recommend that the Good Friday
should be changed to the Best Friday! However, is Jesus Christ's
death effective in your life? Have you been reconciled to God?
Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ so that His death will not be in
vain over your life. Accept Him today as your personal Savior and
Lord. You will experience the goodness of His death in your life!

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Note:
I thank all of you that have commented and reacted on the study. More
comments and reactions are still welcome. If you missed any part of
the study or you want me to send the whole study to you, write a
personal email to me at spiritualdigest@... or
spiritualdigest@.... God bless you!!!

Dear Beloved,

DON'T GIVE UP!

"God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he
should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he
promise and not fulfil?" (Numbers 23:19, NIV).

"You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God,
you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little
while, `He who is coming will come and will not delay'" (Hebrews
10:36-37, NIV).

I was still trying to come out of the trauma of my third consecutive
visa denial by the US embassy in my country when an elderly pastor
from UK wrote an encouraging mail to me. In the mail, he asked me to
tell him the area he could be of help to me in view of the fact that
I would not be able to go to the US as I planned before. I did not
hesitate to ask for a new laptop because the one I was using then is
problematic. Responding, the pastor told me that I should consider
the request granted (though he clarified that the promised laptop
would be a fairly used one). He told me that he would be coming to
Nigeria the following month, and that he would come with the laptop.

That was July 2004. I waited for the laptop throughout the month of
August and I did not hear from the pastor nor see the promised
laptop. I wrote an email to him and he told me that he had actually
come to Nigeria but could not bring the laptop because of some
problems he had when he was coming. He promised to send it through
another person that would come in the month of September. That month
also passed without getting the promised laptop. The pastor asked me
to wait till the end of November when many would accompany the
general overseer of his denomination to the UK for a gospel rally.
According to him, he would find somebody out of those people that
would bring the laptop to me in Nigeria. The month of November also
came without the promise fulfilled. When I contacted the pastor
again, he told me that he had found somebody who was ready to bring
the laptop but that the person had gone to the US. According to him,
the person would bring the laptop when he is coming from the US via
the UK. The person did not come till the end of the year.

It was early this year that another person in the UK told me that he
would visit Nigeria in the month of February. When I told him about
the promised laptop, he accepted to contact the elderly pastor and
help me bring it. I linked both of them together and arrangement was
made how he would collect the laptop when he was coming to Nigeria.
However the arrangement could not work out.

I was about to give up on the promised laptop when the elderly pastor
wrote me again that I should not give up on the issue. He informed me
that he would come to Nigeria in the early April and promised to
bring the laptop.

He did come to Nigeria and sent a mail to me so that I would give him
my phone number and contact address. I wanted to go and meet him in
his place, but he decided to come to my place. After some
unsuccessful attempts to get me, he eventually handed over the
promised laptop to me. That was after nine months of waiting, writing
of mails, phone calls etc.

This is my testimony. I am composing this message with that promised
laptop. I want it to be an encouragement to others that are waiting
for something either from other people or even from God. If a man
could fulfil his promise after nine months in spite of all odds, how
much more God will not fulfil His numerous promises for you? Delay is
not denial. The promises will soon be fulfilled. Just wait patiently.
Don't give up!

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Dear Beloved,

WAIT FOR GOD'S APPOINTED TIME

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when
men succeed in their ways…" (Psalm 37:7, NIV).

After the disobedience of Saul to the command of God to totally
destroy the Amalekites and his rejection as king of Israel by God,
God sent Prophet Samuel to anoint David as the new king. David served
King Saul for several years in spite of the fact that he knew that he
was the rightful person approved by God to be the king of Israel. He
fought many wars to the credit of Saul. Even when Saul hated him and
sought to kill him, he did not try to retaliate and forcefully claim
the throne. He had two good opportunities to kill Saul and become the
king, yet he spared his life on the two occasions (1 Samuel 24, 26).
He diligently waited for his time. The time eventually came when the
men of his own tribe came and anointed him as king over them, and
when the whole people of Israel came after some years to proclaim him
king over the whole land (2 Samuel 2, 5). He waited for his appointed
time.

In one of the Yoruba legends about destine, a man has chosen before
he came to the world that he would become affluent when he clocks the
age of forty. When he came to the world, he began to struggle from
one place to another in order to be rich. All his efforts were
unsuccessful. He became a laughing stock among his contemporaries
especially those that were successful in their undertakings. At age
39, when he could not bear the ridicules of his friends, he committed
suicide. When he got to the gate of heaven, the gatekeeper looked at
him with pity and led him to where the records of people's destinies
were kept. When he saw his own record, he discovered that it remained
only a year for him to become affluent. He begged the gatekeeper to
allow him to go back to the world, but he did not have such
opportunity any more. He did not wait for his appointed time.

While I do not believe in all such legends, there is a lesson in it –
waiting for one's appointed time – the God's time that is the best.
Has God promised you something? Do not be in haste to get the
promise. Do not try to help God to fulfill the promise. Abraham and
Sara tried to help God in fulfilling His promises for them. Their
help nearly ruined their peaceful home (see Genesis 16, 21). Wait for
God's appointed time. He will fulfill His promise in His own time in
His own way. Even when it seems that the time does not come. Wait for
God's appointed time. Do not lose hope. His appointed time for you
will come!

"You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God,
you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little
while, `He who is coming will come and will not delay'" (Hebrews
10:36-37, NIV).

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Dear Beloved,

HE HAS THE BIGGER SHOVEL!

"One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly,
but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes
others will himself be refreshed" (Proverbs 11:24-25, NIV).

A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with
the poor" (Proverbs 22:9, NIV).

Somebody told the story of a man who used to give his resources to
God and other men around him. The more he was giving out, the more he
was having more resources to give. One of his friends asked him one
day the secret of his abundance in spite of his giving. He
replied, "As I shovel to God, God shovel back to me, but He has the
bigger shovel!"

The story underscores the principle of faithful giving: the more you
give, the more you have; and the more you withhold from giving, the
less you have. What a paradox! However, the law of sowing and reaping
corroborates the principle: "Whoever sows sparingly will also reap
sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously" (2
Corinthians 9:6, NIV). The references cited above also stress this.

Since this is so about giving, one ought to: firstly give yourself to
the Lord (2 Corinthians 8:5); give with genuine motive (Matthew 6:1-
4); give in love (1 Corinthians 13:3); give according to your ability
(Acts 11:29); and give cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:5, 7).

God loves a cheerful giver. He is ready to pay back abundantly anyone
that gives with genuine motive in love according to his ability. He
promises, "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed
down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.
For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you" (Luke 6:38,
NIV). Remember, He has the bigger shovel!

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Dear Beloved,

"ATTEMPT GREAT THINGS FOR GOD…"

"After the king was settled in his palace and the LORD had given him
rest from all his enemies around him, he said to Nathan the
prophet, `Here I am, living in a palace of cedar, while the ark of
God remains in a tent'" (2 Samuel 7:1-2, NIV).

"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down,
shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For
with the measure you use, it will be measured to you" (Luke 6:38,
NIV).

God had given David rest from all his enemies around him (verse 1).
His intention was to build a befitting edifice for the Lord. He told
prophet Nathan about this intention that the latter readily approved
(verse 3). The intention is indeed laudable. However, God sent Nathan
back to David to tell him His mind – David would not be the one to
build a house for Him!

Nevertheless, the "no" answer of God was with promises: a) God would
make his name great; b) God would provide a place for His people
Israel where they would have rest; c) God would give him rest from
all his enemies; d) God would establish a house for him; e) God would
raise up David's offspring to succeed him after his death; f) the
offspring would build a house for God's Name; g) God would establish
his throne forever; h) God would be with his successor; i) God would
guide and correct David's offspring; j) God's love would never be
taken away from him; and above all, k) David's throne will be
established forever. What wonderful promises!

David decided to do one good thing for God, but God reciprocated by
doing many things for him. What do you want to do for God? What are
you doing for Him even now?

William Carrey says, "Attempt great things for God; expect great
things from God." If you attempt and do great things for God, God
also will not only promise you great things, He will do great things
for you.

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Dear Beloved,

HE SENT HIM THERE

"…and he sent a man before them – Joseph, sold as a slave. They
bruised his feet with shackles, his neck was put in irons…" (Psalm
105:17-18, NIV).

The story of Joseph has been one of the pathetic but interesting
stories in the Bible. Joseph, a loved child, that was hated by his
elder brothers because of his destine. He was thrown to an empty
cistern by these brothers who earlier planned to kill him. They sold
him as slave to foreigners who took him to Egypt. In Egypt, he was
sent to prison for a sin he did not commit. You can imagine the
hardship he would have as a slave and a prisoner – the bruises of
shackles in his feet, the pains of iron chains on his neck, etc. Even
in prison, he was forgotten by those that should have rescued him
from all these misfortunes. In spite of this, God was working behind
the scene for his good. Remember that in each of these situations,
the Bible records it that the Lord grant him favour in the eyes of
everybody (see Genesis 39:4, 5, 21-23). In fact, he confirmed it to
his brothers later that it was God that sent him ahead of them to
Egypt to preserve lives (see Genesis 45:5-7; 50:20). Actually,
Joseph's story was not a tragedy, for he was made the prime minister
of Egypt the very day he was brought out of prison.

Think of yourself. What are you passing through? What is happening to
you now that seems as misfortune? What shackles and irons of hardship
are you experiencing now? Who knows, it may be God that sent you to
this apparent misfortune to bring something good out of you. He may
be purifying you as gold in fire of life so that you will come out
more shining (see 1 Peter 1:6-7). The Psalmist corroborates this.
Hear him: "For you, O God, tested us; you refined us like silver. You
brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let men
ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought
us to a place of abundance" (Psalm 66:10-12, NIV).

Beloved, no matter what you are passing through, God knows about it,
and He has a purpose for allowing it. Paul confirms this in Romans
8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those
who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (NIV).
He sent you there – for a purpose!

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Dear Beloved,

WICKEDNESS FOR GOODNESS

"But as soon as Jeremiah finished telling all the people everything
the LORD had commanded him to say, the priests, the prophets and all
the people seized him and said, "You must die! Why do you prophesy in
the LORD's name that this house will be like Shiloh and this city
will be desolate and deserted?" And all the people crowded around
Jeremiah in the house of the LORD" (Jeremiah 26:8-9, NIV).

I was in a busstop waiting for a bus when I overheard some students
cursing some of their teachers and the external invigilator that came
to invigilate the final external examinations that the students were
doing. What was the sin of these teachers and the invigilator? They
did not allow the students to engage in examination malpractices.
These students were furious about the action of the teachers and the
invigilator. One of them even proposed that they should organize an
ambush where they will assault the teachers and the external
invigilator.

I was wondering within me the gravity of the "sin" of the teachers
and the invigilator. Were they not trying to mould the lives of these
students? Would they help the future of the students if they allow
them to perpetrate their unlawful act? Did the students realize the
consequence of their action if they are caught? Many questions came
to my mind that I could not even call them and advise them against
their plans before I boarded the next bus to my destination.

Jeremiah found himself in similar situation. God sent him to the
people of Judah to warn them of the imminent danger that will befall
them because of their waywardness. Instead of them to appreciate him
and repent of their sin, they – even including their religious
leaders – were plotting to kill him. However, the Lord did not
abandon him. He, as promised earlier, made him victorious over all
these oppositions, though he was alone (Jeremiah 1: 19; 26:24; 33:1-
3; 36:26).

Are people paying back to you wickedness for the goodness you are
doing to them? Are they persecuting you because of your kindness,
godliness, righteousness or integrity? Does it seem that you are not
loved because you do not approve of the wickedness, injustice,
dishonesty, or corruption that the people of the world are known for?
Be faithful. Remember, "The [Lord] who calls you is faithful and He
will do it" (1 Thessalonians 5:24, NIV). "…He will strengthen and
protect you from the evil one" (2 Thessalonians 3:3, NIV).

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Dear Beloved,

THE PRESENCE OF GOD

"Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your
presence?" (Psalm 139:7, NIV).

The omnipresent nature of God is affirmed throughout the Bible.
Psalm 139 is especially written for this purpose. God is everywhere.
There is no hiding place from Him. He is the unseen companion of man
wherever man finds himself.

This fact of the presence of God is both an encouraging and warning
fact. It is encouraging to know that the God of the whole universe
is with you when you are passing through the darkest path of life.
The psalmist says, "...Even though I walk through the valley of the
shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me..." (Psalm
23:4, NIV. See also Psalm 46:11; Isaiah 43:1-2). Jesus Christ also
promises, "...surely I am with you always, to the very end of the
age" (Matthew 28:20, NIV). Paul sums this encouraging fact in this
affirmation, "...If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans
8:31, NIV).

Nevertheless, the presence of God is also a warning to us in
everything we are doing. Here is a story of a man who took his son
to another man's farm. When they got there, he placed his son in
vantage place and told him to call out when the son sees anyone
coming as he (the father) will be stealing the farm products of the
other man. The man was about to start his theft when the son called
out. The man could not see anybody coming and he queried the son for
his action. The son pointed to heaven and said, "God is there
looking at you!" The man was dumbfounded and thanked his son for his
wisdom. He left the farm immediately without taking anything. The
boy seemed to be referring to Proverbs 5:21, "For a man's ways are
in full view of the LORD, and he examines all his paths" (NIV).

If everyone is like that son who was conscious of the presence of
God, everyone would be cautious in doing, or even thinking to do,
any bad thing. No wonder the psalmist concludes his writing about
the omnipresence of God by saying, "Search me, O God, and know my
heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any
offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (Psalm
139:23-24, NIV).

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Dear Beloved,

AN INTERRUPTING BLESSING

  "While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of
Jairus, the synagogue ruler. `Your daughter is dead,' they said. `Why
bother the teacher any more?' Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the
synagogue ruler, `Don't be afraid; just believe'" (Mark 5:35-36, NIV).

The story of the raising of Jairus' daughter from the dead as
recorded by two of the Gospel writers (Mark 5 and Luke 8) is a
fascinating one. Jesus had just crossed over the lake from where he
was rejected because He healed a demon-possessed man when a large
crowd of people gathered around Him. Among these people was a
synagogue ruler who came to beg Jesus to come and heal his dying
daughter. The man had faith that Jesus could rescue his daughter from
the looming death. Jesus did not hesitate in following him to go and
save the daughter. The other aimless crowd also followed them.

As they were going, there was an interruption: a woman with a flow of
blood intercepted Jesus and received her healing from the twelve-year-
long problem. The dialogue that followed made Jesus to wait more
before He could go to where He intended to go and rescue the dying
child.

Alas, as they were there discussing about the faith of the healed
woman, somebody came from Jairus' house to disclose the sad news: the
child had died. There was no need to bother Jesus. The news bearer
reasoned. What would have been the reaction of Jairus? Probably, if
there was no interruption, Jesus would have reached the house and
rescued the child before she died. However, Jesus encouraged him to
have faith.

In spite of the unbelief and ridicule of the people, Jesus still went
to the house and raised the child from the dead. The seemingly
interruption turned out to be a blessing both to the interrupting
woman and Jairus.

Have you also called on God to do something for you? Does it seem
that He is delaying in answering you? Do not lose hope! He is on His
way. Who knows, He might have been "interrupted" by another person.
However, the "interruption" will turn out to be a blessing for you.
Probably you want God to rescue you from a small problem. He may
allow it to become bigger, even without hope, before He acts, so that
His name will be glorified. Remember Lazarus' story. Jesus
deliberately waited for more two more days to bring glory to God.
Your "interruption" will also be a blessing to you, and glory to God.
Just wait and believe.

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Dear Beloved,

"MY DADDY WILL NOT LEAVE ME!"

"The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never
leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged"
(Deuteronomy 31:8, NIV).

"…because God has said, `Never will I leave you; never will I forsake
you'" (Hebrews 13:5, NIV).

My two-year-old daughter said a statement that was a challenge to me
the other day. We were having our breakfast that Sunday morning in
preparation for the worship service. When my wife discovered that our
daughter was slow in eating her food, she said jokingly that we will
leave her at home if she does not eat fast. She just said confidently
and emphatically, "My daddy will not leave me!"

We laughed over the matter, but her confidence in me was a thought-
provoking issue for me throughout the day. Do I have such a
confidence in my heavenly Father? Can I say with assurance that He
will not leave me even when it seems that everyone and everything is
against me?

The psalmist in Psalm 77 faced difficult situation that made him
think that God had forsaken him. He asked six questions to ascertain
the presence of God with him (verses 7-9). He concluded in his
thought, "To this I will appeal: the years of the right hand of the
Most High. I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will
remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works
and consider all your mighty deeds. Your ways, O God, are holy. What
god is so great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles;
you display your power among the peoples" (Psalm 77:10-14, NIV). The
psalmist knew that the Lord is there for him all the time and that he
just has to remember the goodness of God and trust in Him. No wonder
he said somewhere else, "For the LORD will not reject his people; he
will never forsake his inheritance" (Psalm 94:14, NIV).

The Lord will not leave you even when all others forsake you and you
are passing through the most turbulent time. Yes I will say
confidently, "My heavenly Daddy will not leave me!"

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

NB
As we celebrate the Fathers' Day today, I dedicate this message to
all good, loving, caring and exemplary fathers throughout the world.

Dear Beloved,

BLESS THE LORD, O MY SOUL!

"Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD my God, You are very great: You
are clothed with honor and majesty…" (Psalm 104:1, NKJV).

The book of Psalms is full of praises of, and prayers to God. Psalms
103 and 104 are distinct out of the other psalms because of their
description of who God is and what He is doing to us that make Him
deserve our worship, adoration, praises and thanksgiving.

Let us examine first who God is in Psalm 104 before coming back to
Psalm 103 to discover what He is doing for us that made the psalmist
told his soul "and all that is within" him to bless or praise the
Lord.

He started with the greatness of God. The greatness of God is
manifested in His creation: He stretches out the heavens like a tent
(verse 2b); He sets the earth on its unmovable foundations (verse 5)
and covers it with the deep (verse 6a); He sets the course of water
(verses 6b-9); He satisfies the earth and other creatures by His work
(verses 10-13); He makes the earth produce food for the animals and
even man (verses 14-15); He provides dwelling place for His creatures
(verses 16-18); and He marks off seasons, days and years by the sun
and the moon (verses 19-23). The psalmist continues to describe how
God made His creation in wisdom, and all these creatures look unto
God for sustenance (verses 24-29).

Having considered all these things, the psalmist concludes that the
glory of God will endure for ever and that he would respond to God's
greatness by singing to Him all his life and that he would find
pleasure in meditating about it.

The implication of this psalm is that we should always praise God for
who He is as He has demonstrated it in His creation. Bless the LORD,
O my soul!

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

NB
Next week, we will consider the other aspect of why our soul should
bless the Lord. Till then, God bless you!

Dear Beloved,

BLESS THE LORD, O MY SOUL! (Part 2)

"Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy
name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits…"
(Psalm 103:1-2, NKJV).

This is the continuation of the study on Psalms 103 and 104 started
last week. We examined who God is especially in His greatness
manifested in His creation which made the psalmist to exclaim to his
soul to bless or praise the Lord. In this second part of the study,
we will examine what God has done, is doing, and will still do for us
that make Him deserve our worship, praises and thanksgiving.

The psalmist urged his soul not to forget all the benefits of God.
What are these benefits? He enumerated them in this Psalm 103: the
Lord forgives all his sins (verse 3a); the Lord heals all his
diseases (verse 3b); the Lord redeems his life from destruction
(verse 4a); the Lord crowns him with love and compassion (verses 4b,
8, 11, 13, 17); and the Lord satisfies his desires with good things
(verse 5).

The psalmist declared that the Lord did all those things to his soul,
hence, the exclamation to his soul to bless the Lord. He went further
to declare other things that the Lord has done and is doing to him as
well as other people: the Lord is just to the oppressed (verse 6);
the Lord led the Israelites out of slavery through Moses (verse 7);
the Lord is gracious and slow to anger (verses 8-10); and in His
compassion and love, He treats us like children (verses 10-14).

Having declared the goodness (or benefits) of God, the psalmist
entreated the angels and all the heavenly hosts to join him in
blessing the Lord. He even entreated you and me, His works, to also
bless the Lord.

Undoubtedly, you also will have many things to praise the Lord for.
Think of those things. Do not forget all His benefits. Recount them
and praise the Lord. Bless the LORD, O my soul!

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Dear Beloved,

YOU ALSO CAN PRAISE GOD!

"The village musicians gather at the village well to sing of the
triumphs of the Lord. Again and again they sing the ballad of how the
Lord saved Israel" (Judges 5:11, TLB).

I was in a cybercafé one day when a young man just bursted into song
of praise to God. He was even rolling on the ground as he was
appreciating His Creator. All of us that were there surfing the
Internet could not fathom the cause of the sudden praise. It was in
his praises that we heard that he has just discovered that he got
good result in the GCE examination he sat for recently. He recounted
in his praises how he had breakthrough especially in some important
subjects in the examination after many attempts in ten years. Indeed,
he deserves to sing song of praise to God!

Deborah and the people of Israel did not have good result in any
written examination, but they had more causes to sing song of praise
to God. They had just had resounding victory over one of their
archenemies – the Canaanites. They testified to the goodness of God
in their lives.

Do you also have any cause to sing song of praise to God? God is good
all the time! Even when it seems that He has not done what you want
from Him, there are still many causes to sing song of praise to Him.
Habakkuk concluded his prophecy with words of praise in spite of the
fact that it seemed God did not act as he expected. Hear him: "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). The
psalmist said, "It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your
name, O Most High" (Psalm 92:1, NIV). You also can praise God!

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Dear Beloved,

HOW LONG, O LORD?

"How long will the wicked, O LORD, how long will the wicked be
jubilant? Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will take a
stand for me against evildoers?" (Psalm 94:3, 16, NIV).

I was chatting online with one of my spiritual fathers when he who
resides in London told me the news of the series of bomb attacks by
some terrorists. I quickly visited some news websites to get the
details of what befell the city of London, nay the whole world and
discovered there the havoc these heartless people have done again.
The September 11 attack in the US and another attack on a moving
train in Madrid, Spain quickly came to mind as I was reading the
news. To add insult to injury, these callous people still promised to
do more harms to other cities in other countries. Evidently the
terrorists have joy in causing these needless pains of loss of lives
and property.

Nevertheless, for how long will these heartless people continue to
break the hearts of people throughout the world? For how long will
they triumph in their inhuman acts? For how long will they be
jubilant in their hiding places for their seeming success? Who will
rescue the world from these terrorists that are making life unsafe?
Will they continue in these callous acts unchecked and unpunished?
Who will rise up against these people and avenge for the evils they
have done?

The psalmist also asked similar questions in Psalm 94 when his nation
was facing some calamities. However, he found solace in God, the
Judge of the earth. He called on Him in verses 1-3 to rise up and
avenge.

Interestingly, in verses 8-11, he described the senselessness of
these wicked people and the fact that God was, and still is, not
indifferent to these situations. He gave a reassuring fact in verse
14, "…the LORD will not reject his people; he will never forsake his
inheritance" (NIV).

No matter what these terrorists and other wicked people may be doing,
the Lord "will repay them for their sins and destroy them for their
wickedness; the LORD our God will destroy them" (Psalm 94:23, NIV).
So, if you are have been doing evil, know that the Lord will repay
you one day according to your deeds.

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

NB
I dedicate this message to all that were affected in one terrorist
attack or the other.

Dear Beloved,

HOW LONG, O LORD? (Part 2)

"How long will the wicked, O LORD, how long will the wicked be
jubilant? Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will take a
stand for me against evildoers?" (Psalm 94:3, 16, NIV).

"I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish"
(Luke 13:3, 5, NIV).

I did not have any intention of writing on this theme again. In fact,
I have had the message for this week ready. However, the reaction of
one of my readers to the theme makes me decide to write this second
part of the theme. According to the reader, the terrorist attacks on
some selected cities are the results of the neglect of God of the
people of the western world. To him, until we all come back to God,
such events will continue to abound.

I battled with his assertion for two days before I also subscribe to
it. Many people have indeed neglect God in the western world because
of the so-called civilization. They no longer want to have anything
to do with God. Rationalization, liberalism, evolution, and other
anti-God philosophies have pushed God to the background. Even in the
religious countries like Nigeria where being religious and spiritual
has become fashionable, people do not take their faith in God
serious. It has become a way of getting rich or making it. In fact,
religious people especially so-called men of God cannot be trusted
again because of the dubious character of most of them in the name of
religion. How shameful!

How will wickedness not thrive in such situations? How will Satan and
his cohorts not take over the world and wreck havocs in it when we
have abandoned the Creator of the universe? Why will God not give us
over to these terrorists to draw us back to Him when we have gone
astray from Him? Thrice in Romans chapter one, Paul said that God has
given the people of the world over to one bad thing or the other
because they refused to worship Him as they ought to (Romans 1:21,
24, 28). Hear what Paul said to introduce this giving over, "The
wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the
godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their
wickedness" (Romans 1:18, NIV).

Think of yourself! What are you doing that may make God to give you
over to wickedness? In what way have you gone astray from God? Are
you not contributing to the decadence of the world?

The question is now not "How long, God?" but "How long will WE come
back to God? How will WE put Him in His right place?"

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Dear Beloved,

Some people misunderstood my interpretation and application of some
passages of the Bible in regards to the recent terrorist attacks. My
last message generated a lot of controversies among some of my
readers that I have to make some clarifications about God and the
evils in the world. This will lead us to the message of this week:

DOES GOD HAVE PLEASURE IN WICKEDNESS?

"Say to them, `As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I
take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they
turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why
will you die, O house of Israel?'" (Ezekiel 33:11, NIV).

"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand
slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but
everyone to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9, NIV).

The fact that God has given the world to over to its sinful desires
and their consequences because of the godlessness and wickedness of
the world (Romans 1:18ff) has made some to think that God is wicked
and is not worthy of our worship. To such people, why would good God
allow His creation to be suffering? Why does He not make the world
to be free of all these untold hardships if indeed He is sovereign?

God is indeed sovereign and still has the total control of the whole
universe. However, man, as a rational being, chooses to be free from
God and does what he likes. Right from the Garden of Eden when he
chose to disobey God, God has left him to face the consequences of
his choice.

Some will protest that that was Adam. Yes, Adam sinned and through
him sin entered into the world (Romans 5:12). However, the
rebellious acts of people today are worse than the disobedience of
Adam. And as long as people are rebellious to God, God will allow
Satan and his cohorts to torment the world.

It is a fact that there are some righteous people in the world. The
fact still remains that when the wicked are suffering, the righteous
will not be spared because they live in the world. A day is coming
anyway that God will save them completely from the very presence of
sin and its horrible effects on the world (see Romans 8:18-21).

However, in spite of the rebellious acts of the world, God does not
in any way have pleasure in the suffering, hardship, and final death
of the people of the world. In fact, He is lenient in His dealing
with us. The psalmist says, "If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins,
O Lord, who could stand?" (Psalm 130:3, NIV). His pleasure is in our
coming back to Him. That is the reason He made a way of escape in
Jesus Christ "that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have
eternal life" (John 3:16, NIV).

God indeed does not have pleasure in any wickedness, but He is still
pleading today, "Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die?"

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Dear Beloved,

THERE IS A BETTER FUTURE

"The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take
great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will
rejoice over you with singing. The sorrows for the appointed feasts I
will remove from you; they are a burden and a reproach to you"
(Zephaniah 3:17-18, NIV).

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to
prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a
future'" (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV).

The evils of the world especially the seeming triumph of the
terrorists in the recent time have made some to conclude that this
world can longer be a better place. To such people, things will be
going from worse to the worst. The evildoers will be prospering while
the righteous and the innocent will continue to suffer for needless
pains.

This very world may be growing from bad to worse every day because of
its waywardness from God. God may have allowed wickedness to triumph
over righteousness for some time. However, there is a better future.

The people of Judah in the time of prophet Zephaniah were in a
similar situation. Their leaders had led them away from God and God
had allowed them to face untold hardship from other nations. However,
God sent a message of hope to them through prophet Zephaniah - there
is a better future! (Zephaniah 3). This message came after God had
pronounced judgments on the nations that had tormented them.

What are you also passing through personally? Does it seem as if the
wicked are having upper hand you? Does it seem as if God is not
fighting for you? There is a better future for you! He will fight for
you. He will take away all those sorrows. See what God promised the
people of Judah, "At that time I will deal with all who oppressed
you; I will rescue the lame and gather those who have been scattered.
I will give them praise and honour in every land where they were put
to shame. At that time I will gather you; at that time I will
bring you home. I will give you honour and praise among all the
peoples of the earth when I restore your fortunes before your very
eyes" (Zephaniah 3:19-20, NIV). Indeed, there is a better future!

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Dear Beloved,

BEWARE OF YOUR FRIENDS

"Beware of your friends; do not trust your brothers. For every
brother is a deceiver, and every friend a slanderer. Friend deceives
friend, and no-one speaks the truth. They have taught their tongues
to lie; they weary themselves with sinning" (Jeremiah 9:4-5, NIV).

The life of an average Jew in the time of Jeremiah was so
deteriorated and corrupted that it was difficult to trust a fellow
Jew. Each one was doing what seemed right in his eyes. The political
leaders had abandoned the living God for worthless gods. Even the
religious leaders were not trustworthy as they were misleading the
people with false prophecies. Isaiah depicted this dishonest
situation thus, "So justice is driven back, and righteousness stands
at a distance; truth has stumbled in the streets, honesty cannot
enter. Truth is nowhere to be found, and whoever shuns evil becomes a
prey. The LORD looked and was displeased that there was no justice"
(Isaiah 59:14-15, NIV). This situation made Jeremiah to warn the
people to beware of their friends and not to trust any brother
(Jeremiah 9:4-5).

Prophet Micah, who lived sometime before prophet Jeremiah, also had a
similar warning. Hear him, "Do not trust a neighbour; put no
confidence in a friend. Even with her who lies in your embrace be
careful of your words. For a son dishonours his father, a daughter
rises up against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-
law - a man's enemies are the members of his own household" (Micah
7:5-6, NIV).

Are these warnings relevant today to us as they were to the people of
Judah? Have honesty, truth and righteousness not been relegated to
oblivion? Can we trust our friends, neighbors, co-workers, siblings
and even our spouses today? Can my friends, siblings, neighbors, co-
workers, as well as my spouse trust me?

These are thought-provoking questions in our present-day society that
have deteriorated morally with all sorts of atrocities in the name of
civilization, rationalization and liberalization.

However, "there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother"
(Proverbs 18:24, NIV). This Friend can be trusted at all time even
when all others have disappointed you. The friend is Jesus Christ
(see John 15:13-15). While you may find it difficult or cautious to
trust a friend, put your total trust in Jesus Christ. You will never
regret you did.

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

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).

Dear Beloved,

IS ANYTHING TOO HARD FOR GOD?

"I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for
me?" (Jeremiah 32:27, NIV).

"Jesus looked at them and said, `With man this is impossible, but
with God all things are possible'" (Matthew 19:26, NIV).

The army of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon was besieging the city
of Jerusalem. It was obvious that the city and the nation of Judah
would fall to the Babylonians. There was no hope again for anyone in
Judah. In spite of these, the Lord commanded the prophet Jeremiah to
buy a field in his hometown from one of his cousins. One would
wonder about the essence of such deal when enemies were about to
take over the land. However, God used it as a symbol that people
will still sell and buy properties in the same land of Judah in the
near future after He has restored their fortunes. In His assurance,
God asked, "Is anything too hard for me?"

Yes! Is anything too hard for God? That is a question that Jeremiah
answered even before God asked him. Hear him: "Ah, Sovereign LORD,
you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and
outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you" (Jeremiah 32:17,
NIV). In spite of the situation the people of Judah found
themselves, though because of their sins, Jeremiah knew that nothing
is too hard for God. God is the sovereign LORD that has made the
heavens and the earth. No situation is greater than Him. No
situation is beyond His control. Things may seem impossible for man,
but for God, nothing is impossible. Man may think that all hope is
lost, but the end of man's hope is the beginning of God's work.

What is your own situation? Are you thinking that there is no way of
breakthrough again? Does it seem as if all hope is lost? No matter
the situation, nothing is too hard for God. He is still in control.
Therefore, do not lose hope. Do not give up!

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Dear Beloved,

THE GOD IN WHOM I TRUST

"I will say of the LORD, `He is my refuge and my fortress, my God,
in whom I trust'" (Psalm 91:2, NIV).

The people were enjoying their flight when they suddenly heard that
the pilot has lost control of the plane. The likely consequence of
this is a plane crash and that probably would be the end of all the
passengers and the crew of the plane. The tranquility that reigned
in the plane metamorphosed to fear and uneasiness. People were
calling on their gods to deliver them. Some were calling on their
dead ancestors to come to their aid. There were even some that were
saying their last prayers! Nevertheless, there was a woman in the
plane who was not moved by the news of the impending danger. She was
calm where she sat. Others around her were wondering what could be
the secret of her calmness in such situation.

The people were still expecting the worst when they heard another
announcement, a good one, that the pilot has regained the control of
the plane. They eventually landed safely in their destination. As
they were alighting from the plane, a curious man came to the calm
woman and inquired from her the secret of her calmness. The woman
just said: "God, in whom I trust, He is my refuge and fortress. He
is there for me always."

Do you also trust in that God? Can you boldly say in time of trouble
that God is your refuge and fortress? Who will you even turn to when
you are in trouble? God says in Psalm 50:15, "Call upon me in the
day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honour me" (NIV).
Also in Psalm 91:15, He says, "He will call upon me, and I will
answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and
honour him" (NIV).

The God, in whom I trust, will always save you from all evil. Amen.

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Dear Beloved,

WHAT WENT WRONG?

"Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God" (2
Chronicles 14:2, NIV).

"Asa was angry with the [prophet] because of [the admonition]; he
was so enraged that he put him in prison. At the same time Asa
brutally oppressed some of the people" (2 Chronicles 16:10, NIV).

Asa was one of good kings of Judah. The writers of the Scriptures
chronicled his good deeds thus: he did what was good and right in
the eyes of the LORD his God (2 Chronicles 14:2); he removed the
foreign gods and the high places (2 Chronicles 14:3, 5); he expelled
the male shrine-prostitutes from the land of Judah (1 Kings 15:12);
he commanded the people of Judah to seek God and obey Him (2
Chronicles 14:4); he trusted God in time of war (verses 11); he
repaired the altar of the LORD (2 Chronicles 15:8b); he led the
people of Judah and even some from Israel to reestablish their
covenant with God (2 Chronicles 15:10-14); he even deposed his
grandmother Maacah from her position as queen mother because of her
idolatry (2 Chronicles 15:16); and his heart was fully committed to
the LORD all his life (2 Chronicles 15:17). Because of these, God
gave him and his people rest on every side (2 Chronicles 14:6, 7).
Even when somebody with a vast army waged war against him, God gave
him a resounding victory with many plunders (2 Chronicles 14:9-15).

Nevertheless, his last years were a tragedy! He abandoned the
almighty God for a mere man when another country waged war against
him (2 Chronicles 16:1-6). When a prophet of God confronted him for
his lack of trust in God, he was angry and put the prophet in prison
(2 Chronicles 16:7-10). He also brutally oppressed some of his
people (2 Chronicles 16:10b). When he was afflicted with a disease,
he refused to seek God (2 Chronicles 16:12). He died in that disease!

One may wonder what actually went wrong in the life of Asa. Why did
he start well and ended tragically? The writers of the Scriptures
did not give a hint to his decadence. Apparently, his successes went
to his head and he forgot his God.

This is a food for thought for all of us. Think about yourself. Are
you serving God the way you used to serve Him some years ago? Are
you not deteriorating in your devotion to God? What went wrong? You
have to think about it in your relationship with God and "Give
careful thought to your ways" (Haggai 1:5, 7, NIV).

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Dear Beloved,

THE OUTWARD APPEARANCE

"Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD
does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance,
but the LORD looks at the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7, NIV).

"Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment" (John 7:24, NIV).

Samuel was a great man of God. Some Bible scholars have said that only Moses was
greater than him in the leadership history of the people of Israel. The people
respected him, and God also specially chose him to be His mouthpiece right from
his childhood. In his life-long priestly and prophetic career, he made a silly
mistake - judging by the outward appearance. However, God quickly called him to
order before he effected his judgment and anointed the wrong person as the king
of Israel.

People have used their outward appearance to deceive other people - even men of
God. They have appeared good outwardly, but evil inwardly. Openly, they say and
do good things, but secretly, they are devils. Eliab is a good example. Samuel
saw him as a good candidate for the kingship, but his true colour manifested
when David decided to go and fight the giant Goliath. The Bible says he burned
with anger and discouraged him from doing so (1 Samuel 17: 28-30).

Do you deceive people with your outward appearance? What is your opinion about
the saying, "First impression lasts long"? Do you also normally base your
judgment of people on outward appearance? Pray for the discerning spirit to know
the mind of men.

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Dear Beloved,

HAS GOD FORSAKEN ME?

"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from
saving me, so far from the words of my groaning?" (Psalm 22:1, NIV).

Psalm 22 is one of those psalms sometimes called Passion Psalms.
Jesus Christ used the opening cry on the cross and the amazing
choice of words of verses 6-8 and 13-18 have made the psalm
especially important to Christians. There is within the psalm a
extraordinary combination of praise and complaint. The psalmist
found himself in a difficult situation that made him think that God
had forsaken him (verses 1-2). Because of his situation and the fact
that God did not act for him at that very point in time made people
to mock him (verses 6-8, 12-18). However, in the midst of this
protest of seemingly neglect, he could still praise God for who He
is and what He has done, and is still doing (verses 3-5, 22-31). It
is noteworthy that there is no reference to sin as the cause of the
trouble, no plea of innocence, no claim of righteousness, and no
vengeance. The psalmist just cried to God for help (verses 19-21).

Jesus Christ also found Himself in similar situation, and He also
acted like the psalmist: He cried out to God (see Matthew 27:46;
Mark 15:34; Luke 23:46). It was evident, however, that God did not
forsake Jesus Christ, as He did not forsake the psalmist as well.
God allowed the situations to bring out something in the lives of
the psalmist and Jesus Christ. We may not know what God brought out
in the life of the psalmist through the difficult situation, but we
know that the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ
brought about our eternal salvation (Romans 5:6, 8; Hebrews 2:14-15;
5:9; 10:5-10). No wonder, the psalmist could praise God even when he
did not know the outcome of his predicament.

What situation are you passing through? Have you prayed and God has
not answered your prayers? Does it seem as if God has forsaken you?
Are people around you making jest of you because of your
predicament? Well, GOD HAS NOT FORSAKEN YOU! Read this: "But Zion
said, `The LORD has forsaken me, the Lord has forgotten me.' `Can a
mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the
child she has borne? Though she may forget, I WILL NOT FORGET YOU!
See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are
ever before me. Your sons hasten back, and those who laid you waste
depart from you. Lift up your eyes and look around; all your sons
gather and come to you. As surely as I live,' declares the
LORD, `you will wear them all as ornaments; you will put them on,
like a bride. `Though you were ruined and made desolate and your
land laid waste, now you will be too small for your people, and
those who devoured you will be far away. `The children born during
your bereavement will yet say in your hearing, "This place is too
small for us; give us more space to live in." Then you will say in
your heart, "Who bore me these? I was bereaved and barren; I was
exiled and rejected. Who brought these up? I was left all alone, but
these-- where have they come from?"'" (Isaiah 49:14-21, NIV).

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Dear Beloved,

THE TESTIMONY OF A MOTHER-IN-LAW

"All the widows stood around [Peter], crying and showing him the
robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still
with them" (Acts 9:39, NIV).

Recently, I was with one of my church members who has just lost her
son-in-law to condole with her. As she was lamenting the death of
the young man who married her daughter about four years ago, she was
recounting his goodness to her, her husband, the extended family,
and especially his wife. To her, the man has spoiled her daughter
with love and care that she, the mother-in-law doubt if her daughter
can find such a loving and caring husband again. She also wondered
if she could ever have such a nice son-in-law who she referred to as
her own son.

This testimony touched me. While I do not pray that I die before my
mother-in-law, that testimony made me to think about myself and what
she, my mother-in-law, and other people around me would say about me
now and when I pass away. Would I be described as a nice, good and
loving husband like that man? Would people be able to sincerely say
good things about me?

This reminds me of Dorcas in the above passage. The Bible recorded
that she "was always doing good and helping the poor" (Acts 9:36,
NIV). No wonder the widows, apparently, ones of her beneficiaries,
were testifying to her goodness when Peter came to condole with them
and eventually raise her from the dead.

What would people say about you when you pass away? Would you be
described as a nice and good man/woman? Would people be able to
sincerely say good things about you?

Another important aspect to this is what would become of you after
death. The Bible says, "And as it is appointed for men to die once,
but after this the judgment" (Hebrews 9:27, NKJV). Would you be
commended or condemned in this judgment by God after your death?
This depends on you and your relationship with Jesus Christ while on
earth. Think about these things!

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Dear Beloved,

YOU WILL COMPLETE IT!

"Then the word of the LORD came to me: 'The hands of Zerubbabel have
laid the foundation of this temple; his hands will also complete it.
Then you will know that the LORD Almighty has sent me to you'"
(Zechariah 4:8-9, NIV).

The people of Israel were returning from the exile. They were
picking up the crumbs of their nationhood under the leadership of
Zerubbabel. One of such crumbs was the rebuilding of the temple of
God in Jerusalem. However, they faced strong oppositions from the
neighboring nations that did not want them to re-establish their
nation (see Ezra 4). It was during one of those oppositions that the
word of God came to Prophet Zechariah to assure Zerubbabel that he
would be the one that will definitely complete the building project.

Zechariah chapter four is full of prophecies in regards to the
procedure of the completion of the rebuilding of the temple:
firstly, it is neither by human might nor power, but by the Spirit
of God (verse 6). It means that the success of the project would be
by the Lord's doing, not by man's making. Secondly, all the mighty
oppositions against the project will come to nothing (verse 7). This
is exactly what happened when King Darius issued a decree to thwart
all the oppositions (see Ezra 6:1-12). Thirdly, the very person that
laid the foundation of the rebuilding of the temple will be the one
that will complete it (verse 9).  This promise actually came to pass
(see Ezra 6:13-18). The last but not the least of the procedure is
the fact that they should not despise the day of small things (verse
10a). That is, they should not look down on the little resources
they had, and especially, the time they started the project with no
hope. This may also mean that they should not underrate their small
or slow progress at the work. They should not allow the contempt of
others to discourage them (cf. 1 Timothy 4:12). The resultant effect
is that people will rejoice at the completion of the project (verse
10b).

What project have you started? Is it academic pursuit, building
project, business project, or even a ministry? Are you facing
oppositions or having difficulties in completing it? Do people
despise you for your seemingly failure or slowness to it completion?
Your hands that started the project will execute it to a successful
completion in Jesus name. Follow also that procedure given to
Zerubbabel. Do not rely on your own understanding, strength or
resources. Rely on God. His grace is sufficient for you. He will
silence all the oppositions that may arise against, or are facing
you. All difficulties in your way shall vanish, and all the
objections be got over. Believe that you that started the project
will complete it. And do not despise your days of your humble
beginning. Do not look down on yourself. Disregard people's
contempt. Remember, "…He who began a good work in you will carry it
on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:6,
NIV). You will complete the project! People will rejoice with you!

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Dear Beloved,

HOW ARE THE MIGHTY FALLEN!

"Your glory, O Israel, lies slain on your heights. How the mighty
have fallen!" (2 Samuel 1:19, NIV).

"The crown has fallen from our head. Woe to us, for we have sinned!"
(Lamentations 5:16, NIV).

The "Super Eagles," the national male football team of my country won
convincingly in its last qualifying match toward "FIFA World Cup
2006" beating its Zimbabwean counterpart 5-1. However, the victory
could not take the team to the finals of the tournament in Germany
next year because of a 1-0 away win of the Angolan team in another
qualifying match. Nigeria and Angola who were in the same group had
had the same point, but Angola automatically qualified based on the
FIFA's head-to-head rule that favours Angola.

People had envisaged the situation and prayed for a miracle, but the
miracle did not come because many things have gone wrong on the part
of the Nigerian team. The bitter truth is that Nigeria will not
participate in the world's most glamorous soccer event next year in
spite of her many talented and young promising football players.
Unfortunately, some other big soccer nations especially in Africa
will also not be part of the event next year. How are the mighty
fallen!

The "fall" of these national teams especially that of Nigeria is a
great lesson for us. The nonchalant attitude of the key players to
national calls and the unserious stance and misplacement of priority
of the football administrators caused the fall. Are you serious in
what you are doing, especially the work of God? Do you wait till the
last minute before you take serious what you ought to have taken
serious from the start? Are you expecting God to give you a reward
for what you have not seriously worked for? Do you think that you can
bribe God with prayers, fasting and other religious services without
doing the right thing at the right time? (see 1 Samuel 15:22-23).

"Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.
The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will
reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the
Spirit will reap eternal life" (Galatians 6:7-8, NIV).

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

NB
One of you readers of my weekly devotional messages has suggested
that I should be including one or more prayer requests that will make
the messages personal to you. So, by the grace of God, I am starting
this with this message.

Prayer Requests:
1. Lord, help me to do what I ought to do at the right time so that
your rewards will not elude me in Jesus' name.
2. Lord, do not let it be too late before I begin to diligently serve
You in Jesus' name.

Dear Beloved,

THERE WILL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING

"I will bless them and the places surrounding my hill. I will send
down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing" (Ezekiel
34:26, NIV).

A shepherd in the Old Testament symbolized a royal caretaker of the
people of God.  This is the reason why the Old Testament great men
are referred to as shepherd (Jeremiah 23: 1ff; Ezekiel 34:1ff).
Even God was called the shepherd of Israel in Psalm 80:1 (cf. Psalm
23; Ezekiel 34:11-16). Unfortunately, most of the leaders of the
people of Israel were bad shepherds. They misled the people. They
only fed themselves to the detriment of the people. This made God to
pronounce woe on them (Ezekiel 34:2-6). He said that He will hold
them accountable for the misled and underfed sheep which were the
people they were leading (verses 7-10).

However, the good news is that God promises to search for His sheep
and look after them (verses 11-16a). Where there has been no
justice, especially amongst the people, God promises that He will
shepherd the flock with justice (verses 16b-24). He promises to make
a covenant of peace with them so that they will be at rest (verve
25). Above all, He will send to them showers of blessing (verse 26).
These showers of blessing include fruitfulness, security, freedom
from oppression, and lots more. The Lord will do these so that His
people will know that they are His, and that He is the Sovereign
God, the Lord above all lords, the God of the universe.

Have the leaders of your country, church, or group disappointed you?
Have they let God down in their leadership roles? Have you lost
confidence in them? Take heart! The Lord will search for you and
look after you. He will lead you with justice. He will make a
covenant of peace with you and you will have rest. Above all, there
will be showers of blessing for you from Him – showers of
fruitfulness and abundance, security and protection, freedom from
oppression, promotion, and lots more. You also will know that the
Lord is good and His love endures forever (see Psalm 100:5). People
will glorify God for the good things He will do in your life.

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Prayer Requests:
1. Manifest yourself, Lord, in this world that is full of injustice
and oppression and let the world that know you are the Sovereign
Lord in Jesus' name.
2. Lord, let your showers of bless be on me, my spouse, children,
work and everything that belongs to me in Jesus' name.
3. Let the people of the world know that you are my God by the good
things you will do in my life in Jesus' name. Amen.