As Christ loved

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, ... Ephesians 5:25 (NKJV)

What does this mean?

Taking a bullet seems fairly easy to do, actually. There would be hardly any time to think; a man will just react instinctively to protect. And it would almost certainly be a one-time event, based on the relatively peaceful circumstances in which we live.

But Christ's love -- while displayed most dramatically on the Cross at Calvary -- went even further than a willingness to die for His bride. He loves her... us... so intensely that He lived a perfectly holy and righteous life in order to win His bride. He forsook every sin and unholy desire in order to be found worthy of dying for us.

Brothers, can you love our sisters that way? Sisters, can you encourage the brothers in your life to live that kind of life? Let us strive to grow into that stature, that the church will be full of true love.

Be encouraged,
José

To the right source

11Look! You have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all lands by utterly destroying them; and shall you be delivered? 14And Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and read it; and Hezekiah went up to the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD. 15Then Hezekiah prayed before the LORD, and said: “O LORD God of Israel, the One who dwells between the cherubim, you are God, You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth.
2 Kings 19:11, 14-15 (NKJV)

The King of Assyria had things going on for him. Like a roaring lion he threatened, frightened and bullied all kingdoms around him at will. Most of his victories happened without even lifting a weapon. He merely used threats and simply reminded his tormented subjects of past destructions (a pure mind game and mind attack). Hezekiah not only heard the threats and vociferous ramblings, he also got a well detailed note of an intending doom and attack plan. Many are in this type of shoes today. History and recent past events don’t paint a rosy picture, the odds stack up against you, and the notes and letters even confirm the worse. Hezekiah did one good thing; he took his case and spread the matters at hand before the Lord. Rather than cry in silence, he did just that before the Lord. He cast his burden to the Lord and left it there.

Is there anything overwhelming you? Are you sinking in the intimidating and deluge issues of life? Take it to the Lord and spread it before Him. Why continue to suffer in silence when you can take it to someone who can make a difference, someone who can solve issues and not add to it. Take it to the source and

Be Encouraged,

Afolabi

Choosing Sides

And Ahab called Obadiah, which was the governor of his house. (Now Obadiah feared the LORD greatly: For it was so, when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD, that Obadiah took an hundred prophets, and hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water.) I Kings 18:3-4 (KJV)

In every battle, sides have to be chosen. Ahab and Jezebel chose evil and Obadiah chose the Lord. We live in a world where we are asked to stay in the middle on important issues like abortion, capital punishment. God does not like fence riders and middle of the road people. He stated in Revelations, "I would that thee be hot or cold, for if thee are lukewarm, I will spit you out of my mouth." Let's choose a side today.

Let's look at the history in the bible and remember that Ahab and Jezebel endings were not good and that related directly to their choice of evil over good. With God, evil will never win and we should remember that in our daily walk.

Be Encouraged,

Martin

No thing like the Real thing

For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us;
Hebrews 9:24

Much is made about places of worship, their "sacredness" and emotional power. But this word from Scripture makes clear that these buildings are not heaven, but only an imitation or reflection of being in the Lord's presence.

Have you elevated those structures above being at the foot of Jesus?
Have we substituted deep personal intimacy with simply showing up at church?

There is no excuse for isolating from the Body. But neither is there any excuse for dedicating important time for that one-on-one conversation with Christ. It will unlock peace and satisfaction that is beyond imagination.

Be encouraged,
José

In the footsteps of the Savior

…in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, called by God as High Priest “according to the order of Melchizedek,”
Hebrews 5:7-10 (NKJV)

The lifestyle of the Savior teaches us so many things. The one thing we won't have to do again is to face eternal death as the consequence of our sinful nature. He learned obedience through things which He suffered. This confirms the need for us to focus on the lessons and opportunities that are hidden in our daily challenges. In the struggles are secret jewels that when found perfects us and carries and keeps us through the tough seasons of life. A structure or faith built on quicksand or the bling-bling message of the modern era will never endure nor lead to perfection. So when the trying or challenging seasons come, never miss the bigger picture.

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 (NKJV)

The footsteps of the Savior are plain, simple and also challenging. Any message that denies this is a heresy and we must vigorously run away from. Though tough, yet we have an assurance that with total partnership with the Helper (Holy Spirit), the walk isn't impossible but possible.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Precious Death

Friends,

Precious in the sight of the LORD
Is the death of His saints.
Psalm 116:15 (NKJV)

How can death be valuable?
How can the end of a life of God's work be good?

Brothers and sisters, our physical death moves us closer to the Lord. And drawing us - His beloved and chosen people - close is what He desires most of all.

Be encouraged,
José

It is written

Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.’”
Matthew 4:10 (NKJV)

The scripture describes our common adversary as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour, but we have the real Lion and not just a roaring and noisome one but a true and dependable King. Now we know the adversary imitates, camouflages and tries to replicate the Creator. Our diligence must be firm and continuous, having our knowledge rooted in Him as declared in His word. Every believer must be diligent and exercise firm use of this power effectively, for when the adversary attempts to justify reality and circumstances of everyday life, we only need to line things up against God's word. The Lord has given us a sure weapon to use. The final word is in the word - "It is written".....

Be Encouraged,

Afolabi

Firm Foundations

He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. Luke 6:48 KJV

How many of us would like to start our houses in the fun rooms like the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, recreation room? These rooms are the places that we spend a lot of time and want to enjoy the surroundings. However, if we don't ensure that the foundation of the house is sound, we will lose the good and comely parts of the house that God gave us.

As an example, I came home once and my basement carpet was wet, very wet. My wife and I called some folks over to look and they explained that water seeping in now, would run in later and break the house down so that it could no longer support itself. We were worried, but there was a solution which involved compromising the current foundation and adding support so that it could resist the water that was coming in.

Our lives are the same. We may need to have our foundations inspected and make sure that we are not being compromised by something that was never meant to be our enemy. Let's build up our spiritual foundations so that we can live as Christ lived. Firm up your foundation and you will be able to withstand whatever comes against you.

Be Encouraged,

Martin

First things first

Friends

Sometimes, we get so excited about getting something we've longed for that we by-pass the all important consultation with the Lord. Even something so powerful as the reunion with a long lost relation is not more important than obedience to God's commands. Israel powerfully demonstrates this critical principle for us in two short lines:

Then Israel said, "It is enough. Joseph my son is still alive. I will go and see him before I die." So Israel took his journey with all that he had, and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac.
Genesis 45:28-46:1 (NKJV)

Remember the context... Israel believed his beloved son Joseph was dead... and perhaps suspected that it was at the hand of the sons now reporting that Joseph was alive. Suddenly, he gets news that Joseph lives and prospers and is ready with life-saving food for the entire nation. Wouldn't the normal reaction be to drop everything and run to see his son? Isn't that what you would do?

This man's desire to obey the LORD was so strong that he did not abandon all to see a child restored from death. Instead, he went first to commune with God, to talk to God, and to receive instruction from God. In so doing, he saved his nation.

For you and me, then, the lesson is the same. Desire direction from the Lord, and keep our knee-jerk emotional reactions in their proper place. To do so is to release untold blessings into our lives.

Be encouraged,
José

Keeping it sincere

Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
1 Corinthians 5:8 NKJV

He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy. Acknowledging and turning away from evil and iniquity will position us for God's grace and mercy. Paul in his letter to the Corinthians elevated the dangers of compromise on ungodly standards. Immorality had crept into the body of believers like other inordinate affections with the goal and mission of weakening and decapitating the body. As we live in a carnal and mortal world, encounters with worldly ways is inevitable but how we respond to every idea and thought that exalts itself over the knowledge of God in us is critical.

We must constantly subject the self to the spirit of God in us. The feast as Paul wrote must be kept, not with self-righteousness that is usually used to manipulate and justify ungodly ways, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. Lord Jesus, help us to be sincere and honest with ourselves, and not succumb to self-deceit.

Be Encouraged,

Afolabi

Stop tolerating evil

Friends,

I hate to state the obvious, but sometimes we need to be reminded that there is evil all around us. It is only by the protection of the LORD of Hosts that we are able to enjoy His blessings day in and day out. His strong arm keeps unseen attacks at bay, constantly defeating the schemes of our enemy.

This fact underscores our responsibility to deal appropriately with those attacks and sins that we can see.

Your eye shall not pity him, but you shall put away the guilt of innocent blood from Israel, that it may go well with you.
Deuteronomy 19:13 (NKJV)

The LORD has given all of His people the discernment necessary to identify sin. And when we see that sin, we are commanded to set aside our carnal pity, and to excise it. More often than not, of course, that means removing it from our own selves (as opposed to removing a splinter from someone else's eye).

But make no mistake, sisters and brothers; we are not given the option to ignore evil. It is an imperative from God. And it comes with the promise that He will bless our obedience.

Be encouraged,
José

A Memorial

Joshua 4:21-24
Then he spoke to the children of Israel, saying: “When your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, ‘What are these stones?’ then you shall let your children know, saying, ‘Israel crossed over this Jordan on dry land’; for the LORD your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed over, as the LORD your God did to the Red Sea, which He dried up before us until we had crossed over, that all the peoples of the earth may know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty, that you may fear the LORD your God forever.”

As the Lord moved mightily among the children of Israel, they were advised to preserve their testimonies to be shared with their seed forever. The nation crossed difficult and impossible terrains; they walked on dry land with the Lord demonstrating His mighty power and ability to turn a difficult & gigantic situation into nothing. You have walked through your own challenging seasons and came out on dry land. What is your memorial or testimony? It isn't for you alone; it is for your seed and generations to come. Do not destroy your testimony; preserve His deeds as memorial that will bless the body of Christ.

Be Encouraged,

Afolabi

Figured It Out Yet?

For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. Matthew 8:9-10

Living this life is all about one thing, FAITH. If we have not figured it out, then let's look at one of the best examples, the centurion. He lived faith in man in his daily life. Faith became a part of his very being. He expected his faith in man to sustain him, so when he needed Christ and came to call on Him, the centurion expected no less. He was able to immediately trust in the word of God and the ability of Christ to do what He said He would do.

How many of us today who are saved are able to trust Christ that way? Can we move on what Christ said without a doubt? Or do we need some sign that Christ is who He is? Christ loved us enough to die for us before we knew who He was. When we show our faith and belief to Christ, He rewards us with Himself. When we realize that, then we have figured it out. Life is all about belief and belief is all about Christ. Trust Him today, implicitly and explicitly.

Be Encouraged,

Martin

A good mystery

Friends,

It is no secret that mysteries make compelling entertainment. We relish movies that keep us in suspense, on the edge of our seat, only to thrill us with a surprising twist at the end. Think of the great success that The Sixth Sense enjoyed, with people watching 2 and 3 times, searching for hints and clues that betrayed the "rest of the story." And oh how irritated we get at the people who tell us the ending before we've seen the show!

Our love of mystery is deep-rooted. It is hard-wired into our souls by God. For He knows that this will drive us to seek out that which is only revealed by the workings of the Holy Spirit.

But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory,
1 Corinthians 2:7 NKJV

The Lord desires to reveal Himself to us, His people. He wants us to seek after Him, to be on the edge of our seat as He shows Himself mighty and glorious. I tell you the truth, brothers and sisters, that when we our eyes and hearts are opened to His revelation, it is more thrilling and exciting than anything you've ever seen.

Be encouraged,

José

Walk in the Blessing

Deuteronomy 33:29
Happy are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the LORD, the shield of your help and the sword of your majesty! Your enemies shall submit to you, and you shall tread down their high places.”

In what looked like his valedictory speech to the nation of Israel, Moses pronounced blessings on the nation and its various tribes. The blessing remains today on the faithful and on them that believe. The same pronouncement comes on you and I today who are saved of the Lord by His son's death at Calvary. Your enemies shall submit to you and you shall tread down their high places, you shall dwell in a land of safety and a land of grain and new wine. As your days, so shall your strength be, Amen.

We are a peculiar people, chosen not by our works or any other special trait but by the sheer grace of God. This is the inheritance of them that believe, walk in them and

Be Encouraged,

Afolabi Oghafua

Where satisfaction can lead

The quest for satisfaction can lead people into some pretty awful situations.

We have given our hand to the Egyptians
And the Assyrians, to be satisfied with bread. -- Lamentation 5:6 (NKJV)

In those ancient times, God's people put themselves into slavery in order to achieve a measure of satisfaction. And this is no less true today than it was then. How many marriages lay in shambles over the desire for immediate, yet illicit, gratification? How many children, and children's children, are deeply scarred by their parents' career ambitions? Be honest, brethren, and admit that we flirt with these kinds of dangers every day.

Speaking through Paul, our brother and apostle, the Lord has given us a proven method for staying out of this spiral of trouble.

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. -- Philippians 4:12 (NKJV)

With personal perseverance and determination, living to this standard is impossible. But with the power of the Spirit in full operation, we can find peace and contentment that is the envy of the world.

Be encouraged,
José

Be Ready to go

Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!”And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Loose him, and let him go.” John 11:43-33 NKJV

You may have felt bound up and locked in for a very long time. The odds may stack up against you. Lazarus in his day was a hopeless and forgone situation. His issue already attained the stinking status having died and been put away for days. Not fit to be among the living, yet the resurrection power of our Lord was available for his situation. That which had died was quickened. The same docile, weak and dead areas of your life can receive divine quickening too. You need not lose hope or be discouraged. The same transforming power is still available too.

There is abundant life in you, you can’t be bound or restrained forever, you and I must be ready to go all the way for the Kingdom of God while we still live.

Be Encouraged,

Afolabi Oghafua

Faith

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6 (KJV)

Are you following God's command? Are you walking in the steps that He has directed you to walk or are you following your own way? In this world, with the many influences from the outside, we can all get caught up in how my neighbor is doing or what my neighbor is doing. Remember that after Christ rose from the dead as was talking to Peter about service and when Christ had ask Peter about how far he would go to serve God. Peter began to worry about his walk versus another disciple's walk. Let me share those verses with you.

Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. John 22:21-22 (KJV)

Christ wanted Peter and wants us to focus on following Him alone. Our walk with Him is distinct and personal. Let us continue to follow Christ no matter what another person's walk looks like on the outside. Keep the faith and follow Christ.

Be Encouraged,

Martin A. Rayner

Know Repentence... Know Peace

There is more to salvation than confession. For a confession is empty without repentence.

They said, ‘Repent now everyone of his evil way and his evil doings, and dwell in the land that the LORD has given to you and your fathers forever and ever. -- Jeremiah 25:5 (NKJV)

To repent is literally to turn around, to change our direction from that which is toward sin and death, and to life and righteousness. Sisters and brothers, do not neglect to do this each day. For every day, we find new and inventive ways to stumble. But with a heart intent on true repentence, we will press on to that place of true peace.

Be encouraged,
José

Dependable and Faithful

Hebrews 10:19-23 NKJV
Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.

I was opportune to watch a musical drama presentation of the travails and sacrifice that the Lord had to pay for us all at the cross of Calvary. What sacrifice could be greater than this? The shed blood and His flesh (veil) did it all. We must therefore not be subject to the destructive yearnings of the flesh with its evil tendencies, but our hope and confidence in our faith must be firm and strong even in the face of negative influences surrounding us. We must arrest every thought that tries to exalt itself against the knowledge of God in us. Denials, restraints and refraining from things may be painful, but our focus must not be taken away from the prize and what was put on the line for our sake. There must be no shaking concerning our faith, because the one who promised is not only faithful, but also dependable.

Be Encouraged,

Afolabi Oghafua

Know the Word

As a child, whenever I had to really learn something, my mother would insist that I write it down. There's just something about using pen and paper that helps our minds commit things to memory. I don't think this is by accident.

Also it shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write for Himself a copy of this law in a book, from the one before the priests, the Levites. And it shall be with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God and be careful to observe all the words of this law and these statutes - Deuteronomy 17:18-19 NKJV

The LORD commanded Israel's kings (even before they had an official king) to write down His words. We would do well to heed this. By doing so, we will be arming ourselves with the most effective weapon against the evil plans and plots of the enemy.

And so, brothers and sisters, pick out a psalm, or an epistle... something... and write it down. Be committed to knowing the Word of God, and you'll be amazed and blessed by how much better you'll know God Himself.

Be encouraged,
José

Hear the cry

Proverbs 21:13
Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor will also cry himself and not be heard.

There is a preponderance of struggling individuals, families, cities, states and even countries. It isn’t because these are not hardworking or not smart, but conditions and circumstances that have overtaken them and for most of these life is a struggle and endless chasing of bubbles. For the privileged and blessed ones, it is an opportunity for ministry to God’s creation. Abraham interested God because God knew through him; the nations of the world will be blessed.

Isaiah 58:9-12
Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, If you extend your soul to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul, then your light shall dawn in the darkness, and your darkness shall be as the noonday. The LORD will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. Those from among you shall build the old waste places; You shall raise up the foundations of many generations; and you shall be called the Repairer of the Breach, the Restorer of Streets to Dwell In.

Hear the cry around you, build the old waste places; Raise up the foundations of many generations, do not forsake, neglect or disregard them. Do that which you have the ability to do, so that when your crying season comes on, your Father in Heaven may hear and respond to you.

Be Encouraged,

Afolabi Oghafua

Grace for the Purpose

1 Corinthians 15:10-11 NKJV
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. Therefore, whether it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.

Paul acknowledged something crucial and important for all God’s children. He recognizes how far the Lord has brought us. He also identified the enormity of the Creator’s grace on His life (as a former persecutor of the Church) and more importantly, he was being conscious of the fact that his being a recipient of this grace was not in vain but for a purpose. The steadfast love and newness of His mercies for you and I are not in vain, but for the purpose of the fulfillment of a mission and goal.

1 Corinthians 15:58 NKJV
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

We must not forget the purpose of our calling and the freely given grace. The Kingdom work and our role must never take a back sit, but we must abound in Kingdom work, for the grace is for a purpose and our efforts are not in vain.

Be Encouraged,

Afolabi Oghafua