Swift Justice

Friends,

Recently, a substantial donation was sent to an orphanage overseas so that the administrator could purchase bunk beds for new arrivals. Unfortunately, that money was stolen almost as soon as it arrived. As the events were described, it was revealed that the thief, who was responsible for several other robberies that day, had been apprehended and summarily executed.

This was an upsetting and startling situation. Yet, the Lord wanted to make sure that we see that His hand is never far from His body.

Exodus 22:22-24 [NKJV]
You shall not afflict any widow or fatherless child. If you afflict them in any way, and they cry at all to Me, I will surely hear their cry; and My wrath will become hot, and I will kill you with the sword; your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless.

God specifically mentions orphans and widows several times throughout scripture... as if there is a special place in His heart just for them. They receive His protection and His mercy. God's people are told to minister to the widow and the fatherless above all others. We know that this is because, without our Savior, we too are fatherless and husband-less.

In the circumstance of this recent robbery and subsequent execution, we see this scripture played out for us in vivid and shocking detail. We can see that our Father truly takes very, very seriously any action that the evil one takes against us. Sometimes, justice is swift and obvious... as this particular thief can now attest. Other times, we must operate on faith rather than sight.

I will have more to say about this in future postings. But for now, brothers and sisters, put aside any doubt that the LORD sees what happens to every member of His body... no matter how insignificant or dramatic the action. His hand will administer justice in His time; and it will be perfect and good.

Be encouraged,
Jose

Worldly cares and influence

Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread, and they did not have more than one loaf with them in the boat. Then He charged them, saying, “Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “ It is because we have no bread.” But Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, “Why do you reason because you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive nor understand? Is your heart still hardened? Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments did you take up?” They said to Him, “Twelve.” “Also, when I broke the seven for the four thousand, how many large baskets full of fragments did you take up?” And they said, “Seven.”
Mark 8:14-20 (NKJV)

The disciples saw first hand the God's divine supernatural provision to the multitude. Turning what was seemingly lacking and inadequate into more than enough and running over. Yet within a short period of time, the disciples were confronted with a period of inadequacy and responded like a normal and rational man will - worry!!!! The influence and legitimate concerns of the world , the leaven of the Pharisees and Herod can shrink any faith we have if we succumb to its intimidating influence.

Can someone at the source and surrounded by resources worry at the possibility of running out of provision? After all He has done, the Lord is asking again like he did to the disciples....

So He said to them, “How is it you do not understand?”
Mark 8:21 (NKJV)

Brothers and Sisters, take heed of the leaven of the world, we have an All-Sufficient God.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Forgive now

Friends,

Among the most difficult actions for man to take is the act of forgiveness. Insults, injuries and injustices are often remembered and built upon for a long, long time. Why do we do this? What purpose is served by storing the memory of an offense from last week or even last month? What do we gain by holding tightly to the harm done to us in the 1990's?

Luke 17:3-4 [NKJV]
Jesus says... Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, "I repent," you shall forgive him.

Well before the benefits of forgiveness were chronicled and documented is this clear mandate from our Lord. And yet, we resist obedience. I could go on and on with examples, but if you search your own heart, you will find unforgiveness just as I did in mine... probably without looking for very long.

Don't let another day go by without letting go of that old hurt. Forgive the one that wronged you. Do it today so that Christ can begin healing that injury. It is never too late to experience the freedom that comes from obeying Jesus.

Be encouraged,
Jose

Right Spirit!?!?!

After Christmas, we all look back at the holiday with some angst. We think we gave too much, or not enough, we were too tight or too liberal without giving, we all promise not to do the same thing again next year. There are a few simple questions about how we carried out the Christmas Day celebrations that can help us out?

1. Did we recognize that God gave the ultimate gift of His Only Son?
2. Did we respect the work that Christ did in our lives to give us life more abundantly?
3. Did we give presents with the earnest hope that it met a need in someone's life?
4. Did we receive our gifts with thanksgiving and realize that our friends and family were trying to meet a need in our life?
5. Have we taken into account the effort (not the money) it takes to give a good gift that meets a need?
6. Do we realize that God is our all-in-all and without Him, no present will satisfy the hole in our lives?
7. Do we know that God has blessed us tremendously over the past year, quarter, month, week, day and hour and have we been thankful to Him?

Merry Christmas to all and I know that I am more thankful for who God is because He put people in my life that care about me.

Be Encouraged,

Martin

Merry Christmas

Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.
Galatians 5:1 (NKJV)

As we celebrate the birth of our risen Savior – Our Lord Jesus Christ - today , we are reminded of the price paid in full for us and the liberty given us and most importantly the unique and wonderful opportunity given to all for eternal life. As we remember His birth, our focus must be the salvation brought for us by the eternal King. This season must bring to focus the basis of the 'exemplary giving' that gave us all 'hope and an eternal life' to look up to instead of condemnation.

For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
Galatians 5:13 (NKJV)

As we celebrate the remembrance of the birth of our Lord, we must celebrate not only His birth, but most importantly the liberty and hope of salvation that we have through Him. Rejoice! our King lives forevermore.

Merry Christmas.

Be Encouraged,

Afolabi

Gratitude's Reminder

Friends,

Look at your life and its circumstances today. Remember that you owe everything to the Lord. You may think it's good or think that it's not so good. But God's plan is perfect and good. Which brings me to one of my favorite verses of all of Scripture:

Jeremiah 29:11-12 [NKJV]
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.

So let us take a moment to rejoice... not just in spite of our present circumstances, but because of our present circumstances. It will force us to remember that God is good, all the time!

Be encouraged,
Jose

With God

For with God nothing will be impossible.
Luke 1:37 (NKJV)

Attempting to go to the next level or a defined goal usually seem difficult. Even more puzzling to the carnal mind are the pronouncements and declaration of the Holy Spirit over our lives. These - in every human calculation never add up. There are so many hurdles, obstacles, and barriers to contend with. The word impossible sounds logical in all things. It is so because all flesh operate in a limited space. However the Spirit of God in us is not bounded by the constraints of the flesh. When the Spirit of God told Mary that she would give birth to the Savior, she wondered, how could I? A virgin!

There is life in every child of God. This new life will come forth and we shall live for ever more. To men it may be impossible, but with God it is all possible.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Self-Inflicted Nonsense

Sin is something that we do to ourselves. It is not pushed on us by others, but caused by our own actions. We create the drama that unfolds in our life. How can we manage to stay on the path while creating turmoil? Faith in God and trust in the commandments of Jesus Christ along with reliance on the Holy Spirit for Guidance.

Like all self-inflicted wounds, sin can be avoided by change of focus. Almost all sin is related to our belief that we are number one and we need to be or do something that is outside the will of God. We have a personal investment in the actions or activities related to the sin we are performing. Let's take the time to analyze why instead of "is it worth the effort and penalty?". When we look at the reason behind the actions, then we can change the actions and the results. God will help us if we start to move in His Direction. Let's chose to implant Christ into our daily life and thought process and we can see a difference.

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. James 4:7-8 [KJV]

Be Encouraged,

Martin

The Living word in us

You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart.
2 Corinthians 3:2-3 (NKJV)

We have been set aside for His goodness and good works in all areas of our life, to impact and increase Kingdom principles here on earth. Many may not have the privilege or opportunity to read or study His word in written form, but we are His word in living form that many will see, read and study. Does your life in public and private reflect this sacred role?

There’s more to our being alive today, it is for a special purpose that have been ordained from the foundations of the world. Be conscious of this divine purpose and do not work contrary to it. Many may not make it through unless they read Him clearly in your life.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

The Never Dying Word

Friends,

During this time of year, there is no shortage of things to do. There are parties at work, concerts and special services at the local assembly, and gatherings of family and friends at home. And while many of the occasions make mention of Christ's incarnation, none of them dig into the deep truths of that amazing event. And even though the Lord demands that we learn those deep truths, the study of God's Word always seems to take a back seat to the parties, the concerts, the special services and the family dinners.

What priority do you assign to Bible study? Are you too busy? Is it something you find time for when nothing else is happening? Or do you make time for Bible study, even at the expense of offending your fellow man?

1 Peter 1:23 [NKJV] (emphasis added)
having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever

The parties and concerts and dinners last for a few hours each, and their memory for a few days. But the word of God is everlasting.

Brothers and sisters, let us renew ourselves in the study of Holy Scripture. It is an investment with eternal dividends. It is the cornerstone of our salvation and the foundation of sanctification. It is the path of life!

Be encouraged,
Jose

Our Gift

A man's gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.

Proverbs 18:16 (NKJV)

While we walk the isles of life trying to discover ourselves, our potentials and our strengths, we are urged not to take lightly those gifts which the Lord has blessed us with. Because those things we do so well and comes so easy to us, we often discount them and take them for granted. The Lord has blessed each and everyone with a gift – something we do very well and possess a great potential to do better. We must discover it, build on it and receive His enabling power for ultimate success.

The scripture declares that through this gift, a way is made for us. God’s plan for our lives is to live life to the fullest and to accomplish what He set out for us to be. We must discover our purpose and gift to live the life the Creator set out for us. Brothers and Sisters, search it out, discover the gifts and put them to use, for it is God’s will for you.

Be Encouraged,

Afolabi Oghafua

Wisdom and Liberty

I returned and saw under the sun that - The race is not to the swift, Nor the battle to the strong, Nor bread to the wise, Nor riches to men of understanding, Nor favor to men of skill; But time and chance happen to them all. For man also does not know his time: Like fish taken in a cruel net, Like birds caught in a snare, So the sons of men are snared in an evil time, When it falls suddenly upon them.
Ecclesiastes 9:11-12 (NKJV)

The Preacher rightly portrayed the dilemma facing every sinful nature and mortal being. Time and Chance happen to all. It does not matter what we know, possess, our fame, skill, or accomplishments. Time and Chance continues to confront men, but Christ brought the world assurance and hope that whosoever will believe in Him shall not be at the mercy of time and chance but chance and time will work for our overall and eternal good.

Then I said: “Wisdom is better than strength"...."Wisdom is better than weapons of war";
Ecclesiastes 9:16,18 (NKJV)

This wisdom is embedded in the knowledge of the truth and the application of this truth to our very daily existence. You shall gain divine wisdom when you know the truth and the truth shall set you free.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

God Will Keep Me

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Psalm 23:5 [KJV]

Over the past few days, many things have come up in my life that have been very worrisome and disturbing. These items are beyond my control, but I wonder about how they came to the point that they are now. I also realize that what the events are don't hold the importance that these type of occurrences happen in everyone's life.

I was reminded of the verse above in my favorite Psalm. When the events all around us are not joyful and happy, we must remember that "God keeps me in presence of my enemies". He keeps me from falling. He continues to bless me so that I may be a blessing to others. God has set me on the solid rock and I can share that joy with others during the trials and tribulations of life. God always keeps us blessed and anointed so we can be His Showcase and Example even when we don't feel like we are.

Be Encouraged,

Martin

Man's Laughable Standards

Friends,

There is something strange in the way men give great weight in the worldly accomplishments and titles. We seem to believe that pastors, government officials or captains of industry are somehow shielded from God's plans. In our warped sense of fairness, we think that children are innocent of sin and that the poor are judged according to a different standard.

Yet scripture tells us over and over that the entirety of creation is subject to God's authority. And that means that when God determines that the time is right for Him to bring forth His wrath, all will be touched:

Exodus 12:29 NKJV
And it came to pass at midnight that the LORD struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the captive who was in the dungeon, and all the firstborn of livestock.

First, let us see that it was the LORD who stretched forth His hand and executed the necessary judgment. God sees no need to apologize for His actions, and neither should we apologize for what He does.

Next, it is important to note that every household felt His wrath. There is no distinction between palace, prison, or paddock. The only way that God draws a distinction is by the blood of the lamb.

And so it is with us, brothers and sisters. All of creation is under the same death sentence for sin. But because Christ has applied His blood to us, the LORD passes over us and instead of death, we get LIFE!!

Be encouraged,
Jose

Do it now

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.
Ecclesiastes 9:10 (NKJV)

Time for us all is of essence. To every thing in our life there is a season, a time to sow, nurture and harvest, to miss a specific set time is to alter the chain of events in our lives. But while we live, we must pursue all righteousness with all of our heart for there is no pursuit in the grave.

But for him who is joined to all the living there is hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion.
Ecclesiastes 9:4 (NKJV)

We can accomplish lofty things, impact and change lives - all when we still have time and hope. Unfortunately time for us is finite, so lets make every moment count for Him who died for us.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Vessels to start with

Friends,

Have you ever tried to fill up a full gas tank?
Have you ever tried to pick up a coin when your hands are full of paper?

These sound foolish, don't they. Yet, we try this with God seemingly every day. We say that we want to bring our "best" to God, yet God doesn't need any of our skills or intellect or ideas. Consider the following examples:

2 Kings 4:3-4 NKJV (emphasis added)
Then he said, "Go, borrow vessels from everywhere, from all your neighbors—empty vessels; do not gather just a few. And when you have come in, you shall shut the door behind you and your sons; then pour it into all those vessels, and set aside the full ones."

John 2:6-7 NKJV
Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece. Jesus said to them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.

Both times, God required that the vessels be empty, so that God can fill them up. Brothers and sisters, emptying ourselves out is never easy. It means that we must put our wants and needs aside. It requires us to submit our time and energy to the service that God calls us to. It means forsaking our seemingly good ideas and clever plans, and replacing them with the Lord's perfect will.

In response, the LORD promises to fill us with His presence.

Be encouraged,
Jose

A patient spirit

The end of a thing is better than its beginning; The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.
Ecclesiastes 7:8 (NKJV)

To every thing there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven. The day and the night is a perfect example of this divine cycle of life. In our lives as well, times will change, but God’s word says the end of a thing is better than its inception. As the seasons and time change, it is also possible to get caught up in the web of interpreting our situations from a carnal perspective.

Do not say, "Why were the former days better than these?" For you do not inquire wisely concerning this. In the day of prosperity be joyful, But in the day of adversity consider: Surely God has appointed the one as well as the other, So that man can find out nothing that will come after him.
Ecclesiastes 7:10, 14 (NKJV)

Brothers and Sisters, rather than channeling our energies into only asking questions, let our Spirit be patient and not proud. When we rest in the assurance of a faithful God, our patient spirit can also experience the peace that defies all human reason.

Be Encouraged,

Afolabi

Getting Back on Track

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 [KJV]

We have seen evidence of lost focus all around us. We have flawed decision making and flawed execution because of that lost focus. We all want to take the easy road out and cruise through life. We can be granted that request by following the verses above and their instruction. Making our request know to God by prayer and supplication will get us in tune with what God wants in our lives.

We must get in tune so that we can execute what God has planned for us. When we get back to where we need to be, the peace of God will come upon us. God uses that peace to show that we are on the right track. We also know that He is with us during any test that comes up, like sickness, job loss, family turmoil, social upheaval and the like. These tests are all to help us advance to the next level of faith and understanding. God uses the fire of these test to remove the impurities and mold our character, like a jewelry maker molds gold.

Be Encouraged,

Martin

Not losing focus

For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.
Romans 10:3-4 (NKJV)

When there is preponderance of knowledge to the point of elevating self above the knowledge of God, then a seered conscience becomes the role model of the day, family values are distorted, moral decay enlarges and men pursue self righteousness instead of the righteousness of God. So the result is conflicts, conflicts and events unimaginable happening every where, but there is an opportunity for every child of God to make a difference. We cannot be ignorant of the word and deny the power contained therein. The cares and pleasures of the world must never cause us to shift to submission to self-righteousness. This usually leads to destruction. Paul put it clearly here that Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

We can make a difference, through the power of the Lord Jesus Christ in us and our total submission to His righteousness change the world and increase the Kingdom of God here on earth. It is part of our great commission; we must never lose sight of this.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

The fall of celebrity

Friends,

The headlines scream out at us. We know the latest about pop stars, movie stars and the so-called intriguing people. The awards shows are simply another opportunity for some to flaunt their wealth and extravagance.

It is easy for us to sit in judgment as the celebrities prance up and down their red carpets, making their bodies nothing more than walking posters to be gawked at.

It's much harder for us to see that same sin in ourselves. But we do the same thing, just in a different way. We may not have runways and cameras and autograph seekers. But we preach a sermon of "Get saved and get a new car!" We dress for service to impress the man next to us, instead of the Man who died for us. We demand money for the next big church building or TV program, while the poor pick through garbage to for something to eat.

Be aware, brothers and sisters.

Isaiah 3:16-17
Moreover the LORD says:
"Because the daughters of Zion are haughty,
And walk with outstretched necks
And wanton eyes,
Walking and mincing as they go,
Making a jingling with their feet,

Therefore the Lord will strike with a scab
The crown of the head of the daughters of Zion,
And the LORD will uncover their secret parts." -- NKJV

Just because we know we are His chosen children does not exempt us from being struck by our Father. Note that this passage refers to the "daughters of Zion." He will rebuke His own far more strictly than those who do not bear His Name. Such holiness is not what our flesh finds impressive or perhaps even comfortable. But it is the path to true and everlasting blessings.

Be encouraged,
Jose