Know your God?

“For You are my lamp, O LORD; The LORD shall enlighten my darkness. For by You I can run against a troop; By my God I can leap over a wall.
2 Samuel 22:29 (NKJV)

The life of man is made of seasons - seasons of agility, vibrancy, strength and seasons of frailty, weakness and faintness. Ishbi-Benob (a Philistine) was close to taking David out, until the Lord sent Abishi to bail him out. It was another demonstration of God's faithfulness over His children. Yes we may have our strengths, know-how, provisions, material and artistic endowments, sometimes these can't and won't even spare or save us in the day and moment of challenges or tribulations.

As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. “For who is God, except the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God?
2 Samuel 31-32 (NKJV)

Brothers and Sisters, there are seasons of our lives that all we think we have will be no match or solution to the trials and challenges of the present, but by knowing our God and operating in this knowledge and trust can we truly feel and experience the simple truth in His word - A true shield to all who trust in Him... The one who enables us to do the impossible even against all odds. Do you really and truly know Him?

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

When The Time Comes

Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Matthew 24:44 (KJV)

This is one of my favorite verses just because it reminds me that we should never get too comfortable with our position. God's plan is always better than ours, but maybe not as comfortable. He has a better view of the goings on than we do, and moves on our behalf in mysterious ways. I am not a big fan of upheaval, but I know that God is always right. He has a view that shows us the right moves and when they will occur.

When I think of this verse, I am reminded that I trust the one that holds the future and not the future on its own merit. Let's all keep our hand in God's hand just as Jesus did in the Garden before the crucifixion. Because, without the death on the cross, there is no resurrection and without that, we are lost forever.

Be Encouraged,


Martin Rayner

He is Reliable

"God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?"
Numbers 23:19 (NKJV)

It is amazing to note the length to which a determined and persistent adversary will go to rout us out completely. Because they are focused, disciplined and conscientious about their vision, they come up with creative and ingenious ways to accomplish their goal(s) - decimation and destruction of the body of Christ. Balak was relentless in his pursuit of cursing God's elect, like many adversaries today, they seek and engage in alliances with sold-out folks or pretenders in the body. What whatever the conspiracies, the alliances, the fraternities, etc, He that is within us is greater than they that gather against us combined.

Concerning any prophesy and pronouncement of God's declaration on our lives, If God said it, He will do it, even if we pass through a stormy season, ours is to stay steady no matter how hard, inconvenient and gloomy. The God in us is resilient and greater than all of our challenges and life's threats put together. You can rely on Him, any time and every time.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

All prayer is not equal

Friends,

All of us know that important milestones and major obstacles tend to draw increased attention and energy from interested parties. There can be stress, tension and fear. There can also be hope, anticipation and great expectations. Most times, we find all of these in some measure.

It can be enlightening to listen to people's words in times like those. Some might say, "Wish me luck," and others might go around rapping on wooden desks and doors. A few will invoke the "gods" or karma or fate. Sometimes, you'll hear fervent pleas to not "jinx" the outcome. All of these are prayers of some sort. They are evidence that everyone depends on some power other than - and often greater than - themself. But let's not be fooled or bullied into agreeing with those prayers; for they are not addressed to the One True God.

Isaiah 16:12 (NKJV)
And it shall come to pass,
When it is seen that Moab is weary on the high place,
That he will come to his sanctuary to pray;
But he will not prevail.

The prophet Isaiah points out to us that the Moabites came to their sanctuary, to pray to their god. But no matter how intense or deep or eloquent their prayers might be, the people of Moab shall be defeated.

This is the same for you and for me. We must be diligent to pray only to the Almighty God. It is a waste of breath to pray to "saints," or to count on fate or luck. Even worse, we are saying to our Savior that perhaps He isn't powerful enough or caring enough to answer our prayer. What an insult to a Holy and Perfect God! Instead, we must bring every request to the Lord. He is the only faithful one. He is the only omnipotent one. He is only one who will do what is good and right for His children.

Be encouraged,
Jose

A Wall of LifeA Wall of Death

Friends,

The hand of Lord moves in a mighty way. When the world sees it, it sees death. But when we, His people, see His hand, we see life.

Exodus 14:29 - NKJV
But the children of Israel had walked on dry land in the midst of the sea, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.

The wall guided God's people from danger to safety, from death to life. Any attempt to move off the path would have surely resulted in a quick drowning. Of course, they marveled at what they saw. Have you ever wondered what the fish were thinking when this happened? And of course, they stayed on the path to freedom.

The enemy also saw this wall. However, they felt the other side of God's protection. And therefore, that wall came down upon them, resulting in swift and total defeat.

Sisters and brothers, remember that God's hand is always upon you. It is a protective shield against the plots and schemes of our mortal enemies: the world, the flesh and the devil. And while those enemies will experience the same complete destruction as Egypt did thousands of years ago, we will be carried by our Lord to victory and eternal life.

Be encouraged,
Jose

Forever Faithful

Do not say, ‘A conspiracy,’ Concerning all that this people call a conspiracy, nor be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.
Isaiah 8:12 (NKJV)

The scare is out and the cry of failing markets and a global recession looms in the horizon. The consequences in the physical and logical can take different dimensions. To them that have heaped their whole being and hope on material possessions and properties, these are very troubling times. The thought of losing out on all these toys and acquisitions is more than enough to send a soul into a worrying frenzy. But they that trust in the Lord shall be like Mount Zion that cannot be moved. Our word should be...

Here am I and the children whom the LORD has given me! We are for signs and wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, who dwells in Mount Zion.
Isaiah 8:18 (NKJV)

In every season, both in good and not so good times, we must serve as signs and wonders to our world, for the unbelieving world to come to the knowledge of truth of a true living God who is forever faithful.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Obedience is better

For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.
Hosea 6:6 (NKJV)

The Lord is very clear on this requirement for all His children. Trying to cut corners, bringing down His standard to our carnal level, and trying to justify our violation of simple instructions won't cut it. King Saul trivialized God's instructions to his own peril. He lost his kingdom, not in the battle field of life but to a care-free attitude and disobedience to divine instruction.

For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry.
1 Samuel 15:23 (NKJV)

Paying attention to God's simple instructions and obeying them to the letter is great wisdom. This wisdom is what we must pursue in all the days of our lives, for to do otherwise is to play the rebel role and incur the consequences of the rebellious one. May we find the strength for obedience to the Holy Spirit in our hearts at all times.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Written on the heart

Friends,

When the Lord called us into His Kingdom, He gave us a new heart. The old heart was a dead thing, made of stone. The old heart could only accept the letter of the law and could only attempt to obey with legalism and mechanical behavior changes. The new heart, however, can hear the voice of the Lord, and therefore can obey out of love.

2 Corinthans 3:3 - NKJV
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.

Since we are part of God's message of love and hope to this dying world, it is imperative that we stay soft and submissive to His voice. We must tune our ear to recognize Him. And then, we can be the living, breathing Gospel preached to all we encounter.

Be encouraged,
Jose

Why are you just sitting there?

Friends,

In the annals of human history, there have been many stupid questions raised. My personal top-10 includes this one:

Now there were four leprous men at the entrance of the gate; and they said to one another, "Why are we sitting here until we die?"
2 Kings 7:3, NKJV (emphasis added)

To set the stage for you, the four men had been kicked out of a city that was going through a horrendous famine. It was so bad that people no longer saw each other as friends and family, but as food. And there these men were... just sitting there. Their sickness preserved them - who wants to eat a leper? And then one of them finally noticed the obvious and wondered why they should remain, waiting to die.

Is there no greater famine than to lack the living word of God?
And yet, professing believers file into buildings new and old, week after week, only to hear religious-sounding pep talks and self-improvement advice. The Word is not preached, and no one seems to notice that they are starving!

How long will you sit there?
Why are you sitting there until you die?

Sisters and brothers, if you are not getting fed the real meat of God's word, get up and go find it. We don't need to be churched; we need to be transformed into the imaged of Christ! The only means is by His Word. Seek it out. Delay no longer. The blessings of God await!

Be encouraged,
Jose

Good works

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV)

The grace, richness of God's mercies towards us and His unbinding love have raised us up from destruction, death and hopelessness. This incredible act raised us to another level entirely, it raised us for a goal, it launched us into a new purpose and dimension. Indeed we have been saved and spared for a reason, not to return to the old man or the carnal and worldly norms but to good works, works worthy of increasing and advancing the cause of God's Kingdom here on earth.

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV)

Our salvation has already been confirmed, sealed and delivered to us by His grace and blood shed at Calvary (a very costly price) for the purpose of amongst other things - setting us up for good works. It will be futile to be about nothing (good works) after so much as been put on the line for us. Friends, we cannot lose sight of this great commission, let's get busy, so our fruits of righteousness may increase as He surely desires of us.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

No Honor At Home

Friends,

For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his own country. John 4:44 (KJV)

Why do we have to leave to get recognition? Why can't we get that at home? Why is it that honor always escapes us with the ones we love the most? Probably because we are all conditioned to see things as they were instead of as they are. We see changes and - because of the need to keep order in our mind - we ignore and disregard them.

A great example is the Timex watch. When the makers of the Timex watch first made their discovery, they wanted to share that with the world. So, they went to expert watchmakers in Switzerland to show them their discovery. The Swiss completely dismissed their findings and thus Timex was born. In the industry that they were attempting to change, they were completely ignored, so much so that they had to start their own organization to prove that their discovery was real.

Sound familiar? Christ was such a great teacher in the local area, that He was making a life changing difference. However, the folks that saw and heard Him could only see that He was only a simple carpenter's son. He had not been to school. He was only could of build and repair furniture, but certainly He could teach anyone about God. As we look at our situations today, we may have to leave our country to make a difference or we just may have to make a stand. Ask the Lord for the guidance in our situation and move ahead with His Plan. He will get the honor if we just do our part.

Be Encouraged,
Martin Rayner

Wisdom from Above

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
James 3:17-18 (NKJV)

The wisdom we are urged and encouraged to seek comes with some simple but sterling qualities, qualities easy enough to distinguish even by ourselves. A non-self seeking heart, bitter-free mind and bowels of mercy will exude and display good works having a lasting impact on the people around them, their environment and indeed their world. Should we settle for less? Our world, governments, nations, families and individuals have consciously or unconsciously enthroned self-seeking motives thus robbing the world of a unique opportunity of the display of God's goodness and mercy in our situations. The endless pursuit of self never brings ultimate satisfaction, instead it leads to discord, fightings, wars, etc. When we seek Heavenly wisdom, because or motives are not driven solely for self gain, the fulfillment and peace that is experienced is full and long lasting.

But irrespective of our actions, the mercies and goodness of our Sovereign God continues to persist. The wisdom from above produces results, spares us of unnecessary laborious pursuits, enables us achieve more effectively even with less resources and gives us the greatest impact to our world. This we need to seek at all times.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

You and me against the world

Friends,

Those of us with children know full well the daily battle we fight against the influences of this fallen world. The messages of amoral living, subjective ethics, and the supremacy of pleasure are everywhere. They are getting louder, more intrusive and, unfortunately, more effective with each passing day. There is only one defense that can stand up to this onslaught.

Proverbs 22:6 [NKJV]
Train up a child in the way he should go,
And when he is old he will not depart from it.

As the old saying goes, "The best defense is a good offense." We must approach the training of our children with the same attitude. We cannot simply be good examples for our young. That is too passive a stance. We must be willing to courageously speak to them, demonstrating our love with appropriate rebukes and admonishing.

Sisters and brothers, the same applies to us, as well. Our own thoughts, words and deeds need protection from the influences of evil. And we cannot be passive about this either. It is imperative that we make time to be in the Word. The world will not make that time available of its own accord. The job, the after-school activities, and even the church functions will all conspire to make us too busy for Bible study. But if we fight back and train our minds in the way of God's Word, then as we get older, we will not depart from it.

Be encouraged,
Jose

Heavenly brethren

Friends,

I had lunch today with a small group of believers. One of them shared a dream she had, last night, of being in Heaven. Problem was... Heaven just wasn't what she expected. It was noisy, with people everywhere, talking to each other, laughing, sharing, and simply enjoying the fellowship.

"Where is Jesus?" she asked. The person nearby pointed to the groups of believers all around her. She was astounded. Why isn't everyone in reverent awe of our Lord? Why aren't they focused on Him? Why won't they be quiet? She woke up pretty ticked off at God. Heaven just didn't fulfill her expectations.

As we talked about her dream, we all came to the realization that all of us love those peaceful, quiet times with God.... when there's no one else.... it's just Him. And yet, the Lord tells us that He dwells within each of us and He longs for our fellowship.

Hebrews 10:25 [NKJV]
not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

Our little lunch today was a slice of Heaven. Not because any of us are especially charismatic, or holy, or smart or even nice. But because in each one of us is a little slice of Christ Jesus. The Holy Spirit dwells in us and flows from us. And when two or more of us are together in His name, He is there in our midst.

Our friend's anger was, of course, replaced by joy and anticipation. We know that when this fallen life is through, we will have special intimate times with Christ. We also know that we will be with each other, living in love as true brothers and sisters.

The next time you gather together with the Body, remember that you are getting a glimpse of Heaven. Take it in. Enjoy it. Thank Almighty God for it.

Be encouraged,
Jose

Give

But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?
1 John 3:17 (NKJV)

Many are blessed and endowed beyond measure. Sometimes to the point of going blank with regards to what to do with the blessings, gifts, and talents. God displayed His love by giving the world His only begotten son as an example for us to follow. To shut off our heart from the need of others that we know we have the ability to make a difference is to deny and constrain the Spirit of God in us. Give of your endowment, blessings, talents, abilities, skills, and provisions to lift your world up. There is greater blessings in giving than just receiving.

Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.
Luke 6:38 (NKJV)

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

The secret to perfect peace

Friends,

A colleague of mine does some work on the side giving presentations that promise to teach participants how to live stress-free for the rest of their lives. I heard about this during a phone call, and I had to move the phone away from my mouth so he wouldn't hear me laughing... as if I could ever trust in a man's method for eliminating stress!

Sisters and brothers, there is no doubt that our fallen world will send obstacles and hindrances into our path. They will come on a daily basis; sometimes every hour on the hour. Whenever they appear, we always have a choice to focus on the event or to focus on the One who is sovereign over that event. This is an old lesson, taught by the Holy Spirit through the hand of a prophet:

Isaiah 26:3 [NKJV]
You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.

The word "stayed" used in this passage is translated from the Hebrew word camak. According to Strong's concordance, this word comes to mean "to lean, lay, rest, support, put, uphold, lean upon." The image that I get when I contemplate this meaning is one of groping around in a dark fog, not knowing where I am or where I'm going. I'm unable to move for fear of stumbling or falling. Pretty stressful, huh? I reach out and feel the presence of my Father... strong, steady, and wise. He knows where we are. He can see where I cannot. With that, all the stress is lifted. Confidence and blessed assurance replaces fear. I step towards Him, knowing that wherever He is, I am safe.

So there is the choice, brethren. We can lean on our own understanding; which is infinitely clouded by our finite understanding. Or we can lean on the LORD and find perfect peace. Choose this day, and ...

Be encouraged,
Jose

Appeal to all

The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.
1 Peter 5:1-4 (NKJV)

The one above is Creator and Father of all, but every child of God plays a crucial role as a shepherd either directly or indirectly. Serving the body not for dishonest gain is stressed and specified clearly here. Our actions and words to the world must penetrate the hearts of men and women and bring them to the knowledge of the one in us. The motive for service to the body must be for nothing more but for the advancement of God's kingdom and all righteousness. Any other interest runs contrary to God's desire for us. In our families, in our relationships, in our domains, in our world, we must resist the role of playing god over those we have direct or indirect influence over, but we must be the salt and light of the world showing Godly examples, providing inspiration and bringing encouragement to all in our spheres of influence.

Like a faithful and diligent servant, the Lord will surely reward every step of obedience to His word when the Chief Shepherd appears.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Why ask the dead?

Friends,

All of us have questions. And not one of us has every answer. It is normal for us to wonder about what tomorrow might bring, and curiosity will surely draw us towards those who offer insight about events yet to unfold. But there is grave danger in seeking such knowledge from just anybody.

Isaiah 8:19 [NKJV]
And when they say to you, "Seek those who are mediums and wizards, who whisper and mutter," should not a people seek their God? Should they seek the dead on behalf of the living?

Reading this verse reminds me of how we seek the opinions and perspectives of celebrities and news-makers. Why do we value their words so much?
Do they exhibit any special anointing from the Lord?

It seems to me that we have traded in the obvious evil of the Psychic Hotline with the more subtle and invidious evil of hanging on the words of retired generals, former politicos, mega-church pastors and cultural icons.

Brothers and sisters, everyday we are confronted with decisions and choices of great importance. Instead of letting the TV personalities tell us what to think, let us turn in prayer to the LORD. He will guide us perfectly. And even if we do not hear the Holy Spirit perfectly, He will bless our heart's desire to obey Him. Listen with your heart to hear God's voice. Hear Him well.

Be encouraged,
Jose

Swift Forgiveness

Friends,

The other day, I told you about the theft of a substantial amount of money. The money was to be used to minister to orphans and the perpetrator has apparently been apprehended and executed. As we learned of this event, our emotions seemingly spanned the entire spectrum ... sadness, anger, pity, relief (that none of the victims were physically harmed), helplessness, indignation, and the list goes on. In the midst of all this, that unmistakable voice cut through the noise and racing thoughts:

Luke 6:37 [NKJV]
Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

It is not my place to render a verdict and sentence anyone, even when the transgression is obvious.
It is not my place to determine anyone's fate, even when I'd like nothing more than to see someone like this thief burn in hell.

It is my place to extend to that man the same forgiveness that my Lord and Savior has extended to me! Yes, the perpetrator suffered the natural consequences of his actions. But for our sakes, Christ reminds us over and over to forgive as we have been forgiven.

Sisters and brothers, what is your story? Who in your life needs your forgiveness? Remember, that doing so does not let them off the hook... for God is not mocked... all shall reap what we sow. But it opens the door to healing for us.

Be encouraged,
Jose

Take root

Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying: “Behold, a sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them. Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them. 8 But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
Mathew 13:3-7 (NKJV)

When the multitude gathered, He spoke to them in parables urging them to take root firmly in the living word lest the persecutions, challenges, cares and legitimate concerns, material lure and quest to get rich quick derail, choke and blow them away from the real deal. The same applies to the present generation and particularly at this new beginning. We must be ready in season and out of season and firmly rooted in the one who is forever faithful. When the tide, surge, turmoil and tempest seasons come raging, they that trust in the LORD and take root in His word shall be like Mount Zion, Which cannot be moved, but abides forever.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

A New Beginning

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
1 Peter 1:3-5 (NKJV)

To God be all glory again as we are privileged and endowed with His grace and mercy to witness the beginning of another year, 2008. Like, Apostle Peter in the above scripture, we bless the Lord whose mercies have bequeath to us a living hope through our risen King and an inheritance that is incorruptible, and tamper-free from the elements and value system of this world. We have great hope in 2008 that the Lord will perfect that which concerns us and as such it is important that we do not cast away our confidence which has great reward.

Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
1 Peter 1:13 (NKJV)

The promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. So as we come boldly to the throne of grace and mercy, I pray that every walk, talk and action of ours in the new year will edify the body and bring glory to God's name in all nations. Let the pursuit of God's Kingdom and all righteousness drive our path through this year. For this new beginning, this is great wisdom to work with.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi