Take heed

Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
1 Corinthians 10:12-13 (NKJV)

There is nothing new under the sun, The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing (Ecc. 1:8). So the preacher so eloquently put it. As branches connected to the main vine, we must never forget our source and giver of life. When connected to the vine, we flourish and bosom and bear fruits, yet we must take heed in all these things. We must watch and pray like the Savior advised us lest we fall into temptation. Even whenever a fall happens, He makes a way of escape for them that can connect back to their source and retract their steps.

Remember, you are not alone, it is not just about you, staying attached to the vine will cost nothing, but detaching, falling off and trying to reattach to the source again will cost more. Hence let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Daily Hygiene

Friends,

When they go into the tabernacle of meeting, or when they come near the altar to minister, to burn an offering made by fire to the LORD, they shall wash with water, lest they die. So they shall wash their hands and their feet, lest they die. And it shall be a statute forever to them - to him and his descendants throughout their generations.
Exodus 30:20-21

I have this scripture posted in our bathroom. I figure it's a good reminder of what to do after you're done doing what you have to do. But all kidding aside, why is it that the LORD demanded that His servants wash away the dirt of everyday life before entering into His chamber?

The answer for back then is the same as it is for now. The activities of daily living contaminate us. There is no getting around it. We live in this world, and this world will affect our Spirit. If it didn't, then Christ would not have washed His disciples' feet before leading them to pray at Gethsemane. It is a daily reminder that we are completely dependent on the Father's mercy, and that daily we must make up our mind to walk in the Spirit.

To be covered with the dirt of the natural world is normal and common. To be cleansed of it, with the outpouring of the Word, is demonstrate holiness.

Be encouraged, Jose

Fit for habitation

But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain You. How much less this temple which I have built!
1 Kings 8:27 (NKJV)

When King Solomon and the nation Israel completed the building of the magnificent temple, he declared before all men in the above scripture... Will God leave His throne and dwell on earth? Certainly not. The firmament and the heavens are not enough to contain His majesty. Certainly not the passing structures built and put together by a passing away creature will fit the bill. There is however a place that He continues to yearn to live in, and that is the heart of men. There He gains access to the soul of men, there He meets and communes with men. Out of this place also comes the various cares, issues and worries of life. Men bring thoughts that edify or chase Him out of our inner abode.

Is your heart fit and habitable for the Holy Spirit? Can God in you thrive with the tenants and thoughts that emanate from your heart? We will either edify Him or chase Him out with what's in the inside. He wants to reside in you and I. We must give our heart to Him.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Hold On

If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small. Proverbs 24:10 [KJV]

I had a pastor once who would always warn us about hard times coming. He would say, "if you have not had hard times yet, keep living". We can interpret this many ways, but I like to look at it like the verse above. Keep the faith in the hard times for they are coming. In the age of financial crisis and worry about economy, our faith has to be in something larger than the world financial market. We should hold on to the unchanging hand of God.

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 [KJV]

God gave his only begotten son as a ransom for us here. We should realize that we are passing through here and know that our home is somewhere else. We know that we have to live here, but we can be in the world, but not of the world. When the hard times come, just remember to hold on to Christ and keep the faith. Don't be afraid, but show others the peace of God that passes all understanding. Because when we represent God well, He will represent us well in our times of adversity.

Be Encouraged,

Martin

Trust right

Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, Which cannot be moved, but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, So the LORD surrounds His people from this time forth and forever.
Psalm 125:1-2 (NKJV)

No matter how secure we may get with our accomplishments and physically amassed items, they are still no match to the security we get in Him who created the Heavens and the Earth. Many put their trust in chariots and horses, many put their trust in mere mortal persons, governments and are thrown aback with amazement at how flat these fall and fail in what once was thought impregnable and invincible.

When you put your trust in the One who knows the end from the beginning, the calm and stamina to go through the storm and turbulence is never in short supply. The energy, wisdom and composure is beyond human reasoning. It will never add up or make sense to the pundits and the know-all folks. Because we give the Creator to call the shots in our lives, we can be rest assured that He'll keep us in all things no matter what. We surely must trust right.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

He wrote

Friends,

There are two well-known passages in the Bible seem completely unrelated. Yet, they share one striking characteristic. In both instances, we see the Lord writing words with His very own hand. This is an exceedingly rare occurrence in Scripture, which leads me to believe that there is an important connection between them.

Daniel 5:24-25
"Then the fingers of the hand were sent from Him, and this writing was written. And this is the inscription that was written:
MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN."

John 8:8
And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground.

We know that God is not bound by time or space. And we know that the LORD had a specific and damning message for the king (the Daniel passage). Yet, the message could have easily applied to the religious elites that ruled during Jesus' earthly ministry. Their mercilessness and treachery was no less horrendous than the idolatry and debauchery of King Belshazzar.

For our present time and circumstance, the warning is that we be vigilant against usurping God's authority or majesty. Let us not attempt to entrap and accuse the LORD. Let us not exalt ourselves, lest He weigh us in the balance and find us wanting. Let us instead be humble before Him, knowing that He is righteous and perfect and just. If we are found in Christ, then -- and only then -- will we be found to be a good and faithful servant.

Be encouraged, Jose

Scriptures quoted from NKJV
To read these verses in context, please read Daniel 5 and John 7:53-8:12

Bear one another

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.
Colossians 3:12-13 (NKJV)

Now we have professed and declared our identity in Him, so it is time to walk the walk as we have done the talk. Every day we encounter brothers and sisters that are to put it mildly a thorn in our flesh, our persecutors and they just consciously or unconsciously exhaust our patience and endurance levels, yet we are enjoined to put on meekness, longsuffering and bear one another. In all honesty, we know operating in the flesh will have a hard time in doing these things, hence the need to be totally dependent on the power of the Holy Spirit.

Then can we as the true elect of God, fulfill these things through His enabling power. When we were yet sinners, He hung in there for us. Shouldn't we do likewise for each other?

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Did You Call on God for Help?

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call. Joel 2:32 [KJV]

In the old testament, Joel extorted the people to repent and call on God to be delivered. We are all in a place where if we call on God we can be delivered. God has the power to deliver, but can we stop being prideful and call on Him for help?

At home, we may have a situation that makes us wonder about our skills as parents, spouses, children, employees, employers, Christians. Let all of us take our situations to God and have Him help us. We have the promise that if we call on God, He will deliver. Isn't that enough, or are we so weak in faith that we must see how we will get delivered. Our God is a God that works on our faith. If we show that we have the faith to believe that He can do it without providing the details, then we are moving in the direction of getting what we need from God. Did you ask today for help? Did I? I am now, knowing that my asking for help will let God know that I believe that He can help me. Do you believe that He can help you?

Be Encouraged,

Martin

Humility

For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?
1 Corinthians 4:7 (NKJV)

The Pharisees and Sadducee's were one of a kind. They oozed so much superiority complex that the Lord simply rejected their acts and persona of self-righteousness. Is there anything that we have today that wasn't initially received? The life we have was bestowed to us at birth, likewise every thing we hold, own, and have now was previously handed over to us by someone. How then would anyone look down on the present unbeliever?

It is imperative that we continue to show the mercy and kindness that we received to others. It is appropriate that since we came not to the world with anything, we ought to humble ourselves and never think or look down to those challenged.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Know that He saves

Friends,

Difficult days easily turn into difficult weeks. Sometimes those weeks turn into months or even years. It is easy and natural to focus on challenges and hardships, especially when we are in the midst of them.

You have made us a strife to our neighbors,
And our enemies laugh among themselves. -- Psalm 80:6

Sometimes, we fall into the lie that the hard times are forever. But we can look to our fellow believers and know that our Lord is the only One that is forever. We can be encouraged by their experience that He brings us through the hard times, never letting go.

Restore us, O God of hosts;
Cause Your face to shine,
And we shall be saved! -- Psalm 80:7
NKJV

The ancient people of God knew hardship and affliction. And they sang with confidence that it only takes a single look from the Lord to bring about salvation and restoration. Let us sing to Him with that same confidence.

Be encouraged, Jose

Leave your self at the door

Friends,

In our enthusiasm for demonstrating our love for Jesus, we face the temptation of allowing ourselves to believe a lie. The lie is that, somehow, what we do is important to God.

Exodus 23:18 NKJV
You shall not offer the blood of My sacrifice with leavened bread; nor shall the fat of My sacrifice remain until morning.

The only sacrifice that has any eternal power is the one that Christ made on Calvary. What we give up for the Lord is meaningful, for the Father knows our frame. Yet, we cannot escape the fact that we bring our selves -- dirtied, imperfect selves -- along for the ride with every act of service and sacrifice. That self is the leaven that God forbids from being upon His altar.

The hope that comes from this is that when we strive for obedience, the Lord's work on the cross perfects that act. Even when we mess up, it is Christ's act, which is perfectly pure and without leaven, that is placed upon the altar. And therefore, it is Christ's act that is received and inspected and found to be acceptable and pleasing.

Be encouraged, Jose

No place for fright

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9 (NKJV)

When we shut out sin with its attractive allure but destructive intent and the issues of life come to us in various ways, our heart and soul may wander here and there, to the point of compromise. The external picture, results and circumstances may give an image that’s cross opposite to our heart desires. His word for us today says – Stop entertaining doubt and fear.

For we walk by faith, not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7 (NKJV)

Remember who you are in the Lord. You must walk by faith and not by sight. So be not afraid when the images and results don’t line up with your vision for the Lord’s plan of good success, healing, recovery, restoration, peace and joy in the holy ghost for you has not changed, you only need to remain still. Again, give no place for fright, but….

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Let's Get Out of our Own Way

Sometimes we get into a situation where we are seemingly trapped. We have created an environment that we cannot resolve without some sacrifice. We perpetuate activities that cause more trouble than good. We deviate from what we are called to do as Christians. We forget that God is more than the prosperity we enjoy. He is the Creator of all things. He is the reason that we are where we are. He is the reminder that we are to use the gifts and blessings that He has provided to help others.

We sometimes think like Ananias did when he sold the land. When the blessings of more money than he expected came, he wanted God's part because he thought that it would not make a difference. As we remember about him and his wife, there is always a penalty for getting in our own way and getting in God's way. Let's not do things to invoke that penalty.

And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. I Peter 2:8 [KJV]

Be Encouraged,

Martin

Trust in the Lord

Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, Which cannot be moved, but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, So the LORD surrounds His people from this time forth and forever.
Psalm 125:1-2 (NKJV)

No leaf falls off of a tree without the knowledge of the Creator. If lesser creations commands His attention, how much more we that are created in His image. Those who put their trust in the Lord never fades away, they never go into extinction but abide forever. No matter how strong the tides, currents and elements of life, trusting in the Lord makes us immovable with firm foundation.

It is in our best interest to trust in Him with all our heart and never to lean on our own understanding.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Then arose such a clatter

Friends,

The other day, I was doing some yard work when such chatter came from behind me that I had to turn and see what was the matter. It seemed as though all of the squirrels and chipmunks in the town had something to say ... all at once. It was a massive red-tailed hawk, with a 5-foot wingspan and hungry eyes, that had all of them spooked. In that moment, the Lord reminded me of a few points of comparison. Like all comparisons, this is an imperfect illustration, but I humbly request your grace in this matter.

James 2:19b -- NKJV
Even the demons believe - and tremble!

Chipmunks and squirrels can be adorable little creatures. Their round, furry faces and boundless energy can be mesmerizing. But allow one into your house, and you'll be shocked by the degree and depth of destruction that they bring. Lampshades, curtains, upholstery, carpet... all will be ruined by their claws. Sin, also, has its attraction. But let it into your house and destruction is sure to follow.

And then there is the hawk. He (or she) swooped silently through the afternoon air. His strength was unmistakable, his eyes missing nothing. And the fuzzy rodents were petrified. So it is with the Spirit of our Lord as He moves in our life. He sees all things, and the cute and convenient sins in our life will rise their voices in protest against His goodness and conviction.

But the Spirit has infinite strength and patience. He will prevail over our flesh and the sin that so easily resides there. And through the battle, we can stand in appreciation and awe at His wondrous power.

Be encouraged, Jose

He hears them

Friends,

This Sabbath morning, we are experiencing the remnants of Tropical Storm Hanna, with a stiffening breeze and a steady rain. By the time she finishes her visit, the weather guessers experts predict up to 4 or 5 inches of rain to fall on our fair land. It's quite a contrast with the hot, dry weather we've been having over the past several weeks. My wife remarked that the flowers and trees and grasses are rejoicing, which got me thinking. The Lord did not give the plants vocal cords. He did not give them arms to raise, or mouths with which to sing. So, while they will surely flourish with the much needed rain, they won't be "rejoicing."

Or will they?

But He answered and said to them, I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.
Luke 19:40 -- NKJV

The Spirit brought these words to mind to remind me that all of His creatures have a voice. Just because that voice is not perceivable by my limited senses does not mean that it is out of the reach of His. In fact, the grasses -- and the crabgrass -- are rejoicing with this rainfall. He hears their voice, just as clearly as He hears ours.

So today let us look at what surrounds with a new eye. See how the Creator provides for His creation. And let us join that creation in praise for an Almighty God who showers blessings upon His Kingdom.

Be encouraged, Jose

Liberty for works

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)

Our value is not of an earthly currency or pay per hour, day, month or year. The price fully paid by the cost of Calvary gives a clear description of what we are worth. This value has ‘Liberty’ as part of its priceless features, one that we must guard and stand firmly on in the face of rising temptations and compromising values of our present world.

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)

Our price has been fully paid; our liberty in the Lord must be channeled for good works and not as an opportunity to walk back into bondage in the guise of passing pleasures. To whom much has been given, much is also expected.

Be Encouraged,

Afolabi

Prayer Time

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. Matthew 6:6 [KJV]

Prayer time is an important time for each of us. We must commune with God consistently in order to get direction. He is the GPS (God Positioning System) that we need in order to navigate this life. He wants us to know that we can count on Him to provide proper and safe directions through all our trials and tribulations. But, let's not make it a big show as we read the verse above.

Prayer time is a quiet time where we get in touch with the true God. He wants to provide the evidence of our prayer and if we are praying loudly for attention, then we have the reward knowing that others know that we pray. Instead, He would love to commune with us privately and reward us openly for that private time together. So the next time you set aside some prayer time, be sincere and honest that this is just for you and God and pour your heart out to Him. He is able to take our heartfelt prayer and make a real reward for us. There is no substitute.

Be Encouraged,

Martin

It must be God

Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, Who only does wondrous things!
Psalm 72:18 (NKJV)

Ever wondered how the Lord performs and works? His ways no man can determine, but to His chosen ones, He makes His ways known like He did to the Children of Israel. The above Psalm makes a good attempt at summarizing God... He is faithful and a never changing God whose works are simply wonderful. His works no man can claim ownership, as the orchestration simply shows a divine footprint.

Bless the LORD, all His works,In all places of His dominion. Bless the LORD, O my soul!
Psalm 103:22 (NKJV)

When the impossible, least likely, and improbable happens, you know its not by our own power or might, but by His grace and power. When it is God, it is appropriate to bless Him with all we have.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

As clouds gather

Friends,

As I write this, residents of the coastal towns in Louisiana have fled their homes. Hurricane Gustav is already battering the shores with storm surges, heavy rain and fierce winds... and the worst is yet to come. No one knows what kind of damage will result, but few are taking any chances this time around.

It is times like this that remind me that we are far from the invincible masters of the universe that we pretend to be. We make cities and towns as though nothing can tear down what we build, as if the days will always be sunny. Why do we ignore the words of Christ?

Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.
Matthew 7:24-25 [NKJV]

Every life will experience hardships, great and small. But it is the one whose life is founded in Christ that can withstand those blows. A heart that is in Jesus will feel the highs and lows of life, but will always be comforted and strengthened by the presence of His Spirit.

Be encouraged, Jose