Whose ways?

Friends,

Psalm 128:1
Blessed is every one who fears the LORD,
Who walks in His ways. -- NKJV

It's a small detail, but it's critically important. Look closely at the second line of this verse. Notice the fourth word. See that it is capitalized.

You know what that means, of course. It means that "His" refers to the LORD, not to the "every one" that appears in the first line.

"Every one" means you and me. If we fear the LORD, but walk in our own ways, then we will not be blessed. In fact, if we walk in our own ways, we will be following a path that surely leads to death. And, if the truth be told, it means that we really don't fear the LORD, do we.

If we truly fear the LORD, then we will inevitably walk in His ways. And when that happens, we will experience - in a very real and tangible way - the mighty blessings of Almighty God.

Be encouraged, Jose

What do you rely on?

For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. In this you have done foolishly; therefore from now on you shall have wars.”
2 Chronicles 16:9 (NKJV)

Asa, the king of Judah was upright and he took care of business putting his trust in the Lord. The Ethiopian and Lumims' armies were huge, ruthless and intimidating, yet because Asa trusted and relied on God, they were delivered into his hands. Season's of comfort and abundance can often bring out another side of a person. We can become a lukewarm believer, a compromised person and subtly work our way out of the manifest and abundant grace of God. Because Asa connived and sought help from Ben-Hadad, king of Syria, he walked out of God's grace and incurred the consequences of seeking self-help instead of divine help.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;
Proverbs 3:5 (NKJV)

Are you prone to first seeking self-help during your waiting and transition seasons? The Lord is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him and wait on Him. You can rely on Him, He's dependable.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Keep Trusting God

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. II Corinthians 12:9 [KJV]

As Paul talks about his thorn and how he has begged God to remove the thorn, but God did not. He let Paul know that he could live his life with God extending grace and mercy to him. Sometimes we have a problem that we have asked God about and He has give us the same answer. We should continue to trust Him and He will take care of our problem.

While that seems to be a easy thing to say, it can be difficult to achieve since we like to have everything go smoothly. But without the conflicts and problems, how would we know to enjoy life when times are good. Over the past few years, there have been some really tough times in my life personally, but with those times, I have come to know God better. I understand the last part of the verse better as well. I don't enjoy the bad times, but I find the Glory in going through and know that the power of Christ is right there when I need it. As long as I trust God, I know He will take care of me and my weaknesses. What more could one ask for in this life?

Be Encouraged,

Martin

All to God

But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 4:7-11 (NKJV)

The time for serious focus and vigil is now for all members of the body of Christ to be about our individual and collective calling rather than the chasing of shadows, the treasures of the world, fame and religiousity. The tasks at hand, the work of sowing, the rigors and joy of harvest for His Kingdom must be our sole goal and driving factors. To a puzzled and confused world, a calm and focused army (not a distracted one) will break down every wall and barrier to the reign of God's kingdom here on earth. We must not be aligned or manipulated by the noise of the gallery neither should we put our trust in anything else but on Him that has supplied us with abilities.

The light and salt of the world must influence the world and not the other way around and our abilities are to ultimately bring forth His glory through us and all our works. In all our all, All must be to God.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Power's Purpose

Friends,

When a brother or sisters receives a fresh anointing from the Lord, it is an awe-inspiring event. Indeed, the person often gains prestige and notoriety in the church; the Body recognizes that there is something truly special about that individual. Unfortunately, in our celebrity-driven culture, this recognition quickly goes too far. In an instant, it degrades into treating that man or woman as an idol; all while rationalizing it with a veil of Christianity.

American Christianity has forgotten the real reason for the anointed power of the Holy Spirit:

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
Acts 1:8 [NKJV]

The Lord sends His Spirit upon us for one reason, and one reason only: to empower us to be His witnesses. First to the Body of Believers (Jerusalem), and then to the world (Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth). Instead, we have fallen -- far too easily -- into the enemy's trap of using the power of the Spirit to bear witness to ourselves. We exalt our own talents and charisma. We revel in the crowd's adulation. We embrace the power, prestige, and possessions that flow our way. And then we're shocked -- shocked!! -- when we find ourselves the object of the Father's righteous indignation and severe chastisement.

Brothers and sisters, is your life a witness to Christ? Do celebrities (even Christian celebrities -- like preachers or singers) receive special attention in your heart? Are your conversations reflecting an interest in what God has done in your life? Turn away from what the world is chasing. Focus your heart, your mind, your ambitions and your dreams on what the Lord is chasing. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Are you ready for it?

Be encouraged, Jose

A poke in the side

Friends,

Over the past year or so, many of us have been jarred from positions that seemed safe, secure and comfortable. We trusted in the company, the contract or the market. And the Lord has removed those obstacles. We thought they were supporting us, but in fact they had been blocking us from trusting in the Lord.

Acts 12:7
Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, “Arise quickly!” And his chains fell off his hands. -- [NKJV]

In this passage, our brother Peter was not in a place of comfort or safety, but he was secure. He had been arrested by the reigning tyrant, Herod, and bound in chains, guarded by four squads of experienced soldiers. It seems to me that he had resigned himself to being executed by Herod for preaching the Gospel. So much so that and angel, sent by Almighty God, had to give ole Pete a good whack to get him to step out in faith. It probably hurt, and it wasn't the first time that the crusty old fisherman had to prodded into looking beyond the present circumstance so that he could see that the Lord is still working in his life.

So how does this apply to you and me? Does it feel as though you've been kicked by a mule? Have you been trusting in the world's systems and institutions for your security? Has your vision been obscured by the present circumstances? If so, then perhaps that mule wasn't a mule, but an angel of the Lord telling you to arise, to walk away from the bondage of the world, and refocus your attention on the One who declared it His mission to ...

set the captives
(that would be you and me)
free!

Be encouraged, Jose

Focus

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. Matthew 6:33-34 [KJV]

In this time of distractions, focus is the key. Satan has many things that he will throw at us to keep us from our true mission. We need to take heed the instructions in Matthew 6. Long story short is that life is always about God and we benefit the most when we focus on Him. He is able to ensure that we get what we need, when we need it most.

Satan would have us believe that when we make a mistake, we are not worthy of God's blessing. He would do anything to distract us. We must be able to see through the all the distractions that are around us, including the economy, the jobs, the family, the medical conditions, the mental issues, the relationships, etc. God has the map, the way, the plan and they will work. He is true to His Promise even when we miss. When we do what He ask, life becomes easier. Our ability to focus on the right items becomes easier. Just remember that Satan is a liar.

Be Encouraged,

Martin

Friendships

Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NKJV)

We have been made alive by his grace for specific purposes and mission. Particularly to a recalcitrant and suspicious world, and to engage the world to bringing all souls to the knowledge of the truth and salvation. Our Lord taught and acted as a role model. His strategy was a no-brainer (simple but full of heavenly wisdom). To cultivate friendship, you must be friendly, friendly for Kingdom purposes, friendly for the right reasons. Because we are the light of the world and the salt of the earth.

No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.
John 15:14-16 (NKJV)

It is part of our mandate, we must build life-changing, character-forming, and Kingdom focused and purposeful relationships and friendships. It is in the Kingdom's interest that we do that always.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Staying connected

Friends,

I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
John 15:5 [NKJV]

Think back to your close friends from school. During those days, you'd be inseparable; you felt like you knew everything about each other. You talked and laughed and fought and embraced. You were honest with each other. You held each other accountable.

But what happened in the intervening years and decades? You took different paths, perhaps even moving to different cities. You married. You began raising little ones. Priorities changed. And the ones who were like brothers and sisters have, through reasonable neglect, become strangers.

It is easy to lose intimate connection with Christ. And it happens in the same way. Where once He was foremost in your thoughts throughout the day, He has become an afterthought. Someone to be squeezed in between the first cup of coffee and the morning commute. And we wonder why our prayer life seems so weak, why faith seems so hard to cultivate.

Brothers and sisters, what are you doing today to nurture your relationship with the One who laid down His life for you? What has taken the Lord's place as your number one concern? Remember, He has not left nor forsaken you. He waits, patiently, for you (and me) to turn around - to repent - and seek Him. And we must do this. Because when we are apart from Him, we can do nothing. But when we are connected with Him, we can do all things through Him.

Be encouraged, Jose

Run to it

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.
Proverbs 18:10 (NKJV)

When you hear of great tribulations, terror, panic and visible supporting claims, the world reports it, spreads it, and are enmeshed in it. The son of God though living in a panic-stricken world does not panic and live in fear like the world. There is a hiding place and place of refuge, a strong tower to run to in time of need.

Who can find this place? The one who has not lifted his soul unto vanity nor sworn deceitfully, the one with a relationship with his Maker. The righteous is able to run to the name of the Lord for real safety. When all breaks lose in your world, run to the strong tower for perfect peace and safety.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Stewards, not Owners

As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
1 Peter 4:10 (NKJV)

All our possessions, from Our Family, Husbands, Wives, Sons, Daughter, Pets, Homes, Congregations, Automobiles, Boats, Positions, Skills, Businesses and even our physical bodies belong to God and we are only given these things as Stewards. Let us be faithful with them; let us nurture them for God's glory.

Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.
1 Corinthians 4:1-2 (NKJV)

Let us operate with the Steward mentality and not the Owner mentality, for we will give an account someday for all that has been placed in our possession.

Be Encouraged,

Afolabi

Trust God Despite the Circumstances

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. I Corinthians 10:13 [KJV]

I like this verse for a number of reasons. Not just because God gives us a way out of every situation, but because even when we don't take the way out, He provides us the strength to handle the situation. I like that because sometimes circumstances arise that we see as too big to handle. And that is true if we are looking to handle everything ourselves. (Meditate for a minute about who is handling your life issues.)

When we realize that we have the real advocate working for us in exchange for praise and worship, we know that despite any circumstance or situation, we can continue to live. Trust God in the times of plenty and want. When we have lost jobs, family, health, friends, or finances, we have one deliverer that will overcome all obstacles. Don't fall for the trick of the enemy, God will be there and we should "hide behind Him" instead of "hide from Him" (thanks Nikki).

Be Encouraged,

Martin

He must increase

For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.
Mathew 25:29 (NKJV)

The associates as we will call them today in today's corporate world were given a specified amount of resource(s) to go into the markets (world) to bring increase. Some doubled their resources while others neither increased nor decreased. The Lord took from them that didn't increase and added to them that increased. Our gifts and resources are mandates to us to bring increase and not decrease to the kingdom.

We must show ourselves as good stewards of our resources and working for the increase of the Kingdom while we are here. We must never forget our mission. Everyday is another unique opportunity to make a difference and showcase God's kingdom and love to a hostile and rebellious world.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Stay in His Flow

He does not delight in the strength of the horse, He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man. The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, In those who hope in His mercy.
Psalm 146:10-11 (NKJV)

Rejoice in the Lord all creations, for it is for the mercies of God that we are alive today. If it were for the self-destructive thoughts and desires of our flesh or our common adversary, we will be gone and be no more. But the love and mercies of our God is from everlasting to everlasting. His delight isn't in the strength and swiftness of our human intellect, wisdom and material toys but in our reverence and total dependence on Him. We may seem to have it all, Let's praise God for that. However, remember the branch will never take the place of the vine.

He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds
Great is our Lord, and mighty in power, His understanding is infinite. The LORD lifts up the humble; He casts the wicked down to the ground
Psalm 146:2,5 (NKJV)

In our walk today and always, lets humble ourselves under the mighty hands of God, that we may not be cut off from His daily flow of mercies and benefits.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

How you see it

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
2 Peter 3:10-13 (NKJV)

The above scripture aptly described the day of the Lord. To some, this will be a day of terror and dread, to others it will be a day of joy and fulfillment. The issue isn’t about focusing on the burning up and melting away of our world and the material things we have conscientiously amassed over the course of our lives, but making daily concerted efforts towards holy conduct and godliness in our walk and activities of life.

It’s about our our outlook to the world and our clinging onto His promises for the new life. The day of the Lord must not evoke fear and dread for the believer, instead with a different perspective must inspire us into a renewal and re-dedication of our lives to Kingdom causes and activities. After all, since all these other things will be ‘definitely’ given up (at our last breadth) or just burnt up on the Lord’s Day, it’s thus better to change our perspectives and divert our attention and energies to things that will endure.

Be Encouraged,

Afolabi

Something to guard

Friends,

During the Israelites' trek through the wilderness, The LORD commanded the them to organize and be numbered into an army. Each tribe was given a specific territory to guard and protect. For all but one tribe, the commission was to protect that land from external enemies. The Levites, however, were given a special duty:

The children of Israel shall pitch their tents, everyone by his own camp, everyone by his own standard, according to their armies; but the Levites shall camp around the tabernacle of the Testimony, that there may be no wrath on the congregation of the children of Israel; and the Levites shall keep charge of the tabernacle of the Testimony.
-- Numbers 1:52-53 [NKJV]

The Levites were given no land - no physical territory - to live on, to claim or to protect. Rather, they were given charge over the Tabernacle of God. The Holy Place needed to be protected.

But protected from whom?

Since the Tabernacle is located at the center of the camp, the only potential attackers would come from within. And this presents us with a peculiar perspective.

You see, the Lord knows that His church is most vulnerable to those from inside His camp. We, His people, are warned again and again to watch out for false teachers. And it's highly unlikely that any mature believer would be swayed by the teachings of someone who does not profess to be a Christian.

This means, brothers and sisters, that we must carefully guard our heart from any false teaching, even if that teacher is a world-famous preacher, best-selling author or the pastor of some hyper-super-mega-church. We must know the word and submit all we learn to the Lord, regardless of the credentials or reputation of the speaker. By His Word and Spirit, He dispels all confusion.

Be encouraged, Jose

Perfection in imperfection

Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139:23-24 (NKJV)

As I live everyday to your glory, I subject myself to the scrutiny of the Holy Spirit to guide and guard my thoughts, steps and every move lest I stray unknowingly in self-righteousness and grieve the Holy Spirit in the process. There are legitimate concerns in today's world, valid issues requiring our attention, important agendas and kingdom principles that we as saints must stand up for, protect, defend and guard, but in our passion and haste we can act and get ahead of the spirit of God making matters worse off than initially.

A soul searching and cleansing prayer is perfectly in order. As the Lord knows our frame, straightened, and sustained by His grace and the cleansing power of His blood. He makes perfection come forth in an imperfect vessel. The Lord, our strength, continue to lead us in the way everlasting, Amen.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi