Praise for His handiwork

Friends,

One of the fallacies of the church is that a person is saved because the Lord "knew" that he or she would ... fill in the blank. The person would eventually ... become a responsible parent; shake loose from the chains of addiction; become a dedicated philanthropist; devote their talents and gifts to the service of the Church. Take your pick. This idea has been repeated, in various forms, for centuries.

But even though Christians have picked up on this idea and promulgated it throughout the world, it is still untrue; it still contradicts the Word of God:

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]

If our salvation is dependent upon something that we do -- either in our past, our present or our future -- then we have nullified the effect and power of grace. It's simply not possible to adequately describe how wrong, dangerous and blasphemous such a notion truly is.

A man is saved only because of the work of Christ.
Without His saving grace, we are able to do nothing of eternal value. Nothing that is good and pleasing to the Lord.

Altruistic works are fine, but if they lack the power and authority of Christ (which ALL non-believers lack), then they lack any eternal value.

The humility of recognizing that nothing you or I have done or will do changes our election Christ will have a natural and wondrous result: We will acknowledge the amazing work that Jesus has done for us and in us. And we will join with all the angels in praise to the Glorious King of kings!

Be encouraged, Jose

God first

He must increase, but I must decrease.
John 3:30 (NKJV)

Likened to what we can describe today, the disciples of John the Baptist cornered their leader, Pastor or Bishop (John in this case) and queried him that the one whom he was with earlier at the other side of the Jordan (Jesus) was baptizing and pulling great crowds and doing great exploits. This turn of events made John's disciples worrisome and pondered why our Lord was getting all the attention.

John answered ... "A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven". The moral of the story is that nothing in our lives must compete with the place of Christ in our lives. We must never forget our mission as God's children here.

Anything that decreases Christ in the life of a person is dangerous. Christ must increase and we must decrease.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Trust God not man

Thus says the LORD: Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart departs from the LORD. For he shall be like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see when good comes, but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land which is not inhabited.
Jeremiah 17:5-6 (NKJV)

The words according to prophet Jeremiah hit the core of our mistakes and narrow human perceptions. Our mind is very good at using visible and physical situations to make humanly logical conclusions. This is so true of our present & materialistic driven world. We can easily tell from what we see - which person, organization, nation, etc will or can produce help or assistance. How wrong!!!!!

Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is the LORD. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit.
Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NKJV)

When we take our mind and focus away from the source and giver of all good things, we miss ‘good’ when it shows up because our mind and eyes most times only look at the external. But trusting God brings assurance, peace of mind, strange boldness & confidence (to the unbelieving world). When the drought comes, you only get to hear about it because the provider have already met your needs . It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.

Be Encouraged,

Afolabi

Tended by God's Hand

Friends,

In the Old Testament, the Lampstand symbolizes how the Lord illuminates His Word and Law. It was hidden in the Most Holy Place, and gave light to the room in which the Ark of the Covenant resided. It shone on the wall and revealed God's judgment upon Belshazzar, king of the Chaldeans (see Daniel 5). When the LORD introduces the Lampstand, He gives specific instructions as to how it was to be tended and replenished with oil by the priests.

Later in the Old Testament, we read that Zechariah had a vision in which the Lampstand appeared, flanked by two olive trees ...

Then I answered and said to him, “What are these two olive trees—at the right of the lampstand and at its left?” And I further answered and said to him, “What are these two olive branches that drip into the receptacles of the two gold pipes from which the golden oil drains?”
Zechariah 4:11-12 [NKJV]

There are no human priests tending the Lampstand in Zechariah's vision. Instead Almighty God has placed, by His Own Hand, two olive trees on either side. The LORD has taken direct responsibility for illuminating His Word to His prophets and His people.

This is an important lesson for all of us who are called to be Christ's followers. No longer can we abdicate our responsibility for discerning the will of God by believing that only "certain" people can understand it. And no longer can "certain" people claim that revelation is theirs and theirs alone. Revelation has been ... and is being given ... by the LORD.

Seek it, brothers and sisters, and hear the voice of Christ!

Be encouraged, Jose

With Understanding

Friends,

There are so many activities we undertake somewhat mindlessly. We don't usually think about breathing, or walking, or chewing. We just breathe, walk and chew. Sometimes we don't even think about our driving. When we're off to work, we get there on some sort of auto-pilot, perhaps not even remembering any details of our commute. This kind of automatic activity is quite useful in many ways. But not in all ways ...

For God is the King of all the earth;
Sing praises with understanding.
Psalm 47:7 [NKJV]

In this verse, the word "understanding" comes from the Hebrew word sakal. It means, according to Strong's Concordance, to be prudent, be circumspect, wisely understand, prosper. So then, to praise God with understanding is to be purposeful in our praises, to be fully aware of our words and thoughts. It means that we are most certainly not to recite words and sing songs mindlessly.

This weekend, brothers and sisters, you may have an opportunity to join others in corporate prayer and worship and praise of Almighty God. When you do so, be fully present and aware of what you are doing. You are preparing a place for God to abide, for He abides in the praises of His people. Do so with sincerity and great joy. Do so with great reverence and joy. Do so ... with understanding.

Be encouraged, Jose

New Bible Studies posted

Friends,

New Bible studies have been posted on the Bible Study Audio web site. These are powerful teachings, essential for understanding how the Lord is changing us, His people. I pray you are blessed by them.

Be encouraged, Jose

Drunk while Waiting

But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. Luke 12:45-46 [KJV]

Since Christ has not returned yet, we have had some opportunity to put off doing things that He has required of us. We procrastinate on our calling and do things that non-Christians are doing. As we become distracted with the cares of the world instead of the cares of the kingdom, we are susceptible to the opportunity to be caught up in worldly values and be in line for punishment instead of reward.

Don't be deceived, Christ will return. We do not know when, but we know that we can only serve while we are here. Let us not be drunk, distracted or non-attentive while we are waiting. Let us all be diligent in our work and our calling to spread the Good News of Christ.

Be Encouraged,

Martin

Be Still

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Psalm 46:1-2 (NKJV)

The noise around may be boisterous, deafening and earth-shaking. The tides and tumultuous waves may ruin levees and sweep away coast lands and hinterlands, the big nations may be brought to their knees and the mighty ones fall suddenly, yet a call comes out to us and directs us to keep our focus on Him who is, was and will be forever. What is it we have to live for if not for Him.

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
Psalm 46:10 (NKJV)

In the midst of the chaos, panic, uneasiness and confusion, God says be still and know that I am God. He will always bring us through the issues of our life's. You can experience the peace and calm of the green pasture's experience if you remain still.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

The tyranny of greed

Friends,

Just in case.

Just in case we need a reminder of how devastating the pursuit of material possessions is to our souls ...

Indeed, because he transgresses by wine,
He is a proud man,
And he does not stay at home.
Because he enlarges his desire as hell,
And he is like death, and cannot be satisfied,
He gathers to himself all nations
And heaps up for himself all peoples.
-- Habakkuk 2:5

Note how the Lord connects the enlargement of desire with death. Just as death is always taking and is never satisfied, the greedy heart cannot be satiated. Death will continue to consume men until every person of every nation has succumbed. Greed will drive men to consume to destruction of their souls ... and beyond.

We need not live this way, brothers and sisters. We have the ultimate source of satisfaction in Christ Jesus. He is every thing and all things. He alone can satisfy every longing of our heart. We need not leave the home He has built for us to find Him.

Be content with Christ, because there is nothing and no one greater.

Be encouraged, Jose

He fights for us

Friends,

When you pray, how often do you explicitly ask the LORD for victory over our enemies? Do you ask Almighty God to wage war upon those that persecute His people? Consider an excerpt from a prayer of David, a man after God's own heart.

Flash forth lightning and scatter them;
Shoot out Your arrows and destroy them.
-- Psalm 144:6 [NKJV]

Throughout the Bible, we hear people of God crying out to God for mercy, for help and for deliverance. And we also see them beseeching the LORD to destroy their enemies... to wipe them out... to blot them from the face of the earth.

It is critical that you and I see the great humility in these pleas. The people are not taking matters into their own hands. Rather, they are relying wholly upon the might and power of the LORD. And the LORD does not look upon their situation passively or from a distance.

The man and woman of God looks to the LORD to be deeply and intimately involved in every aspect of their life. When there is persecution, he humbles himself before God, crying out for Him to show Himself mighty and powerful.

Be encouraged, Jose

Success recipe

But He answered and said, “It is written, Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.”
Matthew 4:4 (NKJV)

With this singular response from our Lord and Savior, it has been revealed that the only way to succeed in life and be victorious over our common adversary is not only to live on bread (FOOD) alone but also on the LIVING WORD of God. Joshua's successful reign and leadership on the nation of Israel was predicated upon it.

This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.
Joshua 1:8 (NKJV)

It is the Spirit Food that strengthens, sustains and never fails. Let it be part of your daily diet. It is the secret to healthy, peaceful and glorious living.

Be Encouraged,

Afolabi

Can I Be a SuperHero?

For by thee I have run through a troop: by my God have I leaped over a wall. As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him. For who is God, save the LORD? and who is a rock, save our God? God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect. 2 Samuel 22:30-33 [KJV]

Yes, we can all be a superhero. Look at the verses above. Samuel talked about running through a troop, leaping over a wall. We can run through all of our issues with God, and He can get us over the hump. We can make our trek beyond all the impossible tasks and obstacles that are in our way.

We have to believe that God can deliver us for our own sakes. Let me get this straight for all of us. God can do it whether we believe or not, but for our faith to grow, we must believe that God can and will deliver us from anything that is in our way or impeding our progress. God is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him and believe that He is God. With those two items under our belt, we can be a superhero because we know that we are based on God's ultimate power.

Be Encouraged,

Martin

Peace assurance

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.
Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV)

When the Creator declares His plans for His creature, He has total control over the process and outcomes of the creature. Have the Father declared peace and not evil? To give a future and one of hope? Then how come we often panic or worry like the one with no hope or peace assurance. Will the Maker lie to His children? Never!!! It is not in the character of our Maker to talk loosely.

If He says it, He will surely do it. No matter the circumstance, you can always count on God, you can depend on Him, Anytime and Every time.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

New Bible Studies Posted

Friends,

Please visit Bible Study Audio. You'll learn more than ever about the awesome God we serve from these inspired teachings.

Enjoy!

Be encouraged, Jose

In the morning

Friends,

There are times when the sky is dark and threatening; when we are pressed by the enemy's attacks. Be not ashamed of crying out to God. He hears you when you are afflicted and burdened...

Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning,
For in You do I trust;
Cause me to know the way in which I should walk,
For I lift up my soul to You.
-- Psalm 143:8 [NKJV]

Notice that David does not ask God to fast-forward through the night. Rather, the psalmist expects the morning to come; he trusts in the faithfulness of the Lord. And in that morning, brothers and sisters -- indeed on this very morning -- we shall see the great mercy, patience and lovingkindness of our Father, who sent His only begotten Son to redeem us.

Be encouraged, Jose

God's limits

Friends,

How often have we deceived ourselves into believing that God's mercy precludes Him from exercising perfect justice? How many times have we accused our Lord of cruelty when He does exercise perfect justice?

The fierce anger of the LORD will not return until He has done it,
And until He has performed the intents of His heart.
In the latter days you will consider it.
"At the same time," says the LORD, "I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be My people."
Jeremiah 30:24-31:1 [NKJV]

Even though translators have these verses in separate chapters, we can see that they truly flow as a continuous thought. And in this single, unified word, we see the goodness and the severity of our LORD.

Indeed, He is kind and merciful and longsuffering and patient. And truly, the LORD is fiercely just, and exercises perfect judgments over all mankind, including His precious children.

Be encouraged, Jose

The word, faith & works

Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.
Hebrew 4:1-3 (NKJV)

Not all the Israelites that made it out of the land of Egypt made it to the promise land. They heard and received the same word as others did, but they chose disobedience and slacked in mixing faith with God’s spoken promises. As a result, they knew no peace; neither could they enter their rest. Life simply overwhelmed them until they were completely wasted.

For we who have believed do enter that rest, as He has said: “So I swore in My wrath, They shall not enter My rest,”…
Hebrew 4:3 (NKJV)

Do you still nurse any doubt over His ‘yet to be fulfilled’ promise? Does the presence of a ‘prolonged waiting’ period cause you to wonder if it will ever come to pass? As He the Lord has spoken, to disbelieve His word is to doubt and disobey Him. His word in our lives must be thoroughly mixed with our faith and works to be most effective. When you have a good mix of the word, faith and works, you can see beyond your present and what you see (the possibilities that are invisible to the human eye) is what will enable you to enter and experience His peace, because faithful is He who will also do it. Got the right mix?

Be Encouraged,

Afolabi

Check Cashing

But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. James 3:8 [KJV]

When we speak, teach, brag, boast, chat, share and any other activities that include speaking, we have a potential to doing as much damage as good. Reason being is that the tongue is not always as obedient as we would hope. We can have discipline and the ability to control our thoughts when things are going well, but let the small bit of adversity arise. We suddenly feel like we have to attack, and what better way than to use words and what we think.

When I was younger, there was a saying that "Don't let your mouth write a check that your body can't cash?" In that saying, there was a clear "control your tongue" warning. The words that we use can build up and tear down. We must continue to be diligent because our words leave everlasting impressions, both what we say and what we don't say. Let's write some good checks with our words that people would love to cash and cherish.

Be Encouraged,

Martin

To the place of Peace

They shall build houses and inhabit them; They shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit. They shall not build and another inhabit;They shall not plant and another eat; For as the days of a tree, so shall be the days of My people, and My elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.
Isaiah 65:21-22 (NKJV)

How cool is it to pursue the place of peace. The place where things just work, things fall in place by divine arrangement and it all looks like we are so perfect and effective. Brothers and Sisters that is the idea of dominion over our environment. When Kingdom principles rule over our land, families, communities, hearts and nation at large, then the labors of our hands never goes to waste. Our generation is not decimated, our present is preserved for His glory and as a showcase to all nations. The place of peace starts from our hearts where God daily resides, from there love comes forth to our world and spreads to every corners of our neighborhood and God's Kingdom takes root.

When our ways are pleasing to Him and we make Him the center of our attraction and pursuits, we succeed in all we do even in the face of the fiercest challenges of life. With little effort, our gain is immense. Waste, vanity and destruction is far from us because we make our place, the place of peace which is in Him.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Love Defined

Friends,

We know that Christ showed you and me the ultimate love act at Calvary. Beyond His desire to restore the people of God to righteousness was a deeper, more powerful purpose.

This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it.
2 John 1:6 [NKJV]

Every thing Christ Jesus did ... every word, every thought, every act ... was in complete obedience to the Father's perfect will. He obeyed the letter of the law and the spirit of the law. And when He was declared to be the Lamb of God, He knew it was His Father's will that He go all the way to the Cross.

Nothing has changed, brothers and sisters. You and I are commanded to obey the Father's will, just as Jesus did. (And as we are transformed into His image, we will do so with greater consistency.) It is how we demonstrate love. It is how we turn love into a verb. And it is how we ultimately bring glory to the Lord of lords!

Be encouraged, Jose

Live like a grasshopper

Friends,

The people of Israel spent 40 years in the desert, in part because they thought that being a grasshopper was a bad thing.

There we saw the giants (the descendants of Anak came from the giants); and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.
Numbers 13:33 [NKJV]

They saw the "giants" and got scared, figuring they'd get stomped on like bugs. But they had forgotten that the Lord had sent swarms of grasshoppers into Egypt as part of His terrible judgment upon that land. And they had failed to connect to God's promise -- that they would be His instrument for wrath upon the current occupants of Canaan.

In other words, they were like grasshoppers ... and that is an awesome thing.

Sisters and brothers, we may be looking around, feeling overwhelmed by the enormity of the challenges set against us in this fallen world. In those moments, remember the grasshopper. We are an army. We are on the Lord's side. When Christ returns, we will be a swarm that overwhelms that which overwhelms us today.

Be encouraged, Jose

Nobody, Nothing, but God

He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks. For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living.
Romans 14:6-9 (NKJV)

Often in life, getting to the place of peace can be as simple as releasing ourselves to the natural routine of sleeping and waking. Of course, there is so much that goes into those two actions that most of us come to the conscious state of just releasing it all and letting the natural sequence have its way. So also we ought to live our life releasing all to God. Our whole being in life and death belongs to Him, so shouldn't we just live to woo, please, attract, impress, etc our Maker. He is the one that matter and His standards, values, mission, goals, desires, kingdom, etc ought to be the core drivers of our own life and pursuits. To pursue the standards, values and material tendencies of the world is to walk away from the path of peace and ultimate fulfillment.

Whether we live or die, we belong to Him. If so, what or who else matters? Nobody, Nothing, But God.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi