Answers to big questions

Friends,

Sometimes, when we can rise above the course of daily events, men and women have important and far-reaching questions. These kinds of questions take time and meditation to answer adequately. They require imagination, creativity, and an open heart.

Does our God truly have the capacity to redeem this fallen soul?
Is the LORD able to overcome the massive evil that is our sin?

Big questions like these are nothing new.

Isaiah 50:2a
Why, when I came, was there no man?
Why, when I called, was there none to answer?
Is My hand shortened at all that it cannot redeem?
Or have I no power to deliver?

Of course, we do not need to search far for the answers to these questions ...

Isaiah 50:2b
Indeed with My rebuke I dry up the sea,
I make the rivers a wilderness;
Their fish stink because there is no water,
And die of thirst. [NKJV]

Almighty God truly does have the full and limitless power to dry up the seas. He can do this with one word. He can darken the sun, calm the seas, raise the dead, give sight to the blind.

He does all these things ... and nothing can stop Him from redeeming His elect people.

Be encouraged, Jose

Altered Mission

1 Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

3 As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. 4 Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”

5 And he said, “Who are You, Lord?”

Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.[a] It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”

6 So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?”

Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
Acts 9:1-6 (NKJV)

He was a terror to anyone that stood for the truth and the gospel. Hounding, binding, harrassing, boxing anyone who dare at that time to submission (just like dictators in our day). To him, he just felt and thought he was on the right track and doing a great calling, but its impossible to kick against the goads, particularly when the main subject matter borders on Kingdom business and the Creator Himself. The Damascus Road encounter changed the course of the live of a serial killer, a tormentor and one that would not even qualify to be a saved person by today's standard. One encounter changed it all.

This same man went ahead to be one of the renowned Apostles recorded in the New testament. What can the Creator not do? Know of any unsaved, tormentor, serial killer, murderer, etc today? Let us collectively pray for the Damascus encounter for these, that the best in them may come forth and the entire body be fully blessed. His mission to kill changed to a mission to save. This can only be the Lord's doing, not man.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

The preachers' message

Friends,

The themes of modern sermons range from moral living to family relationships to physical health to financial prosperity to emotional well-being to politics to ... I think you get the idea. When Jesus sent out His twelve disciples, though, they went with a simple, straightforward message.

So they went out and preached that people should repent.
Mark 6:12 [NKJV]

Is this so complicated?
Is it so difficult to stay "on message"?

During the disciples' travels, other great blessings were evidenced: the sick were healed, demons were cast out. But the message was simple: Repent. We've drifted away from this for reasons too numerous to list here. But we can stop drifting, can't we? We can refocus our words and our actions to preach a simple, clear message to a world that desperately needs to hear it.

Christ has sent you and me out to give this message. Will you do as He commanded?

Be encouraged, Jose

Who is He?

18 And it happened, as He was alone praying, that His disciples joined Him, and He asked them, saying, “Who do the crowds say that I am?”
19 So they answered and said, “John the Baptist, but some say Elijah; and others say that one of the old prophets has risen again.”
20 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
Peter answered and said, “The Christ of God.”
Luke 9:18-20 (NKJV)

When they had set themselves apart to a lonely place for a quality quiet time, He asked His disciples of His identity. Sometimes one needs to be conscious of who we are and the power and authority we are able to wield and exercise. It is also not impossible to live and act ignorantly of the potential within us and our God given powers and abilities. All the disciples had a different version and perspective of Him except one man, Peter. He declared unequivocally and confidently... "The Christ of God". Men with vision display an uncommon boldness, confidence and tenacity. They operate in a consciousness and knowledge of a perfect alignment with the Creator Himself.

Who do you say He is? Let your response guide you in your daily walk.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

The turned heart

Friends,

Even though we don't like to consider this very often, the Lord's answers to our prayers is sometimes, "No." We pray for illnesses to be healed, yet the sickness remains. We pray for hearts to be softened, yet the hardness persists. We pray for kings, presidents and prime ministers to rule with wisdom and justice, yet the oppression of the poor, the trampling of human rights, and the persecution of the Body continues unabated.

So the king did not listen to the people; for the turn of events was from God, that the LORD might fulfill His word, which He had spoken by the hand of Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat.
2 Chronicles 10:15 [NKJV]

Brothers and sisters, the circumstances of this world are under the LORD's sovereign command. He has a plan, and His plan is good.

No doubt the "people" of this verse were utterly confused by the king's refusal to hear them. No doubt, some times we are confused by what governments of every political stripe do and don't do. The most important point to remember ... through all of the twists and turns of a fallen world ... the LORD is sovereign and good.

Be encouraged, Jose

Bible studies online

Friends,

The Bible study sessions from the first two weeks of July have been published. You'll find them at Bible Study Audio. Thank you for your patience over these past couple weeks as I fell a little behind.

Be encouraged, Jose

Faultless Presentation

Friends,

When we miss the mark, keep this in mind...

Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling,
And to present you faultless
Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,
Jude 1:24, NKJV

Our Lord keeps us upright, even through the relentless attack of the enemy.

Our Lord removes every stain, every mis-step, every slip-up.

Our Lord does this with exceeding joy.
Joy that cannot be described.
Joy that cannot be replicated.
Joy that can only be found in the presence of His glory!

Be encouraged, Jose

Contentment

11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ[b] who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:11-13 (NKJV)

In world of insatiable lifestyles. A world where just getting and getting more is the norm, contentment is great gain. Learning restrain and containing our desires is smart and cool. We can't live a peaceful life without the spirit of contentment in a world full of temptations.

We must learn to abound and suffer need in all the seasons of our lives. Because the Christ in us empowers us to overcome and do the impossible.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Standing up

Friends,

Every so often, we hear of the blatant persecution of our brothers and sisters around the world. We in the US are blessed with the freedom to come together and worship the Lord in spirit and in truth, without interference from government.

But how often do we go to the King with a prayer similar to this ...

For how can I endure to see the evil that will come to my people? Or how can I endure to see the destruction of my countrymen?
Esther 8:6 [NKJV]

When the Lord called us into His Kingdom, we became citizens of a new, eternal nation. Our countrymen live on every continent, now. We are bound together by the same King, the same Law, the same Redeemer, the same Father. As such, can we possibly ignore their circumstances?

Today, lift them up before the Lord, that they be delivered from persecution and affliction, according to His will.

Be encouraged, Jose

Trusting

7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the LORD our God. 8 They have bowed down and fallen; But we have risen and stand upright.
Psalm 20:7-8 (NKJV)

It is vain to trust and depend solely on our strength, the arm of men and other instruments of strength, wealth and influence. These chariots and horses that seem huge in the face of man can crumble and fade away within the twinkle of an eye, but they that trust in the Lord shall be like Mount Zion that cannot be moved. Yes the shall not fall, deceived, influenced, humiliated or defeated in their daily walk of life.

They shall uphold righteousness and triumph at the end of the day. They shall come out on top and stand upright at the end, never basking or indulging in little victories, transient, passing pleasures and conveniences of our day. Where is your trust today?

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

No more argument

Friends,

For seemingly every issue, there is ongoing debate. The most vociferous seem to focus on political and economic issues. But nothing inspires passion, fury and volume like religion. And yet, we have a definitive, final word on the subject.

Psalm 119:89-91
Forever, O LORD,
Your word is settled in heaven.
Your faithfulness endures to all generations;
You established the earth, and it abides.
They continue this day according to Your ordinances,
For all are Your servants.
NKJV

Almighty God's word is settled in heaven and it persists. It has resisted countless attempts to disprove, denigrate and belittle it. It has survived attacks from every discipline known to man. The word of God has been established on earth, as it is on heaven.

Why are we still debating it?

Be encouraged, Jose

Bible studies updated

Friends,

Bible study sessions from June have finally been posted to Bible Study Audio. Please forgive me for taking so long to get these done. The studies from the past two weeks are in the process of getting converted and edited and I plan to have those completed in the next 5-7 days.

Be encouraged, Jose

The quest for peace

Friends,

It is an age-old quest.

Men and women, once they have satisfied their most basic needs, seek something that will bring a sense of fulfillment and completion in their lives. Essentially, they are chasing after one thing: Peace.

Don't believe me? Then why do people say, after some great event or accomplishment, "Now, I can die in peace"? Why does society say to the dead, "Rest in peace"? And why, when some conflict is finally resolved, do we decide that we "are at peace with it"?

Peace is a universal desire. We may disagree on how to achieve peace. We may disagree with what peace looks like. But make no mistake, every single one of us is chasing it.

Psalm 132:3-5
“Surely I will not go into the chamber of my house,
Or go up to the comfort of my bed;
I will not give sleep to my eyes
Or slumber to my eyelids,
Until I find a place for the LORD,
A dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob.”
[NKJV]

The LORD reveals to us, in these short verses, something truly remarkable. First, He understands our passionate desire for peace. He has put this desire into each one of us.

Second, He shows us that there is a way to this peace we so desperately want. Once we have given place to the LORD in our hearts, we will be able to rest comfortably and sleep soundly.

What happens when something else has possession of our heart? There is no rest. There is no comfort. There is no peace. We will keep searching and searching, driving harder, working more feverishly. No effort will be spared. But peace will not be found.

Give the Lord your heart. He will possess it. He will live there. And you will have peace.

Be encouraged, Jose

Be Persistent

1 Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, 2 saying: “There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. 3 Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ‘Get justice for me from my adversary.’ 4 And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man, 5 yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’”
Luke 18:1-5 (NKJV)

He spoke in parables to His disciples and a discerning world, so that those who hear and can connect the dots may pick up actionable intelligence and knowledge and use to navigate the tortuous terrains of the world. This certain widow never gave up on her case before an unjust judge. She kept at it even in the face of rejection, glaring failure and loss, she kept on keeping on. The race of life isn't a 100m dash, but a marathon for those with stamina to endure and keep at the goals and will of God for their lives. The parable speaks to our persistence in prayer. Prayer in a world that have grown cold and hostile to prayers in public spaces and counting.... Prayer remains one of the potent tools of the believer, and to lay down the banners of prayers is to surrender to the adversary without a fight.

6 Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said. 7 And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? 8 I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”
Luke 18:6-8 (NKJV)

We must not grow weary, neither must we faint or become weak in lifting up holy hands and praying to the God the Father in all our days, for the influence of the world will get stronger and drain and sap the energies of the believing world unless the faithful stays strong, faithful and persistent. We ought to pray and not lose heart, it is the Lord's mandate for us.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Don't leave

Friends,

Many of us are familiar with the story of the demon-possessed man who lived among the graves of the Gadarene countryside. Jesus commanded a multitude of demons ... known collectively as Legion ... to enter into a nearby herd of pigs, which then immediately drowned themselves in the sea. The reaction of the people is telling:

Then they began to plead with Him to depart from their region.
Mark 5:17 [NKJV]

The sight of 2,000 pigs hurtling down a steep hill and into the sea must have been shocking. But here was one of their own, a man who had been tormented for years ... to the point that he tried to tear himself apart ... sitting peacefully and filled with joy. No longer would he terrorize passers-by. No more would scream in agony and rage. No longer would he be forced to live among the dead, far away from his mother, father, wife and children. He was restored to life!

One sees all of this happen and must make a choice:
Rejoice, for the man one who was dead is again alive.
or ...
Worry about what other animals might end up swimming with the fishes.

The Gadarenes decided that their livelihoods were more important than a man's life. And therefore told the Messiah... the One who would be their eternal salvation... to get out.

Sisters and brothers, when Christ moves in your life, there will be times when it seems as though something has been lost. But be assured that what is gained by this move is far, far more valuable. The Lord brings us that which is eternal. Giving up that which will not last is no price to pay for such a possession. When it happens, do not plead with Jesus to leave you alone. Instead, understand what is really happening and rejoice.

Be encouraged, Jose

Wrong mission

Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. And He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’” Then the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them.
Mathew 24:12-14 (NKJV)

He was kind, merciful and generous. Forgiving and giving everyone a chance even when they messed up. His level of tolerance was beyond human comprehension. He had the incredible ability of connecting with any mortal being irrespective of their status, intellect, social class, orientation and just any one. He never spoke harshly but on this one occassion, He kicked some behind!!!! He tossed over the kiosks and tables of them that turned the Church into a casino and investment place. Those that turn the pulpit into an auctioneer podium... He upstaged and exposed the leadership of the church who have lost their mission and mandate.

It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Hebrews 10:31 (NKJV)

The house of the Lord will be a house of prayer, a house of worship, a mountain where spirit, soul and body connect with their Maker. Anything short of these will incur the wrath of the Lord. When men get on the wrong side of a merciful King, who will spare or show mercy? In the body of believers and our world, we must never forget our mission and who we are working for.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Bound by his own hand

Friends,

Legend has it that you can trap a monkey with a large, narrow-mouthed jar. Put something attractive to the monkey at the bottom of the immovable jar and the animal will reach in and grab hold. But the narrow mouth prevents the creature from removing its hand. The monkey will scream and fight and panic, but it will not let go.

Romans 7:6
But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code. NKJV

Temptation and sin entrap a man. He can fight, pull, and scream until he turns blue. But as long as he holds tight to those things that he "cannot live without," he will remain bound to them, stuck where he is, an easy target for the enemy.

If he only knew how easy it could be have his freedom. All he has to do is let go.

Be encouraged, Jose

Losing religion

Friends,

Are you caught up in the routine and ritual of a religious life? Do you seek the comfort of fancy robes, fancy clothes, and predictable format for worship? Are the traditions of some institution never challenged? Do titles and credentials of certain men impress you?

But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation.
Hebrews 9:11, NKJV

Sisters and brothers, Christ's actions at Calvary ended all of the sacrifices and rituals described in the Torah. They were meant as reminders for God's people that they had not been perfectly holy - as God is holy; that the wages of sin is death - and those wages must be paid; and that God always provides for His people - as He has from the days of Abraham through the present day.

But we no longer need the reminder. We have no requirement for something that represents what God will do. For the LORD has actually done it. So those traditions should have passed away ... along with the fancy "tabernacles," the fancy robes, the fancy clothes and formulaic and mechanical worship.

We should not demand those things from ourselves. Pastors and other leaders should absolutely not demand them from the congregations.

The perfect time, place and way of worship is simple.

It is now.
It is where you are.
It is in spirit and truth.

Be encouraged, Jose

Holding back

¹⁴Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: ¹⁵looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;
Hebrews 12:14-15 (NKJV)

We all are familiar with the build up of sludge in an automobile engine. Part of the oil that's supposed to flow through is held back and gradually build up forming sludge and eventually wear out and bring the engine to breakdown. So it is when we hold back forgiveness in our lives. The held back unforgiveness builds up and unlike Sludge, it spreads its root of bitterness which indirectly and eventually corrupts and destroys every part of our physical and spiritual life that it grows to.

I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; And I will not remember your sins.
Isaiah 43:25 (NKJV)

The Lord Himself finds it imperative and necessary to release us and blot out our transgressions for His 'own sake', lest He is found in direct conflict of Himself and His word. Unforgiveness decimates the holder, holding back forgiveness corrupts and destroys the unforgiver. Lets learn to forgive and release freely, so we may rid ourselves of any root of bitterness.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Being a ruler

Friends,

Being a ruler carries great responsibility and privilege. When we carry out God-given authority according to His will, the results can be amazing, even awe-inspiring.

Psalm 132:11-12 NKJV
The LORD has sworn in truth to David;
He will not turn from it:
“I will set upon your throne the fruit of your body.
If your sons will keep My covenant
And My testimony which I shall teach them,
Their sons also shall sit upon your throne forevermore.”

The condition we must meet in order to experience this authority is the keeping of God's covenant. But you and I know that we cannot do so. Within minutes of waking each morning, we have broken His law. We may have grumbled at the kids. We might have yelled at the slow driver in front. Or perhaps we have given less than our very best to whatever work God has called us to perform.

Christ, though, has fulfilled every aspect of the covenant. He has broken no law. He has lived - and continues to live - a perfect life. If we have died to ourselves and now live in Him, then we are restored to the place of rulership that Adam abdicated. We are placed on the throne, at God's right hand.

Today, turn away from the imperative of pleasing yourself. Die to yourself and live in Christ.

Be encouraged, Jose

Perfecting Obedience

‘If you walk in My statutes and keep My commandments, and perform them, then I will give you rain in its season, the land shall yield its produce, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit. Your threshing shall last till the time of vintage, and the vintage shall last till the time of sowing; you shall eat your bread to the full, and dwell in your land safely. I will give peace in the land, and you shall lie down, and none will make you afraid; I will rid the land of evil beasts, and the sword will not go through your land.
Leviticus 26:3-6 (NKJV)

The need for obedience cannot be overemphasized in our daily, personal, communal and generational walk with our Creator. Taking this seriously or casually has its far reaching effects which even goes beyond our very self. As the scripture clearly states here, to reject the path of obedience is just illogical, senseless, dumb choice. Human nature as we know it is naturally drawn to self-destruct and it becomes incumbent on us to arrest the carnal man and bring it to the point and state of submission and obedience to the will and plan of God in our lives.

In obedience, we look smart and able. The Lord perfects and orchestrates things in the background on our behalf. It is never easy giving up the forgone alternative the carnal man desires and wants, but it gets easier on the path of obedience. Let us perfect the act and way of obedience in our lives. We will be better off for it.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Full authority

Friends,

Every family experiences those moments of confusion as to who is really in charge. Because we are not perfect, we don't always get this right. Maybe Dad undermines Mom's rightful authority in some area... or perhaps Mom takes charge when Dad actually has the situation well in hand. Thankfully, in the family of Christ, we have can know who is our authority in every situation:

Colossians 2:9-10 NKJV
For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.

Throughout scriptures, the Lord's authority and sovereignty is declared, celebrated and verified. We can disagree, but that does not change the fact that God is in complete control of every event and happening and person and creature. He truly has full authority over all things, seen and unseen.

For us in our day-to-day lives, then, we are afforded a wonderful gift. The believer can truly be at peace, resting in the knowledge and confidence that the Good and Great King of kings is sovereign.

Be encouraged, Jose

Listen to wisdom

Friends,

These days, it seems as though the only people who have any chance of being heard are the most obnoxious, sarcastic and insulting of the lot. One need to simply observe the politics of the last 5 years to see the damage this kind of living can do. Good and honorable people have had their names horribly tarnished by outlandish accusations. Entertainers and athletes seem to have more credibility than our leaders.

Words of the wise, spoken quietly, should be heard
Rather than the shout of a ruler of fools.
Ecclesiastes 9:17 [NKJV]

Truly, this is nothing new. Perhaps it seems more prevalent with the plethora of communication channels we now have. And of course, information - truthful and otherwise - now travels at incomprehensible speeds.

Even so, do we not have a responsibility to truly and patiently listen to what is being said? Shouldn't we at least attempt to understand the full consequences of our words, our decisions and our actions? Do we not owe it to ourselves and our children to consider whether we are actually fulfilling God's commands?

The LORD does not shout. He does not hit His people over the head with blunt objects. Yet He speaks. He is speaking to you and to me.

Stop.

Listen.

Be encouraged, Jose

Leadership in truth

Friends,

Are you in a position of authority? Do you have a role at home, work, or in the Body of Christ, that can make demands of others with the reasonable expectation that those demands will be fulfilled? If so, then you have a deep and weighty responsibility.

And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.
Ephesians 6:9, NKJV

Threats and coarse words have no place in the leader's vocabulary. We owe it to our charges to speak the truth, to discourage inappropriate behavior, to enforce the consequences of each team member's choices.

But the Lord commands us the leader to treat those under their command with respect, with dignity and with justice. Each one of us is likely in a role of follower and leader. As a follower, follow with joy and godly submission. As a leader, lead with strength, truthfulness and gentleness. In both roles, we will then bear abundant fruit for the glory of God.

Be encouraged, Jose