God's Hands

17 “The poor and needy seek water, but there is none, Their tongues fail for thirst. I, the LORD, will hear them;

I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them. 18 I will open rivers in desolate heights, And fountains in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water, And the dry land springs of water. 19 I will plant in the wilderness the cedar and the acacia tree, The myrtle and the oil tree; I will set in the desert the cypress tree and the pine and the box tree together, 20 That they may see and know, And consider and understand together, That the hand of the LORD has done this, And the Holy One of Israel has created it.
Isaiah 41:17-20 NKJV

They that diligently seek the Lord in truth and in deed shall not be utterly cast out. They will find the Lord and He will meet them at the point of their needs and exceed their expectations. Then they will know that this is the Lord's doing and they will marvel at the wonderful works of God. Just when all hope seems lost, Our God shows up in the most unlikely places and circumstances, making a mockery of our highly exalted intellect, abilities and know-how. When water springs forth in a desert and trees in a parched land, then we know this is God's hand and not man.

I pray His hand will continually show up in our lifes.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

The purpose of learning

Friends,

For many young people across our land, today marks the start of the new school year. There are new friends to meet and old friendships to renew. There are new teachers, new subjects, new schedules, and plenty of other exciting things to look forward to. And - of course - many are already looking forward to a particular day of the school year ... the last day!

Let's take a moment, though, and focus on the ultimate purpose for learning.

Deuteronomy 17:18-20
Also it shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write for himself a copy of this law in a book, from the one before the priests, the Levites. And it shall be with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God and be careful to observe all the words of this law and these statutes, that his heart may not be lifted above his brethren, that he may not turn aside from the commandment to the right hand or to the left, and that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he and his children in the midst of Israel. [NKJV]

The LORD specifically commanded rulers to transcribe His Law in their own hand as a learning tool. God's desire was for them to really know His thoughts, plans and decrees.

But this desire is not limited to kings of old. You and I are members of a Royal Priesthood. You and I are, therefore, kings. As such, we are under the same command. We are to learn what God wants of us, His people. We do this so that His kingdom - which is our Kingdom, by virtue of salvation - will be made manifest in glory and power.

Be encouraged, Jose

Updated Bible Studies

Friends,

I trust you are blessed by genuine rest this Sabbath day. Please check out the Bible Study Audio website. Recent Bible studies of Paul's letter to the church in Rome and of the Gospel of Mark are now published.

I also added a Daily Prayer that I hope you'll find to be useful, helpful and edifying.

Be blessed and be encouraged, Jose

Wisdom's Proof

Friends,

Do you remember the famous line from Forrest Gump ... "Stupid is as stupid does." Have you ever encountered folks who simply cannot restrain themselves from telling you how smart and enlightened they are? Let's face it. If your actions do not demonstrate your brilliance, then your boasting will only betray your ignorance.

James 3:13
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. [NKJV]

Of course, many modern men confuse meekness with weakness, and they therefore miss the blessings that flow from steadfast obedience to God's instruction.

But you and I do not need to be counted among them. We can let our words be few and our actions be bold. We can demonstrate our courage and our wisdom and our cunning merely by obeying the incomparable and infinite wisdom of Almighty God.

Be encouraged, Jose

Surrender your will to Him

Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.”
Matthew 26:42 (NKJV)

The Lord Himself was subjected to the prayer closet experience, He spent quiet time with the Father, conversing and making His requests known to God, but ultimately surrendering His will to that of the Father.

When in the heat of the moment and you seek divine intervention like the Lord did here, do you surrender to His will? The Lord in this scripture shows us clearly, that its not about us, but about Him. So, let go and let God and He will take care of the rest.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Stronger than looks

Friends,

There is nothing that the world wants more than for you and I to be silent. An important weapon in their arsenal is intimidation. And, unfortunately, it can be very effective. But it doesn't need to be ...

Ezekiel 2:6
And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them nor be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with you and you dwell among scorpions; do not be afraid of their words or dismayed by their looks, though they are a rebellious house. [NKJV]

God has provided the means of salvation for every man, woman and child. He has called you and me to sow those seeds with our words and actions.

Be encouraged, Jose

No much time

5 But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.
Matthew 25:5 (NKJV)

They all started well in their journey to make it to the bridegroom. Some how they lost focus, threw away caution, went with the flow, became more obsessed with being politically correct, disregarded time and thought they had all and went about life's business as usual with upside down priorities, until suddenly the groom showed up and they were deep into the world which led to their missing out big time.

13 “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour[b] in which the Son of Man is coming.
Matthew 25:13 (NKJV)

Do you think you have all the time in the world to get this salvation issue right? Time is what we lack, the time is now and tomorrow isn't guaranteed.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

He has had enough

Friends,

Have you ever noticed how the more a person turns his back on the LORD, the more fervently they execute their religious practices. They diligently pray, attend daily services, and give far more than a token offering when the tithe basket comes around. But their hearts are far from God; their words and actions betray a hatred for God's word. And the LORD has already responded to these people ... He sees beyond their empty actions into the secrets of their hearts:

Hear the word of the LORD,
You rulers of Sodom;
Give ear to the law of our God,
You people of Gomorrah:
"To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices to Me?"
Says the LORD.
I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams
And the fat of fed cattle.
I do not delight in the blood of bulls,
Or of lambs or goats.
Isaiah 1:10-11, NKJV

The prophet brought forth these words at a time that Israel was enjoying great temporal prosperity, but had made the "abominations of the heathen ... became common in the land."* Along with these horrendous practices, the house of Jacob had become ever more enthusiastic about the forms of worship that the LORD had ordained ... as if to make up for their disgusting behavior.

God's response is to say, "Enough! I want this no more!"

What about today? Look around, brothers and sisters. Look in the mirror, too!
Have you exchanged religious rituals for the determined study of God's word?
Do you have to change the channel on your TV or radio because the preacher is coming for a visit? Are you focused on anger and revenge for 6½ days each week, thinking that you hide behind a half-day of songs and prayers?

Assuredly, the Lord is not impressed. What He desires is a changed heart ... contrite, and broken before Him. This is path of the believer. This is the path to blessing and righteousness.

Be encouraged, Jose

Remain in the flow

1 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away;[a] and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. 5 “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. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will[b] ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
John 15:1-8 (NKJV)

The branch, the Vine and VineDresser picture tells it all. We are blessed beyond our imagination, we flourish like the tree by the waters whose fruit comes forth at its due season and nourished always without lacking any good thing in life... All because we stay and remain connected to the Vine, the true and real source of all we have. We remain in the flow because we live a God-dependent life and remain fruitful always. An independent mindset and world view soon gets into trouble, running out of sorts and going from one plague, famine, recession, depression, suppression, emergency, etc to the other... all because a severed or disconnected branch from the Vine soon experiences the elements and ends up withering and drying up in no time. There's so much and how far that we can go all by ourselves.

We can do nothing by ourselves, but we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Are you in the flow?

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Bear Fruit

And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
Matthew 3:10 (NKJV)

Every seed has been endowed with the ability to grow, flourish and then reproduce multiple of its kind. It is part of the sacred mandate given at creation that must be fulfilled in the time space we live here on earth. Our lifestyles, way of life and actions are part of the fruit bearing process. Any lifestyle or way of life that will not bring increase and fulfill this divine mandate comes short on its potential and defeats its very essence of creation in the first place.

The ax is laid to the root of every soul. Each soul must bear good fruits, fruits of righteousness, worthy of the Kingdom so we can be spared of being cut down for eternity.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Why people are surprised

Friends,

Why do you suppose folks are surprised by what happens to God's children? When the believer retains his faith through good times and bad. When one of Christ's followers obeys Him, steps out in faith, and discovers a remarkable life.

Why do you suppose believers are surprised by these same events?

Then He went up into the boat to them, and the wind ceased. And they were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure, and marveled. For they had not understood about the loaves, because their heart was hardened.
Mark 6:51-52 [NKJV]

In this episode, we find Jesus' twelve disciples "greatly amazed" when the presence of Jesus brings all the winds and storms and tumult to rest. Why? Because their "heart was hardened". Their collective belief was not yet ready to accept that Jesus truly is who says He is.... that He is actually capable of doing all things... that He truly is God Incarnate.

Sisters and brothers, are you struggling with this level of faith today? Do you still have those times of doubt as to whether God will come through like He promises?

Seek the understanding He gives in His word. The message in the loaves is that He is Lord over all things. He makes the impossible possible.

Be encouraged, Jose

Morning Joy

5 For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.
Psalm 30:5 (NKJV)

We all feel the heat, the pain and the season of endurance. Seasons that seem forever, seasons that seem like we are forsaken and abandoned. Yet we are not alone, because our Creator's hand is all over us. We only need to look up and see the end game scenario.

Never despise the lonely and abandoned seasons, keep your faith in the Lord steadfastly and Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6 NKJV)
These will keep you intact until the morning joy.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Give it back

Friends,

Are you tempted to keep what is inadvertently given to you ... like a bit too much change, or a mistaken discount, or a place in line? Scrupulous honesty can be difficult to exercise in this cut-throat world. But it is what our LORD expects.

Do not remove the ancient landmark,
Nor enter the fields of the fatherless;
For their Redeemer is mighty;
He will plead their cause against you.
Proverbs 23:10-11 [NKJV]

Do not make someone else poorer so that you can enjoy ill-gotten gains. It is a path that leads to God's wrath. Enjoy what is honestly earned and provided by the LORD.

Be encouraged, Jose

Speak with Him

25 “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
John 14:25-27 (NKJV)

He is not man that will just rap because He has command over sweet and rhythmical lyrics. His words are life in themselves. We have a helper within, someone we can converse and relate with. One with a mandate to guide us and teach us all things.

Do you know you have this resource readily available to you? speak with Him, seek His counsel, receive His direction and you will never get lost in the wilderness of life.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Is your faith in man?

Friends,

As politicians and pundits ponder various paths out of these persistent economic doldrums, any man would be tempted to look to his boss, his employer, his governor, his senator or his president for results. It is natural to want to rely on these persons of authority. It is natural for the people to place their confidence in their leaders.

But beware ...

Proverbs 25:19
Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble
Is like a bad tooth and a foot out of joint. [NKJV]

Humans are unreliable and flawed and limited. We cannot provide any genuine assurance that this option or that one option will solve our problems. None of us can set a standard for thought, word or action that will stand up to every circumstance. And when those we rely upon inevitably fail, we find that we can no longer walk or run with strength and purpose. All we can do is limp back to a place of safety.

This pattern repeats itself year after year. At some point, perhaps we will learn to place our confidence not in man or institutions, but in the Eternal and Almighty God.

Be encouraged, Jose

Bible studies updated

Friends,

There are new studies on the Bible Study Audio website. You'll find two new sessions from our study of Mark and another from our study of Romans. I pray you are blessed by them.

Be encouraged, Jose

Praise Forevermore

Friends,

As we wrap up the week, and slow down for Sabbath rest, let these words be on our hearts, minds, and lips ...

I will praise You, O LORD, with my whole heart;
I will tell of all Your marvelous works.
I will be glad and rejoice in You;
I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.
Psalm 9:1-2 [NKJV]

Be encouraged, Jose

Kingdom-Driven

19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.
Matthew 6:18-20 (NKJV)

There's no doubt we are driven by our inner desires and motives. What we treasure drives our intent. A 'rational' business-minded person invests for gain and not deliberate loss, waste and destruction. Our hearts are drawn towards our object(s) of affection, in short our treasures.... what we hold so important and of high value. Some things will rust and be decimated by the elements and deliberately destroyed by man.

Why would one want to be setup and lay up one's treasure for destruction and decimation? Are you Kingdom-driven?

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

That which survives

Friends,

Our world has a strange habit of celebrating, idolizing and worshiping things that are marked for destruction. Celebrities. Championships. Big Money Contracts. Annual Awards. The world does this in spite of what is already declared: these things will be destroyed:

The burden against Egypt.
Behold, the LORD rides on a swift cloud,
And will come into Egypt;
The idols of Egypt will totter at His presence,
And the heart of Egypt will melt in its midst.
Isaiah 19:1 [NKJV]

Throughout scripture, Egypt symbolizes the carnal world from which Almighty God rescues and removes His people. When the LORD returns - and He will return - everything that the world values will be turned to dust. It will not simply pass away ... it will be actively and purposefully destroyed.

Let us repent of joining the world in the worship of these idols. Pay no attention to these things that will not survive the presence of God. Worship only the LORD, in spirit and in truth.

Be encouraged, Jose

Time is not Forever

13 “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.
Matthew 25:13 (NKJV)

The seasons and timing of life never remains the same. The way today is may probably not be the same tomorrow. Many things we take for granted may not be there tomorrow, hence the need for us to seize the moment and work the works of Him and our purpose and calling. The foolish virgins played down the importance and criticality of timing in their lives. They had their priorities upside down and pursued other concerns of life without adequate preparation for the coming Groom. They were too much into career, world news, and all the glitz and glamor of their day, leaving the most important (preparing to meet the groom) and had inadequate preparation for the coming of the bridegroom. The legitimate concerns and cares of life choked their attention and focus on their Lord, and ultimately derailed them from pursuing their purpose and mission in life. While a little slumber and slacking was convenient, they eventually lost out in the end.

The days and time may seem forever, but our timing here is finite and we must pick up the pace, seizing every moment and making it count for the Kingdom of God. Time is short and not forever, let us get about His business.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

A daily review

Friends,

The believer and follower of Christ Jesus has great assurance in the grace given by the Lord. And when our thoughts, words and actions reflect that assurance, then it will be plain to see.

Jesus said ...
Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit.
Matthew 12:33 [NKJV]

If you are known by your fruit, how will you be known? Does the fruit you bear reflect a confidence in Jesus? Does it show that you desire to obey and follow Him?

These are questions that are worth answering every single day.

Be encouraged, Jose