From the heart to the hands

Friends,

1 Corinthians 5:8 [NKJV]
Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

For many reasons, the modern church continues with a wide variety of old rituals and habits. The Lord understands the comfort that men find in old rites and ceremonies.

The biggest danger, though, is that we persist in these habits without any change in the heart. If our hearts are still full of resentment, unforgiveness, and bitterness, then the rituals are simply an acted out lie.

But if there has been a change, then we will be keeping the feast simply by the course of our words and deeds. There will be no real need for the rituals (though they may be useful for remembrance). For our every breath will be a proclamation of the amazing work that our Lord has done.

Be encouraged, Jose

Getting it right

1 But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: 2 that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; 3 the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— 4 that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed. 6 Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, 7 in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, 8 sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.
Titus 2:1-8 (NKJV)

The rules of engagement will change, the political correctness and activism will be altered in modern terms creating a new level of tolerance to what God's word describes as abominable and not fit for the body of believers. Our world is inundated with these constant view point on all fronts and the above scripture provide us a road-map to stay above the fray.

For the rest of the year and coming ones, these can help our effectivenenss and our personal and fellowship growth in Him.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Verfiying the heart

Friends,

Almighty God wants us to know that we belong to Him. He wants us to be confident in His love for us.

Psalm 11:5 (NKJV)
The LORD tests the righteous,
But the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates. (emphasis added)

The word "tests" is translated from the Hebrew word bachan and means to examine, try, or to prove. By putting His sons and daughters through this process, The LORD brings us to a place of peace and comfort. The process reveals our heart to ourselves. We will be forced to end any self-deception. And then we will know what He already knows. Then, we can rest in knowledge and security of His gift of salvation.

Be encouraged, Jose

Keeping a promise

Friends,

It happens so often.

Things work out, but not quite the way you expected them to. In the end, the desired result is achieved, but the path you took was far different from the one you had planned.

Mark 14:31 (NKJV)
But [Peter] spoke more vehemently, “If I have to die with You, I will not deny You!”
And they all said likewise.

Of course, we all know the familiar story of Peter's inability to resist denying that he knew Jesus. We know that Christ brought Peter back to Himself after His resurrection, and that Peter went on to be used by the Lord for great and far-reaching work.

In the end, Peter was executed for His steadfast refusal to disobey Jesus. But he did not accomplish this on his own. When he utilized his own strength to accomplish his own plans, he failed spectacularly.

But when the Lord directed Peter's steps, the fragility and limits of his strength were rendered irrelevant. And the Lord demonstrated, in spectacular fashion, His faithfulness to accomplish what He begins.

Be encouraged, Jose

Set Apart

6 The land of Egypt is before you. Have your father and brothers dwell in the best of the land; let them dwell in the land of Goshen. And if you know any competent men among them, then make them chief herdsmen over my livestock.”
15 So when the money failed in the land of Egypt and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came to Joseph and said, “Give us bread, for why should we die in your presence? For the money has failed.”
Genesis 47:6,15 (NKJV)

In the midst of the famine and misery that fell on Egypt, yet there was a place called Goshen in the same country that was singled out for divine showcase. A land, talent, gift and season is in you that the Lord has set out to showcase to the world.

27 So Israel dwelt in the land of Egypt, in the country of Goshen; and they had possessions there and grew and multiplied exceedingly.
Genesis 47:27 (NKJV)

In your season(s) of life which the Lord has preordained for you, you will be set apart to showcase the glory of God.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

He has made it known

Friends,

One of the marvelous characteristics of God is that He makes it possible for us to know Him. While there are things that are yet left a mystery, the Lord reveals much to His people.

The LORD has made known His salvation;
His righteousness He has revealed in the sight of the nations.
Psalm 98:2 [NKJV]

For those whom God has given eyes to see, we recognize the Lord's righteousness as Christ Jesus. We revealed Christ to be His Son and our Redeemer. He told of Jesus' coming in the words of prophet after prophet. He explained His mission in psalms and in epistles. There was very little hidden from view ... Christ walked in plain sight.

The great mercy and gift this represents is difficult to comprehend. So often, our greatest fears stem from trying to decipher the true path. And here the Lord has revealed it for all to see.

We need only follow Him.

Be encouraged, Jose

The latest Bible study

Friends,

We are continuing our study of the Gospel of Mark with our review of chapter 14. Here we find Jesus instituting the sharing of bread and wine as a remembrance of His fulfillment of God's promise of redemption. It is an important lesson for all of His people. You'll find it at Bible Study Audio.

Be encouraged, Jose

God made the first move

Friends,

We are in a covenant with Almighty God. It is a new covenant, because we cannot keep the old covenant of works. Because of Adam's disobedience, we are unable even to desire to keep the original covenant. But the LORD decided to extend His grace to us:

Jeremiah 31:33
But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. [NKJV]

It is important to notice something very subtle in this passage. It is that God is speaking in the first person, and is declaring what He is going to do. You and I were incapable of initiating this new covenant. Because of original sin, we had no desire for peace or reconciliation with God.

Rather, God Himself sent His Only Begotten Son ... an amazing invasion of this fallen world ... to fulfill all of the conditions required of being in the eternal presence of the Father. And by doing so, He formed the relationship that we - as His followers and His children - so desperately need.

Be encouraged, Jose

If not for God

2 “If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, When men rose up against us, 3 Then they would have swallowed us alive...
Psalm 124:2-3 (NKJV)

The Psalmist boldly and confidently declared a real testimony. It was a story of triumph and victory over the schemes and overtures of men. So lethal and deadly were the intent of men, but the grace of God remained sufficient.

6 Blessed be the LORD, Who has not given us as prey to their teeth. 7 Our soul has escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers; The snare is broken, and we have escaped. 8 Our help is in the name of the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.
Psalm 124:6-8 (NKJV)

We must never lose sight of this uncommon grace and mercies from our Savior, neither must we take it for granted. If not for God!!! what would have been the lot of man? To God be all glory forever more.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Break from the pattern

Friends,

Each moment represents a choice. We can take this opportunity to continue doing good or to allow weariness to have its way. We must make a decision: perpetuate the cycle of sin and disobedience, or change my direction. We must, therefore, examine each moment and all the history that leads up to it. Judge that history not by man's low standards, but by the standards of the Almighty and Perfect God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Therefore say to them, 'Thus says the LORD of hosts: "Return to Me," says the LORD of hosts, "and I will return to you," says the LORD of hosts. "Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets preached, saying, 'Thus says the LORD of hosts: "Turn now from your evil ways and your evil deeds."'
But they did not hear nor heed Me," says the LORD.
Zechariah 1:3-4 [NKJV] (emphasis added)

Over and over, Zechariah reminds the reader that it is the LORD of Hosts who is speaking. And yet, even with His undisputed authority, the leaders did not hear or heed Him. Are we doing the same as those who went before us? Are we repeating the same mistake and expecting a different result? Have we even taken a single minute to ask ourselves that question?

Today is a new day. A new morning. God's mercies are fresh and new. Do not waste this moment by continuing the deadly pattern of sin and disobedience.

Change direction.

Return to the LORD, and He will return to you.

Be encouraged, Jose

New Bible study published

Friends,

The latest Bible study session from our study of Mark's gospel has been posted. You'll find it at Bible Study Audio. Be blessed by God's word!

Be encouraged, Jose

The false conspiracy

Friends,

Do you know how long a fad lasts? Is popularity long-lasting, much less eternal? Will the crowd's roar of approval last beyond this moment?

These questions answer themselves, do they not? We know, through our years of experience, that the multitude is fickle and trying to please them is an exercise in exhaustion. We know it ... and yet we still need a reminder:

For the LORD spoke thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying:
"Do not say, 'A conspiracy,'
Concerning all that this people call a conspiracy,
Nor be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled."
Isaiah 8:11-12 [NKJV]

The non-believing masses will mock our beliefs and our faith. They will follow one trend after another, calling our steadfastness a plot to undermine their supposed rationality. Our LORD calls us to be strong in our obedience to His voice. He reminds us that we need not fear their mockery, nor their schemes. Their plans will not prosper. For the LORD is already victorious!

Be encouraged, Jose

Do you get it?

1 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions;[a] if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.[b] 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And where I go you know, and the way you know.” 5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
John 14:1-6 (NKJV)

Man is generally confronted with the issues of life, legitimate concerns too as they are and the fear of the unknown continues to harass the timid and rational mind. A state where majority are constantly in. But when we enter into a relationship, trust must take firm root and must remain unshaken even in the midst of hurricane currents and winds of doubt and disbelieve. Thomas was one of our Lord's disciples, he manned up to ask the Savior... I hear all this rhetoric in sermons, TV programs, Radio presentations, books, magazines, online, etc. There is so much hypocrisy out there, many false teachers, preachers, and self-professed ministers of the gospels that confuse rather than convince us of the way, we are still struggling with this message, what's the real deal? This is actually my 21st century version of how Thomas may have asked the same question.

The Lord's response was simple and still relevant to this day.... Let not your heart be troubled, believe in God, believe also in me ("NOT MAN or anything else"). I am the way, truth and the life. Connection with the Lord is connection with God the Father and operation in love. In this state, fear and its siblings have no place.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

How will you be found?

Friends,

Of all the opportunities a man has to fall away from the Christian walk, I believe that the most dangerous is the one of benign neglect. The person might not purposefully rebel against the Lord, but no longer does he purposefully seek to obey Him. He grows complacent and perhaps even comfortable in his state, never once realizing that he has stopped listening for his Master's voice.

Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming - in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning - lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!
... Jesus, from Mark 13:35-37 [NKJV]

We look forward with great anticipation to the Lord's return. There is nothing wrong in that. Yet, He is the One Who Sees ... at all times and in all places. And so, why are waiting until later to pursue Him with energy and purpose?

Today is the day! The Lord has made this day for the great purpose of bringing us into closer and deeper intimacy with Him. It is not a day for sleeping!

Be encouraged, Jose

More Bible studies

Friends,

Our Bible study group has moved through a critical part of the Gospel of Mark. In this passage we are admonished to be mindful of ways that we might be bringing corruption into the body of Christ. Please visit Bible Study Audio and listen to this important study.

Be encouraged, Jose

The answer to doubters

Friends,

As believers, we walk in a way that makes no sense to the world. They cannot and will not understand what motivates us, what drives us, and what fulfills us. The world looks to itself for power and strength. The world schemes and plans and designs. They scoff at us for relying on the LORD.

Do you think this is new?
Do you think this is simply a by-product of our modern age?

Psalm 3:2-3 [NKJV]
Many are they who say of me,
"There is no help for him in God." Selah
But You, O LORD, are a shield for me,
My glory and the One who lifts up my head.

No matter what the so-called intellectuals might say, we know the truth. That is because we have been redeemed by the One who is the Truth. We need not be limited by the finite powers of ourselves, of other men, or of this world. We have our strength in the unlimited sovereign power of God!

Be encouraged, Jose

His Right Hand

6 “Your right hand, O LORD, has become glorious in power; Your right hand, O LORD, has dashed the enemy in pieces. 7 And in the greatness of Your excellence You have overthrown those who rose against You; You sent forth Your wrath; It consumed them like stubble.

Exodus 15:6-7 (NKJV)

So much has been said about the right hand of the Lord. His right hand connotes power and might, yet mere mortals knowingly or unknowingly rise up to contend with it. They soon find out that they are no match and don't even come close at all. Time and time again, it has been proven to be unwise, futile, foolish to rise up against this right hand and the Lord's Kingship over the affairs of men. King Pharoah, Nebuchadnezzar, Herod, and numerous other Kings and their Kingdoms to date have been roundly humbled, and silenced. No movement, kingdom, lifestyle, campaign or human endeavor has ever prevailed over the right hand and will never be.

The right hand of the LORD is exalted;The right hand of the LORD does valiantly. It is the righteousness of God that we must always strive to and live by. To pursue anything else is futile and not smart.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

The greatest temple

Friends,

If you've ever studied the Tabernacle as it is described in the book of Exodus, you were likely struck by the beauty and splendor of it. Not on the outside ... note that it was covered in badger skins (Exodus 26:14). But on the inside, it was resplendent with gilded furniture, a solid gold lamp, garments of linen, silver sockets, and so much more. There have been recreations built of this structure in our country and they never fail to impress.

But, that is not the end of the story. It was never the Father's goal to have a great building for Himself.

‘The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former,’ says the LORD of hosts. ‘And in this place I will give peace,’ says the LORD of hosts.”
Haggai 2:9 [NKJV]

The temple, of course, is the dwelling place of the Most High God. And where does He dwell?

In the hearts of His people.

The Body of Christ is that latter temple. And it is more glorious than any building ever created. Are you part of that temple? Are you walking in a manner that does not defile it? Are you watching out for the other parts of the temple? Your brothers and sisters?

When Christ returns, may He find a dwelling place worthy of His holiness!

Be encouraged, Jose