Our real status

1 Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child, does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all, 2 but is under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the father. 3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world. 4 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” 7 Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
Galatians 4:1-4 (NKJV)

The prince is the heir of the kingdom and owns all the King has, but can never be given custody of the kingdom until he comes to a maturity level and an appointed time. The appointed time is preceded with a season of preparation and maturation. A season when we are tested and validated by the Father. Christ paved the way and paid the price so we can be free from the bondage, lies, schemes, and caprices of the task masters, adversaries and enemies of our destiny.

Through Christ we have an altered status of slave to son and heir of God. We must live in this truth and consciousness of God's word for that is God's will for us His children.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

New Bible studies from Isaiah

Friends,

The latest lessons from our ongoing study of the book of Isaiah are now ready for you. Find them at Bible Study Audio. These lessons cover several chapters, and I'm sure you'll be blessed and edified by them.

Be encouraged, Jose

A Savior for the ignorant

Friends,

Although I'm not a lawyer, I've been told that it is well-known legal principle that ignorance of the law is no excuse. Not knowing that an activity is illegal may reduce the severity of the punishment, but it will never remove guilt. That is why all men are accountable for obedience to God's Law:

Leviticus 5:17 (NKVJ)
If a person sins, and commits any of these things which are forbidden to be done by the commandments of the LORD, though he does not know it, yet he is guilty and shall bear his iniquity.

For this reason, every man needs the saving grace provided by Christ. We cannot ignore those who may not have been taught the laws of God thinking that their ignorance will be sufficient to save them. The wages of sin ... all sin ... is death. And the redemptive power of Jesus is the only way to overcome that just and righteous penalty.

Be encouraged, Jose

The presence of God

Friends,

No matter how strong your faith is, there will be times when the LORD seems far, far away. Prayers seem to either bounce off the ceiling or just fade into thin air. It can be a frustrating time. Those kinds of times can make a person feel lonely, hopeless or even terrified.

And it is in those moments that lifting up songs and shouts of praise just may be the most important action you can take:

2 Chronicles 5:13-14 [NKJV]
Indeed it came to pass, when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD, and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the LORD, saying:

“For He is good,
For His mercy endures forever,”

that the house, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud; for the glory of the LORD filled the house of God.

These verses close a passage describing the re-entry of the Ark of the Covenant into the temple that Solomon built. The Ark passed in front of the whole of Israel. There were sacrifices being made amid great and solemn procession. But it was the praise that brought forth the presence of Almighty God.

All kinds of things may have been thrown at you this week. The enemy seeks to keep you focused on his attacks rather than on staying close to the Father. In response, brothers and sisters, lift your voice and SING!
Sing praises to the King of kings and Lord of lords.
Sing Hallelujah to the One who delivered us from Egypt.
Give glory to the Mighty Redeemer who has freed you and me from the slavery of this world.

Be encouraged, Jose

He will not forget

8 The LORD has sworn by His right hand
And by the arm of His strength:
“ Surely I will no longer give your grain
As food for your enemies;
And the sons of the foreigner shall not drink your new wine,
For which you have labored.
9 But those who have gathered it shall eat it,
And praise the LORD;
Those who have brought it together shall drink it in My holy courts.”
Isaiah 62:8-9 (NKJV)


We serve a faithful and just God who will not nullify and forget our labor of love. As we labor and partake in Kingdom endeavors, we must not draw back or grow slack in our walk and work, but know for sure that according to God's word, seed and harvest time shall not cease. As you have partaken in seed time and labored through the nuturing season, your harvest season shall surely come and your grain and wine shall not be the portion of your enemies or the seed of foreigners.

Stay focused on Kingdom mission, for our God is just and faithful. He is the one who rewards those who diligently seek Him.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

What every son longs to hear

Friends,

Lately, I've been reminded of the amazing healing that I enjoy because of my relationship with Jesus. I have been adopted into a family ... and I have been granted everything that the sons have received. It is difficult to declare one blessing greater than another. However, these words contain enormous power:

And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
Matthew 3:17 [NKJV]

These words were spoken over Jesus, and therefore they were spoken over me. My Father is pleased with me. No matter what wounds may have been caused by my natural father ... either through neglect, anger, or selfishness ... I know that I am loved, valued and affirmed by the Lord God in heaven.

Contemplate that for a moment. For if you are my brother or sister in Christ, you too are loved, valued and affirmed.

Be encouraged, Jose

Yes, we're still here

Friends,

By now, you've come to the realization that yet another prominent preacher has incorrectly predicted the exact time and date of Christ's return. It comes as no surprise, for sure. And while it provides an easy target for comedians, pundits and cynics, there are some facts that remain unchanged.

• Christ is returning.
• It is impossible for a man to correctly tell anyone when.

We can be certain of these facts because of this:

But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.
- Jesus says this in Matthew 24:36

And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.
- Jesus makes us this promise in the Revelation, Chapter 22, Verses 12-13

It is critical that we be prepared for His return, no matter what day or time or season. He may come during your lifetime, or he may not. But each day, each of us must examine and measure our readiness for that event.

Are you ready?

Be encouraged, Jose

Judges - a new lesson

Friends,

Our Bible study group has begun examining the song of Deborah, in Chapter 5 of the book of Judges. Please be sure to take time to listen to this lesson. You will surely be blessed by it.

You can find this lesson, along with many others, at Bible Study Audio.

Be encouraged, Jose

Never ending praise

Friends,

Almighty God is worthy of praise at every moment, in every situation, and from every man, woman and child. We are human and don't live up to that call. Fortunately, God's word tells us that part of His creation is making sure that the Lord is receiving the praise that He so richly deserves!

Revelation 4:8 [NKJV]
The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying:

“Holy, holy, holy,
Lord God Almighty,
Who was and is and is to come!”

Take time today - even right now - to join in that unending hymn of praise!

Be encouraged, Jose

When God is Ready, we can move

Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:17 [KJV]

When we understand that we live and are blessed by the Will of the Lord, we can stop worrying so much. God provides and protects us as we profess Him in our life. We can make plans and be prepared, but we must make sure that we are relying on God's will as the overriding vote in our decisions. The final decision being His will always work out for His Benefit and our protection. We must rely on Him for the next move in our life. God moves on His behalf and ours.

Be Encouraged,

Martin

The right focus

2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
Colossians 3:2-3 (NKJV)

The avalanche of issues and diverging kingdom ideas aggressively promoted my most of world media can shape the focus of the undiscerning where we pay attention and expend energies on issues and activities with no eternal benefit. What events drive you, what energizes you? What brings out the best in you?

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:21 (NKJV)

Re-locate your treasures to the things of the Kingdom where our focus can be vertical to the Creator. If Heaven doesn't have your undivided attention, then someone probably isn't right.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Before the Judgment Seat

Friends,

An old friend once remarked to me that he always approached a time of revival in his life with some trepidation. That was because he knew that, before the revival came, he had to go through a period of great conviction and repentance. We can see this illustrated for us in God's word:

Joshua 4:10
So the priests who bore the ark stood in the midst of the Jordan until everything was finished that the LORD had commanded Joshua to speak to the people, according to all that Moses had commanded Joshua; and the people hurried and crossed over. [NKJV]

When Israel crossed into the Promised Land, all the people had to pass before the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark serves as the God's seat of judgment. We must see the important symbolism contained in this act:

Before we can enjoy the promised blessings of eternal life with the LORD, we must be examined, scrutinized, and judged to be worthy of those blessings!

The cold hard truth is that NONE of us has lived a life that meets that standard. But Christ did. And He has granted that worthiness to His people. As you and I pass before the LORD, we go there having taken our place in the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. To stay in that safe and blessed place, we must recognize that our carnal ways have been judged and sentenced to death. We must repent of them and leave them behind. And then we can enter into the rest and joy of our Master.

Be encouraged, Jose

Bible studies from Isaiah and Judges

Friends,

In these last days, it is more important than ever to be prepared for Christ's return. How will you know Him? You must know His voice ... you must know what He has said. Visit Bible Study Audio to hear the latest lessons from the book of Isaiah and the book of Judges.

Be encouraged, Jose

Your readiness check

Friends,

With each successive sunrise, the day of Christ's return draws closer. We come upon the beginning of the Sabbath, and it is appropriate for us to reflect upon what has transpired during the week and examine it. As His return approaches, have we taken any steps to prepare? Are we more ready to face the Lord than we were a week ago?

Jeremiah 1:12 [NKJV]
Then the LORD said to me, “You have seen well, for I am ready to perform My word.”

Almighty God is fulfilling His promises and His prophecies on a daily basis. And certainly, we wait eagerly for the ultimate fulfillment of what He describes as the end of days. There are those that claim to have pinpointed the date, as if that should change our ways.

It is clearly more important that we be ready today. Whether Christ returns tomorrow morning, later this month, next year, in the next decade, or in the next millennium, be ready for Him now.

Be encouraged, Jose

Ways of the Ungodly shall Perish

The way of the ungodly shall perish. In Psalm 1, David talks about ways of the righteous and the ungodly. Righteous establishes a hearty foundation. Ungodliness leads to destruction. The two paths differ greatly and we can alter between the two because of will and desire. However, we should not succumb to the ways of the ungodly because that would be our undoing. Nothing ever comes easy when we compromise our beliefs. We have to stand firm which is the only way to travel through life.

For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish. Psalm 1:6 [KJV]

Be Encouraged,

Martin

Be God-like, Be Kind

“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”
Ephesians 4:32(NKJV)

To live for others is to place their interest above ours. The Lord showed us how this could be done easily. He never acquired property while here on earth because it was meaningless for Him to do that, He taught us to stash up our treasures where moth, ant, termites, taxes, leeches, rogues and their kind will never reach. With this mindset of releasing our all to Him, it becomes easier for us to be kind and tenderhearted to others. When we are able to empty ourselves, then the capacity to forgive and be selfless to our fellow brethren comes naturally.

The capacity to love and be kind is within, start exercising the God within today.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Value His words

Friends,

The Lord's words to us demand a response. He speaks to His people ... and His message is one of peace and reconciliation.

I will hear what God the LORD will speak,
For He will speak peace
To His people and to His saints;
But let them not turn back to folly.
Psalm 85:8 (emphasis added) [NKJV]

The great temptation is to go back to our old ways. It is so hard to change the habits formed over a lifetime. It takes energy to speak, to think and to act in a new way. And the old patterns of the flesh are familiar and easy to revert to.

But the LORD calls us to a higher way. It is the way of eternity and of holiness.

What are you doing today that is the way of man, and not of God? What needs to change in your words and deeds and thoughts in order to demonstrate that you are not turning back to your folly?

Answer these difficult questions, brothers and sisters, and be renewed in your transformation into the image of Christ.

Be encouraged, Jose

Brought near

Friends,

At some point, most people believe that they are good enough for God, just the way they are. They have no comprehension of the vast distance that separates them from a Holy and Perfect God.

At some point, all men must come to the realization that the only reason that we can approach Almighty God is by the blood of Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 2:13
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. [NKJV]

Some would say there are many paths to God. But only the blood of Christ can bridge the gap between our lack of perfect holiness and the Lord's perfect and unending holiness.

Be encouraged, Jose

A Mountain among mountains

Friends,

Every sect, every religion, every philosophy struggles for supremacy. Each claims to represent the paragon of virtue and morality. Each claims to hold the secret for happiness, either for today, for eternity or for both. But although all of them claim the high place, it is the LORD that shall dwell above them all...

Isaiah 2:2
Now it shall come to pass in the latter days
That the mountain of the LORD’s house
Shall be established on the top of the mountains,
And shall be exalted above the hills;
And all nations shall flow to it. [NKJV]

The multitude of mountains represent the multitude of beliefs and traditions, each one claiming to be holier than the rest. And the dwelling place of God ... His mountain ... is over them all, exalted above them and rendering them all irrelevant.

Do not fear the traditions of man, nor be impressed by the spectacle of religion. Remember that the LORD is truly the One True Almighty God.

Be encouraged, Jose

Get going

4 But for him who is joined to all the living there is hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion.
10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.
Ecclesiastes 9:4,10 (NKJV)

The preacher clearly stated the benefit accruable to the living. To have hope is better than to be hopeless, a life with a goal and direction is better than an aimless wandering generality. For we have all been called to a purpose under the sun. We must find this out and pursue it diligently to the end.

Our lifetime here on planet earth is not infinite. There is a time dimension to it, we must apply ourselves, our talents, our gifts, our resources, our time, our lives to that which has eternal benefits and returns. When the breadth of life temporarily ceases, there won't be any work to do any further here. So get going, do something positive for the Kingdom.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Faithful in what has been given

Friends,

Have you been given a ministry? Are you diligent to fulfill that ministry, no matter how small or unnoticeable? Do you find yourself frustrated because your small work seems to have no impact?

Consider the legacy of Shamgar:

Judges 3:31
After him was Shamgar the son of Anath, who killed six hundred men of the Philistines with an ox goad; and he also delivered Israel. [NKJV]

This man is not prominent in Israel. It seems he is a simple farmer, tending to the small piece of ground under his stewardship. He is armed with nothing but an ox goad ... what, in our day, might be called a cattle prod.

You may be interested to understand that this tool is actually a 2-edged, sword-like implement. And with this 2-edged sword, Shamgar killed 600 enemy soldiers. In so doing, he delivered the people of God.

What small piece of earth has the LORD given you to tend?
Do you allow the enemy to pass through unmolested?
Do you realize that you have the same armament in your possession as this hero of the Bible?

And now, what are you going to do with it?

Be encouraged, Jose

New Bible studies from Isaiah and Judges

Friends,

New lessons have been published from both the book of Judges and the book of Isaiah. You'll find them at Bible Study Audio.

Be encouraged, Jose