Doing Life Together

Two is better than one is a saying that we have heard all our lives. Working together as a team makes the work go faster and seem easier. When we attempt to do life alone, we can get caught up in how we can make everything happen for us. As we all have learned, that is truly not the case. We cannot make anything happen and we often fall victim to circumstance. We all have to remember that we must have at least one partner in life and that is Christ. Once we pair up with Him, He can lead us to other partners, friends and teammates. I truly believe that as Christ helps us through the hard times, He also brings people along side us to keep us strong and inspire us to keep going. I am reminded of a verse from Ecclesiates 4.

Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. Ecclesiates 4:9 [KJV]

Be encouraged,

Martin

Looking forward

Friends,

The present age is full of all kinds of struggles, hardships and obstacles. We are pitted against a sinister enemy who plans everyday to steal, kill and destroy. But we know that the enemy's days are numbered. And when we experience that final victory, the elders of our church will look upon us and say ...

They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. -- An elder, from Revelation 7:16-17 [NKJV]

When the difficulties of this life become overwhelming, it is helpful re-envision this scene. It is already accomplished. And each brings us closer to the moment that we are privileged to walk in it.

Be encouraged, Jose

More from Isaiah and Judges

Friends,

The latest sessions from our studies of Isaiah and of Judges have been published. Also, it was brought to my attention that several of the sessions from Isaiah were not playing correctly. The problem was a typo in my programming, which has since been fixed.

Please visit Bible Study Audio to listen to these lessons.

Be encouraged, Jose

No surprise ... How the world sees us

Friends,

Christians around the world continue to endure persecution. Here in the United States, what we are subjected to is barely a nuisance compared to the physical torment that our brethren experience in other countries. Nonetheless, being the butt of jokes, being ridiculed and shouted down, and being scrutinized for every slip-up is all part of the suffering which comes being part of the Body of Christ.

1 John 3:13 [NKJV]
Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you.

We are admonished to expect this treatment. It is evidence that the world is at war with Christ, just as our Lord told us it would be. We can look forward to His victory and ours.

Be encouraged, Jose

Yes we can

4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 5 Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
1 John 5:4-5 (NKJV)

It is not your common cliche or present political slogan making the rounds. We know that flesh and blood will not inherit the Kingdom of God, neither will corruption take over incorruption, Never!!! But whatever is born of God is setup and poised for victory over the challenges of life, not because of physical, mental or any other abilities, but because the supernatural has come to dwell and operate with the natural.

To be an overcomer, the recipe is simple, you only need to believe that Jesus is the Son of God and He is what He says He is. To all the challenges and dramas that life can throw at us, we have the overcomer spirit to take us over the top. Walk your faith and let God play His role.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Not in vain

15 My son, if your heart is wise, My heart will rejoice—indeed, I myself; 16 Yes, my inmost being will rejoice When your lips speak right things. Do not let your heart envy sinners, But be zealous for the fear of the LORD all the day; 18 For surely there is a hereafter, And your hope will not be cut off.
Proverbs 23:15-18 (NKJV)

God is interested in our fellowship. When we set our hearts to wisdom, we excite heaven. When we exude righteousness, Our Lord rejoices at our Kingdom stance. Though doing this may be unpopular, politically incorrect and not savvy in the eyes and minds of the present age, but our choice of love, righteousness and godliness will not go unnoticed. Even when the freethinkers, sinners and 'anything goes' folks flourish, it must not rock our resolve for righteous living, but our daily walk must remain in the path and fear of the Lord.

Keep up the faith, 'For surely there is a hereafter, And your hope will not be cut off'.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

The work that must be done

Friends,

Each man has a job and a calling. And each man is called upon, at times, to do work outside of that calling.

Nehemiah 3:32
And between the upper room at the corner, as far as the Sheep Gate, the goldsmiths and the merchants made repairs. [NKJV]

Have you been asked to do something for your fellowship that is outside of your "official capacity" ... whatever that might be? Have you resisted the work simply because you believe that it does not fall within your designated role?

The goldsmiths and the merchants (and in other verses, the priests and the nobles) were all called upon to make repairs to the walls of Jerusalem. It did not matter what their job was or what their title was. The work needed to be done. Those that heard and obeyed were blessed to participate in what God was doing.

We have the same opportunities today. The work often lacks prestige. But it does not lack the blessing of Almighty God.

Be encouraged, Jose

Seeking from the Father

Friends,

We do not often discuss the dark side of holidays. Today, we'll hear all manner of "Father's Day" greetings from television personalities, celebrities, politicians, preachers, friends and perhaps even from colleagues.

But sometimes, those words only serve to remind us of difficult times relating to and with our father. Indeed, no one can wound a boy or girl like their father. Those wounds cut deep and - for some might - never heal.

What I have learned over these years is that the affirmation and unconditional love that I seek is only available through my Father in heaven.

If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
Matthew 7:11 [NKJV]

Friends, the love you so desperately desire can be found... but only through Christ. When you come to be adopted in the family of God, you are given the gift of a Father who knows & provides for your every need. He gives Himself wholly and unreservedly, and can truly heal the wounds and the hurt.

Be encouraged, Jose

Another study from the book of Judges

Friends,

The latest lesson from the Book of Judges has been published. You'll find the session that covers the start of Chapter 7 at Bible Study Audio. Please be sure to take time to listen and learn!

Be encouraged, Jose

The whole church

Friends,

We are part of a great and mighty thing. Its power is undeniable, though many fear it, ridicule it, ignore it, and deny it.

Ephesians 2:20-21 [NKJV]
... having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord

Never forget, brothers and sisters, that the foundation of this body is Christ. It is not a pastor on TV or in the pulpit of the biggest church in town. It is not the praise band or the most out-spoken member of the congregation.

When we forget that the foundation of the whole church is Jesus, we splinter, argue, divide, and are easily conquered.

When we remember that Christ is our cornerstone and source, we are more than conquerors.

Be encouraged, Jose

Keep pressing

12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12-14 (NKJV)

We strive, we try and gain grounds, but in some instances we drop the ball. Being formed in our Adamic nature, a naturally rebellious DNA, it is easy and convenient to slide back into sin and iniquity. The enemy within whispers constantly.... you need a break, you are human, you can't, etc. All the lies of discouragement and deceit. These antics and episodes of the past is what we must put behind daily, but pressing forward to the mark of perfection, pursuing all righteousness and the prize of the upward call in Christ Jesus.

This is a good goal and mission statement. Keep pressing towards the goal set forth in the above scripture. With our eyes set on the prize, we will easily identify the distractions of life and see them for what just they are. Keep pressing and

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Our peace

Friends,

There is an ongoing search within the heart of every person. Some people are aware of this search. Others are not. But regardless of whether we acknowledge this quest, it is part of who we are. It is a desire ... a deep longing ... for peace. Some men chase it through "self-awareness" while other expect to find it in conquest. There are as many attempts as there are people. And all of them will lead to the same dead-end.

There is only one correct path.

Ephesians 2:4 [NKJV]
For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation,

There is only correct path, because there is really only one destination that is truly peaceful -- full of peace. Not all roads lead to it. Only the way of Christ leads to Christ. He is our peace.

Be encouraged, Jose

Bible studies from Isaiah and Judges

Friends,

Studies from the past several weeks are now available for listening. Please be sure to visit Bible Study Audio so that you can hear what God has to say through his prophets.

Be encouraged, Jose

Promises of obedience

Friends,

Genesis 27:1
Then Isaac called Jacob and blessed him, and charged him, and said to him: “You shall not take a wife from the daughters of Canaan. [NKJV]

When the Lord called us into His Kingdom, the invitation came with a requirement. That requirement was that we are no longer to be bound and tied to the worldly and carnal priorities. We must no longer seek comfort, strength, love, peace and fulfillment from the world. Rather we are seek those things from the only One who can truly provide them unconditionally and unfailingly ... Christ.

That is why, so many thousands of years ago, Isaac admonished Jacob not seek a wife from the Canaanites. Over and over, the LORD commanded Israel to refrain from making covenants, and treaties with the various people of Canaan. He knew that the Canaanites would draw His people away from Him.

We are faced with the same challenge and temptations. When we form deep relationships with the things of this world, we invite them to be a wedge between us and our Father. And that is why we, too, are admonished not to do so. If we obey this command, we enjoy the promises that were made to our forefather Jacob.

Be encouraged, Jose

Connection

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 5:1-8 (NKJV)

The existence of life hinges on a source of livelihood. Through this source flows all the means of life, nourishment, and energy needed to blossom and flourish. To be disconnected from a renewal or replenishment source only prescribes extinction in a matter of time. The power of connection, 'the right connection' is a prerequisite and necessary condition for fulfilling purpose and destiny. The knowledge of this simple truth can release and set us forth to a life of fulfillment.

Are you connected to the Creator and Maker? Are you connected to a vibrant body of believers? These connections are crucial for reaching our full potential and fulfillment. Never go it alone, remain connected to the Vine and you will never risk extinction or withering and decaying without trace.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Right option

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
John 10:10 (NKJV)

The strategy and end game of the adversary is the same. No matter how beneficial and attractive the package of the adversary is, his goal is to steal (steal what's not theirs), kill (kill the potential and abilities of God's talent in man) and destroy (destroy the fruits, and symbols of faith, life). We must not be ignorant of the whims and caprices of our common foe. We must resist him and reject his options for a better one.

The Lord came that we may have life in abundance. Why settle for the passing pleasures that our temporary with hidden destruction.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Why he raised us

Friends,

The Lord does nothing in vain. Everything He does has a purpose.

So why, then, did He raise us up to eternal life?
Why bestow such an incomprehensible gift on creatures who have betrayed and disobeyed Him?

The answers, brothers and sisters, is found here:

... and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
-- Ephesians 2:6-7 (emphasis added), NKJV

The simplistic answer is that Almighty God has done a wondrous work. He wants all of creation to know it.

You and I are His prized possession ... His trophy. He chose us and wants there to be no mistake about it. And He wants all to know that this gift's value is beyond measure.

Be encouraged, Jose

The song of Deborah

Friends,

At the Bible Study Audio website, there are two studies from the book of Judges, chapter 5. These two studies go deep into the song of Deborah... which reminds Israel of the great victories that God has won; which reminds Israel of its great cowardice when confronted by a defeated enemy; and which reminds Israel of the unending faithfulness of our Lord.

We are God's people. We are Israel. And these reminders are for you and me. Invest the time to learn from this great song at Bible Study Audio.

Be encouraged, Jose

More of Him

25 Then there arose a dispute between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purification. 26 And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified—behold, He is baptizing, and all are coming to Him!”
27 John answered and said, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. 28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent before Him.’ 29 He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease.
John 3:25-30 (NKJV)

John played his role according to the divine script of heaven. He introduced the Savior to the world as he declared it to his disciples and all. He stressed that the focus and Star of all times is Jesus Christ the King of kings and Son of God. He must be the focus of our attention and pivot of our life. Any attempt to make Him (Jesus Christ) the side attraction and not the 'Main attraction' must be resisted and discouraged. His Kingdom cause must grow, flourish and blossom unhindered. .

We cannot share the stage with the Maker. It will be silly and dumb to do that. More of Him, less of us.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Worship as a lifestyle

Over the weekend, I was at church service and the subject was worship. The minister that brought the message made some interesting points including that worship is a lifestyle and not just an action. For me, that resonated with one of my favorite greeting questions, "How you living?" So based on the message, maybe the good answer is "worshipping God with my whole being" or something to that effect, but you get the picture.

Another point is that if worship is a lifestyle, then that encompasses more than singing. Now, I have been a believer for a while and attending different services, but I will tell you that this truly the first time I heard this subject from the pulpit. I was surprised after I thought about the message and the subject, but sometimes there are many things in this walk that we take for granted and must really pray our vision past the obvious to see the truth.

The subject verse was the following: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:1-2 [KJV]

Be Encouraged

Martin