We do well to heed

Friends,

With so much competing for attention, it is imperative that we be reminded that the Lord is speaking to us. And we He does, it is critical that we listen, hear and obey.

2 Peter 1:19
And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; [NKJV]

It's far too easy to be distracted, to allow the voice of God to be drowned out. No one is immune from this. So be purposeful and intentional about hearing the Lord's word, seeking out His wisdom, and demonstrating your devotion to the Savior.

Be encouraged, Jose

About Him

5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. 8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.
1 Corinthians 3:5-7(NKJV)

What is the son of man that you O Lord are mindful of him. It is not just the works of our hands that provides for us but the grace and divine increase that comes from God. While it is important that we work and be diligent in nurturing and watering of the works of our hands, the unseen part is where divine favor, mercy, grace and increase comes upon that which we have planted and watered.

So while our part and role cannot be discounted, we must work diligently while it is day before the night comes when no one can work. Therefore its no really about us but Him who gives increase and is forever faithful.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

No Sleeping

1 But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.
6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.
1 Thessalonians 5:1-2,6 (NKJV)

The swiftness and constant change of values in our society calls for concern. Long held biblical beliefs and the Family unit as we know it has come under intense and sustained attack on all sides. The very foundation of God's plan for man and the world have been confronted too. Seems we have a determined and relentless foe. To take our eyes off the ball will be too costly and devastating.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV)

Can we really afford indolence, care-free and a disconnected lifestyle when it comes to Kingdom agenda? We have too much at stake. Sleeping and Carousing and meddling with things with no eternal value is not an option, rather let us be sober and vigilant and walk our walk of faith with our all.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

A load of benefits

Friends,

What have you experienced today?
The Lord has directed every one of your steps. He has done so specifically for you.
His generosity and unending love has been demonstrated to you.

Blessed be the Lord,
Who daily loads us with benefits,
The God of our salvation! Selah
Psalm 68:19 [NKJV]

Regardless of how our finite minds have judged, valued or interpreted the events of today, we must remind ourselves of the perfect goodness and kindness of our Heavenly Father.

Be encouraged, Jose

Foolish pride

24 Then you call on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the LORD; and the God who answers by fire, He is God. So all the people answered and said, “It is well spoken.”
1 Kings 18:24 (NKJV)

It is a known truth that God resists the prideful but gives grace to the humble. The requirements and deliverable for the battle and contest at Mount Carmel was read aloud and the people (the jury in this case) give a unanimous and resounding agreement on the deliverable as fair, simple and ok. Fire was to consume the contents of the altar. Deep inside the hearts of the prophets of Baal, they would have been struggling inside of them that this is a task that is beyond what they can perform. How can we bamboozle the people? shall we use the scare tactics or fear factor? Shall we retreat and surrender? No way! that will be a sign of weakness and render us irrelevant to the people we have held captives for generations.... on and on they seem to be struggling in their hearts. The logical conclusion was to surrender and acknowledge the God of Heaven and Earth as the one and only legitimate God for all times and eternity, but pride never gives up in the life of the perishing soul. They proceeded to battle to their ultimate peril.

Does pride have a place in your life? Do you take on challenges on your own without surrendering them to God? Pride usually precedes a big fall, but the humble is smart in his/her doings by acknowledging and releasing their all to God.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Meant to cause a change

Friends,

the LORD uses a remarkable event to demonstrate that His hand is upon His servant Daniel. He endows Daniel with the wisdom to accurately interpret King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, even though the king refuses to describe it to him. Daniel proclaims the reason behind this miracle to the king's court:

Daniel 2:30 [NKJV]
But as for me, this secret has not been revealed to me because I have more wisdom than anyone living, but for our sakes who make known the interpretation to the king, and that you may know the thoughts of your heart.

The miracle was for the king. And sadly, the king never acknowledges that the LORD is truly the Lord. He never repents of his idolatry and paganism. And he never recognizes his sinfulness or his need for redemption.

This is the danger we are faced with ... we have seen the handiwork of God but we do not change our hearts.

Sisters and brothers, do not let the mighty works of Christ be in vain. You have experienced His blessing and His divine disruptions. They are meant to change your heart.

Be encouraged, Jose

A true light for all mankind

Friends,

We are as different from the world as Light is different from Darkness. There is no comparison. For light is so very much more than the absence of darkness. And in that great difference is a tremendous opportunity.

Ephesians 5:8 [NKJV]
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light

As believers, we are more than just a light for a dark and fallen world. We are the very essence of light and illumination and revelation. For as the sun reveals what was hidden during the night, so our words and actions - when they are in obedience to Christ - reveal the sin and decay that is hidden by the world. The world believes that it is okay. The unbelievers are convinced that they have either me the standard of righteousness or that no such standard exists. We know differently, and our walk must exemplify that knowledge.

When it does, we are a living, breathing representation of the Good News of Christ. Don't miss this opportunity! Walk as a child of light.

Be encouraged, Jose

Attention & Focus

9 And so it was, when they had crossed over, that Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask! What may I do for you, before I am taken away from you?”
Elisha said, “Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.”
10 So he said, “You have asked a hard thing. Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if not, it shall not be so.” 11 Then it happened, as they continued on and talked, that suddenly a chariot of fire appeared with horses of fire, and separated the two of them; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
12 And Elisha saw it, and he cried out, “My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen!” So he saw him no more...
2 Kings 2:9-12 (NKJV)

It was the penultimate moment. There was going to be a separation between these two brothers that have walked with each other closely. Elijah was to be taken away while leaving Elisha behind. Elijah asked to be excused, he asked for some privacy and some personal moments. Elisha wouldn't have any of that. He understood the urgency and criticality of the time at hand. The present for him held so much stake for tomorrow, hence he refused to slumber and sleep on the moment.

Our daily encounter ought to remind us of the swift transition, hence the need to seize the moment at all times. A short attention span to the things of the Kingdom can be perilous, lets keep the focus on Him at all times.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

A purposed heart

Friends,

It's the rare person who makes a conscious decision to sin. Certainly, a believer whose profession is true would never willfully choose to sin. We might have succumbed to temptation or sinned out of ignorance, but that is a different heart than one who simply doesn't care.

To grow further, though, requires a more decisive stance:

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
Daniel 1:9 [NKJV]

Daniel's life is characterized by a a daily expression of courageous obedience. This was no accident. His obedience was active, not passive. He made a decision to obey. He purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself.

What is your purpose today? Is it to get through the day? Is it to be get everything done on the list? Have you purposed to obey and not to be defiled? Have you purposed to heed the voice of the Lord?

It is perhaps the most important agreement you can make!

Be encouraged, Jose