Never stop learning

Friends,

We know that no man, but for Jesus, is perfect. We know that all of us make mistakes, falling short of the glorious and perfect standard set forth for us by a Wise and Omniscient God. These are the facts of the fall. But they are no excuse. We are commanded to learn and grow in the knowledge of the LORD.

Proverbs 1:5
A wise man will hear and increase learning,
And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel [NKJV]

In our world, it seems that the arrogant and conceited are gaining power and authority. But in their arrogance, the intellectual elites have decided that they have all the answers. That they no longer need to humble themselves before the LORD.

We who obey, and who continually seek a deeper intimacy with Christ, will ultimately prevail. We rely on Almighty God for our victory. And when He returns, we who have been humble shall be exalted. And we will throw our crowns at His feet in joyful adoration!

Be encouraged, Jose

Traditions' Heavy Costs

Friends,

Why are you doing what you're doing?

Why are you ...
borrowing money to buy things for people who have more than enough?
exhausting yourself to fulfill the inflated expectations of men?

He answered and said to them,
Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition?
Matthew 15:3 [NKJV]

The LORD commands us to worship only the One True God in Spirit and in Truth. Where in that does one find license to engage in pagan traditions? Is it to keep peace at home? Is it to make sure the in-laws don't get angry?

These traditions are becoming ever-more burdensome, and they are only there to satisfy the demands of mortal men and women. We owe it to our God to forsake those traditions. We owe it to Him because He deserves are full and complete devotion.

Be encouraged, Jose

For good works

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.
2 Corinthians 9:8 (NKJV)

The grace of God is promised in abundance for God's children. The grace to abound in all things resulting in sufficient and more than enough resources to fulfill purpose and accomplish goals. The succeeding abundance is for the expansion and increased capacity for good works and the furtherance of heaven's agenda. The priorities and goals of the grace should not be misconstrued or termed as liberty for self indulgence.

His grace must propel us and increase our propensity to do greater good works. The grace must not be misused.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Authentic worship

Friends,

There is a reason that the many religions which man has developed over the centuries are attractive. Their rituals are emotionally stirring. Their beliefs are soothing and self-reinforcing. They bolster our self-esteem and self-reliance. They give us the illusion of being in control.

But they have all been ended by the ultimate sacrifice performed by the Eternal High Priest. No man-made religion can claim to fully atone for every sin. And even those Christians who are determined to revive the old Judaism must acknowledge the truth of the Scriptures:

Hebrews 7:11
Therefore, if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should rise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be called according to the order of Aaron? [NKJV]

The Levitical priesthood was a critical reminder for God's people of what He had done - and is doing - for them throughout history. But there is no longer a need for that reminder, for Christ is the ultimate work of Almighty God. He is the fulfillment of what the Father promised (expressed through the workings of the Levitical priesthood).

We can apply this to every religion, including those that have no historical relationship with Judaism. They are all attempts to achieve the perfection that Almighty God demands. And every religion has conjured up a way to make up for the inevitable shortfall in that quest for perfection. But again, only Christ is effective in doing so.

Let us not denigrate the work of Jesus by reverting to rituals and ceremonial rites. Worship Him in spirit and truth.

Be encouraged, Jose

Knowing the Agenda

1 “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me,

Because the LORD has anointed Me

To preach good tidings to the poor;

He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,

To proclaim liberty to the captives,

And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;

2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD,

And the day of vengeance of our God;

To comfort all who mourn,

3 To console those who mourn in Zion,

To give them beauty for ashes,

The oil of joy for mourning,

The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;

That they may be called trees of righteousness,

The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.”

4 And they shall rebuild the old ruins,

They shall raise up the former desolations,

And they shall repair the ruined cities,

The desolations of many generations.

Isaiah 61:1-4 (NKJV)

Every organization thrive on its essense of existence. The reason and goal of its existence. This drives the day to day operations and survival instincts of the organization. So with individuals, we ought to be driven by some goals, mission and purpose. Our Lord was not fuzzy about His goal. His agenda was made known in Isaiah even before He was born and was further confirmed in the gospels.

17 And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written:

18 “ The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me,Because He has anointed Me

To preach the gospel to the poor;He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed;

19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.

Luke 4:17-19 (NKJV)

Now the agenda of the Lord is clear. Where in your dreams, hopes, plans and aspirations is God's plan?

Be encouraged,

Afolabi