The outcome

Friends,

We hear so many messages each day. Most are fueled by the desire to influence our behavior. Before we heed the advice of our friends, no matter how well-intentioned it may be, it is imperative that we understand the consequences of that suggested course of action.

You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.
Matthew 7:16-18 [NKJV]

Our friends and family probably do not wish to guide us towards harm. But their words might do just that. Only the voice of Christ can be relied upon to lead. His words will always lead to life, to joy, to peace. Listen for it.

Be encouraged, Jose

The yoke of our Lord

Friends,

The path to true rest and peace is Christ Jesus. When burdens are heavy and the circumstances of life become overwhelming, we know that we can rest in Jesus. We know that we do not walk alone.

Matthew 11:28-30
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. [NKJV]

We quote these famous verses so easily, but have we stopped to examine what our Lord is really saying? What is this yoke that He calls us to take?

Luke 9:23
Then He said to them all, If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. [NKJV]

The only way to find the relief that we so desperately seek is to take up Christ's yoke ... the cross. Deny the self and live only for the Lord. Obey His voice, and not the voice of the world. The Law that Jesus has fulfilled is not a heavy burden for those who walk according to the Spirit.

Be encouraged, Jose

Closer than ever before

Friends,

This past weekend, my wife and I were talking about how we have both been somewhat lax in our prayer life. It is not that we have neglected to go to the the Lord in all matters. But rather, we have been busily talking to God, but not diligent and purposeful in listening to Him.

But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.
1 Peter 4:7 [NKJV]

Brothers and sisters, the LORD has promised that He will bring an end to all things, and that He will bring all men before Him to give an account. The time is now; we haven't a moment to lose! Stop and be purposeful to find the time ... each day ... to listen for what the LORD is saying to you.

Be encouraged, Jose

Tended by God's Hand

Friends,

In the Old Testament, the Lampstand symbolizes how the Lord illuminates His Word and Law. It was hidden in the Most Holy Place, and gave light to the room in which the Ark of the Covenant resided. It shone on the wall and revealed God's judgment upon Belshazzar, king of the Chaldeans (see Daniel 5). When the LORD introduces the Lampstand, He gives specific instructions as to how it was to be tended and replenished with oil by the priests.

Later in the Old Testament, we read that Zechariah had a vision in which the Lampstand appeared, flanked by two olive trees ...

Then I answered and said to him, “What are these two olive trees—at the right of the lampstand and at its left?” And I further answered and said to him, “What are these two olive branches that drip into the receptacles of the two gold pipes from which the golden oil drains?”
Zechariah 4:11-12 [NKJV]

There are no human priests tending the Lampstand in Zechariah's vision. Instead Almighty God has placed, by His Own Hand, two olive trees on either side. The LORD has taken direct responsibility for illuminating His Word to His prophets and His people.

This is an important lesson for all of us who are called to be Christ's followers. No longer can we abdicate our responsibility for discerning the will of God by believing that only "certain" people can understand it. And no longer can "certain" people claim that revelation is theirs and theirs alone. Revelation has been ... and is being given ... by the LORD.

Seek it, brothers and sisters, and hear the voice of Christ!

Be encouraged, Jose

Ready for Trumpets?

Friends,

Throughout scripture, the LORD has used trumpets to symbolize His voice. In these last days, our thoughts are easily drawn to the book of Revelation where the sound of trumpets announce the return of Christ. But, the trumpets are much more than this.

And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying:
Make two silver trumpets for yourself; you shall make them of hammered work; you shall use them for calling the congregation and for directing the movement of the camps.
Numbers 10:1-2 [NKJV]

Every day, we must listen for the sound of trumpets. We must be ready to hear His voice calling us to gather, to move, to rest, and to act. Those trumpets could be in the form of your what you learned in Bible study. Or they can be heard in the voice you her in your heart during moments of prayer. The LORD's trumpets might even be heard in the changing of a traffic light from green to red.

Sisters and brothers, listen closely for the trumpets. The LORD is always speaking ... He neither sleeps nor slumbers. And He neither leaves us nor forsakes us. So, it is for us, His sheep, to listen for His voice and heed it.

Be encouraged, Jose