How you know

Friends,

Dramatic and spectacular events happen the world over, and in our time - more than ever - we can see them unfold before our very eyes. Some are thrilling, others terrifying. But often, their impact is far removed from our daily lives.

Even though they seem more mundane, the daily occurrences that shape our lives are no less compelling and impactful. We must discern the source of these events if we are to know how to respond.

Matthew 7:16 [NKJV]
You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?

What is the fruit of a traffic jam? Is it frustration, anger and hatred? Then the proper response is pray against those spirits, and to release patience and contemplation.
What is the fruit of an overcooked meal? Is it disappointment and resentment? We know that our Lord neither disappoints nor harbors resentment ... so we know that it is part of an attack. So we pray against disappointment and resentment; and we pray for contentment, forgiveness and grace.

The examples are endless. And surely you can see this applied in your life. Do this today, and witness the healing and strengthening of the Holy Spirit.

Be encouraged, Jose

Be a contrast

Friends,

This world is growing ever louder. The sensational and outlandish dominate the news. It seems we've convinced ourselves that one who is the loudest must be telling the truth. And the ones who are the loudest seem to be the ones complaining about their circumstances.

Philippians 2:14-15
Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world. [NKJV]

When we go about our business without complaint, we are setting a powerful example. We set a standard for this crooked and perverse generation.

So we must listen to ourselves today. Are we complaining about our spouse, our boss, or our pay? Do our words betray dissatisfaction and discontentment with what the Lord has provided? Be different. Be shockingly different. Do all things without complaining.

Be encouraged, Jose

Leaving it behind

Friends,

I have been reading of late a book called Cocoon, by Kim Davis. The book's premise is that we can learn many things from the transformational process that takes the unique life of a caterpillar into the amazing wonder that is the butterfly. There are important lessons for our walk with Christ in this transformation. The caterpillar has been provide everything it needs to become a butterfly, but it must surround itself by the protective cocoon and give up its old life of crawling in order to achieve flight.

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
2 Corinthians 3:18 [NKJV]

You and I are commanded to be conformed into the image of Christ Jesus. To cling to our old life is to refuse the gift of new life that Christ promises. It is no less than a raised fist of rebellion in the face our Lord.

Are you shedding that old life? Are you leaving the old man behind? Are you truly walking in the new life of the fully devoted follower of Jesus?

Embrace the New Life, brothers and sisters!

Be encouraged, Jose

Find the book at Kenny Davis Ministries

Friendships

Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NKJV)

We have been made alive by his grace for specific purposes and mission. Particularly to a recalcitrant and suspicious world, and to engage the world to bringing all souls to the knowledge of the truth and salvation. Our Lord taught and acted as a role model. His strategy was a no-brainer (simple but full of heavenly wisdom). To cultivate friendship, you must be friendly, friendly for Kingdom purposes, friendly for the right reasons. Because we are the light of the world and the salt of the earth.

No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.
John 15:14-16 (NKJV)

It is part of our mandate, we must build life-changing, character-forming, and Kingdom focused and purposeful relationships and friendships. It is in the Kingdom's interest that we do that always.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi