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

Time dimension

22 “While the earth remains,

Seedtime and harvest,

Cold and heat,

Winter and summer,

And day and night

Shall not cease.”

Genesis 8:22 (NKJV)

After the destruction of the first flood, and Noah's offering, Jehovah declared that man and living things will not be destroyed again but held steady the above natural laws that remains till today.

The time dimension is sacred and remains firm irrespective of what we believe or not. Even the Creator by His word is bound by this. Our lives must respect these laws and our pursuit must take them into consideration to fulfill our purpose and destiny.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Intimidation of reality

There we saw the giants (the descendants of Anak came from the giants); and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.
Numbers 13:33 (NKJV)

The legitimate and illegitimate concerns that confronts us daily can be staggering, taunting and intimidating. The Israeli spies except Joshua and Caleb were intimidated by what they saw (reality) that they instantly gave a verdict on themselves thus self-inflicting and aborting their destiny and potential.

In reality, we will be tested but the grace of God ever remains sufficient. No matter how harassing, and intimidating your realities are, they must not define your scope and abilities, rather your connection to the vine should define your potential and abilities for His glory.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Searching for the Donkeys

Now the donkeys of Kish , Saul's father, were lost. And Kish said to his son Saul, Please take one of the servants with you, and arise go and look for the donkeys.
1 Samuel 9:3 (NKJV)

The struggles and rigors of life often get us to the point of receding in our march towards our life’s goals and objectives. We wonder if going on will make any difference at all. Kish told Saul to search for his lost donkeys. In obedience, Saul embarked on a search that took him through Mount Ephraim to the land of Shalisha and Shalim with no success in sight. (Some move from nation to nation, career to career, business to business, etc with no success in sight).

When they had come to the land of Zuph , Saul said to his servant who was with him, Come, let us return, lest my father cease caring about the donkeys and become worried about us.
1 Samuel 9:5 (NKJV)

Saul thought of giving up, but instead he persevered and traveled to Ramah, and encountered his destiny. There Samuel anointed him to be Captain over Israel . A ‘donkey search’ turned into a ‘Captain’s Anointment’. Are you searching for donkeys? Have year’s of efforts produced little or no results? Are you contemplating giving up? Saul almost did, but he went the extra mile and collided with his destiny. That’s why you must not give up.

Obedience to the Lord Almighty is crucial to reaching our God-ordained destiny in life. Holding fast to hope puts faith in action and brings about the manifestation of His work in us.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi