Be Encouraged

Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV)

Let's face it. we all come and go through seasons of uncertainty, weakness and fear. The arms of flesh and all we own don't match up to the challenge and seasons we are faced with. Some contemplate all sort of destructive options, but to them that believe, there is assurance, there is a promise, there is a righteous right hand to help and uphold in our downtime season.

Take fear out, neither give place to dismay, but receive strength, help and a sure 'right hand' for support through your seasons. He will never fail or forsake you.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Beware the world's embrace

Friends,

When world leaders embrace the men who claim to evangelists, prophets and apostles, we should immediately scrutinize those men closely. At no point in the life of Christ was he truly accepted by the worldly leaders of that time. In fact, it was just the opposite:

John 7:25-26 [NKJV]
Now some of them from Jerusalem said, "Is this not He whom they seek to kill? But look! He speaks boldly, and they say nothing to Him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is truly the Christ?"

Likewise, we should not seek to be accepted into the ruling class of our time. Inevitably, we will have to go against what Christ demands of us in order to gain that acceptance. On the other hand, if we are truly seeking to follow Christ, we should expect to be marginalized as radicals and fools, especially by the ones who are in charge.

Are you a radical follower of Jesus?
Would anyone be able to tell?

As we grow and are transformed into the image of Jesus, we will be confronted and challenged by the world's systems. And we will be storing up eternal treasures. It will not be easy, and will get harder and harder as Christ's return approaches. But the rewards are eternal and without limit.

Be encouraged, Jose

When your friends are suffering

Friends,

The Lord uses many arms to comfort us when we are struggling. He comes to us, of course, in prayer. He speaks to us through His word. And, at times, He sends one of His children to be the bearer of strength and the provider of edification.

Unfortunately, when we are sent to represent the strong arms of Christ, our thoughts and words are vulnerable to being infiltrated by the enemy. And instead of being a source of comfort in times of trouble, we turn into the foot that kicks a brother when he's down. Our brother Job experienced this firsthand.

Job 6:15 [NKJV]
But my brothers are as undependable as intermittent streams,
as the streams that overflow

Now, the "brothers" he was describing weren't really brothers -- or even friends -- at all ... and they certainly weren't there to represent God. They accused Job relentlessly, peppering him with insult after bitter insult. Nevertheless they serve as a cautionary example for those of us who are God's ambassadors on this earth.

Ephesians 5:19 [NKJV]
Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord

These words from Paul should be at the forefront of our heart when we go to offer comfort to one who is suffering and struggling. Instead of harsh accusations, we are to bring the word of God. That is truly the only genuine source of peace, strength and joy for the heart that is hurting.

Be encouraged, Jose

Deep satisfaction

Friends,

Where are searching for satisfaction today? There are easy, pat answers to that question ... family, work, play. But let's get beyond those cliches and dig down to the root of the question.

Will the work you do ever truly be satisfactory? Or will someone always find something to criticize? Maybe the criticism is done to motivate; maybe it's done to strengthen. But the criticism proves that your work will never be fully satisfactory, doesn't it?

Will your spouse fully satisfy you? Your wife may be the love of your life, but she is still an imperfect human being, and mistakes are inevitable. Your husband may be all you ever dreamed of, but he can never be all you truly need.

Psalm 17:15
As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness;
I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness. [NKJV]

There is an easy, almost mindless, agreement when we say that God is the source of our satisfaction. But the hard truth is that we rarely evidence that belief in our daily lives.

Today, sisters and brothers, consider who God is. Consider His infinite love and kindness and holiness. Ask yourself if there is anything or anyone that can possibly match Him.

And then be reminded ...
The Lord has given Himself and all that He is to us. And there is no greater source of satisfaction than to be found in His likeness.

Be encouraged, Jose

In the morning

Friends,

There are times when the sky is dark and threatening; when we are pressed by the enemy's attacks. Be not ashamed of crying out to God. He hears you when you are afflicted and burdened...

Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning,
For in You do I trust;
Cause me to know the way in which I should walk,
For I lift up my soul to You.
-- Psalm 143:8 [NKJV]

Notice that David does not ask God to fast-forward through the night. Rather, the psalmist expects the morning to come; he trusts in the faithfulness of the Lord. And in that morning, brothers and sisters -- indeed on this very morning -- we shall see the great mercy, patience and lovingkindness of our Father, who sent His only begotten Son to redeem us.

Be encouraged, Jose

Blessing to blessing

Friends, consider this song found in the Book of Psalms ...

A Song of Ascents.
Behold, bless the LORD,
All you servants of the LORD,
Who by night stand in the house of the LORD!
Lift up your hands in the sanctuary,
And bless the LORD.
The LORDwho made heaven and earth
Bless you from Zion!

Psalm 134

The writer of this psalms implores the people to "bless the LORD". And in turn, the LORD declares that He blesses His people from His holy place. It is a beautiful exchange, just as children loves their parents, and as parents lavish love and blessings on their children.

If you are seeking that incomprehensible peace and joy, then begin today by giving unrestrained praise and glory to Almighty God. Do this no matter what your present circumstances may appear to be. And without fail, He will shower blessings upon you.

Be encouraged, Jose

Be Eager for Nothing

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God".
Philippians 4:6 (NKJV)

As we embark on another new year, the word here is clear. What are the pressing issues and concerns being contended with? Should we be perturbed and worried like the world? Remember, expending our energies on anxiety and worries will be futile. Such exercises will not increase or expand our stature at all. They will only weaken and assault our faith power. Instead of responding to our concerns the way the world will, let's engage the Creator creatively, making our requests known to Him with thanksgiving and an assurance enveloped in high expectation of His supernatural touch on our situation. Then, our eagerness and anxieties will be replaced by a perfect peace and calm.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi