Return now

Friends,

For too long, God's people have wandered about listlessly. We have ignored the clear and consistent voice of our God and King.

Come, and let us return to the LORD;
For He has torn, but He will heal us;
He has stricken, but He will bind us up.
Hosea 6:1 [NKJV]

Are His chastisements in vain?
Must His rebukes continue to fall on deaf ears?

Sisters and brothers, the Lord is longsuffering and abundant in mercy. He is also holy and completely righteous. If we are who we claim to be, then we must obey His call that we repent from worldliness.

Let today be the day that we walk according to the Spirit of God.

Be encouraged, Jose

Why are you dirty?

Friends,

Although we have been cleansed of our sin by the blood of Christ, our journey through this world gets us dirty. And the enemy will be close by to remind us -- and God -- of our stumbles.

Zechariah 3:1-3 [NKJV]
Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to oppose him. And the LORD said to Satan, "The LORD rebuke you, Satan! The LORD who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?"
Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and was standing before the Angel.

The "brand plucked from the fire" refers specifically to a tool that is used to stoke and stir up a fire. As you use the tool, it gets charred and blackened by the burning wood. The Father sees this and rebukes Satan for using it to slander the saints.

But I found myself convicted by this verse. Does the mud and muck that soils my heavenly garments come as a result of serving the Kingdom or from serving me? And can't we all ask ourselves the same question?

Brothers and sisters, let us resolve to serve the Kingdom and not ourselves. Let the dirt and filth be the result of striving to serve the Lord Almighty.

Be encouraged, Jose

Wisdom for good success

It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise than for a man to hear the song of fools.
Ecclesiastes 7:5 (NKJV)

When things go your way and success surrounds your undertaking, rejoice for it delights the Lord that you succeed in your doings. While you bask in the fruit of your labor, be cautious of the numerous attractions of success. Not all praise singers or even toys we have the resources to acquire with the fruits of labor is beneficial or are in line with our interest. We must sift the chaff from the wheat. When your running-over blessings manifest and God's glory exposes you, the hangers-on will come, the praise singers will triple, the stomach-driven folks will create a new friendship or followership in you.

Wisdom is good with an inheritance, and profitable to those who see the sun. For wisdom is a defense as money is a defense, but the excellence of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to those who have it.
Ecclesiastes 7:11 (NKJV)

Wisdom gives life to them that have it. We can manage all the seasons of life with wisdom from above. Do you have it? Ask the one who gives wisdom and understanding.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi