Friends,

We are naïve if we believe that we are immune from persecution and trouble. The world hates Christ. Therefore the world hates the followers of Christ. We should not be surprised when the violence of muslims and atheists is condoned with silent appeasement. We should not be surprised when the slaughter of Christians is accepted as left unchallenged.

But this will not last forever, brothers and sisters. The LORD has told us what is coming ...

The nations have sunk down in the pit which they made;
In the net which they hid, their own foot is caught.
The LORD is known by the judgment He executes;
The wicked is snared in the work of his own hands.
Psalm 9:15-16

Be not intimidated nor afraid. Fear not the persecution of this world. Look ahead to the coming victory of the Lord Jesus Christ!

Be encouraged, Jose

The Father's Business

And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.
Matthew 11:12 (NKJV)

The above scripture resonates with the ferocity, fierceness and urgency of now in today's world. The kingdom of heaven suffers violence and is not taken by timidity, nor with a siddon-look (Sit down and look) approach. Rather it is taken with force. Our world is hounded on all sides with old and recycled failed gimmicks and lies, kingdoms are re-positioning themselves and aggressively pursuing their agenda with passion and commitment. Can the believer stay aloof and stand akimbo thinking the Kingdom of heaven will reign here without raising a finger? Far from it.

Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12-14 (NKJV)

The alternative kingdoms will not let down and are relentless. Believers like Apostle Paul did, ought not opt for slumber nor sleep. As we count down to the end of the year and usher in the new year, we must be about our Father's business.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi