Trust in the Lord

Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, Which cannot be moved, but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, So the LORD surrounds His people from this time forth and forever.
Psalm 125:1-2 (NKJV)

No leaf falls off of a tree without the knowledge of the Creator. If lesser creations commands His attention, how much more we that are created in His image. Those who put their trust in the Lord never fades away, they never go into extinction but abide forever. No matter how strong the tides, currents and elements of life, trusting in the Lord makes us immovable with firm foundation.

It is in our best interest to trust in Him with all our heart and never to lean on our own understanding.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Then arose such a clatter

Friends,

The other day, I was doing some yard work when such chatter came from behind me that I had to turn and see what was the matter. It seemed as though all of the squirrels and chipmunks in the town had something to say ... all at once. It was a massive red-tailed hawk, with a 5-foot wingspan and hungry eyes, that had all of them spooked. In that moment, the Lord reminded me of a few points of comparison. Like all comparisons, this is an imperfect illustration, but I humbly request your grace in this matter.

James 2:19b -- NKJV
Even the demons believe - and tremble!

Chipmunks and squirrels can be adorable little creatures. Their round, furry faces and boundless energy can be mesmerizing. But allow one into your house, and you'll be shocked by the degree and depth of destruction that they bring. Lampshades, curtains, upholstery, carpet... all will be ruined by their claws. Sin, also, has its attraction. But let it into your house and destruction is sure to follow.

And then there is the hawk. He (or she) swooped silently through the afternoon air. His strength was unmistakable, his eyes missing nothing. And the fuzzy rodents were petrified. So it is with the Spirit of our Lord as He moves in our life. He sees all things, and the cute and convenient sins in our life will rise their voices in protest against His goodness and conviction.

But the Spirit has infinite strength and patience. He will prevail over our flesh and the sin that so easily resides there. And through the battle, we can stand in appreciation and awe at His wondrous power.

Be encouraged, Jose

He hears them

Friends,

This Sabbath morning, we are experiencing the remnants of Tropical Storm Hanna, with a stiffening breeze and a steady rain. By the time she finishes her visit, the weather guessers experts predict up to 4 or 5 inches of rain to fall on our fair land. It's quite a contrast with the hot, dry weather we've been having over the past several weeks. My wife remarked that the flowers and trees and grasses are rejoicing, which got me thinking. The Lord did not give the plants vocal cords. He did not give them arms to raise, or mouths with which to sing. So, while they will surely flourish with the much needed rain, they won't be "rejoicing."

Or will they?

But He answered and said to them, I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.
Luke 19:40 -- NKJV

The Spirit brought these words to mind to remind me that all of His creatures have a voice. Just because that voice is not perceivable by my limited senses does not mean that it is out of the reach of His. In fact, the grasses -- and the crabgrass -- are rejoicing with this rainfall. He hears their voice, just as clearly as He hears ours.

So today let us look at what surrounds with a new eye. See how the Creator provides for His creation. And let us join that creation in praise for an Almighty God who showers blessings upon His Kingdom.

Be encouraged, Jose

Liberty for works

Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.
Galatians 5:1 (NKJV)

Our value is not of an earthly currency or pay per hour, day, month or year. The price fully paid by the cost of Calvary gives a clear description of what we are worth. This value has ‘Liberty’ as part of its priceless features, one that we must guard and stand firmly on in the face of rising temptations and compromising values of our present world.

For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
Galatians 5:13 (NKJV)

Our price has been fully paid; our liberty in the Lord must be channeled for good works and not as an opportunity to walk back into bondage in the guise of passing pleasures. To whom much has been given, much is also expected.

Be Encouraged,

Afolabi

Prayer Time

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. Matthew 6:6 [KJV]

Prayer time is an important time for each of us. We must commune with God consistently in order to get direction. He is the GPS (God Positioning System) that we need in order to navigate this life. He wants us to know that we can count on Him to provide proper and safe directions through all our trials and tribulations. But, let's not make it a big show as we read the verse above.

Prayer time is a quiet time where we get in touch with the true God. He wants to provide the evidence of our prayer and if we are praying loudly for attention, then we have the reward knowing that others know that we pray. Instead, He would love to commune with us privately and reward us openly for that private time together. So the next time you set aside some prayer time, be sincere and honest that this is just for you and God and pour your heart out to Him. He is able to take our heartfelt prayer and make a real reward for us. There is no substitute.

Be Encouraged,

Martin

It must be God

Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, Who only does wondrous things!
Psalm 72:18 (NKJV)

Ever wondered how the Lord performs and works? His ways no man can determine, but to His chosen ones, He makes His ways known like He did to the Children of Israel. The above Psalm makes a good attempt at summarizing God... He is faithful and a never changing God whose works are simply wonderful. His works no man can claim ownership, as the orchestration simply shows a divine footprint.

Bless the LORD, all His works,In all places of His dominion. Bless the LORD, O my soul!
Psalm 103:22 (NKJV)

When the impossible, least likely, and improbable happens, you know its not by our own power or might, but by His grace and power. When it is God, it is appropriate to bless Him with all we have.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

As clouds gather

Friends,

As I write this, residents of the coastal towns in Louisiana have fled their homes. Hurricane Gustav is already battering the shores with storm surges, heavy rain and fierce winds... and the worst is yet to come. No one knows what kind of damage will result, but few are taking any chances this time around.

It is times like this that remind me that we are far from the invincible masters of the universe that we pretend to be. We make cities and towns as though nothing can tear down what we build, as if the days will always be sunny. Why do we ignore the words of Christ?

Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.
Matthew 7:24-25 [NKJV]

Every life will experience hardships, great and small. But it is the one whose life is founded in Christ that can withstand those blows. A heart that is in Jesus will feel the highs and lows of life, but will always be comforted and strengthened by the presence of His Spirit.

Be encouraged, Jose