Is your faith in man?

Friends,

As politicians and pundits ponder various paths out of these persistent economic doldrums, any man would be tempted to look to his boss, his employer, his governor, his senator or his president for results. It is natural to want to rely on these persons of authority. It is natural for the people to place their confidence in their leaders.

But beware ...

Proverbs 25:19
Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble
Is like a bad tooth and a foot out of joint. [NKJV]

Humans are unreliable and flawed and limited. We cannot provide any genuine assurance that this option or that one option will solve our problems. None of us can set a standard for thought, word or action that will stand up to every circumstance. And when those we rely upon inevitably fail, we find that we can no longer walk or run with strength and purpose. All we can do is limp back to a place of safety.

This pattern repeats itself year after year. At some point, perhaps we will learn to place our confidence not in man or institutions, but in the Eternal and Almighty God.

Be encouraged, Jose

Bible studies updated

Friends,

There are new studies on the Bible Study Audio website. You'll find two new sessions from our study of Mark and another from our study of Romans. I pray you are blessed by them.

Be encouraged, Jose

Praise Forevermore

Friends,

As we wrap up the week, and slow down for Sabbath rest, let these words be on our hearts, minds, and lips ...

I will praise You, O LORD, with my whole heart;
I will tell of all Your marvelous works.
I will be glad and rejoice in You;
I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.
Psalm 9:1-2 [NKJV]

Be encouraged, Jose

Kingdom-Driven

19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.
Matthew 6:18-20 (NKJV)

There's no doubt we are driven by our inner desires and motives. What we treasure drives our intent. A 'rational' business-minded person invests for gain and not deliberate loss, waste and destruction. Our hearts are drawn towards our object(s) of affection, in short our treasures.... what we hold so important and of high value. Some things will rust and be decimated by the elements and deliberately destroyed by man.

Why would one want to be setup and lay up one's treasure for destruction and decimation? Are you Kingdom-driven?

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

That which survives

Friends,

Our world has a strange habit of celebrating, idolizing and worshiping things that are marked for destruction. Celebrities. Championships. Big Money Contracts. Annual Awards. The world does this in spite of what is already declared: these things will be destroyed:

The burden against Egypt.
Behold, the LORD rides on a swift cloud,
And will come into Egypt;
The idols of Egypt will totter at His presence,
And the heart of Egypt will melt in its midst.
Isaiah 19:1 [NKJV]

Throughout scripture, Egypt symbolizes the carnal world from which Almighty God rescues and removes His people. When the LORD returns - and He will return - everything that the world values will be turned to dust. It will not simply pass away ... it will be actively and purposefully destroyed.

Let us repent of joining the world in the worship of these idols. Pay no attention to these things that will not survive the presence of God. Worship only the LORD, in spirit and in truth.

Be encouraged, Jose

Time is not Forever

13 “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.
Matthew 25:13 (NKJV)

The seasons and timing of life never remains the same. The way today is may probably not be the same tomorrow. Many things we take for granted may not be there tomorrow, hence the need for us to seize the moment and work the works of Him and our purpose and calling. The foolish virgins played down the importance and criticality of timing in their lives. They had their priorities upside down and pursued other concerns of life without adequate preparation for the coming Groom. They were too much into career, world news, and all the glitz and glamor of their day, leaving the most important (preparing to meet the groom) and had inadequate preparation for the coming of the bridegroom. The legitimate concerns and cares of life choked their attention and focus on their Lord, and ultimately derailed them from pursuing their purpose and mission in life. While a little slumber and slacking was convenient, they eventually lost out in the end.

The days and time may seem forever, but our timing here is finite and we must pick up the pace, seizing every moment and making it count for the Kingdom of God. Time is short and not forever, let us get about His business.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

A daily review

Friends,

The believer and follower of Christ Jesus has great assurance in the grace given by the Lord. And when our thoughts, words and actions reflect that assurance, then it will be plain to see.

Jesus said ...
Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit.
Matthew 12:33 [NKJV]

If you are known by your fruit, how will you be known? Does the fruit you bear reflect a confidence in Jesus? Does it show that you desire to obey and follow Him?

These are questions that are worth answering every single day.

Be encouraged, Jose