Don't Forget to Bring God Along

For the army of the Syrians came with a small company of men, and the LORD delivered a very great host into their hand, because they had forsaken the LORD God of their fathers. So they executed judgment against Joash. II Chronicles 24:24 [KJV]

With the story above, the people forgot the Lord.  Israel was in one of their stiff necked periods with God.  They were so excited about who they were and how they got there that they forgot the Lord had been the deliverer and the protector.  As we look back on 2008, we can see some of that in our society.  We have been slowly forgetting that the Lord has brought us to where we are today.  We have not done any of this alone.  But, when we forget to bring God along, we invite trouble (Satan) to come live with us and have control over our lives.  

As we look around, do we see evidence of where we have departed from the ways of God. Do we worship, pray, read, fast, study, help or do any of the basic tenants of our faith?  When we are more concerned with the car, the house, the job, the money, the opinion of others, the power and the prestige we are missing the focus. Brothers and Sisters, I would not have you think that I don't suffer from these as well.  I must get back to making sure that I bring God along or better yet, make sure that God is bringing me along.  I would rather go with Him because He knows that way that I would only guess about.  Let's all commit that in 2009 we will go along with God, wherever He leads.  

Happy New Year to each of you,

Martin

God's Timing

But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:8-9 (NKJV)

The promises have been made, but yet to be fulfilled. Does that mean the Lord is not faithful to His word, Far from it!!! The promises of the Lord are Yeah and they are in Him, Amen. The heavens and earth may pass away but not a single word and promise of His will go unfulfilled. Our Lord is trustworthy, faithful, merciful, gracious and loving even when we fall, fail, and are undeserving and unworthy of receiving anything from Him. He still remains faithful.

Man's time and desires may be for right now, in real time and for instant gratification, but the Lord's fulfillment is perfect timing with a reason, purpose and are everlasting. We must wait for it, as we perfect our repentance in His grace and mercy. At the end, His timing is always the best.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

We are jewels

Friends, consider this passage:

So a book of remembrance was written before Him
For those who fear the LORD
And who meditate on His name.
"They shall be Mine," says the LORD of Hosts,

"On the day that I make them My jewels.
And I will spare them
As a man spares his own son who serves him."
Malachi 3:16b-17 [NKJV]

The LORD of Hosts is how God refers to Himself when He wants to call attention to awesome might and power He has at His disposal. He commands armies made up of awesome creatures, the likes of which are beyond our ability to describe. And as the mighty warrior that He is, the LORD brings His people under His protection.

Almighty God treasures us. He calls us "jewels". He has exercised His authority to designate His people as something special, unique and valuable.

No matter how present circumstances have affected your current situation, remember that nothing in this world can diminish your eternal value.

Be encouraged, Jose

The Light of Christ shines forever

Friends,

The LORD wants to give His people enduring reminders of everything that Christ is. This revelation includes the tabernacle that Israel was instructed to build shortly after receiving the 10 Commandments. Every element of that structure points to Jesus and His redemptive work.

Let's take a look at one small example...

And you shall command the children of Israel that they bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to cause the lamp to burn continually. -- Exodus 27:20 [NKJV]

This lamp stands just outside the Most Holy Place, in room called the Holy Place. It was not visible outside of this room, and yet it was to be lit at all times. In other passages (See Leviticus 16), God commands that the lamp shall be lit using embers taken from the altar... and from nowhere else.

What does this tell us about Christ?

• The Spirit of God is often represented as olive oil throughout the Bible. The fire and passion generated by the Holy Spirit is accurately recognized only by God's people. The world will ridicule it and call it fanaticism. But the Spirit inside of me will recognize the Spirit inside of you.
• The flame cannot burn continually without the intervention of Almighty God. Even the constant attention of men and women will, at some point, fail. But God never fails. So from this, we learn that God commands and God accomplishes. We have a responsibility to obey and respond, but God is the One who makes all things possible. Even the lighting of the lamp is accomplished by the LORD, for the fire under the altar was ignited by God (see Leviticus 9>.
• And, of course, the continual burning of the fire speaks directly to Christ's everlasting presence and reign.

Hopefully, this one symbol will remind each one of us that God's light shines within each of us, and that ... no matter is going on ... He will cause it to shine forever.

Be encouraged,
Jose

Merry Christmas

For every warrior’s sandal from the noisy battle, And garments rolled in blood, will be used for burning and fuel of fire. For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
Isaiah 9:5-7 (NKJV)

His birth heralded the person of Him that was born, His exploits and the grace, mercy, kindness and hope He brings to a hopeless generation and world is unprecedented, He is the one called the Prince of Peace, peace that defies the world's definition of peace. Increase of His kingdom is a required trait and feature and one which is eternal. Even when men even fail to rise up to the fulfillment of these prophesy, the zeal of the Lord Almighty the Father will perform and perfect this. This isn't any mere pronouncement, this is the celebration of life fulfilled and life to come.

May His grace, mercy, joy, love and eternal hope continue to abound with you and yours this season and all through the days of our lives, Amen.

Merry Christmas.

As you also remain encouraged,

Afolabi

Anticipation

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. Luke 2:4-5 [KJV]

The time is almost here. We are all excited or saddened as the day approaches.  We wait anxiously for it to begin or dreadfully for it to be over.  Anticipation can bring about many different emotions depending on what we are waiting on.  Sometimes we are so excited about the events that forthcoming that we can't function properly.  On the other hand, there are events that are coming that bring such a dread that we cannot believe we will ever live through the event.  

God has never given us more than we can bear, but has always be our comfort and confidant in those times.  He knows when the events that are coming give us pause or make us excited beyond belief.  He also knows that the same events mean different things to different people.  

Take Mary and Joseph and the impending birth of Christ.  Both had a different role in the birth and different perspective on how the birth would affect their lives and in the grander scheme of things, the world.  Excitement, fear, hope, sadness, and many diverse emotions come along with anticipation.  Let's not take them for granted, but explore the reasons so that we can better understand and explain what we feel.  

Merry Christmas,

Martin

Staying Power

Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end,
Hebrews 3:12-15 (NKJV)

Many believers today come to the Lord just because of what they can get from Him. When we come to Him with this motive and our desires are not met in a timely fashion, frustration and disappointment sets in and the spirit of unbelief gathers momentum as it draws us away from the living God. Whether our heart’s desires be fulfilled or not, we must not depart from the living God. We must not seek Him for just the toys and bread alone, instead we must seek Him for a real relationship. This requires His grace for staying power. Let’s hold our confidence steadfast to the end for our God is forever faithful.

Be Encouraged,

Afolabi

A day to leave the doors unlocked

Friends,

That glorious day that Christ makes His return is closer than ever before. It might be tomorrow, or next week, or during the lifetime of our great-grandchildren. No man knows - and those that claim to should be viewed with great skepticism - but it is coming. And when that day comes, we will no longer require the protection of alarm systems, deadbolts and barking dogs.

Therefore your gates shall be open continually;
They shall not be shut day or night,
That men may bring to you the wealth of the Gentiles,
And their kings in procession.
Isaiah 60:11 [NKJV]

The gates of a city were its security. When they were open, it meant that the city was open; men could come and go... it was a state of peace and confidence. At night, the gates were locked. That's when troublemakers came out to make their trouble, and locking the city gates helped to keep that trouble away from law-abiding citizens. When the gates were locked, men found protection inside the city walls. On the outside, well you were taking your chances.

But in the day of the Lord, all evil shall be swept away. God's people will no longer need to be protected from thieves and murderers. Instead, we will be free ... FREE ... to live in a constant state of peace, joy and gladness.

Be encouraged,
Jose

The promise will be fulfilled

Friends,

We are a people at war. It is a war that seeks to destroy the only thing that really matters ... our relationship with Christ. Our enemy wages this war using a multitude of weapons: financial struggles, health issues, relationship crises, inner turmoil and torment. These weapons are targeted at the peace and confidence we have in the Lord. They are aimed squarely at our faith.

Although these weapons seem to cause great damage, we must remember that that they have no power of our souls. And we must not lose heart... because we know what is really going on.

The LORD is known by the judgment He executes;
The wicked is snared in the work of his own hands.
Psalm 9:16 [NKJV]

When we see Jehovah exercise judgment, we know that it is Him. Such events remind God's people of His total sovereignty over all creation. They are a stumbling block for non-believers, but they are an encouragement to followers of Christ. And in the end, all of the afflictions, the persecution, and burdens that the world has thrown at us will be laying there... waiting to trap the enemy and be the instrument of God's righteousness.

So do not be afraid, brothers and sisters. And do not get distracted. What is happening today merely sets the stage for the promised event of tomorrow ...

He who testifies to these things says,
Surely I am coming quickly.
Amen.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
Revelation 22:20 [NKJV]

Be encouraged,
Jose

Speak well

For He who would love life and see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil.”
1 Peter 2:10-12 (NKJV)

These are economically challenging times all around the world. Nations, Organizations like families and individuals are cutting back and slicing budgets, stretching their respective amount of resources to keep afloat. Emotions and frustrations of many and even the elect may be challenged to the point of making unconscious statements. But we must be cautious of what words comes out of our mouth. We must guard our tongue from evil speech and words which can come out seamless and somewhat harmless but with destructive and devastating tendencies.

Keep your tongue from evil,And your lips from speaking deceit.
Psalm 34:13 (NKJV)

We cannot be defined by a transient and passing moment of life, hence we must guard and keep our tongue from evil pronouncements and deceitful words. No matter what the situation, our God is and remains faithful.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Bigger Than That

For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. Luke 2:30-32 [KJV]

All along, God had a bigger plan than He was willing to share with us because He knew that we were too limited in our view.  Christ came for all people, Jews and Gentiles.  He was not just the saviour of one people but the Salvation of the World.  He had a much larger mission than we could ever imagine.  His task on the earth was to bring salvation to everyone.  He was bigger than the save the Jews and place them back into prominence.  

We get to a point sometimes where we get in our own way, when we know too much.  God knows that and His Plan is always bigger than that.  He is viewing the world from an eternal view and how everything we do and say, or don't do or won't say will affect the rest of the world.  He has to have a "Bigger Than That" vision so that we can be sure that we are not stopping His Plan from going forth.  That is why there is always someone waiting in the wings to do the job that we are unwilling or too scared to do.  God's vision of this world is bigger than we are in all of our ideas and plans.

Be Encouraged,

Martin

Be Commission-driven

Then He said to them, Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things. Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.
Luke 24:46-49 (NKJV)

When the Lord appeared to them at the time of resurrection, He brought to their remembrance what the ‘great commission’ was… Repentance and remission of sins should be preached only in His name to all nations and we are to be witnesses of these things. You and I have a role to play for the Kingdom. Let’s get busy while its day for night will come when there won’t be strength for work.

We must never lose sight of what our commission is, even in the midst of our daily distractions and attractions. We are to make our lives a living sacrifice and witness to His cause.

Be Encouraged,

Afolabi

We shall be delivered!

Friends,

At that time Michael shall stand up,
The great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people;
And there shall be a time of trouble,
Such as never was since there was a nation,
Even to that time.
And at that time your people shall be delivered,
Every one who is found written in the book.
Daniel 12:1 [NKJV] ... Emphasis added

The news of the past seven days has been enough to make my head spin. Riots in Greece... Billions lost in an investment scandal... Political corruption reaching new heights in brazenness... Corporate executives begging for money from lawyers... Shoes thrown at a head of state... Suffice it say that the 24-hour News Networks have had plenty to talk about.

Our family, like so many others, is wrestling with hard decisions about spending and saving. In that struggle, it's so easy to confuse financial security with eternal security... and to reverse their priority. But this verse, which is the opening line in a remarkable prophesy about God's faithfulness to His people, reminds all of us that our future is secure.

Our Lord has never broken a promise. And Christ has promised a deliverance for us... His church.

Be encouraged, Jose

Worship Christ for who He truly is

Friends,

During this time of year, we are bombarded with symbols of seemingly every type, ranging from the extreme secular to the extreme religious. I guess that now is a good time to be reminded of the danger of worshiping the symbols.

But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation.
Hebrews 9:11 [NKJV]

All of the rituals and symbols that come out at this time of year are man-made. Even the rite of celebrating Christ's birth is entirely a product of man's imagination. The time of year to do so was chosen for various reasons, none of which have any basis in scripture.

Which brings me to my point.

It is just as tempting to get caught up in the religious spectacle of this season as it is to get swept away by the shopping and shipping tasks. When we do, we worship something made by man... we turn our attention away from Jesus. And what's worse is that we do so in the name of God.

Sisters and brothers, Christ must have our undivided attention. Rather than celebrating His humanity, let us worship Him for who He truly is ... the Alpha and Omega, the Redeemer and King of kings, Almighty God.

Be encouraged, Jose

Precious Stone, Stumbling Stone

Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient,“The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone,” and “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.”
1 Peter 2:7-9 (NKJV)

Even as many as have partaken of the grace of God, yet we do fall short of our part and role in the walk of faith. We can choose to remain obedient and operate in the realm of grace and mercy or choose to be disobedient and position ourselves for the curse and stumbling (a not too pretty space to be in).

They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed. But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.
1 Peter 2:8-10 (NKJV)

The same Lord can be different things to you, it only depends on where you stand on the spectrum... obedient or disobedient. Better to be positioned to run to the precious stone that to confront the Rock of offense and stumble to destruction.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Christmas Can Be Everyday

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11 [KJV]

Somewhere as we read this devotion, someone is celebrating the true Christmas of being born again.  Christ has entered another life to free it from sin.  If we have been saved, then we have had our own personal Christmas.  We realize that despite all the actions and items going on in the world today, financial, wars, crimes and corruption, Christ should still be celebrated and held up high.

As this Christmas season comes upon us, let us remember why we celebrate Christmas.  The true and precious gift of Christ was given to the world.  He came so that we might have life everlasting with Him.  As a gift, I would take that over any other item including a new golf club or iPod.  As Christmas can be everyday, let's help someone else realize that Christ is the true way to celebrate Christmas. 

Be Encouraged,

Martin

Think on these things

We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God. For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.
I Thessalonians 1:2-5 (NKJV)

When a soul declares openly its allegiance to the living God, a set of expectations do follow such a declaration to ensure the fruitfulness and usefulness of such soul. As stated in the above scripture, there must be the work of faith, labor of love, patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, and being conscious of one's election by God all of which spurs us to action. The faith walk is a vibrant and active one where idleness and inertia has no place.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Philippians 4:8 (NKJV)

As the hours and minutes go by, what is your work of faith and labor of love? Do you exercise patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ when things don't go too well? What goals are higher than just achieving worldly feats for you? Let the answers to these things drive us to service to reach all for the Kingdom and God's love.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Remember to believe

Friends,

It seems as though the news is getting worse by the day. As for me, personally, I'm finding it easy to get discouraged... far too easy.

For what if some did not believe?
Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect?
Romans 3:3 [NKJV]

This is my reminder. God is faithful and therefore deserves my trust and belief. My feelings of discouragement cannot rule over me, because God alone is faithful. He fulfills every promise and provides for every need.

It matters not what anyone else says or thinks... because no man is God's master. The Lord has proven that He -- and He alone -- is sovereign over every event, large and small. He has proven that He is good, and no evil is present in Him. And He is faithful to assert His good and perfect will over every man.

Be encouraged, Jose

Having a heart of belief

Friends,

Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
Hebrews 3:12

According to commentaries, "departing from" does not convey the true meaning of the original text. A better translation would be to say, "rebelling against the living God." In other words, rebellion against God is linked with unbelief, which God declares here as evil.

This is a stark lesson for every one of us. When we rebel against God, we are demonstrating unbelief. And all who do not believe in the One True Living God are evil. Let no one deceive you into accepting the fantasy of "many ways" to heaven.

In this verse, the Lord commands us to "take heed" because diligence and discipline are required to consistently obey the word of God. Our must not be a lazy or passive faith, for we live in a fallen world, whose prince is constantly warring against God's people.

Rather, we must aggressively pursue the good. We must actively exercise our faith in Christ Jesus... keeping our eyes on the glory that He has set before us.

Be encouraged, Jose

Be a blessing

By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.
1 John 3:16-18 (NKJV)

The visible trait of a child of God is the selfless spirit and not the arrogant, hypocritical and selfish spirit, such as is very visible without the saying of words. The Lord is going to reach many souls with diverse needs, some ... for healing, the next meal, strength, wisdom, peace of mind, assurance, a helping hand, a listening ear, a vessel of hope, etc Out of these, we definitely can play a role and help reach a soul for God.

If we are gifted, talented, blessed, and privileged in one way or the other, we ought not shut our hearts off of the world, for there is a reason for that which we have and we ought to open our bossom and channels as a conduit for the outpouring and flow of God's love. Our hearts must unconsciously crave to do these things because it is His Holy Spirit that drives this. When moved to these things, please don't hold back, be a blessing and

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Move the Blind Spot

In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the LORD sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Isaiah 6:1 [KJV]

Do we have a blind-spot or many blind-spots? In the passage that this verse is taken, Isaiah realizes that he was missing the Lord directly with Uzziah around.  As we get into the celebration of Christmas, let's make sure that our focus is still on Christ.  We will have many outside influences that will try to steal away our attention.  We will have many opportunities to miss what is really going on by participating in tasks that are meant to be distractions.  

Whether the death of Uzziah meant that Isaiah's focus shifted to the Lord or his grief over the death brought him closer to the Lord, we don't know.  However, we know that the event caused him to get an up-close and personal view of the Lord in all His Glory.  Let's take this opportunity and the reason for the season and make sure that we are focusing on true Christmas.  Christ is born into non-believers life each day and that is the best Christmas present and blind-spot remover ever.  

Be Encouraged,

Martin

Doing and Finishing

In the meantime His disciples urged Him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.” But He said to them, “I have food to eat of which you do not know.” Therefore the disciples said to one another, “Has anyone brought Him anything to eat?” Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.
John 4:31-34 (NKJV)

The needs and desires of man are insatiable. Before a need is met there is the resurgence of another need springing up spiraling out into a somewhat ovoid cycle. Foods for the stomach and the stomach for foods, but God will destroy both it and them (1 Corinthians 6:13a NKJV). The disciples wondered what kept the Savior going without physical food, He replied with the real food that gives energy to everlasting life... Doing the will of God and finishing the assignment He was sent.

As children of the Living God, our food, goal, and desire ought to be to do the will of Him we have declared for and get busy with Kingdom business with the intent to finish our part. To do otherwise is to pay lip service and enshrine hypocrisy on our daily walk and life - a lifestyle that incurs the wrath of the Savior (The Fig tree hyposcrisy). What do you hunger for? The things of the world with no eternal value, or Kingdom business with eternal value?

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

What do you smell like?

Friends,

It's interesting what the Lord uses to remind us of Himself. For instance, the other day, my wife met several sisters in the Lord for breakfast. When she returned, she smelled of pancakes and waffles... (eventually she got tired of me following her around the house) ... but she couldn't wait to put on fresh clothes.

In His word, God declares that the prayers and praise of His people rise like a sweet smoke to His throne. He goes even further to state ...

For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life.
2 Corinthians 2:15-16a [NKJV]

We who are saved carry the scent of life, salvation and grace. We are surrounded by those who spiritually smell different... they smell of death and bondage. And just as a mare can pick out her foal from all other colts in the herd, our Father distinguishes His children from those who have not been adopted into His family.

Each day, we must examine the condition of our spirit. Does it smell like the death... soiled by this dying world? Or does it have that fresh smell of something that has been washed clean by Christ's blood?

Be encouraged, Jose

Enough is enough

Friends,

For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles - when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries.
1 Peter 4:3 [NKJV]

These words hold true now just as they two thousand years ago. All of us has spent plenty of time acting as non-believers. To spend another minute practicing those habits is 60 seconds too many.

When we stop, though, we can expect them to speak ill of us. They will not understand our change in behavior. They will call us names, ostracize us, and seek ways -- overt and covert -- to persecute and afflict us.

Hold on tight, brothers and sisters. It promises to be a bumpy ride. But in these latter days, we can be confident that Christ's return is closer than ever. And our troubles will be forgotten as we revel in the presence of our conquering King.

Be encouraged, Jose

Triumph of Praise

Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. And say, “Save us, O God of our salvation; Gather us together, and deliver us from the Gentiles, to give thanks to Your holy name, to triumph in Your praise.” Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting!And all the people said, “Amen!” and praised the LORD.
1 Chronicles 16:34-36 (NKJV)

When David succeeded in placing the Ark in the tabernacle, he gave thanks to God, acknowledging Him in all deeds and celebrating his triumph in praise. Every passing day gives us numerous praise opportunities. Today offers us yet another opportunity to roll out praise and thanks to the Lord our Maker. As we celebrate thanksgiving in this part of the world, let us remember the feeble, the weak, and the hopeless by doing everything we can too to bring them into the triumph of praise and thanksgiving.

It is in the triumph of our praise that the Holy Spirit inhabits. Bring the praise, bring thanksgiving, that His Holy Spirit may flourish in the midst of His people.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Why Are We Afraid?

The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:5b-7 [KJV]

We are afraid when things change or are changing, when we see things that we don't understand, when we encounter something new, or any number of situations that come to mind or memory in our life.  However, we can be assured that the Lord is always with us and we don't have to live in fear.  We can turn everything over to Him.  How does this work?  Well, let's take the prescription in the verses above.

First, - remember that the Lord is with us always, even until the end of time, the age or the earth.  - Now we don't have to be concerned about facing anything alone.

Second - Don't worry about anything but with prayer and thanksgiving, tell God all about it - Don't keep your worries or concerns or hopes or fears to ourselves, but tell God like He was not there, but remember that He remembers all the details and He knows the solution.

Third -  God's peace will reach us - Once we tell God and believe that He will handle the things appropriately, not just follow our plan, He will comfort us with a peace that we can't explain to others when they look at our situation.

Fourth - He will keep our hearts strong. - We know that once the peace comes, other will tell us that we should not be so calm and peaceful because they can't see the outcome.  But we know that Christ is on the tasks and will handle everything appropriately.  

These four steps were not easy to write or will be as easy to follow, because they are asking us to give up on forcing our plan onto God and letting Him do what is truly best.  Not what is just best for us as we see it, but what will work out best for all involved.  God can do it if we let Him.  Why are we afraid?  Because we think that God's plan is different than ours.  Truth is, His Plan is different and better than ours and we need to trust and believe that He really has EVERYTHING under control.

Be Encouraged,

Martin

Peace in His Reverence

The fear of the LORD leads to life, and he who has it will abide in satisfaction; He will not be visited with evil.
Proverbs 19:23 (NKJV)

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. To fear the Almighty God is to acknowledge Him in all our ways. When we operate in fear and reverence of the Most High God, our ways and thoughts are guarded from destruction, our choices are divinely informed and directed and we are enveloped in a divine assurance which gives us peace that’s beyond the reasoning of man.

Who is the man that fears the LORD? Him shall He teach in the way He chooses.
Psalm 25:12 (NKJV)

His fear inspires and emboldens us to detest sin in our lives and we are motivated to shun all acts of self-righteousness, pride and unrighteousness. Today, let us operate in the fear of the Lord that we may know true peace during rough and good times.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Being afraid

Friends,

The world has some very weird perspectives on God. One popular misconception regards Him as disconnected and passive. On the other end of the spectrum is the belief that He is out to get us... ready to crush us at the first wrong move. Neither are new and both create significant problems for anyone who subscribes to them.

At one point in his life, King David held to the second point of view, as described here...

David was afraid of the LORD that day; and he said, "How can the ark of the LORD come to me?" So David would not move the ark of the LORD with him into the City of David; but David took it aside into the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite. The ark of the LORD remained in the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite three months. And the LORD blessed Obed-Edom and all his household.
1 Samuel 6:9-11 [NKJV]

King David had just seen a member of his staff struck down by the LORD for impudently touching the ark of the LORD. Naturally, all who witnessed this event were shaken and stunned. But rather than seek out God's counsel and thereby understanding why God did what He did, the king was paralyzed by fear. He was unable to do anything, even the right thing.

Obed-Edom, however, did do the right thing. The scripture is silent on how this man knew what to do, and I won't speculate here. But the result is plain... Obed-Edom was blessed.

For you and me the lesson is equally clear. The fear of the LORD is not the same as being afraid. And when we take action out of that holy and righteous fear, we will be blessed.

Be encouraged, Jose

A truly merry heart

Friends,

When a friend is down in the dumps, our natural instinct is find something that might cheer them up. That something might be reminding them of an encouraging memory. Or maybe it's a nice meal and quiet conversation. Maybe you tell them a joke, or you remind them that they are in your prayers.

Or sometimes, unfortunately, we sugarcoat the truth, water it down, or encourage them to ignore the reality of their situation altogether. These are dangerous options, for they undoubted leave the friend worse off than before.

Like one who takes away a garment in cold weather,
And like vinegar on soda,
Is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.
Provers 25:20 [NKJV]

A heavy heart does not need lies or entertainment or distractions. No matter the current emotional state, every heart needs ... and deserves ... to hear the truth. A wounded heart needs the truth, spoken in love, more desperately than we can imagine. Sometimes that truth is difficult to hear... and to say. Yet it is a healing balm. Yes, it may sting at first. But it provides a hope and an encouragement supported by a solid foundation.

Each of us, brothers and sisters, needs to understand the truth of our situation. We are all undeserving of a place in Christ's Kingdom. And yet He has nonetheless graced with adoption into His very family. And because that transformation is permanent and unchangeable, it is surest, fastest way out of the blues that inevitably creep into every man's life.

And when you get that truth into your spirit, the song you sing will echo throughout the heavens!

Be encouraged, Jose

Never waver

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23 (NKJV)

Many wait on someone or just anyone to move concerning what God has spoken over their life. While it is a blessing to have a man or woman of God speak over us, we must never lose sight and focus of Him who has the finally spoken word over everyone - the Lord Almighty. Access to this final and eternal authority is made available to every child of God.

Our hope in Him must remain unshaken and the swift and gentle turns in life must not alter our connection with Him in any way. Has He spoken over you? receive it, get to work, be about your and His business. Keep the walk and work alive, never faint or tire, but receive strength, favor and grace from Him, for He who promised is forever faithful.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Do The Little Things

And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean. II Kings 5:10 [KJV]

I was reading this story today and was reminded of how we miss our blessings by not doing the little things that matter.  We focus on the big stuff and hope that the little things will take care of themselves or we think that the little things are too little to be concerned about or too little for us to do. All of these views are wrong and we need to take ownership of the little things just like the big things.  

Naaman was a important man to Syria, but was sick with leprosy.  The only thing that stood between him and healing was to dip in the Jordan River.  Would he do it?  How about us today?  What are we sick with and how can we get better?  Has God sent the cure message to us and it was too simple to do?  Are we like Naaman and want God to have some great event and pronounce from Heaven that we are cured, freed, or delivered?  What does that say about us?  Are we more important than what we are being delivered from? 

We may think so and that is where the "Pride goeth before a fall" comes in.  If we are too proud to do the little things, then we will continue to have trouble with our deliverance.  Let's do the little things that God has asked us to do.  When the deliverance comes, we will be able to celebrate that God knows all about us and how to keep us moving in the right direction.

Be Encouraged,

Martin

God's intent for unbelievers

We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.” For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 15:1-6 (NKJV)

As the devotional rightly pointed out yesterday, the gospel is a mystery to man and unless God reveals it to man, it is nothing but senseless, foolish and ridiculous. Many that are yet to come to this knowledge of the truth and embrace it (Unbelievers, Gays, Lesbians, Atheists, etc) only need an Holy Spirit encounter and/or 'our attitude/role' to them. The world may ridicule the gospel today, but as Christ taught the believing world on the Cross (in pain and agony) we ought to exercise patience and work with the Holy Spirit to break hitherto hard and rocky hearts into fallow grounds for the ignition of the gospel in men for a huge harvest.

The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:9 (NKJV)

The fact that many blaspheme anything with God in it does not take them out of the realm of grace and mercy of the Almighty God. Let our hearts and souls form true partnerships with the Holy Spirit to reach, gain and win those that are yet to embrace this mystery of the gospel for God's Kingdom. That is the goal of our Creator - to prevent all if possible from perishing but come to repentance. This intent must be ours too.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Embrace the mystery

Friends,

Almighty God desires to reveal Himself to us. He does so through prayer, through His people and through His word. It is amazing that He chooses to do so. And although some things will not be revealed until we see Him face to face in glory, He has given us a knowledge that is unavailable to any non-believer:

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh,
Justified in the Spirit,
Seen by angels,
Preached among the Gentiles,
Believed on in the world,
Received up in glory.
-- 1 Timothy 3:16 [NKJV]

Unless God reveal this mystery to a man, the man cannot see it, understand it or believe it. Before the Lord gives us eyes to see and ears to hear, we are completely unable to grasp the truth of Christ. Of course this leads to persecution, because the person who does not believe will ridicule and belittle the one who can... it is just human nature.

Nevertheless, we know these things to be true... that Christ is God in the flesh; that He lived a perfect life and yet paid the full penalty for our great imperfection; that in doing so He can grant to us His righteousness; and that with His righteousness we can enter into the favor and presence of Almighty God.

Be encouraged, Jose

The flavor of our words

Friends,

How often do we transform our words for the moment? How many times do we bring forth words of praise and thanksgiving at Bible study, only to rip into our brother, sister, or neighbor on the drive home?

Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing.
My brethren, these things ought not to be so.
Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening?
James 3:10-11 [NKJV]

The verses that proceed the above passage describe the enormity of the challenge that is represented by the taming of our tongue. Yet it is a challenge worth pursuing. For in doing so, we elevate our current circumstances... we bring forth the Kingdom of God.

Sisters and brothers, let our words be encouraging and edifying. Let them be spoken in love, rather than hate or vengeance. Let them be words of wisdom and of reverence.

Be encouraged, Jose

Avoid them

Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.
Romans 16:17-18 (NKJV)

The strategies of the adversary are of multifarious dimensions and the need to be discerning is even more critical and important at this time. Many as described in the gospels will as ravenous wolves come in Sheep's clothing to cause nothing but divisions, dissensions and controversies with a goal of never serving the cause of the gospel and Kingdom but themselves, their belly and attracting attention. From such folks, we must avoid lest they complicate and confuse the simple souls that are dear to the Kingdom.

As many as we are able to reach for the Kingdom's harvest, we must be wise in dealing with our common and determined adversary. Silence and avoidance 'sometimes' are potent tools to deal with them. In all things we must never take away our focus from Kingdom goals and mission.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Wisdom in Obedience

So Samuel said: "Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams.
1 Samuel 15:22 (NKJV)

The Lord has the bigger picture; He is All-knowing and already has perfected every plan, step and event of our lives to the letter. Sometimes we receive flashes of ingenuity and ideas concerning the issues in our lives. The details may line up with reality and make sense to us, but sometimes may be out of sync with God’s divine plan for us. Abraham, Joseph and the three Hebrew boys stood the course of obedience and reaped the benefits in full.

Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine.
Exodus 19:5 (NKJV)

Obedience isn’t always convenient and comfortable, but it has great gains and benefits. To get the best of your life and be fulfilled with the manifestation of God’s eternal glory, we must remain obedient to Him at all times. At the end, your obedience to the Lord Almighty will meet with the grace of His son and our Lord Jesus Christ. It will speak clearly and loudly and it will not fail.

Be Encouraged,

Afolabi

The mercy of God

Friends,

So then it is not of him who wills,
nor of him who runs,
but of God who shows mercy.
Romans 9:16 [NKJV]

The context of this verse reminds us that there is no unrighteousness or unfairness with God. It is a direct rebuke of those who would believe that our Lord is, in some way, behaving unjustly when he delivers all unbelievers to eternal death. Those who would subscribe to such a notion have their perspective completely backwards.

But we who follow Christ understand that we do not compete with others for a place in glory. We do not have eternal life because any of us are "good" people. And no man who legitimately earns eternal life -- by living a perfectly righteous and holy life -- will be denied it.

And that, brothers and sisters, is the critical point. None have lived perfectly, and therefore none have earned eternal life. Rather, Christ has granted each of His chosen people .... imperfect, sinful and unholy .... His righteousness and holiness. It is the Lord who shows mercy upon ones who deserve eternal punishment. He has bestowed His favor upon us, that we might live abundantly, now and forever.

Be encouraged, Jose

Intercede

Friends,

During this week, we have witnessed historic events. As with all such happenings, we can expect good things to result as well as things we'd rather not experience. Some look at the ascendancy of Sen. Obama as the start of great things for this world. Others view it as a sign that the affliction and persecution of Christians is about to get underway, followed by the return of the Messiah.

I don't know. What I do know is that my Lord and God commands me to pray for our leaders, for they are handpicked by a Sovereign, Almighty King of kings.

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.
1 Timothy 2: 1-2 [NKJV] (emphasis added)

Lord, grant wisdom and humility to our leaders.
Keep your hand of grace and protection upon your children.
And cause your people look to You for comfort and courage.
Come, Lord Jesus. Come!

Be encouraged, Jose

Daily wisdom

The fear of the LORD leads to life, and he who has it will abide in satisfaction; He will not be visited with evil.
Proverbs 19:23 (NKJV)

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. To fear the Almighty God is to acknowledge Him in all our ways. When we operate in fear and reverence of the Most High God, our ways and thoughts are guarded from destruction, our choices are divinely informed and directed and we are enveloped in a divine assurance which gives us peace that’s beyond the reasoning of man.

Who is the man that fears the LORD? Him shall He teach in the way He chooses.
Psalm 25:12 (NKJV)

His fear inspires and emboldens us to detest sin in our lives and we are motivated to shun all acts of self-righteousness, pride and unrighteousness. Today, let us operate in the fear of the Lord that we may know true peace during rough and good times.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

God is the Ultimate Ruler

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. Romans 13:1-2 [KJV]

Yesterday, the United States elected a new president. The election was historic since we had minorities on both sides of the major parties and on most of the smaller party tickets as well. When the election was over, the loser was grateful and followed the verses above. He did not put up a fight or fuss over the selection, he pledged to provide help where he was needed and when he was needed. He truly recognized that God is the ultimate ruler and he wanted to be on the right side.

Can we be as gracious in our defeats and our victories as he was? Can we understand that God has this work out this way for a particular reason? There are no accidents or happenstances, just God working out His Plan. The only time His Plan goes awry is when we try to help God because we think that He is not seeing what we see or knowing what we know. How silly is that and how many times do we ascribe to that notion? More than we care to admit.

If we just remember that God is the ultimate ruler and He allows us to help, we would be able to really make progress in the spiritual kingdom because we would treat the true King as such and not try to move His Plan or timeline along to fit our viewpoint or sense of urgency. Let's all remember that God IS


Be Encouraged,

Martin

Gain them, not lose them

We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification.
Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 15:1-2,5-6 (NKJV)

The inequalities of the world are by divine design, that the glory of God may be made manifest through the revelation of Him in the sons of men. There will be the weak, feeble, the helpless, hopeless and the vulnerable. Some will lack the knowledge of the truth, faithless and stray completely like almost everyone. For those that have tasted of divine grace, our role is well spelt out in the above scripture. We have been set aside by grace not to be a special elite, but to be used as conduits and channels for reaching the lost, faithless and hopeless back to the kingdom.

Many will be slow to coming to the knowledge of truth, the route to salvation for all will not be the same. Some are led gently to the knowledge of Him, some violently, some under unusual circumstances. Our path and current state in the faith doesn't make us or others any special than those yet to receive this revelation, but we must consciously and diligently commit to allowing the Holy Spirit work through us for this divine purpose of not only reaching the lost but winning and bringing them to the Kingdom for God's ultimate glory.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Equality before the Judge

Friends,

There will be days when it is easy to think of ourselves in an wonderful light. We look in the mirror and see a person who has it all together: We've dealt with the obvious areas of sin, established good habits of prayer, Bible study and fellowship, and we usually remember to be grateful for what the Lord has done for us. These are the times when humility might be hard to muster, and when humility is most important.

All we like sheep have gone astray;
We have turned, every one, to his own way;
And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
-- Isaiah 53:6 [NKJV]

None of us is better than another. In God's eyes, our offenses against pure righteousness and holiness are equal. Each transgression fully disqualifies us from eternal life.

And Christ's blood pays the full price for every sin. In Christ, we again are equal. But now our equality is in grace.

Be encouraged, Jose

New!! Thots 4 Today Podcasts

Friends,

Thots 4 Today has added a new wrinkle to our devotionals. Audio messages are now available as free podcasts through iTunes.com. To subscribe to our podcast, CLICK HERE. Or search the iTunes Store for Thots 4 Today Podcasts.

The first message is entitled Godly Rememberance, and it calls us to be purposeful and vigilant against the enemy of forgetfulness. New podcasts will be added as guided by the Holy Spirit. It is our fervent prayer that you will be edified and blessed by these messages. We welcome your comments and request your prayers.

Be encouraged, Jose

If the above link does not work, copy the URL below and paste it into your web browser's address bar.
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=294761269

Eternal Light

Friends,

Even in the darkest of times, we can remain confident and expectant. We do so because we do not have to depend on created things for light.

The sun shall no longer be your light by day,
Nor for brightness shall the moon give light to you;
But the LORD will be to you an everlasting light,
And your God your glory.
-- Isaiah 60:19

A seemingly endless string of commentators and prognosticators try to convince us that the world is in trouble. A careful student of scripture would not be surprised. But a believer has more than just the intellectual agreement with God's word. The believer knows that -- no matter what happens -- God is omnipotent and everlasting. The believer does not depend on the world for light and life. The believer depends on Christ Jesus... and His presence does not wax and wane with economic forecasts, election cycles, or the circumstances of war or peace.

Remember that God's promises are secure and dependable. He is faithful.

Be encouraged, Jose

Be Productive

Now the next day, when they had come out from Bethany, He was hungry. And seeing from afar a fig tree having leaves, He went to see if perhaps He would find something on it. When He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. In response Jesus said to it, “Let no one eat fruit from you ever again.” And His disciples heard it.
Mark 11:12-14 (NKJV)

The Lord had been about the work of His kingdom and got to this place as they departed Bethany. He was attracted to the appearance of this Fig tree full of leaves and He approached it for fruit as he was hungry. Disappointingly, He found no fruit on it but leaves. Proverbially, the tree had the appearance of a productive creation but lacked the productive power and fruits thereof. A mandate that every child of God has. Nothing invokes the wrath of a merciful Lord than a fake, phony, dishonest, hypocrite.

If we are truly of the Kingdom, then we must be about our Father's business and have the fruits to show for it. Any branch that will not bear fruit and be productive will be pruned off so productive ones can thrive and flourish and be a blessing to our world. This will be done to cut short the deceit and lies of dishonest and phony unproductive branches. In the work of the Kingdom, everything works and is productive. Be productive in whatever you do and

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Double for your trouble

He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation.”
Psalm 91:15-16 (NKJV)

The world will never be issue-free - scarcity, abundance, births, deaths, celebration, anguish, pain and pleasures and the like will continue to envelope the earth realm, but yet in all these things, The Lord assured us in John 16:33 "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world". So to wish this 'mix of life' away is to live in denial of His word. However the main issue here is where we are and who we are aligned with when the going gets smooth and rough in life. When the boats of our life gets rocked vigorously, we can experience peace in a realistic and visibly disturbed world.

Rather than worry and panic and fret, in a storm, we praise and thank Him through it. Then we become a beacon and an instrument through which He shines to the world. Even in our trouble, He gives us double.... not only will He deliver us, He will also honor us. But wait there's more.... With Long life will He satisfy us and show us His salvation. This is our portion in Him.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

This has happened before

Friends,

In the US, we are starting to experience, in a very mild form, the persecution that our sisters and brothers live with around the world. This is exactly what Jesus told us would happen.

John 15:18-19
If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

Hundreds of years before that, a psalm was written that tells us that this was happening even then.

Psalm 123:3-4
Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy on us!
For we are exceedingly filled with contempt.
Our soul is exceedingly filled
With the scorn of those who are at ease,
With the contempt of the proud.

The proud have looked upon believers with scorn for thousands of years... and they still do today. And we can be confident that it will continue, and likely get even worse. When it does, we can rejoice.

Rejoice?
For an increase in persecution?

It certainly isn't easy. Yet, we know that in experiencing that affliction, we are being molded into Christ's image... for we are sharing in what He experienced. And as the affliction increases, we know that the day of His returns grows closer.

Be encouraged, Jose

A dark day approaches

Friends,

I depart from the normal daily pattern to express a deep concern. Although not all Christians share this concern, I did not want another year to pass before calling out to my brothers and sisters.

The Friday upcoming is celebrated across the US and the globe in a multitude of ways. Many believers see the event as harmless fun. I disagree. Recognizing the potential danger, some have attempted to modify the practice by encouraging kids to dress up as apostles or other historical figures of Christianity. Some assemblies have decided to emphasize the most early attempts at modification such as "All Saints' Day."

The holiday, however, is deeply rooted in pagan beliefs and practices. None of the attempts by Christendom, no matter how noble they appear, to whitewash these roots will ever change that fact. As citizens of God's kingdom, we do not have to -- indeed we must not -- conform to the inadequacies of the earthly kingdom.

I urge you to join me and my family in simply ignoring the day. Treat it as though it were any other. Don't force the children to wait for a piece of candy -- give them some tonight. At first, I admit it was an uncomfortable position for my wife and I to take. But our children survived and so did we. We found that others respected our view and never pressured us to change. It is a bold step to take. But not so bold as the step Christ took to free us from the bondage to sin and sinful traditions.

Be encouraged,
Jose

Affliction Defense

Friends,

In this lifetime, we will find ourselves pushing up against the limits of lawful behavior. For some, this might mean reducing to mere nanoseconds the amount of time we are actually stopped at a stop sign before hitting the accelerator. For others, it could take the form of seeing how far we can push tax avoidance before it becomes tax evasion. In both cases, man's law keeps us from doing what we want, whether it is to get to our destination faster or to keep more of the money we have earned.

The other perspective on law is that it exists to protect the lawful. We are generally confident that we will not be gunned down at our desks because the law prohibits the boss from doing so. We expect the other driver will grant us the right-of-way because they have a stop sign -- and they had better stop, right?

The most mature view of the law is that enables us to fulfill our dreams and destiny. It not only protects us from the outlaws, but it even protects us from our own foolish tendencies. For example, in the US, the law requires that an employer withhold an appropriate amount from the employee's gross wages in order to pre-pay income taxes and other payroll taxes. This protects the worker from spending tax money that she is obligated to pay. She understands her true income and can behave accordingly.

This is the proper perspective for understanding God's law. He has written His law on our hearts in order that we would be free to obey Him.

Unless Your law had been my delight,
I would then have perished in my affliction.
-- Psalm 119:92 [NKJV]

Here the psalmist, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, understands and fully acknowledges that he depends on the law to protect him from affliction. But notice that he is not referring to affliction that comes from without... from his neighbors, the government, the boss or even the mother-in-law. Rather, he points to his own affliction. In other words, when he delights in God's law, he is protected from being distressed by his own sinful acts.

Here is the lesson for you and me, brothers and sisters.

Delight in the law of the Most High and Holy God
Your troubles will weaken

Be encouraged, Jose

Don't be Afraid

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9 (NKJV)

When the issues of life come to us in various ways and do seem to outnumber us, our heart and soul may wander here and there, throwing up ideas that do not even fit who we are in the Lord. The external picture, results and circumstances may give an image that’s cross opposite to our heart desires. His word for us today says – Stop entertaining doubt and fear.

For we walk by faith, not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7 (NKJV)

Remember who you are in the Lord. You must walk by faith and not by sight. So be not afraid when the images and results don’t line up with your vision. Because the Lord’s plan of good success, healing, recovery, restoration, peace and joy in the Holy ghost for you has not changed, you only need to remain still. Again, be not afraid, but….

Be Encouraged,

Afolabi

We Can Do It

And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved. And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. Mark 10:26-27 [KJV]

In the times that we are in, we look around at all the projections and wonder can we make it. I am here to tell you today that we can make it. We have one on our side that will not let us slide or miss. He can make the camel go through the eye of a needle. He can heal the sick and lame. He can stop hordes of menacing people from attacking. He can do it all.

That He is Christ, our saviour. We can make it through the tough economic times. We can make it through wars and rumors of wars. We can make it with prices soaring and incomes declining. We can make it when no one else is making it. Christ is our way out of impossible situations. He is able to carry us through.

As the apostles were with the comments about a rich man, we will have others astonished at how we are able to press on and give praise. We celebrate because we know that our main ally is the holder of the future and if we trust Him, we can make it through ANY SITUATION.

Be Encouraged,

Martin

Stay in His Presence

Do not cast me away from Your presence,And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
Psalm 51:11 (NKJV)

The implications of a free and unrestrained lifestyle is nothing but destruction. Destruction that isn't sudden, but gradual and ultimately total. Safe but the special grace of God, none is qualified to be in His presence, but the Lord's mercy is from everlasting to everlasting upon the generation that fear Him and long to do His will. King David knew off hand the implications of operating out of the Lord's presence, the destructive consequences of a reprobate mind, so even after he had fallen short due to his own sin, he earnestly sought the Lord's mercies and cringed with great dread and fear of straying out of His presence completely and the thought of the Holy Spirit being absent from him was unbearable.

Like a man and woman after God's heart, we must never depart from His presence, His Holy Spirit must never take the back seat in our daily walk. To do otherwise is to tread on the path to nowhere and ultimate destruction. Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, as many as are able to read your word today and call on your name, keep them in your presence and continually guide us in your power and love, Amen.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Making a choice

Friends,

Jesus told His closest friends...

You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.
-- John 15:16 [NKJV]

Jesus chose us for His reasons. He did so before time began. It wasn't because He thought we would be good followers. That would imply that we would have been good followers without Him.

Now that the Lord has chosen us, our part is to "go and bear fruit." In order to do so, we must search the scriptures, meditate on His law and obey it. We are not able to obey it perfectly, but His grace is sufficient to bring us to repentance and forgiveness. When we do this, we prove our love for Christ.

Be encouraged, Jose

Even in heat and drought... God is faithful

Friends,

The world is coming into a time where many may face hardship. None of us really knows how difficult it will be, or how long it will last. We know that tough times are nothing new. And as God's people, we may very well bear the brunt of persecution and affliction in the coming days.

So here is a word to contemplate, to hold fast to, to stand upon:

"Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
And whose hope is the LORD.
For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters,
Which spreads out its roots by the river,
And will not fear when heat comes;
But its leaf will be green,
And will not be anxious in the year of drought,
Nor will cease from yielding fruit."
-- Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NKJV)

The Bible describes droughts that devastated the land, lasting many years. Yet, no matter what, we can trust in the LORD to be faithful and to sustain us.

Be encouraged, Jose

Delight your Maker

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
Psalm 19:14 (NIV)

As we live the day out, we must operate in the consciousness of the knowledge of our main audience. We must never lose sight of the one we are performing for. Our thoughts (out of which comes the cares of life), our actions, our ways and indeed all we do must be seasoned, appealing and acceptable to our main audience - Our Lord our Maker. If any act or speech in our daily life will not please Him or bring glory to Him, then we should not be on that path. When we hide His word like this in our heart and this serves as our guide in our daily walk, it will be inevitable for such a person's steps not to be ordered by the Lord. When our steps are in sync with Him, He delights in our way and then can the words of our mouth and meditation of our heart be pleasing and acceptable in His sight.

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way.
Psalm 37:23 (NKJV)

Let your heart make this the main pursuit in your life. You will never go wrong doing this.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Good Neighbors Can Be Great

But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. Luke 10:33-34 [KJV]

How are you as a neighbor? Are you a good neighbor, a great neighbor, just a person who lives on the street or someone that can't wait to move? What would your reaction be to one of your neighbors struggling with some project outside? Think about what you would do and think about how you would feel if you were struggling and they were watching.

Good neighbors say "Hi" and wave when they are going past and they participate in the conversations that occur on the street, but great neighbors know that someone struggling with a project, problem, issue, etc. need some additional help, more than the way as we continue on our ways. The Samaritan was a great neighbor. He took compassion on the person with the problem and decided to step in and help out. He moved from just being a good neighbor that prayed for the victim to a great neighbor that prayed with him while he helped him through the troubled time.

Let's commit to being better neighbors than we are today, without being a busybody. If we see someone in need, let's commit to being a helper instead of a watcher.

Be Encouraged,

Martin

Let your light Shine

For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; But the LORD will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you. The Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.
Isaiah 60:2-3 (NKJV)

The word here speaks of darkness covering the earth and the 'deep darkness' the people. The present picture of our times and the continuous slide and decadence lends and gives more clarity to this living word. This is God's word spoken of things to come, but in this darkness is a unique role and opportunity cut out for us. In the coming and prevailing darkness, and reprobate regime, our light shall come forth and like the City set on a hill that cannot be hidden but for all to see and behold. As salt of the world, we must by the power of the Holy Spirit in us remain relevant both in and out of season.

Those that know Him not must see His nature, love and essence in us, for we carry His glory and presence with us. Our light must shine, His glory must manifest in us. We can't afford to miss our moment to showcase Him to the deep darkness of the people. Let your light shine for His glory.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Sanctification's source

Friends,

Sanctification is a process that takes us from the moment we acknowledge our salvation to the moment we breathe our final breath. How does it happen?

At the root of all sanctification is God's word. We must know His voice in order to mortify the flesh, in order to be different from the rest of the world, and in order to walk after the Spirit.

Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.
John 17:17 - NKJV

By searching and studying the word of God, we grow to be conformed into the image of Christ. Be purposed to seek after His revelation, given through His everlasting Word.

Be encouraged, Jose

The measure of our words

Friends,

The next time you are about to let loose a subtle dig at your neighbor, stop.
If you are about to gain a laugh for yourself at the expense of the next to you, stop.
When you have the urge to react to the one who has insulted you with biting sarcasm, stop.

Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.
Ephesians 4:29 (NKJV)

Brothers and sisters, there is no room - none whatsoever - for destructive words in the Kingdom of God... and His kingdom is indeed at hand. There will be a silence that results from each one of us taking a moment to resist using words that tear down. And into that silence we can pour words that edify, that encourage, that strengthen, that comfort, that forgive, and that bless.

Be encouraged, Jose

All Things Working Together

Yesterday, I read about the comely parts of the body being necessary. That really struck a major cord with me. I am currently suffering through a physical issue where all my comely parts are not working properly. At the end of the day, I have a massive headache and am very tired. I realize that my body has to work much harder to care for the parts that are not functioning properly. We have all had some condition in our life where we have had to carry the weight of someone else not doing their job. It can be tiring and frustrating while we hope that everyone will eventually pull their weight.

And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked. That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. I Corinthians 12:23-25 [KJV]

When the body of Christ, which we are all a part, has non-working members, we all who are working have to work harder to compensate. We may have to work out of our zone in order to get the goals that Christ has accomplished. We need to remember that "many hands make light work". While that is not biblical, it does mean that if we all do the jobs (walking worthy in our vocation) that we are assigned, the Kingdom of God has a much larger reach than if we rely on someone else to do our part. So all people working together accomplishes the goal of spreading the Gospel further and more efficiently than just the one with everyone else watching.

Be Encouraged,


Martin

Get Busy with Purpose

He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap. 5 As you do not know what is the way of the wind, or how the bones grow in the womb of her who is with child, so you do not know the works of God who makes everything.
Ecclesiastes 11:4-5 (NKJV)

In the Kingdom of God, order is paramount. Everything works and produces for the higher purpose. There is no idle time to flaunt and waste. Situations, circumstances, conditions must never take away our focus on Him who is forever faithful. We must remain focus, unrelenting and committed to Kingdom causes, we must empty ourselves to furthering Kingdom causes as our strength and abilities permit for a time will come when these will be impossible. Unforeseen situations and conditions emerge that the God in some may manifest. Even the Lord stressed the need to get busy, purposeful and about Kingdom business.

I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.
John 9:4 (NKJV)

Inertia and inaction must never be an option, neither should we give in to stagnancy. Symbols of power, prominence as per the world's standard must not be our standard, but we must be driven by the word and focus on the One we work for. The Master was busy, active and purposeful, our own case can't be different.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Misplaced worship

Friends,

Dynamic speakers and charismatic leaders have a way of capturing our attention. The Lord raises someone up to be the focal point of an exciting event, and the people respond by placing great importance on their words and deeds. Rarely is this attention truly warranted, for what has happened is that the people have forgotten the first half of the previous sentence: "The Lord raises someone up..."

The ancient Israelites had this same habit, proving that mankind really hasn't changed much over the course of history. After 400 years of slavery, the Lord raised up an old sheep-herder to lead His people to freedom. After witnessing one supernatural wonder after another, the people came to reverence and respect Moses instead of the One who truly accomplished those feats.

Acts 7:39b-40
And in their hearts they turned back to Egypt, saying to Aaron, 'Make us gods to go before us; as for this Moses who brought us out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.' (NKJV)

The people made a conscience decision to believe that Moses was the one with miraculous power. As a consequence, they could not accept that the LORD had not left them, nor could they accept that it was the LORD who had brought about their victory over Egypt.

We know the rest of the story... that the Israelites fashioned a golden calf, started a "worship service" - complete with drinking and lasciviousness - and subsequently experienced a little taste of Almighty God's righteous wrath.

For our part, we're quite confident that such a thing could never happen in our Christian walk. But should we be? How often do we make a special effort to please or impress the pastor? How many of us take great pride in being friends or family with the preacher? Why do we get such satisfaction and gratification over our association with one who simply more well-known than a brother or sister that is sitting right beside us?

Remember, dear friends, that Christ did not tell us that whatsoever you do the greatest of these... He told us to focus our attention on the least of our brethren. To focus on a man's greatness or position is to worship the man. Instead, we must worship the One who created the man and who lifted that man to his current place... the One who saved that sinner.

Be encouraged, Jose