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