A new podcast

Friends,

This week, we completed the third podcast in the series of the Ten Commandments study. You can subscribe to our podcasts on iTunes by using the link on this page.

Be blessed, Jose

Is kindness too much to ask?

Friends,

In his seminal letter to the new church, Paul is inspired by God to write a blunt admonition to his fellow believers:

Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.
Romans 12:10 [NKJV]

For today ...
For this weekend...
Let us be truly kind to one another. It is a simple thing to ask. And it will make real difference in this life, in our witness, and in the unity of the Body of Christ.

Be encouraged, Jose

Stay Focused

Teach me, O LORD, the way of Your statutes, and I shall keep it to the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law; Indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, for I delight in it.
Psalm 119:33-35 (NKJV)

In a situation and season of uncertainty and dread, keeping one's eye on the ball, keeping the cool and staying on course (if one has a goal and destination) can be a daunting task. Our human DNA may find the act of successfully juggling and keeping these numerous tasks and complexities in perfect sync, but a higher power teaches, empowers, helps perfect and gives divine direction (where we work and act smart and being proactive rather than reactive) ... the Holy Spirit helps us navigate these complexities and enables us perform exploits with excellence in the face of chaos, disorder, and hopelessness. How can one pull this through? King David sought the same...

Incline my heart to Your testimonies, and not to covetousness. Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, and revive me in Your way.
Psalm 119:36-37 (NKJV)

It takes inner strength powered by the Holy Spirit inside of us to easily cut off the distractions and attractions that lead to no where but destruction. Then we can renew our strength on the go, never getting weary even in the fiercest of races and can remain strong in our steady walk of faith. The secret to staying focus is to ask for help from God and acknowledge our vulnerable and fragile nature.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Understanding Your Feelings

On Sunday, we had a frank discussion about addiction in our service. I was moved to hear someone talk about the addicts demeanor and feelings.  I was moved by the affect the addict had on their own life and the life of people around them.

It also affected me from a memory standpoint and I have been upset every since the service.  I realize that I am mad about how I felt about the addicts that I have known in my life.  I know that we sometimes think that people should just get over themselves and move on.  I know that I have that feeling often.  However, when we take that path, we miss an important blessing concerning forgiveness.  Remember this verse:

For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:14-15 [KJV]

We must know that we must understand why we feel the way we do so that we can work with Christ on how we should love our brother and sister.  This is not to tell you to never get mad, but remember that we are not to let our anger lead to sin.  We need to be truthful to ourselves, because God already knows the truth.  He is just waiting for us to come around.  He is never in a rush, but we should be so that we can ensure that we are showing people the way to Christ.  Someone is following you to the cross and we should lead them in love and in earnest. 

Be Encouraged,

Martin

Hidden treasure

How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.
Psalm 119:9-11 (NKJV)

The world is full of distractions and attractions. Distractions to take our mind away from the real focus and attractions to compete with and choke our sincere efforts and commitments to our goals. But how can an active and young mind at heart keep and cleanse his way? how can one keep from straying into the trap of self-destruction? it is through precise response to the word of God which is our compass for navigating this complex and tortuous world. The word must be hidden and kept in our heart for keeping us out of vicious and relentless influences of the world.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:1 (NKJV)

When this word (God) is clearly hidden and guarded in our heart, then we can be guided and kept from derailing from our purpose and eternity.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

When God's heart breaks

Friends,

Consider this prophecy from long ago ...

"Yet I will leave a remnant, so that you may have some who escape the sword among the nations, when you are scattered through the countries. Then those of you who escape will remember Me among the nations where they are carried captive, because I was crushed by their adulterous heart which has departed from Me"
Ezekiel 6:8-9a (NKJV)

God is the One speaking in this passage, and He wants us to see something important here. He starts with promising that His people will live on... that His people will not be wiped out. And then He tells us that He was "crushed by [our] adulterous heart." The word crushed is translated from the Hebrew word, shabar and it means to be broken or shattered.

Really? God is shattered by our adulterous heart? How is it possible that we, mere created beings, can cause Almighty God to be broken?

Remember, dear sisters and brothers, that the Holy and Righteous Lord of lords loves you and me. And when we give our affection and devotion to another, it breaks His heart. If ever you've been in love with someone who "just wants to be friends," then you know what God is talking about here.

God desires, and deserves, our wholehearted love and devotion. We aren't to serve other gods, regardless of their form. We are to serve and worship and adore only Him.

Yes, we fall short. No, we can't possibly live up to such a desire. And that's why God starts with the promise... That no matter where we wander or where we are taken, He will keep us and draw us back to Him. We will remember Him, because He never forgets us.

Be encouraged, Jose

Know who God is

Friends,

I look around at my fellow Christians and see men and women who appear to be doing just fine. They are not sickly. They are not malnourished. They are not picking through trash for scraps of food. Yet they are clearly lacking something. They are hungry, and don't even know it.

"Behold, the days are coming," says the Lord GOD,
"That I will send a famine on the land,
Not a famine of bread,
Nor a thirst for water,
But of hearing the words of the LORD".

A twenty-two minute sermon, once a week, isn't going to cut it, brothers and sisters. Especially when that sermon is more about living well than it is about truly understanding Scripture. Each of us ... without exception ... needs to study God's word. We need to know what He really means in every verse.

There is great urgency to this, fellow believers. The time is running short. We must know who God really is so that we can distinguish Him from the enemy. We must know who God is so that we can obey and worship Him. And we must know who God is by what He tells us about Himself.

The Lord desires to reveal Himself to us, to be intimate with us. He speaks to His people. Read and study... so that you may listen.

Be encouraged, Jose

No idle roles

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)

The times and seasons of life do beacon to us to pick up the pace, change direction, seek the Kingdom of God and pursue all righteousness. It is the dawn of a new day and the demands for eternity and check-in process is upon us. How are we doing on our to-do list here on earth. As God's children, there is serious business that needs to be taken care of. The business of the Kingdom is our business. We must preach good tidings to the poor; bring healing to the brokenhearted, and proclaim liberty to the captives, setting free those that have been bound in shackles to the cares and worries of this world.

Which ever way you want to look at it, our tomorrow is a product of our today. What are you up to? Seize every moment to make an impact for His kingdom. We must work when it still day, for the night will come when all work will cease. Maximize the moment and

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

God Moved

And the earth was without form, and void: and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. Genesis 1:2 [KJV]

When nothing else could, God moved.  Where there was no hope, God moved.  When we were lost in sin, God moved.  When we were hopeless in trouble, God moved.  When a country needed a change, God moved.  As we watched the inauguration of Barack Obama, we understood that God moved on a nation to move them toward a vision of the future.  Now, that God  has moved, we have to do our part.  

Remember that after the creation, God placed man in the Garden and man was responsible for the caring of the garden amid all the distractions. We are facing a similar situation now, in that we have been placed in a new era. What we do with that era is our responsibility to our posterity.  We must not shrink from the tasks at hand, no matter how daunting.  Our next generation counts on our response to the moment.  

If we work like we know that God will move on our behalf, then He will be true to His Promise to us and move on our behalf.  So let's all agree to believe and work enough to inspire God to move on our behalf.

Be prayerful and work-minded,

Martin 

Time and the way of humility

Everything Has Its Time To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NKJV)

To everything in life, there is a season, a season which will not tarry or delay at its appointed time. The world today witnessed a smooth handover of power here in the United States of America. The event evokes different stories and meanings to different people, yet it reveals the trappings of a divine setup and execution. The son of an African immigrant rising up to lead the most powerful nation on the planet and ability to dine with kings and rulers. A Joseph-like story and a David-like episode which showcases the workings of God lifting sons and daughters from obscurity to prominence for the glory of God. Every human being is a container of possibilities - because they are an image of Jehovah God. He the Lord created both men and women and declared it was good. Every human being is God's creation and destined for a purpose. Every creation of God must be humble, driven by agape, God's true love. Loving our fellow human being as ourselves, patient and Christ-like towards a hostile world, merciful and gracious like the one who paid our price free of charge.

The humble He guides in justice, and the humble He teaches His way.
Psalm 25:9 (NKJV)

We must redeem the times and the way of humility, we must embrace. In this will our way and path be guided to good success and fulfillment.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Repentance is from God

Friends,

Each of us has a loved one who, based on our discernment, is not saved. The temptation is is to attempt to persuade them, using every means at our disposal. We make emotional pleas. We appeal to logic or even to their instinct for self-preservation. And yet, there is no repentance.

It can be quite frustrating until we realize that repentance is a gift. It is not achieved by human effort. Nor is it arrived at by logical deduction. It has only one source, and it is bestowed by God according to His good pleasure.

When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.”
Acts 11:18

In this verse, the word "they" refers to the Apostles, who were being reminded of God's grace by Peter. These were men who walked and talked with Christ, who may have had first-hand encounters with the risen Lord. And who, quite understandably, have thought of themselves as being a bit special... maybe even a bit better than the rest of us.

Yet, "they heard these things" and realized that Almighty God had granted repentance to those who were not of their lineage. To these men, the Gentiles had no claim to God's favor. They had no history with God, no prior revelation. And yet, God granted repentance to them.

Our Lord granted repentance to you and me. We had no legitimate claim to it. We had nothing to earn it or deserve it. Yet He saw fit to grant it to us nonetheless. If He so chooses, He will grant it to our loved ones, as well. And we must continue to intercede in that regard. But don't be frustrated when our own words seem to fall on deaf ears. Instead, be hopeful because He can open their ears like He did ours.

Be encouraged, Jose

Do they know they are saying?

Friends,

Like many of you, I was transfixed by the image of a large jet airplane partially submerged in the Hudson River. The news coverage that followed included the predictably breathless reports from on-the-scene correspondents proclaiming that it was a "miracle" anyone survived, let alone the fact that everyone on board made it out safely.

Fair enough.
I never paid any attention to the pre-flight announcements because I figured that, if the plane did crash, there wouldn't be any opportunity to find the nearest exit before taking my last breath. So, okay. Call it whatever you want.

But then we hear passengers and pundits saying, "Thank God!" Certainly, it's appropriate to thank Almighty God. But how sincere is that expression of gratitude?

You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.
Exodus 20:7 [NKJV]

We'll go deep into the meaning of that verse in an upcoming podcast (subscribe by clicking the link below), but one of the more obvious meanings of the command is to forbid anyone from trivializing the word, "God." When a non-believer says, "Thank God!" what - exactly - do they mean? If they are a non-believer, who are they thanking? Or is it just an expression?

I suspect that their exclamation of gratitude is devoid of much thought... which makes it empty. In short, it is a vain use of God's holy name.

Let's be mindful of how we use that expression. It's probable that we have sinned that same sin. But we don't have to continue doing so. We can say, "Thank God!" And really mean it! When we do that, we take a small, important step towards true holiness.

Be encouraged, Jose

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Spread the good news

Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases. As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to kindle strife.
Proverbs 26:20-21 (NKJV)

The world we live in requires Godly wisdom on our part if we are going to make an impact and be successful in it according to God's will for our lives. We have choices in our lives and must choose that which will raise, build and empower every child of God to be who the Creator have created them to be. It can't be business as usual, hence we must take cognizance of how we are building on the foundation that has been laid. The foundation to reach the lost, To preach good tidings to the poor; to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn.

According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it.
1 Corinthians 3:10 (NKJV)

As heirs and joint heirs, our role and tasks are cut out clearly for us. The good news we must spread, not strife.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

The courage to speak

Friends,

It can be a fearsome thing to say what God wants us to say. It can be even more frightening when we are called to deliver a word of rebuke, admonishment or warning. When the LORD sent Ezekiel to call attention to the many sins that His people were committing, God saw fit to warn His prophet ...

And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them nor be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with you and you dwell among scorpions; do not be afraid of their words or dismayed by their looks, though they are a rebellious house
Ezekiel 2:6 [NKJV]

The LORD repeats this warning several times in the book of Ezekiel, as if to reinforce the message that He knows what His prophets must endure. And even today, His prophets are subject to persecution. Fellow believers call them names and look at them like they've lost their minds. Even pastors, who should know better, will use the power of their office to silence a prophet who says what he doesn't want to hear.

Executing the office of the prophet is difficult. It requires great confidence and intestinal fortitude. It carries few rewards in this lifetime. But each of us is called to bring forth revelation. Each of us is commanded to know what God has to say and to speak it... no matter the consequences. None of us can claim to have obeyed this command perfectly. Yet, by God's grace we can repent of our failure, accept Christ's forgiveness, and then forge ahead ... with courage and conviction.

Be encouraged, Jose

Be unafraid to follow Christ

Friends,

Then Thomas, who is called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, "Let us also go, that we may die with Him." -- John 11:16 (NKJV)

Thomas utters these words as Christ was planning to return to Judea in order to raise Lazarus from the dead. It comes at the end of an exchange between Jesus and His disciples in which they express concern over the Judeans' plans to kill the Savior. But Christ had something He had to do in Judea, and He would let nothing stop Him from obeying what the Father had called Him to accomplish.

Thomas' response presents us with an example to follow. For even today, the Lord is accomplishing great deeds. There will come a time when you and I are called to follow Him that we might participate in those deeds. It may come with a heavy price, and Jesus commands us to "count the cost."

Today, sisters and brothers, let us consider the price that we may be called on to pay. Let us then compare that price with the price that Jesus paid to make us His people. And let us prepare to follow Christ with courage.

Be encouraged, Jose

My Redeemer lives

“Look, I go forward, but He is not there, and backward, but I cannot perceive Him; When He works on the left hand, I cannot behold Him; When He turns to the right hand, I cannot see Him. But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.
Job 23:8-10 (NKJV)

A lifetime summary is a synopsis of the beginning, mid and end of the exploits of someone. This summary gives a detailed and full perspective view of the entire history of the person and not just part of it. The story and summary of Job was almost defined by his worst season when he lost all he had. But he (Job) never succumbed to the limited and transient challenging moment of his life, neither did he base his next life's decision based on the tragic turn of events in his life.

For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth;
Job 19:25 (NKJV)

In a season, it may be hard to perceive the presence of the Creator in some of our circumstances and situations. We must refused to be defined by just our present circumstances. Our life is in God's hands. Even though we may not see or feel Him like Job, we know after he has tested us, we shall come forth as gold.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

God is Faithful

But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny. Matthew 20:10 [KJV]

God is faithful even when life is not fair. He will provide when there seems to be no means.  He has a plan when we think all is lost.  I was reading that message this morning when I realized that God has been treating me better than I ever deserved.  He continues to provide for me and my family over the many years and I was wondering in the newness of 2009 how many of us are thinking that same thing.  

It has never been about what I could or would do for God, but His Love for me.  As I was reading and remembering this parable, the folks that started working early in the morning, were upset that the folks who came late to the workplace got the same pay.  They wanted to change what they had agreed to because they felt that it was unfair.  God is faithful through the unfairness because He delivered as promised. He will continue to deliver as promised because God is not a man that can lie or go back on His Promises. That is why He is faithful in spite of us. 

Be Encouraged,

Martin 

Be Eager for Nothing

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God".
Philippians 4:6 (NKJV)

As we embark on another new year, the word here is clear. What are the pressing issues and concerns being contended with? Should we be perturbed and worried like the world? Remember, expending our energies on anxiety and worries will be futile. Such exercises will not increase or expand our stature at all. They will only weaken and assault our faith power. Instead of responding to our concerns the way the world will, let's engage the Creator creatively, making our requests known to Him with thanksgiving and an assurance enveloped in high expectation of His supernatural touch on our situation. Then, our eagerness and anxieties will be replaced by a perfect peace and calm.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Podcast Update

The technical difficulty with last week's podcast has been resolved. It seems that I cannot type.

Please refresh your podcasts in iTunes to hear the latest message.

Special thanks to my brother, Bob Passman, for supplying the opening and closing music.

Jose

Friends,

Life is full of challenges and obstacles and setbacks. Now -- more than ever -- we see the tragic evidence of man's fallen nature. Sin is celebrated everywhere. Persecution of the saints is a punchline. Moral equivalence has completely overtaken sound judgment and discernment.

How has your confidence in Christ held up under these circumstances?
Is your faith in God as strong today as it was a year ago?

Consider the following verses:

For I know that my Redeemer lives,
And He shall stand at last on the earth;
And after my skin is destroyed, this I know,
That in my flesh I shall see God

These are certainly powerful words. They resonate with confident expectation that looks past the present day, into a future dominated by Christ's reign. This is more than a whimsical hope. This is evidence that the writer's hope is unshakable.

Who is this writer?
The answer may surprise you:

Job

Yes, Job (Job 19:25-26 - NKJV). The man whose children were murdered by Satan. The man whose house and livelihood were utterly destroyed. The man whose friends tormented him day after day. He had no doubt that His Redeemer lives and that he would stand before God and behold His glory.

Job had no fear of the destruction of his flesh. And neither should we. The mighty God that provided Job with the strength to stand firm in faith is the same One who strengthens us to do the same. We can withstand anything that this world throws at us because we know...

Our Redeemer lives!
He is coming back!

Be encouraged, Jose

New Release!! Thots 4 Today Podcasts

Brothers and sisters,

We are delighted to present a brand-new podcast. Subscribe to it today through iTunes (search for Thots 4 Today) or use this link - Thots 4 Today Podcast.

It is our hearts' desire that this resource be a blessing to you in your walk with Christ.

Be encouraged, Jose

UPDATE
I think the MP3 file is too big to work properly in iTunes. I'm working on fixing it. Please be patient and we'll let you know when we resolve the issue!

Love God?Then love each other

Friends,

In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother.
1 John 3:10 [NKJV]

The Holy Spirit gives us a clear and timeless directive in this one verse. For each one of us, now is the time to look in the mirror and ask ourselves if we are living up to this standard:
Are we practicing ... actually doing ... righteousness, or is it just lip service?
Do we love ... actively demonstrate loving behavior ... our brother?

Be purposed to be able to answer both questions in the affirmative. In doing so, we will make this life better. But better yet, we will please our Father.

Be encouraged, Jose

Arise, Shine to something new

Arise, shine; For your light has come! and the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. 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.
Isaiah 60:1-2 (NKJV)

As we bode the year 2008 farewell, it was with lots of mixed grill and experience for many. The highs and lows were intriguing. Nations, families and individuals were not spared of the dramatic episodes of the year. But with joy and praise to our Maker, we have crossed over to the new 2009 year with hope and eager expectations for God's intervention, fulfillment and consolidation on many fronts in our lives and lands. It is clear beyond reasonable now that that they that put their trust on an arm of flesh, do so to their peril and destruction. Our foundation and source must be and remain firm on God, our true source. In this can we flourish, increase, expand and not tremble over recession or scarcity.

The new year is a year of new things, a year of change, what kind of change? a year of decreasing of 'self' and increasing of Him in our lives. A year of refinement... one which the children of God need not fear, for at the end of the refinement we will come out much better and not destroyed. In 2009, those that will make it all about God and not self will excel and flourish and be a joy to many generations. Make a the new year count for something greater than you, Make it count for the Lord our Maker.

Let us arise and shine in 2009 so through God's glory the world will come to the light of our shine.

Have a Purposeful and Prosperous Happy New Year.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi Oghafua