How to see these times

Friends,

When the time comes for the Lord to bring judgment against the world, everyone will be affected ... even the Believers. He will pour out His wrath over the entire earth, and no one will be exempt from its effects.

Revelation 16:1 [NKJV]
Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels,
“Go and pour out the bowls of the wrath of God on the earth.”

All will interpret the events that represent God's wrath. Some will interpret them through the eyes of ignorance, unable to fathom what good is being done. Others will interpret these events through eyes filled with rage, deception and envy. They will accuse God of being less than perfect.

We, who are followers of Christ, have His promise as a guide. We can see what is happening through the filter of Jesus' faithfulness, justice and wisdom. Fear will not rule our hearts. Courage, Love and Joy will reign, even in the darkest of days.

Be encouraged, Jose

The trumpet sounds

Friends,

In the book of Proverbs, we see the many characteristics of Christ Jesus. And as we are to imitate Him ... to be holy as He is holy ... we see the admonitions that our good and perfect Father has for us.

Proverbs 31:8-9 [NKJV]
Open your mouth for the speechless,
In the cause of all who are appointed to die.
Open your mouth, judge righteously,
And plead the cause of the poor and needy.

This is a command, brothers and sisters. We are to pray for those who cannot - and will not - pray. We are to intercede. We are to truthfully discern what is contrary to God's will, and describe it accurately as sin.

This is not for the faint of heart. It is a battle, meant only for the courageous.

Be encouraged, Jose

The root of peace

Friends,

The sons of God have been given a unique gift. We have a blessed assurance that ...

• Our God is sovereign over all things
• Our God is truly good
• Therefore, what is happening around is ultimately and truly good.

This can be hard to see when circumstances are hard, when body and soul is suffering. But is an amazing state of grace ...

Mark 4:37-38a [NKJV]
And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow.

Christ Jesus lived the life of complete submission to the Father's will. He had no doubts ... none whatsoever ... that LORD God Almighty is in complete control and is perfectly good. Therefore, even though His physical life seemed in jeopardy, Jesus was at peace, knowing that what was happening would be good.

For you and I to live this way is a tremendous challenge. It cannot be done outside of the grace and power of Christ. Seek that power, friends, and live a life of perfect peace.

Be encouraged, Jose

A purposed heart

Friends,

It's the rare person who makes a conscious decision to sin. Certainly, a believer whose profession is true would never willfully choose to sin. We might have succumbed to temptation or sinned out of ignorance, but that is a different heart than one who simply doesn't care.

To grow further, though, requires a more decisive stance:

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
Daniel 1:9 [NKJV]

Daniel's life is characterized by a a daily expression of courageous obedience. This was no accident. His obedience was active, not passive. He made a decision to obey. He purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself.

What is your purpose today? Is it to get through the day? Is it to be get everything done on the list? Have you purposed to obey and not to be defiled? Have you purposed to heed the voice of the Lord?

It is perhaps the most important agreement you can make!

Be encouraged, Jose

Having a good night's sleep

Friends,

I know of no one whose life is completely stress-free. The enemy is hell-bent on denying us the peace that Christ has given us. Every possible means is employed ... work, family, finances, government. There is a purpose and a plan behind these attacks, and it is to cause you and me to focus on the problems of this life instead of on the LORD.

The solution and unassailable defense is to remember - at all times - the promises of God:

Psalm 3:5-6 [NKJV]
I lay down and slept;
I awoke, for the LORD sustained me.
I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people
Who have set themselves against me all around.

If we believe that our sustenance is derived from our own efforts, strength, cunning, wisdom and capabilities, then when those things inevitably falter, we will fear the defeat that seems so imminent. But when we finally realize that it is God - who is Almighty and All-powerful - that sustains us, we can lay down and sleep without fear of any weapon formed against us.

Be encouraged, Jose

The Reward of Repentance

Friends,

Repentance is hard. It means giving up that with which we have grown comfortable. It means turning away from the familiar and moving into something new and untried. And yet, the reward of repentance is remarkable...

Luke 15:10
Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents. [NKJV]

Jesus proclaims that all of heaven rejoices over your repentance and mine. He is both describing this and commanding it.

Imagine all of God's Kingdom rising as one to cheer and celebrate each act of repentance that takes place. Having this vision should give you and me the encouragement and strength to overcome any obstacle that the enemy places in our path.

Be encouraged, Jose

Wait For It!!!!!

I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Psalm 27:13 [KJV]

The verse rings true to all of us. If we had not seen the goodness of God, we would have quit the race long ago. God's sustaining power allows us to be more patient and more hopeful. Because what is faith without hope. We know that God can, but we must believe that God will. He is able to strengthen us and keep us. There is an old hymn, that states that "He will carry you through". When I was younger, I liked the melody and the tune, now that I have had more life experiences, I like the words and what they really speak to my soul.

As we all live and know that God is truly able, sometimes, we have to "wait for it". The waiting time may not be as fun as we like, but the victory at the end is absolutely worth the wait. Let's not rush the time, but enjoy the process. As we do, we will understand that God absolutely is worth the wait.

Be Encouraged,

Martin

Declare God's Works

Friends,

These hard times have left no one untouched. All of us are feeling it, and know others who are affected by them, as well. For the believer, however, we know that there is nothing done in vain. The LORD has a perfect and holy purpose for everything.

Psalm 118:17-18 [NKJV] 
 I shall not die, but live, 
 	 And declare the works of the LORD. 
 The LORD has chastened me severely, 
 	 But He has not given me over to death. 

We don't often know why we experience what we experience. However, we can be confident that it serves God's purpose, even when we do not fully understand His plans. And because we know that these things serve His perfect will, we can trust that they are good.

We know that all of the works of God work together for our good ... for life. We know this because He said so. And therefore, once we have endured these current hardships, and when we come out on the other side (wherever and whenever that is) we can declare the great and wondrous works of our LORD!

Be encouraged, Jose

Fruitfulness in all conditions

Friends,

The LORD says ...

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]

Today is the day to trust in the LORD. Wait no longer, brothers and sisters. The fact that the world is untrustworthy cannot get much more obvious. We do not need to live in fear, nor must we be anxious during the difficult times.

No matter happens in this earth, the LORD promises that we will never stop bearing fruit.

A thousand may fall at your side,
And ten thousand at your right hand;
But it shall not come near you.
Psalm 91:7 [NKJV]

Be encouraged, Jose

An expansive view of all

Friends,

If you're like me, then the following verse brings you great comfort whenever difficult circumstances come to the forefront:

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28 [NKJV]

During Bible study this past week, our teacher reminded us that, although we most often use this familiar verse on its own, it exists within the context of an amazing set of verses. For instance, it is directly connected to the anguish and mental gymnastics of the end of Romans 7:

I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.
Romans 7:18 [NIV]

It is also linked to our election and adoption into the Royal and Heavenly Family that Paul describes in the early verses of Chapter 8:

For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father."
Romans 8:15 [NKJV]

Take some time this weekend to review these two chapters, keeping in mind that "all things" encompasses the entirety of what our brother Paul describes in them. It will change how you praise the Father. It will intensify your gratitude for Christ's work at Calvary. And you will find even greater courage and comfort in the sovereignty of the LORD.

Praise God and Be encouraged!
Jose

Fear cannot stop us

Friends,

Among the many facets of the battles we encounter throughout our lives is one focused on the area of worship. It is a battle principally because the devil wants nothing more than to interrupt and disrupt our relationship with the Almighty. And of course, Satan will use all of his weapons to do so. Our response is to recognize his tactics and be resolved to worship the LORD no matter what.

Ezra 2:3
Though fear had come upon them because of the people of those countries, they set the altar on its bases; and they offered burnt offerings on it to the LORD, both the morning and evening burnt offerings. [NKJV]

Our forebears knew that a genuine worship of God would aggravate and irritate their neighbors. And those neighbors were already hostile, and were most certainly armed. Hence their fear was not irrational.

But fear did not stop them.

And fear must not stop you and me. The world will never give us permission to worship our LORD, and to wait for it is senseless. There will be consequences for obeying God, and it is understandable to be concerned about them. But we must not succumb to our fear of those consequences.

Remain steadfast in our worship of God. He is our strength and courage. And He is our victory.

Be encouraged, Jose

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

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

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 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

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

Squeaking wheels

Friends,

It is often said that the squeaky wheel gets the oil. And truly, when we here a strange noise in our automobile, we focus our maintenance efforts on that part. This kind of thing is really obvious in our governing style. The brash, noisy problems get the attention, while the fundamental problems of our culture expand unabated.

In his timeless address on the worthlessness of a life lived without Christ, King Solomon gives us wise counsel on this very habit.

Words of the wise, spoken quietly, should be heard
Rather than the shout of a ruler of fools.
Ecclesiastes 9:17 (NKJV)

How many times will we, as a people, ignore these words?
How many times does their truthfulness need to be proven until they are heeded?

Our Lord does not often blast His voice. Rather, He speaks in the quiet of our conscience and in the everlasting words of Scripture. Knowing this gives us an advantage, because it prompts us to ignore the tumult and chaos around us. Instead, let us focus on Christ, our Lord and Savior. We will then hear the words of the wise, leading us to peace in His presence.

Be encouraged, Jose

Then arose such a clatter

Friends,

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

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

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

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

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

Be encouraged, Jose

Friends,

The world is full of lies. It will lie about what is beautiful. It will lie about what is important. It will lie about the definition of success. And it will lie about the source of truth and power.

The world tries to convince us that we must look deep inside for the strength to succeed. The world tries to sell us on the notion that it's all up to us, that we cannot depend on anything outside of ourselves... that we control our own destiny.

Hopefully, you know, dear brothers and sisters, the truth that blows these fallacies away.

1 John 2:24 [NKJV]
Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father.

What have we heard from the beginning?

• That our Father is the beginning and the end.
• That He is the power, and that He is worthy of all glory and honor.
• That He is the only dependable one.
• That He is the one who hold the future.

Believe it, Christian.

Be encouraged, Jose