Life-Giving Spirit

42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. 43 It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. 44 It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. 45 And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.”The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.
1 Corinthians 15:42-45 (NKJV)

Many grapple and are puzzled with the resurrection idea. It is simple. When a grain is sown/buried in the ground, it is forgotten, but soon a new plant emerges, a tree comes forth and multiple fruits with seed of its kind comes forth too. That the Lord Jesus Christ died and rose again is the greatest, best, and incomparable hope package in this life and the life to come. It confirms that death isn't the end of the story, neither is it the end of discussion. As many as may be experiencing dormancy, death even in the living physical body, potentials, careers, emotions, health, etc, the Life-giving spirit that's embedded inside of every child of God remains available.

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV)

Access to the embedded Life-giving spirit and willingness to access it remains the critical issue for all mortal beings. Experience His resurrection power that is made available by the price paid for in FULL by Jesus Christ.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Rational hope

Friends,

We can begin the day with hope and expectation because of only one truth. It is not that the government will come to our aid, or that the job will provide for us. It is not that our intellectual capabilities will prevail, or that we are physically prepared for what lies ahead.

Our hope, expectation and confidence stem from a belief in the power and consistency of the LORD.

Psalm 9:9-10 [NKJV]
The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed,
A refuge in times of trouble.
And those who know Your name will put their trust in You;
For You, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.

Remember that we who have put our faith in Almighty God trust the only One who will keep all His promises, fulfill every expectation, and who will be victorious over every enemy.

Be encouraged, Jose

Faith is it

1 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.

John 14:1 (NKJV)

One scratches his head and ponders in the face of daily challenges of life. Can I really stand up and uphold my faith and belief in this hostile and negative environment. It has even become a thing of ridicule to even be seen as a believer... so in the eyes of the world. But we need not bother, neither should we panic over the ferocious and aggressive threats and influences of the world. The matter is simple and settled. Refrain from panic, worry and fright mode, but rather believe in God and His son, Jesus Christ.

18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.

John 14:18 (NKJV)

One in Christ is not on his own but with the greatest one. Stand firm, cast away all fears, faith up and

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Dressing well

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
Ephesians 6:10-17 (NKJV)

It is appropriate that we dress-up for the right situation and occasion always. It will be out of place to don the best corporate suit, shirt, tie and shoes to match for a football battle on a field of play. With no protection to the body and the right gear, a wrongly dressed person is just a disaster waiting to happen. Our new man requires this new outfit for effective engagement in our daily encounters and interaction with the world. From the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes for the feet that spread peace and good news, the shield of faith, helmet of salvation to the sword of the spirit, the new man is well equipped to engage the world and dominate according to God's will for our lives.

Are you well dressed on a daily basis? Take a cue from these important accessories of the perfect dress code, lest you make some areas of your life vulnerable to the the tricks and onslaught of our common adversary. Dress well always and

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

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

Unshakable

Friends,

In the early days of human history, there was no shortage of religious ideas. One, however, was unique. And is a singular and critical part of our Christian heritage.

Most people believed in many gods. But one chosen people believed in one Almighty God. This was but one example of the remarkable faith that lies at the core of our beliefs.

After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.”
Genesis 15:1 [NKJV]

Abram left his land, his family and any assurances that they represented behind. He walked by faith to follow the One True God. By His grace, the LORD instilled in Abram an unshakable confidence and expectation that all of those wondrous promises would be fulfilled.

Those promises have not changed. They are just as valid today as they were so many thousands of years ago. The only thing that might have changed is that you and I are not quite as confident as Abram was.

Today, let us walk with renewed vigor and excitement. Let us demonstrate to all that we believe that the LORD is our protection and our great reward.

Be encouraged, Jose

Family Ties

Friends,

There are few people on earth that can cause as much hurt and sorrow as our family. The wounds of a father or mother can take a lifetime to heal. Hurtful words from a son or daughter can devastate a parent. And brothers and sisters seem to know just the thing to say to inflict the most damage in the least amount of time. The natural bonds that exist between family members cannot be denied. They are as real as the sunrise.

But while cannot - nor should not - wish them away, we must put them and keep them in their proper perspective.

Mark 3:35
For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother.
[NKJV]

At this point in the Gospel, Jesus is speaking to a multitude of followers, and specifically to His twelve true disciples. And He is speaking to you and me. When He redeemed us, He made us new creations. He not only translated us into the Kingdom of God, He adopted us into His family. We are now sons and daughters of the Most High God. Our obligation to give honor and respect to our parents, children and siblings is never diminished. However our affection and devotion are now directed towards this new, eternal family: to our Father, who reigns from Heaven; to our Savior, who calls Himself our brother and friend; to one another, who are among the least of these.

Sisters and brothers, use this reality to bring healing to your heart. Your everlasting family is here.

Be encouraged, Jose

Remain Confident

Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:
Hebrew 10:35-36 (NKJV)

It is said that it is impossible to please God with our faith. Our Faith is exercised and comes to play not in times of ease, abundance, merry, good health or when all is going smoothly with us. We are able to express our faith in Him in very dire situations, circumstances and conditions that put our survival on the spot. When our season of faith comes, the above scripture admonishes us to uphold and keep our confidence in our faith intact, for such trying and challenging seasons can weaken our resolve, undermine our confidence and erode the strength of our faith if we lose heart and faith.

In our seasons of trial and challenges, we must endure and keep the faith, doing the will of our Father at all times. After doing this will we be qualified recipients of the promise.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

By Faith

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith
Romans 1:16-17 NKJV

Apostle Paul in his days was accosted by many, some came to hear him speak, some with a different intent, but the power of the word of God goes to work in any heart that is open to it and is able to receive it. Being unashamed to speak the word and act the word in a hostile world is an hallmark of a believer in the 21st century. You may or will be detested and scorned for your hard-line postures most times, but because your agenda is not to prove self but to love and woo all to salvation and love of Christ. To as many that are able to receive and believe the truth of the gospel, the righteousness of God is revealed in them giving them the secret of successful living.... The just shall live by faith, not by what we are able to amass or our strength, or what we have. Everything, including life is a passing vapor which is visible one time and invisible the next moment.

Live your life on faith. In it is power and revelation to full life. Faith in the Creator who is able and true forever more.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

The Shield of Faith

Friends,

The Word of God is the most potent defense against the attacks of the enemy. Even when those attacks seem more like a barrage, relentless and spiteful, we can find protection in the words the Lord has given us.

Psalm 6:8-9
Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity;
For the LORD has heard the voice of my weeping.
The LORD has heard my supplication;
The LORD will receive my prayer. [NKJV]

Implicit in these words is the fact that affliction will be directed towards the believer.

But more importantly, we see the explicit promise given by Almighty God: The LORD hears us. He heard David thousands of years ago. And He hears you and me today.

Be encouraged, Jose

Are you forgiven?

Friends,

Believers have reason to be joyful every moment of every day. It doesn't matter what transpires in the political, economic, military, or even social realms. Those events are hear and gone like a wisp of smoke. Therefore, we who follow Christ do not depend on them for happiness or comfort.

Our greatest joy comes from these words ...

Then behold, they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.
Matthew 9:2 [NKJV]

The Christan's sins ... all of his sins ... have been forgiven. If you do not have this assurance, then know that, today, the Lord stands with arms open wide, ready to forgive you. By His grace, you will learn to obey Him, to hear Him, and to pray to Him. And by that same grace, which is sufficient for all things, you will receive comfort, joy and a peace that is beyond all understanding.

Be encouraged, Jose

We Don't Have to See the End

But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. Galatians 3:11 [KJV]

We all want to see the outcome before we make a decision. We want to know that everything will work out for us. We have a desire to look at the overall plan to see where the decisions we make or will make will take us. Sometimes God will provide a vision for us to follow, but many times He is saying "Trust Me".

When the Heavenly Father says "Trust Me", we continue to question Him. However, we will blindly trust many on this realm because they have an honest face, a nice voice, a good story to tell. Why is it with God, that we want to see the end result? God should be the first place that we put all our trust. We know that He is always looking out for us and we should get past our questions.

Remember Thomas the disciple? He wanted to touch and feel the risen Christ to confirm in his own mind the stories of others. Christ told him that you believe because you see and touch, but many will be blessed because they believed from hearing the account of the life of Christ. Let's commit to trusting what God is doing today. His Spirit will be the true guide for us as long as we listen to the instructions.

Be Encouraged,

Martin

Keep Trusting God

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. II Corinthians 12:9 [KJV]

As Paul talks about his thorn and how he has begged God to remove the thorn, but God did not. He let Paul know that he could live his life with God extending grace and mercy to him. Sometimes we have a problem that we have asked God about and He has give us the same answer. We should continue to trust Him and He will take care of our problem.

While that seems to be a easy thing to say, it can be difficult to achieve since we like to have everything go smoothly. But without the conflicts and problems, how would we know to enjoy life when times are good. Over the past few years, there have been some really tough times in my life personally, but with those times, I have come to know God better. I understand the last part of the verse better as well. I don't enjoy the bad times, but I find the Glory in going through and know that the power of Christ is right there when I need it. As long as I trust God, I know He will take care of me and my weaknesses. What more could one ask for in this life?

Be Encouraged,

Martin

Trust God Despite the Circumstances

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. I Corinthians 10:13 [KJV]

I like this verse for a number of reasons. Not just because God gives us a way out of every situation, but because even when we don't take the way out, He provides us the strength to handle the situation. I like that because sometimes circumstances arise that we see as too big to handle. And that is true if we are looking to handle everything ourselves. (Meditate for a minute about who is handling your life issues.)

When we realize that we have the real advocate working for us in exchange for praise and worship, we know that despite any circumstance or situation, we can continue to live. Trust God in the times of plenty and want. When we have lost jobs, family, health, friends, or finances, we have one deliverer that will overcome all obstacles. Don't fall for the trick of the enemy, God will be there and we should "hide behind Him" instead of "hide from Him" (thanks Nikki).

Be Encouraged,

Martin

Not quite finished yet

Friends,

Each one of us looks in the mirror and sees an incomplete picture. We are not yet finished. We are works in progress.

Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
1 John 3:2 [NKJV]

Now each one of us knows that a house is not beautiful until the walls have been painted, the flooring has been installed and the lawn and garden have blossomed. And we know that even the finest sirloin steak is inedible until it has been properly cooked (medium-rare for me, thank you very much). And no one wants to use a computer program until all of the bugs have been worked out (Microsoft take note).

So, look on yourself with grace and compassion. Look on your neighbor with forgiveness and mercy. We have not yet become what we are meant to be. The Potter is working with each one of us individually, painstakingly, and lovingly. He is molding each one of us into something unique and specific. He is faithful to complete that work, according to His perfect design.

And when He has finished with us, His chosen and beloved, it will be glorious!

Be encouraged, Jose

Help Me!

But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. Matthew 14:30 [KJV]

In the last two writings, we were talking about addictions and fallout results.  Now for the people involved, there is an opportunity to break free.  How do we all do that?  Good question and for the answer, we will look to Peter and his request to Christ when he was walking on the water.  

Peter's prayer was a call for help.  Sometimes we have to lose our pride and just ask God for help.  We can keep our pride and drown in it or we can resolve today to just reach out to Christ and ask Him to help us in any situation that we are in.  Our faith tells us that Christ can deliver us from any situation according to His Grace and Mercy.  Our part is to believe that the prayer is true and that He will save us and deliver us.  Peter's faith was that he truly believed that Christ could save and deliver.  Do you?  Do I?  The answer to that question lies within.

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

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

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

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