Where does your satisfaction come from?

Friends,

The world seeks to satisfy us. It is the enemy's most effective weapon. For when we are discontent with what the LORD has provided, we chase after the things of the flesh. And when we chase after the things of the flesh, we are no longer pursuing Christ, we are no longer seeking the Kingdom of God and its righteousness.

Proverbs 27:7 [NKJV]
A satisfied soul loathes the honeycomb,
But to a hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.

The honeycomb represents the temporary pleasures of sin. It is fleeting, and it always leaves you wanting more.

When we are satisfied with what God has provided, those temporary pleasures do not tempt us ... indeed we look at them with contempt. But when we despise the life that Almighty God has chosen for us, then even the most horrendous sin seems wonderful and enticing.

Satisfaction and contentment are choices that we make. We are no longer in bondage to lust. We are free to love holiness, to love the law, and the be completely satisfied with the life of Christ.

Be encouraged, Jose

Authentic worship

Friends,

There is a reason that the many religions which man has developed over the centuries are attractive. Their rituals are emotionally stirring. Their beliefs are soothing and self-reinforcing. They bolster our self-esteem and self-reliance. They give us the illusion of being in control.

But they have all been ended by the ultimate sacrifice performed by the Eternal High Priest. No man-made religion can claim to fully atone for every sin. And even those Christians who are determined to revive the old Judaism must acknowledge the truth of the Scriptures:

Hebrews 7:11
Therefore, if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should rise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be called according to the order of Aaron? [NKJV]

The Levitical priesthood was a critical reminder for God's people of what He had done - and is doing - for them throughout history. But there is no longer a need for that reminder, for Christ is the ultimate work of Almighty God. He is the fulfillment of what the Father promised (expressed through the workings of the Levitical priesthood).

We can apply this to every religion, including those that have no historical relationship with Judaism. They are all attempts to achieve the perfection that Almighty God demands. And every religion has conjured up a way to make up for the inevitable shortfall in that quest for perfection. But again, only Christ is effective in doing so.

Let us not denigrate the work of Jesus by reverting to rituals and ceremonial rites. Worship Him in spirit and truth.

Be encouraged, Jose

How you know

Friends,

Dramatic and spectacular events happen the world over, and in our time - more than ever - we can see them unfold before our very eyes. Some are thrilling, others terrifying. But often, their impact is far removed from our daily lives.

Even though they seem more mundane, the daily occurrences that shape our lives are no less compelling and impactful. We must discern the source of these events if we are to know how to respond.

Matthew 7:16 [NKJV]
You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?

What is the fruit of a traffic jam? Is it frustration, anger and hatred? Then the proper response is pray against those spirits, and to release patience and contemplation.
What is the fruit of an overcooked meal? Is it disappointment and resentment? We know that our Lord neither disappoints nor harbors resentment ... so we know that it is part of an attack. So we pray against disappointment and resentment; and we pray for contentment, forgiveness and grace.

The examples are endless. And surely you can see this applied in your life. Do this today, and witness the healing and strengthening of the Holy Spirit.

Be encouraged, Jose

How to do the impossible

Friends,

In our mortal, un-glorified state, it is quite impossible for us to maintain a perfectly holy walk. Nonetheless, we are commanded to strive for that goal. We cannot do it using our own abilities - it can only be done by the power of Christ Jesus.

But how does one access that power?

Galatians 5:16 [NKJV]
I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

Fulfilling the desires of the flesh is the greatest obstacle to our ability to being holy, as Jesus is holy. But the key to a holy walk is somewhat counter-intuitive. Our focus should not be on flesh avoidance ... because then our focus is on the flesh. Rather, the focus should be on living, thinking, speaking, and acting according to the spirit of God.

We listen for guidance from Jesus, and we'll be unable to hear the voice of the flesh.
We focus all of our energy on doing the will of the Father, and there will be no energy left to doing the will of the world.

There will be only one result: we will be obedient.

Be encouraged, Jose

His Mercies

1 Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions.
11 Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
Psalm 51:1,11 (NKJV)

It is so glaring when man loses the Holy Spirit connection. He acts insanely and with reckless abandon and ultimately self-destruct. All of a sudden the 'programmed' now thinks he's more all-knowing, all-able more than the 'Programmer'. Only time will separate the two, but the wise knows that safe the grace of the Almighty God, man is nothing; but with a steady connection to the Creator, he is more than able to rise above self and his numerous life challenges. King David knew the secret of this and sought the mercies of God continually and longed to be in His presence at all times. Moses requested a halt to the journey of the nation of Israel unless the presence of the Lord went with them.

We never want to stray away for the Lord's presence. Cast me not away from your presence lest I misbehave and self-destruct. Your Holy Spirit is my GPS, Teacher, Mentor, Comforter, Friend, etc. His Leadership in our lives we need and in His presence we must always be.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi