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

Power within

6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:6-7 (NKJV)

God of all creation made everyone for a specific purpose and mission. Whether the creature identifies and fulfills that mission and purpose is another thing. One thing stands for sure though, the gifts and 'ability to do' is embedded inside each and everyone of us. Sometimes, it will take an uncomfortable situation or condition to shake things up, or some stirring, nudging, jolting, and trials, etc. When faced with a trying or difficult situation, we respond in an uncommon way. That uncommon way and ability have always been inside of us.

We are given the spirit of power and love plus a disciplined mind. Nothing must ever intimidate the God in us, because He that is in us created everything.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

The Lord's message

Friends,

When times are difficult, we must remember how God responds when we obey His word.

Haggai 1:13 (NKJV)
Then Haggai, the LORD’s messenger, spoke the LORD’s message to the people, saying, “I am with you, says the LORD.”

God had a message for His people. It was a specific message for a specific time. That time is now, and He is speaking to you and to me.

The Lord says "I am with you."

Be encouraged, José

 

Wait on Him

29 He gives power to the weak,
And to those who have no might He increases strength.
30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall,
31 But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:29-31 (NKJV)

To be in a weak state is not something to despise and dislike after all. Though you are willing yet you fall short and feel incapable. While you take care of what needs to be done, wait on the Lord our Maker who gives power to the weak and strength to the feeble. Connect with the source of real strength. The strength that never dissipates or wear out. It is amazing that the scripture says that the youths, i.e. they that are full of vigor and vitality will lose their fervor, zeal and enthusiasm. But they that wait upon Him shall renew, refresh and obtain what is necessary to keep going strong.

Your weakness may be a time for refreshing and renewal. Wait on the Lord and

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Settled

27 For the LORD of hosts has purposed, And who will annul it?
His hand is stretched out, And who will turn it back?”
Isaiah 14:27 (NKJV)

As we make the relentless pursuit of righteousness our goal and agenda for 2012, we must walk and operate in the assurance of God's word. His will in our life shall be done for when Heaven invades our space, no power comes between. It will be more of Him and less of others.

God has spoken once, Twice I have heard this: That power belongs to God.
Psalm 62:11 (NKJV)

In an era of multiple and numerous streams of report, whose report will we believe? God has spoken. It is settled.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Heed the call from the Lord of hosts

Friends,

Everyday we are called to battle. And, unfortunately, too many ignore this call. Perhaps they believe that the LORD does not notice. But He does.

Ezekiel 7:14
They have blown the trumpet and made everyone ready,
But no one goes to battle;
For My wrath is on all their multitude. [NKJV]

When you and I take it upon ourselves to "pick our battles", we are in fact usurping the authority of Almighty God. Why would we think that's a good idea?

Today, brothers and sisters, we are engaged in a spiritual war ... not with flesh and blood, but with principalities and powers. Our great weapons are the very Word of God and the fervent, constant prayers of the faithful.

Christians the world over are counting on you to pray against the advance of the enemy. Answer the call.

Be encouraged, Jose

Bringing it to the Father

13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Mathew 5:13-18 (NKJV)

The word is clear, the performer controls the mood, suspense, expectation and reaction of the audience and not vice versa. The world must look to the believer for clues, lifestyle, what works and what doesn't, perspective to uncommon situations and circumstances and life in general. It is unfortunate for a believer to now voluntarily relinquish his/her role as the seasoner to a clueless world. We are the light of the world carrying heavens wattage and power within that is meant to ignite and light the world. Is our life lighting the world? Is it bringing illumination to the dark issues of the world?

We have a unique opportunity to showcase the God in us, for the power to bring forth clarity, illumination, and shine to the world is within. We must perfect this so our Father in heaven may be glorified.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

In our heart

18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written: “ I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.”
1 Corinthians 1:18-19 (NKJV)

We encounter daily shifts in the world system. It is become increasingly popular for ungodly ways to take the center stage in day to day living and become acceptable as the norm. Standing up for one's belief makes you politically incorrect and attract all sorts of hostility from a world whose mission is to minimize and obliterate Kingdom standards. That should not come to the believer as a surprise, it is to be expected and we must overcome this onslaught with love, patience and understanding. Such a feat isn't conceivable and possible with flesh and blood but only the Spirit can empower the mortal man to carry this out.

What ever policies, laws, orders, edicts, rules, etc is enacted by the world and its bodies, the timeless truths etched in our heart must remain unchanged. In our heart, the truth that sets free will and must forever reign. The truth is the power of God that perfects all things.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

The presence of God

Friends,

No matter how strong your faith is, there will be times when the LORD seems far, far away. Prayers seem to either bounce off the ceiling or just fade into thin air. It can be a frustrating time. Those kinds of times can make a person feel lonely, hopeless or even terrified.

And it is in those moments that lifting up songs and shouts of praise just may be the most important action you can take:

2 Chronicles 5:13-14 [NKJV]
Indeed it came to pass, when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD, and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the LORD, saying:

“For He is good,
For His mercy endures forever,”

that the house, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud; for the glory of the LORD filled the house of God.

These verses close a passage describing the re-entry of the Ark of the Covenant into the temple that Solomon built. The Ark passed in front of the whole of Israel. There were sacrifices being made amid great and solemn procession. But it was the praise that brought forth the presence of Almighty God.

All kinds of things may have been thrown at you this week. The enemy seeks to keep you focused on his attacks rather than on staying close to the Father. In response, brothers and sisters, lift your voice and SING!
Sing praises to the King of kings and Lord of lords.
Sing Hallelujah to the One who delivered us from Egypt.
Give glory to the Mighty Redeemer who has freed you and me from the slavery of this world.

Be encouraged, Jose

The fearless mindset

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)

It has been known over generations how destinies are frustrated, thwarted and punctured through the instrument of fear. Great things in life never look simple and possible to the ordinary. A victorious mindset is a fearless mindset, powered by the inner workings of the Holy Spirit. Gentle, calm yet fearless and ruthless to all destiny killers. The Scripture above confirms the spirit that has been bequeathed unto us. A sound mind and of power.

19 “Have you given the horse strength? Have you clothed his neck with thunder?[b]

20 Can you frighten him like a locust? His majestic snorting strikes terror.

21 He paws in the valley, and rejoices in his strength; He gallops into the clash of arms.

22 He mocks at fear, and is not frightened; Nor does he turn back from the sword.

23 The quiver rattles against him, The glittering spear and javelin.

24 He devours the distance with fierceness and rage; Nor does he come to a halt because the trumpet has sounded.

Job 39:19-24 (NKJV)

The earth is ours to subdue and fill. The horse never shirks from fear, instead he mocks it and confront it. Never sucuumb to fear or intimidation. There is power within us by divine design.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Why praise is important

Friends,

When you pray, do you regularly praise the LORD for who He is? No doubt you thank Him for all He has done and is doing in your life. And of course you bring intercession for yourself and others before Him. All of this appropriate... even critical.

But, my dear brothers and sisters, consider the following:

Psalm 22:3 [NKJV]
But You are holy,
Enthroned in the praises of Israel.

Almighty God makes His throne - where He chooses to exercise His authority and judgments - within the praises of His people. In a sense, then, if we want to witness the power and majesty of the LORD, then we are well-advised to bring forth praise.

Praise Him in the morning and in the evening.
Praise Him no matter the circumstances.
Praise Him for His goodness and wonder.

Be encouraged, Jose

A joyful investment

Friends,

Each day, we owe it to ourselves to be reminded of just what we have in Christ Jesus. We defeat the enemy, little by little, when we recall the abundant blessing that has been purchased on our behalf.

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence,
Ephesians 1:7-8 [NKV]

In Christ, we have redemption. He gained it by the power of His blood. And this is no small thing. He has made this grace to be abundant towards us, His people. Its value is beyond measure and imagination. Its power is eternal and enduring. And finally, the Lord did not do this thoughtlessly or carelessly. He did it according to the wisdom of His perfect will.

Brothers and sisters, have you considered this blessing today? Have you really taken the time and energy to understand what it truly means? To do so is an investment in joy.

Be encouraged, Jose

The answer to doubters

Friends,

As believers, we walk in a way that makes no sense to the world. They cannot and will not understand what motivates us, what drives us, and what fulfills us. The world looks to itself for power and strength. The world schemes and plans and designs. They scoff at us for relying on the LORD.

Do you think this is new?
Do you think this is simply a by-product of our modern age?

Psalm 3:2-3 [NKJV]
Many are they who say of me,
"There is no help for him in God." Selah
But You, O LORD, are a shield for me,
My glory and the One who lifts up my head.

No matter what the so-called intellectuals might say, we know the truth. That is because we have been redeemed by the One who is the Truth. We need not be limited by the finite powers of ourselves, of other men, or of this world. We have our strength in the unlimited sovereign power of God!

Be encouraged, Jose

His Right Hand

6 “Your right hand, O LORD, has become glorious in power; Your right hand, O LORD, has dashed the enemy in pieces. 7 And in the greatness of Your excellence You have overthrown those who rose against You; You sent forth Your wrath; It consumed them like stubble.

Exodus 15:6-7 (NKJV)

So much has been said about the right hand of the Lord. His right hand connotes power and might, yet mere mortals knowingly or unknowingly rise up to contend with it. They soon find out that they are no match and don't even come close at all. Time and time again, it has been proven to be unwise, futile, foolish to rise up against this right hand and the Lord's Kingship over the affairs of men. King Pharoah, Nebuchadnezzar, Herod, and numerous other Kings and their Kingdoms to date have been roundly humbled, and silenced. No movement, kingdom, lifestyle, campaign or human endeavor has ever prevailed over the right hand and will never be.

The right hand of the LORD is exalted;The right hand of the LORD does valiantly. It is the righteousness of God that we must always strive to and live by. To pursue anything else is futile and not smart.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Know that He is God

Friends,

Men and women plan and scheme. We worry over what might or might not happen in this circumstance or another. We devise contingency plans and work out elaborate measures to attempt to control events in our world.

That is certainly one way to live.

Here is another ...

I know that whatever God does,
It shall be forever.
Nothing can be added to it,
And nothing taken from it.
God does it, that men should fear before Him.
That which is has already been,
And what is to be has already been;
And God requires an account of what is past.
Ecclesiastes 3:14-15, NKJV

Today, why don't we take a breath and rest, knowing that Almighty God, who is truly sovereign and completely good, has set every detail in place for a specific purpose. We cannot change the plan of God. We can only have reverential fear of Him who is all-powerful and all-good. We can only turn away from our controlling impulses and turn towards the only One worthy of trust. We can strive to finally and fully depend and rely on the LORD.

Assured Victory

Friends,

The enemy is counting on our surrender. He expects us to be weak and fearful. He assumes that our confidence in the LORD is easily shaken.

But you and I need not live under the assumptions and presumptions of the enemy.

Exodus 15:6
Your right hand, O LORD, has become glorious in power;
Your right hand, O LORD, has dashed the enemy in pieces. [NKJV]

Almighty God is glorified in victory over His enemy. His enemy is our enemy. And therefore, the Great and Wondrous Lord is glorified and exalted in victory over your enemy and my enemy.

We have nothing to fear, brothers and sisters. The enemy that wants to harm you and me is shattered pieces under our feet. Walk in victory!

Be encouraged, Jose

The purpose of learning

Friends,

For many young people across our land, today marks the start of the new school year. There are new friends to meet and old friendships to renew. There are new teachers, new subjects, new schedules, and plenty of other exciting things to look forward to. And - of course - many are already looking forward to a particular day of the school year ... the last day!

Let's take a moment, though, and focus on the ultimate purpose for learning.

Deuteronomy 17:18-20
Also it shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write for himself a copy of this law in a book, from the one before the priests, the Levites. And it shall be with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God and be careful to observe all the words of this law and these statutes, that his heart may not be lifted above his brethren, that he may not turn aside from the commandment to the right hand or to the left, and that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he and his children in the midst of Israel. [NKJV]

The LORD specifically commanded rulers to transcribe His Law in their own hand as a learning tool. God's desire was for them to really know His thoughts, plans and decrees.

But this desire is not limited to kings of old. You and I are members of a Royal Priesthood. You and I are, therefore, kings. As such, we are under the same command. We are to learn what God wants of us, His people. We do this so that His kingdom - which is our Kingdom, by virtue of salvation - will be made manifest in glory and power.

Be encouraged, Jose

Answers to big questions

Friends,

Sometimes, when we can rise above the course of daily events, men and women have important and far-reaching questions. These kinds of questions take time and meditation to answer adequately. They require imagination, creativity, and an open heart.

Does our God truly have the capacity to redeem this fallen soul?
Is the LORD able to overcome the massive evil that is our sin?

Big questions like these are nothing new.

Isaiah 50:2a
Why, when I came, was there no man?
Why, when I called, was there none to answer?
Is My hand shortened at all that it cannot redeem?
Or have I no power to deliver?

Of course, we do not need to search far for the answers to these questions ...

Isaiah 50:2b
Indeed with My rebuke I dry up the sea,
I make the rivers a wilderness;
Their fish stink because there is no water,
And die of thirst. [NKJV]

Almighty God truly does have the full and limitless power to dry up the seas. He can do this with one word. He can darken the sun, calm the seas, raise the dead, give sight to the blind.

He does all these things ... and nothing can stop Him from redeeming His elect people.

Be encouraged, Jose

Our Life's Mission

O God, You have taught me from my youth; And to this day I declare Your wondrous works. Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, do not forsake me, Until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to everyone who is to come.
Psalm 71:17-18 (NKJV)

He was a shepherd boy with a heart for God, he pursued his calling with zeal, he took chances at life, enjoying sometimes with reckless abandon, yet his heart never strayed away completely from the Shepherd of his soul. He was never fuzzy or beclouded about his vision and mission.... "Declaring the strength of His Maker to his generation and His power to everyone who is to come".

In these words, I find deep revelation and connection to a calling. A calling every believer must latch steadfastly too. In the fulfillment of this is our sure testimony. Long when we are gone, the strength of our Maker and His power must continue to speak and manifest through our works, our lives and deeds. Let's make every moment of our days count for Him. That is the main mission we must never forget.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Just to Know Him

Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
Phillipians 3:8-11 (NKJV)

Apostle Paul put this so eloquently. To gain the world is to lose out on Christ, but to lose out on things of this world for the excellence of the the knowledge of Christ is great gain. What else could be greater than operating in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ and the power of His Resurrection? To be a follower of Christ and a believer without this knowledge and power of resurrection is to miss out completely,

May the Power of His Resurrection come alive in every facet and aspect of our lives that every dead, idle, weak, feeble, inactive and lifeless part of us may come to life to the glory of Him who paid our sin, debt in full. If any thing at all, just come to His knowledge and the revelation will make a way.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi