Deal wisely

16 “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. 17 But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues.
Matthew 10:15-17 (NKJV)

It is now politically incorrect to even affirm and profess your faith in the modern world media. You make a lot uncomfortable and come across as hostile. You must remember that you are the salt of the world, you are the light of the world, created with a specific purpose for influence. We can not be overcome or dominated by the environment we are supposed to influence and be agents of change for.

7 Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient,“The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone,” 8 and “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed.
1 Peter 2:7-9 (NKJV)

The Rock is available for strength, use it to your advantage and Kingdom influence. Engage and deal wisely with your world.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Stay Awake

...but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way.
Matthew 13:25 (NKJV)

The common adversary isn't dumb and naive about his ultimate agenda of stealing, killing and destroying. He chooses our most vulnerable moments, when our strength is at an all time low, when we are at our weakest. The adversary strategy is relentless, gradual and consistent. Hence we must never grow weary or go it alone because human strength is no match for this adversary but the power of the Holy Spirit that is in us.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV)

Let us be circumspect, cautious and be vigilant and never give away to sleep like others do. Our environment must not define us, but rather we must define our world according to Kingdom principles. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober (1 Thessalonians 5:6).

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

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

Seek His Hand, not hand-outs

18 Therefore the LORD will wait, that He may be gracious to you;
And therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you.
For the LORD is a God of justice; Blessed are all those who wait for Him.
19 For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem;You shall weep no more.
He will be very gracious to you at the sound of your cry;
When He hears it, He will answer you.
Isaiah 30:18-19 (NKJV)


The Lord covets and desires our relationship. When we come to Him, we must not come just because of the hands-outs, but we must seek His hand in fellowship. Nothing angers the Lord more than when we cast Him aside to seek help from other gods.

1 “Woe to the rebellious children,” says the LORD,
“Who take counsel, but not of Me,
And who devise plans, but not of My Spirit,
That they may add sin to sin;
2 Who walk to go down to Egypt, And have not asked My advice,
To strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh,
And to trust in the shadow of Egypt!
3 Therefore the strength of Pharaoh
Shall be your shame, And trust in the shadow of Egypt
Shall be your humiliation.
Isaiah 30:1-3 (NKJV)

Our hope and trust must be on Him, who never shame, humiliate nor confuse those that trust and believe in Him. We ought to wait on the Lord for blessed are all those who wait for Him.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Hallmarks of a blessed life

Friends,

We still cling to a odd, temporal notion of what it means to be blessed. We see a big house, a nice car, a healthy family, or success in business and call that man blessed. We see a struggling family, or a disruptive illness, and choose not to see in any blessing in that.

But contrast that view with what God says about blessings:

Blessed is the man whose strength is in You,
Whose heart is set on pilgrimage.
As they pass through the Valley of Baca,
They make it a spring;
The rain also covers it with pools.
They go from strength to strength;
Each one appears before God in Zion.
Psalm 84:5-7 [NKJV]

The whole basis of whether a man is "blessed" or not has nothing to do with present-day circumstances. Rather it has everything to do with the eternal condition of the heart.
Does the heart draw its strength from the LORD?
Is the desire focused on moving through this world and to the LORD?
Are the eyes set on things above?

These, brothers and sisters, are the hallmarks of a blessed man. It is worth examining our hearts today for evidence of their presence.

Be encouraged, Jose

Renewal necessary

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)

The Lord is available to them that can seek and depend on Him. Experience shows that even in our elements, when we are highest in our energy levels, it is not impossible to be dissipated within minutes, growing weary and feeble when things don't go the way we expect. The strong is weakened, slumber and slack reigns forth and our stamina is compromised and rendered ineffective.

The physical may sometimes fail, even with the best of nutrients for the body. These doesn't usually measure up, not even the material acquisitions, social status and all the appellations of life. At this point, we know that only waiting on Him is the answer.

Have you grown weary, tired and exhausted in your usual routine of life? Its time to wait on Him for renewal and refreshing.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

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

Do not be weary

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Galatians 6:9 (NKJV)

It is not impossible for weariness to take a toll on us in a world that disregards and discounts any form of godliness and righteous living. The seasons may not always be as pleasant as we want, but that must not be an excuse for us to faint or grow weary. Due season isn't far away.

But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.
2 Thessalonians 3:13 (NKJV)

We must resist the lure of doing things in our own strength. Reliance solely on our abilities will sometimes fail us and trigger frustration, which in turn can lead to weariness. Arrest the lure of pride, uproot the root of weariness, rest and operate in the power of His might and He will never fail nor forsake you.

Be Encouraged,

Afolabi

The Garden's victory

Friends,

Where are you living today?

Genesis 2:8
The LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man whom He had formed. [NKJV]

Man was created outside of the garden ... in the wilderness. But he was not meant to stay there. The wilderness is a place of danger, of sin, and of death. The Garden is a place of rest and provision and life. The Garden is where we are headed when Christ makes His return.

Now, we live in a fallen world. And indeed, it often feels like a "jungle out there." But ask yourself ...
Is day-to-day life characterized by fear, anxiety and uncertainty? Or is it marked by peace and assurance and confidence.
Are you buffeted by shame and condemnation? Or do you repent and walk in the freedom of grace and forgiveness?

We are fearfully and wonderfully equipped to subdue the earth, to survive and thrive in the wild reality of daily living. Our equipment is the grace of Christ Jesus. And when we rely on that, we can walk through this fallen world unfazed by its attacks, knowing that a victorious peace is assured.

Be encouraged, Jose

Hope

No king is saved by the multitude of an army; A mighty man is not delivered by great strength. A horse is a vain hope for safety; Neither shall it deliver any by its great strength. Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who hope in His mercy
Psalm 33:16-18 (NKJV)


It is amazing how mere mortal men slack on historical lessons of life. The affluent, rich, connected, powerful soon forget how transient and finite their strength and resources are. Nations and the mighty will be in for a rude shock if they total reliance is on their resources, armies and weapons of warfare. History have shown repeatedly how vain it is to rely on our tangible and intangible resources for strength, security and future assurance. How wrong and disappointed will one be with this!

Unless we surrender our all to Him and quit the "I am in charge" mentality, our pursuits and rigors will continually be punctured and confounded by the foolish things of the world. We must fear and revere Him and our total hope must be in Him at all times. Then will we experience peace, security, and assurance that's without limits.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

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

Calling for help

Friends,

Life's daily battles often lead us to look for help, for allies. We determine that these struggles can be overcome with "a little help from our friends." But is that the right path?

Psalm 124:2-3
If it had not been the LORD who was on our side,
When men rose up against us,
Then they would have swallowed us alive,
When their wrath was kindled against us;

It is critical that, when we seek out allies, that we realize that there is truly only one Ally that can be effective. Worldly friends might make us feel better for a time, but the help that comes from Christ will bring everlasting results.

When you are tempted to cry out to your natural family or to your circle of friends, remember that it is the LORD that we should be calling upon. Get on His side and find safety in His Name.

Be encouraged, Jose

Kingdom-driven

In the meantime His disciples urged Him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.” But He said to them, “I have food to eat of which you do not know.” Therefore the disciples said to one another, “Has anyone brought Him anything to eat?” Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.
John 4:31-34 (NKJV)

He mingled with the lost, the outcast and rejected ones in the society. He connected with His calling, mission and purpose. He went on for long periods without food. He became self-sustaining through the energy exuded and passion from fulfilling these. Even His disciplines were confounded at His strange strength and stamina He exhibited and His showing of no signs of weariness or tiredness. The Lord was about the Father's business. Raising armies and witnesses and increasing the cause of God's kingdom among all.

What keeps you going? What do you live for? Living and struggling for things with no 'eternal value' will be most unfortunate. The Lord was only pre-occupied with sharing and spreading the good news, healing the brokenhearted, proclaiming liberty to the captives, and setting those that were bound free. Does any of these ignite a passion in you?

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Who we are

Friends,

Every man and woman experiences a time in their life when they feel just a little bit lost. This is true for the believer and the non-believer, and it is a consequence of the limitations of this world. We have far fewer answers than we have questions.

And some of those questions run deep:

Who am I?

For we are the circumcision,
who worship God in the Spirit,
rejoice in Christ Jesus, and
have no confidence in the flesh
Philippians 3:3 [NKJV]

I have taken the liberty to break up that verse into four distinct parts. Each is a statement that gives the believer and identity. Each can be used to answer the question, "Who am I?"

Who am I? I am a man whose total confidence is in Christ and Christ alone. Not in my flesh or in anything that proceeds from the flesh.

Can you see how liberating and clarifying this one simple verse can be? Do you recognize, dear brothers and sisters, the authority and power of these words?

Who are we? We are the circumcision, sanctified and set apart for God's perfect will. We are the ones who worship God in the Spirit according to His law. We rejoice always in Jesus, the author and finisher of our salvation! We trust Jesus, the only One who is truly trustworthy!

That is who we are.

Be encouraged, Jose

Be Still

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Psalm 46:1-2 (NKJV)

The noise around may be boisterous, deafening and earth-shaking. The tides and tumultuous waves may ruin levees and sweep away coast lands and hinterlands, the big nations may be brought to their knees and the mighty ones fall suddenly, yet a call comes out to us and directs us to keep our focus on Him who is, was and will be forever. What is it we have to live for if not for Him.

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
Psalm 46:10 (NKJV)

In the midst of the chaos, panic, uneasiness and confusion, God says be still and know that I am God. He will always bring us through the issues of our life's. You can experience the peace and calm of the green pasture's experience if you remain still.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Eyes on the prize

Friends,

Each day takes us deeper into these last days. Make no mistake, as difficult as circumstances appear now, they can - and likely will - get much worse. But throughout history, the LORD has been telling His people that there is day coming that will surpass the greatest of all days ...

Joel 3:16
The LORD also will roar from Zion,
And utter His voice from Jerusalem;
The heavens and earth will shake;
But the LORD will be a shelter for His people,
And the strength of the children of Israel. [NKJV]

For God's people, the shaking of heaven and earth will not be a time of dread. It will be a time of joy and anticipation. It will signal the return of our King. We will take refuge in Him.

Keep looking ahead, sisters and brothers. Live through these present circumstances, but do not dwell upon them. They are not the end of the story. Our Savior's return is closer now than ever.

Be encouraged, Jose

Deliver us from evil

Friends,

All around us is evidence of man's depravity. We see murderers set free. Praise and worship is heaped upon pedophiles. Matters of life, death, sickness and health are twisted into instruments of political advantage.

And yet, the LORD, the God of the Covenant, promises ...

Obadiah 1:17a
But on Mount Zion there shall be deliverance,
And there shall be holiness; -- [NKJV]

Almighty God keeps His promises. He delivers His people. And there is no deliverance without holiness. We cry out for deliverance, but do we live holy lives?

Pursue what is holy, what is distinct and separate from the world. The day of deliverance will be closer than you can imagine.

Be encouraged, Jose

Keep your focus

Strengthen the weak hands, And make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are fearful-hearted, “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, With the recompense of God; He will come and save you.”
Isaiah 35:3-4 (NKJV)

We all watch ball games and have seen an utterly hopeless situation at the earlier parts of most games. (Does any game come to mind?) Well long before the final whistle is blown, things just turn around, some unexplainable and incomprehensible things happens and the story becomes different. We must never be defined by one season of our lives. Our hopes and heart must be fixated on Him who is able to perfect all that concerns us. Let us continue to press ahead in our calling and mission.

For those weak hands, its time to receive strength, for the wobbly and feeble knees, shake 'em off and stamp your feet firmly on His promises. Arrest fear and put it in its place for our God hasn't gone out of business, He never does and is always on time.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi