New!! Bible Study on the web

Friends,

I've always wanted to make recordings of the Bible studies we attend available to the Body of Christ. Today, I'm thrilled to say that the Lord has made a way for this to happen.

Bible Study Audio is a new web site that has studies of two of the books that we went through this year. The Book of Ruth is a six-part study. The Book of Haggai is the first of the minor prophets that we're studying. More will be added over the coming weeks.

I pray you are blessed by this new resource.

Be encouraged, Jose

Up all night

Friends,

There are many occasions when I find myself wide awake in the middle of the night. It is frustrating and, of course, the more I want to fall back to sleep, the harder it is to find that peaceful place that will lead to rest and slumber. Of course, instead of fighting so hard to get some rest, I believe that I should be in prayer, interceding for the Body and lifting up the Name of the LORD.

By doing so, I would putting these words of Psalm 134 into action.

Behold, bless the LORD,
All you servants of the LORD,
Who by night stand in the house of the LORD!
Psalm 134:1 [NKJV]

Sisters and brothers, when we are awakened in the dead of night, let us take that special opportunity to go before the Lord. It is the Kingdom way to be at rest.

Be encouraged, Jose

Why work?

Friends,

The economic forecast is starting to brighten. It seems as though we are starting to turn towards a slow recovery, meaning that maybe - just maybe - the worst is behind us. Nevertheless, many are still on the razor's edge of financial stability. And if you've ever spent more than a few weeks in that place, you know just how difficult such a situation can be. Now, then is the time for those of us who are working to remember those who are not.

I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'
Acts 20:35 [NKJV]

It does, indeed, bring great joy and happiness when we are in a position to give. It is why we give gifts on special days. It is an important way that we show love for one another.

So I ask you, just as I ask myself ...
Have you given today?
Have you stepped out in faith to support a brother or sister?

To do so is to open the door to great and wondrous blessing.

Be encouraged, Jose

The Lord's doing

Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the dumb sing. For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert. The parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water;
Isaiah 35:5-6 (NKJV)

Then the world will come to the glory of God through His works in your life as your life becomes a showcase of His glory and goodness of the Lord. The world may set its standards and define you in its own terms, but your frame of reference is not limited or dictated by men but by God's infinite possibilities in you.

The impossible shall become possible, the foolish things become tools that confound the wise and the forsaken and rejected one becomes the headstone of the corner. When these happens, you know it is the Lord's doing and it is marvelous in our sight.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

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 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

The whole counsel of God

For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. (The Apostle Paul, speaking to the believers at Ephesus) -- Acts 20:28 [NKJV]

Friends,

Beware of the preacher whose sermons always make you smile. The Holy Word of God is not meant to entertain.

When Paul spoke the words above, he was preparing to depart Ephesus to return to Jerusalem. In essence, it was his farewell party. And throughout Paul's entire stay in that city, he brought forth the true and pure Gospel of Jesus Christ. Be definition, this means that Paul confronted sinners and their sinfulness, rebuked those who had gone astray, and admonished all of the believers to lead holy lives. He was unafraid to do these things. His God was not all lovey and cuddly and safe. His God is the true God, the Almighty. Who is holy. And just. And faithful. And awesome.

Our flesh doesn't want to be reminded of these facts. We want our preachers to not be too strident or to set goals that are too lofty. Give us a break! we say. Go easy on us ... we're only human!

Brothers and sisters, like Paul, all of us -- not just our preachers -- must have the courage to speak the whole truth. Look around at the world. Can't we see that it desperately needs the real and genuine word of God? Not some watered down version that promises an escape from Hell without a repentance. The world needs to repent. No one will unless they hear Christ -- through you and through me -- say, "Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand!"

Be encouraged, Jose