Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:4-5 [KJV]
If you were to find out that all our debts are forgiven and we did not owe any creditor anything, how would you feel? What would you do with a complete reset of your finances? Would you go out and buy more stuff, would you give away more money, would you save everything and amass more wealth or something else completely.
For our life, Christ came to reset our debt with God. His arrival, life, teaching and death took on all our sins and allowed us to have a clear path to God. As we are starting to get into the spirit of the season, let us remember that Christ came to free us from the debt of sin. The reason for the season is that we have been forgiven and given a new start. Let us celebrate the fact that God has cleared our slate and let us share that good news with others.
Be Encouraged,
Martin
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Stand for something
And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.”
Acts 5:38-39 (NKJV)
For many prophets and self proclaimed messiahs have come and gone. They go the way of all mortal being and their sects are left in disarray. Gamaliel the Pharisee and a teacher of the law in those days said of men and women of God in his days. If the work of the gospel is of men, the end result remains consistent throughout the ages, but if it is of God, it remains irrepressible and unmovable. Every doctrine, culture, way of life, powers, influence, deceit, lies, campaign, etc that confronts it will surely fail and be wasted away. Do you connive or unconsciously repress the cause and growth of God's kingdom? What side of the Kingdom are you and what cause do you uphold?
Peter and the Apostles stood for something in their day even when it wasn't cool and politically correct. What will you and I stand for? We will either stand for something or fall for everything. Stand for something sure and eternal.
Be encouraged,
Afolabi
Acts 5:38-39 (NKJV)
For many prophets and self proclaimed messiahs have come and gone. They go the way of all mortal being and their sects are left in disarray. Gamaliel the Pharisee and a teacher of the law in those days said of men and women of God in his days. If the work of the gospel is of men, the end result remains consistent throughout the ages, but if it is of God, it remains irrepressible and unmovable. Every doctrine, culture, way of life, powers, influence, deceit, lies, campaign, etc that confronts it will surely fail and be wasted away. Do you connive or unconsciously repress the cause and growth of God's kingdom? What side of the Kingdom are you and what cause do you uphold?
Peter and the Apostles stood for something in their day even when it wasn't cool and politically correct. What will you and I stand for? We will either stand for something or fall for everything. Stand for something sure and eternal.
Be encouraged,
Afolabi
Monday, December 7, 2009
Darkness has met its match
Friends,
The days are quite short during this time of year, with less than 8½ hours of daylight today. It can seem as though everything is happening in the dark. We wake up and it is dark. We drive to work, and it is dark. We drive home again in the dark. We look outside during supper and it is dark.
But we know that in just a few weeks, the sun will begin to rise a little earlier each morning, and set just a few minutes later each evening. And gradually, more and more life takes place in the sunshine. For me, it is a hopeful prospect.
But this world continues to be dark, despite the best efforts of the sun. Sickness, deceit, murder, hatred, adultery, thievery, and strife run rampant across every nation. And, just as the sun shines just a little less each day, the world seems to get worse with every passing night.
And we have the same expectation. Yes, these days are dark and getting darker. But one day, that darkness will be defeated by the Light.
There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever. -- Revelation 22:5 [NKJV]
Be encouraged, Jose
Friday, December 4, 2009
Responding to Repentance
Friends,
Every act of true and genuine repentance is a great victory. It means that the Spirit has overcome the flesh, that Kingdom of God is advancing against the forces of Hell. No wonder Christ describes the scene in Heaven as a great celebration ...
Luke 15:10
Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents. [NKJV]
As we discussed earlier, Jesus is both describing Heaven's response and commanding it. And this command applies to you and me in the here and now.
When we are saved, we are given a specific place in the heavenlies. We are seated there, wrapped in Christ. We are no longer citizens of the kingdom of darkness. We are now made citizens of the Kingdom of God.
So, when Christ says, "There is joy in the presence of angesls", He is commanding you and me to rejoice in the repentance of those around us. This may be difficult, since our flesh will remind us of that person's imperfections and mistakes. But we know that the enemy is a liar. And we know that the old things have passed away; and that the Lord has created a new heart in that person ... just as He has in you and me.
Let us rejoice on this day. Someone has come to repentance. And even more, let us seek true repentance on this day for our own sins and stumbles. And then let us rejoice again.
Be encouraged, Jose
No place for pride
Are not the Abanah[a] and the Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?” So he turned and went away in a rage.
2 Kings 5:12 (NKJV)
It was the preceding narrative of Naaman's encounter with the servant of God. He was a very influential man in Israel and always got whatever he so desired. On this day, he was shocked to noted that while he came to visit the man of God with all his toys and chariots and materials of influence, the man of God didn't even see him in person, he only gave the word through his servant... 'Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored to you, and you shall be clean'. Naaman struggled with this initially in his mind, wondering why couldn't this man of God come out to me, (doesn't he know who I am?) he was angry but eventually complied. He overcame pride, followed through with the prophet's instruction and his healing was perfected.
For those desirous of an intimate relationship with the Lord, pride has no place.
Be encouraged,
Afolabi
2 Kings 5:12 (NKJV)
It was the preceding narrative of Naaman's encounter with the servant of God. He was a very influential man in Israel and always got whatever he so desired. On this day, he was shocked to noted that while he came to visit the man of God with all his toys and chariots and materials of influence, the man of God didn't even see him in person, he only gave the word through his servant... 'Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored to you, and you shall be clean'. Naaman struggled with this initially in his mind, wondering why couldn't this man of God come out to me, (doesn't he know who I am?) he was angry but eventually complied. He overcame pride, followed through with the prophet's instruction and his healing was perfected.
For those desirous of an intimate relationship with the Lord, pride has no place.
Be encouraged,
Afolabi
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
God Loves You
For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. Hebrews 12:6 [KJV]
Have you wondered why the punishment was coming your way? God loves us with correction. I am truly not a fan in the short vision of being punished, but when I realize that the reason God is correcting me is because He truly loves me, I start to ask Him these questions:
1. What did I did? (Normally, I already know, but a refresher is good for me.)
2. How can I correct this behavior?
3. How can I better honor You?
4. Will You forgive me?
5. Will the person that I offended forgive me? (Including me)
6. Do You still love me?
7. Can You still guide me?
You may have your own questions, but I want to make sure that God is keeping me in His Plan. I know that He is, but I like to hear the confirmation.
Be Encouraged,
Martin
Have you wondered why the punishment was coming your way? God loves us with correction. I am truly not a fan in the short vision of being punished, but when I realize that the reason God is correcting me is because He truly loves me, I start to ask Him these questions:
1. What did I did? (Normally, I already know, but a refresher is good for me.)
2. How can I correct this behavior?
3. How can I better honor You?
4. Will You forgive me?
5. Will the person that I offended forgive me? (Including me)
6. Do You still love me?
7. Can You still guide me?
You may have your own questions, but I want to make sure that God is keeping me in His Plan. I know that He is, but I like to hear the confirmation.
Be Encouraged,
Martin
Peace in His plan
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD , plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV)
A building is built according to its architectural plan, for the plan itemizes every step of the builder’s intent and activity. We as God's children are His work in progress too. While the work on us continues, seasons will come that we may find it difficult understanding certain events and happenings in our lives. Our moments of vulnerability and weakness should not be times for anxiety, panic or distress; they should be moments of peace anchored on our trust in Him and His divine plan for us.
When you understand the Master's plan for you, engaging Him in praise and worship at all times with a peace that defies human understanding is what you will always do because.
Be Encouraged,
Afolabi
Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV)
A building is built according to its architectural plan, for the plan itemizes every step of the builder’s intent and activity. We as God's children are His work in progress too. While the work on us continues, seasons will come that we may find it difficult understanding certain events and happenings in our lives. Our moments of vulnerability and weakness should not be times for anxiety, panic or distress; they should be moments of peace anchored on our trust in Him and His divine plan for us.
When you understand the Master's plan for you, engaging Him in praise and worship at all times with a peace that defies human understanding is what you will always do because.
Be Encouraged,
Afolabi
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