By George Slover    |    Visit www

Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase." (1 Corinthians 3:5-6)
 
On February 19, 1945 more than 70,000 American Marines from 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th Divisions landed on the beaches of Iwo Jima.  Awaiting them were 22,000 Japanese soldiers ready to die.  Among the Americans were the boys of Easy Company.  Six of those soldiers would leave an image on the pages of history that has become a symbol of American heroism and courage.
 
The picture of the famous raising of the American flag on top of Mt. Suribachi has appeared hundreds of times in magazines, newspapers, and history books.  However, the story behind the picture had an interesting twist and an important lesson.  The flag that was in Joe Rosenthal’s famous picture was nothing more than a replacement.  The original flag was removed and preserved for safekeeping and these six soldiers raised a second flag.  Furthermore, their climb to the top of Mt.  Suribachi was without resistance from the enemy.   When the picture was first printed in newspapers in America it was embellished with fanciful stories of how they reached the top of Mt Suribachi in the midst of a fiery battle.  Such was far from the truth.  While all six soldiers were indeed heroes as were all the men who fought in the war, the raising of that flag on Suirbachi was nothing out of the ordinary. The three soldiers who returned home deemed themselves ordinary men with a job to do.
 
In the scripture above Paul, the great soldier of the cross, views himself in the same way.  He was an ordinary man with a job to do.   “Who is Paul…but ministers by whom you believed?”  Paul said, we had a mission and we fulfilled it, but it is God who gives the increase and deserves the honor!   We too must remember our humble task.  We are just ministers, just servants.  Our mission is to hide behind the cross.  It is to teach Christ crucified and give the glory to God!
 
By George Slover
 

There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?" (John 6:9)

Much of Jesus’ ministry was near the sea of Galilee.  Luke tells us that Jesus was near the city of Bethsaida on the east side of the sea.  A great multitude followed Jesus because of the signs he performed.

Thus, Jesus tested Philip: "Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?" (John 6:5)  Philip answered Him, "Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little." (John 6:7) Then, Andrew adds, "There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?" (John 6:9)  Does Andrew see some potential here or is he thinking the situation is hopeless?   

The Barley loaves were not large commercial loaves of bread.  They would be just enough to make a fish “sandwich”.  The fishes were salted and dried, and used for relish.   It was common food for a common little boy.  The food may have been for his lunch.  However, Jesus does something spectacular with this small amount.

How many times have we contemplated our own inadequacy?  Who are we among so many?  The world seems so intimidating, and we are so small.  What can we do? 

There are many tools God places at our disposal to contribute to our spiritual success.  The most useful one is a book that seems so common and ordinary. That book is the Bible. Its message has radically changed lives for more than 2000 years.   

This great faith building book is at your disposal right now.  The same message that influenced an Ethiopian, a Jewish zealot, and a jailer can also give you joy and hope.  Study it, practice, preach it,  and you will be blessed!

By George Slover

And: ‘You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You remain; And they will all grow old like a garment; Like a cloak You will fold them up, and they will be changed. But You are the same, and Your years will not fail.’”  (Hebrews 1:10,11) 

In this context the author is establishing the superiority of the son of God to the angels. For further proof he makes these observations from Psalm 102:25-27. The Psalmist during a time of affliction, draws strength from the nature of God. In the Hebrew letter, the author applies these the Divine traits to the son of God. 

The Son is the creator of the universe. In the beginning he laid the foundation. The heaven and earth have not always existed, nor did they self originate. But, “in the beginning God created” (the Hebrew is barah which means create something from nothing) “the heavens and the earth”. (Genesis 1:1) He did not form them out of pre-existing materials. The Son of God made them from nothing.

We are told this universe is changing. Scientists say it's running down like a top that stops spinning. Changes are evident in our own lives; loved ones die, seasons come and go, we are growing older. But the very one who framed this world is still sovereign ruler. By his very word the fundamental elements stand together. 

Though change is evident in the world, Jesus remains the same. In chapter 6 the Hebrew author speaks of the immutability of Christ’s counsel.  See Hebrews 6:17,18. Christ’s character always remains the same. He is always just, always merciful, always true to his purposes and promises. And the needle of his moral compass never moves. This brings comfort to those who trust in him.

One day this world will be completely dissolved, but the Lord is eternal. “I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. (Revelation 1:18) The Eternal One promises victory to those who overcome the world’s charms and devote their lives to him.

How immeasurably marvelous is the Son of God. Even though life in this world can be challenging, we have every reason to trust him at all times!   

By George Slover     

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age," (Titus 2:11-12)

Experiencing the grace of God is life changing.  It has the power to turn one from a course of rebellion and destruction to a path of obedience and hope.  The Cretans were a powerful example of the ability of God’s grace.

The reputation of the Cretans was not good.  Paul says,” One of them, a prophet of their own, said, ‘Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.’" (Titus 1:12)  In chapter 3 Paul reminds them of their past life.  They were known for their foolishness and disobedience following their own passions and pursuing selfish pleasures.  Accepting God’s grace involved a renunciation of this past life.  “Ungodliness” and “worldly lusts” (Titus 2:12) express the epitome of all that is sinful and wrong!  This kind of life was to be renounced!

A rejection of the worldly life is not enough!  Grace compels one to adopt the right course of life.  In chapter 3 Paul reminds them to live lives that are submissive, obedient, gentle, and ready for every good work.  To live “soberly” (2:12) is to hold a mastery over our passions and impulses.  To be “godly” is claim the presence of God in our everyday life.

This means a radical change took place in the lives if the Cretans.  Old habits are hard to break and new ones difficult to begin, but God’s grace and kindness was the life changing motive that prompted them to take this painful step.  “Hope” (Titus 3:13) would encourage them to persevere!

As we grow in our appreciation of God’s love, it will prompt us to live God approved lives.

By George Slover, Jr.