“As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for you, O God.  My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. “ (Psalms 42:1,2)

This is one of the most touching and beautiful of all of the Psalms. A favorite hymn has been written with the first verse of the Psalm. 
The imagery is of a young stag crying for water in a hot country in time of drought.  The Psalmist compares himself to this deer.  He is in a dry and thirsty land panting for God.  “My soul thirsts for God, the living God.” (vs. 2)  Jehovah God is the only living God, and the sole source of spiritual life.  All other gods are imposters.

The Psalmist acknowledges that only the living God can satisfy the cravings of the human spirit.  Worldly men thirst for riches, honor, and power.  Yet, these never satisfy.  Some may suppress such cravings until they are no longer felt.  But, such numbness is not to be confused with satisfaction.  If I go on a hunger strike, I am told the time comes when I will no longer desire the food.  Yet, for all of that I will still be a starving man.  Thus, man may absolve himself from God, but deep down his need for God remains. 

The longer I live in this old world the more I appreciate the value of fellowship with God.  Only Jehovah satisfies, only God is the source of genuine joy!  So sing it my brother!  “I want you more than gold or silver.  Only you can satisfy.  You alone are the real joy giver and apple of my eye”.

By George Slover

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”  (Matthew 6:33)

The original idea for “Moment With The Master” started when I was in college.  A Bible verse was printed daily in the Houston Chronicle.  Each day I would cut out the verse and paste them in a small spiral notebook.  Below each verse I would write my thoughts for the day.  After I filled the book I gave it to Nancy as a gift.  A section of scripture that was constantly on my heart were the verses that precede the above quotation.   

These verses express God’s providential care.  These comforting words tell us not to worry for God will provide.  “Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, Oh you of little faith?” (Vs. 30)  Here is a call to faith – to believe and acknowledge God’s providence.  

Having raised a family, which started in December of 1976, Nancy and I can truly say we have experienced the blessings God has offered.  I can remember when the bank account was low and times when we “shuffled the bills”.  But, it seems at just the right time a brother would hand me a $20.00 or that unexpected check would arrive.  He helped us, after the death of Nancy’s father, to move Nancy’s mother from California to Texas.  I’m sure God had a hand in those sisters who delivered hot rolls to our doorstep just in time for lunch when we lived in Tucumcari, New Mexico.  We have been graced with so many wonderful, godly lives, both young and old, since we began our work in San Marcos in 1989. God has blessed us with two wonderful children and gave them four godly grandparents.  God has been so good!

In younger days I looked at the above passage in a selfish manner focusing more on the God gives, God blesses, God cares.  But, as I grow older I am more impressed with my responsibilities here.  God calls upon me to put him first. I owe him so much and will never be able to repay the debt.  He has abundantly provided the lesser “things” that I might pursue the greater joys of having him as my spiritual ruler and knowing that I am in a right relationship with him.

By George Slover    

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. (Acts 4:13)

The apostles, Peter and John, were put in custody because they had filled Jerusalem with the doctrine of Christ. The number of disciples grew rapidly during the early days of the church. (Acts 5:4). Thus, the rulers of Judaism questioned the apostles: "By what power or by what name have you done this?" (Acts 4:7) The answer of Peter and John rang loud and clear: "by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead." (Acts 4:10)

The courage and resolve of Peter and John gets the attention of the enemy. There was something very different about these two. It was not their remarkable intellect that got their attention. It was the boldness of the apostles that was worthy of note. It was Peter and John standing fearless before the Sanhedrin. There was nothing apologetic about their demeanor. They stood fast as those courageously speaking for God.

Their witness for Christ demonstrates a great change had taken place in their lives. Fishermen, Jews, once filled with fear, now boldly and eloquently proclaiming a doctrine the enemy hates. They were passionately devoted to proclaiming the kingdom of God that men might be saved from sin. Even the enemy was impressed with their character. If we are attaining to heights in our spiritual growth, our daily behavior will manifest the spirit of Christ.

Their witness testified of the new and guiding principle in their lives. This is the principle of love- love for God and love for lost souls. Peters words ring loud and clear: "We ought to obey God rather than men". (Acts 5:29) Their passion for souls is recorded in Acts 5:42: And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.(Acts 5:42)

We should always keep in mind that we are being watched, some times by friends, and some times by the enemy. Others will "take note" of us. If we easily fit into the world, something is wrong with our conduct. Let us be faithful at our post; speaking boldly for him. Let others observe and say: "they have been with Jesus."(Acts 4:13)

by George Slover

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. (Acts 4:13)

The apostles, Peter and John, were put in custody because they had filled Jerusalem with the doctrine of Christ. The number of disciples grew rapidly during the early days of the church. (Acts 5:4). Thus, the rulers of Judaism questioned the apostles: "By what power or by what name have you done this?" (Acts 4:7) The answer of Peter and John rang loud and clear: "by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead." (Acts 4:10)

The courage and resolve of Peter and John gets the attention of the enemy. There was something very different about these two. It was not their remarkable intellect that got their attention. It was the boldness of the apostles that was worthy of note. It was Peter and John standing fearless before the Sanhedrin. There was nothing apologetic about their demeanor. They stood fast as those courageously speaking for God.

Their witness for Christ demonstrates a great change had taken place in their lives. Fishermen, Jews, once filled with fear, now boldly and eloquently proclaiming a doctrine the enemy hates. They were passionately devoted to proclaiming the kingdom of God that men might be saved from sin. Even the enemy was impressed with their character. If we are attaining to heights in our spiritual growth, our daily behavior will manifest the spirit of Christ.

Their witness testified of the new and guiding principle in their lives. This is the principle of love- love for God and love for lost souls. Peters words ring loud and clear: "We ought to obey God rather than men". (Acts 5:29) Their passion for souls is recorded in Acts 5:42: And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.(Acts 5:42)

We should always keep in mind that we are being watched, some times by friends, and some times by the enemy. Others will "take note" of us. If we easily fit into the world, something is wrong with our conduct. Let us be faithful at our post; speaking boldly for him. Let others observe and say: "they have been with Jesus."(Acts 4:13)

by George Slover

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.  But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat, both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.”  ( II Peter 3:9,10)
 
Here Peter speaks of the certainty of the day of the Lord, when all men will be judged and the earth destroyed.    Certain scoffers had ridiculed the idea of such a day.  (vs.4)  They reasoned that since all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation, no such catastrophic event would happen.  Thus, Peter wishes to remind his readers two forgotten facts.!

Fact #1 - God once destroyed this world with a flood.  He  is keeping this present world for another day of judgment. (vs.7)   Such judgment will be comprehensive.  Not  only will man be judged, but also the fundamental elements or building blocks of this world will “melt” or be unloosed or untied.  

Fact #2 - Some had forgotten that God is not bound by time (vs.8).  The very reason this world still stands is because of God’s patience.  He is giving us one more day to get right with Him.  But, mark it down, that day will come and the Lord will keep his promise.  (vs.10)

“Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness? “  (vs.11)  Today, may be your last day!  Are you ready to meet God? 

by George Slover