As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever. (1 Chronicles 28:9) Before passing away, the aged King David calls an assembly of Israel’s leaders to announce the plan to build a house for God. His son Solomon has been chosen by God to undertake this task. The expression here is one of strong emotion. A father who feels that his time is passing is expressing high hopes for his son. David will not confine his remarks to Solomon regarding his regal duties. Being acquainted with human nature, and knowing of life’s challenges, David expresses a desire for Solomon to be of a right heart, and to trust and to serve God. Devoutness to God in embraces two things:  1) a knowledge of God,  and 2) a habit of continual service to him. A deep knowledge of God includes an intelligent understanding of his nature. One must understand that God is holy, pure, and ever present.  He condemns our sin and ingratitude, and welcomes are tender, penitent hearts. But then a true and deep knowledge of God will lead to serving him with a “loyal heart and a willing mind”. The profession of Christians includes deeds of kindness, proper decorum in our homes, and on the job, and in the church. If all of these deeds are according to God‘s instructions, they are accepted by him through Jesus Christ. ( 1 Peter 2:5) A prerequisite to true knowledge and service is a “perfect heart“ and a willing mind“. A perfect heart would be one that is undivided. It is wholly focused on God at all times, and unwavering regardless of circumstances. The willing mind is one that desires only to please God. Solomon at last reminds his son that God knows what is in his heart. This great “Heart Searcher” is there to rule every sphere of our life. He searches our hearts for he is graciously interested in us. He lovingly holds us accountable to his high and noble purposes. And we can either view him as a terror or a blessing. As I read these words, I ask what more would a godly father desire of his children? Our heavenly father wishes us for us to know him and to serve him willingly. George Slover

So David inquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I pursue this troop? Shall I overtake them?” And He answered him, “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all.” (1 Samuel 30:8) 

The rise of David's popularity in Israel, caused insane jealousy in King Saul. With these words ringing in his ears, “‘Saul has slain his thousands, And David his ten thousands’” (1 Samuel 18:10), Saul zealously pursued the capture of David. Unlike Saul, David inquired of God in moments of distress. This time God's answer was: “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all.”

Having been delivered from the Philistine army, David’s army set out to return to Ziglag. Instead of being welcomed by their families, they found the city burned, and their families taken captive. David surely deemed the situation hopeless. He even senses a mutiny among his own troops.

However David's trust was not in man, but in God. With all hope lost, “David strengthened himself in the Lord his God”.  Such faith is often exemplified in times of despair. Paul would later record: “Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”  (2 Corinthians 12:9,10)

Next, David sought counsel from Abiathar, the priest. David sought an answer from this trusted confidant and spokesman for God.  God delivered his counsel: “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all.” 

There are times in our own lives when we come to the spiritual valleys. Either the sin in our lives or circumstances beyond our control prompt a spiritual low. In such distress, we must find strength in God, and pursue, overtake, and recover.

God wants you to confront the nagging persistent sin in your life head-on.  He longs for you to mend the fences of broken relationships – with a neighbor, a brother, or your mate. He beseeches you to rise above the trials that weigh you down. God is saying “with my help you can do this”!  “Pursue, overtake, and recover.”        

By George Slover
 

As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.”  (Colossians 2:6,7)

It was through Epaphras that the gospel came to the city of Colosee. They had received Jesus as the fullness of God, and Savior of their souls. This reception brought great joy.

However, Paul is now urging them to continue in Christ. The Gnostic heresy threatened the souls of these disciples. Paul uses three metaphors to encourage them to progress in their faith.

What path are you on? They were to walk in Christ. They were to walk according to the parameters of Christ’s truth. Every move and every motive was to be found in him.

How deep is your root? They must be rooted in Jesus. On several occasions Paul uses this figure to describe a condition of steadfastness and maturity. (Philippians 3:9; Ephesians 3:17-19)  From this root springs the fruits of knowledge, love, joy, and good works. The present active tense of the verb implies a continued progress.

How solid is your foundation? They were to be established in faith. This common New Testament theme refers to the need for stability. Whether it is “the faith” (see NKJV) - i.e. steadfastness in doctrine, or“your faith” (see NASB ) - i.e. personal conviction, both are essential.The constant barrage of worldliness, persecution, and false doctrine call for a firm foundation.

These positions in Christ must be accompanied by an overflow of thanksgiving. Enjoying the fullness of Christ will provide a heart full of grace and gratitude. We must constantly strive to do the things that please him.

By George Slover

Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away." (Acts 13:1-3)

The church at Antioch was flourishing. It is often thought that the church in Jerusalem was the model church. However, the church in Antioch of Syria also provides a great example of a lively, God pleasing church.

The city of Antioch of Syria was founded in 301 BC during the Grecian period. It was named after Antiochus. Scholars tell us it was a city that allowed for a free expression of religion. Thus, the atmosphere was ripe for the enlargement of the gospel. Luke records:  "But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus." (Acts 11:20)

The church in Antioch was blessed with several gifted leaders. Five are specifically noted here. While every local church should be guided by the message of the Holy Spirit, this seems to be strikingly so at Antioch. These gifted leaders were zealously ministering to the Lord. The result is recorded by Luke:  "And a great many people were added to the Lord." (Acts 11:24) "So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch." (Acts 11:26)

All of this activity would ultimately manifest itself in a work that would extend beyond Antioch. "Separate me" is from the Greek word which means to separate for a special purpose, and to a work for which they have been prepared. Paul and Barnabas would be sent to share the gospel of Christ with the Gentile world.  This separation took place after fasting, prayer, and laying on of hands. These were symbols of their solemn work. Their ministry was not self-serving. With a high and noble purpose, they parted to do the work facing even perils along the way.

Just what was the purpose of this work? That others may know the love of God. That they may believe and obey Christ for the remission of sin. That they might lead righteous lives for God. May we look to the great work at Antioch, with an intent to emulate these zealous disciples.

By George Slover

Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” (John14:6)

The above statement was prompted by Thomas's question, “How can we know the way?” The Lord plainly stated he is the only way to God. He is the truth. And he is the life.

Skeptics of all times have deemed truth to be unattainable. It was most likely what prompted the Roman Governor Pilate to question, “What is truth”? But, Jesus had stated it was for this reason he came into the world, and if anyone hears his voice, they are of the truth. Moral relativism and the pluralistic mantras of our time have distorted societies’s moral anchor and lead to many the silly notion that “all is relative”. 

How does Christ reveal his truth? The most obvious answer to this question is by his recorded words. Certainly man cannot discover God”s will by his own intuition for, “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9) God had to reveal his word to man, and has done so through his Son. (Hebrews 1:1,2; John 12:48; Ephesians 3:4,5; 2 Peter 3:1,2)  

All of the wisdom and genius of man cannot compare to the marvelous insight of Jesus. One can learn much from his life and character. He shows us who God is, and reveals through his words and deeds important principles of love and conviction. He shows us how to escape the corruption and the dominion of sin, and how to live victorious lives.

The truth of Jesus cannot be attained by passive hearts. It is his gained by diligence. God's will is to be sought with an open heart. It is to be pursued as one mining for hidden treasure, and desired for as one who is hungry and thirsty!

Come and sit at the feet of the teacher, and reap the blessings! For Jesus said, “you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32)

By George Slover