And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling.  (1 Corinthians 2:1-3)

One of the primary reasons Christians fail to share the Truth with others is fear.  Jesus knew long ago the fear of man could hinder his disciples in proclaiming the good news.  Thus, Jesus said, "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10:28)  Jesus tells them not to fear man, but trust God!  (vs. 26)  Do not fear man, but fear God!  (vs. 28)  When one develops a Divine perspective of eternity they should be emboldened to proclaim the good news!

In the Corinthian text Paul uses the word “fear” in another way.  Strange that Paul would say, “I was with you in fear”.  In fact he adds two other verbs to also describe his feelings- “weakness” and “trembling”.  “I was afraid”, Paul says, “but I still preached Christ.”  Trembling at the thoughts of what man can do is no excuse for timidity. Christ crucified should be burning so much in one’s heart that even though the knees tremble, he cannot contain himself from shouting the message!

It has been said that true courage is when one feels fear, but does it anyway.  Become bold, brother, in sharing the word of God.  One eternal soul may be waiting to hear!

By George Slover

The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork. “(Psalms 19:1)

The superscript of this psalm ascribes it to David.  I am sure this shepherd boy had many opportunities to gaze into the heavens and marvel at God’s creation.  Psalm 19 may be divided into two sections:  1) the greatness of God’s physical creation (vs. 1-6), 2) the greatness of God’s Word (vs. 7-14).  Consider with me some points from the first section of this psalm.  

Notice in verses 1-3 such words as “declare”, and “speech”.  David is telling us in figurative language, the stars are shouting a message!  If we wish to know what God is like, David says look to the heavens!  

The vastness and marvelous design of the cosmos never ceases to amaze me.  Since early boyhood I have been intrigued by manned space travel.  I remember when man first landed on the moon.  I recently read that plans are being made to send a man to Mars.  Mars, at its closest point is 46 million miles from the earth!  Yet, if man travels to this planet, he will have only penetrated a tiny fraction of space.  There are one hundred billion stars in our galaxy alone, and those stars are thirty trillion miles apart.  How far is thirty trillion miles?  To help us grasp the distance:  when the space shuttle is in orbit it travels at a speed of 17,000 miles per second.  If you could get in the space shuttle and speed through space at 5 miles per second it would take you 210,450 years to travel 30 million miles!  Incredible!  

What do the heavens tell us about God?  They tell us of His infinite power. He is the self-existing, infinite Being who created this vast universe out of nothing and who holds it all together!  The stars also illustrate his infinite love. The Psalmist writes: “For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; (Psalms 103:11).  How high are the heavens above the earth?  Start with 30 trillion miles and you will have just begun to fathom the height of God’s love. 

Dear reader, you are a sinner.  Though you have disappointed God, He still loves you and offers you an opportunity to tap into His infinite mercy and wisdom.  

By: George Slover


 

One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek:  that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple.”  (Psalms 27:4)
 
Here the Psalmist suggests a focus and a single mind.  “One thing” implies the steadfast eye and a single purpose.  This resolve influences everything else.  It suggests that there is no other pursuit that will compare with this one thing!   This goal is loftier than the pursuit of gold and silver!  (Matthew 6:19,20)

Next, this great prize will not be found without effort.  It must be sought!  The Psalmist states that he is willing to make the sacrifice to find it.  God commands, “seek my face”!  The Psalmist answers, “Your face Lord I will seek”. (vs.8) Furthermore, the poet implores, “Teach me, your way, Oh Lord”.  The writer is willing to make diligent effort to find his prize.
  
Next, the Psalmist’s seeks 1) to “dwell in the house of the Lord”,2)  “to behold his beauty”, and 3) “to inquire in his temple”.   Here he expresses his desire:  1) to worship God, 2) to see all that about God that is awesome and gracious, and 3) to know his will.  The three may also be summarized as “fellowship”.  This sweet communion with God is the Psalmist’s single pursuit.   As a favorite hymn states “I want you more than gold or silver, only you can satisfy, you alone are the real joy giver and the apple of my eye.”

Finally, he has assurance that his pursuit will result in God’s protection in troubling times, “for he shall hide me in his pavilion; in the secret place of his tabernacle.”   In verse 10, “When my father and mother forsake me, then the Lord will take care of me.”  When his world falls apart he knows that God will be his helper. 

Therefore, he exhorts us to “Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and he will strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord.” 

By George Slover

And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.” (Revelation 21:6)

God is the beginning and the end. He is the self-existing creator. He is the cause and succession of all things that exist. He is the sole Creator, and beside him there is no God. (Isaiah 41:4) He created and determined the purpose of all things. God is the only source of eternal promises, and his unchangeableness is the assurance of their steadfastness.

The promise recorded here is of life-sustaining spiritual water. Jesus promises the same to a Samaritan woman. "Jesus answered and said to her, “ If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” (John 4:10)  No sensation is more burning than physical thirst. However, the thirst of the soul is even more threatening. The human heart is looking for purpose, acceptance, and security. Only the self-existing God can provide. 

This life-sustaining water is offered freely, or without merit. The recipients, don't deserve the gift. They deserve death, but they have been washed in the blood of the lamb. They have been released from the debt of sin! They are heirs of an eternal promise!

Just because it is a free gift does not mean it is given without terms or conditions. The next verse states: ”He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son”. (verse 7) God calls his people to endure hardship for his cause. Being a follower of Christ is not a life of ease, yet it is far better than the yoke of sin. (Matthew 11:28-30)

It is hard to believe that God offers such an incredible gift. But, surely the same God who is the giver of life itself, who provides sustenance for our existence, would also provide for man's spiritual needs and offer everlasting satisfaction.

So the question is – are you thirsty? If so, do you believe it? "And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” (Revelation 22:17. 

By George Slover

 

Do not be rash with your mouth, And let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; Therefore let your words be few." (Ecclesiastes 5:2)
 
Since much of Solomon’s writing is directed toward the young man, the above passage seems appropriate.  It reminds me of words often spoken to that argumentative teenager who needs to hush and listen to the voice of wisdom.  Solomon says,  “God has authority here!  Hush and listen to God!”
 
But, does not the verse apply to all of us?  Do we not at times struggle with God?  Are there not times when we need to be put in our place and reminded that God is in heaven?  So, hush and listen to God!  Actually, this spirit of listening begins with the spirit of humility!
 
Like the teenager, we need to remember our place.  No matter how many accomplishments we have to our credit, God created this universe.  No matter how many war stories we can tell, God is stronger.  Since we cannot brag in His presence, we should learn to listen!
 
When one fully understands his position before God, he will be abundantly blessed.  True humility before God will lead to wisdom (Prov.11:2), guidance (Ps. 25:9), honor (Prov. 22:4), exaltation (Mt. 23:12), grace (Js. 4:6), and forgiveness (Lk. 18:9-14).
 
So, instead of compromising spiritually, recognize that God’s way is superior in every phase of your life!  Yield to Him, and you will be richly blessed!
 
By George Slover