But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. (Philippians 1:12-14)

Most of us know that when Paul wrote his letter to Philippi, he was a prisoner in Rome.  The recent misfortunes of those close to me have caused me to reflect on the hardships of Paul.  Paul’s remarkable attitude and wonderful optimism is impressive.  He is not really a prisoner, but free.  How is that possible?

First, he does not allow circumstances to rule his life.  His life is subject to God, not men.  Paul had prayed for opportunities to come to Rome.  
(Romans 15:30-32)  Though it seems a strange way to answer his prayer, as a prisoner Paul had arrived in Rome.  For this Paul was grateful no matter what the circumstances.  He never allowed occasions or surroundings to rule his life.  Only God rules, only his fellowship really counts.  What a great attitude!

Second, that which seems evil presents him with opportunities for good.  We all have a plan about how life should turn out.  Some have the fortune of making dreams and fulfilling those dreams.  However, many are not afforded such an opportunity.  Sudden tragedy turns their world upside down.  For Paul, imprisonment gave opportunity to preach to the Praetorian Guard. These soldiers were drawn to this suffering servant and his remarkable faith.  For two whole years he preached the kingdom of God.  We should never think that we could serve God better, if circumstances were better than they are.

Third, his example of courage inspired others to boldness in proclaiming the gospel.  Tragedies, if handled properly, can embolden others who find themselves in a similar dilemma.  An example is better than a command.  The sight of a suffering saint, patient, contented, happy, does more to encourage the brethren than a hundred sermons!  Such is visible proof of the power of Christ!

Unfortunately, I find myself enslaved to the circumstances of life.  If I could just learn to bask in God’s sweet fellowship, seek opportunities for good in the midst of evil, then like Paul, I will no longer be enslaved, but free in Christ!

By George Slover


 

"Then King David went in and sat before the LORD; and he said: "Who am I, O Lord GOD? And what is my house, that You have brought me this far? "And yet this was a small thing in Your sight, O Lord GOD; and You have also spoken of Your servant's house for a great while to come. Is this the manner of man, O Lord GOD? "Now what more can David say to You? For You, Lord GOD, know Your servant. (2 Samuel 7:18-20)

This is one of my favorite scenes in all of Scripture.  David wanted to build a temple for God.  (vs.5)  Though it was a noble ambition, God’s answer was “no”.  However, God, through the prophet Nathan, revealed great plans for the family of David.  These blessings would come to David’s house long after he was dead.

God promises to 1) establish David’s throne, and 2) build a house in His name.  These promises would be fulfilled in Jesus Christ many years later.  When Nathan was finished, David sat before the Lord and offered mediation to God!  The words of David express both thanksgiving and humble submission.

David’s words are full of wonder at the greatness of God’s mercy toward him.  David is grateful for God’s providence in the past - “what is my house, that You have brought me this far?”  He is thankful for God’s promise of the future- You have also spoken of Your servant's house for a great while to come.  The more David pondered theses things, the more he was thankful.

Included with thanksgiving is David’s attitude of submission.  Though he would not build the temple, David graciously accepted his role in God’s plan.  Though David did not fully realize the magnitude of God’s promises, his response was: Now what more can David say to You? For You, Lord GOD, know Your servant.  “You have a purpose and a reason, and I will gladly accept your purpose for me”.

We too should be grateful to God for all of his benefits toward us. 
(Psalms 116:12)  He has greatly provided for us – not just food and shelter, but his wisdom, his peace, fellowship with his people, success in our labors, and the hope of eternal life.

Therefore, we should graciously submit to God’s will.  Who are we?  We were frail, hell bound sinners.  We are imperfect disciples.  We have been redeemed by the grace of God!  “How great you are, Oh Sovereign Lord!”

By George Slover

 

You shall not hate your brother in your heart. You shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him. 'You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD. (Leviticus 19:17-18)

We are very familiar with the Bible phrase: “love you neighbor as yourself”.  It is repeated many times in Old and New Testaments.  It is called the “royal law” (James 2:8), and the fulfillment of the law. (Galatians 5:14)  But, consider its setting in the above text.

First, there are times when love involves correction.  In fact there are times when a failure to correct may be a failure to love.  You shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him.  By withholding such rebuke I may become a partaker with my neighbor in sin.  Instead of nursing resentment, I must try to win my brother back to the path of truth.  (Galatians 6:1)  Such correction is a manifestation of love.  (Galatians 6:1,2; James 5:19,20)

Second, there are times when forbearance is needed.  When my correction is motivated by jealousy, malice, or revenge, it becomes unloving as well.  These may be signs of hatred in my heart.  Thus, with correction I must check my motives lest I incite bitterness.  I must be careful to correct the wrong and not some peculiar personality trait that “gets under my skin”.  Patience must be exercised to allow the one being restored to sort through his thoughts and make the necessary changes.

If I will remember the love and patience God has for me, I will rise to the noble height where love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

By George Slover
 

Then Samuel told him everything, and hid nothing from him. And he said, "It is the LORD. Let Him do what seems good to Him." (1 Samuel 3:18)

The story of Eli’s sons is one of the most tragic in Bible history. This national leader of Israel was a failure as a father.  The scripture says:  "his sons made themselves vile, and he did not restrain them”. (1 Samuel 3:13)  Because of his laxity God would punish the house of Eli.

To add further tension, God would commission Samuel, Eli’s replacement, to reconfirm God’s pronounced judgment.  Samuel must have had lumps in his throat when he approached Eli with his message from God.  However,  Eli’s remarkable attitude surely eased the mind of Samuel.  And he said, "What is the word that the LORD spoke to you? Please do not hide it from me. God do so to you, and more also, if you hide anything from me of all the things that He said to you." (1 Samuel 3:17)  Then Samuel tells him everything.  Eli’s reply is recorded above.

With all hope vanquished that God would change his mind, Eli reverently accepts his plight.  What a truly sad picture!  “This is the Lord’s will and no one can change it!”  Midst his glaring failure, we see the bright side of Eli’s character- humble resolution!

In Eli’s words we see three important features of God’s character: 1) God is just:  the family of Eli would receive all that it deserved, 2) God is sovereign:  “Let him do what seems good”.  It is vain to contend against God.  His purposes will be fulfilled, 3) God is good:  Though it must have been difficult to accept, Eli acknowledges that God always does what is right.

With these thoughts in mind, we must live in the fear of God, grateful for His patience, but with the challenge to live with no regrets.  We will surely make mistakes, but we must have the courage to change that we might be pleasing to the Lord.

George Slover 
 

"As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. (2 Samuel 22:31)

Perhaps the most impressive feature of the life of King David was his constant connection to God.  Before making any move in battle he would first consult God.  In this great Psalm of victory, David is acknowledging that his triumph over his enemies is possible by the power of Jehovah! (see Vs. 1,2)

It was by experience that David would also recognize the truth stated in vs. 31 – “God’s way is perfect and His word is proven”.  David is asserting a truth that at times is difficult to believe.

David first states that God’s way is perfect.  God indeed works mightily in our lives and allows for tests to prove us and sharpen our character.  David by experience could testify of this.  It is easy, especially in the midst of trials, to question God’s ways.  Listen to Job: "Look, I go forward, but He is not there, And backward, but I cannot perceive Him”; (Job 23:8).  Although different from what we may have expected, his perfect wisdom and love are exactly adapted to affect His holy purpose.

Next, David recognizes the value of God’s word.  It is as precious as pure gold.   “His commandments are not burdensome”.  (I John 5:3)  However, it is easy to question its wisdom, especially when we are faced with those “hard sayings of God”.  God’s precepts concerning the discipline of a child, leaving an adulterous marriage, being honest even if it hurts, being loyal when it truly requires a sacrifice, loving those who despise you, and other like commands can really challenge us.  Do we really believe God’s way is best?

The more God is tested, the more his ways and word prove their unspeakable worth.  God alone is the absolute, incomparable, perfect one, worthy to be praised!

By George Slover