Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity." (Luke 8:14)
 
Have you ever found yourself enjoying a movie? It may be one of those thrillers that keeps you on the edge of your seat, or that “tear jerker” that stirred the emotions?  However, throughout the entire show the person sitting behind you ruins it all by being a constant distraction.  You fail to understand why this rude jerk can’t find the same appreciation for this wonderful work of art!
 
Life’ greatest joy is simple fellowship with God.  It is appreciating God’'s handiwork and wonderful creation on a mountainside.  To feel the cool breeze and hear the mountain stream causes us to stand in awe of our Creator.  There is the joy of witnessing one obey the gospel.  We are overwhelmed by how profound and simple is the grace of God, and encouraged by the difference it has made in someone’s life.  Or we come to appreciate the majesty of God in a time of worship.  The simple words such as “"God is so good”" have come to mean a great deal to us!
 
However, it is also true that life is filled with those who will never appreciate that simple fellowship.  They defile Him by worshiping the created rather than the Creator.  They demonstrate defiance to God'’s grace by their immoral and unprincipled lives.  They distract us from the worship by their irreverent behavior.  Thus, we ask, “why can’'t they also appreciate God’'s wonderful work of art?”
 
But, before we become too impatient with that rude jerk behind us, we may need to examine our own lives.  It is also easy for us to become so filled with anxious care and so focused on the mundane that we too fail to enjoy the moment!
 
My brother, while laboring and toiling in this old world, don’t forget your purpose and learn to enjoy your Savior and King!
 
By George Slover

With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God, to help us and to fight our battles." And the people were strengthened by the words of Hezekiah king of Judah." (2 Chronicles 32:7-8)
 
What an encouraging verse!  What a great message of comfort from this godly king.  Hezekiah, the king of Judah, spoke these words.  He was ruling a nation that was surrounded by empires far superior to his in numbers and might.  When the Assyrian army marched up to the gates of Jerusalem it did not look so well for Judah.  However, Hezekiah reminds them that God was on their side.
 
Have you ever felt surrounded by the enemy?  Have you been in situations where you were the only one that stood for what was right?  Have “friends” belittled your integrity or moral purity?  Have they questioned your devotion and desire to worship?  Ever have someone ridicule your “pie in the sky” faith?  Has anyone ever called you a legalist or troublemaker, because you expressed your voice for righteousness?  Or have you faced in your family or personal life so-called “insurmountable” challenges?  Perhaps the above verse can encourage you!
 
Other godly men and women have faced similar difficulties and won!  David, victorious over the giant Goliath, said, "You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.”  (1 Samuel 17:45)  Jonathan, Israel’'s warrior, attacked a garrison of Philistines and won!  This godly warrior understood that: “nothing restrains the LORD from saving by many or by few." 
(1 Samuel 14:6)
  
God did indeed deliver Judah in taking 185,000 Assyrians in one night!  And, God will stand with us as well in the battles of life.  Remember:  “God and one man makes a majority”!
 
By George Slover

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
 
Much of the wisdom of Proverbs is directed to the young man.  The oft repeated “my son” phrase sets the context for what follows.  The picture is of a father offering wise advice to the son.  The father warns about those things in life such as wine, sensual pleasure, and evil companions that can hinder the boy from the desired goals.  In the passage above he points him toward the Lord.  
 
Actually, the truths taught here would be useful for one at any stage of life and for one of any gender.  However, life is especially frightening to that young boy who is trying to become a man. The uncertainties of the future often overwhelm him.  During this time he is receiving advice from worldly friends.  So, son here is the secret to ultimate success.
 
“Trust in the Lord”.  Do not place your trust in evil companions (Proverbs 1:10), nor precious possessions (Proverbs 1:13), nor brute power (Proverbs 1:11, for they lead to heartache.  Do not look on the wine for it is a mocker (Proverbs 23:29-35).  Keep yourself far from the harlot (Proverbs 5:3-11) for she will lead to death. Do not trust in these tangible objects, but believe in the invisible, but living God!
 
“With all of your heart”  - Yield the decisions of life to him - your marriage and your career.  Give God all of your heart.  Do not withhold any area of your life from the Lord.  Do not compromise with God by saying, "“Well I’'ll give up my bad friends, but keep my wine.”" Make a bold and daring move and give your all to the Lord.  
 
“Lean not on your own understanding”.  Do not be arrogant for the Lord knows best.  Listen to  your mother and your father, –the voice of experience. (Proverbs 1:8)  You are not wise enough to be your own guide.
 
In all your ways acknowledge Him and He Will direct your paths.   My son, God is there for you and your welfare.  He will help you during those challenging times and through all of the storms.  He will help you to make the right decisions and lead you in the right way.  God can be your security and help you to face any challenge!
 
What a great motto for life!  Live by it!
 
By George Slover 
 

You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not commit adultery.' "But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." (Matthew 5:27-28)
 
Let’'s be honest about the above passage and what God has to say about the sin of sexual immorality.  Let’'s be honest with ourselves and the temptations we face with regard to this sin.
 
Here are some facts about the sin:  
Fact #1 – the act of fornication is sinful (Colossians 3:5,6)
Fact #2 – certain actions leading to fornication may be sinful.  The Bible calls this unchaste handling of males and females “lasciviousness”. (Galatians 5:16-19)
Fact #3 – certain thoughts leading to fornication may be sinful.  (Matthew 5:27,28)
 
Here are some facts about ourselves:
Fact #1  - we are sexual creatures.  God made us that way.  (I Corinthians 5:1,2)
Fact $2 – we were not made for sexual immorality ( I Corinthians 6:13)
Fact #3 – no man is above temptation (I Corinthians 10:12)
 
Thus, the conclusion to the above is that we all need a plan for winning.  Jesus said, “"And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire-- where 'Their worm does not die, And the fire is not quenched.' (Mark 9:47-48)
 
Here are some common sense boundaries for winning:
1)   plan ahead – choose to win
2)   avoid situations that are risky
3)   know your weaknesses
4)   find support from others that may help you
5)   avoid friendships that encourage promiscuity
6)   avoid entertainment that produces immoral thoughts
7)   never be with another of the opposite sex alone
8)   see the value of the above choices and do not compromise them!
 
Determine to win and God will richly bless you!
 
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 young men, 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