Next to them the Tekoites made repairs; but their nobles did not put their shoulders to the work of their Lord."  (Nehemiah 3:5)
 
The local church is made of volunteers for the Lord.  Its success depends upon a team of workers willing to sacrifice their time and resources for its cause.  It is true that the local church needs excellent leaders, but much of its success is determined by what happens at the grass root level.
 
During the days of Nehemiah the Jews rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem against incredible odds.  These walls had been burned and destroyed during the Babylonian captivity.  In the midst of their enemies, this wonderful group of volunteers had a mind to work. (Nehemiah 4:6)  In 52 days they finished the project! (Nehemiah 6:15)
 
Nehemiah, being a great leader, delegated the work according to families, giving each family a section of the wall for them to repair.  Among the laborers were those who gladly accepted their assignment and those who were slackers.  The verse quoted above presents a discouraging picture.  There were some who considered themselves too good to do the work. 
 
However, in vs. 30 we find a very encouraging example.  The scripture says:  “After him Hananiah the son of Shelemiah, and Hanun, the sixth son of Zalaph, repaired another section. After him Meshullam the son of Berechiah made repairs in front of his dwelling.”(Nehemiah 3:30)  Meshullam is making repairs only in front of his dwelling.  It was all that was required of him.  Meshullam is doing the best that he can do!   Our best is all that God requires of us– nothing more.
 
Right now local churches are in need of volunteers.  God’s people are in need of a support group of truth-loving people – a shoulder on which to lean, someone to help us stay focused on godliness.  The world is full of those who are like sheep without a shepherd.  The harvest is plenteous, but the laborers are few.  God calls for those who will use their talents to serve him and others.
 
So, where do you stand?  Are you among the ones too good to get involved?  Surely, you are among those who are willing to use your resources to the service of God.
 
By George Slover   
 

A man will be as a hiding place from the wind, And a cover from the tempest, As rivers of water in a dry place, As the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.” (Isaiah 32:2)
 
Just who is this man of whom Isaiah speaks?  It must be messianic for there is only one man who can fully provide all that is mentioned in this verse.  There was never but one man, Jesus Christ, who could be to all others what is predicated here.  Consider the wonderful qualities of Jesus here mentioned.
 
Jesus wants to be our hiding place from the wind and a cover from the tempest.  When the winds of affliction blow, we can hide in Jesus.  In times of natural grief, or when the enemy threatens, he offers to be our shelter.  He enlightens our mind, can change our spirit, and can be our confidant.  We can lean upon Him and trust in Him.  
 
Jesus wants to be our river of water in a dry place. A river gives refreshment.  It is a source of life in a desert land.  In the wilderness of life, any refreshment that we enjoy comes from Christ.  He is a "fountain of water springing up into everlasting life." (John 4:14)  
 
Jesus wants to be our “shadow of a great rock in a weary land”.  This is an Eastern picture of shade.  The “weary land” is a picture of pilgrims passing through the scorching heat and blinding sun of life.  God’s people have a rock that follows them and provides shade at any time.  Its shadow of the cross offers forgiveness.  Its shadow of brethren provides sympathy.  Its shadow of hope provides comfort.  
 
“Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in thee!”
 
By George Slover



 

"And say to Archippus, "Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it." (Colossians 4:17)

Personal references in Paul’s letters are valuable in many ways.  They help us to form a vivid idea of the circumstances of the apostle’s work.  They remind us that our work as Christians is not about institutions, and theories, but about human beings in a relationship with God and others.  This passage contains a warning addressed to Archippus. 

Not much is known about this disciple.  We suppose that he is a member of Philemon’s household.  We know that he was given a work to accomplish in either Colosse or Laodicea.  The task given to this disciple is not specified.  Whatever his work, he is exhorted to complete it! 

In God’s kingdom everyone has a niche.  All are expected to bear fruit to God.  Everyone must do their share. (Ephesians 4:16)  God wants us to discover our ministry and to complete the work!

Have you known those who joyfully labor in God’s kingdom without complaint?  Just give them a task and they will gladly get the job done.  These faithful ministers vary in talent; however, they share a common commitment to the job at hand.

May I indulge you by listing just a few such ministers who have made an impact on my life?  There was Ruth Domestead, a Bible class teacher, who taught me how to find the books of the Bible.  There was another such teacher who made the journeys of Paul real by her enthusiastic description.  Bennie Enner gave me the courage to “make a talk” on a Wednesday night.  Eugene Sykes inspired me with his singing.

My grandfather taught me the value of daily Bible reading.  My father taught a group of boys how to lead singing.  My mom showed me the joy of hospitality.  My mother-in-law showed me how to appreciate God’s creation.  My step-father’s ministry was to welcome visitors at the church house door.

All of these individuals are deceased, but their works follow them.  I am thankful God brought them into my life.  I am also glad that each received their ministry and fulfilled it.

By George Slover

But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. (Romans 6:17 NKJV)

The Greek word,  hupakuo (obey) means to listen, to attend, and so to submit or obey.  Literally, the word means “to hear under.”  The imagery is of one sitting at the feet of a master with the intent to follow.  The verse implies a choice was made of one master over another.

Consider the two potential paths.  One may yield to the motions of either “sin unto death” or of “obedience unto righteousness”.  There is no middle course.  We are enlisted in one or the other.  One is mistaken if he thinks this is a choice to be trifled with!  Sin can become a grievous taskmaster.  This master comes in various forms- love of money, pride, love of pleasure, or selfish ambitions.  The result is degradation of the soul.

The apostle is thankful that his readers have chosen righteousness over sin.  They have obeyed a “mold of doctrine” delivered to them.  He refers them back to the time of baptism when they buried the sinful man and committed their lives to Jesus.  Christ has won their hearts.  In this new life true freedom is realized.  Every duty, every area of life is patterned after the life of Christ.    Every action is guided by the motive of love.

The choice of yielding to righteousness is met with thanksgiving to God.  There is no denial that sin brings its pleasure,  but the difference between sin and righteousness is as different as night to day.  Thank God they chose Jesus!  It is the only way that offers hope now and forever. 

By George Slover

 

Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the LORD their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the LORD their God had sent him; and the people feared the presence of the LORD.” (Haggai 1:12)
 
One of the most significant messages of the Old Testament book of Haggai is emphasized by the simple phrase:  “thus saith the Lord”. These words are repeated 26 times in 38 verses or 2 chapters.  The message of Haggai to the Jews was to build the temple.  (Haggai 2:4)  However, behind this theme was the simple fact that this was what God wanted.
 
After 70 years of Babylonian captivity, God allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem.  Haggai was prophesying during the time of the return of the first group of exiles.  Their task upon returning home was to rebuild the temple.  Because of discouragement and a preoccupation with material things, the work was delayed.  However, according to the verse above the people obeyed the Lord and the work continued.
 
Consider some of the factors that prompted this rebuilding.  First, the people obeyed the voice of God.  They continued the work on the temple because this was the will of God, not the will of man.  We must also listen to the voice of God as he has spoken in his word.  

The second factor was their respect for the authority of Haggai.  He was God’ s prophet and the people acknowledge him as such.  Thus, to know God’s will they went to the right source.  Jesus is God’s prophet in these last days (Hebrews 1:1,2) and the only source of God’s will.  The message of God through Jesus is clearly revealed in the New Testament. (Ephesians 3:3-5) and must be respected.  

Third, “the people feared the presence of the Lord”.  This commends the great attitude of the people.  Do we have the same healthy respect for God as they?  
 
When Gods’ word is spoken and the people are moved to obedience by Godly fear surely God is pleased.  That is preaching that gets the right results.
 
By George Slover