And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.” (Philippians 4:3)
 
The body of Christ is made of a team of disciples with various talents. Paul is requesting the help of another unnamed disciple. 

We are not told who this disciple is, but the words in the text imply someone who is closely tied to Paul. The Greek word for "urge" is a verb that implies someone that Paul considers his equal. He is the apostles’ “true companion” or “yokefellow”. (ASV) This individual was closely joined to Paul in an important duty assigned to him.

Discord among brethren can quickly destroy all that is one is trying to accomplish. The spread of the gospel is hindered in a scene of turmoil. The gospel will best reach honest hearts in an environment of mutual love and respect. Thus, Paul is anxious to reconcile two devoted women: Euodia and Syntyche. (vs. 2) They must be of the same mind!

Many believe that this unnamed disciple was called by the apostle to assist in the reconciliation of these two women.  Had Paul been present he would have undertaken the task himself. Promoting unity among brethren is an important, but delicate work. Jesus said: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9)

Additionally, Paul also mentions Clement and other fellow laborers that were a part of this spiritual team. Each had a common share, because of a common calling, and a common cause– the cause of Christ. It is truly a beautiful picture when God's people work together for the Lord.

Some of these laborers are not specifically identified, but it does not matter for God knows them by name. They are written in God’s Book of life. They are citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem and recognized by God.

What duty, large or small has God given to you? Whatever the task do it with all of your might, and give the glory to God.

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

 

Then the people rejoiced, for they had offered willingly, because with a loyal heart they had offered willingly to the Lord; and King David also rejoiced greatly.” (1 Chronicles 29:9)

One of the closing acts of David’s life was to call on the nation to make an offering toward the building of the temple. Such a project was one that David wished to accomplish himself, but God‘s answer was “no.“. But as civil and religious leader of the nation, David called a solemn assembly to offer adoration and praise for the acquisition of those items necessary to accomplish the task.

When called upon, the people offered willingly and eagerly. Such generosity came out of a loyalty to David and the Lord. Every child of God is a servant and worker for the Lord. Such service and gifts must be motivated by a devotion to Jehovah. God considers the heart of every giver.

A heart truly devoted to God will result in generous giving. “With a loyal heart they gave willingly. “ Nothing is gained until all the barriers of indifference are broken. Only then will one be fully devoted to serve. 

Such gifts come from perfect hearts. They gave out of humility, and not out of a desire to draw attention to self. Such giving is an act of self denial, when the heart is given to advancing the cause of the kingdom of God.

When they gave they did so out of their own substance and according to their ability. The gifts were costly and generous. Such liberality will prompt joy in the heart of each participant. They are glad that they were able to participate in the work of God.

This liberality was accompanied with gladness and rejoicing. And David blessed the Lord with adoration before the assembly. (vs. 10-14) The attributes of God are celebrated with reverence. God’s name is blessed. David acknowledges his own unworthiness before God. And he is grateful that God has provided the means of their generosity.

This day was one the happiest in all the history of Israel.  Any concerns about the nation’s future were placed aside for this moment of rejoicing. There are fewer scenes more beautiful than when God’s people offer willingly their lives and resources to the service of God.

By George Slover  
 

“One man of you shall chase a thousand, for the Lord your God is He who fights for you, as He promised you. Therefore take careful heed to yourselves, that you love the Lord your God.” (Joshua 23:10,11)

Joshua, the great leader of Israel, is addressing the nation. The mission has been accomplished, and Canaan has been conquered. Before retiring, Joshua delivers his final charge to the nation. It is full of encouragement, warnings about the future, and reminders of the past.

God has already delivered the enemy into their hands, and he will continue to do so. Even today God's people have adversaries, but victory is assured. Even when it looks like the odds are against us, God is by our side fighting for us. He strengthens us through prayer, and directs us with his marvelous word.

Connected with this promise, is an admonition: “take careful heed to yourselves, that you love the Lord your God”.  A perfect love of God involves a  strong relationship with him. It is manifested in our delight of his law, our implicit trust, our yielding obedience, and our longing for his presence.

Why would Israel need such a reminder? Simple. Israel's past was not always pretty. Through the wilderness wanderings there was a yearning to go back to Egypt. Throughout their journey there were times when Israel lapsed into licentiousness and idolatry. It is still easy for God’s people to look back and be tempted by their past sinful life. Thus, we need to “take heed”!

In addition to the past influences there are current challenges. There are times when God’s demands seem unreasonable and painful. We live in a world where our peers are self-serving. These temptations may blind us from the heavenly vision.

But scripture encourages us to devise a plan and press on. Too much is at stake if we fail. God could withdraw his help, and we could miss the home God has prepared for us. Thus, we must frequently meditate on God's wonderful character, and the blessings that he offers.

God is still calling his people to be a holy people, separate from the world.  He promises them victory over the enemy and finally a marvelous inheritance. Therefore, we must “take heed”.

By George Slover  

And you have lifted yourself up against the Lord of heaven. They have brought the vessels of His house before you, and you and your lords, your wives and your concubines, have drunk wine from them. And you have praised the gods of silver and gold, bronze and iron, wood and stone, which do not see or hear or know; and the God who holds your breath in His hand and owns all your ways, you have not glorified.” (Daniel 5:23)

It is amazing how often history repeats itself. We humans are stubborn and have a hard time learning from the past. Surely someone had told Belshazzar of the demise of the Nebuchadnezzar, his predecessor. (Daniel 4:28-33) Surely stories had circulated about the deliverance of three Hebrew men from the fiery furnace. (Daniel 3:26.,27) 

For close to 70 years the Babylonians had witnessed the impact of Daniel, this godly Hebrew. When troublesome times came, who did they turn to? None of the Chaldean soothsayers or astrologers had the answer. But Daniel, with with the Spirit of God was able to provide answers.

 Belshazzar, the Babylonian ruler called for a great feast of wine and revelry. They defied the god of Daniel by taking the articles of the house of God and praising the idols of men. Suddenly their party was rattled by words that appeared on the wall: “And this is the inscription that was written: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN. This is the interpretation of each word. Mene:God has numbered your kingdom, and finished it; Tekel:You have been weighed in the balances, and found wanting; Peres:Your kingdom has been divided, and given to the Medes and Persians. (Daniel 5:26,27) Belshazzar had failed to use his life to glorify the very God who had given him a breath.

It is the duty of every human to glorify God, regardless of social, or economic status. Even the most powerful rulers cannot escape this responsibility. This obligation primarily stems from man's complete dependence on his Creator and Provider.

Those who fail in this matter are regarded as rebels. When one fails, he defiles his maker by fashioning his own god and worshiping it. This is the unfortunate dilemma of every human who is accountable to God. (Romans 3:23)

Belshazzar was not an exception. God made him ruler over the Babylonian empire. Like all humans, he was accountable to the one who made him and blessed him. He was tried and found wanting. One day all of mankind will face God in a final judgment. Sadly, many will follow the path of this Babylonian ruler. Where will you be on that day?

Belshazzar lost his kingdom in one night. Sadly, he will be among those on the final day who will be sentenced to eternal destruction. What would God say about your life? Are you using it to God's glory?

By George Slover