when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.” (2 Timothy 2:5

The tone of Paul’s second letter to Timothy is urgent. Paul knows he is about to die. Timothy's charge at Ephesus will have its own challenges. Enemies of Christ will seek to unravel this young evangelist. Paul wants to remind Timothy of the tools that will aid him in standing fast.

A reminder of former victories can help us to survive the dark times. The lessons of faith of Timothy's childhood and past conquests would provide a strong foundation for future challenges. So, while the clouds of persecution and false teaching surround him, Paul calls upon Timothy to remember the past.

There is no greater need for the Christian during perilous times than a strong faith. Fortunately, Timothy's faith is already worthy of commendation. Timothy's faith is “unfeigned”, thus genuine or real. He has already proven himself to be true in the midst of conflict. He trusts in the risen Christ, thus he is willing to suffer any loss.

Timothy's faith first dwelt in his grandmother and mother. Here we see the advantage of children instructed by godly parents. The tremendous influence of godly mothers is witnessed in other leaders like Moses. (Hebrews 11:23-27)  Timothy had been taught the Scriptures from childhood. (2 Timothy 3:15)  Hopefully, those important lessons learned under the influence of Lois and Eunice will serve him well when his conviction wants to waver under the burdens.

Thus, in times of weakness when fatigue leads to burn out, perhaps we can draw upon the strength from the past. When the pain of persecution threatens us to compromise, let us remember our roots, and lean upon God's unchanging word.

By George Slover
 

And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.” (John 10:4)

In this passage the Lord contrast himself with the false teaching of the Pharisees. These devotees to human tradition had usurped an authority over the people that was not sanctioned by God. Christ, the true shepherd calls his sheep by name. He has a keen interest in every individual sheep.

Like any good leader Christ goes before the sheep. He first leads by the example of his own life. See 1 Peter 2:18-21. He shares with them in the challenges and in suffering. He leads them away from the allusions of false guides, and in the way of truth.

Those who know the voice of the shepherd are able to discriminate his voice from others. Christ speaks with a gentle tone. His words include edification, exhortation, and comfort. He speaks with authority. Those who belong to him gladly attend to his voice. If we are to reach the heights of all God wants us to be, we must be listening to him.

The subsequent action of those who hear the shepherd is to follow him.  "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27) The word “hear” implies obedient listening. It carries the idea of doing the will of the Master. Thus, without hesitation or delay the sheep willingly go wherever the shepherd leads.  

This good shepherd leads them down a path of peace and joy. He provides all of the things necessary for their nourishment. He gives them a shelter from the elements and protection from dangerous predators. If they will continue to follow him, he will finally bring them home.

Are you familiar with his voice, are you willing to drowned out the world’s nonsense, and listen to Jesus? It all depends on you and your heart.

By George Slover   
 

As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”  (1 Peter 4:10)

There is an urgency in Peter’s exhortation, because the end is near. (vs.7) In light of this event, he urges the disciples to active service.

First, God calls everyone to get involved. Though these saints are deemed to be of a low state in the world (1 Peter 1:2; 2:11), God elevated them to a special work. Every Christian has a gift. Each disciple has a ministry. By walking in the Spirit, they must reflect the Divine graces of God: faith, hope, and love. All have a gift from God.

Second, there are a variety of gifts. The word "manifold "means variegated or many colored. While there is one body, it has many members. “If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling?” (1 Corinthians 12:17) So, like our human body, various members of the body of Christ serve in various ways. Every member has an important function. When every member is focused on mutual help, the body functions to its full capacity.

Third, Peter reminds us that we are stewards of God’s grace. Thus, none of the things over which we have control belong to us, but belong to God. The joy, comfort, hope, and peace of God we're not given for self- absorption, but to lead us to serve others. Divine blessings mean Divine obligations.

Fourth, we are instructed to minister to one another. The local church does not have a single minister, but a plurality of ministers. Everyone has a gift, and everyone has a ministry. It is through mutual service that we can be strengthened in God. 

Surely, if we would more fully appreciate how richly God has blessed us, if we could really grasp the length of eternity, we would be incited to greater diligence as ministers of the manifold grace of God.    

By George Slover                     

 

As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever. (1 Chronicles 28:9) Before passing away, the aged King David calls an assembly of Israel’s leaders to announce the plan to build a house for God. His son Solomon has been chosen by God to undertake this task. The expression here is one of strong emotion. A father who feels that his time is passing is expressing high hopes for his son. David will not confine his remarks to Solomon regarding his regal duties. Being acquainted with human nature, and knowing of life’s challenges, David expresses a desire for Solomon to be of a right heart, and to trust and to serve God. Devoutness to God in embraces two things:  1) a knowledge of God,  and 2) a habit of continual service to him. A deep knowledge of God includes an intelligent understanding of his nature. One must understand that God is holy, pure, and ever present.  He condemns our sin and ingratitude, and welcomes are tender, penitent hearts. But then a true and deep knowledge of God will lead to serving him with a “loyal heart and a willing mind”. The profession of Christians includes deeds of kindness, proper decorum in our homes, and on the job, and in the church. If all of these deeds are according to God‘s instructions, they are accepted by him through Jesus Christ. ( 1 Peter 2:5) A prerequisite to true knowledge and service is a “perfect heart“ and a willing mind“. A perfect heart would be one that is undivided. It is wholly focused on God at all times, and unwavering regardless of circumstances. The willing mind is one that desires only to please God. Solomon at last reminds his son that God knows what is in his heart. This great “Heart Searcher” is there to rule every sphere of our life. He searches our hearts for he is graciously interested in us. He lovingly holds us accountable to his high and noble purposes. And we can either view him as a terror or a blessing. As I read these words, I ask what more would a godly father desire of his children? Our heavenly father wishes us for us to know him and to serve him willingly. George Slover

So David inquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I pursue this troop? Shall I overtake them?” And He answered him, “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all.” (1 Samuel 30:8) 

The rise of David's popularity in Israel, caused insane jealousy in King Saul. With these words ringing in his ears, “‘Saul has slain his thousands, And David his ten thousands’” (1 Samuel 18:10), Saul zealously pursued the capture of David. Unlike Saul, David inquired of God in moments of distress. This time God's answer was: “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all.”

Having been delivered from the Philistine army, David’s army set out to return to Ziglag. Instead of being welcomed by their families, they found the city burned, and their families taken captive. David surely deemed the situation hopeless. He even senses a mutiny among his own troops.

However David's trust was not in man, but in God. With all hope lost, “David strengthened himself in the Lord his God”.  Such faith is often exemplified in times of despair. Paul would later record: “Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”  (2 Corinthians 12:9,10)

Next, David sought counsel from Abiathar, the priest. David sought an answer from this trusted confidant and spokesman for God.  God delivered his counsel: “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all.” 

There are times in our own lives when we come to the spiritual valleys. Either the sin in our lives or circumstances beyond our control prompt a spiritual low. In such distress, we must find strength in God, and pursue, overtake, and recover.

God wants you to confront the nagging persistent sin in your life head-on.  He longs for you to mend the fences of broken relationships – with a neighbor, a brother, or your mate. He beseeches you to rise above the trials that weigh you down. God is saying “with my help you can do this”!  “Pursue, overtake, and recover.”        

By George Slover