because your heart was tender, and you humbled yourself before God when you heard His words against this place and against its inhabitants, and you humbled yourself before Me, and you tore your clothes and wept before Me, I also have heard you," says the LORD. 
(2 Chronicles 34:27)
 
King Josiah was a great man.  He ruled the nation of Judah several hundred years before the time of Christ.  He inherited the throne at the young age of eight.  This remarkable character, at age sixteen, sought the God of his father David.  (II Chronicles 34:3)  Instead of following the footsteps of a wicked father and grandfather, he devoted himself to pleasing Jehovah God.
 
At age twenty-six Josiah commissioned his leaders to repair the temple.  In the process of this work, a copy of the book of the law of Moses was found, (II Chronicles 34:14, 18) and it was read before the king.  Josiah, when he heard these words, tore his clothes (II Chronicles 34:19) and commanded the high priest to inquire of the Lord concerning the meaning of the message.  Jehovah’s answer was a promise to destroy Judah for her wickedness, but to preserve Josiah because of his tender heart.
 
“Tenderness of heart” means to be soft, yielding, and easily touched.  The condition of King Josiah’s heart is manifested by his willingness to hear God’s word.  Josiah believes it, acknowledging it to be a message from God.  He reverently fears it as he allows it to sink into his soul.  He does not resist it or try to drown it out.  With urgency, he makes full inquiry into its import.  He diligently guides himself by its commands.  Without quibble, he calls all others to enter into a covenant with God.
 
We must not neglect the simple, faithful example of Josiah as the way to receive God’s will!  Give to God your tender heart!
 
By George Slover

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

 

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart— These, O God, You will not despise.”  (Psalms 51:17)

God’s people are to offer sacrifices to Him. Peter says that they can “offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ”. (1 Peter 2:5) Their gifts to God include ministering to others, worshiping God, and holy living.

Certainly, the sinner can make no atonement for sin. He has no hope without the mercy of God. Under Moses’ law, the bulls and goats that were offered as an atonement for sin did not fully satisfy the justice of God nor the conscience of man.  Thus, God’s wrath was only fully appeased with the sacrifice of Christ. (see Hebrews 9:12-14) Through the death of Christ, the penitent sinner is purified so that he can offer acceptable gifts to God. (Titus 2:11-14)

The Bible teaches that our gifts to God must be offered with a broken and contrite heart. One glorifies God by recognizing God‘s infinite holiness. While sin may be against one's neighbor, ultimately one’s sin is against God.

The broken and contrite heart implies that one has surrendered themselves fully to God. Only God can fully pardon and renew the spirit. God delights in our humility, because then and only then can he mold us into what he wants us to be.

However, a second, but related attitude must be coupled with a broken heart before the sacrifice is accepted by God. In 1 Samuel 15, Saul the king of Israel was commanded by God to “go and attack Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and do not spare them. But kill both man and woman, infant and nursing child, ox and sheep, camel and donkey.’ ”(1 Samuel 15:3) Instead, of heeding the voice of God, Saul spared the sheep and oxen and lambs to offer as a sacrifice to God. (see 1 Samuel 15:9,15) God was displeased with Saul.

When Samuel the prophet confronted Saul about the matter, he related an important principle. “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams”.(1 Samuel 15:22) To please God the sacrifice must be coupled with the heart of submission and obedience. God is not pleased with gifts that he has not authorized.

Sacrifices that God has not approved are viewed as rebellion. In such actions, one makes himself a worshiper of self rather than God.  Such sacrifices focus on pleasing the carnal person rather than on the Lord. Such sacrifices dishonor the Lord who is holy and good.

When one comes to the altar with gifts to God, first they must approach God with gratitude, for such offerings are only accepted because of God‘s mercy. And second, one must fully yield to God by giving him only what he approves.

By George Slover

He that covers a transgression seeks love; but he that repeats a matter separates very friends.”"  (Prov. 17:19)

The Scriptures say a lot about loving your brother, about making sure that he comes first in your preferences, that he is accorded the kind of respect and honor he deserves, even when you disagree with him.  It is true that we may need to correct the wrong done by my brother, but such is not a license for me to fuel my ego or bolster my reputation.  Before criticizing carefully examine your motives.  It’'s people who are important, not your own satisfaction.

Allow me to suggest three points to consider before you open your mouth.  First, before you say something about someone, be sure its true.  It is dangerous to repeat unverified information.  Second, before you say something about someone, examine the reason for saying it.  Abraham Lincoln once said, "“Don’t criticize before you know you can help”."  Third, before you say something about someone, remember how Jesus said, “Do unto to others as you would that they should do unto you.”  If you don’t want your name slandered, don’t be guilty of slandering others.

The tongue is hard to control.  It requires tremendous concentration.  However, if we fail to tame the tongue it can kindle all kinds of fires.

George Slover

You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance.” (Psalm 32:7)

The 32nd Psalm is ascribed to be a Psalm of David. It is rightly grouped together with Psalm 51. However, because of its didactic form, it is called a Psalm of contemplation or instruction.

The Psalm begins with a proposition - the blessedness of the one who is forgiven of sin. To clearly establish his point, the Psalmist speaks of the distress and misery caused by hidden, unconfessed sin. (Vs. 3,4)

The road to relief is clearly stated. When the sin is acknowledged and confessed there is forgiveness. This requires one to state specifically what God already knows – that his law has been broken. No excuses – one must frankly call the violation by its ugly name.

For full pardon, such an acknowledgment must be coupled with a determination to cease from the transgression. Having experienced God‘s grace, David would counsel the impenitent to consider the joyful blessings of such a confession.

Having acknowledged his own sin, the Psalmist states the fruit of such confession. Marvelous thoughts of God flood his mind. The remorse that once consumed him is replaced by songs of deliverance! “Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it. Redeemed by the blood of the lamb“.

Additionally, the penitent Psalmist has renewed thoughts of God. God is his hiding place. There is blessedness here! There is new freedom, a new joy in God, new ties of love. The burden is lifted!

With renewed confidence, David is ready to declare these marvelous truths to others. He bids us to not be like the obstinate horse that must be bridled, but to lay bare our own transgressions against God, and then rejoice in God‘s mercy. (Vs.10,11)

Dear reader, is there a song of joy in your heart, or is there the remorse of a life broken by sin? “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered.” (Psalm 32:1)
 
By George Slover