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Walking Worthliy

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” (Colossians 1:10)

Just as Paul prayed for disciples everywhere, he also prayed for the brethren at Colossae. These prayers supply us with valuable insight into what our aim should be in our relationship with God. In this context. the apostle is praying for the disciples to walk worthily of the Lord.

Walking worthily of the Lord is not a walk of merit, for we are unprofitable servants. It is a walk of respect for the dignity of our calling. By God’s grace, we have been elevated to the high and lofty state of being God’s children.

This walk calls upon us to please Christ in all things. A conduct that is worthy of Christ will seek to please him in all areas of our life, and at all times. Seeking the approval of man is inconsistent with seeking the approval of the Lord.

Bearing fruit for God is the proof of one’s faith (James 2:18), and is the natural result of the seed of God's word planted in one's heart. It stems from a desire to benefit others (Galatians 6:10). Its ultimate aim is the glory of God. (Matthew 5:16)

Is it by increasing in the knowledge of God that we bear fruit, or is it by bearing fruit that we are increasing in the knowledge of God? I think both are possible interpretations here. Certainly serving others is a learning process that teaches us important lessons of patience, forbearance, and kindness. There is no substitute for experience, and by such experience, we're brought closer to God.

High moral principles must constantly characterize God’s blood-bought people. We must promote the goodness of God in an evil world. Are you walking worthily of your calling this week?

By George Slover

Posted in Moment With The Master

Everlasting Covenant

Tuesday, October 04, 2016

Although my house is not so with God, Yet He has made with me an everlasting covenant, Ordered in all things and secure. For this is all my salvation and all my desire; Will He not make it increase? (2 Samuel 23:5)

The last words of David are recorded here. As he reflects upon his eventful life, he sees one constant: the remarkable presence of God. By God's grace David is the Lord's anointed and sweet psalmist of Israel.

In messianic tone, he marks out the qualifications of a truly good king (vs 4). Though David has come short of those marks there is one to come whom David is his is a type. Characterized by justice, the Lord’s rule shall be as refreshing as the morning sun (vs.4).

The Messiah’s rule will be marked a covenant (vs.5). A “covenant” usually connotes a mutual agreement between two parties. However, this covenant focuses on the promises of God to David. God promises an everlasting kingdom offering the “sure mercies of David”.

The first noted quality of this covenant is its reliability and trustworthiness. It is marked by orderliness and security. It is well arranged because it is the product of God’s perfect wisdom, and suited to the deepest needs of man. It is guarded and preserved by God himself. While men may question it, scorn it, and even attempt to twist it with their own traditions, God’s counsel remains unchanged.

“Everlasting” marks the enduring character of God's covenant. God had promised to David an everlasting kingdom (2 Samuel 7: 12,13). It has an eternal king who is also priest and Savior. It was designed according to the eternal purpose of God (Ephesians 3:11). God’s marvelous purpose was to bless men and women of every nation with the rights of citizenship in His kingdom.

“Salvation” is the blessing offered by this covenant. For this reason, both David, as well as all of God's people look forward to an ultimate triumph over death, and a wonderful eternal inheritance.

The sure and steadfast promises of God surely rejoices our hearts. What a marvelous thought. Though I have been a wretched a failure, God, faithful and true to his promise, is determined to save me.

By George Slover

By George Slover

God's Great Leader

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

"But since then there has not arisen in Israel a prophet like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face, (Deuteronomy 34:10)

In this closing chapter, we have the account of the death and burial of Moses. His pilgrimage to the top of Mount Nebo is somewhat symbolic of the life of every individual. We are all on a journey toward our final day. Just what will be observed about our life? What story will it tell?

The legacy of Moses is noted with greatness. These closing verses speak distinctively of his character and Moses’ unique position as a prophet. Numerous times in Scripture the work of Moses is compared to the work of Christ.

Moses’ legacy is first marked by his peculiar intimacy with God. Moses was one of few who enjoyed the unique privilege of seeing God face-to-face. There is a sense in which every individual has the opportunity of knowing God. Christ invites us to this marvelous friendship.

Such communion with God should produce greatness of character. If the influence of a godly friend can motivate us to holy living, how much more the impact of God! God's presence should shame us of our worldly ambitions and inspire us to be more like Him.

Next Moses’ legacy is noted for the greatness of his work. He was uniquely given the call to deliver Israel from Egypt and to give Israel the law. In this sense, he was a type of Christ. However, God's children are called to be useful to the master and to be a people zealous of good works (Titus 2:14).

Finally, his legacy is noted for God’s power working through him. Moses, as God's instrument, worked signs and wonders in Egypt and in Israel. God's children can also be a reflection of God’s mighty power working in them (Ephesians 3:20).

Is God in charge of your life? If so what kind of story is he writing? What kind of impact and influence are you leaving with others who know you?

By George Slover

By George Slover | Visit www.smcofc.org or www.ibiblestudy.net

Posted in Moment With The Master

Victory and Love

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

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 at 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 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, separated from the world. He promises them victory over the enemy and finally a marvelous inheritance. Therefore, we must “take heed”.

By George Slover

Posted in Moment With The Master

Never Give Up

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13-14)

Pete Dawkins was born March 8, 1938 in Royal Oak, Michigan. Dawkins was stricken with polio as a child. At the age of eleven, he developed scoliosis, a debilitating back condition.

Due to his health Dawkins was told he would never play sports. However, Pete Dawkins’ love for the game of football motivated him to persevere. Thus, he entered into an experimental training program that included aggressive physiotherapy. A regimen of weight lifting was considered to be a cure for the curvature of the spine.

Six years later the 180 pound Dawkins, a quarterback for Michigan Prep School, pursued a career of football at West Point. In 1956 Pete Dawkins joined the Army football team. After a few varsity practices coach Earl Blaik gave Dawkins two choices 1) quit the team, or 2) become a scrub. Coach Blaik made it clear that Pete Dawkins would never play a game of football for Army. Dawkins chose to be a scrub. His brutal job was to return punts or become tackling practice for a team of hungry cadets. In 1958, against all of the odds, Pete Dawkins won college football’s most coveted award – the Heisman Trophy.

The secret to Dawkins’ success was an exercise he’d learned during his early years with scoliosis. Each night after taps, when the lights were out, this determined cadet would lift weights on his room floor. This was an exercise prohibited by college coaches. It was believed that lifting weights would be harmful to a player’s agility.

In 1958 this one-time scrub unleashed his 220-pound body to reap the fruit of years of hard work. Dawkins likes to say, “Sometimes the things you think are the most awful disappointments turn out to be the most important opportunities you ever had.”

The Christian’s life is full of setbacks and challenges, but we must give all we’ve got. We must run hard for the finish line. One day God will award the victory crown!

George Slover

By George Slover | Visit www.smcofc.org or www.ibiblestudy.net

Posted in Moment With The Master

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