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Would He Be a Guest in Your House

Tuesday, August 02, 2016

"And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house." (Luke 19:5)

What would you do today if a stranger walked up to your door needing a place to stay? Your guest doesn’t look that impressive. His only possessions are the clothes on his back. After further inquiry, you discover he was born the son of peasants. He owns no home, nor does he even aspire to such. This man of twenty-five years never went to college. He has no high position in a corporation and has no such ambitions. He has never been out of state, except while in exile just after his birth. In fact, he has done nothing that by world standards would be deemed successful. Would you invite him to be your guest?

The city of Jericho was a great taxation center. Some have called it the Las Vegas of Palestine. It was just the right place for an ambitious tax collector. Zacchaeus was head of the customs department in Jericho. It was an occupation where it was easy to commit injustices and thus become rich.

On the day Jesus entered Jericho, Zacchaeus’ life would be forever changed. Jesus made a startling announcement to him: "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house." Against incredible odds, Zacchaeus gladly receives him as a guest. Surely one of such status would want to protect his belongings and reputation.

Why would he invite this road weary stranger to sit on his couch? Who is he to sit at his table? What if he refuses to leave? He has nothing to offer materially in return. Would you have accepted Jesus’ challenge? Be honest. Look at him from a purely fleshly viewpoint. He has no wealth. He has never written a book, nor founded a college. He has no fancy building for a place to preach. Would you have invited him into your home?

What would motivate Zacchaeus to take such a risk? The answer is simple: He was rich, but lonely. Despised and hated by men he sought the love of God. This man, short in stature, climbed into a tree hoping for just a glimpse. However, Zacchaeus’ ambition was rewarded beyond his wildest imagination! “Salvation” came to his house!

Now here is the challenge. Would you have invited Jesus into your home? Consider these words of Jesus. Speaking of caring for the needy, the infirmed, and the prisoner, he said, “I tell you, as often as you did it to one of these my Brothers, however lowly, you did it to me.'” (Matthew 25:40 TCNT) Do you see the connection? When we have served the lowly, we have truly served Him.

Tomorrow Jesus may be passing through your hometown wherever it is. He may want to have dinner with you. He wants to talk with you about eternal matters. What about it? Has he knocked on your heart’s door? Have you let Him in? Zacchaeus left the path of common sense and made a leap of faith that radically changed his life. What about you?

By George Slover

Posted in Moment With The Master

They Had Been With Jesus

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. (Acts 4:13)

The apostles, Peter and John, were put in custody because they had filled Jerusalem with the doctrine of Christ. The number of disciples grew rapidly during the early days of the church. (Acts 5:4). Thus, the rulers of Judaism questioned the apostles: "By what power or by what name have you done this?" (Acts 4:7) The answer of Peter and John rang loud and clear: "by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead." (Acts 4:10)

The courage and resolve of Peter and John gets the attention of the enemy. There was something very different about these two. It was not their remarkable intellect that got their attention. It was the boldness of the apostles that was worthy of note. It was Peter and John standing fearless before the Sanhedrin. There was nothing apologetic about their demeanor. They stood fast as those courageously speaking for God.

Their witness for Christ demonstrates a great change had taken place in their lives. Fishermen, Jews, once filled with fear, now bold and eloquently proclaiming a doctrine the enemy hates. They were passionately devoted to proclaiming the kingdom of God that men might be saved from sin. Even the enemy was impressed with their character. If we are attaining to heights in our spiritual growth, our daily behavior will manifest the spirit of Christ.

Their witness testified of the new and guiding principle in their lives. This is the principle of love- love for God and love for lost souls. Peters words ring loud and clear: "We ought to obey God rather than men". (Acts 5:29) Their passion for souls is recorded in Acts 5:42: And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ. (Acts 5:42)

We should always keep in mind that we are being watched, some times by friends, and some times by the enemy. Others will "take note" of us. If we easily fit into the world, something is wrong with our conduct. Let us be faithful at our post; speaking boldly for him. Let others observe and say: "they have been with Jesus." (Acts 4:13)

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

Posted in Moment With The Master

How Do I Describe Mom?

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

"Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.” (Proverbs 31:30)

Here are some words that describe my mom, Dorothy Jenkins Vandiver:

Mom was hospitable.  Mom’s home was always open to company.  She loved to entertain guests.  It was because of her graciousness that many wonderful, exemplary men and women passed through our home.  These great examples of faith had a tremendous impact upon those of us who lived in there.

Mom was loving and caring.  She especially loved her family.  As her only child I was spoiled to receive her constant devotion and attention.  In later years she showed me how to love a new father, two new sisters, and two new brothers.  Mom loved my wife as she would her own daughter. When the grandchildren came to visit in her home, she always prepared them their favorite dish.  She and grandpa loved to attend a niece’s concert or a nephew’s ball game.  And when someone was ill grandma and grandpa were the first to show they cared.  Even in her last days she was concerned about others, even while she suffered in pain in an ICU unit.

Mom was fun loving.  Mom enjoyed life to the fullest.  She was the girl’s favorite chaperon on high school band trips.  The boys who stayed in our home during Aggie Corps trips to Dallas were charmed by her grace.  She enjoyed fishing and water skiing.  She loved a good game of 42 and pinochle.  She especially enjoyed games with the grandchildren.

Mom was persevering.  She cared for my father after a massive heart attack.   She worked out of the home to pay the bills.  After the loss of her first husband, mom did an amazing job of being a father and a mother for her teenage son.  She paid for my college education and visited with me on football weekends at A&M.  In later years mom endured the pain of sceleroderma with dignity and grace.  Mom rarely complained.

Mom had a strong faith.  Mom believed that the Bible was God’s word and strived to live by its words.  She firmly believed in the words of Jesus, “the Truth shall make you free”.  (Jn.8:32)  If truth was taught she would be the first to praise, but if error was taught she would with the spirit of gentleness correct.

These words, hospitable, caring, fun loving, persevering, and faithful all describe my mom.  I have so much to be thankful for. Mom taught me how to live the abundant life that Jesus offers in this world, and she gave me the greatest gift a son could ever receive – the comfort of knowing that she is at home with the Lord. Mom died July 10, 2004.

George Slover

By George Slover | Visit www.smcofc

Posted in Moment With The Master

Praying for Progress

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you," (2 Thessalonians 3:1)

Having traveled to third world country to preach, knowing the challenges of such work, Paul’s prayer request touches a chord with me. There are wonderful families who are willing to sacrifice the comforts of America to live under extreme hardship to preach in foreign lands. I can think of times when I have doubted my own work because it was obvious the prospect was more interested in my American money than the gospel of Christ. Yet, I have also been inspired by the faithful remnant who continues to serve the Lord in extremely difficult circumstances.

Paul reminds the Thessalonians that their part in his work is prayer. Prayer is a mighty power and we must use it. The success of the missionary also depends upon the prayers of the faithful. Those who offer such petitions are also helpers in the work.

First, Paul asks them to pray that the gospel might “have free course”. There were grave hindrances presented by the Jews and their prejudices, or the Romans and their jealousy. Paul commands the saints to pray for the gospel to run the race unimpeded. Saints must continue to pray that such great opportunities might continue and doors opened in all parts of the World. Pray for the spread of the gospel. Pray for God to open the way!

Next, Paul commands them to pray that God be glorified. The gospel is God’s power to salvation (Rom.1:16). It is glorified when it is accepted and obeyed. God is honored by the well-ordered lives and joyful hearts influenced by the gospel. The gospel is exalted when a saint dies with the assurance of eternal life.

Finally, we must pray for God’s servants. Pray for their deliverance from unreasonable and wicked men who are God’s enemies. Unruly men used the judgment seat, physical pain and other serious threats to destroy the life of Paul. He bids the Thessalonians pray for his release!

Pray constantly for the success of the gospel. Christ bids you. His apostles bid you. The missionary needs your supplications.

By George Slover

By George Slover | Visit www

Posted in Mission Work

Defiled!

Tuesday, July 05, 2016

Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the son of God under foot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the spirit of grace?”   (Hebrews 10:29)

Imagine for moment inheriting a family heirloom.  Perhaps , it is a precious vase or piece of  pottery.  Now imagine that when it is given to you it is not received with appreciation.  Pretend you take the vase out to your driveway, and in defiance, you smash it with your hammer!  The precious gift is defiled!

Here the Hebrew writer uses strong terms to describe the attitude of the apostate.  He has “trampled”, “insulted”, and “counted” a “common thing” the gifts of God!  To “trample”  means to treat contemptuously.  To “insult” is to despise God’s very spirit of grace, To “count as a common thing” is to deem the very blood of Jesus as invaluable or worthless.  In essence, the apostate has defiled the gift of God.

God’s gift includes the death of his only son (Jn, 3:16), the blood of his son which sanctifies and cleanses from sin (Mt. 26:28),  and the “spirit of grace” or Divine favor from whence these gifts were offered (Rom. 3:24).   These gifts the apostate has defiled.

What other gifts has God given?  He has given us a family name!  We are called by his name – the name of God (I Cor.1:2), and the name of his Son (Rom. 16:16).  What if we by our lives fail to live worthy of that name?  Shall we defile the gift God has given?

God has given us a body through which we may have the strength to serve him.  God tells us to glorify God in our body  (I Cor. 6:20).  He reminds us that it is the “temple of the Holy Spirit”.  But, if we use it to serve ourselves rather than the Lord,  we defile the very gift he has given us!

God has given us a family – his church, his people.  (Mark 10:29,30)  He has richly blessed us with the greatest family on earth.  But, if I fail to serve them (Hebrews 10:24,25) and encourage them, then I defile the wonderful gift God has provided.

So, my brother, praise Him who is the giver of all of these things!  Honor Him by living each day in gratitude for his gracious blessings.

By George Slover

Posted in Moment With The Master

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