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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

Winning the Battle

Tuesday, September 06, 2016

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:10-11)

The above passage is one of my favorites.  One can imagine a general instructing his soldiers to “be strong and win!”  Paul, the soldier, is saying: “God gave you the tools.  Now stand up and win the battle!”  The fact is the child of God is engaged in a daily battle for his soul!  Here are some strategies that will help us win!

First, we must recognize the enemy.  Peter says, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)  Satan is that prowling lion.  In modern times some tend to deny the existence of the devil.  However, if I believe in a personal God, then I must also believe in a personal devil.  Jesus identified Satan as the “father of lies” (Jn. 8:44).  Satan is the enemy and he wants to control your life.

Second, we must recognize our need for help.  Paul, commands us to “be strong in the Lord.”  God provides the tools necessary for victory.  Further, James says, “But He gives more grace". Therefore He says: "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble".Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”(James 4:6-7)  Humble yourselves before God and accept whatever he demands to help you win.

Third, we must resist the assault.  This requires sacrifice and commitment.  Abraham Lincoln in his Gettysburg Address refers to those soldiers who gave their “last full measure of devotion”.  This is what God expects of us.  We need to pull out all of the stops, to walk away, to call out Scripture, and pray.  James promises good results! (James 4:7)

So, brother, you can win the battle.  Ultimately, you will win the war!

by George Slover, Jr.

Posted in Moment With The Master

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