Moment With The Master

Moment With The Master

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Let God Be Your Guide

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

At the command of the LORD the children of Israel would journey, and at the command of the LORD they would camp; as long as the cloud stayed above the tabernacle they remained encamped. (Numbers 9:18)
 
According to God’s providence, Israel was delivered from slavery in Egypt.  Moses, their fearless leader, was leading them toward the Promised Land.  An assurance of God’s presence was a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night that appeared above the tabernacle.  When the cloud lifted each tribe, according to God’s orders, would set out to march.  When the cloud rested they would make camp according to God’s instruction.  The journey of Israel is a parable of the life of the Christian as he travels from the bondage of sin, through this world, toward the heavenly home.
 
First, observe that it was God who clearly determined their route.   At the command of the LORD the children of Israel would journey, and at the command of the LORD they would camp.  The mapping out of our lives is God’s job and not ours.  This may require abandoning the plans we have made, or the plans friends and relatives have made for our lives.  We must yield to God!
 
Second, note the path is clearly marked.  God gave Israel a clear, visible sign of his intentions.  Today, God provides a simple pattern to follow that is revealed in the New Testament.  Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, (2 Peter 1:2-3).  He left us a blueprint for our daily lives, and gave the local church a pattern to follow in our collective work.  Like Israel, we must respect and follow our Lord’s marching orders.
 
Third, when Israel failed to follow their guide the result (Numbers 14:44, 45) was disastrous. We must never presume to follow our notions rather than the Lord’s commands.  Our greatest need is redemption from sin.  This salvation is only possible by the work of Jesus.  However, Jesus will present us blameless before God only if we continue in the faith.  (Colossians 1:22,23) God will approve of no life unless it is ordered by the gospel.  
 
Is not our life like a journey across a wilderness with the Promised Land as our goal?  Along the way do not forget to give glory to God, acknowledge his ruling hand, and commit your way to Him for the time to come.
 
By George Slover
 

Be Strong!

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

"Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid nor dismayed before the king of Assyria, nor before all the multitude that is with him; for there are more with us than with him. "With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God, to help us and to fight our battles." And the people were strengthened by the words of Hezekiah king of Judah." (2 Chronicles 32:7-8)
 
What an encouraging verse!  What a great message of comfort from this godly king.  Hezekiah, the king of Judah, spoke these words.  He was ruling a nation that was surrounded by empires far superior to his in numbers and might.  When the Assyrian army marched up to the gates of Jerusalem it did not look so well for Judah.  However, Hezekiah reminds them that God was on their side.
 
Have you ever felt surrounded by the enemy?  Have you been in situations where you were the only one that stood for what was right?  Have “friends” belittled your integrity or moral purity?  Have they questioned your devotion and desire to worship?  Ever have someone ridicule your “pie in the sky” faith?  Has anyone ever called you a legalist or troublemaker, because you expressed your voice for righteousness?  Or have you faced in family or personal life so-called “insurmountable” challenges?  Perhaps the above verse can encourage you!
 
Other godly men and women have faced similar difficulties and won!  David, victorious over the giant Goliath, said, "You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.” (1 Samuel 17:45)  Jonathan, Israel’s warrior, attacked a garrison of Philistines and won!  This godly warrior understood that: “nothing restrains the LORD from saving by many or by few." (1 Samuel 14:6)
  
God did indeed deliver Judah in taking 185,000 Assyrians in one night!  And, God will stand with us as well in the battles of life.  Remember:  “God and one man makes a majority”!
 
By George Slover

Lamp of Israel

Tuesday, October 06, 2015

But Abishai the son of Zeruiah came to his aid, and struck the Philistine and killed him. Then the men of David swore to him, saying, “You shall go out no more with us to battle, lest you quench the lamp of Israel.”  (2 Samuel 21:17)

It was to be another day at the office for King David. An old well-known enemy, the Philistines, were again at war with Israel. So David and his army went out to fight. However, the venerable warrior walked at a slower pace. The Scriptures say: “and David grew faint”. (vs.15)

Ishbi-Benob, one of the sons of Goliath, would seize the moment and kill David. However, Abishai came to David's rescue. It was then that David's men requested that David no longer go to war. However, David's new position would not diminish his usefulness to Israel.

Having light in the lamp is proof that there is still life and influence. The glory of Israel still depended on David. Such is a tribute to his remarkable character. By his wise counsel and prayer he could still wield his influence.

God calls up on everyone of his children to “let their light shine.”(Matthew 5:16) “Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world. “ (Philippians 2:14,15)  Jesus tells his disciples to not cover their lamp, but to allow the light of God to be seen by others.

Jesus our Savior is the light of men. By his revelation he enlightens us about sin and unrighteousness. He shows us the value of eternal things. And in times of peril, he provides security.

Enemies of God have tried to extinguish his light. Scoffers have made an attempt to disrupt the influence of Christ. But his light still shines through his marvelous word and his people. Join in with David and Christ and shine the light of God. 

By George Slover
 

Trust in the Lord

Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
 
Much of the wisdom of Proverbs is directed to the young man.  The oft repeated “my son” phrase sets the context for what follows.  The picture is of a father offering wise advice to the son.  The father warns about those things in life such as wine, sensual pleasure, and evil companions that can hinder the boy from the desired goals.  In the passage above he points him toward the Lord.  
 
Actually, the truths taught here would be useful for one at any stage of life and for one of any gender.  However, life is especially frightening to that young boy who is trying to become a man. The uncertainties of the future often overwhelm him.  During this time he is receiving advice from worldly friends.  So, son here is the secret to ultimate success.
 
“Trust in the Lord.  Do not place your trust in evil companions (Proverbs 1:10), nor precious possessions (Proverbs 1:13), nor brute power (Proverbs 1:11, for they lead to heartache.  Do not look on the wine for it is a mocker (Proverbs 23:29-35).  Keep yourself far from the harlot (Proverbs 5:3-11) for she will lead to death. Do not trust in these tangible objects, but believe in the invisible, but living God!
 
“With all of your heart”  - Yield the decisions of life to him - your marriage and your career.  Give God all of your heart.  Do not withhold any area of your life from the Lord.  Do not compromise with God by saying “Well I’ll give up my bad friends, but keep my wine.” Make a bold and daring move and give your all to the Lord.  
 
“Lean not on your own understanding”.  Do not be arrogant for the Lord knows best.  Listen to  your mother and your father – the voice of experience. (Proverbs 1:8)  You are not wise enough to be your own guide.
 
In all your ways acknowledge Him and He Will direct your paths.   My son, God is there for you and your welfare.  He will help you during those challenging times and through all of the storms.  He will help you to make the right decisions and lead you in the right way.  God can be your security and help you to face any challenge!
 
What a great motto for life!  Live by it!
 
By George Slover
 

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The Spirit of Hospitality

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Then He also said to him who invited Him, ‘When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.’" (Luke 14:12-14)

In this passage Jesus challenged his audience to examine the motives behind their hospitality.  It is not surprising that the Pharisees, desiring the praises of men, would miss the true spirit of generosity.  

It is easy for hospitality to grow into a selfish desire for show.  When this happens one misses out on the real joy of giving.

When carnal motives creep in, giving may become like the grim duty of paying taxes. One might deem his gift a way of buying his way to heaven, or a means of exercising his superiority over the beneficiary of his gift.

The spirit of true hospitality is illustrated in this passage. One must give because they cannot help it! One must strive to be like God who gave his only son, expecting nothing in return. (John 3:16)  One must give with no thought of the reward.  Such an outflow of love allies one with the noblest of men and women in the world.

According to the Lord those who give generously will be rewarded at the resurrection of the just. (John 5:28, 29) Summarily, all who grudgingly withhold their gift when opportunities arise, will in like manner be recompensed.

There is a great reward for those with large hearts, who give bountifully of their lives and resources.  When such kindness is based on faith, hope, and love both the giver and the recipient are blessed and God is pleased.

By George Slover
 

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