Our livestock also shall go with us; not a hoof shall be left behind. For we must take some of them to serve the LORD our God, and even we do not know with what we must serve the LORD until we arrive there." (Exodus 10:26) During the time when God sent ten plagues upon Egypt, Moses made numerous requests of Pharaoh to allow Israel to go into the wilderness to worship God. Each of Pharaoh’s replies always included a compromise.  After the ninth plague Pharaoh calls for Moses:  "Go, serve the LORD; only let your flocks and your herds be kept back. Let your little ones also go with you." (Exodus 10:24) Moses’ reply was unambiguous: “the entire nation, with its flock and her herds will depart into the wilderness to worship Jehovah.”  Moses was not inclined to restrain from God's wishes: "You must also give us sacrifices and burnt offerings, that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God. "Our livestock also shall go with us; not a hoof shall be left behind. (Exodus 10:25-26) Does it not seem strange that Pharaoh wants to counsel Moses?  Which of these two truly has a grasp of God's will?  Pharaoh tried several times to persuade Moses to compromise, but failed.  Perhaps this last request, “leave your cattle behind”, was the craftiest, for it might seem more palatable to Moses. Pharaoh’s display of jealousy and rage is often how ungodly men react when the godly take a stand.  Moses wisely refuses Pharaoh’s counsel.  Godly living cannot be guided by the compromises of the world. It is wise to suspect and carefully examine any advice given by men.  It is never right to give up even what may seem to be the smallest of God's commandments. God wants a full surrender of our heart and life to his will.  Worldly pleasures, possessions, and friendships must be sacrificed for God’s cause.  All we own – our possessions and our lives belong to him.  For God it must be all or nothing! By George Slover

There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?" (John 6:9)

Much of Jesus’ ministry was near the sea of Galilee.  Luke tells us that Jesus was near the city of Bethsaida on the east side of the sea.  A great multitude followed Jesus because of the signs he performed.

Thus, Jesus tested Philip: "Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?" (John 6:5)  Philip answered Him, "Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little." (John 6:7) Then, Andrew adds, "There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?" (John 6:9)  Does Andrew see some potential here or is he thinking the situation is hopeless?   

The Barley loaves were not large commercial loaves of bread.  They would be just enough to make a fish “sandwich”.  The fishes were salted and dried, and used for relish.   It was common food for a common little boy.  The food may have been for his lunch.  However, Jesus does something spectacular with this small amount.

How many times have we contemplated our own inadequacy?  Who are we among so many?  The world seems so intimidating, and we are so small.  What can we do? 

There are many tools God places at our disposal to contribute to our spiritual success.  The most useful one is a book that seems so common and ordinary. That book is the Bible. Its message has radically changed lives for more than 2000 years.   

This great faith building book is at your disposal right now.  The same message that influenced an Ethiopian, a Jewish zealot, and a jailer can also give you joy and hope.  Study it, practice, preach it,  and you will be blessed!

By George Slover

the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us—" (1 John 1:2)

The introduction to John’s first letter stirs the imagination.  The potential and the possibilities of God living in the flesh and living among men thrills the soul.  John, in simple language, sets before his readers this profound truth.

A key word in this context is “life”. (vs. 1,2)  The focus of the letter and of John’s ministry is the “word of life”.  (vs. 1)  The gospel is personified.  It is more than mere commands.  It is about a person!  That person is Jesus and he is God in the flesh!  (John 1:14).

John says the “Word of Life” was from the beginning.  God has no beginning and no end.  He was before all creation; indeed he is the Creator of all things!  
(John 1:3)  The “Word of Life” existed intimately with the Father before time began.  He is timeless in existence.

However, this “life was manifested” i.e. he entered the realm of time in human form.  He moved from the realm of the invisible to the visible.  The life was manifested through the earthly ministry of Jesus, and gloriously exhibited by his death and resurrection.  It is difficult for the finite mind to conceive of such a thing!  Yet, to entertain the possibilities engenders hope!

To add to the excitement John makes a bold claim.  We saw him.  We gazed upon him.  We touched him!  They beheld his glory (John 1:14), heard his voice, and witnessed his mighty works as he stilled the sea and raised the dead.  They saw him die on a cross.  They touched his body of flesh and bones after his resurrection.  (Luke 24:39)  It was more than a quick glance.  It was a steadfast gaze in which John tried to fully discover this mystery.   He is qualified to testify of this marvelous life.

John does not keep this marvelous story to himself.  He makes a declaration so that others can enjoy the same fellowship and joy.  No other relationship can compare with the communion of man with God.  This fellowship involves enjoying the compassion, strength, and sympathy of a heavenly Father.  It means God has forgiven the sinner!  The contemplation of such possibility brings joy!

We owe a debt of gratitude to the apostles who took great pains and gave their lives to make their testimony known to the world that we might believe and have life in God.

By George Slover
 

And: ‘You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You remain; And they will all grow old like a garment; Like a cloak You will fold them up, and they will be changed. But You are the same, and Your years will not fail.’”  (Hebrews 1:10,11) 

In this context the author is establishing the superiority of the son of God to the angels. For further proof he makes these observations from Psalm 102:25-27. The Psalmist during a time of affliction, draws strength from the nature of God. In the Hebrew letter, the author applies these the Divine traits to the son of God. 

The Son is the creator of the universe. In the beginning he laid the foundation. The heaven and earth have not always existed, nor did they self originate. But, “in the beginning God created” (the Hebrew is barah which means create something from nothing) “the heavens and the earth”. (Genesis 1:1) He did not form them out of pre-existing materials. The Son of God made them from nothing.

We are told this universe is changing. Scientists say it's running down like a top that stops spinning. Changes are evident in our own lives; loved ones die, seasons come and go, we are growing older. But the very one who framed this world is still sovereign ruler. By his very word the fundamental elements stand together. 

Though change is evident in the world, Jesus remains the same. In chapter 6 the Hebrew author speaks of the immutability of Christ’s counsel.  See Hebrews 6:17,18. Christ’s character always remains the same. He is always just, always merciful, always true to his purposes and promises. And the needle of his moral compass never moves. This brings comfort to those who trust in him.

One day this world will be completely dissolved, but the Lord is eternal. “I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. (Revelation 1:18) The Eternal One promises victory to those who overcome the world’s charms and devote their lives to him.

How immeasurably marvelous is the Son of God. Even though life in this world can be challenging, we have every reason to trust him at all times!   

By George Slover