Frank's Bible Blog

Psalm 41-- Nightmares Disappear in the Presence of Father

It was late at night when the faint knock came to my bedroom door. It was my son and he had had a bad dream. He had climbed out of the top of his bunk bed and journeyed down the stairs to my bedroom.

 

You see, he needed to be in the presence of his father.

 

I opened the door and we made our way to the living room, where he sat on my lap and told me about his nightmare. I held him, prayed over him, and then he promptly went back to sleep.

 

All was well.

 

When he spent time in his father's presence, he gained emotional strength. When he spent time in his father's presence, he was able to forget what had troubled him. When he spent time in his father's presence, he was able to move on with life.

 

In Psalm 41 David reminds us of several things, the greatest of which is the importance of being in God's presence. David tells us of the blessings that come when we give consideration to those who are poor, weak, and in despair (vv1-3).

 

He then goes on to ask for God's mercy and healing for sin he had committed, which apparently also affected his health (vv4-8). In the midst of his personal struggles, he felt abandoned and despised both by his enemies and those close to him (vv5-9), prompting him to cry out to God.

 

The turning point for David came when he realized that God, his Father, was pleased with him (v11) and that God would uphold him.

 

"Set me in your presence forever" is how David worded it (v12). When he realized he was in the presence of Father, he knew everything would be alright.

 

Friend, when you and I spend time in Father's presence we will have compassion for those who are struggling in this world. When we spend time in Father's presence we will become acutely aware of our sin and seek to repent of it. When we spend time in Father's presence we have a sense of security and belonging that rises above life's circumstances.

 

Maybe today it's time to climb out of life's "bunk bed" and make your way into Father’s presence.

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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com.

Psalm 32--A Saint in Sin

For many years "Jill" ran from the Lord. She had grown up in a preacher's home and made a commitment to Christ but in her later teen years she began to stray. Caught up with the wrong crowd, Jill began to make terrible choices. Her life, it seemed, was spiraling out of control. Her parents continued to pray for her...and love her. They made it clear that the way she was living was wrong. But they also made it clear that when the day came that she realized she was on a sinking ship they would be there in the life boat rowing beside her. Although she acted tough on the outside, inside Jill was in turmoil. In her heart of hearts she knew she was throwing her life away. The weight of her poor choices began to bear down on her. She actually felt a physical heaviness...like she couldn't breath. Then like the prodigal son in Jesus' story, she finally came to her senses and returned home. She got rid of everything in her life that remotely resembled the life that she had been living--even her cell phone and apartment furniture. Today, she is a shining example of a godly young woman who seeks to glorify God in all that she does. I'm sure that Jill could relate to David when he wrote in Psalm 32 "When I kept silent my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer" (vv3-4). What turned things around for both Jill and David? "Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the Lord' and you forgave the guilt of my sin" (v5). Sin separates us from God. For the believer, sin separates us from fellowship with God and from His hand of protection on our life. However, when we do what Jill and David did and repent, then we are able to say to the Lord "You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance" (v7). They experienced the blessings that come when our "transgressions are forgiven" and our sins are covered (v1). What about you today? Is there sin hindering your fellowship? Maybe you like David and Jill need to stop covering it up and seek His forgiveness.

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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com.

Zechariah 13--How Clear are You?

We began our tour of the Israeli "diamond factory"--a place where raw diamonds are cleaned, cut and mounted for sale there and all over the world. It didn't take long for us to learn that clarity is one of the primary factors that determine diamond value. When you look at a diamond through a jeweler's magnifying glass, how many dark specks do you see? The fewer the specks, the clearer the diamond is and the more it is worth. The less impurities the gem has, the higher its value. Impurities, whether in gold, silver, diamonds, or even people's lives, cheapen the "value" of the item or life. Zechariah 13 describes a time when God will remove the deception of false prophets and prophecies from the land (vv. 2-6). It describes a time when "a fountain will be opened...for sin and for uncleanness" (v1). It also describes a time when God's "sheep" will be brought through the fire to be refined, tested, and ultimately call on God (vv7-9). While scholars may have different opinions on exactly what this chapter is describing, one thing is clear--we do not have to wait to the future to be cleansed and made pure. Through what Christ did on the cross we have access to the "fountain" that cleanses us from all sin. The question for us, once we have experienced that cleansing, is "Are we staying in the fountain?"Or are we allowing impurities into our lives that degrade our value to the Kingdom? God often allows us to go through refining processes now so that those impurities can be stripped away and we can become a brighter reflection of God's glory in this world. God wants to bring out His best in us. Let's cooperate with Him as He seeks to refine us, and let's remain "in the fountain" so that the impurities of this life will not be found in us. Let's improve our clarity.
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential.Please share this blog with your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com.

Zechariah 3-- Behind the Scenes

We finished our waffle cones at the little sea-side village ice cream shop and made our way for the door. "You can't leave," we were told, "they are in the middle of a shoot." The "shoot" the man was referring to was a movie that was filming in the street outside. We were "stuck" in that shop smelling those freshly made cones for another half hour while a major film star filmed a scene.  That scene, which took hours to set up and film, lasted less than a minute in the actual movie. Movie goers didn't see us sitting in the ice cream shop. They also didn't see all of the shops on the street get painted before filming. There were a lot of behind the scenes things that happened which they were unaware. In life, there are a lot of things happening, often in the spiritual realm, of which we are unaware. Zechariah 3 records a vision the prophet saw concerning Joshua who was the Jewish high priest following the Jews return to Israel from exile. Joshua was focused on seeing the temple rebuilt and proper worship restored. He was unaware of what was happening behind the scenes, as well as what was to come. We are told in the first two verses that Joshua was opposed in heaven by Satan, but God rebuked the Devil. As God's leader for the moment, Joshua was in essence standing between heaven and earth enabling the fulfillment of God's plan. With that kind of high spiritual profile position, it was no wonder he would be opposed directly by Satan. We are also told in this passage that
Joshua's iniquity was cleansed (vv3-5) and he was promised eternal prominence if he remained faithful (vv6-7). Even greater than that, we are told that Joshua was a sign of the coming Christ (vv8-10). Joshua was just going about his business trying to faithfully serve the Lord and lead others into His presence. Until Zechariah's vision, he had no idea all of this was taking place behind the scenes. You and I may not know what is taking place in the spiritual realms behind the scenes of our lives, but it is important to remain faithful regardless. One day we will understand it all. Until then, let's stay the course and run with perseverance the race that God has set before us.

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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com.

Ezra 10--High Value May Require High Sacrifice

Every day we make decisions about value and sacrifice. We decide if the price of gas is worth the value of our mobility. We decide if certain clothes rise to the value of sacrificing some of our money to purchase them. We decide to give up some of our time to do what we value, whether that is time with the family or time with our favorite hobby. If we perceive that the value is high enough, then we are willing to make greater sacrifices. Now ask yourself this: What value do you place on holiness? What sacrifices would you be willing to make to live right before God? Do you value God's pleasure enough to drastically alter your life if you discovered it was out of alignment with God's nature and will? These were the questions that needed to be answered by the Jews who had returned to Israel from exile. Some of them, including their political and even religious leaders, had intermarried with people from the surrounding pagan nations. This was the very sin that led to their destruction in the first place. In Ezra 10 the Jews face this issue head-on. Would they compromise and allow the sin to continue? Would they eradicate it, even it if meant making incredible sacrifices? Those sacrifices in some cases would include divorcing wives and leaving children. Could they make the ultimate sacrifice to get their lives right before God? Notice how the people handled the situation. First, at the insistence of their leaders and with just three days notice, they all gathered in Jerusalem (v9). Standing outside under heavy rain, they were confronted with their sin (v10) as Ezra pulled no punches in declaring their guilt and calling for repentance. The people then agreed to a process to deal with the situation because "Nor is this the work of one or two days, for there are many of us who have transgressed in this matter" (v13). As you can imagine, because of this kind of sin, it would take some time to put things in order. They did, however, follow through with that process. Repentance started with a decision, continued with confession, and completed with action. It is important to note that under the New Covenant of grace, God does not call us to divorce if we are married to non-believers, even though He says we should not marry non-believers in the first place. God, however, certainly does call us to eradicate sin in our life, even if that means making great sacrifices to do so. So, let's revisit the question we started with: What value do we place on holiness? What sacrifices are we willing to make to live right before God? Ponder these as you go through your day.
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.

Genesis 50--Leaving a Lasting Legacy

Have you thought about your legacy? Have you thought about the impact you will have even after you are gone? Most people never think about their legacy until it is too late to do anything about it. It is unfortunate that many people squander much of their lives when they could be living in such a way that glorifies God and impacts the next generation. In Genesis 50 we are told about the end of two men's lives--two men who made a difference in their world. Two men who left a lasting legacy. They were Jacob and his son Joseph. Jacob had moved his entire family and all they had to Egypt, at the request of his son Joseph who had become second in charge of the country. Verse 3 tells us that when Jacob died the Egyptians mourned for him 70 days. Jacob's body was moved to his homeland of Canaan for burial and it was accompanied by "chariots and horsemen, and it was a very great gathering," (v9). On the way to bury him the group stopped and mourned for seven more days, causing the people there to proclaim "this is a deep mourning of the Egyptians" (v11). Jacob wasn't an Egyptian, but because of his influence and the influential life of Joseph, even the Egyptians were impacted. Jacob lived 147 years. His son Joseph's life was characterized by forgiveness and perspective, which we see again right after his father's death. His brothers, fearful that Joseph would seek revenge for the way they had mistreated him, begged his forgiveness (vv17-18). Joseph had already forgiven them because he realized "you meant evil against me; but God meant if for good...in order to save many people" (v20). Joseph died at 110 (v22) having saved not only his family from destruction but countless others as well. "One day," he told his family just before his death, "God will take you back to our homeland, the land of Canaan. And when you do, take my bones with you." Joseph's life impacted their past, their present, and even their future. Jacob and Joseph--what a beautiful legacy and what a great example they are to all of us. Pause for a moment and think about your own legacy. What kind of a legacy will you leave?
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.

Genesis 42-- You Can Run But You Can't Hide

Every so often we hear a story about some criminal who had been on the run for years before he is finally captured. There were, for example, several Nazi World War II criminals who had fled Germany only to be found some 50 years later living in other countries. We hear of people who commit crimes, change their looks and identify, and start new lives. After a few years they think they got away with it. Yet something happens and they are finally apprehended. The Bible tells us "Be sure your sin will find you out." That applies to all of us, not just those who have committed criminal acts. This is how Joseph's brothers felt in Genesis 42 when they stood before him asking for grain. They had no clue that the Egyptian ruler responsible for grain sales in the midst of a global famine was actually their brother. When Joseph "accused" them of being spies and insisting one of them stayed behind in Egypt while they went home after their youngest brother, they believed their sin and finally caught up with them. "We are truly guilty concerning our brother...therefore this distress has come upon us," they moaned to each other, referring to their selling of Joseph into slavery. It had been many years since that fateful act--an act that they believed led to Joseph's death. Now, in their minds, they were finally paying for what they had done. They had gotten away with it for a long time but no more. Of course we know the rest of the story, and we know that in later chapters Joseph reveals himself to them and forgives them. Imagine, however, the agony these brothers went through prior to Joseph forgiving them. Imagine what it would have been like for them for all of these years hoping that their secret is never discovered. That is no way to live! Friend, this is no way for us to live either. Let's make good choices and don't harbor sin in our lives. Let's Keep short sin accounts and live with a clear conscience.
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.

Genesis 36--The Power of Forgiveness

"I was wrong. Will you forgive me," is one of the most powerful phrases anyone can say. I've seen friendships and even families restored just by that phrase. I've seen a church that was broken and hurt healed by those words. Asking for forgiveness when we do wrong and giving forgiveness when we are wronged are some of the most important actions we can do during our lifetime. I remember seeing the sentencing trial of a man convicted of killing another man's wife. When the widower stood to give his input on the sentencing, he looked at his wife's killer and said, "What you did was wrong. It was terrible. But I want you to know, I forgive you." When later asked by reporters about what he said, the man replied that he had to forgive. He could not allow anger and bitterness to emotionally destroy his life. Forgiveness does not erase the wrongs of the past, but it does allow us to move healthy into the future. We see an example of this in Genesis 36. While the bulk of the chapter deals with Esau's descendants, who became known as the Edomites, there is an interesting story here. We are told that Esau took his family, workers, livestock, etc. and moved to another region "for their possessions were too great for them [Jacob and Esau] to dwell together, and the land...could not support them" (v7). After Esau's forgiving and reconciling with brother Jacob, they once again lived near each other. Forgiveness had brought a family back together. More than two decades earlier, they separated on angry terms. But this time the separation was on a positive note--they both had grown so wealthy that the land was not big enough to support both of their enterprises. Esau would need to move on--not out of spite or bitterness but because of positive opportunities. Forgiveness heals, restores, and breathes new life into dead relationships. Never underestimate the power of forgiveness!
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.

Genesis 33-- Rotting Wood

I was fixing my damaged wood fence when I pulled off a picket and saw nothing but rotten wood underneath. You couldn't initially see the rotten rail because the picket covered it, but it made that whole section of the fence weak. I got to thinking that this is what happens when there is unforgiveness in our lives. It eats away at us from the inside, weakening our entire lives and potentially causing us to do or say things that we wouldn't do otherwise. In Genesis 33, Jacob came face to face with his brother Esau, the one who years earlier was seeking to kill Jacob. On top of that, Esau was coming to meet Jacob with 400 men. Jacob knew he had done wrong by his brother but wanted to seek reconciliation. But what about Esau? Had he stayed bitter and unforgiving all of these years? Did that unforgiveness rot away his life? Would it now lead to him taking violent action against Jacob and his family? These questions filled Jacob's mind as their meeting time approached. Imagine Jacob's surprise when Esau ran to meet him, hugged him, kissed him, and started crying (v4). Esau had forgiven Jacob! Their relationship was restored and they could now move on with their lives. No longer would Jacob have to be looking over his shoulder wondering if his brother was on the way to hurt him. We don't know at what point Esau forgave Jacob, but we do know that because of that forgiveness he and his twin brother could now go through the rest of their lives with the kind of relationship that brothers should have. What about you today? Is there someone who you need to forgive? Is there someone whose forgiveness you need to seek? Don't let unforgiveness and broken relationships eat away at you and rot your life.
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.

Genesis 32-- Facing Your Past

When he left home 20 years prior, Jacob was a self-centered, conniving young man who had disappointed his father and angered his brother to the point that he wanted to kill Jacob. A lot had changed in 20 years and now it was time for Jacob to face his past. It was time for Jacob to see his brother Esau and seek reconciliation. Genesis 32 records Jacob's preparation for that meeting, which ended up turning into something much bigger. As Jacob prepared to meet his past, God prepared him to meet his future. Noticed what Jacob did. First, he acknowledged God (vv1-2). Second, he was humble (vv3-5, 13-18). The arrogance that once typified his life was gone. He was coming to his brother in all humility. Third, he worked through his fears. When he found out Esau was coming to meet him and he had 400 men with him, Jacob was scared. And who wouldn't be! Jacob, however, did not give in to those fears and continue to run from his past. What he did do was device a plan to protect as much of his family as possible just in case Esau attacked them (vv7-8). He also prayed (vv9-12). In the meantime, God was at work in Jacob using this encounter to make him into something great for Himself. Jacob got alone that night and "wrestled" with an angel of God refusing to let him go until he blessed Jacob. He had deceived to get his father's blessing, but Jacob knew he needed something greater--he needed God's blessing (v26)! The exciting thing is that God gave it to him. I wonder how many people miss out on God's blessing because they 1) don't ask for it and 2) don't come clean with their past in order to receive it. What about you? Are there some things in your past that you need to deal with today? Are there some things you tried to ignore or sweep under the rug that has haunted you? Remember, God is gracious and forgiving and He will guide us as we seek to do what is right.
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.

Genesis 28-- The Desperate Tale of Two Brothers

Emotionally hurt with his world crashed down around him, we find Esau in Genesis 28 desperate to recover his father's favor. Earlier he exchanged his birthright for some stew, then he lost his father's blessing. It seemed that his brother Jacob got everything that should have been his. So when Jacob goes off to find a wife who wasn't from the area, Esau decides he needs to do that as well. He already had two wives from Canaan (much to his parents displeasure) but thinks that if he finds one from his extended family it will bring him back into his father's graces (vv8-9). While Esau (a grown man) is desperately trying to recover from his emotional pain, his brother has his first real encounter with God. Jacob had grown up hearing about God. He knew many things about God. But he didn't know God for himself. Then along a roadside as he journeyed to find a wife, God spoke to him (vv10-15). This was a turning point in Jacob's life. Jacob vows that if God would be faithful to him, Jacob would serve the Lord and put Him first (vv20-21), even in his possessions (v22). Jacob had caused a lot of grief, he was a conniver and a liar. But something started to change in his life as he met God on that dusty road. His focus started shifting from himself to the Lord and others. He went on to become a great man of God whose 12 sons would become the 12 tribes of Israel and the Jewish nation. Where are you at in your life today? Are you like Esau, desperate to recover from your emotional pain? Desperate to find someone who will love and accept you? Or maybe you are like Jacob prior to this chapter. You know all about God but haven't made a personal commitment to Him. Maybe you have done some terrible things, caused a lot of grief, lied to a lot of people. Whether it is the emotional pain of an Esau or the guilt of a Jacob, Jesus Christ is waiting to forgive you, heal your emotional scars, and lead you into an abundant life. If you have never done so, today ask God to forgive your sin, acknowledge that Christ's death, burial and resurrection is sufficient to pay for your sin, and commit your life to the Lord right now. God will make you into a new creation and give you a purpose and peace that you have never known before.
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.

Genesis 27--The Collapsing Family

Every so often it seems that there is a tragic story of a mine that has collapsed with workers trapped inside. Sometimes the workers survive, but too often we hear of lives that are lost. They are in the mine where they have been many times before, but on that tragic day something happens to weaken the mine's supports and it collapses on the workers. Far more frequent than mines collapsing are families collapsing. The supports give way and the world comes crashing down on many families. Tragically, some families disintegrate. In other cases, they survive. They are hurt, dirty, scared--but they continue. Such was the case in Genesis 27 with Isaac, Rebekah and their two children, Esau and Jacob. Notice some things that caused the "mine" to weaken and eventually collapse. We see that Rebekah elevated her child above her husband (vv5-10). She conspired to trick her husband in order to benefit her favored son, Jacob, and secure Isaac's blessing for him instead of Esau. She also directly lied to her husband (v46). In addition, she underestimated the pain that she caused Esau (v44). She assumed Esau would get over this in "a few days," but he didn't. We also notice that Jacob wasn't concerned with what was right or wrong, only with getting caught (vv11-12). Then we see Esau becoming desperate (v34) and rather than turn to God, he turns to rage (v41). He would harbor this intense anger and bitterness for a long time. As we look back on their lives, we see that Isaac and Rebekah did what many couples do today. They lost themselves in their children. Not only that, but they each had their own favorite child on whom they focused. I have seen this many times--after many years a couple ends their marriage because they no longer have an emotional connection to each other. Everything centered on the children and when the children leave home they have nothing in common. Don't live just for your children! The best gift you can give to your children is the example of a strong marriage. Put your priority on your spouse and then together seek to raise, guide, and nurture your children to realize their full potential in Christ. Do that and everyone will be better off.

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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.

Genesis 25-- Are You the Next Reality TV Show?

It could have been a reality TV show. We'll call it "Isaac's Family." It is the true story that begins to unfold in Genesis 25 as Isaac and Rebekah start their family. It took them 20 years before they could have children, but once twins Esau and Jacob were born I doubt there was ever a dull moment. There were some interesting family dynamics that we notice as we open the window and look in on this family. First, these kids were "fighting" before they even came out of the womb (v22) with each destined by God to father a nation or people group. They may have been twins, but these boys were dramatically different. They looked different (v25), had different interests (v27), different personalities, and they approached life differently. Jacob was a thinker--he planned, thought things through, and even schemed. Esau lived for the moment. He was rugged, tough, and self-focused. The first sign of trouble we see is that Isaac and Rebekah played favorites (v28) with Isaac loving Esau and Rebekah loving Jacob. Then we see how short-sited Esau was because he was willing to throw away his future--his birthright--for some stew. Jacob is far from innocent as he took advantage of his brother. This was a pretty dysfunctional family (it gets worse as the story goes on!). What was the bottom line that caused all of this? Each family member looked only at his or her own interests  and not the interests of the whole family. They also didn't consider the long-term ramifications of their decisions and the impact those decisions would have on others. The more members of your family there are who look only to their own interests, the more dysfunctional your family will be. It is that simple! Don't become fodder for a reality show--consider others before yourself.

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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.

Genesis 15-- Star Light, Star Bright

My first trip to Australia was on a college missions team. After several days of ministry in the major city of Brisbane, we made our way into the Outback. We camped at night and ministered in small towns during the day. I remember one night looking up into the sky--which was as clear as clear could be. The stars were amazing--so many of them. There were different constellations than I had seen before. I often imagine that scene when I picture the events of Genesis 15. God reiterates to Abraham that He is going to make him a great nation. Abraham struggles with this because he has no children. Then God tells Abraham to go outside and look up at the stars. "Count them," God said. Have you ever tried to count all the stars? That night in the Outback I tried but there were so many I couldn't do it. Apparently Abraham wasn't able to either. "Your descendants will be as numerous as the stars," God said to Abraham. Then it happened. Abraham "believed in the Lord," (v6) and God "accounted it to him for righteousness." That night under the stars a transformation occurred in Abraham's life. It was a transformation that would lead to Abraham later being called "the friend of God."  It was the moment when Abraham truly placed his faith in the Lord. To this point he had followed God's instructions but that night under the stars Abraham's commitment moved from his head to his heart. God goes on in the chapter to demonstrate His covenant with Abraham with a "smoking oven and a burning torch that passed between" pieces of animals that Abraham had laid out at God's instructions (vv9,10,17,18). Friend, have you experienced a transformation of your life like Abraham did? Has their been a point in your life where you "believed in the Lord?" Not a head belief but a heart belief--a belief that involved the commitment of your life to Christ? A belief that acknowledged that Jesus' death, burial and resurrection is sufficient to pay for your sin? A belief so radical that you turned away from your sin and sought God's forgiveness? If not, I hope that you will make that commitment today.
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.

Genesis 3-- The Downward Spiral

Have you ever seen those giant cylinders in shopping malls that are placed there by charities to raise money? You know--the ones where you drop a quarter on the edge and watch it spin around and around, gaining speed with every revolution, until the coin eventually disappears through a small hole. Sometimes we find our lives in a downward spiral, moving farther and farther away from God until the vibrant relationship that we once had is now hard to distinguish. We start out slow but rapidly digress. This was the scene in Genesis 3 as Adam and Eve ushered sin into the world. Notice how this downward spiral played out. First, they questioned God (vv1-4). Did God really say that? Did He really mean that we were not supposed to do this? Second, they sinned. It was desirable so they did it (v6). Third, they influenced others (v6). Eve did it and she influenced Adam to follow. Next, they hid (v8). They didn't want God to know what they did. They were ashamed and guilt-ridden so they tried to cover it up. Finally, they blamed (vv12-13). Rather than facing the truth of what they had done, they played the "she did it, he did it, God did it" blame game. Adam was so bold as to say to God "It was the woman whom You gave me--it was her fault." After all, he reasoned, if God hadn't given him Eve he wouldn't be in the situation. Do you see how quickly Adam and Even got caught in this downward spiral? Now notice how God tries to bring them "back to the surface." First, He questioned Adam and Even (v9), not because He didn't know the answer but because He wanted them to have a chance to come clean on their own. Second, God judged them (vv14-19). While this may be seen as negative, judgment actually is a very positive thing because it gets our attention and encourages us to do what is right. Finally, God made a provision for Adam and Eve. He clothed Adam and Eve, symbolic of how He clothes us today in the righteousness of His Son (v31). The way to avoid all of this is to not drop the coin in the first place! Don't question, reason away, ignore, or try to change God's commands. If we will simply accept what God says as being best for our lives and follow it, then we will never have to worry about getting caught up in a downward spiral.

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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at www.maxpoint.org/message_board.

Nehemiah 9-- Time to Get Serious

The terrorists attacks on the Word Trade Center in New York on September 11, 2001 was a defining, history-altering moment for the U.S. as a nation, and certainly for the hundreds of families who lost loved ones in the incident. I remember the incredible seriousness that spread across the country. The guys that did comedy sketches on the local news radio were silent. The Jay Leno and David Letterman shows went dark. Nobody could laugh. This was a time of national mourning where seriousness replaced joking. There are times when not only as a nation but also as individuals were are called to seriousness. We are called to face the reality of an unpleasant situation. This was the case for the Jewish people in Nehemiah 9 after they had heard, many for the first time, God's Word. It was a sobering time as they faced the reality of their situation and how sin had brought them to that place. "We are in distress," (v37) the cried. They used this serious, sacred assembly of the people to deal with sin--both theirs and their ancestors. First, they acknowledged God's righteousness (v8) and His goodness (vv5-15). Next, they acknowledged their sin and rebellion against that righteousness (vv16-18). Then they recognized God's incredible mercies (vv19-32) and His justice in punishing them (vv33-37). Finally, they decide to do something about their sin and change their ways--which is the topic of the next chapter. Today, maybe it is time for you to get serious for a little while. Maybe it is time for you to pause and take a long, hard look at your life and the affect sin has had on it. Maybe today is the day for you to do what Israel did and repent.

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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at www.maxpoint.org/message_board.

Acts 11- Christianity in Action

There is a popular song that says "love isn't love until you give it away." The point is that love isn't merely an emotion or concept, it is an action. Similarly with Christianity. If we have received Christ as our Savior, we should be moved to action. Notice four examples of Christianity in action found in Acts 11.  1) Christians rejoice when groups of people receive "repentance to life" (v.18).  We long to see people from every tribe, tongue and nation experience the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ. 2) Christians engage the culture around them. Verse 20 talks about witnessing to Hellenists. These were people of Jewish descent but who were totally identified with the secular culture.  They were Jewish by race but not by religion or practice--what we would call today "secular Jews."  Certain Christian men engaged these people and proclaimed Christ to them.  3) Christians are concerned about spiritual growth, not just conversion (v.23).  Barnabas at first, and then Paul helping him, discipled the believers in Antioch, which led to even more people turning to Christ. 4) Christians pro-actively care for those in need.  The believers in Antioch, hearing of an impending famine, gave of their resources to help those in Judea who would be in need.  If you are a Christian, how are you putting you faith into action?

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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at www.maxpoint.org/message_board.

Acts 2-- The Comeback Kid

Politics, sports, entertainment, business--they all have their stories of people who were considered washed up who later came back to accomplish great things. Peter was the New Testament's original comeback kid. What an amazing sight it must have been on that Pentecost day when Peter, who a short time before had vehemently denied knowing Christ, proclaimed the risen Lord with power and passion. Along with the other apostles, Peter preached his heart out (vv11-39) and a multitude responded with praise to the Lord. Peter had changed and so did this crowd. Notice the genuineness of those who embraced the message (vv41-47). They demonstrated their faith and repentance by being baptized (v41), caring for the needs of others (vv44-45), meeting together to learn, sharing meals, and living with a simple and pure purpose (v46)—to bring praise to the resurrected Lord. It was clear to everyone around that they were followers of Christ. They clearly showed that by how they lived, how they treated other believers, and by the transformation that took place in their lives. What about us today? Is it clear to those around us that we are Christ followers? Maybe like Peter you have made some mistakes and done some things that have not honored Christ. The good news is that with the power of the Holy Spirit you too can come back. Seek God's forgiveness and allow Him to restore you to a life of fruitfulness for His glory. Who knows--maybe God will use you to win multitudes for Christ just like He used Peter.

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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at www.maxpoint.org/message_board.

1 Corinthians 13-- The World's Most Misunderstood Word

It is the subject of fairy tales and fast-moving music videos. Scores of books have been written about it and it is the basis for many Hollywood productions. People laugh about it, cry about it, and even get angry over it. It unites as well as divides. It is amazing how something can be the focus of so much attention yet have so little known about what it really is. It is love. The Bible has much to say about love because it is fundamental to life. It is the fundamental reason Jesus died. It should be the fundamental reason why we live. It should permeate our attitude, actions and approach to all that we undertake. I Corinthians 13 has probably the clearest explanation of what true love--God's love (agape)--is all about. While the chapter lists several attributes of genuine love, you can sum it all up into two things. Love focuses on other people (vv4-5) and love embraces the positive (vv6-7). In addition to defining love, this chapter is a eye-opener to the stunning reality that we can do many good things in the name of Christ but not do it with love (vv1-3). No matter what it is, if we do it without love, it has no lasting benefit to us. Genuine love must be the driving force behind everything that we do and think.

Let me challenge you today to take the 1 Cor. 13 love test. Ask the question "why" for everything thing that do you over the next week. Why are you teaching that Sunday School class? Why do you tithe? Why do you work? Why do you make the family's meals? Why do you take the kids to soccer practice? Why do you attend church? If you cannot honestly answer that you are doing it out of love then it is time to refocus your life. Focus on the positive things in life and in others. Focus on the specialness of the people you are serving. Focus on the person and nature of God and on how much He has already done for you. Then, what used to be "tasks" that interrupted your day are transformed into expressions of love that bring fullness and meaning to your day. If we will embrace this concept, it will absolutely revolutionize our lives and the lives of those we touch.

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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at www.maxpoint.org/message_board.

1 John 2-- Gold Medal Living

It must be an incredible feeling to be an Olympic athlete and find yourself standing on the gold medal platform as the ultimate athletic recognition is placed around your neck. The years of hard work, the sacrifices, the endurance have all paid off as you bask in international glory. But before you know it, that moment is gone. Sure, you still have the gold medal, but before long life quickly returns to something much less dramatic and exciting. But what if you could have gold medal living everyday? What if each day was a special victory that you could celebrate? Well, you can have that kind of accomplishment--maybe not in the athletic arena but certainly in life. 1 John 2 gives us seven insights into making gold medal living a reality. First, know and follow God's ways (vv3-6). Understanding what God expects of us, as laid out in His word, is critical. Next, watch your attitude towards others (v9). Unforgivingness and selfishness can quickly turn into bitterness and even hatred of others. Third, know your spiritual growth level (vv12-14). There are certain things that we must grasp and model in each of these stages. Next, avoid having a love affair with the world (vv15-17). Lusting after temporal things will only distract, derail and detain us from victory. Then watch out for deceivers (vv18-23) who may look "Christian" but actually are against Christ. Sixth, allow the Holy Spirit to guide you (vv26-27). By actively listening to Him, we will know right from wrong. Finally, abide in Christ (vv28-29). Maintain your love relationship with Him by talking to Him through prayer, listening to Him speak to you through the Bible, and obeying what He shows you. You may never stand on top of the gold medal podium at the Olympics, but you can have a gold medal life each and every day.
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at www.maxpoint.org/message_board.

John 21-- Down but Not Out

There have been some great boxers over the years who were known for being able to "take a punch." In some cases, they not only took a punch but they were knocked down--only to get back up and win the fight. Yes, they had been knocked off their feet. Yes, they were in pain. But they didn't quit--they got up as quick as they could and continued the match. John 21 we see the recovery of someone who was knocked down, the Apostle Peter. You remember how three times he denied even knowing Christ. You remember how he said that he would never dessert Christ, yet in Christ's hour of greatest need Peter would not stand with Christ. You remember how Peter wept "bitterly" when he realized how he had let down the Lord. Peter was down, but as we see in this chapter, he wasn't out. That is because the Lord restored Peter. He gave Peter a second chance. Jesus didn't give up on Peter, even if he had given up on himself. After the resurrection, Jesus comes to Peter and some of the other disciples who were fishing. He not only miraculously enabled Peter to catch fish but He cooked breakfast for Peter and challenged Him to become all that God wanted him to become. He called Him to a life of ministry, which Peter went on to fulfill. There was a time when Peter was younger that he walked where he wished and did his own thing (v18). But not any more. Now he was sold out to Christ, even to the point where Peter would die for his faith (v19). Yes, Peter had been knocked down but he wasn't out. Christ restored him and Peter went on to impact his world for the Lord. What about you? Maybe today you feel that you have been knocked down. Maybe you feel that you have let down the Lord and God can't use you. Let me encourage you to turn back to Christ. Experience anew His love and power. If Peter can get up and go on for Christ after being knocked down, so can you!

Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at www.maxpoint.org/message_board.

John 7-- Confusion

Have you ever found yourself in a situation that was filled with confusion--even chaos? Maybe a natural disaster or some other tragedy hit that effected a large number of people. Accurate information is often difficult to get at first. People have to make quick decisions about what to do and where to go, but rumors and bad information make it difficult. While it wasn't any kind of a disaster, John 7 records great confusion among people concerning Christ. Some mocked Him while others praised Him. Some sought to arrest Him while others longed to hear Him teach. Some saw Him as the Christ while others saw Him as an agent of the devil. Why so much confusion then--and now--over Christ and His message? Some are confused because their human intellect is blinded to the miraculous power of God (v14). Some are confused because they are trying to work their way to heaven (vv19-24). While others see Christ as a threat to their power (vv32-33,47-49). Many make assumptions about Christ but never get all the facts (vv41-43). If you are confused about Christ today, I would encourage you to take a closer look. Listen to His words, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water" (vv37-38). There is no need to be confused about the One who offers forgiveness, peace, and eternal life.

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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at www.maxpoint.org/message_board.

John 5-- Just Like Their Parents

Children usually reveal a lot about their parents. We often can see strong resemblances of a parent’s appearance in his or her children. In addition, mannerisms, personalities, and even a child’s voice can closely resemble their parent. We may have never met the parents but we have a good idea about them because we know the son or daughter. In John 5, Jesus told a group that the way to see God the Father is to see Him as the Son. In fact, Jesus said, the only way to know the Father is to know Him. “He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him. I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes Him who sent me as eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life,” said Jesus (vv23-24). The group He was speaking to diligently searched the Scriptures trying to discover eternal life, but when the answer to their search—Christ—was before them, they wouldn’t believe (vv39-40). How many people today are searching for truth, searching for eternal life, even searching for God, yet they refuse to place their faith in Jesus? They are going through philosophical exercises but won’t accept truth when they see it. If we want to see the Father and experience His truth, then we need to take a closer look at the Son.

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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at www.maxpoint.org/message_board.

John 4-- Hear it for Yourself

Have you ever had someone tell you something that seemed so outrageous you just couldn’t believe it? Then, upon further exploration, you came to believe it for yourself? John 4 records the stories of two people Jesus met. During their encounter with Christ, both individuals had to make a choice—to believe what Jesus said or not. The first person was a woman Jesus met at a well (vv1-41). As the conversation continued, the woman listened to Christ and eventually made a decision—the decision to trust Him as her Savior. The second individual was a man with a deathly sick son who found Jesus (vv46-54). He begged Jesus to come and heal his son. Imagine the man’s surprise when instead of going to his son, Jesus simply said “You may go. Your son will live.” (v50). Now the man had to decide for himself—would he take Jesus at His word and leave for his son, or would he stay and insist that Jesus go there? The “man took Jesus at His word and departed” (v50) and discovered his son had been healed. These two people had to make decisions for themselves about Christ’s claims. The same is true for all of us. It is not enough to hear what others believe. It is not enough to have family and friends who believe. It is not enough to even know the words of Christ. There has to come a moment in time when we believe Christ for ourselves and accept Him as our Savior. That was what happened in the town where the woman lived. She went and told everyone about Christ, but they had to believe Christ for themselves. Notice what they said to the woman in verse 42 “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.” Salvation is always personal. It’s a personal decision to take Christ at His word that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and that no one can get to heaven apart from placing their faith in Him. Have you made that decision?
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at www.maxpoint.org/message_board.

1 Thessalonians 4-- Beyond Bumper Stickers

A few years ago there was a popular bumper sticker that said "Christians aren't perfect, just forgiven." That certainly is true! But it doesn't mean that we shouldn't strive to be more like Christ, who is perfect. More than ever, Christians are under a microscope today with those around watching to see if there is anything different about us. Unfortunately, many believers have gotten caught-up with the distractions and temptations of this life and have brought dishonor to Christ. Paul challenges the Thessalonians in chapter four to act and think differently then those who are without Christ. First, he addresses the issue of sexual immorality, saying that we need to control our bodies rather than surrendering to passion and lusts (vv3-5). Today with the media and Internet, there are more temptations than ever, and this is a growing problem among believers. Second, Paul says to walk "properly toward those who are outside." We do this by having a good work ethic and properly taking care of our business and personal affairs. Finally, he encouraged the Thessalonians to have hope, even in the time of death, for believers shall "always be with the Lord" (v17). We don't say "good bye" to a Christian but rather "see you later." Death is not the end. Let's learn from Paul's message here and be disciplined in our thoughts, labor, and passions.
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at www.maxpoint.org/message_board.

Luke 23-- Power Play

Many people become consumed with power. Sometimes at work a person gets a position of power and wants to "lord it over" others. They focus on themselves and use their power just because they can. Christ, on the other hand, demonstrated what it was like to have ultimate power but purposely limit it for the benefit of others. That was the situation in Luke 23 when Jesus was tried and then executed on a cross outside of Jerusalem. He had the power to silence the false accusations of those who wanted Him dead, but He chose not to use it. He had the power to avoid the humiliating taunts of the soldiers, but He ignored them. He had the power to stop the processional to the execution site, but He pressed on anyway. He had the power to come down from the cross, but He chose to stay. Finally, He had the power to forgive--which He chose (v34). Just because you have power as a boss, parent, business person, etc. doesn't mean that you always have to use it. Sometimes, like Christ, we must put aside what we can do in order to benefit others. And, like Christ, there is a power that we should always choose to use--the power to forgive.
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at www.maxpoint.org/message_board.