Frank's Bible Blog

When God Says "Wait!"

If you are anything like me, then you probably do not like to wait. You scope out the shortest check-out line at the grocery store. You pick the lane of traffic with the fewest cars waiting for the red light. You hit the elevator up button multiple times if the door doesn't close right away. You even stop the microwave three seconds before it's supposed to end.

No, I don't like to wait for the popcorn to get done, and I really don't like to wait on God.

We know we are told to wait on Him. We are told that when we pray His answer sometimes is "wait." We know that, but we usually don't like it. We want to take that next step, get to the next level, keep things in motion.

God, however, has a perfect plan that often involves our need to wait.

After praying earnestly about something for many months, the word I kept getting from God was "wait." It wasn't the answer I wanted to hear, but I finally resolved myself to do just that. In my frustration over waiting, I started looking at characters in Scripture who had to wait.

I asked, "What were they trying to do when they were told to wait?" "How long did they have to wait?" "What did they do while they were waiting?" And most importantly, "What was God doing while they were waiting?"

For some, like Abraham, their waiting time stretched into decades. Some, like Zerubbabel, started into their life's mission only to have it interrupted with a "wait." Others, like David, had multiple "wait" times in their lives stretching into several years. Regardless of the situation, there were at least four principles true of all of them:

1. They all went on with life, making the most of each day, while they waited.
2. They didn't lose faith but rather kept themselves ready for the day when they got God's green light.
3. God is still actively at work even when we are waiting, and His timing is always best.
4. Waiting wasn't the end of their dream. It wasn't a "no" to their dream. It was simply "hang in there until everything is ready for you."

I still don't like waiting, but by keeping these principles in mind I can begin to see a bigger picture. Hopefully, you can as well the next time God tells you "wait."

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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 55--No Superman Suit Needed

If you could have one super power--like a comic book character--what would it be?

I don't have to think long to come up with my answer. Since I was a child, it has always been the ability to fly like Superman. To be able to go "up, up and away" in the midst of any situation and move unhindered to wherever I want to go would be incredible.

Did you know that this is the power that David in the Bible wished he had?

No, not to fly like Superman but to be able to fly like a bird. In Psalm 55 he says, "Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest--I would flee far away and stay in the desert..."(vv6-7). David wanted to fly away from all of his problems and hide out alone in the desert.

Sound familiar?

Have you ever felt like that? Have you ever felt like you just wanted to get away from it all? Have you ever felt like the strain and pressure of life was getting to you? Have you ever felt like you'd like to fly to a deserted island and hang out there for a while?

Then you know exactly how David felt.

This was a difficult time in David's life. We can't be sure of the exact incident that prompted this psalm, but it would seem that it was after he became king. We do know that it was a time when one of his closest friends betrayed him (vv13-14). They worshiped together. They shared life together. But this beloved friend turned on David. He had joined the throngs of David's enemies. David wanted to fly away from it all, but of course, he couldn't.

Like us, he couldn't run from life--he had to deal with it. So what did he do?

"But I call to God...evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress" (vv16-17). After a period of pouring his heart out to God, David began to see things differently. He began to see God "enthroned forever" (v19). He learned that all of us can cast our cares "on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall."

Yes, David was surrounded by wickedness. Yes, David had been betrayed. Yes, there were smooth talkers (v21) deceiving many people. "But as for me," David said to God, "I trust in you."

David had the Lord. No Superman suit needed.

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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 54-- Catch It Before Trying to Run with It

It happens far too often, even among professional football players.

The quarterback makes a beautiful pass down field into the hands of the wide receiver--only to be dropped. How could he miss it? These guys get paid millions of dollars each year to do one thing--catch the ball.

When you look back at the slow motion replay, however, you see what happened.

The receiver watched the ball come in and then a second before it hit his hands he turned his head and looked up field to start his run. He was thinking about his next move rather than focusing on the ball.

Sometimes you see receivers do this just before they get hit by a linebacker. They sense the guy is coming, and for that split second take their eye off the ball to see how much time they have before getting hit.

The results are the same--a dropped ball. A missed opportunity. Another down wasted. No forward progress.

Focus is critical in sports and even more so in life. David in Psalm 54 reminds us of the need to focus on the Lord, even if you are on the run. He literally was on the run from King Saul. He was running for his life. But in the midst of this, he was still able to keep his focus. He didn't take his eye off from what was most important--the Lord.

"Here my prayer, O God," David exclaimed in verse 2. "I will sacrifice a freewill offering to you; I will praise your name, O Lord, for it is good," is what he says in verse 6.

Yes, David was at a difficult time in his life. He could sense the "linebacker" closing in on him. But instead of looking at his adversary, he looked at his deliverer. He watched the Quarterback and kept his eye on the ball.

A good lesson for all of us, especially when it looks like we are about to get tackled by a giant linebacker called 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.

Psalm 50-- Your Day in Court?

"All rise," the bailiff commands, "the honorable Judge Smith is now presiding."

A familiar scene played out in courtrooms all the time. The parties are assembled, the jury is in place, the judge makes his or her entry and takes control of the proceedings.

Now with that scene firmly in your mind's view, consider another courtroom as described in Psalm 50.

This courtroom is much greater than that which typically holds 2-3 dozen people. In this courtroom the whole world is assembled. Then the Judge makes His grand entry. Before the bailiff can give his command a hush fills the assembly as those gathered look on with awe at the presence of the Judge--no ordinary judge but God Himself.

There is no jury.

There is no prosecutor.

They are not needed for the righteous, perfect Judge will handle this Himself.

There are two defendants on trial. The first is a believer who has all the outward formalism of worship but lacks it inside. He looks spiritual but is missing any real spiritual vitality. He does all the "church" things but his prayer and devotional life is nearly non-existent. He lives a pretty self-focused life rather than a life of thanksgiving to God. When difficulties arise he turns to himself, others, or to worry in an effort to solve his problems, rather than turning first to the Lord.

The second defendant is not a believer but sure can talk like one. He knows the lingo, knows many of God's instructions, and often tells these to others. But he lives just the opposite. He lives a life that is wicked and opposed to God.

The Judge turns and addresses the first defendant.

"Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you and you will honor me" (vv14-15).

It is a stunning reminder of how this defendant used to live and a dramatic call to once again place the Lord first in his life.

The judge then speaks to the second defendant. 

"These things you have done and I kept silent...But I will rebuke you and accuse you to your face. Consider this, you who forget God, or I will tear you to pieces, with none to rescue" (vv21-22).

A chill goes through everyone who heard these words. "He's giving him another chance," the crowd whispers to each other, "what will he do with it? Will he turn away from his sin and embrace God? Or will he one day have to face God's wrath?

If this scene were played out today, would you have to be one of the defendants?
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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 47-- Now That's Worth Shouting About!

There are six seconds left on the clock and the home football team is down by two points.

The ball is on the opponent's 30 yard line. The kicker is brought in for a field-goal attempt. The outcome of the game rests squarely on what he does. The ball is snapped, the hold is made, and the kicker nails the football through the center of the uprights. The stadium erupts into cheers!

The home team is inbounding the basketball from side court with two seconds left on the clock and down two points. They know they have just enough time to catch the ball and shoot once it's thrown in. No time to set.

Do you try to inbound to a player low and go for a two-point shot to tie? Or do you hit the player outside the three-point line and go for the win?

The crowd is on its feet. The cheers inside the arena are deafening.

The players scramble for position as the ball is thrown in--to just above the top of the key. The player turns and shoots--banking the three pointer and winning the game. The noise level jumps a couple more decibels as fans high-five each other celebrating the dramatic win.

For the sports enthusiast, moments like these are exhilarating.

They are even more exciting when you are there in the stadium or arena. We shout and clap and yell and high-five. If our team wins, we feel good for a few hours or maybe even a few days in the win was a championship.

But is there something we can get excited about everyday?

Is there something that isn't tied to the performance of someone else? Is there a reason to high-five even when your team isn't playing?

You bet there is! And Psalm 47 describes it.

"Clap your hands," the psalmist exhorts. "Shout!" "Sing praises!"

Why?

Because God is awesome (v2)!

Why?

Because God is greater than the greatest nation (v3v,8).

Why?

Because He gives His children a rich inheritance (v4).

Why?

Because He is our King (vv6-7).

He is mightier than the mightiest and He is worthy to be praised. The thrill of a buzzer-beating, fall-away jump shot to win the game is nothing compared to the thrill of having the Creator of the universe walking beside you each day.

So take a moment and shout out to Him! Don't ask Him for anything--there's other times for that. Make this moment all about the Lord.

God is great...and that's something to shout about!

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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 44-- Abandoned by God?

Have you ever felt all alone? I mean really alone--like God wasn't even there?

You knew you were God's child. You knew you had a solid faith in Him. You knew you were living right before Him. Yet, somehow it seemed that He had forsaken you?

The psalmist who penned Psalm 44 felt exactly that way. He celebrated the things that God had done (vv1-3). He declared his complete allegiance to the Lord (vv4-7). He gave praise the the Lord (v8). But even with all of this, he felt rejected and crushed by God (vv9,19) and he felt that God was hiding from him (v24).

Sound familiar?

We cannot read this Psalm without also reading Romans 8:35-39, the passage where Paul quotes from Psalm 44. After giving a lengthy list of things that seemingly could separate us from God, Paul declares that we are more than super-conquerors through Christ. There is nothing--absolutely nothing--that can disconnect us from God's love.

"That's great," you say, "but it doesn't change how I feel right now." True.

So what can we do in those times when for no fault of our own we feel isolated from God?

Start by crying out to God, like the psalmist did in verse 26: "Rise up and help us; redeem us because of your unfailing love." Go back to what you know about God--His promises, His love, His past workings in your life. Use the time to evaluate your walk with the Lord and intensify your focus on Him. Increase your prayer, worship and Bible reading times. Memorize scripture. Meditate on Christian songs.

Draw near to Him and He promises to draw near to you.

This "desert" time in your life actually may be a season that God wants to use to take your relationship with Him to a new level. Embrace it!

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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 42-- Lessons from My Time in a Ford Pinto

I have vivid childhood memories of hot California summers riding in the back of my mother's Ford Pinto station wagon--the one with no air conditioning--and wishing more than anything to have something to drink.

To a young child, the few minutes drive in the heat seemed like an eternity. My thoughts were consumed with Kool-Aid, Coke, juice--anything to quench the thirst.

In Psalm 42 the psalmist describes a similar scene--no, not a young boy in the back of a Pinto--but a deer desperate to find a stream of cool, refreshing water. Likewise, the psalmist says, his soul desperately thirsts for God. His thoughts were consumed with meeting with God.

Just like the thought of a cold Coca Cola to a young Pinto-bound boy, or a cool stream to a weary deer, God was all this writer could think about.

What happens when we have that kind of fixation on the Lord? What happens when we reach the level where everything within us longs to be in the presence of God through His word, worship and prayer?

When that happens, it gives us an unusual ability to thrive in life.

Our tears of sorrow turn to joy (vv3-4).

When our innermost being is downcast, it gives us hope (vv 5,11).

When people tease us, look down on us, or even persecute us for our faith, it gives us strength (vv9-10). "Why so downcast?" the psalmists asks, "put your hope in God."

How thirsty are you for God today? How consumed are you with spending time in His presence? Maybe if we would be a little more consumed with God we would be a little less consumed by the pressures of life.

When is your next meeting with God?

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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 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 35--When the Boomerang Doesn't Come Back

There is a large decorative boomerang that sits in my office. On the back is a sticker that says "guaranteed to return." I picked it up during a trip to Australia several years ago. Even though it says "guaranteed to return" I have never thrown it, for fear that it won't return. I've seen boomerangs thrown and know that for them to work, they have to be thrown a certain way. I don't want to take the chance that I'll throw it and it will just keep on going...and going. Life is often like a boomerang. When we do good for others we usually see that good returned to us--the boomerang that comes back. But what happens when we throw out our best efforts to help others and those efforts never come back? Or worse, what if they come back as something completely different--something very unpleasant? Do you pick up the "boomerang" and throw it again, or do you allow the hurt and fear of rejection to keep the "boomerang" in hand? David struggled with this in Psalm 35. "They repay me evil for good and leave my soul forlorn," he said in verse 12. When others were hurting, he felt their pain. He prayed for them and mourned for them (vv13-14) but when he stumbled "they gathered in glee" and slandered him "without ceasing" (v15). He threw out the boomerang of compassion and care but it returned as evil and maliciousness. What did David do about this? He took it to the Lord. He asked the Lord to contend for him (v23) and vindicate him (v24). It was not for him to change others. David realized that only God could do that. So David kept on being David. He kept on doing what he knew to do and that was to give God "thanks in the great assembly" and praise him before everyone (v18). David would continue to speak of God's righteousness and praises (v28). He would continue throwing the boomerang and leave the outcome to the Lord. That's a good lesson for us today. Keep throwing our boomerang and trust God for the return.

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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.

Psalm 28-- Are You Generic?

In business, companies are always trying to differentiate themselves and their products from their competition. What makes them different from everyone else? Why should you buy from them? Some products, however, take the opposite approach--they try to blur the distinctions between themselves and a better known product. Generic foods are a great example of this. Often they are even packaged to look similar to the national name brand. They try to make you feel that they are identical to the recognized brand so that you will be comfortable buying it. As Christians, we are called to differentiate ourselves from non-believers--not blur the lines! The problem with some Christians is that they have "packaged" themselves in such a way that they so resemble the the world that it is not easy to tell them apart. They act like everyone else around them. There is little distinction. In Psalm 28 David said he did not want to be like those who are outside of God. He wanted his prayers answered (v2) and God to deliver him (vv6-7). Yes, there were those around him "Who speak peace to their neighbors, but evil is in their hearts" (v3) and he did not want to be like them. Instead, he would put his trust in the Lord (v7), he would worship the Lord (v7), and he would lead a holy life before the Lord (v2). Don't be generic! Let people see the light of Christ in 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.

Psalm 24-- Keeping the Unseen in Perspective

When I turned 40 I decided that I wanted to get a body scan--a high-tech imaging of the major body organs. I waited almost two years but eventually had it done. It was fascinating to sit with the doctor and watch the results on a computer screen. I could see what was inside of me, section by section! We don't usually think much about our heart, lungs, liver, etc. until something goes wrong. Those organs are always present with us, but since they are out of sight, we ignore them. We probably give no thought to how these organs work--we just know that they do. God is like this for many people, even believers. He is always present, but since we don't see Him we tend to forget about Him--at least until something goes wrong! Psalm 24 challenges us to always keep God before us and see Him for Who He is. First, we are reminded that everything and everyone belongs to Him (vv1-2). Second, we are told that while we have free access to God, we cannot approach Him flippantly. If we want to stand before Him expecting Him to pour out His blessing on us, then we need to come before Him in an appropriate way (v3) with purity of actions and heart (v4). Finally, we need to see the Lord as the King of kings and the Lord of lords. He is the only one with an everlasting kingdom (v9) who has never been and never will be defeated! Just because you can't see your heart doesn't mean you shouldn't pay attention to it. The same is true with God. Let's keep the Unseen in perspective.

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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 21--Lasting Leadership

"I guess it was easier to fire one guy than to fire 15." Those were the words of an NBA player following the announcement that his basketball team's head coach had just been fired. This particular coach had good success with the team early on, but as trades occurred and personnel changes were made the coach found himself having a difficult time leading. His style, personality and approach just didn't work anymore. It is common in sports for a leadership change to be made and then the team begins to flourish under the new coach.  Successful leadership in sports is one thing, but what about successful leadership in life? What about successful leadership for a business, ministry or even a nation? Psalm 21 is a great chapter on great leadership--godly leadership. Notice some things about the leader mentioned here, who happened to be King David, the leader of Israel. He found joy in God's strength, not his own (v1). God gave him his heart's desire because his heart was set on God (v2). Likewise, God listened and responded to his prayers (v4). This leader discovered his glory by focusing on God's glory (v5). This leader loved to spend time in God's presence and trusted Him fully (vv 6-7). This leader saw the big picture of what God was doing in the world (vv8-12) and realized that the world revolved around God and not himself. Finally, this leader publicly praised the Lord (v13). Do you want to be a great leader that lasts? Then learn some leadership lessons from David's example. Let your leadership be an extension of God's glory not you trying to create your own glory.

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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 7--Results Not Just Rituals

On the surface it seemed like a legitimate question. A delegation of Jews went to the prophet Zechariah and the priests to ask if they needed to continue fasting in the fifth month like they did during their captivity years. Now that they were back in their homeland and nearing completion of the temple, was this necessary? God had a word for them in Zechariah 7, but it wasn't a direct answer to their question. Instead, God questioned their motives for doing the fasts in the first place. "When you fasted and mourned...did you really fast for Me--for Me?" (v5). God then shifted the focus away from the few days a year that they fasted to how they lived the other days of the year (vv6-10). God has never--and will never--be impressed by rituals alone. It has and always will be the motivation behind the rituals and how those rituals change one's life that concerns Him. The problem in this chapter wasn't the ritual of fasting, it was the people doing it. We go through the rituals today of praying, attending church, tithing, and even fasting. Those are good things to do but in God's eyes they are meaningless unless the motivation behind them is proper and the outcome of them is a godly life. Okay, you go to church on Sunday but how do you live the other six days? What difference does Sunday make in the rest of your week? When was the last time you took something specific from Sunday and incorporated it into your Monday? Are you going through the motions of a ritual or are you allowing the ritual to change you for the better?

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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.

Haggai 1-- How to Stop Spinning Your Wheels

It seemed like a good idea at the time. A buddy and I were on a fishing trip when we decided to drive down a dirt road running alongside a river. We were looking for a good fishing spot. We were a good ways along when we drove through a dip in the road with water in it. Well, the truck we were riding in got stuck in the mud. The more my friend pushed the accelerator, the more the wheels spun. We got out and tried to push it, but before we knew it we were both covered in mud. We were going no where! We finally gave up and called a tow truck. Haggai 1 describes a time in the life of Israel when they were spinning their wheels, figuratively. They had returned to Israel after 70 years of Babylonian captivity with the primary objective of rebuilding the temple. Opposition from non-Jews stopped the project, and it laid dormant for years. The people went on with their business and basically forgot about what should have been their top priority. God said that "Because of My house that is in ruins, while every one of you runs to his own house, therefore the heavens above you withhold the dew, and the earth withholds its fruit" (vv9-10). They were sowing seeds but reaping little fruit. They were working hard but never seemed to be able to get ahead. They were trying and trying but coming up short. They were spinning their wheels! God said it was because their priorities were wrong. They had placed themselves and their comfort above honoring God, and God withheld His blessings from their lives. Do you feel like you are just spinning your wheels? Do you feel like no matter what you do, you can never get anywhere in life? Maybe it is because your priorities are wrong. Instead of falling deeper into the mud, take a step back and prayerfully evaluate how you spend your time, money, and other resources. Look at your attitude and the goals that you have. Consider what you are passionate about and the things that drive you to do what you do. Are you seeking God first in all of these things? Let's fix our priorities and stop spinning our wheels.

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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 9-- Stupid is as Stupid Does

Have you ever seen someone do something and you just shake your head and say, "Unbelievable! Why in the world would they do such a thing?" Sometimes people do stupid things. This was the reaction of the Jews spiritual leader, Ezra, in the Book of Ezra, chapter 9. He could not believe what he saw. He had just returned to the Jewish homeland with a group of exiles and discovered that many of the Jews living there were committing the same sins that sent them into exile in the first place. "How could they be so stupid," Ezra thought. God had been gracious to allow them back into their land and they turned right around and resumed their sinning. Ezra's initial reaction was to pray--and that prayer is the bulk of this chapter. But notice in his prayer that Ezra does not talk about "those people." Instead, he says "Our iniquities have risen higher than our heads" (v6). They were his people, he was their leader, and he included himself with them even though he personally was innocent. That tells us something about Ezra's leadership. He saw sin for what it was and confessed that on behalf of his people. This chapter should also tell us something about ourselves. How many times do we sin, suffer the repercussions of that sin, and then go right back to doing the same thing? We don't learn. Sin should trouble us just like it troubled Ezra, causing him to tear his robe, pull his hair, and sit in utter astonishment. It then drove him to his knees (v5). Does the realization of sin--whether in your life or in the lives of those around you--drive you to your knees? It should. We need to stop the stupidity and get serious about dealing with sin.
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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.

Ezra 8-- Insights for Leading

One of the best ways to learn leadership principles is to read the biographies or autobiographies of great leaders. Looking at their thought processes, attitudes, and how they approach their tasks, we can get some great leadership insights. Ezra was a great leader, and we get some insights into his leadership approach in Ezra 8. He was assembling a group of Jews to leave Babylon and go to their homeland in Israel. In addition, they were going to beautify the temple and improve the Jews' worship. Notice how Ezra approached his task. First, he found other leaders who could influence people to go with him to Jerusalem (vv1-14). Second, he made sure he had the right people on his team (vv15-20). These leaders did a great job in assembling a group to go with Ezra, but they missed some key people. If they were going to improve the worship in Israel, then they would have to have temple servants, namely Levites and those who assisted the Levites, Nethinim. Even in the process of finding these men, Ezra approached "gatekeeper"  leaders who could recruit the needed people (vv15-20). Now with his team in place, Ezra proclaims a fast and humbly seeks God's face before proceeding (v21). It didn't matter that he had a great team. Ezra knew they could not be successful without God's power and protection. Next, Ezra organized the people so that they could safely carry the gold, silver, and other temple articles they were bringing to Jerusalem (vv24-30). Finally, he administrated the process of getting the items into the temple, conducting sacrifices to the Lord, and distributing the king of Persia's orders for support to the various government officials in the region (vv31-36). Ezra made sure things were "written down" (v34) so that there would be no confusion or discrepancy later. So, let's recap: Ezra worked through existing leaders, made sure he had the right team, sought God, organized his people, and effectively administered to ensure that things were done right. Sounds like a great process that every leader should follow!
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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.

Psalm 20-- Leaders with Praying Followers

We often talk about praying for our leaders, whether they are political officials, church leaders, or our boss at work. We need to pray for those who lead us, but what if we are in some kind of leadership role? Do we have people praying for us? If so, what are they praying? The kind of leader you are influences the types of prayers that followers can pray for you. A great example of this is Psalm 20, written by David while he was king of Israel. Although David penned this psalm and set it to music, it really was the prayer of the people he led concerning him. This psalm is how David's followers prayed for him. Notice a couple specific things in this prayer that reflect on David's leadership. They prayed that God would remember the offerings and sacrifices that David had brought to the Lord (v3). They had seen David's example when it came to sacrificing for the Lord. They knew he was someone who brought his best to the Lord. They prayed that God would give David his heart's desire and fulfill all of his plans (v4). They knew their leader's heart sought after God's heart and that he pursued God's plans above his own. They also knew David was a man of prayer (v5) and that he prayed the kinds of prayers that they would want answered. Thanks to David's example, the people had learned to put their trust in the Lord, not in their armies, military weapons, or anything else (v7). They had all of those things--but they knew ultimately that only God could deliver. They also knew that David was a leader responsive to their needs and concerns (v9). This chapter, then, begs the question, "What kind of leaders are we?" Are we the kind of leaders that exemplify godly sacrifices? Are our hearts set on things above and not on the earth? Do we seek God's direction first rather than planning first and asking Him to bless our plans later? Are we mature in our praying? Do we encourage others to grow in their faith? Are we cognizant of the needs and concerns of those we are leading? Maybe there is even a more basic question--do we desire and seek the prayers of others that we might be great leaders? These are some great questions for every leader to ponder.

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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.

Psalm 9-- Is 'God Bless America' Backwards?

Every U.S. president that I can recall in my lifetime has always concluded any major speech or address to the nation with, "And may God bless America." But I'm waiting to hear a president say, "And may America bless God." You see, it is great to ask for Divine favor and blessing on a nation--but it is even more important that a nation brings blessing to God. Now before you "amen" that statement too much, think about your own life. How many times do you go to God asking for some form of His blessing or intervention in your life compared to how many times you bless God? In Psalm 9 we see an example of what in means to bless God, illustrated by David in the first two verses. "I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart." Do you live a lifestyle of praise that comes from the very innermost part of who you are? Do you have an undivided heart that daily offers praise to the Lord? "I will tell of Your marvelous works." How many people this week have you told about the marvelous works of God? "I will be glad and rejoice in You." Does your joy in life stem from a deep understanding of God and a close walk with him? Are you deeply in love with the Lord--or has life detracted from that love relationship? "I will sing praise to Your name." Are you so focused on the Lord that you find yourself breaking out into songs of praise to Him, not on Sunday but in the middle of the week? The chapter goes on to chronicle why we should bless God--because He is a righteous judge, a refuge for believers, and a deliverer of those in need. Yes, let's continue to ask for God's blessing on our nation and on our lives, but let's also be sure that our nation and our lives are blessing God.
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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.

Psalm 4-- Standing Out from the Crowd

Have you ever sat in a mall and people watched? Dozens of people walk by and you don't notice anything particular about them, they just blend in with the crowd. Then along comes someone who's appearance sets them apart from everyone else. Maybe they have brilliantly bright neon green colored hair or they are wearing clothes with colors that clash so bad you spot them a block away. Whatever the reason, they just stand out. Well, as believers we should stand out from the crowds around us--not because we dyed our hair or dress like it was 50 years ago--but because we pursue godliness. Psalm 4 discusses what it means to stand out from the crowds (vv1-2) as we seek to be more like God. The godly are special to the Lord--He sets them apart for divine service (v3). The godly know that God hears their prayers (v3). Godly men and women are careful to avoid sin and regularly evaluate their lives (v4). Godly people actively serve the Lord and have an unwavering trust in Him (v5). Godly people enjoy a unique joy and peace that is not dependent upon their circumstances (vv7-8). All of these things make the godly stand out in a world that pursues sin and self interests. What about you? Do you stand out from the crowd because of your godliness? Or does your life look like the unbelievers around you?
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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 24-- Discerning God's Will

When my kids were younger, they really enjoyed watching the cartoon show Scooby Doo. To be honest, so did I. Scooby Doo is a dog (for those not familiar with the series) who helps four teenagers solve mysteries. The teens discover clues (okay, usually it is Velma discovering all the clues!) in an attempt to make sense of something strange and bazaar. They eventually uncover the mystery and bad guys behind it. Sometimes we think of God's will like a mystery--we see it as something that someone (God) intends to hide and make as difficult as possible to discover. The reality is God wants us to know and do His will. He doesn't want it to be a mystery. So how then can we determine what He wants for our lives? Genesis 24 is a great lesson on this. Abraham is getting old and knows he needs to get a wife for his son Isaac. So he sends his servant back to their homeland to find a girl because he did not want Isaac marrying a pagan girl from where they lived. But who should this girl be? How would they ever find her? What if they did find someone, how would they know if she was the right one for Isaac? There is a lot in this chapter, but let me make six quick observations about discerning God's will. First, start with what God has already revealed. Abraham sought out a wife because God had promised to make Isaac a great nation. He determined that Isaac would stay in Canaan because that was the land God had given to them (vv5-). Second, remember God's will is always consistent with his character. "Don't get a Canaanite girl," Abraham told his servant (v3) because she would not be a follower of Jehovah God. Third, take action to discover God's will. The servant went to the homeland and observed women coming to a well outside of the city of Nahor. He also prayed (v12) and determined a reasonable process of verifying God's will. Fourth, prayerfully determine what God's will should look like for you. Although he didn't know who the woman would be, Abraham's servant knew what kind of person she would be (v14). She would meet a certain criteria (work ethic, conscientious, caring). Fifth, when everything does line up, praise God and move on it (vv24-27). Finally, know that discerning God's will is not always a process; sometimes it is a simple choice. This was the case with Rebekah, the woman we become Isaac's bride (vv57-58). No five-step process for her--those were done by the time it came to her. There was just one thing for her to decide--do I see God at work in all of this and if so, will I follow Him? Great truths from a great chapter as we seek to know and follow God's will!
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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.

Nehemiah 4-- Breaking Through Discouragement

Let's be honest. We've all had discouraging times in our lives. We've all had those times when we just wanted to quit. Maybe you are in one of those times right now. Maybe you are a leader and things in your organization are very discouraging--maybe it is your team that is discouraged. Well, you can take heart from a great lesson from Nehemiah found in chapter 4. First, notice five causes of discouragement:

1. Opposition (vv1-3,8)
2. Physical fatigue (v10)
3. Foggy vision (v10b)
4. Loss of confidence (v10c)
5. Lack of security (v11)--this could be physical, financial, etc.

Nehemiah was a great leader, and as a great leader, Nehemiah chose to lead his team through the discouragement rather than throwing up his hands. Nehemiah addressed the situation--he didn't dismiss it, minimize it or ignore it. He tackled it head-on with prayer (vv4,5,9), organization (vv13, 16-18, 21-22), motivation (v14), and by establishing a rallying point (v19). Most of all, Nehemiah was right there with the people, leading by example. He asked the people to stay vigilant and focused, and he did the same. Notice verse 22, "Neither I, my brethren, my servants, nor the men of the guard who followed me took off our clothes except that everyone took them off for washing." Nehemiah is a great lesson on the fact that we can't wish away discouragement but we can break through it with prayer and concrete 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.

Nehemiah 1-- No Auto-Pilot for His Life

Nehemiah had a great job. It was prestigious and probably had plenty of perks. Nehemiah was a cupbearer, an assistant, to the king of Persia. Nehemiah could have just "coasted" through life doing his thing for the king and enjoying all that life had to offer him at the time. But Nehemiah was not the kind of person to put his life on "auto pilot". No, Nehemiah was someone who had a heart for God and was sensitive to the needs in the world of his time--especially those of his heritage, the Jews.

In Nehemiah 1 we see Nehemiah quizzing some of his brethren who had returned to the Persian capital from Jerusalem. He wanted to know in detail how things were going there. What he learned disturbed him. His people were suffering greatly. Now Nehemiah had a choice. He could dismiss this information and simply feel sorry for the Jews who had returned to Israel from their years of captivity, or he could do something about the situation. It wasn't his problem, but Nehemiah chose to act. And what was his first action? It was to pray--but not just any prayer. Part of his prayer was asking God to make him part of the solution, as he planned to approach the king with the situation (v11). Let me ask you today--is your life on "auto pilot"? Are you just going through life, doing your own thing, oblivious to the needs and opportunities around you--to the things where your life could make a real difference? Life is more than just showing up to work, paying the mortgage and trying to get by. Your life has a God-given purpose. Like Nehemiah, God wants all of us to make a difference in this life and this world.

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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 12-- Surprise, Surprise!

Be honest. Have you ever prayed for something but in your heart really didn't believe that God would or could answer that prayer? Yet sometimes, despite our lack of faith God, still answers and it surprises everyone. Acts 12 records a story like this, a group of people praying yet uncertain that God will answer. There was, however, an exception and that was a young lady named Rhoda. Rhoda got it.  She was part of a prayer vigil that was taking place on Peter's behalf while he was imprisoned.  James, one of the apostles, had already been killed.  Now it looked like Peter would be next.  So a group gathered to pray for a miracle but they didn't believe it when God actually answered their prayers.  That is, except for Rhoda.  She was the one who went to the house's gate where Peter was knocking following his miraculous release from prison (so miraculous that at first even he thought it was a dream).  When Rhoda heard Peter's voice this girl knew that God had intervened.  In fact, she was so excited that she forgot to open the gate and let Peter in!  She ran back in to tell the others.  The rest of the crowd didn't believe it when she said Peter was at the gate, even though this is what they had been praying for--apparently for many hours!  God not only released Peter, but He caused Peter's persecutor, Herod, to die when Herod sought worship for himself. 

When we pray, are we like the crowd gathered for Peter, praying but not really believing that God will answer?  Or are we like Rhoda: praying, expecting, and embracing God's response?

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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 11-- Navigating Different Cultures

It is always interesting going to a country I have never visited before. Every country has its own culture, traditions, and way of doing things. This is also true in the churches. In Nigeria, for example, women typically wear brightly colored dresses and large hats or full head coverings to church (also brightly colored). They expect women, all women, to do this. In Romania, the dress typically is very simple and only married women cover the heads. The style of worship also varies greatly from culture to culture. One culture may emphasize quiet meditation and prayerfulness in their services, while another may have dancing to loud drums.  Even here in the United States we have very different cultural styles when it comes to how we do church. In 1 Corinthians 11 Paul reminds us that regardless of our traditions and cultural preferences, we need to be other-focused (vv1-16). There are, however, some areas that are not open to traditional interpretation. One of those is the church's presentation of the Lord's Supper (vv17-34). While there certainly is freedom to when it is conducted and the exact manner it is done, God makes it clear that everyone should approach this ordinance with the utmost sincerity. This remembrance of Christ should be sacred. So, in areas where God is silent or gives us freedom, let's celebrate cultural diversity and respect the traditions of others. But where God is clear, let us be clear and keep sacred what He considers holy.

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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.

Philippians 4-- Mind Games

Mental preparation is a much a key to successful athletes and teams as is physical preparation. As athletes mentally rehearse their opponents anticipated moves, they prepare themselves to act and react in ways that will hopefully gain an advantage. Sometimes players and coaches try to play mind games with their opponents--whether it is waiting to the last possible moment to list a particular player as injured or eligible, or by talking "trash" to the opposing side. Mental preparation is also important to victory in the Christian life, and Philippians 4 outlines a strategy. First, have an attitude of joy in the Lord, regardless of circumstances (v4). Second, exchange worry for prayer (vv6-7).Third, fill your thoughts with godly things--things that are noble, just, pure, lovely, positive, virtuous, etc. (v8). Fourth, consider ways that you can bless others (vv10-20). Finally, never forget that you "can do all things through Christ" who gives you strength (v13). Follow this strategy and you won't get caught up in the devil's mind games.

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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 17-- Jesus Prays for YOU!

I don't know of any better, more peaceful feeling than hearing someone earnestly pray for me. When someone intercedes on our behalf to the Father, we experience a calmness and an assurance that are unique to believers. But did you know that Jesus Himself prayed for you? If you have trusted Him as Savior, He had you in mind when He prayed in John 17 (v20). Here's what He prayed for when He prayed for you:

• that you will be eternally kept through Jesus Himself (vv9-11)
• that you may be one with other believers (v11)
• that you will experience the fullness of His joy (v13)
• that you would be protected from the evil one as you serve Him in this world (v15)
• that you would be set apart by the truth that is God's word (vv17-19)
• that you would be one with Christ (vv21)
• that the world would see God's glory through you (vv22-23)
• that you would one day be with Him in heaven and see all of His glory (v24)
• that God's love would fill your life (v26)

Wow! Jesus prayed for you--and what a prayer it was! Pause right now and thank Him for His prayer for you. Thank Him for the assurance of eternal life that only He can give (vv3,10,12). Thank Him for His incredible love for you. Thank Him for revealing truth to you. Now that He has prayed for you, ask Him to empower you that you may bring glory to Him every day of 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 www.maxpoint.org/message_board.

1 Timothy 2-- What Does a Christian Look Like?

If you were to ask people you meet on the street "what does a Christian look like" you will probably get all kinds of answers. These answers will vary with the person's religious background, their exposure to Christianity, and even their culture. There are some principles, however, that Paul gives Timothy in chapter two that apply to all believers in any culture. Men, for example, should exhibit a life of holiness without anger and arguing. Men should be serious about prayer (v8).  Women should dress "modestly, with decency" (v9). While the definition of this is certainly open to interpretation and varies by culture, most of us can tell immodesty when we see it. The point is that women need to seek God's direction on what is appropriate first, rather than letting pop culture dictate it. This doesn't mean women have to dress in a style that is 50 years old, nor should they be legalistic about their wardrobe. It just means that whether it's clothes or anything else in life, we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us to what is appropriate within the context of our culture and society. Most of all, however, men and women live lives that honor Christ and draw others to Him (vv4-7). Lives marked by praying for others, especially those in governmental authority (vv1-3). What a Christian should look like, regardless of culture or time, is a person of prayer who lives in holiness and godliness.
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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 3-- Making a Difference in a Life

"Dad, you're the best!" That's the phrase I love to hear my son say the most. From my daughter it's "You rock!" When you hear words like these it means you are doing something right. We know that we have an impact on our children, but what about other people? Have you stopped to think about the impact that you can have on others, even if you are separated by a great distance? Notice in 1 Thessalonians 3 how the Apostle Paul impacted the Thessalonians. First, he kept in touch with them (vv1-6). Long before email, faxes and even telephones, Paul found a way to continue his relationship with these dear brothers and sisters--he sent an emissary to them and he wrote them. Second, he showed concern for them and the difficult situation they were in because of their faith (v5). Finally, and most importantly, he prayed for them. Paul's prayer is a good one for us to use as we pray to make a difference in another life. He prayed that God would direct their relationship (v11), that God would increase their capacity to love (v12), and that their hearts would be established blameless and holy (v13). Whose life are you trying to make a difference in 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 www.maxpoint.org/message_board.

Luke 15-- Can't Find the Car Keys

Have you ever lost something, like your car key, then had to spend considerable time looking for it? We all have. Sometimes we lose things of minimal value--maybe we drop a penny on the ground--and spend minimal time looking for it. But if you drop something of great value, say your wedding ring, then you keep looking until you find it. You will expend whatever effort is necessary until it is located. Luke 15 is a chapter about things of value that were lost. Here, Jesus tells three parables. The first about a shepherd who lost one of his sheep. The second about a woman who lost a silver coin in her house, and the third about a father who lost his son to rebelliousness and riotous living. All of the the lost "things" were very important and dear to the ones who lost them. In the case of the shepherd and the woman, they launched into a vigorous search until the missing items were found. In the case of the father, searching wasn't an option. He had to wait and watch for his son to come around. The three stories, of course, illustrate lost people (those who have not received God's love and forgiveness) coming to God and the rejoicing that takes place in heaven when they do (vv7,10). It reminds us that Christ came to seek and save the lost, but it also encourages us to be concerned about the lost. Like the shepherd, there are times that we need to go out looking for the lost--maybe even to another country or culture. Like the woman, there are times when the lost are nearby--maybe even in our house. In other situations, like the father, all we can do is watch and pray. The lost person has heard the gospel, knows what he or she needs to do, and prayerfully in time will do it. Let's be concerned about finding those who are lost.

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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 11-- What Not to Wear

You've heard the expressions "you have to look the part," "the clothes make the man," and similar statements about the importance of dressing right. There is even a TV show called What Not to Wear that helps people make better wardrobe choices. While there is nothing wrong with wanting to look nice, there is something wrong if we put all of our focus on the external. Luke 11 is a chapter of contrasts between those who focused on the outward and Christ's teachings about who we are inside. In verses 37-54 Jesus stirs up great controversy at a dinner party He was attending given by a Pharisee. He took the religious leaders in attendance to task about their focus on the outward rather than on their hearts and really listening to God's word. Earlier Jesus had commented on how that generation wanted a sign--they wanted to see something outward before they would believe (vv29-32). He went on, however, to warn that we need to be careful about what we allow into our lives (vv33-36) and how the heart affects our entire life. He taught that it is one thing to get the bad out of your life, but if you don't replace it with something good, then the void will be filled with things even worse than before (vv24-26). So what should we wear--on the inside? Certainly one of the best things is a life of prayer, which Jesus details in the first 13 verses of this chapter. We need to develop a lifestyle of asking our heavenly Father, seeking His intervention and knocking on heaven's door (vv9-13). Becoming people of prayer will help us set our priorities right and live in a way that honors God--and that is the best thing to wear!

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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.

Colossians 4-- Touching All the Bases

It was one of those rare heart-warming stories that made the evening news. During a collegiate softball playoff game, a Western Oregon University player hit a three-run home run then blew out her knee running to first base. Since the rules state that the player must touch all the bases, without assistance from her teammates, the umpires were about the revoke the home run. That's when two players from the opposing team, Central Washington University, stepped up and carried the injured player making sure she touched each base. Nothing against the rules for getting assistance from the opposite team. It cost Central Washington the game and any championship hopes, but in helping their opponent touch all the bases these players touched the hearts of multitudes. In Colossians 4, Paul brings the book to a close by encouraging us to touch all the bases as we seek to live for Christ. At first base we have prayer(vv2-4). It should be something we are "devoted" to, not only praying for ourselves but for others, especially those proclaiming the gospel. Second base is our walk with outsiders--those who haven't come to faith in Christ (vv5-6). We should act with wisdom and love towards these as we seek to demonstrate Christ. Paul reminds us that how we say it is just as important as what we say. Many outsiders have been turned off to Christ by the way in which well-meaning Christians tried to share the gospel. Third base is about caring for those within the family of faith (vv7-18). We see this in how Paul and his team cared for the Colossian people, with one teammember, Epaphras, especially "wrestling in prayer" for them. Prayer, walk, care--touch these bases and your ready to head to home plate!

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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.

Colossians 1-- Finding the Right Response

Have you ever been in one of the awkward moments when someone says or does something to you but you aren't sure how to respond? Maybe it was something so wonderful and unexpected that you are left speechless. Well, Colossians 1 outlines the wonderful things that Christ has done for us and what an appropriate response should be. Christ gives us hope for eternity (v5). He delivers us from darkness (v13) and forgives our sins (v14). It is because of Christ that we can have a relationship with God (vv21-22) and understand the mysteries of God (vv26-27). What is an appropriate response by us? We should seek to be filled with the knowledge of God's will (v9). We should walk worthy of our calling as God's children and bear godly fruit (v10). We should seek his strength during the long and often difficult journey of life (v11). We should regularly give thanks to God for what He has done for us (v13). Most of all, we should live a life that is blameless and above reproach (v22). I believe that as we respond to God in these ways, He gives us focus, clarity, and a personal mission in life. Paul's mission was prayer (v9), preaching (v23) and perfecting (v28) or discipling everyone he could and helping them become all that God would have them to become. No awkward moment here. God makes it clear exactly how we are to respond to all He has done for 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. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at www.maxpoint.org/message_board.