Frank's Bible Blog

Psalm 58-- Break His Teeth!

"Break his teeth!"

You might expect to hear that shouted at an extreme fighting match or at a back-alley gang fight. You might be surprised to hear it coming from the lips of someone referred to as "a man after God's own heart." Yet that is exactly what David exclaimed in Psalm 58:6--and he wasn't kidding!

What is real interesting is who David said this to. It was to God!

You see, David was under attack from wicked men who would say anything and do anything to get what they wanted. When someone does us wrong we want to retaliate--we want to break their teeth! Sometimes we do retaliate as we try to take matters into our own hands.

What we see in this psalm is a child of God who was frustrated with how he was being treated. We see someone who wanted wrong-doers severely punished. "Let them vanish...like a slug melting away as it moves along" (vv7-8) David exclaimed. He didn't just want their teeth knocked out--he wanted them eradicated!

What we learn from this psalm is that frustration with others and a desire for wrongs to be avenged is a normal part of life. But we also learn that we should turn these situations over to God. Vengeance is okay--as long as it is God who is doing it.

So the next time you feel like punching in someone's teeth, tell the Lord about it! Express to Him your frustration. Tell Him how you really feel. Then leave it to Him to settle matters. He'll do a much better job than you ever could.

_________________________

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.

_________________________

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 53-- Is the World Suffering from Selective Hearing?

If you are a parent it probably has happened to you. You tell your child to do something and he or she ignores you. You say it louder and are still met with silence and inaction. Finally, you scream to them before storming into their room.

Once there, you are met with an "I didn't hear you."

Now sometimes that "I didn't hear you" is because the TV was too loud or the iPod was cranked up in their ears. Sometimes it is "selective" hearing--they hear what they want to hear, and it usually isn't you!

There are many people like that when it comes to God. They either are so self-absorbed that they don't notice God, they are so distracted that they can't hear or see Him working around them, or they have selective hearing and choose to ignore Him.

They also often live and operate in fear when there is no cause for fear (v5). This is most evident with those who do what we may consider irrational superstitions.

Some cultures, for example, believe that you have to "swing" away your sin. Each Spring the adults go to a playground-like setting. They stand on a swing, making it go back and forth, in fear that if they don't they will face God's wrath. They will put on their best clothes--guys in suits, women in nice dresses--and swing away!

In Psalm 53 David paints a picture of these outsiders. He uses words similar to those in Psalm 14 to reiterate the sinful and fallen nature of man. "The fool says in his heart, 'there is no God'"(v1).

Some scholars say that Hebrew words for "there is no God" is not a denial of the existence of God, but rather a denial of the providence of the Deity. In other words, whether God really exists or not doesn't matter because the person denies God's right to control, direct or intervene in his or her life. They live for themselves with no thought of God. "There is none who does good, not even one" (v3). They are going their own way and without God's grace will continue to drift through life and eternity separated from the Almighty.

While it is easy for believers to sit back and say "I'm glad I'm not like them," God would have us respond differently. He longs to have a personal relationship with everyone.

How do you break through and reach a person like that? Romans 10:13-15 says "For whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved. How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?And how shall they preach unless they are sent?" It goes on to say, "So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God."

It is up to us to lovingly enter into the "noise" of their "room" and share God's word. Not screaming like the frustrated parent, but as a loving friend who, like them, was once lost in life but now desires to show them the way forward.

Will you be that friend and help the world with its selective hearing problem?

_________________________

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.

_________________________

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 33-- An Unusual Sight on the Capitol Steps

It was an amazing sight. Standing on the steps of the U.S. Capitol our nation's representatives were singing God Bless America.There were Democrats, Republicans, Independents standing together and singing in unison. It happened right after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. For a period of time--although brief--we weren't identified by party or philosophical affiliation. No, we were identified as Americans. It was a good feeling, but tempered by the sadness of 3,000 of our fellow citizens losing their lives. Unfortunately it didn't take long for the unity of being American to depart and the divisiveness of labels to reemerge. When those representatives joined together in song they did so because they had something in common--they were first and foremost Americans. That fact caused them to break into song. As believers, we have many things in common regardless of the different cultures, socio-economic backgrounds, politics or other factors that might otherwise divide us. Psalm 33 tells us that we have cause for singing--not because of a tragedy but because of the power and majesty of the God that we worship and serve. Because the word of the Lord is true (v4), because He is faithful (v4), because He is loving (v5, 22), because He is all-knowing (vv 10, 13, 14, 15), because He is the Creator (vv6,7,9), because He lives and stands forever (v11), and because He defends and delivers us (vv18-21), we can join together in song. We must remember that we are first and foremost Christians and in unison praise the Lord with our lips and with our lives. We must remember the call for us to live righteously and lead our nations to do the same because "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord" (v12).

_________________________

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 26-- Maintaining Your Innocence

The headline read "18 Dallas County Cases Overturned By DNA Relied Heavily on Eyewitness Testimony." It went on to tell how 19 criminal convictions had been overturned based on new DNA evidence, 18 of which got their original convictions because of faulty eyewitness testimony. I'm sure all 19 men falsely accused of these crimes maintained their innocence even in prison. In the case of one man, he had been imprisoned 15 years before the mistake was discovered. These men were exonerated from within--from their DNA. Others looked at them and made mistakes, but they knew the truth. In Psalm 26, David boldly declares his innocence before the Lord. He took great precautions to make sure that he lived rightly, and he welcomed God's examination of his life. It didn't matter what eyewitnesses might say, what really mattered was what God would say because God knew what was within him. How could David be so bold about his innocence before the Lord? What did he do to ensure he was pure? First, he placed his trust in the Lord (v1). Second, he walked in real truth--God's truth (v3). Third, he guarded his relationships so that he did not spend significant time with those who worshiped other gods, were hypocrites, or who were just wicked (vv4-5). Fourth, he was vocal in speaking about the Lord (v7). Fifth, he spent time in God's house (v8). Finally, he was consistently righteous (vv1,11). These are great steps that we all should take to maintain our innocence before the Lord.


_________________________
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 10-- Who are You Following?

Adolph Hitler. Jim Jones. Charles Manson. David Koresh. Today, we know these as men who's leadership led to the death of others. A few deaths--in the case of Manson, to millions of deaths, in the case of Hitler. But what about these men before they became infamous for the deaths of others? These men were all leaders--they had people who passionately followed them. They were accepted by people in main-stream society. Jim Jones, whose actions in the 70s led to the suicide deaths of more than 900 people, was well connected to top political leaders. Reportedly, this included the U.S. Vice-President at the time, as well as officials in Guyana, the country where the suicides took place. Manson had been accepted by well-known music and movie industry people. Koresh's followers included lawyers, accountants, and other well educated people. Hitler, of course, gained the following of an entire nation. The point is that a lot of seemingly smart people made a bad decision to follow the wrong person. In some cases, that decision resulted in their own death. Zechariah 10 is a contrast in leadership. God describes those who led Israel astray by pursuing idols, divination, and giving false visions (vv2-3). God's people got sucked into the leadership of "shepherds" who really weren't shepherds. They weren't really caring for the best interests of their flocks. God, on the other hand, "will visit His flock" (v3) and lead them to "be like mighty men" (v5) as He strengthens them (vv6, 12) and brings rejoicing once again to their hearts (v7). This chapter is an important reminder that we need to be careful who we follow. Just because someone articulates a vision and sounds good doing it doesn't mean they should have our allegiance. We must ask ourselves if we see godliness in their life. Does what they say match the truth of what God says? Is there genuine sincerity and care for those they are leading or is the focus all on themselves? While those you follow may never turn out to be a Jim Jones or David Koresh, they may subtly cause you to stray from truth and God's purpose for your life if you are not careful. Let's examine our leaders in light of the Ultimate Leader, the Lord Jesus Christ.

_________________________

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 5-- The Elephant in the Room

You have probably heard or used the term "the elephant in the room." It refers to the one big thing on everyone's mind in a particular group that no one is brave enough to bring up and discuss. This often happens in meetings where everyone knows there is a problem--usually caused by a particular person who happens to be sitting in the group. They talk about everything else but the "elephant." They deal with all the small issues but are afraid to tackle to big one, the one that ultimately is causing the other issues. This also happens with marriages that are having difficulties. Couples tend to focus on all the small issues rather than dealing with the big things or real root problems. In Zechariah 5 we are reminded that the real elephant in many of our rooms is sin. We dress it up and call it by different names, but it is still sin, and it is something that should not be ignored. In this chapter Zechariah tells of two visions that he had. The first was of a scroll that when unrolled measured 30 feet by 15 feet. "This is the curse that goes out over the face of the whole earth" (v3) because sin was found throughout the earth. "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God," we are told in the New Testament. Man is without excuse, and if he remains in that sinful state, he will experience God's judgment (v4). The second vision is of a woman representing wickedness who is stuffed into a basket which then has a heavy lid placed on it. The basket is transported to Babylon where it awaits a house to be built for its placement. Scholars offer various opinions on what this vision represents, but one thing is clear. God deals with wickedness. This brings us back to the elephant in the room. We can either ignore the elephant and wait for God to bring judgment, or we can deal with it and move on with a life that pursues the holiness of God. The choice is up to each of us.

_________________________

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 2-- When Comparisons Cloud our Faith

We all do it. Often, we don't even realize we are doing it, but we do it anyway. We compare things and we compare people. "That restaurant is not as nice as this one." "That athlete is better than this one." "She doesn't sing as good as this person." "He doesn't look like he will amount to anything." Sometimes we compare what we see right now, in the present, to the way things were in the past. We then begin longing for the "good 'ole days." All of these comparisons, however, may cause us to miss the potential of something or someone. This was the challenge faced by the Jews who were rebuilding the temple following their return from captivity. God confronted this head-on in Haggai 2. "Who is left among you who saw this temple in its former glory," asked God. "And how do you see it now? In comparison with it, is this not in your eyes as nothing" (v3)? We are told in the book of Ezra that when the foundation for the new temple was laid, the older folks who had seen the original one cried. The new one paled in comparison. Yet the old saying is true: "You can't judge a book by its cover." This is especially true when it comes to God. "The glory of this latter temple will be greater than the former, says the Lord of hosts" (v8). It may not have been as exciting to look at as the old temple, but God promised that He would do even greater things through the new one. Friend, you and I must be careful not to look at people or situations and automatically write them off. With God everything truly is possible, and He may have something great in store for what we see as lackluster.

_________________________

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.
_____________
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 7-- How to Become an Overnight Sensation

I have a consultant friend who likes to say it takes 10-15 years to become an "overnight sensation." Whether it is business, ministry, music, art, etc. there is almost always a substantial amount of time that goes into becoming something that the public notices. Malcolm Gladwell in Outliers: The Story of Success actually documents that it takes the right opportunity plus 10,000 hours of "practice" to become a true success or true expert. He shows this with The Beatles, Bill Gates and others. We also see this in Ezra 7 as we are introduced to a Jewish priest and scribe by the name of Ezra. Ezra bursts onto the global scene as he leads another wave of Jewish exiles back to Israel and then goes on to institute spiritual reforms. He is seen as a strong leader with close ties to the king of Persia. Look deeper at this "overnight sensation" and you might be surprised by what you see. In verse 6 he is called a "skilled scribe in the Law of Moses." In the same verse we are told that the king gave Ezra "all his request."  The king acknowledged Ezra's "God-given wisdom" (v25) and authorized him to appoint magistrates and judges among the people. Finally, verse 28 says that Ezra gathered the leading men of Israel to go with him. When you put all of this together you see a man who had earned the respect and admiration of leaders over time. He became an expert in God's law through discipline, consistency, and effort. He sought God's wisdom and used that in his every day interactions. Most of all,  "Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel," (v10). Ezra prepared himself to fulfill God's mission for his life. That preparation paid off in a big way! This begs two questions for us to ponder today. First, are we committed to fulfilling God's mission for our life? Second, what are we doing to prepare ourselves to be successful in that mission? If we want to be a "success" in our walk with the Lord, we must be focused and put in a substantial amount of time and effort for that to happen. Remember, overnight sensations rarely happen overnight.

_____________
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 5--Everyone Needs a Cheerleader

Let's face it--life can be tough at times. Things don't go the way you expected them to, plans are frustrated, and you are uncertain how to proceed. It's in these difficult days that we especially need a cheerleader in our life. We need someone who believes in us, who can encourage us, and who can help us see the big picture. Cheerleaders are exactly what God provided to Zerubbabel in Ezra 5. Their names were Haggai and Zechariah. We can read their messages in detail in the books that bare their name, but basically they told Zerubbabel to move forward with the mission that God had called him to do--rebuilding the temple. At the end of Ezra 4 we see that Zerubbabel and his team were compelled by force to stop building. Fourteen years later, construction resumed. Imagine how discouraged Zerubbabel must have been during those years! At the right moment in time, however, God sends in Haggai to tell Zerubbabel how special he is to God (Haggai 2:23). Along with him is Zechariah, reminding Zerubbabel that his mission will be accomplished "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit says the Lord of hosts" (Zechariah 4:6). These were just the words Zerubbabel needed to hear to renew his vision and move forward. Friend, who are the Zerubbabels around you that might need encouragement today? Who are those who God would have you speak a word into their lives? You may be just the one that God uses to help that person renew their vision and go on to accomplish great things for the Lord. After all, we all need a cheerleader.
_____________
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.

_____________
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 16-- "Stay Close, Children!"

The warning signs were abundant as we began walking around the national park--"Stay on the Path." There were numerous hazards if one wondered off the path and no further warnings or protections were available. If you stayed on the path, you would enjoy some of the most incredible beauty of God's creation. But if you strayed, the results could be absolutely devastating. My children were small, so I made sure I had a firm grasp on them and kept them close to my side. In Psalm 16, David is pictured as walking through life just like my children walked that path with me--right at the side of their father. Twice he refers to being next to God (vv8,11) and he says that, "I have set the Lord always before me" (v8). He stayed by God's side and stayed where he could see Him at all times. Because David had put such trust in God (v1) and maintained complete dependency on Him (v2), David experience some wonderful benefits. He received multiple blessings (vv5,6), had guidance for his life (vv7, 11), enjoyed gladness and hope (v9), and had the assurance of eternal pleasures (v11). He also knew that just as Christ would conquer death (v10), God would not leave him in the grave. We too can experience these same benefits as we put our trust in the Lord, and as we walk intimately with Him along life's path. Yes, there are unbelievable dangers in life, but when we hold God's hand and keep our eyes fixed on Him, we have nothing to fear. There is safety in the presence of Father.
_____________
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 15-- Changing the Rules in the Middle of the Game

It was a tough-fought game as my daughter's volleyball team battled one of the top teams in their league. The score was very close and the game nearing completion when the referee called an infraction on the opponents. According to the league's rules, our girls should have been given a point and possession of the ball. Instead, the ref gave the team a warning and allowed them to continue to serve. This gave them the advantage and they went on to win. Obviously, we were very frustrated because the rules were changed in the middle of the game. After all, you decide on rules ahead of time so that the game can be played smoothly and everyone knows what is expected. Most people go through life without determining their rules or values ahead of time. Like that referee, they change their position and response to fit their immediate circumstances rather than having a preset value system that does not change. Even Christians are guilty of doing this. God says in Psalm 15 that if we want to have an intimate, vibrant relationship with Him, then there are some rules or values that we need to hold to regardless of our circumstances (v1). There are three characteristics of the person who follows these values (v2). First, they "walk uprightly." They live a consistent, godly life. This is demonstrated by how they view sin and how they keep their word (v4). Second, they work "righteousness." This is demonstrated by how they treat others (v3), handle conflict (v3), and avoid taking advantage of people when their position or finances would allow them to do so (v5). Third, this person "speaks the truth in his heart." What is spoken in the heart eventually is spoken with the lips. This person doesn't backbite others (v3). These characteristics or values are reflected in the person's lifestyle. The person determined ahead of time to live like this--and not to change the rules in the middle of the game. "He who does these things shall never be moved" (v5). Consistency is pretty important in sports, but it is vital to living a God-honoring life.
_____________
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 7-- Falsely Accused

She was accused of the unthinkable--killing her own 6-year-old daughter. In one of the most media-covered murder cases of all time, JonBenet Ramsey was reported missing then later found dead in her Boulder, CO home. Almost immediately, her mother Patsy came under suspicion, with accusations coming from local police, news media, and even the state's governor. Patsy, however, maintained her innocence until the day of her death by cancer 10 years later. Two years after her death, Patsy was officially cleared in JonBenet's death by the District Attorney, although no suspect had been identified at that time. DNA evidence determined that no family member was responsible. Imagine what that would have been like to be so falsely accused for so many years. In Psalm 7 we see David being falsely accused, probably of treason before King Saul. David declares his innocence to the Lord, even going so far as to say if he had done anything wrong God should "Let the enemy pursue me and overtake me; yes, let him trample my life to the earth and lay my honor in the dust" (v5). How could David say such a thing? It is because he had a clear conscience. A clear conscience gives confidence. Notice, though, that David turned to God when he was falsely accused. He didn't try to get vengeance on his own. Instead, her turned the situation over to the Lord and asked for his defense and justice (vv10-11). There are two important principles that we need to grasp from this passage--the importance of living with a clear conscience, and the necessity of letting God deal with those who might slander us. Are you living righteously before others? Do you seek God's guidance and intervention when people say unkind things about 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 http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.

Psalm 3--The Ultimate Sleep Aid

Apparently a lot of people are having trouble sleeping. At least, that is the impression I get from all of the ads I hear about sleep pills. Often there are medical reasons why people can't get to sleep, but many times people can't sleep because they are worrying. They are distressed and lie awake at night thinking about how bad things are going. David in Psalm 3 could relate. Life was pretty stressful at the time he wrote this psalm. You see, his own son had kicked him off the throne of Israel, and David was literally fleeing for his life. "Lord, how they have increased who trouble me," David exclaimed in verse 1 as more and more people turned against him. Israel's once beloved son had been rejected by none other than his own flesh and blood. What would happen to him? What would happen to the rest of his family--his other children? Would they be put to death by their brother? Would David ever regain control? How would he survive? What about all the people who worked for him--who would sustain them? There was a lot that weighed heavily on David as he went to sleep those nights, but notice what happened. "I lay down and slept; I awoke for the Lord sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people..." (vv5-6). What was David's sleep aid? It was turning over his situation to the Lord and trusting in Him fully. That worked well for David--I bet it will do the same for us!
_____________
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 1--Who are You Listening To?

Have you ever sat down at a long, crowded dinner table where everyone was talking to each other? It is a bit overwhelming at first. There are so many different conversations taking place it is hard to know where to focus and pay attention. In life, there is a lot of noise around us vying for our attention. There are hundreds of cable TV channels and social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter--not to mention the explosion of blogs--where everyone has something to say to you. To whom will you listen? In Psalm 1, the Psalmist eloquently reminds us that for us to be truly blessed and prosperous in life, we need to listen to and spend our time with the right kind of people (v1). We also need to filter out all that noise with the truth of God's word (v2). Who are you listening to today? Who or what do you allow to speak into your life? Is it the ungodly who are "like the chaff which the wind drives away" (v4)? Or are you surrounding yourself with godly counsel and encouragement? I have never forgotten what I heard a camp speaker say when I was a teenager: "You will be as godly as your friends; you will be as righteous as those you hang around." Those are good words to remember and live by.
_____________
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?
_____________
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 49-- Same Parent, Different Children

We have several friends who have large families of eight or more children. It is fascinating listening to them describe the differences of each child. Even though they try to be consistent in how they parent, the children still react to things differently. They each make their own decisions. As with all children, as they become adults they think for themselves and make their choices. Sometimes those choices are good, sometimes they are not. Jacob had 12 sons, all very different. And although Jacob loved God and worshiped Him with his life, his sons did not always make the right decisions. He certainly taught them the things of the Lord, but not all of them made choices that were honoring to God. When we think of Jacob, we usually don't think of him as a prophet, but he was. Genesis 49 is a fascinating passage where Jacob blesses his 12 sons and foretells their future. Five of the 12 predictions especially stand out, and they give us insights into the differences of these children. Jacob said his firstborn, Reuben, was "unstable as water" and "shall not excel" (v4). Reuben had an illicit relationship with one of Jacob's concubines. More than 40 years later his act was still a stain on the family. Instability characterized Reuben's life and it ruined him. Simeon and Levi were called "instruments of cruelty" by Jacob as he noted their fierce anger which led to them slaughtering an entire town of people (vv5-7). How crushing it must have been for these two men to hear their father, on his death bed, say in effect that he did not want to be associated with them. Judah, on the other hand, is predicted to be the fore-father of Christ (v10). Jacob eventually turns to Joseph and gives a beautiful summary of Joseph's life. "The archers have bitterly grieved him, shot at him and hated him. But his bow remained in strength and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the Mighty God of Jacob" (vv23-24), which is a reference to the hatred he had received from his brothers. Joseph was made strong and became a "fruitful bough" (v22) because of his walk with God. There are a lot of principles that we can learn from this passage, but notice two principles for parents. First, we need to teach our children how to make good choices and to stick with them. Second, we need to be sure that they see the Mighty God through our lives. While there is no guarantee that our children will always make the right decision, we can be at peace knowing that we did all we could as parents to set them up for true success in life.
_____________
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 48-- Imagining Your Children's Future

There have been many times when I have "day dreamed" about what the future might hold for my children when they become adults. I've thought about their future careers and the spouses and children they will one day have. I imagine what the future might be based on what I see in them today. But we need to be careful about the assumptions we make about people's futures, especially our children's. In Genesis 48, Joseph brings his two sons to visit their grandfather Jacob just prior to Jacob's death. Jacob not only blesses his grandsons, but prophetically describes their future (vv19-20). The problem, as Joseph saw it, was that Jacob placed his right hand on the younger child and pronounced a greater blessing on him. "Surely he is mistaken," Joseph thought, "the oldest son will be the greatest." But Jacob knew exactly what he was doing--and history shows that he was right. Like Joseph, sometimes we think we have it figured out. We think as parents we know what will become of our children when they are adults. We don't. God gives different gifts and abilities to each. Some go farther and accomplish more than others. While we can't assume what will happen in the future, we can lay a solid foundation in the present. That is what Jacob did as he recounted God's promises and told of His faithfulness (vv3-4, 15-16). Jacob had walked with God a long, long time. Now it was time to pass that heritage on to his grandchildren and their generation. Their ultimate future would not be in Egypt, but it would be as part of Jacob's "tribes" who eventually came to enjoy God's promised land (vv5-7). Jacob was a prophet--we're not! While we can dream about what the future might hold for our children and grandchildren, there are solid, practical things we can do right now to prepare them for it. Those certainly include laying a strong spiritual foundation. Nothing wrong with dreaming about the future, but let's also act in the present.
_____________
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 47-- Employee of the Decade

I walked up to the jewelry counter at a well know discount store to ask for help replacing my watch battery. The associate proceeded to tell me how she should have been on brake 15 minutes ago, what a terrible job the store does with staffing, and what an all-around lousy company it was to work for. I really didn't want to hear all of that--I just wanted a watch battery! My thought was, "Wow, I sure wouldn't want someone like that working for me." Whether we realize it or not, we reflect Christ in how we conduct ourselves on the job. I don't know if that woman was a Christian or not, but if she was then she sure had a poor testimony. Whether or not you like your employer is immaterial. You see, we ultimately work for God. The effort, quality, care, etc. that we put into our jobs are a direct reflection on our Lord. Joseph is a great example of what every employee should be. His boss was tough and powerful, yet he trusted Joseph with everything because Joseph had proven himself. In Genesis 47 we notice five things about Joseph that made him an outstanding employee. First, he was a good communicator. Joseph used wisdom and tact in how he communicated with others (vv1-2). Second, he was caring. God had blessed Joseph and Joseph used his abilities to take care of his family (vv11-12). He also found innovative ways to help others while also making his boss successful (vv23-24). Third, Joseph was extremely competent (v14). He knew how to make money for his employer and how to successfully manage his affairs. Fourth, he was creative. When the people ran out of money and livestock with which to buy food, Joseph came up with a creative way to not only help the people but to also benefit his employer long-term (vv23-26). Finally, Joseph was celebrated. The Egyptians knew that Joseph's wisdom and organization had saved their lives (v25) and they praised him for it. You see, great employees not only benefit their bosses but they positively impact their customers and everyone else around them. So as you go to work today, don't think of it as just time that you have to put in to get a pay check. Instead, look at it as an opportunity to glorify God and make a difference in the lives of others.

_____________
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 44-- Stand Up and Take Responsibility!

We live in an age where it seems few people take responsibility for their actions and fewer people keep their commitments. We are quick to try and pass off our responsibilities to others rather than having the determination to see them through. Judah, in Genesis 44, did just the opposite. We see in him someone who stood up and took his responsibilities seriously. Originally from Canaan, he was in Egypt along with his brothers trying to get food during a famine. He had gotten food before but ran out and had to return. The man in charge of food distribution, who actually was his long lost brother Joseph, said that the only way to get more food was if Judah and his siblings brought their youngest brother Benjamin back with them. They did, much to their father Jacob's distress (see chapter 43). At that time, Judah told his father that he would personally take responsibility to make sure that Benjamin returned safely to Jacob. Now after this second trip, as Judah and his brothers were returning home, Joseph's servants stopped them and found Joseph's silver cup in Benjamin's bag, which Joseph purposely placed there. Now back before Joseph, who they still did not know was their brother, they were told they could go home but they would have to leave Benjamin behind. At this point Judah respectfully but forcefully articulated to Joseph why Benjamin had to go home. He then offered himself in Benjamin's place (vv 24-34). Benjamin was his responsibility and he was going to do everything in his power, even sacrificing himself, to make good on his commitment. Do you have that kind of determination when it comes to fulfilling your commitments? Do you keep your word even if it might cost you personally? The world is full of people who fail to fulfill their responsibilities. Don't you be one of them!
_____________
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 40-- Forgotten

Have you ever felt forgotten? Maybe a family or close friend forgot about your birthday? Or you were supposed to go on a date and got "stood up"--you were forgotten? Maybe you have been in a room full of people but felt forgotten--like no one knew you were there? I think we have all had that experience at least once, if not multiple times, in our lives. It's no fun. But imagine you are in prison for a crime you didn't commit. There you help out one of the other inmates who actually worked for someone very powerful--so powerful he could spring you from your incarceration with just a word. Your fellow inmate promises that if he gets out and gets his old job back he would put in a good word for you with his boss. The day comes when the inmate is released and restored to his former position. You are so excited! "Finally," you say to yourself, "this nightmare is going to be over." And you wait. And you wait some more. Your "friend," however, forgot all about you and you are left right where you have always been. This is exactly what happened to Joseph in Genesis 40. Verse 23 says, "Yet the chief butler did not remember Joseph, but forgot him." The chief butler worked for the pharaoh--the king of Egypt. And Joseph was in the king's prison. But alas, he would be forgotten. Maybe today you feel forgotten, like no one cares about you. Remember this: there is another chapter! There is another chapter in the life of Joseph when he is remembered and there will be another chapter in your life as well. You see, the butler may have forgotten about Joseph but God didn't. You may feel that the world has forgotten about you--but God hasn't. Joseph was right where God wanted him, right where God was preparing him for something great, right where God was grooming him to impact the world. Maybe you are in that same place today. You may feel alone and forgotten but God is getting you ready for something great! Don't lose hope! A new chapter is on its way.
_____________
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 38--Train Wrecks

It is unavoidable. You are checking out at the grocery store and the headlines of one of those tabloid magazines catches your attention. You know that 90% of the time it is something bazaar and far from the truth, but every so often they get it right. Some "expert" was asked once why so many people buy these magazines. "Everyone wants to see the train wreck," he replied, "and these magazines are full of train wrecks." Yes, when celebrities have a train wreck the world knows about it, but there are also the quiet train wrecks that are happening in lives all around us. What seemed like the perfect trip comes to a screeching halt and next thing you know it your life "train" is off the tracks. Usually this happens because we make poor choices. You see God has a way that He wants things done, and it is for a reason. We save ourselves and those around us much heartache when we just do what God says. In Genesis 38 we see that Judah's sons (Jacob's grandsons) were wicked and the Lord killed them. We see Judah failing to keep his promise to give his youngest son in marriage to the wife of his deceased eldest son. We see Judah going to what he thought was a harlot, only to discover it was this daughter-in-law who had disguised herself to get Judah. We see a train wreck. How much agony, grief and pain could we save ourselves if we just made godly decisions? How much better off would we be if we just did what God told us to do? In the nearly three decades that I have been preaching the gospel, I have seen a lot of train wrecks. The sad thing is that most of them could have been avoided. Don't let your life be next! Make good choices.

_____________
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 37-- The Story Behind the Story

"What good could ever come out of this?" Have you ever made that statement? Have you ever thought those words? We know intellectually that God works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose, but do we really believe it? What if we don't see that good for 5, 10 or even 20 years? Then what? Consider the story of a father named Jacob as told to us in Genesis 37. Imagine that you are him sitting home one day when your sons come into the room carrying a coat soaked in blood. You immediately recognize the coat because it was one you had specially made for your 11th son--the pride and joy of your life. When your sons tell you they found it out in the wilderness your heart sinks. There is no doubt in your mind--your beloved son Joseph met a violent death by wild animal (v33). Your mind begins to play out a variety of what-if scenarios like "What if I hadn't sent Joseph out alone to check up on his brothers?" Then Joseph's 17 years of life flash before you. You think about all the things you wished you would have done different--like not chastising him when he naively shared his dreams with you (v10). You cry and mourn like never before. No one can comfort you (v33) and you determine that you will grieve until the day you die. Now we know the full story, as we have the rest of Genesis, but Jacob didn't at the time. He didn't know that Joseph actually was alive. He didn't know that his own sons had sold their brother into slavery. He didn't know that Joseph would distinguish himself first in Potiphar's household and then in an Egyptian prison. He didn't know that Joseph would interpret dreams and literally save the lives of countless numbers of people--including his own. He didn't know that his son would become the second most powerful person in the world's strongest nation. Jacob didn't know any of that for 20 years. There was a back-story to which Jacob was oblivious. Yet God was constantly at work even though Jacob didn't realize it. Now Jacob couldn't get back those 20 years of grieving caused by the sin of his sons. He was, however, able to go forward in peace and realize that things did work together for good, not just for his family but for scores of families living in that part of the world. Friend, whatever you are going through today, know this: there is a back-story and God is at work. It may be a long time before you realize it, but if you love Him and are called according to His purpose, you can bank on the truth that this will, some how, some way, work together for good.
_____________
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!
_____________
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 35-- You Never Let Go

Matt Redman sings a song called "You Never Let Go" that has become a favorite in our family. Part of the lyrics go "through the calm and through the storm, oh no You never let go, every high and every low, oh no, You never let go, Lord you never let go of me." We heard that song for the first time in church two days after doctors told my wife that her thyroid cancer had spread to her bones. We had just finished singing that song when the church prayed over my wife. You Never Let Go became our anthem. It was a low time we were going through, but God reassured us He would never let go of us. A few days later when doctors did follow-up testing and additional scans they could not find any signs of cancer. Beth was completely healed! That was, and continues to be, a high for us. I imagine Jacob felt some of these high and low emotions in Genesis 35 as he journeyed back home. Along the way he buried his beloved wife Rachel (vv16-20), who died giving birth to Benjamin. Once he got home, he buried his father Isaac who died at the age of 180 (vv27-29). Besides this, there was other turmoil in his family (v22). In the midst of these low moments God showed Himself to Jacob (v9) and reassured him that His favor was still on Jacob and that He would be faithful to fulfill all of His promises to Jacob and his family (vv11-13). He had protected Jacob on his journey (v5). Jacob responded to all of this by worshiping the Lord (vv7,14). Today, you may find yourself in the midst of a storm. It may be a low point in your life. But know this...if you are God's child, He never lets go of you! He absolutely will see you through every situation. There is hope!
_____________
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 34-- Kids Gone Wild

There are some kids who you just know are going to get into major trouble as they get older. As someone outside the family, you look at how they are being parented and how they act when they are young, and you can predict problems. Now we know that some kids rebel and make bad decisions even with good parenting. As a parent, I ultimately cannot make choices for my children when they are grown, but I can do everything in my power while they are young to teach them how to make good choices. In Genesis 34 we see some bad choices made by some young people, and we see that the parents are at least partially to blame. Dinah, Jacob's daughter by wife Leah, decides to go "into town" and hang out with the pagan girls of the region. Some scholars think she wasn't more than 14 years old when this happened. She catches the eye of Shechem, the son of a prince, who was use to getting everything he wanted. He "violated her" (v2) and then decided he wanted to marry her. Like he probably had done a hundred times before, he went to his father demanding to have his way--in this case to have Dinah for a wife (vv8,18-19). So the father dutifully obliges his son and goes to work out an arrangement with Jacob (vv8-9). It didn't matter that his son had disgraced Dinah and Jacob's family. What little Shechem wanted, little Shechem got! Now when Dinah's brothers heard what had happened they "were grieved and very angry" (v7). That is an understatement! They went on to devise and execute a plan that incapacitated all of the men of Shechem's city. They then went in and killed all of the men and took their wives and children captive, along with all of their possessions. What was Jacob's response when he saw this? Was there moral outrage for needlessly destroying so many lives? No. His response was "You...have made me obnoxious among the inhabitants of the land...and since I am few in number they will gather themselves against me and kill me" (v30). As you consider this passage, ask yourself "If the parents had parented differently, could this whole tragedy been avoided?" Should Dinah been allowed to hang out with that crowd? Should the world have revolved around Shechem and he get anything he wanted? Should Dinah's brothers have learned the moral ramifications of their decisions and not just the practical ones? Poor parenting does not excuse what these kids did, nor does it justify any of their actions. But could better parenting have led to a different outcome? This is something to consider for all of us who are parents.
_____________
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.
_____________
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.
_____________
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 31-- When Your Dishonest Boss is also Your Father-in-Law

Talk about a hostile work and family environment! Jacob in Genesis 31 was getting it from both sides as his employer, who also was his father-in-law, was making life very difficult for him. Jacob could read people--and it was very evident to him that things had changed in his relationship to his father-in-law Laban. He had a sense that things were going to turn south in a hurry. God confirmed that to Jacob and told him to leave the area. It was time to go home to the land of his fathers (v3). God promised to be with Jacob in the midst of this transition (v3). He had protected Jacob and blessed him even though Laban was dishonest and tried to take advantage of Jacob (vv6-9, 15). Laban was greedy and lived for himself at the expense of his own family (vv14-15). Contrast that with Jacob who tried to do what was right for all in the midst of a very difficult work situation. Now God was giving him relief from this dishonest boss. Jacob slipped away with his family and possessions but Laban eventually caught up to him. Even then, God protected Jacob (v24). When Laban accused Jacob of stealing his "household idols," Jacob had enough and spoke his mind to Laban (vv36-42). In this he made it clear to Laban that God was the reason Jacob had been blessed (v42). Without God, he would have nothing. Jacob and Laban eventually come to terms that included staying separate from each other (vv51-52). Now let's draw out three principles from this story. First, God does not promise to always take us out of difficult situations, but He does promise to always be there with us and see us through. That was Jacob's situation as he labored for a difficult boss. Second, God does work all things together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Jacob is a perfect example. Finally, sometimes in order to maintain peace, there are some people that you will have to agree to disagree with and then go on with life. Challenging work situations are a part of life. Let's learn from Jacob and rely on the Lord to navigate us through the troubled waters.
_____________
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 30-- True Business Success

The audience listened intently as the chairman of a billion dollar business told the audience about his personal struggles and emptiness as he was building his great enterprise. Success at work did not translate to success at home, nor did it leave him with a sense of true fulfillment. Externally it looked like he had it all, but that was just a facade. "My life was spiraling out of control and I did not like the person I was becoming," he said. That all changed, however, when he discovered salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. His company's mission statement now reads, in part, "To glorify God as we supply our customers world-wide..." This man discovered that when God is first in his life everything else falls into place. In Genesis 30 it is evident that God's hand was on Jacob's business affairs. Jacob worked smart (vv37-43) finding innovative ways to prosper his livestock business. You can look at this story as two sides of the same coin. On one side was the desire to honor God and the acknowledgment of Him in all that Jacob did (v30). On the other side was a solid, smart work ethic. That is a great combination. God's doesn't put His hand of blessing on laziness or poor decision making, nor is it on those who are self-sufficient or self-focused. There was balance. Evangelist Billy Graham, when training workers for his great evangelistic crusades, would say that they needed to pray like everything depended upon God but they needed to work like everything depended upon them. Jacob was experiencing true success--not just material success but the success of a life lived for God. Now that didn't mean that everything went smoothly for Jacob. There was a lot of drama at home with his wives Leah and Rachel (sisters) vying for his attention and having children (vv1-24). (By the way--the Bible never condones polygamy, it just reports what happened as this was an acceptable custom at the time. Actually, in every instance of polygamy in the Bible, we see heart-ache, grief, and trouble). In the midst of everything, Jacob did his best to stay balanced. That is a good lesson for all of us!
_____________
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 29-- When Years Seem Like Mere Days

It reads like a great romance novel. "So Jacob served seven years for Rachel and they seemed only a few days to him because of the love he had for her" (Genesis 29:20). That is romantic--but it also gives us a great principle for living. Hardships go much easier when their is a goal--a prize--for which to strive. A goal gives hope. This chapter describes Jacob's search for a wife (vv1-10), his love at first sight when he sees Rachel (v11), and their eventual marriage (v28). But it wasn't all storybook. To have Rachel, her father required Jacob to labor for him for seven years which, as we saw in verse 20, Jacob did with ease. Then the father does the bait and switch, substituting his older (an apparently much less attractive) daughter for Rachel on their wedding day (vv23-26). Imagine Jacob's shock the next morning when he finds out that the woman he worked seven years to marry wasn't the one he actually married! He could have Rachel, the father said, but Jacob would have to work another seven years. Jacob did his "time" putting in 14 years to get the love of his life. That is a long time and certainly was not part of his original plan. Now think about this: when things take a wrong turn in life and we end up facing something we didn't expect, it is easy to get swallowed up in self-pity. It is easy to want to quit. Things didn't go the way we planned so let's throw in the towel. But if we will set our eyes on something beyond the immediate, then we will have hope. What goals do you have in your life? What special thing do you have to look forward to? Everyone needs something. It doesn't have to be extravagant, just something that will encourage you and motivate you to press on. Marriages need this as well. We need something special that we are looking forward to doing together. Maybe it is an annual vacation, a weekend getaway, or just a relaxing day walking in the park, but we need something that we periodically plan for that will help us to look beyond the immediate.
_____________
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.
_____________
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.