Frank's Bible Blog

Will You Please Pray for Me?

A Special Call to Prayer this Wednesday…

In the eight years since I started MaxPoint Ministries, we have never had a global call to prayer for our ministry or family. But this Wednesday, January 23, we are humbly asking people all over the world who in some way have been touched by our work to pray for us.

Maybe you receive my Bible Blog (www.franksbibleblog.com) or we have worked together on mission trips. Maybe I was your pastor in Ohio or a colleague in global ministry. Maybe you have attended a MaxPoint seminar, used 24-7Discipleship.com, read my book or utilized our ministry’s mission trip services. Maybe you read my wife’s blog (www.GodandMe2theMax.com), had been a part of her Groupies4God Bible memorization program, or were encouraged by her cancer healing (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCN2MGSzym4). Maybe our children have touched you in some way—our 16 year old daughter’s numerous mission trip outreaches and public speaking (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfpKq-1rH4A ) or how our 14 year old son has overcome so much in his young life. Or maybe we’ve never interacted at all; you just saw this post or someone passed it along to you.

Whatever the case may be, I would humbly ask that on Wednesday you lift up MaxPoint Ministries (www.maxpoint.org) and our family—Frank, Beth, Amber and Jacob--before Father. We would ask that you pray for three things: 1) Wisdom 2) Clear direction from God and 3) Provision.

Just as Gideon saw a mighty miracle take place as God used him and 300 soldiers, I am asking God to give us 300 people who will commit to pray for us on Wednesday. You can tell me of your commitment through Twitter by tweeting “praying” to @frankbanfill, by “liking” the call to prayer at www.Facebook.com/maxpointministries, posting on my Facebook page (if we are already Facebook friends) or leaving a note on my blog (www.franksbibleblog.com).

Of course please pray as the Lord leads, but here are some Scriptures that we will be praying this Wednesday:

“Then you will know that I am the Lord; those who hope in me will not be disappointed.”--Is. 49:23b

“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”--2 Cor. 9:8

“I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.”—Rev. 3:8a

“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault and it will be given to him.”—James 1:5

Thank you in advance for your prayers! We truly appreciate them.

Yours for the Harvest,

Frank Banfill

2 Corinthians 13-- Making Headlines

News headlines are filled with accounts of lives destroyed by sin. Occasionally it is a Christian whose sin makes the news. 2 Corinthians 13, and these headlines, remind us that Christians are capable of any sin when we get our eyes off Christ and walk in the flesh. The Apostle Paul spent a considerable amount of time dealing with sin during his visits and in his writings to the Corinthian church. Some of these sins were very outrageous and public--and probably would have made today's headlines. Paul says that we are to first examine ourselves to make sure we are in the faith (v5). Many people claim to be believers but really aren't, so it isn't a surprise when these people do wrong. But for others who are believers, Paul reminds us that we have the truth in us. We know right from wrong and must act on that knowledge. When we hear of gross sins, whether by those who claim Christ or not, it should be a reminder to each of us of the need to guard our lives and our witness. We must flee from evil, do what is right, and avoid anything that could bring disgrace to the Name of Christ (vv7-9).
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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.

2 Corinthians 12-- No Respect

Comedian Rodney Dangerfield was famous for his jokes about how he got "no respect." If you believed Rodney, no matter what he did in life or who he tried to please, he got no respect. Leaders often feel the same way. No matter what they do, they don't get the respect due them. That was the Apostle Paul's struggle with the Corinthian church and he found himself constantly defending his leadership credentials. Although he may not have gotten the proper respect, Paul exemplified great leadership skills. In chapter 12 he gives us some very insightful principles for leadership. First, leaders should expect a "thorn in the flesh" to keep them humble and dependent on God (vv7-10). Next, leaders must maintain a servant's heart even with their service isn't appreciated (vv13-14). Third, leaders must love unconditionally--even those in their care who seem unlovable (v16). Finally, leaders should be passionate about the development and progress of their team (vv19-21). It is true that leadership can be very lonely at times, but the ultimate reward far outweighs the negative. You may not always get respect from your team, but you definitely will from God. And after all, He is the One that really matters.
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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.

2 Corinthians 11-- Recognizing Deception

We hired a "magician" to perform at my son's ninth birthday party. The kids had a lot of fun being tricked into believing that he was able to do what seemed impossible.  We all knew these were just slight of hand tricks, but we enjoyed it as we let ourselves get caught up with the entertaining show. Unfortunately, there are some Christians who get caught up with the "tricks" and deceitfulness of false beliefs and/or they end up following leaders who are not truly godly. Paul addresses this in chapter 11 as he pleads with the Corinthians to recognize deception. How can we know if what we are hearing or reading is right? Ask "does the core message differ from salvation through faith alone in Christ alone" (vv3-4)? There is, for example, a fast-growing belief system propagated by a very popular American talk show host that at its core fails on this question. When you strip away the hype and spiritual sounding verbiage, the core is "believe in yourself," not Christ. Now, here are some more questions to ponder. Does it take from you emotionally, physically, spiritually and not replenish you (v20)? Is the church/group/movement personality driven or is it Christ focused and Christ driven (vv12-15, 20)? If you get the right answers to these questions, then look at the pastor/teacher/leader you are considering placing yourself under. Does his life show humility and genuine sacrifice (vv22-33)? Does he demonstrate genuine and deep concern for the people/ministry entrusted to his care (v28)? While there certainly are more questions we should consider when evaluating beliefs and ministries, these will get us off to a good start in recognizing deception.
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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.

2 Corinthians 10-- In the Zone

In basketball, there are two basic ways to play defense. One is man-to-man where each player covers a specific opposing player no matter where he goes on the court. The other approach is called zone defense, where the player defends a defined area or "zone" of the court. Instead of zone "defense," Paul outlines in chapter 10 zone "ministry." Paul had heard from God and knew exactly the "zone" or sphere where he was to minister (vv13-16). By ministering in the zone, Paul knew what authority he had under God and was not afraid to exercise it. Even though some in the Corinthian church questioned Paul, he was able to stand his ground because he knew he was right where God wanted him. This gave Paul boldness in his writing (which he excelled at) and also with in-person communications, which appears to have been a weaker area for Paul (vv10-11). Ministering in the zone like this is what I refer to as the Deployment Stage in my book Maxpoint. It is knowing how to say "no" to good things so that you can say "yes" to the best fit for your particular calling and giftedness. This is where your life really begins to make a significant impact (vv15-16). So, take a lesson from Paul's play book and get in the zone!
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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.

2 Corinthians 9-- Standing on the Inside

The story is told of a mother who was trying to get her young son to sit down. Several times she told him to sit and each time he defiantly responded "no!" She started to take away his favorite toy when he decided to sit. "Thank you," said the mom, "for finally sitting." The child responded , "well, I may be sitting on the outside but I'm standing on the inside!" The boy had outwardly obeyed (finally) but inwardly was mad about it. The same is true for some people when it comes to giving, which is discussed here in chapter 9. They may give because they feel obligated to do so, or to look good before others, but not with a sincere heart. God, however, loves a cheerful giver (v7) who willingly responds to the needs and opportunities to give as God leads him or her. That cheerful giving starts a beautiful grace cycle. We give, those who receive our gifts joyously praise God, and then they pray for us with deep affection. We are then enriched by God even more as He not only meets our needs but enables us to give more. The whole process brings glory to God and demonstrates our obedience to Christ (vv10-15). So, don't "stand on the inside" next time God gives you the opportunity to launch the grace cycle of giving. Cheerfully give out of gratitude for all the things God has done for 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 www.maxpoint.org/message_board.

2 Corinthians 8-- The Total Workout

You've seen the infomercials for exercise machines that claim to give you a "total workout."  They are designed to work all of the major muscle groups to help you achieve all-around fitness. When it comes to life, we need to attain "all-around fitness" and a key factor in that is our giving. You may not have thought about it, but 2 Corinthians 8 says that in addition to faith, speech, knowledge, diligence and love we need to excel in giving if we are to be a complete person (v7). Notice three other truths about giving from this passage. First, everybody has something to give (v14). You may think that you can't give, but there is something you can give that will meet the needs of others. You just need to prayerfully find what it is and sacrificially give it. Second, giving puts love into action (v24). Giving is what backs up the words "I love you." Next, know that giving comes easy when you are sold-out to the Lord (v5). Really, this is the bottom line. If you have surrendered all that you are and have to Christ, then giving of your time, talents and possessions is no big deal. Finally, churches and church leaders have a responsibility to properly administer the gifts that are received (vv16-24). Giving may not strengthen your biceps, but it will help you be a better, more complete person.

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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.

2 Corinthians 7-- Beyond Being Sorry

It's a familiar scene. A child does something wrong, gets caught, and as the punishment is being given bursts into tears and says "I'm sorry!" Yet how often do we see that same child turn right around and do the same thing again? Their sorrow did not lead to change. We can, and should, be sorry for our sin. When we blow it with God, whether it is something that others know about or not, we should be sorry. But sorrow without change accomplishes nothing. That is the message of 2 Corinthians 7. We first must do everything we can to be vigilant against sin and lead holy lives (v1). But when we do fail and sin we should be quick to respond with "godly sorrow"--sorrow that produces repentance (v9). There are at least seven characteristics of godly sorrow--1) a sincere desire to change attitudes and actions; 2) a commitment to do right; 3) genuine anger over the sin--seeing sin as God sees it; 4) fear of continuing in sin; 5) desire to be around godly people; 6) passion to do whatever it takes to remove the sin; and finally 7) a longing to restore fellowship with God (vv9-11). Are these characteristics true of how you respond when you are aware of sin in your life? If not, then maybe you aren't really sorry after all.
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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.

2 Corinthians 6-- Know What You're Getting Into

Have you ever started into a project and then realized that it was much bigger than you anticipated? You thought it would be simple but turned out to be very complex. Or maybe you have experienced the opposite. You avoided doing things because you thought they were too complex or difficult, but then you saw someone else do it and realized it wasn't so hard after all. Those two approaches are how a lot of people view ministry, especially vocational ministry. Some have grand ideas that it will be easy and they will receive universal praise for their efforts; they then find out that this usually isn't the case. Others run from ministry thinking it is too much for them to handle, then realize later they could have done it. 2 Corinthians 6 is one of the best chapters I know that gives an honest, balanced look at ministry. It is a must read for everyone, but especially those considering ministry as a vocation. Ministry isn't easy. It does require sacrifices but the benefits are incredible. "As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things" (v10). That is ministry--enriching lives and enjoying the riches of God that far surpass anything material. Don't run from ministry but do go into it with your eyes wide open knowing that there will be struggles yet you ultimately will be victorious.
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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.

2 Corinthians 5-- Life in the Tent

A group of us guys from church were on a camp out. We had a great evening and had settled into our tents when a storm came through. When you are in nothing but a canvass tent even the slightest rain seems torrential, but we did get a pretty heavy rain that night. My tent was waterproof and kept everything inside dry. Some of the other guys, however, didn't fare as well. Their tents leaked all night. Camping was a fun experience (at least for us with the dry tents!), but not something we would want to do every day . Paul in this chapter uses the metaphor of tent camping to describe our life, particularly our bodies (vv1-8). He reminds us how temporal our bodies are. There is more to our existence than just the few years we spend on this earth. There is eternity and we need to prepare for it. As believers, God will judge our works in order to reward us (vv9-11). How do we prepare for that moment and maximize our rewards? First and foremost we must live for God. "Those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again." It is shifting the focus off from us and onto God. Then, we can take on our role as ambassadors of Christ and help reconcile others to the Lord (vv18-21). Let's never forget that we are just living in a tent. There is something better, something permanent, coming.
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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.

2 Corinthians 4-- Learning to Ride a Bike

When I taught my children how to ride a bike, I had to keep reminding them to look ahead rather than down at their feet. They would get caught up with the feet and the mechanics of making the bike go rather than focusing on steering the bike in the right direction. The same is true in life. We need to keep perspective--long term focus--instead of getting lost in the day-to-day mechanics of life. 2 Corinthians 4 is an amazing chapter filled with practical encouragement for life's journey. Verse 18 says "So we don't look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we look forward to what we have not yet seen. For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever."  Wow! Read that verse again--it is powerful! Yes, life is difficult because it is so frail (v7) and there are times that we are hard-pressed, perplexed and even persecuted (vv8-9). But God absolutely will see us through those times. We need to "renounce the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness not handling the word of God deceitfully" (v2) and walk in truth. If we do this, we will "not lose heart even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day" (v16). Don't look down! Look ahead to all that God has for you as you steer your life in the right direction.
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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.

2 Corinthians 3-- A Full Moon

The moon does not give off its own light, but at night it reflects the light of the sun. It is similar to us as believers when it comes to the Lord, as we see here in chapter 3. We are to reflect God's light, His glory, like a mirror. The glory that is ours through the gospel is greater than anything that preceded it. With the Spirit of the Lord in our lives, we have the freedom to shine. In fact, the more we become like the Lord, the more we reflect His glory and the more we shine for Him. God wants us to be full moons--reflecting His glory totally in every aspect of our lives. Some Christians, however, are crescent moons or half moons, reflecting God's glory in only parts of their lives. The key to shining is to allow, embrace, even beg for the Holy Spirit to work within us. Most of the time we shy away from the Spirit working in our lives because it is painful or it means a change.  But we should look beyond that to the big picture of our life and why we are here, which is to exalt the Lord Jesus Christ. Let's cry out for the Spirit to work in us so that we can better reflect God's 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. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at www.maxpoint.org/message_board.

2 Corinthians 2-- What's that Smell?

The story is told of a traveler to a small French town who was eating at an outside cafe late in the afternoon. As he enjoyed his food, he began to smell something powerful yet beautiful. The air was completely filled with this sweet aroma. He asked the waiter about it and was told the smell happens every day at that time. It is the aroma from a nearby perfume factory carried on the clothes of workers as they leave work and walk past the cafe. These workers carried with them this beautiful aroma. I'm sure, however, that not everyone would agree that the smell was so desirable. I have allergies, for example, and I have to hold my breath when I walk through the perfume section of a department store. It's not a sweet smell to me! Chapter 2 describes the gospel in the same way. As believers, we are to be carriers of the gospel. To those who accept it, it is a sweet smell that brings life. To those who reject it, it is the pungent smell of death (vv14-17). Sometimes, however, there are believers who backslide who need to be reminded of the gospel's aroma. Such was the case with one individual in Corinth who Paul to task in his previous letter (1 Corinthians 5). The church apparently had disciplined him, as they should have, but now Paul says it was time to reach out to him. He had been punished; now it was time to once again let him breath the sweet aroma of God's forgiveness (vv1-11). Maybe today you need to inhale the gospel's sweet aroma--either for salvation or because you have drifted away from what you once held dear. Then you can be a gospel fragrance carrier wherever you go.

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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.

2 Corinthians 1-- Staying Positive in the Negative

Let's face it--life isn't always easy. In fact, much of life is spent dealing with difficulties. In the midst of these tribulations, it can be very difficult to remain positive. But if you are a child of God, you can be assured that your suffering will have a beneficial outcome. 2 Corinthians 1 gives us two such benefits as well as three reminders on how to handle the difficulties. The greatest benefit is that we are able to experience the mercy and comfort of God in a real, dynamic way (vv3-5). Nothing draws us closer to God and enables us to see God for who He is like tribulation. Second, suffering gives us a ministry. We are able to touch, encourage, and positively impact others who go through difficult times. Because we have experienced God, we are able to help others come to that experience for themselves (vv6-7). When we find ourselves in troubling times, there are three things we should do. First, don't trust in yourself but in God who "raises the dead" (vv9-10). Second, get other believers praying for you (v11). Finally, conduct yourself in "simplicity and godly sincerity" as you seek God's grace. Yes, tough times are coming, if you not in them right now! But know that something good can come out of them if you will follow the admonitions of this insightful chapter.
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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.