Frank's Bible Blog

Psalm 62—Avoiding Syncretism

Although I’ve seen it often as I visited different cultures, it never really dawned on me that true Christians can be guilty of it as well. That was until I read Psalm 62.

What I am referring to is syncretism—the blending together of different religions. In particular, I’m talking about to the adding of Christianity to other religions. In Haiti there are those who try to combine voodoo with Christianity. In Africa and elsewhere Christianity is tacked onto ancestral worship.

In missions, we are always quick to point out that anything added to Christianity isn’t true Christianity. Jesus said He was THE way, THE truth and THE life and that no one could come to the Father apart from Him. It is Jesus and Jesus alone—not Jesus plus animism or anything else.

Now before you “amen” that last statement too loudly, consider this: Do you always trust the Lord and the Lord alone to see you through difficulties? Or do you blend a trust of the Lord with a trust in yourself or in something else?

Throughout this Psalm David repeats some form of the phrase “God alone.” God alone was David’s rock, salvation and fortress (vv 2, 6). It was in God alone that his soul found rest and hope (vv1, 5). We are instructed to trust God alone and not in our pride, trickery, or our increased wealth (v10).

How is it that we can trust God and God alone when faced with trials, opposition or other challenges?

There are three things that we have to be absolutely confident about: God is all-powerful (v11), God is loving (v12) and God will reward everyone according to their deeds (v12). God is bigger than the biggest giant you might ever face in your life. God loves you more than you could possibly understand. And God is faithful to reward those who are faithful to Him. If we firmly hold to these three truths then we can truly trust in God alone. But if we falter on any one of these three then we will be tempted to add other things to our trust. We risk being guilty of syncretism—at least when it comes to our daily walk.

Instead, let us heed the words of David (emphasis mine): “Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge” (v8).
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Frank Banfill is an international speaker and leadership developer who seeks to help individuals and ministries realize their full potential in Christ. Please forward this to your family & friends. To get Frank’s devotionals delivered free to your inbox, or to request reprint rights, visit www.FranksBibleBlog.com.

Psalm 52-- Don't Want that on my Grave Marker!

Not far from where I live are two very small and very old cemeteries. Most people driving past them never realize they are there as suburbia has grown up around them. These cemeteries have a little metal fence around them and a handful of plots inside. The grave markers are still there, some dating back to the 1800s.

Imagine if you were looking at one of those tombstones and it read:

"Here now is the man who did not make God his stronghold but trusted in his great wealth and grew strong by destroying others!"

That certainly would be a sad commentary on one's life. Those words weren't written on any of the markers that I saw, but they could be written for many people. They certainly could have been on the tombstone of a guy named Doeg.

In fact, these are the words that David used to describe Doeg in Psalm 52. Doeg worked for King Saul while David was on the run from the king. Doeg lied to Saul and then went on to slaughter 85 priests as well as an entire town of men, women, children and babies (1 Samuel 22:1-23). He was ruthless, and David takes him to task in this psalm of instruction.

This psalm is a vivid reminder that there are and always will be ruthless people who will do anything to get themselves ahead. They will lie, cheat, destroy reputations--whatever it takes to get what they want.

While there may be those who are drawn to people like this, David reminds us that the righteous see through this (v6). They also laugh because they know the fallacy of such living. The contrast to this type of living is the one who trusts in "God's unfailing love for ever and ever" (v8).

Yes, it is easy to get discouraged when you see so many evil and selfish people in the world. But let these be reminders of our need to stay focused on God's unfailing love and living a life that brings Him praise.

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

Psalm 39--Are You Really as Young as You Think?

Are you young or old? Now before you answer consider this: the concept of being young or old is really based on when we expect to die. If you are 20 and you figure you have at least 60 years left, then you consider yourself young. If you are 80 then you might consider yourself old. But should the 20 year old actually think he has plenty of time left? What if he is going to die in the next year? Then he really is old...he has limited time left. The point is this--we often do things or don't do things based on our concept of our age. If we are young, we may put off doing important things because we think we have plenty of time. If we are older, we may aggressively try to complete a"bucket list" while we have time and miss out on some bigger issues. In Psalm 39 David prayed a very interesting prayer. "Show me, O Lord, my life's end and the number of my days" (v4). He went on to ask the Lord to "let me know how fleeting is my life." In essence he was saying, "God, remind me today and every day that I don't have much time left." David wanted to make sure that he made the greatest impact possible for the Lord with whatever time he had left. David also saw that the greatest hindrance to that productivity was sin. "Save me from my transgressions," David pleaded, "do not make me the scorn of fools" (v8). Some live for wealth, but David reminds us that sin can consume that as well. "You rebuke and discipline men for their sin; you consume their wealth like a moth" (v11). Those who pursue wealth do so in vain, "he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it" (v6). The message is don't allow sin and worldly pursuits to rob you of years of productivity for the Lord. Whether we consider ourselves young or old, we all should keep our mortality in view and maximize every day that we have for 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.

Psalm 67-- Why Do You Want God's Blessings?

"God bless me today."

"God bless my family."

"God bless my church."

"God bless America."

Why do you want God to bless you, your family, your church or your nation? That may seem like a silly question at first glance. "Who wouldn't want God's blessings?" you ask.

But think again.

Do you want God's blessings so that you can have a better life? Do you want God's blessings so that you can accumulate more things? Do you want God's blessings so that you can boast of more people attending your church, ministry or programs? Do you want God's blessings so that you can experience prosperity in your nation?

Or do you want God's blessings so that you can be a blessing? Do you want God's blessing so that you have a message to take to those who don't know Him? Do you want God's blessings so that you can reflect God's glory into a world that desperately needs Him? Do you want God's blessings so that you can better accomplish His agenda?

Why do you want God's blessings?

The psalmist makes it clear in Psalm 67 that he wanted God's blessings so that God's "ways may be known on earth, your salvation among the nations" (v2). The psalmist craved God shining His face upon him so that all the peoples of the world would praise the Lord (v3). The psalmist desired God's favor so that those gripped in sin's prison would be set free and have a new song to sing (v4). The psalmist prayed for blessings so that "all the ends of the earth will fear Him" (v7).

Why do you want God's blessings?

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

Psalm 52-- Don't Want that on my Grave Marker!

Not far from where I live are two very small and very old cemeteries. Most people driving past them never realize they are there as suburbia has grown up around them. These cemeteries have a little medal fence around them and a handful of plots inside. The grave markers are still there, some dating back to the 1800s.

Imagine if you were looking at one of those tombstones and it read:

"Here now is the man who did not make God his stronghold but trusted in his great wealth and grew strong by destroying others!"

That certainly would be a sad commentary on one's life. Those words weren't written on any of the markers that I saw, but they could be written for many people. They certainly could have been on the tombstone of a guy named Doeg.

In fact, these are the words that David used to describe Doeg in Psalm 52. Doeg worked for King Saul while David was on the run from the king. Doeg lied to Saul and then went on to slaughter 85 priests as well as an entire town of men, women, children and babies (1 Samuel 22:1-23). He was ruthless, and David takes him to task in this psalm of instruction.

This psalm is a vivid reminder that there are and always will be ruthless people who will do anything to get themselves ahead. They will lie, cheat, destroy reputations--whatever it takes to get what they want.

While there may be those who are drawn to people like this, David reminds us that the righteous see through this (v6). They also laugh because they know the fallacy of such living. The contrast to this type of living is the one who trusts in "God's unfailing love for ever and ever" (v8).

Yes, it is easy to get discouraged when you see so many evil and selfish people in the world. But let these be reminders of our need to stay focused on God's unfailing love and living a life that brings Him praise.

_________________________

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 39--Are You Really as Young as You Think?

Are you young or old? Now before you answer consider this: the concept of being young or old is really based on when we expect to die. If you are 20 and you figure you have at least 60 years left, then you consider yourself young. If you are 80 then you might consider yourself old. But should the 20 year old actually think he has plenty of time left? What if he is going to die in the next year? Then he really is old...he has limited time left. The point is this--we often do things or don't do things based on our concept of our age. If we are young, we may put off doing important things because we think we have plenty of time. If we are older, we may aggressively try to complete a"bucket list" while we have time and miss out on some bigger issues. In Psalm 39 David prayed a very interesting prayer. "Show me, O Lord, my life's end and the number of my days" (v4). He went on to ask the Lord to "let me know how fleeting is my life." In essence he was saying, "God, remind me today and every day that I don't have much time left." David wanted to make sure that he made the greatest impact possible for the Lord with whatever time he had left. David also saw that the greatest hindrance to that productivity was sin. "Save me from my transgressions," David pleaded, "do not make me the scorn of fools" (v8). Some live for wealth, but David reminds us that sin can consume that as well. "You rebuke and discipline men for their sin; you consume their wealth like a moth" (v11). Those who pursue wealth do so in vain, "he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it" (v6). The message is don't allow sin and worldly pursuits to rob you of years of productivity for the Lord. Whether we consider ourselves young or old, we all should keep our mortality in view and maximize every day that we have for God's glory.

_________________________

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 11-- When Having It All Costs You Everything

"When I arrest wealthy people, it is always because they feel there is no mystery to life. They have everything and can control everything, so they do illegal things to make life interesting." Those were the words of a veteran Dallas, TX police officer. What really struck me when he said that was the phrase, "no mystery in life." These people had the ability to plan out what would happen to them, and if things didn't go their way, they had the money to make it the way they wanted it. They turned to crime basically because they got bored. I don't know if boredom was the case here, but in Zechariah 11 we see a description of people who felt like they had everything, that they were in control. At the time it was given, Zechariah's words from the Lord were prophetic. There would be those in Israel's leadership who would have all they need and would show no pity to others, nor would they seek God (vv4-5). God told them that they would see their country come to ruin (vv 6,15-17). This is exactly what happened when the Romans later took over. Jesus said it is hard for a rich man to enter Heaven--not because the rich are worse sinners than the poor, but because it is difficult for them to trust in anything other than themselves. When we are all sufficient, we actually miss out on the fullness of this life, and we certainly miss out on the fullness of eternal life. Even for those of us who have trusted Christ as our Savior, we have to be careful that we don't slip into a state of daily self-reliance. A truly abundant and full life comes by allowing Christ to be in control. The "mystery" of the future becomes a wonderful adventure as we follow the Lord.

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

Zechariah 9-- The Only Thing Constant is Change

I enjoy learning about history and the epic stories of generations gone bye. Whether or not you are a history buff, one thing is clear from even a cursory look at the past--things change. One day there is a global power and the next day that nation or empire's power is gone. We often think things are static and will always be as we know them now. The Egyptian, Babylonian, Persian, Greek, Roman and other world empires all thought their power and influence would continue forever. It didn't. God reminds us in Zechariah 9 of how quickly He can change the global scene, especially when an entity is known for being evil. We are told in verses 3-4 about great cities which had amassed enormous wealth but God promised to destroy them. We are promised in verses 9-10 that there is a coming King, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will change the global power structure once and for all. We also see in verses 11-17 the promise of the ultimate deliverance of God's people. These are all reminders that what we see now is temporary and that no nation is rich enough or powerful enough to sustain itself when God rejects it. This is also a reminder to each of us that we cannot expect the future to be the same as the present if we get too proud. Whatever wealth, prestige, power, or accomplishments we have amassed could be gone in a moment. 

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

Zechariah 1-- Learning from History

We probably are all familiar with the quote, "Those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it." It amazes me how much our society ignores history. I cringe when I watch politicians make the same decisions today that met with disaster 50 years ago, like somehow past mistakes will magically work in this era. I also cringe when I watch individuals and families repeat the past mistakes of their ancestors, or even their own past errors. Like the woman who got cancer after years of smoking. She underwent extensive chemotherapy and saw her cancer go into remission. What did she do next? Went back to smoking--and then couldn't believe it when cancer hit again. Or the family that is in a perpetual financial crisis because any time they do get some money they squander it on unnecessary things. Or the guy who can't hold down a job because he refuses to listen and learn from his bosses. I could go on and on but you get the picture. In Zechariah 1 God challenges the Jews who had returned to Israel from exile, and He exhorts them to remember their history (vv2-6). After 70 years of captivity, brought on by their forsaking God, they returned to their homeland only to repeat the sins of the past. With that exhortation, however, also came a wonderful promise (vv7-17). There was hope if they would learn from their past and return to the Lord. "My cities will again spread out through prosperity; the Lord will again comfort Zion" (v17). Friend, what blessings might you be missing out on today because you have failed to learn from your past? What mistakes do you repeat because you are too stubborn to repent of your sin? Let's learn some lessons from history.

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

Haggai 1-- How to Stop Spinning Your Wheels

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

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

Ezra 3--Fear Factor

There was a long running TV reality game show called Fear Factor where contestants would have to do a series of tasks in order to win the prize. These tasks usually involved something that most people would not want to do--jump across objects suspended high in the air, wade through a pool of snakes, or eat live bugs. The contestants tried to overcome their fears in order to win the cash. Honestly, you couldn't pay me enough money to do some of the things that they did! Now some of the contestants did quit--their fears got the best of them, while others stayed focused on the prize and overcame their fears. In Ezra 3 we see the Jews who recently returned to Israel from captivity overcome their fears in order to worship God. They gathered in Jerusalem "as one man" (v1) to sacrifice, worship, and begin the process of rebuilding the temple. Verse three tell us that, "Though fear had come upon them because of the people of those countries, they set the altar on its bases, and they offered burnt offerings." You see, they were not alone in Israel. There were many other people living there--people from foreign nations who had been captured and placed there. They didn't worship Jehovah, and I'm sure they were not too thrilled when 50,000 people suddenly showed up in their backyard! So even though this was the Jews' homeland, they were the outsiders. But they overcame their fears of "what would the neighbors think" and went ahead with their worship. They also freely gave of their money and possessions to rebuild the temple, overcoming whatever fears might have been associated with losing some of their assets. For some, there also was a fear that the future would not be as good as the past. When the foundation was completed, the older people, those who had seen the original temple, cried (v12). They feared this new temple would not be as good as what they experienced in the "good ole days." The younger folks shouted with joy--they had nothing to compare it to and were thrilled to see their dream starting to take shape. Whatever our fears might be--people, failure, loss of security, or the future--we cannot allow these to crowd out our faith or we will accomplish nothing for the Lord. Fear is a factor, but as people of faith, God's Spirit living in us enables us to do what otherwise would be impossible.
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.

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

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

Psalm 8--Reality Check

The cameras were rolling and the crowds were cheering when in walked the three stars of a popular TV variety show. My daughter and I were in the audience as each "star" made their way, one at a time, from the back of the theater to the front. As each made their way, the crowd chanted their name. One entered giving high fives to those seated on the end of each row. This was the second such show they had filmed that day, with four more to go while they were in town. I've never personally met any of these three stars, so I don't really know what kind of people they are, but I can imagine that hearing crowds chant your name all the time could affect your ego. It's not, however, just the famous who have to watch their ego. I think all of us at times can get caught up with ourselves, especially if there are people around us cheering our efforts. Psalm 8, however, is a great reality check as it contrasts man to the vast glory and creative abilities of God. "When I consider Your heavens, the work of your fingertips," David wrote, "what is man that You are mindful of him?" What is man compared to the incredible glory of Almighty God? Have you ever considered the vastness of the universe? To man, it goes on without end. Yes, God has reached out to us and given us dominion over this world (v6) but we must never lose our perspective of who we are in relation to God. As great as you might become in the eyes of some, the world does not and will not revolve around you! Once we have this reality check, then we can say "O Lord, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth!" (v9).
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.

Psalm 4-- Standing Out from the Crowd

Have you ever sat in a mall and people watched? Dozens of people walk by and you don't notice anything particular about them, they just blend in with the crowd. Then along comes someone who's appearance sets them apart from everyone else. Maybe they have brilliantly bright neon green colored hair or they are wearing clothes with colors that clash so bad you spot them a block away. Whatever the reason, they just stand out. Well, as believers we should stand out from the crowds around us--not because we dyed our hair or dress like it was 50 years ago--but because we pursue godliness. Psalm 4 discusses what it means to stand out from the crowds (vv1-2) as we seek to be more like God. The godly are special to the Lord--He sets them apart for divine service (v3). The godly know that God hears their prayers (v3). Godly men and women are careful to avoid sin and regularly evaluate their lives (v4). Godly people actively serve the Lord and have an unwavering trust in Him (v5). Godly people enjoy a unique joy and peace that is not dependent upon their circumstances (vv7-8). All of these things make the godly stand out in a world that pursues sin and self interests. What about you? Do you stand out from the crowd because of your godliness? Or does your life look like the unbelievers around you?
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.

Psalm 2--The Thousand Room Home and Sun Facing Statue

The Palace of Parliament, or the People's Palace as it was once known, is a massive building in the heart of Romania's capital city of Bucharest. I've been to this building several times, and each trip I renew my amazement. Not so much that it is the second largest building in the world, but I am amazed each time I hear its history. The communist dictator Ceausescu was building the structure at the time of his death in 1989 (actually, his execution by a mob). He had 20,000 people working 24 hour shifts to construct the more than 1,000 room edifice (some of those rooms are massive). This would be Ceausescu's crowning glory, a testimony to the world of his greatness. Of course he never lived to see it completed, and he demolished 30,000 homes and two dozen churches and synagogues in the construction process. Nearly a decade after Ceausescu's death, another man in another country, Turkmenistan, was also building an edifice to himself. Saparmurat Niyazov, or "Turkmenbashi" (father of all Turkmen) as he liked to call himself, built a 246 foot tall tower with a 40 foot tall gold statue of himself on top. The statue rotates with the sun. The list goes on and on of world leaders, past and present, who saw themselves as someone great. What does God think of all this? In Psalm 2 we are told "He who sits in the heavens shall laugh" (v4). Man can lift himself up and proclaim himself great but no one and nothing compares to the power and majesty of Jesus Christ, who will be given "The nations for (His) inheritance, and the ends of the earth for (His) possession" (v8). While you and I may not be building 1,000 room homes or 40 foot statues of ourselves, Psalm 2 is a reminder that we all need to keep our pride in check.
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.

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

Genesis 27--The Collapsing Family

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

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

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

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

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

Genesis 21-- Better than the Midas Touch

We've heard the fable of King Midas and how everything he touched turned to gold. A lot of people wish they had that ability--especially in this day. But what if you could have something better than the Midas touch? What if there was something better than the ability to turn things into gold? Well, there is. In Genesis 21, King Abimelech of Gerar makes a profound statement to Abraham. He said "God is with you in everything that you do" (v22). Wow! God with Abraham in everything he did? That is far better than the Midas touch! It was evident to everyone around Abraham that God's hand was on him. But that same statement can--and should--be said of us. When we walk in faith and obedience to God, with a passion to please Him, we have something that others don't. We have God's favor on our lives because our lives glorify Him. In this chapter, we see God fulfilling His promise to give a son to Abraham through his wife Sarah. We see God protecting Ishmael, Abraham's son by his handmaid, as he and his mother tried to survive the desert after being banished by Sarah. We also see God's blessing on Ishmael because of Abraham (v13). Abraham was concerned about what might happen to Ishmael, but God assured Abraham that He would work it all out. Abraham rested on that promise, just like he had on so many other things he had heard from the Lord. You see, when God's hand is on us, we realize His promises, others are blessed because of us, and His presence permeates all that we do. This didn't happen to Abraham by accident, nor does it happen to us accidentally. Can it be said of you that God is with you in all that you do? If not, maybe it is because you haven't included God in everything that you do--from the very beginning. Too often we plan and then ask God to bless our plans. Too often we ask God to bail us out of a mess when we should have asked God for direction in the first place. We want to tack God onto what we are doing rather than seeking Him from the very beginning. "Seek first the kingdom of God," Jesus said. If we will do that, then we can experience the hand of God on our lives just like Abraham did. Having God with us is better than any fabled super-human ability!

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

Genesis 19-- When Dirt Doesn't Bother You Anymore

Dirty Jobs is a television show about some of the dirtiest jobs in America. The show's host spends a day on a "dirty" job doing exactly what the workers do. One day it's cleaning up dung at an alligator farm, the next it's cleaning out the inside of a garbage truck, then it's on to scrubbing the inside of a city's sewer. There also was the show where he had to catch snakes and cause them to regurgitate their last meal. The host often finds himself waist deep in various "stuff" in his attempt to show what it would be like to do that particular job. At first you wonder how anyone could do these jobs, but for the people who do them, it is no big deal. After a while the workers get use to it. It doesn't seem dirty to them. Genesis 19 is a study of how a good person can get caught up in the "dirt" of this world to the point where the dirt no longer bothers him. In this chapter, God destroys Sodom and Gomorrah. Before He does, however, He mercifully allows Lot and his family to escape. The fact that Lot was even living in these cities is a testimony to how desensitized he had gotten to the "dirt" around him. These cities were so incredibly wicked that God had to destroy them. Just the little bit we learn about these places here in this chapter is enough to make us cringe. Yet Lot, who is from a godly family, was right in the midst of them sitting at the gate (v1). Typically, people who "sat at the gate" were either political leaders of the city or businessmen. Lot knew the kind of people who lived in that city, which is why he feared for the safety of the visiting "men" (angels actually) who had come to warn him of the city's demise. When he told his sons-in-laws that they needed to get out with him, they laughed at him, which says a lot about the kind of people they were. Lot was reluctant to leave. His wife's heart was there. His daughters were very depraved in their thinking and later in the chapter did an unimaginable thing with their father. This family, under Lot's leadership, had gotten waist deep in filth--and it ended up costing them greatly. Lot lost his wife, his dignity, his influence and his wealth. It all started when Lot set his gaze towards Sodom. Before long he was engulfed by its dirt. Don't let this happen to you! Don't set your gaze towards the wickedness of this world or move towards its filth.
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.

Genesis 6-- The Search for Another Noah

With each newspaper article, TV newscast, Internet story and even blog postings, I shake my head and wonder how much more depraved can man get. Just when you think you have heard it all comes another shocking story of someone doing something so outrageous that your jaw drops. Then I look at people in leadership--media, politics, and even sports--and their actions are appalling. They have a world view that elevates personal satisfaction, power, and fame above the sanctity of life and any resemblance of godliness or decency. They worship at the altar of humanism. In the midst of such a scene, God is looking for people to stand out. He is looking for someone to go against the flow of popular culture, workplace peer pressure, or deviant political agendas. He is looking for another Noah. In Genesis 6 the world had gotten so bad that everything was corrupt. Violence was everywhere (v11). All mankind could think about was that which was evil (v5). Every intent of their thoughts were wicked. Maybe this sounds like some people you work with, or the society in which you find yourself. Notice two words in verse 8: "But Noah." In the midst of all this garbage was one person who distinguished himself from everyone else. There was one person who "walked with God" (v9). One person who God knew would be obedient to Him (v22). Today, God is looking for men and women like Noah. Will you be one of them?
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.

Ecclesiastes 12-- The Ghost of Christmas Future

Do you remember the classic tale A Christmas Story? Ebeneezer Scrooge lost perspective on life. That impacted his priorities and how he treated others. It took the Ghost of Christmas Future to help Scrooge see how he would waste his life if he continued living like he was living. In a sense, Solomon is our "Ghost of Christmas Future" as he in Ecclesiastes 12 walks us to the edge of the end of our lives and invites us to look back. The time for procrastination will end. There will be no more "I'll get serious about this tomorrow" because the days of being able to do anything will have ended. Let me encourage you to carefully read Solomon's description of what it is like when we get older (vv 2-8). As he entered his later years, Solomon realized how much of his life he had wasted pursuing temporary things. Every day we spend focused on our own priorities and living for ourselves is a day that is wasted--and a day that can never be recovered. And it is a day that we one day will regret. So how can we live our lives without regret? How can we maximize our lives and live them to their fullest? Three things. First, start now (v1). Don't delay! No matter what age you are, this is the time to put God first in your life. Don't wait another day. Second, pursue wisdom throughout your life and not just knowledge (vv9-12). Learning is good and we should be life-long students, but knowledge for the sake of knowledge is shallow. Wisdom, however, will enable us to successfully navigate life and help others to do the same. Finally, do what God says to do (v13). It is just that simple. Have enough fear, appreciation, reverence, love, etc. for God that you follow what He says to do. That is our purpose. That is what life is all about. That is what will give our life meaning, fullness, and true joy. There is no such thing as the Ghost of Christmas Future, so if you are waiting for him to show up, you are out of luck. Learn from the mistakes of Solomon--don't waste any day of your life.
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at www.maxpoint.org/message_board.

Ecclesiastes 11-- Whose the Center of Your Universe?

Unfortunately we see it all the time. From athletes to Hollywood celebrities to the guy next door, we live amidst people whose worlds only revolve around themselves. They know little to nothing about generosity. Then there are the politicians who say we need to look out for each other and stop being so greedy--but when their own finances are revealed we discover that they made millions but only gave away a couple thousand dollars. We each have a fundamental choice that we must make. Are we going to live for ourselves exclusively or are we going to live for God and others? It is one thing to talk about being our brother's keeper; it is quite another thing to do it. This is the focus of Ecclesiastes 11 where we are told that we need to be generous to others (vv1-8) and not make excuses for not giving. Solomon, who spent years acquiring things for himself, finally realizes the shallowness of stuff and the importance of helping others. God does reward us when we give (v1) but that reward is not always immediate. Solomon also encourages us to give when we have the opportunity to do so and not delay (v2) because we do not know what might come in the future that would keep us from being able to give. Self-focused living is not only about what we do with our money and possessions, but whether or not we allow God to direct us. "Walk in the ways of your heart, and in the sight of your eyes," Solomon says, "but know that for all these God will bring you into judgment" (v9). When we live for ourselves we only end up bringing grief upon ourselves (v10). So today you have a choice. Who are you going to make the center of your universe?
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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.

Ecclesiastes 6-- I Can't Get No Satisfaction

It is considered to be one of the top rock songs of all-time. The Rolling Stones' (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction could be considered an anthem, not only to the generation of the 60s when the song was released, but really to every generation. Every generation looks for satisfaction in a myriad of things but ultimately comes up short if they don't have God in their lives. In a sense, Solomon was singing this song long before the Rolling Stones when he wrote in Ecclesiastes 6 "All the labor of man is for his mouth, and yet the soul is not satisfied" (v7). God has placed within every person a longing for Him. No matter how hard we work or how much we attain, we can never have true satisfaction as long as that God-void exists. Life is uncertain (v12) but death is assured for all (v6). The only answer to life's uncertainty, death's certainty, and mankind's desire for satisfaction is to embrace Christ and fill our lives with God's goodness (v3). Do that and you can get satisfaction!

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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.

Ecclesiastes 5-- Your Money and Your Mouth

There are two things that can get us into quick trouble--our mouth and a love for material possessions. Every day I hear or see numerous advertisements either encouraging applying for credit cards or telling how they can fix your credit card problems. Here in the U.S. many people have taken the "I have to have it now" approach to things rather than asking if they can afford it or not. Materialism has led to all kinds of social and even political ills. And then there is our mouth. Every one of us knows what it is like for our mouths to get us into trouble! Ecclesiastes 5 provides an important lesson on the need to control both of these. So many times we are quick to speak but we don't listen--and we miss out. Even when we go to church we often don't listen. Solomon encourages us that when we go to God's house we should "draw near to hear" (v1). Guarding our mouth is important every day. We should not be so quick to speak that we don't think through what we are saying (v2). Rather, we should fulfill our promises (vv4-5) and not make excuses when we do say things we shouldn't. The other subject this chapter explores is that of materialism. One of the most misquoted verses in the Bible is the verse in James that says "the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil." Many say that "money is the root of all evil." Solomon makes it clear here, just as James did in his epistle, that the issue isn't money or material things, rather it is our hearts and where we place our love and focus. When we love things we will never be satisfied (vv10-11) and we will spend our lives laboring in vain (vv12-17). When our focus is on the Lord and pleasing Him with our work, then we can be satisfied with what God brings our way because we see it as "the gift of God" (v19). We have a promise that our work will have significance "for he will not dwell unduly on the days of his life because God keeps him busy with the joy of his heart." Our work becomes our joy because we are doing it for the Lord. Let's take to heart the two great teachings of this chapter--let's be careful with our words and let's keep our hearts focused on God and not the "stuff" around us.

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

Ecclesiastes 2-- Work, Work, Work

For almost the entire seven years that I lived near "Bob" he worked two jobs. His wife also often worked two jobs. His life was consumed with work. No time to maintain his house, and little time for his then teenage children. Finally "Bob" had reached the point where he could retire from one of his jobs. In a reflective moment, "Bob" told me "I worked and worked, but now I realize how little I have for all that work, especially when I think about all I missed out on." When he finally reached what he was working towards--retirement (or at least partial retirement)--it wasn't what he thought it would be. Like "Bob," no one could ever accuse Solomon of being lazy. The litany of projects that he was involved in, as outlined in Ecclesiastes 2, would make even Donald Trump stop and take notice. On top of that, Solomon was "successful" at everything he did. Yet when he realized that one day he would leave it all behind--all to someone who didn't work for it (v18)--he became very discouraged. His conclusion was that work without a bigger, eternal purpose, is meaningless. But if we live our lives focused on pleasing God, then work and the benefits of it become joyous (vv24-26). It isn't work just for the sake of work, but it is work in the context of purpose--and that makes all the difference!

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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.

Ecclesiastes 1-- When Having It All Just Isn't Enough

Thanks to the advent of reality television, we now get insights into all kinds of people's lives, including famous ones. Now, I'm not a big reality TV fan by any means, but I do catch some segments of different shows every once in a while. I remember one that followed the day in and day out life of a certain celebrity. As I watched the clips from a couple different episodes, I remember thinking "boy, she sure seems empty. She has money and people at her beckoned call to do whatever she wants, but she looks lost and alone."  A couple years later she turned up dead in a hotel room, the result of a bad combination of prescription drugs. Apparently she was going to multiple doctors to get more and more kinds medicine to help with her emotional pain. But you don't have to be rich and famous to feel like your life is trapped in a never ending rut. It can, and does, happen to anyone. This is the message of Ecclesiastes chapter one, and really the entire book of Ecclesiastes. Solomon, who definitely "had it all," exclaimed "Look, I have attained greatness, and have gained more wisdom than all who were before me in Jerusalem" (v16). Even that, however, was not enough as he went on to say "For in much wisdom is much grief, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow" (v18). This is what happens when our pursuits are shallow. When we pursue money, or knowledge or even wisdom just for the sake of getting it, we are left empty. There is more to life than these because we were created for a higher purpose. We were created to bring glory to God. If we can focus on that reality, it will help us avoid that trapped feeling and keep our lives out of a mind-numbing rut.

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

Nehemiah 10-- The Midnight Ride and Revival

In The Tipping Point, author Malcolm Gladwell shows how little things, done in the right way, can make a big difference. One example he uses is Paul Revere's midnight ride which was effective in rallying fighters against the British in colonial America. The reason this event was so successful and people actually responded to Revere, rather than dismissing him as a crazed lunatic, had to do with a couple of key factors: who and when. Paul Revere was the right person to make that ride because he had a good reputation and was known in those parts. In other words, when Paul spoke people listened. The second factor was that the ride took place at midnight--which would have really gotten people's attention and heightened their sense of urgency. When we look at the history of great revivals we see these two factors playing an important role. In Nehemiah 10, we see the climax of a great revival that was started in chapter 9 when the Jewish people were exposed to God's word (the when). Nehemiah, as the political leader, accompanied by religious leaders and other well respected people (the who) made a solemn covenant to God. Then "everyone who had knowledge and understanding joined with their brethren, their nobles, and entered into...an oath...to do all the commandments of the Lord" (v29). That covenant involved no intermarrying with pagans, keeping God's commands about the Sabbath and sacrifices, tithing, and caring for God's house. The people demonstrated true repentance--they changed their sinful ways both in what they did (sins of commission) and what they didn't do but should have done (sins of omission). You may not consider yourself to be a Nehemiah or a Paul Revere when it comes to leadership, but you do have those around you whom you influence. If revival grips your life then that could be the spark that leads to revival in others. You could be the who that God uses to initiate a great awakening in your family, work, church and even your community.

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

Nehemiah 5-- The Hen and the Hog

You have probably heard the story of the hen and the hog that were walking past a church. The church's marquee announced a breakfast they were having that Sunday. "We should provide their breakfast," said the hen, "there's nothing like bacon and eggs on a Sunday morning." The hog turned to the hen and replied "for you, that would mean a minor inconvenience but for me it is a total commitment."  A lot of us are like that hen--we are willing to be slightly inconvenienced once in a while but like the hog, we won't make a total commitment. We don't want to go too far when it comes to making sacrifices. Serving Christ, however, is a commitment that often requires sacrifices. Nehemiah 5 is a great story of someone committed to pleasing God and doing the right thing, even though it cost him in the short term. Notice five sacrifices that Nehemiah made. First, he sacrificed a pay raise when he became governor (v14-15a). Second, he sacrificed power (v15b). Next, he sacrificed personal comfort (v16a) as he stayed engaged in the building project. Fourth, Nehemiah gave up investment opportunities (v16b). Finally, he gave much of his own income to feed and care for others (vv17-18). All that Nehemiah asked was that God would remember him for all that good that he had done for others (v19). I believe that God certainly did remember him--just like God remembers us and blesses us for doing what is right. So, which will it be for you today? A slight inconvenience or a total commitment?

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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.

Revelation 18- The Ultimate Stock Market Crash

We have seen over the years, and especially recently, the world's various stock markets drop dramatically. In a matter of a few hours, huge fortunes are wiped out--at least on paper. Eventually, however, things settle down and stocks rise once again. Revelation 18 describes a coming time when the world's economic system will crash--for good--shortly before Christ's second coming. The chapter vividly describes the fall of the world's economic and political system, referred to as "Babylon" and it is apparently different from the "Babylon" of chapter 17 which refers to the false religious system. Exactly what is meant by "Babylon" in 18, as a literal city or system, etc. is open to interpretation. There is, however, a clear picture given of how the world will be given to greed and completely immersed in materialism. Those who become believers during the Tribulation are told to "Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins and lest you receive her plagues" (v4). This is a great word that we can apply to our lives today. We cannot live for money, luxury, and self-gratification. These are shallow and eventually will fail. Yet it is very easy in a society that so emphasizes money to get caught up in the hysteria. We must never let wealth become an end in itself. I've seen people of all economic situations--poor to rich--get lost in a wealth obsession. I've also seen people in all economic situations keep there focus on Christ and not material things. What about you? Have you gotten caught up in the wealth obsession, or do you keep things in perspective?

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

Revelation 12-- The Keys to Victory

Before just about every televised sports event the commentators come on camera and discuss the "keys to the game" or the "keys to victory," which are what each team needs to do in order to win. We've seen those games where even the biggest underdog prevails in the game because they followed the keys to victory. Well, we have some keys to victory in this life. We have some keys that will enable us to overcome the evil one--Satan--who is the accuser of the brethren and the one who tries to paralyze us with guilt and fear. In Revelation 12 we see the Devil (referred to as the "great dragon" in verse 9) being once and for all kicked out of heaven. We see as he turns his wrath towards Israel, which is referred to here as "the woman" who gave birth to a "child" which is Christ (v5). We also see how God's children gained victory over him in verse 11. "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death." In that verse are the three keys to victorious living. First is the sacrificial atonement of Christ. This is relying on Christ's power and His salvation. The second key was their testimony--how Christ had saved them and forgave them. Romans tells us that there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ. Satan wants us to live in guilt and focus on past mistakes, but we overcome his attacks by reminding him of our testimony. We remind him that we no longer live under condemnation because of our salvation in Christ. We no longer are guilty because we have been covered by the blood of Christ's sacrifice and have received His forgiveness. The third key is loving God more than our own lives. When Satan attacks, he attacks what is closest to us--our lives and the things in it that are most important to us. But if we consider ourselves dead already to Christ, as the Apostle Paul did, then it doesn't matter what the devil throws at us. We don't love who we are or what we have more than we love God and His purposes for us. Therefore, a loss of possessions or even our health does not impede us from victory. This last key may be the hardest for us to grasp and fully implement, but if we do, then the results will be absolutely amazing. Christ's sacrifice, our testimony, and properly-placed love are the keys to victory.
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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.

Revelation 3-- Seeing the Obvious, continued

Yesterday we saw how easy it is to get accustomed to something and not even notice it. We saw how you can drive past the same building for years and not realize it is there. Revelation 3 continues this theme as it records Christ's words to three more actual churches. The church at Sardis was close to death and didn't realize it. It was still going through the motions of being a church, but what life it had was quickly dissipating. The church at Philadelphia (no--it wasn't in Pennsylvania!) had a great ministry opportunity before it--but it was missing the obvious because it was too focused on its weaknesses. The final church, Laodicea, was no longer usable to the Lord--it was like lukewarm water that wasn't good for anything. It got this way through arrogance and self-sufficiency rather than God-dependency. Does your life reflect one of these situations that should be obvious to you but isn't? If you paused and took an honest look at your life, would it seem that your spiritual zeal is dying? You don't read the Bible like you used to. You hardly pray any more. Maybe your church attendance has become inconsistent. Or maybe you are like that church at Philadelphia. God is giving you opportunity to serve Him but you keep making excuses about your weaknesses. Or maybe you look like that church that no longer is usable to God. You are so self-focused and try to be so self-sufficient that you no longer humbly seek God's direction, power, and provision. Let's don't be guilty of missing the obvious. Let's ask God, and others if needed, to show us what we might be missing so that we can have dynamic Christian lives that glorify God and impact the world.
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at www.maxpoint.org/message_board.

1 John 2-- Gold Medal Living

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

John 19-- Crucifixion Characters

They were there, witnessing the most pivotal day in human history. They were the people with "supporting roles" in the greatest drama ever--the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. When we look at the lives of those present at Christ's death, as recorded in John 19, we may actually see ourselves. First there was Pilot, the Roman governor. He was a people-pleaser who didn't have the courage to stand by his own decisions. Next there were the chief priests and Jewish officials. They had their own agendas, which Christ did not fit into. Then we see the Roman soldiers gambling for Jesus' garments. Nothing was sacred to them--they viewed all of life from a secular viewpoint. After Christ died, two men prepared his body for burial--Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. These were "undercover" believers--followers of Christ but they wanted to keep their beliefs secret. Finally, there were those devoted to Jesus--his mother, his aunt, John, and others who would follow Him to what appeared to be the end, regardless of what might happen to them. When you look at this cast of characters, does any resemble you? Are you the type that won't stand by your convictions and are always giving in to the crowd? Or maybe you have your own agenda that Christ just doesn't fit into right now. What about your view of life? Is anything truly sacred to you? Are you a follower of Christ but afraid to let anyone else know? Or are you truly devoted to Him and willing to follow Him anywhere He leads? Take a fresh look at the crucifixion today and see where you stand in your relationship to Jesus Christ.

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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 Timothy 4-- What will be on Your Tombstone?

While no one really wants to contemplate death, it is interesting to walk through cemeteries and read the grave markers. This is especially true of real old cemeteries. In just a few words engraved in stone, you get a sense of the person's entire life. What will be engraved on your tombstone? If the Apostle Paul had a grave marker, it could read something like "He fought the good fight. He finished his race. He kept the faith." All words that Paul used of himself in 2 Timothy 4:7-8. Could those words be said of you? Did you fight the good fight by not giving up in the midst of adversity (vv5,8)? Did you finish the entire race that God sat out for you by avoiding falling in love with this world (vv9-10)? Have you kept the faith by enduring sound doctrine (v3), having an answer for those outside the faith (v2), and listening only to the truth (v4)? Fought, finished, kept--may these words be true of all of us.
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at www.maxpoint.org/message_board.