Frank's Bible Blog

God is Answering Your Prayers: Thank you!

In Jaunary I asked my blog readers to pray wisdom, clear direction from God and provision for MaxPoint (our ministry) and my family. I’m glad to report that many people accepted that challenge. Since then, I have been sprinting to catch up to all that God is doing—and that is a direct result of your prayers. Thank you!

Through that season of intense prayer, God showed me that clarity is absolutely vital, that wisdom often calls for thinking outside the box, that provision follows responding to God’s direction (not before), and that pride is an obstacle to realizing God’s provisions.

It became clear that direction was the most important of the three things we prayed about--even more important than wisdom. While the two are related, I see wisdom as showing us how to walk once we have chosen where to walk. During this process the Lord cleared the fog and clarified the vision for MaxPoint: Change the world by transforming villages into Christ-centered, self-sustaining communities (see more at www.maxpoint.org).

Second came the wisdom to know how to move within that path. God started bringing people to me who shared my vision and were interested in joining in its fulfillment. In order to fully utilize them, however, I would have to think outside the box. For MaxPoint, this means becoming a missionary sending agency with missionaries living both abroad and in the U.S. It also means a name change from MaxPoint Ministries to MaxPoint Missions, which our Board recently approved.

God convicted me a lot about my third request which was for provision. Even though I knew better, I had slipped into backwards thinking: Where God provides that’s where He guides. I had been looking for ways that God might provide rather than looking for the ways He was guiding. Throughout Scripture and history, however, we see God guiding first then providing for those who step out in faith.

I also saw that pride can block God’s provision. God is reminding me that when He gives a vision it is usually much bigger than the person He gives it to—and it requires the participation of others to be realized. Pride says don’t ask anyone for help. Pride says you can do this alone. But vision says you must bring others onboard, which means mobilizing laborers, prayer partners and financial supporters. When the Apostle Paul invited others to financially support his ministry, he gave them an opportunity to experience the power of God in their lives and receive His blessings (Philippians 4:10-20). Recently I shared my ministry vision and strategy with a friend and invited him to become part of our support team, which he gladly accepted. “Thank you for letting me be part of your team. I’m glad that I get to help reach these villages.” His words were a flashback to what Paul said and a reminder that I have to get pride out of the way and allow others to share in the blessings of the Lord’s work.

In the days ahead I will be reaching out to many more people to share this vision and the various ways they can get involved with MaxPoint. I would love to personally connect with you! If you have any interest please call, email or reach me through the “Contact Us” page at www.maxpoint.org and let's talk. Who knows but the Lord just might want us working together to impact this world for Him!

Thank you for your prayers—both past and future.

--Frank

James 2-- Even the demons believe

This is the third and final guest blogger post from my wife Beth. I know it will be a blessing to you! Beth writes regularly and I would encourage you to sign up for her blog by visiting www.GodandMe2TheMax.com. --Frank Banfill

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"You believe that there is one God?  Good!  Even the demons believe that, and they are afraid!"
James 2:19  

"Not by might.  Not by power.  But by my Spirit, says the Lord."
Zechariah 4:6

"At the name of Jesus, every knee will bow and every tounge will confess He is Lord."
Philippians 2:10

It was late in the morning, Monday June 11th.  We were high up in the mountains of the village of Bukabwa, a twenty minute drive by Land Rover over a bumpy, dusty, rocky, hole-filled road.  As I mentioned in an earlier post, Bukabwa had long been forgotten by the government, much because of the villager's widespread involvement in witchcraft.  Yet, even with this knowledge, I remember making the comment to someone on the team how there has been literally no resistence to the Gospel message by the people we've shared with.  Funny how things work out, because on Monday, Katelyn, Gladys, and I would have a whole new experience.

We were already late for lunch, and we had at least a few miles to walk on a thin dirt path about eight inches wide, briers on each side, with corn stalks surrounding us, just to get back to where we would meet for our Bible study/discipleship group time.  Moses, one of the teenagers from the church was from this area, and he wanted to take us everywhere he knew of.  Although he lived so far from where the church is in Bukabwa, his parents are leaders in the church, committed to walk the long road for several hours, just to go to church.  It was past time for lunch, but Moses said we needed to go to this last hut before heading back, so of course we did.  He was our guide, after all.

As we began to share with Niamtodo Enock, a woman whose age was likely disguised by her tanned and leathered skin.  My best guess was that Niamtodo was maybe fifty, but she easily looked as if she was easily in her upper sixties.  As Katelyn began to share, Niamtodo's daughter Mariam walked over with a hesitant look and began to interrupt.  I remember her eyes, and they were disturbing.

I'm not sure of her exact words, but they went something like this, "I don't want you to use that word here in my presence.  I don't want you talk to me.  I don't want to hear this.  I'm afraid if you say that name, then the demon will hurt me."  She went on to tell us how she had given herself over to witchcraft a number of years ago, and she had a demon inside her.  She didn't want us to speak the name of Jesus in her presence, and that was that.  She then walked away and continued to make lunch for the family.

Jesus.  Such a powerful and strong name.  So strong that the demons are afraid to hear it.

Katelyn and I looked at each other, I'm sure with our eyes beginning to bulge out of their sockets, as Mariam walked away, out of earshot of our conversation with her mom.  She had heard enough of what we were saying to understand the power of the Gospel, and she was scared to death.  You could see it in her eyes.

We then continued to talk to Niamtodo.  She understood the power of the Gospel as well, and she wanted nothing more than to turn from her sin, invite Jesus into her life, and ask Him to take control.  I think Katelyn did most of the talking with Niamtodo, because I can only remember keeping my eyes on Mariam over by the fire.  After we visited with Niamtodo some more and invited her to the Bible study less than an hour later, our translator told us that we were really late now, and we had to get back.

My eyes glanced over at Mariam again, and I felt time stand still.  Perhaps you've never encoutered spiritual warfare like this, and you are leary of what I am writing, but let me tell you it's real.  It's very real.  My mind raced.  Was I prayed up enough to go address Mariam?  What would I say?  I asked God to give me strength, and before I knew it, I was walking toward her, and I remember thinking Hebrews 4:12 "the Word of God is quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword."  I don't know if I actually spoke that verse out loud or thought it.  I honestly can't remember everything I said, because it wasn't me talking.  I know the Holy Spirit was giving me the words to say and bringing back every Bible verse that could be used against the enemy at that moment.  I'm sure Gladys thought I was a nut, but she must have been just as crazy, because she followed me over to Mariam and translated for me.

I told Mariam that I was about to leave, but I could not leave without trying to talk to her one last time.  I told her about Jesus and how he shed His blood on the cross for her sin and my sin.  I told her how the only way to have freedom is by turning from sin and giving Christ control.  I remember quoting Bible verse after Bible verse, including I John 4:4 "Greater is He that is in me than He that is in the world."  I told her when we accept this free gift of salvation, Christ comes to live within us, and when that happens, a demon control you any longer.  I remember telling her that she knows it's truth that I was telling her, and the truth will set her free.  I said that knowing about it isn't good enough, that the Bible says that the demons believe in God, and the are afraid, but she had to make a decision to ask God to take control.

I have no idea what else I said, I remember being aware of only three things.  First, I knew Katelyn was standing behind me, fervently praying.  I didn't see her, but I knew she was there; I could feel it.  Secondly, I kept looking at that open fire she was cooking over, thinking, "Lord, I know you can cast that demon right into that open flame.  Lord, please cast that demon into the open flame!"  And finally, I knew what was coming out of my mouth was from God and God alone.  There is no way this scaredy-cat girl who is afraid of even the smallest bug would have done what I did in my own strength, that's for sure!

Then I asked her, "Mariam, are you ready?  Are you ready to give God control?  Are you ready?  Are you ready?"

Mariam looked at me for what seemed like an eternity, and with her face beginning to distort, she broke down in tears sobbing.  "I'm ready.  I'm ready right now.  I'm ready."

I believe in my heart it was at that moment, when she made a decision to turn from her sin and give God control, that the demon left her.  I often tell people that praying the "sinner's prayer" isn't magic words.  It's the change that takes place in your heart that God looks at.  And I think that's what happened with Mariam, because as I said, Mariam was making ugali by the fire.  She was responsible to feed not only her mother, but her husband and children, and let me tell you by golly, she was not going to stop making that lunch for them!  After she broke down in tears saying she was ready to give her life to Christ, she gathered her composure and for the next few minutes finished making the meal, served it up for her family, and then came to us to pray and solidify the decision.

Praise God we had Barnabus, one of the staff membrers from the AIC (African Inland Church) with us on that visit.  He had not been with us on any previous visits nor any future ones, but God had him there for that one.  He led Mariam in the sinners prayer, and he prayed over her.  Then he looked her in the eyes, and said "Yesu.  Yesu.  Yesu."  Then he asked her to say it over and over, "Jesus.  Jesus.  Jesus."  There was no more fear in her eyes.  There was no hesitation, as she said the name of Jesus over and over.

Immediately, she started asking tough questions about how to turn from some of the strongholds in her life.  Immediately, she wanted to know the right thing to do in certain situations.  Her understanding of spiritual things had been so clouded by her background, but she wanted to know the truth.  We finally had to say goodbye and leave Mariam.  We were nearly ninety minutes late for lunch and already late for the afternoon discipleship groups.  We prayed.  We hugged.  And we left.  But this time, we left Mariam and Niamtodo Enock with Jesus.

 

 
Front Row, Left to Right: Niamtodo and Mariam Enock.  Gladys.
Second Row, Left to Right: Beth Banfill, Moses, a sliver of Sanjura Juma Magige (who accepted Christ just two days earlier), Katelyn Nichols, and Christopher, one of the church workers.

 

--- Beth Banfill
www.GodandMe2theMax.com

Philippians 4-- Mind Games

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

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

Philippians 3-- Focusing the Binoculars

I have a hard time getting binoculars to focus right for me. It seems that by the time I get both eyes into focus, whatever I hoped to see is long gone. But if I can somehow manage to get it into focus quickly, then I am able to see so much better and farther than with my naked eyes. I was in Alaska and spotted bald eagles way up in the sky wanted to watch them fly to their nest. That time, however, I was able to get things focused and followed the majestic birds to their nest. This is a lot like life. We know there is more than what we see at the moment, but often have a hard time bringing it into focus. Philippians 3 is very much about the power of focus and how it can revolutionize our lives. Here are seven things we can do to bring focus and enable our lives to have greater perspective. First, rejoice in the Lord (v1). Be happy! Sing of His goodness! Be optimistic not pessimistic. Second, beware of those who would steal your focus and place it onto false doctrines or selfish ambitions (vv2-4). Third, get your eyes off your resume'--don't focus on your personal accomplishments but on Christ (vv4-9). Next, don't let a day go by that you don't reflect on what Christ did for you on the cross (vv10-11). Fifth, leave the past in the past (v13). Sixth, know the goal (vv12-14)--glorifying Christ by fulfiling our unique mission on this earth. Finally, don't forget where your citizenship lies. As followers of Christ, we are citizens of heaven (v20) and should act accordingly. These are seven things better than binoculars that can bring clear focus to our lives!

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

Philippians 2--Others First

Let's face it--we live in a very "me" focused society. We look out after our own interests first, and then if we have the time or desire might consider others. We often expect everyone to cater to our needs. We are determined to climb the corporate ladder even if it is at the expense of others. As believers, however, we should be just the opposite. That is the message of Philippians 2 which provides the Bible's best illustration of selflessness: Jesus Christ (vv1-11). In addition, we have two other examples of selflessness in this chapter, Timothy (vv19-24) and Epaphroditus (vv25-30). Jesus not only suffered and died on a cross, but He gave up all of Heaven to come into this world to be born not in a palace but in a manger. Timothy was different than most of his time who sought their own, "not the things which are of Christ" (v21). Timothy had proved himself time and again by selflessly serving others. While we don't know a lot about Epaphroditus, we do know that he came close to death because of his work for Christ and service to the saints (v30). How can we truly be selfless and put others first? It all starts in the mind. "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus" (v5). That mind does not focus on personal rights. That mind does not seek personal pleasure above all else. That mind does not look down on other people who are not what you are or who don't have what you have. That mind places enormous value on people, seeking to find ways to make their lives better. Do you have that mind? If not, ask God to give it to you and then look for ways where you must intentionally humble yourself for the betterment of someone else.

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

Philippians 1- Avoiding Embarassment

What was your most embarrassing moment? Do you have it in your mind? Do you remember how it felt--and how you determined to never let that happen to you again? Writing from prison, the Apostle Paul in Philippians chapter 1 tells how he has determined to never embarrass Christ or be embarrassed to proclaim Christ (v20). How can you and I have this same kind of determination and be successful at it? First, strive for the best rather than settling for what is good (v10). Second, live a righteous life that bears godly fruit (v11). Third, keep an eternal perspective on life's circumstances (vv12-15). Next, refuse to let pride or ego keep you from focusing on the bigger picture (vv15-18). Fifth, determine that your life will magnify Christ no matter what difficulties you face (vv20-26). Finally, live consistently for Christ whether you think others are watching or not (v27). If we will follow these six steps, then we will not only keep from embarrassing ourselves as a Christian, but our lives will bring great honor and glory to our 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 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.