Frank's Bible Blog

Psalm 72--How to Pray for Your Children

If you are a parent, most likely you have spent a lot of time praying for your children no matter their age. If you are like me, you probably have found yourself praying for your children all throughout the day. And if you are like me, most of those prayers were for immediate things—for that algebra test they are taking, the relationship problem they are encountering, the new opportunity they have, the decision they need to make and so forth. But how often do we pray for our children from a big-picture perspective? That is what struck me as I read Psalm 72 today. This was David’s prayer for his son Solomon who would follow him as king of Israel. Scholars would be quick to point out that this Psalm also foreshadows Christ as the King of kings, and that’s true. But for today, let’s use it to focus on six things we should pray for our children:

1. Pray for their character (verse 1). A life filled with both the justice of God and the righteousness of God will handle any situation the right way.
   
   
2. Pray for them to make a difference with their lives (verses 2-4, 12, 13, 14). That starts with them being others’ focused and continues as they look for ways to make a positive impact on other people.
   
   
3. Pray for their success (verses 5-8). There is nothing wrong with praying that they will succeed in whatever endeavors God leads them into! Pray that they will learn the lessons they need to learn and make the right kinds of decisions so that they can be successful.
   
   
4. Pray that they will be respected (verses 9-11). Pray that they will live lives worthy of the respect of others. Pray that they will treat others in such a way and have the kind of work ethic that others will want to honor.
   
   
5. Pray for their legacy (verses 15-18). Most of us don’t even think about our own legacy, let alone our kids, but we should. Pray that your children will leave a lasting legacy that impacts the generation that follows them.
   
   
6. Pray that they will praise (verses 18-20). Pray that they will be true worshippers of the Lord who recognize Him in everything and lavishly bestow their praise on Him.

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 So today, Amber and Jacob, I prayed these verses over you. I prayed that your character will be marked with godliness, that you will make a difference in this world, that you will succeed in your life calling, that you will earn the respect of others, that you will impact your children and grandchildren for Christ, and that you will live a life of praise to God’s glory. Just like I prayed for you before you were even born, I will continue to pray for you each day that you will reach your full potential in Christ. I love you! --Dad

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

Will You Please Pray for Me?

A Special Call to Prayer this Wednesday…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yours for the Harvest,

Frank Banfill

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

Romans 6--Cassava, Cyanide, and a Savior

This is the second in a special series from guest blogger (and my wife!) Beth Banfill as she shares stories and Scripture application from our recent mission trip to Tanzania. I trust that you will be blessed and challenged! --Frank Banfill

Romans 6:23  "For the wages (or payment) for sin is death..."

I had no idea what it was.  Maybe the smell of death.  Sickness.  Perhaps the smell of pure poverty.  I wasn't sure.  But this one thing I knew, the smell that surrounded me was one that I had never encountered before.  These are the thoughts that ran through my head on Sunday afternoon in Bukabwa, as Katelyn, Gladys, and I approached a hut.  Actually, a "compound" might be a better word for this area.  Several small huts, one massive family, all working together to just exist. 

Laying on a mat on the ground under a tree was Msololi Kiyonjo, surrounded by at least seven or eight adult family members and a half dozen or so children.  Msololi was barely strong enough to lift her head and greet us.  Only God knows for sure, but to Katelyn and I, this lady looked as if death's door was already knocking. 

We walked over as Gladys introduced us - the "mzungus" (the Swahili name for a white person from America) - who had come to share with them about the most important decision we've ever made.  We had a captive audience as we talked, with one sweet faced but filthy dirty girl jumping toward my arms trying to crawl into my lap.  There was no breeze, and as the sun beat down, the smell from the girl and area was so strong that in between breaths of sharing about Jesus, my mind jumped to asking God for help to not become sick during our conversation.  He answered that prayer, and miraculously, Msololi and her entire family made a decision to follow Christ that Sunday afternoon, June 10, 2012. 

There was joy in Msololi's eyes.  Peace.  Peace that only God can give in such a troubling time.  I prayed over her and her family before we left.  I prayed for God to bless their home.  I prayed for their newfound faith to grow deep.  And of course, I asked God to heal Msololi, if it was His will.  But in my heart of hearts, I just felt that death's doorstep was eminent.  I prayed Revelation 21:4-5, how now that she has made a decision to accept Christ, in heaven she will have a new body and there will be no more pain or sorrow...or death.

As we left the area, the smell remained on my hands.  Trying not to be a judgemental mzungu, I didn't want to say anything to Gladys or ask what the smell was.  I just assumed it was death, and even after a half bottle of hand sanitizer, the smell lingered with me.  Even today, my mind can bring back the odor.  The memory.  It wasn't until the next day, after passing through another area of the village that the exact same smell surrounded me.  This time, since I wasn't talking about anyone in particular, I asked Gladys what it was.  Her answer: cyanide. 

Now I'm not a chemist, but I do know one thing - cyanide is poisonous.  Gladys must have seen the scared look in my eyes, so she went on to explain more.  One of the local plants in the area, cassava, contains cyanide.  The villagers ferment the cassava, then lay it out for the sun to bake and dry.  During this process, the cyanide evaporates from the heated sun, and then the cassava is ground into meal, much like maize, to make a local food staple called ugali.  (I'm not quite sure how, but I never had the privilege to taste ugali while I was in Tanzania.  Somehow that delicacy evaded my taste buds on this trip!)

Cyanide.  Poison.  Death.  Sin.  I kept thinking about that.  Romans 6:23 says that the payment for our sin is death.  We deserve to die.  But I'm so thankful the verse doesn't stop there.  It says BUT...and I love that big BUT in there!  It says, BUT, the gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ.  Only through what He did on the cross.  And Msololi and her entire family made a choice for themselves to repent of their sin and accept this free gift my Savior was offering.

God, in His infinite plan, had our little team go a bzillion miles away from Texas to share His love with this family.  Who knows how much longer Msololi will live, she may already have died.  But this one thing I do know, she will live forever in heaven, now that she's made a decision to allow Christ to invade the life she has left.  To the naked eye, sure, laying on the ground waiting to die doesn't seem like much of a life.  But in my heart of hearts, I could see she understood the decision she made.  I could see her family was so grateful for us coming to share the Good News.  Msololi now has a Savior, and that was the most important decision she could ever make. 

I love how God can turn the dreadful into good.  He can take our ugly, stinky, sinful selves and make us clean.  He can take the cyanide and poison away and replace it with His sweet aroma.  So as I reflect on Msololi, I'm so thankful today for Cassava.  Yes, even cyanide.  And most importantly, I'm thankful for a Savior who offers to anyone who receives it for themselves this free gift of salvation.  

Cassava.  Cyanide.  And yes, a Savior.  Thank you, Father!

Msololi Kiyonjo is the lady in the center on the mat. 
She sat up long enough to get her picture taken, but then immediately laid back down.

 

---Beth Banfill
www.GodandMe2theMax.com

 

Psalm 61—Climbing the Rock that is Higher than I

Towering over the village of Bukabwa, Tanzania in East Africa is a large rock formation. At the base of the rocks is a school—the only school for miles around where the teacher to student ratio is 1:60. Our mission team was ministering in the area when a couple guys on our team decided to climb to the top of the rocks. They had been told by locals that it was an easy climb and wouldn’t take more than 10 minutes.

The guys asked that I take their picture once they reached the peak. So I waited for them to climb—and I waited and waited. Finally I could see a figure emerge onto the top of the rocks. Even with the camera zoom it was hard to make out who it was—but I was able to figure out that it wasn’t one of our team. It was one of the locals who was serving as a guide.

So I waited longer until eventually our two guys appeared with arms raised in victory. They had successfully made it to the top of the rock that was higher than everyone and everything else. When they came down they told me that the hike wasn’t so simple. At points they had to pass through very narrow areas that required them to get on their hands and knees to crawl through. But they also told of the incredible views and new perspective they gained by reaching the summit.

When I read Psalm 61 I can’t help but think about that experience in Africa. David is praying—crying out to the Lord in a time of adversity. He says, “From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I” (v2). David had turned to the Lord in the past for protection (v3) and God had been faithful. Now he longed to enter once again into the Lord’s shelter (v4) but to do that he would need to be led to that Rock that was higher than he was.

Just like my teammates had to be led to find their way up that African rock formation, we have to be led into the place that God would have us. That means that we have to first humble ourselves and acknowledge that there is something or someone higher than us. We have to admit that we cannot do it all ourselves, that we cannot find our own way out. We have to become dependent on the Lord. And that means that we need to get on our hands and knees as we seek His face and allow Him to take us through even the narrow, difficult crevices to reach the top.

Yes, sometimes that ascent takes longer than we anticipated. Sometimes the going is slow in spots. Sometimes we may entertain thoughts of stopping or going back. But when we continue our ascent, God brings us to a place of perspective, a place of peace, a place of victory. Once you reach that place you realize the trip was worth it.

May we humble ourselves today and trust the Lord to lead us to the rock that is higher than us.
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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 59—A Mob at Your Door

It was shocking and very disconcerting news. One of the churches that I had worked with in Tanzania had been burned and four Christians from the church had been arrested. No, the Christians didn’t burn the church, a mob of Muslims did. The Christians’ “crime” was leading a woman to Christ who practiced a mixture of Islam and witchcraft. Although the country has freedom of religion, these believers were arrested.

The mob grew and these believers were endangered. Initially the courts postponed their hearings for their own safety as the mob converged on the courthouse. They were safer in jail. Imagine if that were you. Imagine if there was a mob outside your jail wanting nothing but your death. What would you do?

These believers could relate to David. David begins Psalm 59 focused on his immediate problem, Saul’s men who were watching his house and waiting to kill him. By verse 5, however, he moves past his problems and looks at the bigger picture of “all the nations” or “all the heathen,” as the King James translates it. These were all those people outside of God, both non-Hebrew people and Hebrews who had rejected God.

It wasn’t that David’s pursuers were against him, they were against God. Those who oppose the Lord and His righteousness naturally will oppose the servants of the Lord who seek to walk in righteousness.

This is a good lesson for all of us when we face opposition because of our walk with Christ. We tend to take things personal but need to understand that sinners do what they do because they are sinners. Those who reject God’s love and plan are going to reject and oppose those who manifest God’s love.

This perspective, however, did not change David’s position. He was still surrounded by the enemy! So what did he do? He ran into his “fortress” (vv 9, 16, 17) and placed his complete faith in the Lord to rescue him. He turned to God’s strength (v16) acknowledging that he could not solve the situation by himself. He focused on worshipping the Lord rather than worrying (vv16, 17).

That brings us back to our friends in Tanzania. What did they do? Well, in jail they prayed, sang and witnessed to the guards and other prisoners. The result was several people came to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ through their witness. They ran into The Fortress and focused on worshipping the Lord.

A great example to all of us!

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Frank Banfill is an international speaker, leadership developer, and president of MaxPoint Ministries (www.maxpoint.org) which 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 55--No Superman Suit Needed

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

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

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

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

Sound familiar?

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

Then you know exactly how David felt.

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

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

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

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

David had the Lord. No Superman suit needed.

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

Psalm 54-- Catch It Before Trying to Run with It

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

_________________________

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

Psalm 50-- Your Day in Court?

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

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

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

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

There is no jury.

There is no prosecutor.

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

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

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

The Judge turns and addresses the first defendant.

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

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

The judge then speaks to the second defendant.

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

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

If this scene were played out today, would you be one of the defendants?
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com.

Psalm 47-- Now That's Worth Shouting About!

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

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

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

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

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

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

For the sports enthusiast, moments like these are exhilarating.

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

But is there something we can get excited about everyday?

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

You bet there is! And Psalm 47 describes it.

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

Why?

Because God is awesome (v2)!

Why?

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

Why?

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

Why?

Because He is our King (vv6-7).

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

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

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

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

Psalm 44-- Abandoned by God?

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

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

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

Sound familiar?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Psalm 42-- Lessons from My Time in a Ford Pinto

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When is your next meeting with God?

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

Psalm 40-- Stuck in the Mud

Although it was late April, snow still covered much of the mountainous parts of Romania where I was visiting with a team of Americans. We made our way up one of the mountains in a mini-van until we couldn't drive any farther. There was a family that we were going to visit who lived on a hill.  They were the only believers in this remote area and recently had suffered some personal tragedies. We went there to pray with them and try to encourage them. We parked the van and made our way up the steep hillside to their modest home. The area immediately outside their front door was flat and we could see they planned to use it for a garden. The rest of the area was un-level. We finished our visit with the family and began to make our way back to the vehicle over the mostly snow covered ground. As I moved off the flat surface my feet slipped. Before I knew it, I was on my backside sliding down the steep walkway into a pool of mud. What provided great amusement for my colleagues wasn't so amusing to me--one side of me was covered in mud and it would be a long ride before I could get dry clothes! That incident reminds me of how life often is--slippery. We have a hard time standing and sometimes even find ourselves in the "mud." In Psalm 40 David explains how God responded to him when he was in "the mud." "He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand," is how David put it in verse 2. He goes on to tell how God "put a new song" in his mouth (v3) and blesses those who trust in Him (v4). God is our help and deliverer (v17) who is able to show us the way and provide stability when the world around us is shifting. How can we access the unmovable power and perfect plans of God? Look to Him for direction (v4). Focus on all the incredible things that He has already done (v5). Give yourself as a living sacrifice to Him (v6). Seek His will (v8) and proclaim His righteousness wherever you go (vv8-10). If we will do this, then we can avoid some embarrassing slides into the mud of life.

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

Psalm 35--When the Boomerang Doesn't Come Back

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

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

Psalm 32--A Saint in Sin

For many years "Jill" ran from the Lord. She had grown up in a preacher's home and made a commitment to Christ but in her later teen years she began to stray. Caught up with the wrong crowd, Jill began to make terrible choices. Her life, it seemed, was spiraling out of control. Her parents continued to pray for her...and love her. They made it clear that the way she was living was wrong. But they also made it clear that when the day came that she realized she was on a sinking ship they would be there in the life boat rowing beside her. Although she acted tough on the outside, inside Jill was in turmoil. In her heart of hearts she knew she was throwing her life away. The weight of her poor choices began to bear down on her. She actually felt a physical heaviness...like she couldn't breath. Then like the prodigal son in Jesus' story, she finally came to her senses and returned home. She got rid of everything in her life that remotely resembled the life that she had been living--even her cell phone and apartment furniture. Today, she is a shining example of a godly young woman who seeks to glorify God in all that she does. I'm sure that Jill could relate to David when he wrote in Psalm 32 "When I kept silent my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer" (vv3-4). What turned things around for both Jill and David? "Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the Lord' and you forgave the guilt of my sin" (v5). Sin separates us from God. For the believer, sin separates us from fellowship with God and from His hand of protection on our life. However, when we do what Jill and David did and repent, then we are able to say to the Lord "You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance" (v7). They experienced the blessings that come when our "transgressions are forgiven" and our sins are covered (v1). What about you today? Is there sin hindering your fellowship? Maybe you like David and Jill need to stop covering it up and seek His forgiveness.

 

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

Psalm 28-- Are You Generic?

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

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

Psalm 24-- Keeping the Unseen in Perspective

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

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

Psalm 21--Lasting Leadership

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

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

Psalm 20-- Leaders with Praying Followers

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

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

I Decided to Shut Up--At Least for the Moment

I saw my chiropractor yesterday, who subscribes to this blog. While contorting my body in a direction it hadn't gone in years, he asked me what some of you might be thinking: "Are you still writing your Bible blog?" He hadn't seen any post for a while and was wondering.

The answer to him and you is "Yes...but." Yes, I am still writing and am very excited about working through the book of Exodus, but I've needed to cut back. Not because I'm too busy (we're all too busy) but because I needed to stop talking and start listening.

You see, 500+ posts ago (about two and a half years in the real world) I started writing this blog as an extension of my daily quiet time with the Lord. God was showing me some great stuff that I wanted to share with others. Problem was that over time my focus began to shift more to writing this than really listening to the Lord. I found myself spending time in the Word, not so much for what it could do for me but more for what it could do for others. It became a task to fulfill rather than a time of transformation.

There are a lot of pastors and ministry people who do the same thing. They spend a lot of time in the Word preparing sermons and lessons for others, but not much time just listening for themselves. I know--I used to be a pastor and I know this is a struggle for many in full-time ministry.

Now don't get me wrong, God's Word still spoke to me. I still spent time in prayer, and I still heard from God, but it just wasn't the same.

So, I'm taking some time now away from my laptop and my desk and my online Bible to "refresh" my daily time alone with God. I'll have a hardcopy Bible and an old fashioned pad and pen to write down what I hear, but the focus will once again be on seeing my life transformed into the image of Christ rather than getting five days worth of blog content. Don't worry--you will still get to see what God is showing me, but it just may take a little longer to get to you!

In the meantime, I'll gather up some "best of" blogs (sounds better than re-runs!) and intersperse them with new content so that we can continue to share this ministry with you and others. Knowing that there are people around the world who actually look forward to reading this each day is an incredible blessing to me. I also see it as a real responsibility.

So, as I hit the reset button on my devotional time, let me encourage you to take a fresh look at your own time alone with God. Do you have a daily time with Him? Do you work at keeping it fresh, exciting and interesting? Do you approach it as a task to complete or as a time for transformation?

It would also be great if you would share suggestions and ideas for keeping your quiet time fresh. You can go to www.FranksBibleBlog.com and comment on this post so that others can see it and learn from you.

Thanks for reading, and for your understanding as I try to talk less and listen more!

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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and leadership developer. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com.

Exodus 5--When 911 Doesn't Answer

There are some things that we expect to always be there for us and always work every time we need it. One of those is when we dial 911 for emergency help. We expect, and rightly so, that the call will be answered by a highly trained professional who can immediately dispatch assistance. Every once in a great while, however, the 911 system for a community will go down. On those rare occasions, callers cannot get the urgent help that they have come to expect.

While they didn't have 911 in his day--or even telephones for that matter--for Moses it was as if he was dialing 911 and no one was answering. In Exodus 5:23 Moses says to God, "Ever since I went to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has brought trouble upon this people, and you have not rescued your people at all." Let me paraphrase: "God, we dialed heaven's 911 line and you didn't come when we called!"

Now before you question Moses for saying this, consider that he was getting pressure from both sides. He goes to Pharaoh, like God told him to do, and asks for the Israelites to be able to leave Egypt. Pharaoh gets mad at the request and makes work even harder for the Israelite slaves. This in turn makes the Israelites furious with Moses.

No wonder Moses was dialing 911!

Notice that from Moses' perspective God let them down because he didn't come to their immediate rescue. Even though God had told Moses that Pharaoh would initially balk at his request, when things went from bad to worse Moses thought God would step in and take care of everything. He didn't--at least not right away.

Here are five principles we can take from this chapter.

1) We need to communicate with God on an ongoing basis--not just when we need help. This means listening to Him as well as talking.

2) What looks like an emergency to us may not be that to God. It's all a matter of perspective.

3) Just because divine help is not immediate does not mean that it isn't coming. God has a reason for our waiting.

4) Just because God calls us to do something, it does not mean that it will be easy or accomplished quickly. In fact, the opposite is usually true.

5) God responds with what is best, not always with what we want.

So do we stop dialing 911 just because of the rare occasion that we might not get an immediate answer? Absolutely not! What about those emergency prayers, do we stop those? Absolutely not! But if those prayers are not met with an immediate response, then it may mean that we need to take a step back and consider these five principles.

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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.

Exodus 2--The Fugitive and the Pizza Delivery Man

A baby marked for death. A prince. A killer. A fugitive alone in the desert. A family man.

All these phrases are how Moses is describe in Exodus 2. These 25 verses span 40 years of Moses' life. There certainly are a lot of details that we don't know about Moses, but the most important that we do know is this: "God saw the sons of Israel and God took notice of them" (v25).

How did God take notice of the terrible plight of the Israelites' Egyptian bondage? He raised up Moses.

Long before the "groaning" of His people reached epic proportions, God was already at work. He was already preparing a deliverer. He already had things in motion that would eventually lead to their salvation.

As I read this chapter, I am struck by two things. First, the way God worked in Moses' life and how God can use all of our experiences--good, bad or indifferent--to prepare us for kingdom impact.

The second is how God is always at work even when we don't see Him working. I imagine that as the Israelites sweated under the Middle Eastern sun fulfilling the burdensome tasks of their Egyptian masters, they wondered where God was in all of it. They cried to the Lord--but the answer was not immediate. Many times the answers to our prayers aren't readily visible, but that does not mean that the answer is not on the way.

We often expect the answers to our prayers to be delivered like pizza--hot, fresh, and in about 30 minutes.

God's answers are always fresh, but they happen on His time frame, not ours. When we find ourselves waiting for those answers to get delivered, we should take heart that God hears and He is at work.

We also have to realize that, like Moses, you and I just might be the answer to someone else's prayer. The difficult time we are going through now might very well be preparing us to be God's delivery man or woman in response to petitions of others.

Let's not get discourage. Let's keep praying. Let's keep trusting that God knows what's best.

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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 69--There's Hope

Sometimes we feel that we are walking alone, trekking through unchartered territories and climbing steep mountainsides where one slip means certain destruction. Those around us--co-workers, even family and friends--don't understand or worse are antagonistic toward us. We are trying to live right, but there is an undercurrent that seeks to pull us down.

If you feel like that today, then you will connect with what the psalmist wrote in Psalm 69, "Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in the miry depths, where there is no foothold. I have come into the deep waters; the floods engulf me" (vv1-2).

Have you ever felt that you were swimming and swimming and swimming but only to find yourself losing ground? The waves keep coming and you are desperate try to catch your breath?

This psalm is one of the most quoted psalms in the New Testament, with parts that are clearly prophetic of Christ ("They put gall in my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst" v21). There are some principles here that stretch the span of time. They were relevant in the New Testament and certainly are relevant today.

First, there will be times when we are rejected because of our faith. Sometimes, this will even be from those closest to us. It may even be from other's who profess faith but who are not living out that faith (vv 4,7,8,9,11,12).

Second, there will be times when we feel alone and we feel that no one else has been where we are at. We need, however, to take heart in that we really are not all alone; and yes, there have been many other people who have gone through similar ordeals (vv3,19,20).

Third, God does hear us, even when it seems that our prayers are falling on deaf ears (vv 3,13,16,33).

Fourth, we must guard our testimony and not let circumstances cause us to disgrace the Lord (vv5-6).

Finally, we need to find cause to praise the Lord (vv34-36). There is always hope when there is the Lord. When we turn to praise, even when we feel like we are sinking, our spirits are lifted and we get a new perspective on life.

God hears! God guides! God delivers! Don't give up--there is always hope when you have 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 forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com.

Psalm 66--Cause to Celebrate

"Are you celebrating a special occasion," the waitress asks as your small group settles into the restaurant seats. In the corner, a family is celebrating a birthday. Across the room a group is gathered with what appears to be baby shower gifts. It's a special restaurant and it seems to be a popular place to celebrate.

We like to celebrate, don't we? We celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, promotions, sports accomplishments. We even celebrate when it's Friday--just because it's Friday.

How often do we celebrate God? I mean, really celebrate who He is? Hopefully we do that every Sunday at church, but why wait till then? Why not celebrate right now?

Not sure where to start?

Psalm 66 is our guide to celebrating God. I would encourage you to read it now and make it your prayer--your celebratory praise--to the Lord even now. When you do, you will celebrate God's...

• Glory (v2)
• Awesome deeds (v3)
• Power (v3)
• Dominance over the earth (v4)
• Past accomplishments (v5)
• Deliverance of His people (v6)
• Eternality (v7)
• Omniscience (v7)
• Protection of His people (v9)
• Testing of His people (vv10-12)
• Guidance (v12)
• Hearing the prayers of His people (vv19-20)
• Unconditional love (v20)

When you start celebrating God, really celebrating Him, you won't be able to keep it to yourself. You will say with David, "Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what He has done for me" (v16).

So, let's have a celebration! Right here. Right now.

_________________________

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 65--Escape to the Comfy Room

My wife and I love to entertain folks at our home and regularly have people over. Our living room is nice but on the formal side, and it's where we will greet guests or visit if the guests aren't staying long.

The living room is pleasant but no where near as comfortable as an upstairs room we call the media room. The dark carpeting and richly-painted walls set a nice ambiance. The sofas are extremely comfortable, and every seat reclines. This is where we really like to entertain--especially during football season.

Kick off your shoes, fill a plate with some chips, grab a can of soft-drink--and cheer on the Dallas Cowboys! This room is a warm, comfortable and inviting place. It's also where we like to hang-out as a family even when we don't have guests. You feel at ease there. It's relaxing.

This picture is what I see when I read Psalm 65. The psalmist wrote, "Blessed are those you choose and bring near to live in your courts! We are filled with the good things of your house..." (v4). Another translation says "We will be satisfied with the goodness of your house."

I picture God inviting me into His house and taking me to His "comfy room"--an incredibly warm and relaxing room where He gives me the opportunity to hang-out with Him. I settle into the comfy chair, kick-back, and listen. I'm at ease. This time, however, there's no ballgame to watch. No, there is something much better. The opportunity to spend time in the presence of the Creator.

What do I say? What do I hear? What is the conversation about?

It's about how God hears prayer (v2). It is about His incredible grace that forgave us when we were overwhelmed with sin (v3).

It is a time to reflect on His "awesome deeds" (v5) and celebrate His creative genius and strength (vv6-7). It's a time to pause and consider how He cares for this earth (v9), bringing water and grain to provide for the needs of those who dwell here (vv9-11). It's a time to reflect on the beauty of His creation (vv12-13).

Do you daily enter into that "comfy room" with the Lord? Not necessarily a physical room with reclining chairs, but entering into God's presence where you spend time worshiping Him and listening to what He has to say? Do you crawl up next to Him and simply look on in awe of who He is? Do you pull away from the busyness of life to experience His refreshing? Are you allowing Him to fill you with the good things that come from hanging-out with Him?

Today, you may feel like you are running on empty. You may feel like you are being pulled in every direction. You no sooner got out of bed today than you were ready to head back. Maybe you are discouraged or disappointed. Let me suggest that you head to the comfy room. Spend some time with the Lord reading His word, worshiping Him, praying to Him, listening to Him.

You might be surprised how rested, calm and encouraged you are the rest of the 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.

Psalm 60--Moving from Politics to Prayer

Several years ago I had the opportunity to attend a dinner held in conjunction with the National Prayer Breakfast. The annual breakfast is actually more like a series of lunches, dinners and other meetings that culminate with the breakfast. Its history dates back to the 1930s.

The dinner I was at was made up of politicians, business leaders, and ministers all from the same state. It was an interesting group, with people holding polar opposite political views from each other. But for a short time they put aside their differences, visited with each other over a meal, and prayed together.

Too bad this is only once a year!

Yes, politicians need to spend more time considering the Lord and praying for their nation, but so do those of us who aren't elected officials. We all need to be in prayer for our nation. (This blog is read by folks all over the world--and whatever country you live in, your nation needs prayer as well.) We should pray for our lands and for our leaders that they would acknowledge God and bring Him glory in what they do.

Psalm 60 could be considered a national psalm or prayer. It was written by King David when his country was having a tough time militarily. The nation's enemies were winning some battles, but as David turned to the Lord, they experienced an overwhelming victory. Notice seven things about David from this psalm, and pray that our leaders would emulate them:

1. David looked at his nation from God's perspective. Were they pleasing Him or had they turned their back on the Lord? (v1)
2. Although David was a warrior and had an army, he knew that ultimately any victory would have to be from above (vv5,11). History is full of stories where smaller, less-skilled forces defeated large armies of skilled warriors. David's faith was in the Lord not his military.
3. David saw the hardships that were facing his nation as lessons God was using to get their attention (vv3,10).
4. David shifted his primary focus from politics and war planning to spiritual matters. He would pray and lead his people to seek God's face (v6).
5. David asked for God's intervention in the nation. He saw himself as a steward, not the owner, of the nation. It belonged to God (vv6-7).
6. David praised the Lord when God responded and the tide turned in his favor. He didn't take the credit for victory; instead, he gave all the glory to God (v12).
7. David continued his focus on the Lord after the crisis was resolved.

Stop now and pray these seven points for your political leaders. Then, let's not let prayer for our nation be just an annual event, but rather let's make it a regular part of our prayer 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.

When God Says "Wait!"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Psalm 55--No Superman Suit Needed

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

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

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

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

Sound familiar?

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

Then you know exactly how David felt.

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

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

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

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

David had the Lord. No Superman suit needed.

_________________________

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

Psalm 54-- Catch It Before Trying to Run with It

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

_________________________

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

Psalm 50-- Your Day in Court?

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

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

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

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

There is no jury.

There is no prosecutor.

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

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

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

The Judge turns and addresses the first defendant.

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

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

The judge then speaks to the second defendant. 

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

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

If this scene were played out today, would you have to be one of the defendants?
_________________________

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

Psalm 47-- Now That's Worth Shouting About!

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

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

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

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

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

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

For the sports enthusiast, moments like these are exhilarating.

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

But is there something we can get excited about everyday?

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

You bet there is! And Psalm 47 describes it.

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

Why?

Because God is awesome (v2)!

Why?

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

Why?

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

Why?

Because He is our King (vv6-7).

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

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

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

_________________________

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

Psalm 44-- Abandoned by God?

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

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

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

Sound familiar?

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

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

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

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

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

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

_________________________

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

Psalm 42-- Lessons from My Time in a Ford Pinto

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When is your next meeting with God?

_________________________

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

Psalm 41-- Nightmares Disappear in the Presence of Father

It was late at night when the faint knock came to my bedroom door. It was my son and he had had a bad dream. He had climbed out of the top of his bunk bed and journeyed down the stairs to my bedroom.

 

You see, he needed to be in the presence of his father.

 

I opened the door and we made our way to the living room, where he sat on my lap and told me about his nightmare. I held him, prayed over him, and then he promptly went back to sleep.

 

All was well.

 

When he spent time in his father's presence, he gained emotional strength. When he spent time in his father's presence, he was able to forget what had troubled him. When he spent time in his father's presence, he was able to move on with life.

 

In Psalm 41 David reminds us of several things, the greatest of which is the importance of being in God's presence. David tells us of the blessings that come when we give consideration to those who are poor, weak, and in despair (vv1-3).

 

He then goes on to ask for God's mercy and healing for sin he had committed, which apparently also affected his health (vv4-8). In the midst of his personal struggles, he felt abandoned and despised both by his enemies and those close to him (vv5-9), prompting him to cry out to God.

 

The turning point for David came when he realized that God, his Father, was pleased with him (v11) and that God would uphold him.

 

"Set me in your presence forever" is how David worded it (v12). When he realized he was in the presence of Father, he knew everything would be alright.

 

Friend, when you and I spend time in Father's presence we will have compassion for those who are struggling in this world. When we spend time in Father's presence we will become acutely aware of our sin and seek to repent of it. When we spend time in Father's presence we have a sense of security and belonging that rises above life's circumstances.

 

Maybe today it's time to climb out of life's "bunk bed" and make your way into Father’s presence.

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