Frank's Bible Blog

God is Answering Your Prayers: Thank you!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you for your prayers—both past and future.

--Frank

Trailblazing Leaders: Why Adversity Precedes Great Leadership

“It was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.” --Genesis 45:5

Joseph was a leader in Egypt—he was the Jew whose godly foresight saved countless lives by preparing for a massive famine. If you are not familiar with his story you can read it in the Bible, in Genesis chapters 37-50. Notice two things about leadership from the verse above. First, leaders are sent ahead of others. That is the very nature of leadership—to be out in front blazing a path where few or none have gone before. Second, leaders are prepared ahead of others.

How was it that Joseph could be sent ahead of anyone? It was because he was sold into slavery, falsely accused of a crime, and forgotten about in prison. In particular, it was because he excelled in each of those situations as he determined to exalt God regardless of his circumstances.

While it may seem that some leaders become leaders through the “fast-track” of family or professional relationships by getting placements and breaks that others don’t, the reality is that most leaders are forged over time. And that forging process is often painful, dark and sometimes even depressing. Great leaders more times than not have had to overcome great adversity—in fact, this is one thing that separates leaders from everyone else. For it is in adversity that leaders-to-be learn how to overcome problems through faith, focus, positive attitudes, and ingenuity. And it is problem-solving that most people see as the primary contribution leaders bring to the table.

Now, for those of us who are students of leadership, we know the importance of vision, seeking out opportunities, and balancing emotion with reason, but the average follower only sees the immediate and the problems before them. Good leaders solve problems.

Joseph was such a leader but he became that way because he was sent ahead of everyone else. In a sense, he experienced the hardships so that others wouldn’t have to. He went ahead of them in suffering so that he could one day be ahead of them as a proactive leader who saves lives.

What about you today? What is your attitude and approach to difficult times? The struggles you are encountering now may be just what you need to mold you into a problem-solving trailblazer who saves and helps lives.

Psalm 57—Cave Dwellers

Imagine for a moment that you are literally running for your life.

You haven’t done anything wrong, but a large group of men are chasing after you and will stop at nothing short of your death. You have been on the run for days, managing to stay just one step ahead of your adversaries. As you make your way over a ridge you stumble onto some hills and are surprised to find a cave. You duck into the cave. Your heart feels like it will beat through your chest.

Will you be discovered? Will this be the end for you? How long will you be able to hold out in the cave?

Now if that were me, those are the kinds of questions that would fill my mind. Admittedly, I would not be in the mood to sing! But that is what we find David doing as he fled from King Saul in Psalm 57. He is hiding out in a cave writing music! David saw the cave as God’s provision and the way in which God would keep David in the shadow of His wings “until the disaster has passed” (v1).

Sometimes in life God gives us a cave to duck into until the storm of our current problems passes. The cave isn’t necessarily the most pleasant place to be—certainly not long term—but it is a place of safety. It is a temporary place to collect your thoughts, to rest, to wait and even to grow.

Maybe that cave is a short-term job or ministry that God uses to “hold you over” while He readies something more permanent for you. Maybe the cave is a relationship that God brings into your life for a season to help you get through difficult times. Maybe the cave is a short-lived opportunity that will stretch and grow you into what God wants you to be long-term.

What do you do when you are in a cave? Four things: Remember God still has a purpose for your life even if you can’t see it right now (v2). Thank God for his love and faithfulness in sending you a cave (v3). Look for ways to glorify God in the midst of your cave (vv5, 11). Finally, stay positive and find something to sing about (vv7-8).

One final thought: don’t move out of the cave prematurely. David took refuge until the disaster was gone. God will, I believe, make it clear when it is safe to leave the cave and move on with your life. Until then take refuge in the shadow of His wing and be a cave dweller.

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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 53-- Is the World Suffering from Selective Hearing?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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 33-- An Unusual Sight on the Capitol Steps

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

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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 26-- Maintaining Your Innocence

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


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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.

Psalm 16-- "Stay Close, Children!"

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

"Sticks and stones can break your bones but words will never hurt you."

It's a lie!

I know that's what "every" parent tells their kid when the bully just verbally abused them, but it just isn't true. Broken bones can heal--but the hurt caused by some words may leave scars for a lifetime.

Words can be even more damaging than swords and arrows--which is how David saw it in Psalm 64. "They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their words like deadly arrows. They shoot from ambush at the innocent man" (vv3-4). God has a way, however, of turning these arrow-shooters upside down. "God will shoot them with arrows...He will turn their own tongues against them" (vv7-8). God often uses the very words of the wicked to bring their ruin.

While it is easy for us to think this chapter doesn't apply to us, I would encourage you to think again.

You and I may not be part of the "wicked evildoers" crowd that David talks about here, but we certainly can allow our speech to mimic theirs if we are not careful. We can cut people like a sword and pierce their very soul with hurtful arrows flying out of our mouths. We are especially vulnerable to doing this with those closest to us--our family.

Many adults today are walking around with emotional scars because of how their parents talked to them when they were children.

Remember, sticks and stones do break bones, but words can emotionally damage someone for life. Let's think about how we talk to others.

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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 58-- Break His Teeth!

"Break his teeth!"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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 53-- Is the World Suffering from Selective Hearing?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

_________________________

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

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

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

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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 33-- An Unusual Sight on the Capitol Steps

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

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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 26-- Maintaining Your Innocence

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


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

Zechariah 10-- Who are You Following?

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

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

Zechariah 5-- The Elephant in the Room

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

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

Haggai 2-- When Comparisons Cloud our Faith

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

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

Ezra 10--High Value May Require High Sacrifice

Every day we make decisions about value and sacrifice. We decide if the price of gas is worth the value of our mobility. We decide if certain clothes rise to the value of sacrificing some of our money to purchase them. We decide to give up some of our time to do what we value, whether that is time with the family or time with our favorite hobby. If we perceive that the value is high enough, then we are willing to make greater sacrifices. Now ask yourself this: What value do you place on holiness? What sacrifices would you be willing to make to live right before God? Do you value God's pleasure enough to drastically alter your life if you discovered it was out of alignment with God's nature and will? These were the questions that needed to be answered by the Jews who had returned to Israel from exile. Some of them, including their political and even religious leaders, had intermarried with people from the surrounding pagan nations. This was the very sin that led to their destruction in the first place. In Ezra 10 the Jews face this issue head-on. Would they compromise and allow the sin to continue? Would they eradicate it, even it if meant making incredible sacrifices? Those sacrifices in some cases would include divorcing wives and leaving children. Could they make the ultimate sacrifice to get their lives right before God? Notice how the people handled the situation. First, at the insistence of their leaders and with just three days notice, they all gathered in Jerusalem (v9). Standing outside under heavy rain, they were confronted with their sin (v10) as Ezra pulled no punches in declaring their guilt and calling for repentance. The people then agreed to a process to deal with the situation because "Nor is this the work of one or two days, for there are many of us who have transgressed in this matter" (v13). As you can imagine, because of this kind of sin, it would take some time to put things in order. They did, however, follow through with that process. Repentance started with a decision, continued with confession, and completed with action. It is important to note that under the New Covenant of grace, God does not call us to divorce if we are married to non-believers, even though He says we should not marry non-believers in the first place. God, however, certainly does call us to eradicate sin in our life, even if that means making great sacrifices to do so. So, let's revisit the question we started with: What value do we place on holiness? What sacrifices are we willing to make to live right before God? Ponder these as you go through your day.
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.

Ezra 7-- How to Become an Overnight Sensation

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

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

Ezra 5--Everyone Needs a Cheerleader

Let's face it--life can be tough at times. Things don't go the way you expected them to, plans are frustrated, and you are uncertain how to proceed. It's in these difficult days that we especially need a cheerleader in our life. We need someone who believes in us, who can encourage us, and who can help us see the big picture. Cheerleaders are exactly what God provided to Zerubbabel in Ezra 5. Their names were Haggai and Zechariah. We can read their messages in detail in the books that bare their name, but basically they told Zerubbabel to move forward with the mission that God had called him to do--rebuilding the temple. At the end of Ezra 4 we see that Zerubbabel and his team were compelled by force to stop building. Fourteen years later, construction resumed. Imagine how discouraged Zerubbabel must have been during those years! At the right moment in time, however, God sends in Haggai to tell Zerubbabel how special he is to God (Haggai 2:23). Along with him is Zechariah, reminding Zerubbabel that his mission will be accomplished "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit says the Lord of hosts" (Zechariah 4:6). These were just the words Zerubbabel needed to hear to renew his vision and move forward. Friend, who are the Zerubbabels around you that might need encouragement today? Who are those who God would have you speak a word into their lives? You may be just the one that God uses to help that person renew their vision and go on to accomplish great things for the Lord. After all, we all need a cheerleader.
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.

Psalm 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. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.

Psalm 16-- "Stay Close, Children!"

The warning signs were abundant as we began walking around the national park--"Stay on the Path." There were numerous hazards if one wondered off the path and no further warnings or protections were available. If you stayed on the path, you would enjoy some of the most incredible beauty of God's creation. But if you strayed, the results could be absolutely devastating. My children were small, so I made sure I had a firm grasp on them and kept them close to my side. In Psalm 16, David is pictured as walking through life just like my children walked that path with me--right at the side of their father. Twice he refers to being next to God (vv8,11) and he says that, "I have set the Lord always before me" (v8). He stayed by God's side and stayed where he could see Him at all times. Because David had put such trust in God (v1) and maintained complete dependency on Him (v2), David experience some wonderful benefits. He received multiple blessings (vv5,6), had guidance for his life (vv7, 11), enjoyed gladness and hope (v9), and had the assurance of eternal pleasures (v11). He also knew that just as Christ would conquer death (v10), God would not leave him in the grave. We too can experience these same benefits as we put our trust in the Lord, and as we walk intimately with Him along life's path. Yes, there are unbelievable dangers in life, but when we hold God's hand and keep our eyes fixed on Him, we have nothing to fear. There is safety in the presence of Father.
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.

Psalm 15-- Changing the Rules in the Middle of the Game

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

Psalm 7-- Falsely Accused

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

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

Psalm 3--The Ultimate Sleep Aid

Apparently a lot of people are having trouble sleeping. At least, that is the impression I get from all of the ads I hear about sleep pills. Often there are medical reasons why people can't get to sleep, but many times people can't sleep because they are worrying. They are distressed and lie awake at night thinking about how bad things are going. David in Psalm 3 could relate. Life was pretty stressful at the time he wrote this psalm. You see, his own son had kicked him off the throne of Israel, and David was literally fleeing for his life. "Lord, how they have increased who trouble me," David exclaimed in verse 1 as more and more people turned against him. Israel's once beloved son had been rejected by none other than his own flesh and blood. What would happen to him? What would happen to the rest of his family--his other children? Would they be put to death by their brother? Would David ever regain control? How would he survive? What about all the people who worked for him--who would sustain them? There was a lot that weighed heavily on David as he went to sleep those nights, but notice what happened. "I lay down and slept; I awoke for the Lord sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people..." (vv5-6). What was David's sleep aid? It was turning over his situation to the Lord and trusting in Him fully. That worked well for David--I bet it will do the same for us!
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.

Psalm 1--Who are You Listening To?

Have you ever sat down at a long, crowded dinner table where everyone was talking to each other? It is a bit overwhelming at first. There are so many different conversations taking place it is hard to know where to focus and pay attention. In life, there is a lot of noise around us vying for our attention. There are hundreds of cable TV channels and social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter--not to mention the explosion of blogs--where everyone has something to say to you. To whom will you listen? In Psalm 1, the Psalmist eloquently reminds us that for us to be truly blessed and prosperous in life, we need to listen to and spend our time with the right kind of people (v1). We also need to filter out all that noise with the truth of God's word (v2). Who are you listening to today? Who or what do you allow to speak into your life? Is it the ungodly who are "like the chaff which the wind drives away" (v4)? Or are you surrounding yourself with godly counsel and encouragement? I have never forgotten what I heard a camp speaker say when I was a teenager: "You will be as godly as your friends; you will be as righteous as those you hang around." Those are good words to remember and live by.
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.

Genesis 50--Leaving a Lasting Legacy

Have you thought about your legacy? Have you thought about the impact you will have even after you are gone? Most people never think about their legacy until it is too late to do anything about it. It is unfortunate that many people squander much of their lives when they could be living in such a way that glorifies God and impacts the next generation. In Genesis 50 we are told about the end of two men's lives--two men who made a difference in their world. Two men who left a lasting legacy. They were Jacob and his son Joseph. Jacob had moved his entire family and all they had to Egypt, at the request of his son Joseph who had become second in charge of the country. Verse 3 tells us that when Jacob died the Egyptians mourned for him 70 days. Jacob's body was moved to his homeland of Canaan for burial and it was accompanied by "chariots and horsemen, and it was a very great gathering," (v9). On the way to bury him the group stopped and mourned for seven more days, causing the people there to proclaim "this is a deep mourning of the Egyptians" (v11). Jacob wasn't an Egyptian, but because of his influence and the influential life of Joseph, even the Egyptians were impacted. Jacob lived 147 years. His son Joseph's life was characterized by forgiveness and perspective, which we see again right after his father's death. His brothers, fearful that Joseph would seek revenge for the way they had mistreated him, begged his forgiveness (vv17-18). Joseph had already forgiven them because he realized "you meant evil against me; but God meant if for good...in order to save many people" (v20). Joseph died at 110 (v22) having saved not only his family from destruction but countless others as well. "One day," he told his family just before his death, "God will take you back to our homeland, the land of Canaan. And when you do, take my bones with you." Joseph's life impacted their past, their present, and even their future. Jacob and Joseph--what a beautiful legacy and what a great example they are to all of us. Pause for a moment and think about your own legacy. What kind of a legacy will you leave?
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.

Genesis 49-- Same Parent, Different Children

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

Genesis 48-- Imagining Your Children's Future

There have been many times when I have "day dreamed" about what the future might hold for my children when they become adults. I've thought about their future careers and the spouses and children they will one day have. I imagine what the future might be based on what I see in them today. But we need to be careful about the assumptions we make about people's futures, especially our children's. In Genesis 48, Joseph brings his two sons to visit their grandfather Jacob just prior to Jacob's death. Jacob not only blesses his grandsons, but prophetically describes their future (vv19-20). The problem, as Joseph saw it, was that Jacob placed his right hand on the younger child and pronounced a greater blessing on him. "Surely he is mistaken," Joseph thought, "the oldest son will be the greatest." But Jacob knew exactly what he was doing--and history shows that he was right. Like Joseph, sometimes we think we have it figured out. We think as parents we know what will become of our children when they are adults. We don't. God gives different gifts and abilities to each. Some go farther and accomplish more than others. While we can't assume what will happen in the future, we can lay a solid foundation in the present. That is what Jacob did as he recounted God's promises and told of His faithfulness (vv3-4, 15-16). Jacob had walked with God a long, long time. Now it was time to pass that heritage on to his grandchildren and their generation. Their ultimate future would not be in Egypt, but it would be as part of Jacob's "tribes" who eventually came to enjoy God's promised land (vv5-7). Jacob was a prophet--we're not! While we can dream about what the future might hold for our children and grandchildren, there are solid, practical things we can do right now to prepare them for it. Those certainly include laying a strong spiritual foundation. Nothing wrong with dreaming about the future, but let's also act in the present.
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.

Genesis 47-- Employee of the Decade

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

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

Genesis 44-- Stand Up and Take Responsibility!

We live in an age where it seems few people take responsibility for their actions and fewer people keep their commitments. We are quick to try and pass off our responsibilities to others rather than having the determination to see them through. Judah, in Genesis 44, did just the opposite. We see in him someone who stood up and took his responsibilities seriously. Originally from Canaan, he was in Egypt along with his brothers trying to get food during a famine. He had gotten food before but ran out and had to return. The man in charge of food distribution, who actually was his long lost brother Joseph, said that the only way to get more food was if Judah and his siblings brought their youngest brother Benjamin back with them. They did, much to their father Jacob's distress (see chapter 43). At that time, Judah told his father that he would personally take responsibility to make sure that Benjamin returned safely to Jacob. Now after this second trip, as Judah and his brothers were returning home, Joseph's servants stopped them and found Joseph's silver cup in Benjamin's bag, which Joseph purposely placed there. Now back before Joseph, who they still did not know was their brother, they were told they could go home but they would have to leave Benjamin behind. At this point Judah respectfully but forcefully articulated to Joseph why Benjamin had to go home. He then offered himself in Benjamin's place (vv 24-34). Benjamin was his responsibility and he was going to do everything in his power, even sacrificing himself, to make good on his commitment. Do you have that kind of determination when it comes to fulfilling your commitments? Do you keep your word even if it might cost you personally? The world is full of people who fail to fulfill their responsibilities. Don't you be one of them!
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.

Genesis 40-- Forgotten

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