Frank's Bible Blog

Sumner's Last Email

If you could write one final email before you died and send it out to tens of thousands of people all over the world, what would you write?

Yesterday (Christmas) my long-time friend and mentor, Dr. C. Sumner Wemp, went home to be with Jesus after a very long and full life. But before he died, he wrote an email and asked that it be sent after his death. I have included it below.

For many years Sumner was a professor of evangelism, Christian living and pastoral theology. He preached in some of the largest churches in America. But most of all, Sumner was a soul winner. He had personally led someone to Christ in almost every U.S. state and many other countries. He radiated Jesus to everyone who came in contact with him--even if it were just a couple minutes in an elevator. The last few years he wasn’t able to travel and preach any more, but he developed an expansive email ministry that touched tens of thousands of people all over the world. I’m sure I’ll write more about Sumner later, but for now please read his final email:

Sumner Wemp's Last Email

My partner in this email ministry, Steve, asked me to write something to send to you when Jesus calls me home.  Well GLORY!! If you are reading this, it means I’ve seen Jesus! He has called me home and has spoken those cherished words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant!” (Matt 25:21)  I’ve seen my beautiful wife, Celeste, and others who went to heaven ahead of me, those who may have read a gospel tract that told of how much Jesus loved them!
 
To those still thinking about trusting Jesus:
What are you waiting for?  God loves you and sent His Son, the Lord Jesus to suffer and die for your sins and mine. He paid the eternal punishment for all you and I both have done wrong, all of our sins for “the wages of sin is death” and Jesus paid the debt in full, rose again and was seen alive by hundreds of people. If you will believe Him, that Jesus really did pay for your sins too and receive the Lord Jesus as your Savior, He will save you and will give you a home in heaven, instead of sending you to hell.  And I will see you someday again!
 
To those already saved:
You and I have been given the awesome and eternal privilege of giving everyone a chance to get saved, to get their sins forgiven and go to heaven instead of hell. We have been commanded by the God who saved us and told to “preach or give the gospel” to every person. Of course we must be as courteous as we can and do it graciously which I genuinely tried to do. Out of the thousands of tracts I gave over my lifetime, less than a few dozen people have refused them or were rude to me. But as happened a couple of months ago, I gave a tract to a lady on an elevator and she blurted out. “Oh, I need to be saved, tell me what to do.” In just seconds we got off the elevator and I had the thrill of giving her the gospel and the thrill of praying with her as she understood and accepted Christ as her Savior. Minutes later when I got outside the building, I started weeping and wanted to fall on my face and thank almighty God for the inestimable privilege He had just given me. So help me, witnessing and winning people to Christ will give you the most wonderful experience of your life. If you are not caring and sharing the gospel to lost human beings just like you once were, Satan is robbing you blind of eternal rejoicing and rewards that such precious experiences bring. Why don’t you do the logical and sensible thing and obey God and get in on the greatest privileges of your life? Help people to go to heaven instead of hell. Make sense?
 
“Father, You are so wonderful to let us have a part in this eternal privilege. You said, we shall catch men. Dear God please help each one reading this get in on it! In Jesus’ name”
 
Oh, how I wish I could have known each of you personally and how I long for you to be so mightily used of God!  My race is finished but God can still use you.  Won’t you get in on it?  You too can win souls. There is nothing greater, more lasting, more rewarding you will ever do. I implore you to stick with it and do what the Word of God says. I LOVE YOU, all because of Calvary, Sumner

 

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 62—Avoiding Syncretism

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Psalm 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 49-- Did You Make the List?

Forbe's Magazine publishes a yearly list of the world's billionaires and the richest Americans, as well as "richest" lists for other countries. It is easy to look at these super-wealthy and assume that they have it all. After all, when you have access to billions of dollars, can't you get pretty much anything you want?

Not exactly.

Psalm 49 has a word for the rich, as well as the poor and everyone in between (v2). "Listen all who live in this world" (v1).

That pretty much includes everyone!

The psalmist goes on to remind us that, "No man can redeem the life of another or give God a ransom for him--the ransom for a life is costly, no payment is ever enough" (v8). He also reminds us that, "The foolish and senseless alike perish and leave their wealth to others."

You can't take it with you--and you can't buy eternal life. Money may buy the best medical attention and prolong one's life, "but man despite his riches does not endure" (v12).

The message of this psalm isn't about money but rather about trust. Who or what do you trust in? Do you trust in yourself and your resources? Or have you placed your faith in the Lord?

We can't redeem someone else's life or our own. No amount of money is enough. But there is One who has redeemed us, and that is Jesus Christ. His sacrificial death and subsequent resurrection satisfied the payment needed for sin. Now it is up to us to apply that atonement to our lives by placing our trust in Christ to forgive us and give us everlasting life with Him.

Whether you are on the world's list of wealthiest or not, we all get to God the same way--through Jesus.

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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 12--Getting a New Calendar

There is just something special about starting fresh, starting new. Whether it's a new home, new city, new job, new school grade or a new situation. It's an opportunity to leave whatever happened in the past behind and focus on making a new life. Sometimes we all need a fresh start. Our surroundings may not change, but we just need to reboot and take a new approach to life.

In Exodus 12:2 God said something interesting to Moses and Aaron. "This month is to be for you the first month, the first month of your year." God threw out the calendar and told the Israelites that they were starting fresh.

You see, they were getting ready to conduct the first-ever passover ceremony just hours before leaving Egypt for good. 430 years to the day (v40) after their ancestors frist arrived, Moses and the rest of the Israelites walked out of Egypt, leaving their past behind to start a new life. The years of bondage were now over. The road ahead would not be easy. There would be temptations to turn back to the old lifestyle and situations where their faith would be tested. But now they had an opportunity to become something special--to become their own people, their own nation. Most of all, they had the opportunity to serve the Lord without hindrance.They would have the opportunity to remember for generations to come how the Lord kept watch over them and gave them a new beginning (v42).

Friend, regardless of what the calendar says, today can be the first day of a new year for you. Today can be the day that you are set free from bondage. Today can be the day when you leave your baggage in the past and experience victory in the Lord. Today can be the day when you start a new walk in your marriage, with your children, on your job or with Christ. God can forgive you today and He can guide you into a better way. There will be challenges on the road ahead, but there will also be great opportunities to make your life count for God in a significant way.

You must make the choice: stay in Egypt by doing what you've been doing or embrace the new calendar by moving ahead with the Lord.

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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 9--What Will It Take?

It's painful to watch those who you love make terrible, even tragic, mistakes with their lives. They push people away, reject God, and choose a lifestyle that ultimately has a very bad ending. You want so desperately for these people to wake up and realize their need before it is too late. For some people, however, it takes tragedy to get their attention.

Such was the case with Pharaoh and many of the Egyptians that we see in Exodus 9. Up to the plague of hail in this chapter, the previous plagues hit all the Egyptians--there was no avoiding them. But here, God gives them a chance to avoid it. He gives them advanced warning of impending destruction. They could bring in from the fields their livestock, servants, and anything else perishable and put in them shelter. Verse 20 tells us that there were some of Pharaoh's officials who did fear the Lord, and they obeyed and were spared. Those who chose to ignore suffered the consequences, Pharaoh included.

After this devastating plague that did in fact wipe out people and animals, Pharaoh acknowledged his sin for the first time and admitted that the Lord was right (v27). Moses knew better, however, than to get excited by Pharaoh's confession. You see, it is one thing to acknowledge that you were wrong; it is quite another thing to do something about it! Pharaoh once again hardened his heart.

With some people, it does take tragedy after tragedy to get their attention before they will even recognize their sin. That was the case with Pharaoh. But recognizing is not enough--there has to be action. Something has to be done about it. That's where choice comes in. We can choose God's remedy for sin, or we can ignore it and keep doing what we were doing.

Maybe it is you who keeps making poor choices and causing grief for those who love you.

Are you prideful like Pharaoh? What will it take to get your attention? What will it take to break down that pride and acknowledge God and accept His salvation? Admitting that you blew it is one thing; allowing God to change you is quite another.

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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 8--One More Night with the Frogs

I was probably 9 or 10 when a Southern Gospel singer came to our church and sang a song I have never forgotten. It was titled "One More Night with the Frogs." (I found someone singing it on the Internet--click below to hear it). It's taken from Exodus 8 and an interesting exchange between Moses and Pharaoh.

Moses, once again, had asked Pharaoh to let the Israelites go. Pharaoh refused so Moses and Aaron brought a plague of frogs upon the land. Not just a few frogs--but frogs everywhere and in everything! Imagine that!

Eventually Pharaoh had enough and told Moses if he would call off the frogs they could go worship the Lord. "When do you want me to get rid of them," Moses asked.

My reply would have been "right now!" But for some reason Pharaoh said, "Tomorrow." He was willing to put up with them one more night.

Here are two other interesting things in this chapter. When Moses and Aaron first caused the frogs to appear, so did Pharaoh's magicians (v7). Think about that for a moment. Frogs were the problem, not the solution. Workers of evil could "miraculously" create more of the problem, but they could not create a solution.

Second, once the frogs were dead, piled into heaps, and the stench filled the land, Pharaoh had a change of heart. "When Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his heart" (v15). "It still smells really bad," he must have said to himself, "but the worse is over. So what do I need with all this God stuff? I've got it under control."

Didn't Pharaoh act just like a lot of us do today? We want to continue living in sin for just one more night. We turn to the world and ungodly friends for solutions to our problems but only get more of the same. We're willing to put up with some stench in our lives as long as we think we can still manage it. We'll turn to God to get us through our immediate crisis but quickly forget Him once it is past.

We can choose repentance or we can choose another night with the frogs. Which will it be?

_________________________ 

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.

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 49-- Did You Make the List?

Forbe's Magazine publishes a yearly list of the world's billionaires and the richest Americans, as well as "richest" lists for other countries. It is easy to look at these super-wealthy and assume that they have it all. After all, when you have access to billions of dollars, can't you get pretty much anything you want?

Not exactly.

Psalm 49 has a word for the rich, as well as the poor and everyone in between (v2). "Listen all who live in this world" (v1).

That pretty much includes everyone!

The psalmist goes on to remind us that, "No man can redeem the life of another or give God a ransom for him--the ransom for a life is costly, no payment is ever enough" (v8). He also reminds us that, "The foolish and senseless alike perish and leave their wealth to others."

You can't take it with you--and you can't buy eternal life. Money may buy the best medical attention and prolong one's life, "but man despite his riches does not endure" (v12).

The message of this psalm isn't about money but rather about trust. Who or what do you trust in? Do you trust in yourself and your resources? Or have you placed your faith in the Lord?

We can't redeem someone else's life or our own. No amount of money is enough. But there is One who has redeemed us, and that is Jesus Christ. His sacrificial death and subsequent resurrection satisfied the payment needed for sin. Now it is up to us to apply that atonement to our lives by placing our trust in Christ to forgive us and give us everlasting life with Him.

Whether you are on the world's list of wealthiest or not, we all get to God the same way--through Jesus.

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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 22--Turning Thanksgiving into Thanksliving

Each year here in the U.S. we celebrate Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday in November. It is a time for families to gather, for enormous quantities of food to be consumed, and in recent years, time to watch football. I would hope that most families also use the time to pause to reflect on and share about the things for which they are thankful. Personally, I love Thanksgiving. But the real issue isn't how we celebrate one day but how we live the 364 other days. Do we turn thanks-giving into thanks-living? Psalm 22 is a good primer on how to do just that. The first 18 verses prophetically describe the Messiah and His suffering on the cross. Thanksliving begins when you grasp the incredible sacrifice that Christ made for you. It continues when you speak openly of what Jesus has done for you (vv22-24) and you declare His work to the next generation (vv30-31). Thanksliving is exemplified when you follow-through on your commitments to God (v25) and live out before others what you say you believe. Thanksliving always keeps an eye to the future, knowing that these momentary toils will one day give way to "All the ends of the world shall remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations shall worship" before Him (v27). One day we will be able to say "Thank you" face to face with our Lord. Until that day, let's live a thankful life and make every day thanksgiving.
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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 13--How Clear are You?

We began our tour of the Israeli "diamond factory"--a place where raw diamonds are cleaned, cut and mounted for sale there and all over the world. It didn't take long for us to learn that clarity is one of the primary factors that determine diamond value. When you look at a diamond through a jeweler's magnifying glass, how many dark specks do you see? The fewer the specks, the clearer the diamond is and the more it is worth. The less impurities the gem has, the higher its value. Impurities, whether in gold, silver, diamonds, or even people's lives, cheapen the "value" of the item or life. Zechariah 13 describes a time when God will remove the deception of false prophets and prophecies from the land (vv. 2-6). It describes a time when "a fountain will be opened...for sin and for uncleanness" (v1). It also describes a time when God's "sheep" will be brought through the fire to be refined, tested, and ultimately call on God (vv7-9). While scholars may have different opinions on exactly what this chapter is describing, one thing is clear--we do not have to wait to the future to be cleansed and made pure. Through what Christ did on the cross we have access to the "fountain" that cleanses us from all sin. The question for us, once we have experienced that cleansing, is "Are we staying in the fountain?"Or are we allowing impurities into our lives that degrade our value to the Kingdom? God often allows us to go through refining processes now so that those impurities can be stripped away and we can become a brighter reflection of God's glory in this world. God wants to bring out His best in us. Let's cooperate with Him as He seeks to refine us, and let's remain "in the fountain" so that the impurities of this life will not be found in us. Let's improve our clarity.
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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 11-- When Having It All Costs You Everything

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

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

Psalm 14-- The Atheist Next Door

As the technician finished repairing our computer network, I started talking to him about spiritual matters. I was surprised when he told me he was an atheist. I live in the United States where the vast majority of the population believes in God. When this man said he was an atheist, I could not help but think of Psalm 14:1 "The fool has said in his heart, 'There is no God'." But while it may be a bit unusual to declare yourself an atheist, the reality is that most people live as if there is no God, whether they call themselves atheists or not. "The Lord looks down from heaven...to see if there are any who understand, who seek God," David tells us in verse two. What does God see? "They have all turned aside, they have together become corrupt; there is none who does good, no, not one" (v3). While 80% of Americans call themselves Christians (as opposed to being Muslim or Jewish), only 16% are truly "qualified to be known as followers of Christ" (George Barna, The Seven Faith Tribes, pg 42). This means we are surrounded by a lot of practical atheists, many of which have found their way into our churches. They need to join the "generation of the righteous" (v5) by placing their trust in Jesus Christ to forgive them of their sin. This is a reminder to those of us who are true followers of Christ that we should not look at a person's self-described label but rather get to the heart of the issue--what have they done with Jesus Christ. Someone may call himself or herself a Christian but be as far from God as one who considers himself an atheist. We need to share the gospel with everyone and not make assumptions because they go to church or use Christian terminology.
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.

Genesis 30-- True Business Success

The audience listened intently as the chairman of a billion dollar business told the audience about his personal struggles and emptiness as he was building his great enterprise. Success at work did not translate to success at home, nor did it leave him with a sense of true fulfillment. Externally it looked like he had it all, but that was just a facade. "My life was spiraling out of control and I did not like the person I was becoming," he said. That all changed, however, when he discovered salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. His company's mission statement now reads, in part, "To glorify God as we supply our customers world-wide..." This man discovered that when God is first in his life everything else falls into place. In Genesis 30 it is evident that God's hand was on Jacob's business affairs. Jacob worked smart (vv37-43) finding innovative ways to prosper his livestock business. You can look at this story as two sides of the same coin. On one side was the desire to honor God and the acknowledgment of Him in all that Jacob did (v30). On the other side was a solid, smart work ethic. That is a great combination. God's doesn't put His hand of blessing on laziness or poor decision making, nor is it on those who are self-sufficient or self-focused. There was balance. Evangelist Billy Graham, when training workers for his great evangelistic crusades, would say that they needed to pray like everything depended upon God but they needed to work like everything depended upon them. Jacob was experiencing true success--not just material success but the success of a life lived for God. Now that didn't mean that everything went smoothly for Jacob. There was a lot of drama at home with his wives Leah and Rachel (sisters) vying for his attention and having children (vv1-24). (By the way--the Bible never condones polygamy, it just reports what happened as this was an acceptable custom at the time. Actually, in every instance of polygamy in the Bible, we see heart-ache, grief, and trouble). In the midst of everything, Jacob did his best to stay balanced. That is a good lesson for all of us!
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.

Genesis 28-- The Desperate Tale of Two Brothers

Emotionally hurt with his world crashed down around him, we find Esau in Genesis 28 desperate to recover his father's favor. Earlier he exchanged his birthright for some stew, then he lost his father's blessing. It seemed that his brother Jacob got everything that should have been his. So when Jacob goes off to find a wife who wasn't from the area, Esau decides he needs to do that as well. He already had two wives from Canaan (much to his parents displeasure) but thinks that if he finds one from his extended family it will bring him back into his father's graces (vv8-9). While Esau (a grown man) is desperately trying to recover from his emotional pain, his brother has his first real encounter with God. Jacob had grown up hearing about God. He knew many things about God. But he didn't know God for himself. Then along a roadside as he journeyed to find a wife, God spoke to him (vv10-15). This was a turning point in Jacob's life. Jacob vows that if God would be faithful to him, Jacob would serve the Lord and put Him first (vv20-21), even in his possessions (v22). Jacob had caused a lot of grief, he was a conniver and a liar. But something started to change in his life as he met God on that dusty road. His focus started shifting from himself to the Lord and others. He went on to become a great man of God whose 12 sons would become the 12 tribes of Israel and the Jewish nation. Where are you at in your life today? Are you like Esau, desperate to recover from your emotional pain? Desperate to find someone who will love and accept you? Or maybe you are like Jacob prior to this chapter. You know all about God but haven't made a personal commitment to Him. Maybe you have done some terrible things, caused a lot of grief, lied to a lot of people. Whether it is the emotional pain of an Esau or the guilt of a Jacob, Jesus Christ is waiting to forgive you, heal your emotional scars, and lead you into an abundant life. If you have never done so, today ask God to forgive your sin, acknowledge that Christ's death, burial and resurrection is sufficient to pay for your sin, and commit your life to the Lord right now. God will make you into a new creation and give you a purpose and peace that you have never known before.
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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 15-- Star Light, Star Bright

My first trip to Australia was on a college missions team. After several days of ministry in the major city of Brisbane, we made our way into the Outback. We camped at night and ministered in small towns during the day. I remember one night looking up into the sky--which was as clear as clear could be. The stars were amazing--so many of them. There were different constellations than I had seen before. I often imagine that scene when I picture the events of Genesis 15. God reiterates to Abraham that He is going to make him a great nation. Abraham struggles with this because he has no children. Then God tells Abraham to go outside and look up at the stars. "Count them," God said. Have you ever tried to count all the stars? That night in the Outback I tried but there were so many I couldn't do it. Apparently Abraham wasn't able to either. "Your descendants will be as numerous as the stars," God said to Abraham. Then it happened. Abraham "believed in the Lord," (v6) and God "accounted it to him for righteousness." That night under the stars a transformation occurred in Abraham's life. It was a transformation that would lead to Abraham later being called "the friend of God."  It was the moment when Abraham truly placed his faith in the Lord. To this point he had followed God's instructions but that night under the stars Abraham's commitment moved from his head to his heart. God goes on in the chapter to demonstrate His covenant with Abraham with a "smoking oven and a burning torch that passed between" pieces of animals that Abraham had laid out at God's instructions (vv9,10,17,18). Friend, have you experienced a transformation of your life like Abraham did? Has their been a point in your life where you "believed in the Lord?" Not a head belief but a heart belief--a belief that involved the commitment of your life to Christ? A belief that acknowledged that Jesus' death, burial and resurrection is sufficient to pay for your sin? A belief so radical that you turned away from your sin and sought God's forgiveness? If not, I hope that you will make that commitment today.
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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 3-- The Downward Spiral

Have you ever seen those giant cylinders in shopping malls that are placed there by charities to raise money? You know--the ones where you drop a quarter on the edge and watch it spin around and around, gaining speed with every revolution, until the coin eventually disappears through a small hole. Sometimes we find our lives in a downward spiral, moving farther and farther away from God until the vibrant relationship that we once had is now hard to distinguish. We start out slow but rapidly digress. This was the scene in Genesis 3 as Adam and Eve ushered sin into the world. Notice how this downward spiral played out. First, they questioned God (vv1-4). Did God really say that? Did He really mean that we were not supposed to do this? Second, they sinned. It was desirable so they did it (v6). Third, they influenced others (v6). Eve did it and she influenced Adam to follow. Next, they hid (v8). They didn't want God to know what they did. They were ashamed and guilt-ridden so they tried to cover it up. Finally, they blamed (vv12-13). Rather than facing the truth of what they had done, they played the "she did it, he did it, God did it" blame game. Adam was so bold as to say to God "It was the woman whom You gave me--it was her fault." After all, he reasoned, if God hadn't given him Eve he wouldn't be in the situation. Do you see how quickly Adam and Even got caught in this downward spiral? Now notice how God tries to bring them "back to the surface." First, He questioned Adam and Even (v9), not because He didn't know the answer but because He wanted them to have a chance to come clean on their own. Second, God judged them (vv14-19). While this may be seen as negative, judgment actually is a very positive thing because it gets our attention and encourages us to do what is right. Finally, God made a provision for Adam and Eve. He clothed Adam and Eve, symbolic of how He clothes us today in the righteousness of His Son (v31). The way to avoid all of this is to not drop the coin in the first place! Don't question, reason away, ignore, or try to change God's commands. If we will simply accept what God says as being best for our lives and follow it, then we will never have to worry about getting caught up in a downward spiral.

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

Ecclesiastes 6-- I Can't Get No Satisfaction

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

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

Acts 2-- The Comeback Kid

Politics, sports, entertainment, business--they all have their stories of people who were considered washed up who later came back to accomplish great things. Peter was the New Testament's original comeback kid. What an amazing sight it must have been on that Pentecost day when Peter, who a short time before had vehemently denied knowing Christ, proclaimed the risen Lord with power and passion. Along with the other apostles, Peter preached his heart out (vv11-39) and a multitude responded with praise to the Lord. Peter had changed and so did this crowd. Notice the genuineness of those who embraced the message (vv41-47). They demonstrated their faith and repentance by being baptized (v41), caring for the needs of others (vv44-45), meeting together to learn, sharing meals, and living with a simple and pure purpose (v46)—to bring praise to the resurrected Lord. It was clear to everyone around that they were followers of Christ. They clearly showed that by how they lived, how they treated other believers, and by the transformation that took place in their lives. What about us today? Is it clear to those around us that we are Christ followers? Maybe like Peter you have made some mistakes and done some things that have not honored Christ. The good news is that with the power of the Holy Spirit you too can come back. Seek God's forgiveness and allow Him to restore you to a life of fruitfulness for His glory. Who knows--maybe God will use you to win multitudes for Christ just like He used Peter.

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

1 Corinthians 1-- Choose Your Own Adventure

When I was a child, there was a series of books I liked to read called Choose Your Own Adventure. Each book had different endings, depending on the choices the reader made. So you read through to a certain point in the book where you were then given a series of choices. Each choice had a corresponding page number where the story would resume. Imagine if we could do that with your life? Imagine if there was a way to do that with the decisions that you have made in your life. Imagine if you could read about what would have happened if you had made a different choice. What if you hadn't made the decision to commit your life to Christ (assuming you have)? Where would you be today without Christ? As 1 Corinthians 1 points out, we have been given the grace of God (v4) and are enriched by Him because we have responded to what many consider the foolishness of the Gospel (v18). We came to a juncture in life where we had to make a decision. The prevailing "wisdom" said to ignore the claims of Christ and live life for yourself (vv19-21) but because "the foolishness of God is wiser than men" (v25) you made the right decision and your life has been forever enriched. Now that you have made that decision, you still must choose your own adventure. You must choose to walk in God's wisdom (v30) or choose to become self focused and even divisive with your life (vv10-17, 31). The decisions that you make even now will write the future chapters of your life. Choose wisely!

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

Titus 3-- An Amazing Contrast

Here in the state of Texas, the summers can get pretty hot. You especially notice this when you leave an air conditioned building and get into a car that has been sitting out in the sun for hours. The contrast in temperature between the two is amazing. Titus 3 talks about an amazing, even radical contrast. It is the contrast between the old and new lives. Before coming to Christ, our lives are characterized by foolishness, disobedience to God, being misled by others, slavery to our wicked desires and evil pleasures, and with being consumed with envy and hatred towards others. But praise God, He reached down to our level because we could not reach up to His, and He washed us clean! He gave us a new start. He gives us eternal life! Now there should be a stark contrast in our lives as a result of receiving Christ as our Savior. This is especially true of what comes out of our mouths. We should not be divisive and speak evil of others (vv2, 10). Instead of tarring others down, we should focus on doing good works--things that help everybody (vv8-9). Is there an amazing contrast in your life from where you were before Christ and where you are now? Has that change permeated your speech? Or do you find yourself being divisive and negative? Remember that "those who believed in God should be careful to maintain good works" (v8). This is something we all should work at so that our lives continue to be a stark contrast to a world without Christ.

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

Philippians 3-- Focusing the Binoculars

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

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

Revelation 20-- Fact not Fiction

It reads like a fascinating adventure novel, but it isn't fiction. Revelation 20 lays out some dramatic events, the focus of which is a 1,000 year reign of Christ on the earth. We are told that Satan is bound for 1,000 years so that he can no longer "deceive the nations" (v3). During that time the saints of God, especially those who suffered greatly and were martyred during the tribulation, will reign with Christ (v4). The chapter also details a final rebellion by the devil and then the "great white throne" judgment where those who have died without Christ are sentenced to eternal damnation (vv11-15). There are a lot of differences of opinion among scholars about this millennium period (which actually is the focus of a lot of Old Testament prophecy). Whatever your view of the millennium, one principle rings true to us today: current sacrifices are definitely rewarded one day. Faith looks forward in anticipation to God fulfilling His word and plan. Hebrews 11 tells us of Old Testament saints who did not get their reward in this life, but they pressed on anyway because they were looking for a city not made with hands--they were anticipating Heaven and their rewards to come. The flip side of this truth is the fact that current sin will be punished. One day everyone who rejected Christ as savior, no matter how powerful they were or how insignificant (v12), will stand in judgment. God will show them definitively from their lives that they are deserving of eternal punishment and separation from God. Then they will be shown that they never received Christ's remedy for sin. Let this chapter be a reminder that the decisions we make now do matter. They matter for eternity.

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

Revelation 12-- The Keys to Victory

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

Revelation 11-- Shining a Light in a Very Dark World

It reads like the script of a Hollywood horror or sci-fi movie. Two people come to global prominence as they speak out against the evils of the world. For three and a half years anyone who opposed these two and sought to kill them were themselves killed--consumed by fire from their mouths. The two turn water to blood and fill the earth with plagues. The world and its leaders are outraged with these two, but are unable to do anything about them. Then suddenly, without warning, the two are killed. For three and a half days their bodies are laid out in the streets of Jerusalem for all the world to see via television. In a global celebration greater than Christmas, people everywhere rejoice in their death. But then the unimaginable happens--the two come back to life and then ascend into the heavens as a massive earthquake rocks the surrounding city killing 7,000 people and destroying ten percent of the buildings.

No, this isn't a Hollywood script. It is the future scene painted for us in Revelation 11. There are two principles in this that I would like for you to notice. First, even in the midst of the Tribulation where God is pouring out His wrath on humanity, He gives mankind opportunity to turn to Him. God truly loves every person and longs for them to have a relationship with Him. God does everything possible to give them every opportunity possible to turn to Him. Second, these two witnesses carried forth God's light into a very hostile world. Imagine being the two most hated people in the whole world just because you proclaim God's message. Even though it often isn't popular, God wants His message made known to everyone. You and I are the carriers of that message. Sometimes that message is embraced; other times it is vehemently rejected. Regardless, like these two witnesses, we are called to proclaim truth and leave the results up to God. We are called to shine a light in a very dark world. How is your light today? Is it shining brightly or is it hidden in fear?
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at www.maxpoint.org/message_board.

Revelation 1-- Truly Majestic

Alaska is one of the most beautiful places on earth. As you drive past glaciers and around majestic mountains, you think it can't get any prettier than what you just saw--that is until you come around the next curve in the road and witness the next amazing sight. Everywhere you look is like a post card. In a sense, that is the way Jesus Christ is. The more we get to know Him, the more amazed we are. In Revelation 1 we are given a majestic picture of Christ. He is eternal (v4). He is victorious over death (v5). He is the coming conquering king (v7). He is the first and the last (vv8,11). He is the sustainer of the church (vv12-20). He is glorious (vv14-16-17). But even greater than that for us, He is personal. He loves us (v5). He enables us to be "kings and priests" (v6). He is majestic but He is also approachable and caring. Pause for a moment now and take in Christ's beauty and majesty. Thank Him for loving you enough to die for you (v5). Worship Him right now!
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at www.maxpoint.org/message_board.

1 John 5-- The Fireproof Secret

In the movie Fireproof, firefighter captain Caleb Holt is accustomed to rushing into burning buildings and rescuing total strangers. But in his own life, Holt watches as his marriage burns to the ground. With a dare from his father, and an inward desire to never quit, Holt embarks on a 40 day challenge to try and rescue his marriage from its burning embers. But half way through Holt realizes that this is much harder than anything else he had ever attempted--he needed a strength and a power that he just didn't posses. In 1 John 5, God gives us the secret to fireproofing our lives--the secret to being able to love others and live victoriously. That secret is found by having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ (vv1-5) and walking in Him. When we place our faith and trust in Christ, we are able to overcome the challenges of this world (v5). The Trinity--God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit ("these three are one" vv7-8) bear witness to this truth. That faith not only gives us eternal life (v13) but the opportunity to have our prayers answered by Almighty God (vv14-16). It also gives us the ability to overcome sin, so that sin no longer characterizes our lives and we no longer have to abide in it (vv16-18). For those who fail to fireproof their lives, they may actually see their lives cut short as there is a sin that leads to death (vv16-17). So, lets examine our relationship with Christ so that we can fireproof our lives and have the confidence that "he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him" (v18).
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at www.maxpoint.org/message_board.

1 John 4-- Watch the Runner. Pitch to the Batter

It is the bottom of the ninth inning and your baseball team is up by one run. You are on the mound pitching for the visiting team. You give up a single to the lead-off hitter--who happens to lead the league in stolen bases. As you prepare to throw to the next batter, there are two things very clear in your mind: you have got to watch the runner at first base and you have got to make a good pitch. If the runner gets too much of a jump, he could score if the batter hits the ball well. You cannot let that happen! Like that pitcher, when it comes to living the Christian life, 1 John 4 tells us that there are two things that must be clear in our minds. First, we have got to watch the runners--the false teachers and philosophies that actually deny Christ (vv1-6). There are many of them manifesting themselves in various ways. But you can successfully overcome them because "He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world" (v4) and because "we are of God and he who knows God hears us...By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error" (v6). Second, we have to throw the right "pitch" to everyone, and that is genuine love (vv7-21). Love is the fundamental proof that we belong to God and are walking in Him (vv12, 16). This love comes as a result of us first experiencing God's love by committing our lives to Christ as our Savior (vv14-16). Watching for deception and living out a life of love--two very important things that should be clear in all of our lives.
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at www.maxpoint.org/message_board.

1 John 1-- I'm So Excited

Have you ever had such great news that you could hardly wait to tell someone? You were bubbling over with so much excitement that you wanted to shout it out to the whole world! Well, I think that is how the Apostle John must have felt as he wrote John 1.  You can just feel the excitement as John launches into his epistle. He had found something so exciting, so amazing that he could hardly wait to share it with others. What is it that he found? The Word of life--the ability to have joy-filled fellowship with God. John wrote from personal experience having walked with Christ and went on to experience a continuously intimate fellowship with God. You and I, said John, can have that same kind of joy-filled life. What does it take? First, we have to have received eternal life by committing our lives to Christ (vv1-4). Then, we must "walk in the light" (v7). We must walk in God's holiness, His righteousness. When we walk in sin we lose our fellowship or closeness to God (but not our relationship--we are still His child) vv5-7. To stay in the light, we must be quick to confess sin and seek God's forgiveness as soon as we become aware of it (v9). The issue is not being sinless, because that is impossible for everyone but God (v10). Rather, the issue is being aware of sin and quickly turning from it. This will ensure that we are walking in the light. When we do that, we not only enjoy an intimate relationship with God, but with other believers as well (v7). Walking in a dynamic and close relationship with the creator of the universe--now that is something to get excited 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. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at www.maxpoint.org/message_board.

John 20-- The Bottom Line

In business, people often refer to the "bottom line"--the last line on a financial statement that shows whether or not the company made money and how much. A financial statement could be many pages long, but by going to the "bottom line" you immediately know where you stand. You get the big financial picture in one place. Well, the gospels have a "bottom line"--one verse you can go to and get the big picture. That verse in John 20:31 "But these things are written that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God and that believing you might have life through His name." That is the bottom line of Scripture. It is the bottom line of the story of Christ's resurrection which is found here in chapter 20. It is the bottom line of Christ appearing to His disciples after the resurrection. It is the bottom line for all of the miracle that Jesus did (which John says were far more than what he recorded--v30). The bottom line is that you and I might believe in Christ and have eternal life through Him. Jesus said to "doubting" Thomas, who only believed the resurrection after He saw Christ for himself, "Blessed are they that have not seen and yet have believed" (v29). You and I weren't there to witness Christ's miracles for ourselves, but that is why God gave us His word so that we could believe even though we can't see. The ultimate bottom line for each of us is a question of faith. Will we respond to Christ and His word with faith? Will we believe and place our faith in Him? If we were to look at the "bottom line" of your life, what would we see? Would it be "faith." Or would it be "self-reliance"? What's your bottom line?

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

John 17-- Jesus Prays for YOU!

I don't know of any better, more peaceful feeling than hearing someone earnestly pray for me. When someone intercedes on our behalf to the Father, we experience a calmness and an assurance that are unique to believers. But did you know that Jesus Himself prayed for you? If you have trusted Him as Savior, He had you in mind when He prayed in John 17 (v20). Here's what He prayed for when He prayed for you:

• that you will be eternally kept through Jesus Himself (vv9-11)
• that you may be one with other believers (v11)
• that you will experience the fullness of His joy (v13)
• that you would be protected from the evil one as you serve Him in this world (v15)
• that you would be set apart by the truth that is God's word (vv17-19)
• that you would be one with Christ (vv21)
• that the world would see God's glory through you (vv22-23)
• that you would one day be with Him in heaven and see all of His glory (v24)
• that God's love would fill your life (v26)

Wow! Jesus prayed for you--and what a prayer it was! Pause right now and thank Him for His prayer for you. Thank Him for the assurance of eternal life that only He can give (vv3,10,12). Thank Him for His incredible love for you. Thank Him for revealing truth to you. Now that He has prayed for you, ask Him to empower you that you may bring glory to Him every day of your life.
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at www.maxpoint.org/message_board.

John 14-- Lots of Questions

When I pick my children up from school, I always have a lot of questions for them. "How was your day? Did you learn anything? How much homework do you have?" I'm sure part of them appreciates the interest in what is happening in their world, but another part probably gets tired of playing "20 questions" everyday. In John 14, we see Jesus giving some of His final teaching with His disciples prior to the crucifixion.  In the midst of it, three of His disciples fire off questions--but they are all questions that Jesus had answered before in one way or another. These questions, however, are some of the same ones people are asking today. First, Thomas asked how do they get to where Jesus was going. The answer then is the same now: "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father accept through me," Jesus said (v6). The second question was really a request--show us the Father (v8).  Give us proof. Expose to our eyes God the Father "and that will be enough for us." There are those who always want more proof. They never are satisfied with the answers they get to their questions. Jesus said again, as He had on numerous occasions, that if you see Him you see the Father (vv9-4). Jesus said that it came down to an issue of belief--either you take Christ at His word or not. The same is true today. No matter how many answers one gets to his or her questions, ultimately one must decide to accept Christ by faith or not. It really is that simple. The final question, posed by the other Judas (not the one who betrayed Jesus) was "why are you going to reveal yourself to us and not the world?" (v22). It just made sense to Judas that Jesus would want everyone to see everything about Himself. The reality, as Jesus pointed out, is that people are too blind to see. Those who love Him and serve Him will see Jesus for Who He is (vv23-24). You see, the more we fall in love with Jesus, the more we obey Him, and the more of Him we see and understand. So, if we pull those three questions together, we get a very important truth that we all should understand:

Eternal life in Heaven comes only by placing our faith in Christ and Him alone. Once we have done that, we grow closer to Him and experience more of Him as we obey Him.

If you have placed your faith in Christ, then how are you doing at obeying Him? We simply need to obey Him if we really want to see Christ and His glory manifested in our lives.

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

John 10-- Sheep Everywhere

During numerous trips to the country of Romania, I've observed shepherds in the fields caring for their sheep. Usually I would see the sheep grazing and the shepherd sitting. Although he was seated, the shepherd was watching--watching to make sure that nothing happened to his sheep and that none of them wandered off. In John 9 Jesus used the illustration of sheep and a shepherd to help people better understand who He was and what His purpose was. He talked about the intimate relationship a shepherd has for his sheep, how he knows their names and they know his voice (vv3-4). Jesus called Himself the door of the sheep--the entrance into the safety and provisions of the sheepfold. Then He called Himself the good shepherd who gives His life for the sheep. He contrasted that to the intent evil one, which is to "steal, and to kill, and to destroy" (v10). Christ, on the other hand, intended that we have life and the we may "have it more abundantly" (v10). We also see Christ's desire to bring others into the fold (v16) and a prediction that He would die and rise from the dead (vv17-18) to secure the ultimate provision for His sheep, eternal life (28). Finally, we see Jesus cause an enormous uproar by claiming to be God (vv30-39). How do you relate to all of this? Are you one of Christ's sheep? Do you listen to His voice? Are you experiencing abundant life? Do you know for sure that you have eternal life with Him? If not, then maybe it is time that you get to know the Good Shepherd for yourself.

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