Frank's Bible Blog

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

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

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

Psalm 21--Lasting Leadership

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

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

Psalm 20-- Leaders with Praying Followers

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

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

Exodus 11--Planning Ahead

Have you ever gone someplace only to realize once you got there that you were missing something you needed? Maybe you realize once you arrive at your beach vacation destination that you forgot your sandals. Or you travel to a business meeting and realize a critical handout is sitting back on your desk--1,000 miles away.

Maybe it's not that you forgot something, maybe it is that you never had what you needed to start with. I remember in college I was encouraged to try to test out of several courses because of my strong high school grades. So I signed up for the science, history and humanities tests. Science and history went great. The problem was humanities. At the time, I didn't even know what the word humanities meant! But I took the test anyway--which included identifying famous paintings, painters, literary works, authors, etc. I looked at the questions and had absolutely no idea what the answers were. So I guessed at all of them. Needless to say, I failed miserably.

The problem was that I was not equipped with what was needed--in this case knowledge--to accomplish the task before me. Had I known a couple years earlier that I would be taking that test, then maybe I would have made sure that I got what I needed. The point is that sometimes we forget what we need, and sometimes we never had what we needed in the first place.

God, however, knows exactly what we will need in the future to do exactly what He calls us to do. He gifts us and equips us and allows certain experiences--all to prepare us for what is to come. We see a great example of this in Exodus 11. Now it's easy to miss because it is just an aside in the story of Moses telling Pharaoh that the 10th and final plague--the death of the firstborn--was about to come.

In verse 2, God instructs Moses to tell the Israelites to ask their Egyptian neighbors for articles of silver and gold. We find out later that the Egyptians were more than happy to oblige. Now this verse looks strangely out of place in this chapter. After all, we are talking about the death of scores of people if they fail to appropriate God's remedy. Yet while God gives instructions on the plague, He also throws in the gold and silver task. Why?

If I'm an Israelite, all I'm thinking about is how do we get out of town--quick. I'm not thinking about asking for a bunch of extra stuff to take with me. God, however, was looking ahead. He was looking ahead to the tabernacle that He would instruct the Israelites to build while they were in the middle of the wilderness. He was providing them with the materials they would need in the future, even though they had no idea at the time that they would need it.

Friend, whatever it is that you are going through now may just be God preparing you for tomorrow. It may be God giving you the tools now that you may not use until years later. But that is just how God is--always looking ahead.

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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.

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

"God bless me today."

"God bless my family."

"God bless my church."

"God bless America."

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

But think again.

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

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

Why do you want God's blessings?

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

Why do you want God's blessings?

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

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

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

_________________________

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

Psalm 21--Lasting Leadership

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

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

Zechariah 1-- Learning from History

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

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

Haggai 1-- How to Stop Spinning Your Wheels

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

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

Ezra 2-- You're Never Too Old

Hap is a friend of mine and an incredible example that you are never too old to tackle new projects for the Lord. Hap had a colorful life and career. He was a highly decorated military veteran wounded three times in action who worked his way up the ranks to Lt. Colonel. He also worked with some high profile people like J.C. Penney (yes, the man who started the department stores) and others. But his life didn't really start until he was in his 60s--you see, that is when he trusted Christ as his savior. He and his dear wife began taking trips and witnessing behind the "iron curtain" when Eastern Europe was locked in communism and Christian witnessing was outlawed. After the curtain fell, they continued their trips, now as recruiters helping ordinary people go on short-term missions trips. Well into his 80s, Hap was going strong traveling to several countries each year, meeting new people, and impacting everyone he came in contact with. Now 90, Hap continues to display a "can do" attitude even though his body is slowing down. In Ezra 2 we meet a group of people who also had a "can do" attitude, many of whom were 70+ years of age. Numbering nearly 50,000 people, these were the Jews who left the comforts of what had been Babylon to start a new life in Judah where they would rebuild cities and the temple. These were risk takers not satisfied with the status quo. God had moved their hearts to service (chapter 1 verse 5) and now they were putting it all on the line to follow Him and accomplish His purpose. Not only that, but once they got to the land they "offered freely for the house of God...according to their ability" (vv68-69). They sacrificially gave so that the temple could be rebuilt. Hap and these 50,000 Jews are reminders to us that you are never too old to start something new, take risks, or impact others for 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. 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.

_____________
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 17-- The Countdown to Lift Off

We've all seen the countdowns to a Space Shuttle blast off. For the astronauts on board, however, their countdown started long before the clock that we see. It started years before as they anxiously awaited time for their mission. They began counting down the various missions ahead of theirs as they trained and prepared for their moment. Their countdown is in months not just seconds. I have heard astronauts talk about that waiting time--how everything they do is looking ahead to that time when they will enter space, and how they want to make sure they are prepared for that moment. In Genesis 17 God starts the countdown clock on the fulfillment of His long-standing promise to Abraham. Twelve months and Abraham and Sarah would give birth to the son with whom God would establish His covenant (v19, 21). It had been 13 years since Abraham's "false start" with the birth of Ishmael (chapter 16) but now God reiterates His promise that Isaac would be born. Abraham initially laughed at this (v17) but when God started the countdown (v21) Abraham got serious. God told Abraham that male circumcision would be the sign of His covenant (v10-11), and Abraham complied (vv 23-26). As difficult as that must have been, Abraham followed-through on what God told him to do in preparation for the fulfillment of His promise. You see, waiting doesn't always mean inactivity. In fact, waiting often involves lots of activity--preparations for the anticipated moment. Just like the astronauts prepare as they wait for their mission, there often are things that God would have us to do as we wait on the fulfillment of His promises to us. Part of believing that God is going to accomplish something is preparing ourselves for it. What is it that you are waiting on God for today? What is it that you believe with all your heart that God is going to do in and through your life? Follow the example of the astronauts and start preparing now for lift off!
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.

Genesis 2-- The Fading Play Set

Several years ago we bought this giant wooden play set for our children to enjoy in the backyard. The unit was assembled and the redwood that comprised the set was beautiful. It looked great in the yard! Over the years, however, the sun and elements began to take its toll on the set. That beautiful wood faded. It needed to be maintained, but alas, it was placed on the bottom of my "to do" list. In many ways, that play set is characteristic of the things that God gives us. They are beautiful and perfect when He constructs them, and it is up to us to maintain them to resemble the original. Genesis is the book of beginnings, and in chapter 2 we see the beginning of creation, work, and relationships. All of these things were perfect when God created them. It would then be up to mankind to determine what to do with these. Would we follow God's plan and reap His blessings and rewards? Or would we deviate from what is right, seek our own ways, and pay the consequences? Those questions are answered in the next chapters. But in this chapter, notice that God set the stage through the wonder and beauty of creation. He then went beyond that to plant a garden (v8) where man would live. God then gave man work to do--caring for the garden (v15) and naming the animals (v20). The earth was not made to dominate man but rather it was made for man's benefit. With that, however, came responsibility. Man was expected to properly manage what God had given as part of the work that God calls us to do. God then instituted marriage and human relationships by creating Eve to complete Adam. God had a perfect plan for marriage as well--intimacy. Not just physically but emotionally and spiritually as well. That happens when we leave our "singleness" and baggage of the past, cleave or "stick" to our spouse, and become one (v24). Marriages lose their "stickiness" when spouses seek to make the marriage two instead of one. We remain as two when we focus on personal rights, desires, and satisfaction rather than on the needs of our spouse and what is best for our relationship. Let's work at keeping creation, our work, and our relationships in ways that honor God and follow His design. Let's not let what was intended to be beautiful fade into disrepair.
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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.

Genesis 1-- A Good Question

"Tell me again, Dad, why am I doing this," my daughter questioned as I dropped her off at our high school early one Saturday morning. "Why am I spending half of a Saturday to take an optional test?" The seventh grader had a good question. She was taking a college entrance exam test along with high school seniors but she was more than five years away from college. "This will help you in the future, " I tried to explain. This opportunity was provided to my daughter as part of a national program that identifies and encourages gifted students. It was a reminder to me of the times we ask God, "And why am I doing this?" He responds, "This will help you in the future." In Genesis 1 we see three truths that should help our perspective on life and the future. First we see that everything God does is good. Seven times in this chapter God comments "it is good" on His work. You cannot improve on God's plan, design, or work. This should speak volumes to us as we live our lives. How many times do we try to do our own thing? How many times do we substitute God's plan for an inferior plan of our own? Second, we see that we have an intimate connection to God. We were created in His image (vv26-27). From the very beginning, God did with man what He did not do with any of the animals. He created us in His likeness to have a lasting relationship with Him. Anytime someone is out of relationship with God then everything is out of place. Our very being, our very DNA if you would, is to relate to God and to reflect who He is in this world. This is why our relationship with God affects every other area of our lives. We cannot compartmentalize our lives--everything is inter-related. Finally, we were created with a purpose--to manage this world (v28). When we side-step God's plan, have an estranged relationship with Him, or fail to pursue our God-given purpose, then we miss out on God's blessings and only hurt ourselves in the long-run. "This will help you in the future," God says to us today as we consider these three truths from the creation story.
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at www.maxpoint.org/message_board.

Ecclesiastes 11-- Whose the Center of Your Universe?

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

Ecclesiastes 9-- Getting the Most Out of Life

John was a tall, distinguished looking man who joined us for one of our staff chapels. Looking at John you didn't notice anything different or out of the ordinary. John, however, was dying. We all are dying--but John had been given a time frame for it. He shared his remarkable journey with the staff and how the news of his impending death had changed how he lived. What if you knew the month that you would enter into eternity? What if that time was much sooner than the time you have in the back of your mind? What would you do different? Most of us will not be given a significant advance warning of our death. So, according to Ecclesiastes 9, we need to maximize every day that we have. How do we do that? First, place your work in God's hand (v1). This includes not only your vocational work but the service "work" that you do for your family, church, etc. Allow God to take control of it all. Second, recognize that life happens to everyone--there are ups and downs for both the evil and the righteous alike (v2). Don't be discouraged when it seems that those who reject Christ are doing better than you. Third, have hope. Even if you have wasted a large portion of your life, there is hope for the future. As long as there is life there is the opportunity to give God control of our lives and allow Him to make them matter (vv3-6). Don't live in the past but instead allow God to make the most of the moment. Fourth, live holy with works that are acceptable to God (v7-8). Fifth, enjoy your marriage (v9)! Yes, marriage is one of the wonderful gifts that God gives us to maximize our lives. Unfortunately, many couples allow the joy to leave and their marriage becomes a drain. Don't let this happen to you if you are married! Next, give it your all!Work with all your might at those things that God leads you to do because there is "no work...in the grave where you are going." Finally, walk in wisdom (vv13-18) and make the most of every day that you have. These seven steps will enable all of us to live truly fulfilled and meaningful 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.

Ecclesiastes 2-- Work, Work, Work

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

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

Nehemiah 13-- Inspect Don't Just Expect

There is an old leadership saying that I have found to be absolutely true: people don't do what you expect they do what you inspect. Sometimes when we delegate tasks or turn over leadership responsibilities to others they do not approach their new challenges with the passion, diligence and care that is needed. It is important that we don't just assume that the right things are getting done; we must inspect to ensure things are being handled properly. This is especially true when we have put someone in charge of something who doesn't have a lot of experience or a strong reputation of getting things done right. In Nehemiah 13, Nehemiah's closing narrative on the reconstruction and reestablishment of Jerusalem, we see a similar situation. Nehemiah, of course, was a strong and capable leader. The time came, however, for him to leave and return to his primary responsibilities which involved direct service to the king. He departed Israel with what he thought were the right people and right policies in place. The problem was that those people--those leaders--dropped the ball. No one stepped up and really led. They allowed the nation to return to its "default" position, which was a place of disobedience to God. Nehemiah, however, as a good leader returned to Jerusalem to inspect what he left behind. He said that what he saw "grieved me bitterly" (v8). So he took immediate and firm action. He gathered the leaders together and "set them in their place" (v11). He then replaced people with those who "were considered faithful" (v13) even using his own servants to guard the gates (vv19-20). Nehemiah did not live in a fantasy world. He did not stick his head in the sand. He did not assume that just because things were going well at one point that they would stay that way. Instead he inspected the situation and took whatever actions were necessary to ensure the integrity of the project. Why? Because that's what good leaders do, especially those who see their work as a stewardship from God (vv14, 22, 31).

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

Nehemiah 7-- Avoiding a Dot Com Bust

When we look back historically at the 1990s, many people will recall how the dot com boom turned bust. The Internet had become a commercial superpower and scores of new Internet based companies were popping up every day. It seemed that stock prices of any company with a dot com in their name were going through the roof, with no end in sight. The party, however, came to a crashing end. By the end of the decade, companies that seemingly could do no wrong had disappeared completely. Very few of the 90s success stories were even around in 2001. Why? What happened that brought these fortunes to an end? Many analysts believe the end came because of leadership issues. Not because of bad products, or difficult economic times, but because company leaders could not transition leadership styles from being entrepreneurs to being managers. It is one thing to get something started; it is quite another thing to keep it going. Nehemiah faced a similar issue in chapter 7 once the Jerusalem walls had been rebuilt. The start-up phase was complete. Now what? Like every good leader, Nehemiah transitioned style, first by giving up some of his power and delegating it to others. But notice who he delegated it to--"the leader of the citadel, for he was a faithful man and feared God more than many" (v2). Nehemiah's key leaders would be those with a proven leadership track record who walked with God. Next, Nehemiah re-assessed the situation (vv4-5) and followed through on what God told him to do ("then my God put it into my heart to..."). Nehemiah continued to grow, continued to improve, and most importantly, continued to be led by God. Complacency was not part of his vocabulary. Nehemiah demonstrates to us that it is not just about starting well; you also have to finish well.

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

Nehemiah 5-- The Hen and the Hog

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

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

1 Corinthians 9-- Lessons from Nordstrom

When it comes to business transactions, we live in a culture that expects great customer service. Companies that excel today do so through exemplary customer service. Some businesses, like the upscale department store Nordstrom, have become almost legendary in their pursuit of customer care. These companies have a "whatever it takes" attitude towards business. How much more should we as believers have this attitude towards reaching people for Christ? We need a "whatever it takes" commitment. I Corinthians 9 tells us that it is an honor and privilege to preach the gospel (vv16-17). Those who benefit from its preaching should support financially those who are preaching (VV1-12), but our motivation to share Christ should never be financial (V15). We must be willing to do it for nothing. We also must be willing to adapt our culture and move from our comfort zone in order that we can win people to Jesus (VV19-23). We become as much like them as possible. In other words, we have a "whatever it takes" approach. But that approach is not only an attitude but also a strategy. There should be a method or a plan to our work to reach people for Christ (V24). If corporations can spend countless hours and resources planning new ways to reach more customers, should we not spend some time considering the best ways to connect people to the gospel? Great companies do not deliver great customer care by accident. Instead, they take a disciplined approach that involves training, rewarding, and focusing their employees. The same is true when it comes to the gospel. We must be disciplined if we want to be successful (V27). Whatever it takes--is that your approach towards reaching your world for 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.

1 Corinthians 4-- Celebrating Too Early

It was one of those unusual moments in NFL football. Rookie Philadelphia Eagles Wide Receiver DeSean Jackson caught the ball with nothing but air between him and the end zone. As he began to approach the goal line for the first time in his professional career, he started to celebrate what he thought was a touch down. He flicked the ball backwards and began to dance. The problem was, he hadn't actually crossed goal line. The ball was down at the one yard line and Jackson had no score--just a very embarrassing moment. Often in life we get to thinking we are something more than what we are. We look at our supposed accomplishments, we look forward to nothing but air between us and the end zone, and we get puffed-up with pride. 1 Corinthians 4 is a good reality check for all of our egos. We should let our praise come from God (v5) not ourselves. He will bring to light what is really in our lives--both good and bad. We must remember that whatever abilities, resources, or accomplishments we have are all gifts from God (v7). We cannot look at others who are in difficult circumstances and think that we are better than them. It could be that those who we think less of are actually being used of God in greater ways than we could possibly ever know (vv8-13). No, it is not about talk or about celebrating who we are, "for the kingdom of God is not in word but in power" (v20). Let's keep our eye on the goal, our head in reality, and remember for Whom we are really "playing." If we do that, we won't ever be guilty of celebrating something we haven't actually accomplished.

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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 4-- Mind Games

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

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

1 Timothy 6-- For the Love of Money

Money is a basic necessity of life. But its one of those things that can bring out the worst in people, even believers. Much of 1 Timothy 6 focuses on the dangers of loving money. The principle that should guide our lives, whether we have a lot of money or a little, is "godliness with contentment is great gain" (v6). When we shift our focus to getting rich or staying rich, rather than first pleasing God, we set ourselves up for the traps of "harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction." If you have received wealth then "do not be arrogant nor put...hope in wealth" (v17). We should all keep our focus upward regardless of the amount in our bank accounts.
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at www.maxpoint.org/message_board.

2 Thessalonians 3-- No Couch Potatoes Allowed

When I hear the phrase "couch potato" I picture a a guy spread out on a couch with the TV remote control in one hand and a bag of chips in the other who won't get up unless he absolutely has to. Unfortunately, some people live their lives like couch potatoes. Paul, however, says that kind of lifestyle has no place in the body of Christ. He exhorted the Thessalonians in chapter 3 to work and provide for themselves rather than mooching off from others. He challenged them to break the soap opera syndrome of busying themselves with the affairs of others and get a life for themselves. He starts the chapter asking for payer for himself and his team that "the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified." No, Paul was never idle even when he was imprisoned. There was always someone to whom he could witness, someone who needed an encouraging letter, someone whom he could touch for Christ. Let's don't "grow weary in doing good" (v13) .  It's time to drop the chips, put down the remote, and run the race of active service for 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.

Luke 21-- Looks Can Be Deceiving

On a trip to Fairbanks, Alaska, our family visited a gold mine and learned how the area used to be mined. We were also shown how to pan for gold and even given a bag of dirt to try for ourselves. When I first poured the dirt into the pan, all I saw was dirt and rocks--nothing resembling gold. At first glance, it looked worthless. But as I separated out the rocks and then panned out the dirt, I was pleasantly surprised by what was left. Sure enough, there was gold in that dirt (o.k.--some gold flakes worth about $4!). But the point is that I had to sift through the visible to get to the important things. This is what Jesus taught in Luke 21 where He commented on a widow woman's offering then gave a discourse on end-time events. In both cases, He said that we need to look beyond the obvious to read what is really happening. The widow woman's measly offering of pennies was of more value than the huge sums given by the wealthy because it was given sacrificially. There was more happening than met the eye. The same is true with global events. We should learn to not always pass judgment by what we first see in others or in what is happening around us, but rather try to discern if there is something deeper. As we do, we may just find a gold nugget!
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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.

Luke 16-- Buy Now, Pay Later

We've all seen the commercials to buy that new furniture now and you won't have to start paying it off until much, much later. The marketers try to entice us to get whatever we want now without thinking about the real cost. But "payday" eventually comes and the reality of the debt plus interest hits hard. A lot of people live their lives like this. They focus on getting all they can now without considering the expense later. You see, everybody lives for something. We either live upward, focused on Heaven and eternal rewards or we live outward focused on material things and ourselves. Luke 16:14 tells us that the Pharisees "loved money" and sneered at a parable Jesus told to illustrate that you cannot serve both God and money. They were caught in an external trap that bound them to legalism and the pursuit of power and fortune. The problem with living for fortune is that it is short lived. Jesus illustrated this with the story of a rich man and a beggar who both died but who had very different eternities. The man who had everything in this life found himself "in hell where he was in torment" (v24). In life he had everything, but in death he was begging for a drop of water (v24). If you find yourself today caught-up accumulating possessions, focused on climbing the corporate ladder, or lost in a growing desire to have more, remember this: "What is highly valued among men is detestable in God's sight" (v14). You might get a lot now but end up paying for it 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.

Luke 14-- The To Do List

Are you a "list" person? You know, someone who makes a list for everything--to do lists, shopping lists, Christmas lists, etc.  Whether or not you are a "list person," you do have a list of priorities, they just may not be written down. We all do. Those priorities are demonstrated each day by our actions and how we spend our time. Luke 14 is all about priorities. Jesus used a dinner party at one of the ruling Pharisees' homes to teach about the importance of setting other people as a priority, especially those who cannot repay you for any good that you do for them (vv1-14). He also talked about making God and our Christian discipleship a priority. Many people fail to commit their lives to Christ because they have other priorities, things that are more important to them (vv15-24). So they turn down Christ's invitation in order to pursue their own agenda. If something is going to be a priority in our lives, then it means we must make a commitment to it (vv25-27). We must count the cost of that commitment in advance and then follow through with it (vv28-35). So then, what are your priorities? Not what you may have on your list but what you actually demonstrate with your life. Do your priorities all center on yourself or do they focus on others and serving Christ no matter the cost?

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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.

Luke 3-- The Specialists

They are called different things in different sports, but they are the specialty players who have a very specific focus and purpose in the game. In football it is the special teams player. In baseball it may be the closer. The closer, for example, is a pitcher who typically comes in at the very end of the game to "close it out." He may only face one hitter, but it is his job to immediately throw strikes and get the batter out. A closer knows he is not going to pitch nine innings--that is not his role. Spiritually, I believe there is a stage that God wants to move us into called the deployment stage, which I write about in Maxpoint. This is the place in life where we know what it is that God has called us to do and we do it with focus and determination. It is about learning how to say "no" to good things so that we can say "yes" to the greater things. Luke 3 is a good example of this as we are introduced to the ministry of John, often referred to as "the Baptist." John knew his specific role in God's plan--to prepare the way for Christ (vv16-17). He fulfilled that role with determination and boldness. He spoke out against sin among the common people (v7), government workers (vv12-13), military personnel (v14) and even political leaders (v19). This boldness and focus eventually cost him his life, but he died honoring God. He didn't compromise his calling, beliefs or message. Can the same be said of you? Have you deployed into the unique role that God designed for you? Are you serving Him with focus and determination?
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at www.maxpoint.org/message_board.

2 Corinthians 9-- Standing on the Inside

The story is told of a mother who was trying to get her young son to sit down. Several times she told him to sit and each time he defiantly responded "no!" She started to take away his favorite toy when he decided to sit. "Thank you," said the mom, "for finally sitting." The child responded , "well, I may be sitting on the outside but I'm standing on the inside!" The boy had outwardly obeyed (finally) but inwardly was mad about it. The same is true for some people when it comes to giving, which is discussed here in chapter 9. They may give because they feel obligated to do so, or to look good before others, but not with a sincere heart. God, however, loves a cheerful giver (v7) who willingly responds to the needs and opportunities to give as God leads him or her. That cheerful giving starts a beautiful grace cycle. We give, those who receive our gifts joyously praise God, and then they pray for us with deep affection. We are then enriched by God even more as He not only meets our needs but enables us to give more. The whole process brings glory to God and demonstrates our obedience to Christ (vv10-15). So, don't "stand on the inside" next time God gives you the opportunity to launch the grace cycle of giving. Cheerfully give out of gratitude for all the things God has done for 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 www.maxpoint.org/message_board.

2 Corinthians 8-- The Total Workout

You've seen the infomercials for exercise machines that claim to give you a "total workout."  They are designed to work all of the major muscle groups to help you achieve all-around fitness. When it comes to life, we need to attain "all-around fitness" and a key factor in that is our giving. You may not have thought about it, but 2 Corinthians 8 says that in addition to faith, speech, knowledge, diligence and love we need to excel in giving if we are to be a complete person (v7). Notice three other truths about giving from this passage. First, everybody has something to give (v14). You may think that you can't give, but there is something you can give that will meet the needs of others. You just need to prayerfully find what it is and sacrificially give it. Second, giving puts love into action (v24). Giving is what backs up the words "I love you." Next, know that giving comes easy when you are sold-out to the Lord (v5). Really, this is the bottom line. If you have surrendered all that you are and have to Christ, then giving of your time, talents and possessions is no big deal. Finally, churches and church leaders have a responsibility to properly administer the gifts that are received (vv16-24). Giving may not strengthen your biceps, but it will help you be a better, more complete person.

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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.