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

 

Isaiah 46—The Man from a Far-off Land

To them we might as well have been creatures from another planet, anomalies that some had only heard about but had never seen. Children who one minute were playing beside the road and the next were jumping and shouting “wazungu, wazungu” (the Swahili term for foreigner). Seeing a vehicle full of light-skinned wazungu bouncing along a remote East African road was sure to catch everyone’s attention.

Having made four previous visits to the “forgotten” village of Bukabwa, Tanzania, I had grown accustomed to the shouts and hand waves of excitement. Those previous visits by me and various teams of Americans, working in partnership with the African Inland Church of Tanzania, had brought the gospel to a place where time had stood still and witchcraft was openly practiced.

Standing in the center of the village where we have planted a church I looked at my iPhone app and notice that we were almost exactly 10,000 miles from home. Who in this forgotten place could have ever imagined that wazungu from a far-off land would one day be sitting in their huts telling them the story of Jesus and the message of salvation?

But then I read Isaiah 46:10-11. “My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please…from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said, that will I bring about; what I have planned, that will I do.”

God has a plan, and He will move heaven and earth to see that it is accomplished, even if that means dropping men and women from a far-off land into a village that isn’t on any map.

But what if we hadn’t gone? What if we skipped riding 24 hours one way in airplanes, squeezing into dusty 4-wheel drive vehicles and bouncing along stretches of land referred to as “roads”? What if we hadn’t answered the call or responded to the vision?

God would have found someone else. He would have found another way to fulfill His purpose. His eternal plans are not held hostage to our whims.

But what about us? What if we hadn’t been obedient? What if we hadn’t joined in what God was doing on the other side of the world? We would have missed out on seeing the Creator of the Universe demonstrate love to “the least of these.” We would not know first-hand the power of God to destroy demonic strongholds. We would have missed the smiles of the previously hopeless who now have an unspeakable joy. We would have never heard the stories of families delivered and restored from alcoholism and years of physical abuse. We wouldn’t have met people willing to walk two hours to get to the church. We wouldn’t have the satisfaction of knowing that the only reason there is any church in the area was in part because of our efforts.

Truly God would still have worked His plan but we would have been the biggest losers.
Sometimes God sends people from far-off places into our lives to fulfill His purpose for our lives. Sometimes He sends us. The question we each must ask is, “are we willing?” Are we willing to allow God to use others so speak into our lives—even if they are from a distant land, another generation or a different social status? Are we willing to be the man or woman from the far-off land who speaks into the lives of others—even if they look different than us, speak a strange language or eat unrecognizable food?

God will fulfill His purpose. We can either join with Him to see it accomplished or we can watch from the sideline.

_____________________
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.

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

 

Matthew 28--A Real Live Disciple!

I'm excited to have a guest blogger share with you today! My wife Beth and I just returned from a mission trip to Tanzania, East Africa and she has written a series of blogs on the adventure. These are not only great stories but great real life application of God's Word lived out today. May you be blessed and challenged as you read. --Frank Banfill

 

Matthew 28:19 "Go and make disciples..."

It was the first day of witnessing in Bukabwa, and it was the first hut that I went to.  I was teamed up with Katelyn, a recent high school graduate, Gladys, an amazing translator, and a handful of local church people.  I was the designated "speaker" at the first hut.  I remember one of my first trips to Romania about 13 years ago.  Our team leader said, just knock on the door and breathe...God will do the rest.  That advice always crosses my mind just before I share at the first home on mission trips. 

In this case, it was a mud and straw hut, and there was no door to knock on.  Sanjura and Julius were sitting outside, and they seemed very open, even anxious, to hear about why I came from Texas to Bukabwa to tell about the most important decision I have ever made.  I took a deep breath, and just like my leader said so long ago, God did the rest. 

As best as I knew how, I shared the plan of salvation and what the Bible says about becoming a Christian.  I told them how I made that decision for myself when I was a child, and that it was only by accepting God's free gift of salvation, turning from your sin, and putting your faith in Christ that you would know for sure heaven would be your eternity.  Sanjura Juma Magige.  The first person in Bukabwa that my prayer partner Katelyn and I had the opportunity to lead to Christ. 

As we went hut to hut in an area that was very widespread between homes, there's one thing I noticed.  Not all people allow the change that took place in their hearts to be reflected on their face.  As an emotional girl, (yeah, I'll admit it this one time) people can read me pretty well, and if I just received the best gift of my life, the joy would explode all over my face.  But that's not always the case with the people of Bukabwa.  I observed that emotions are often guarded, and the joy on the inside doesn't always show to others on the outside.  The Bukabwan people had varying reactions to accepting Christ.  Miraculously, no one we talked to refused, but I couldn't always see immediate joy.  And how I longed to see that joy on their faces, a tear in their eye, reflecting the decision they were making. 

But you know what?  I didn't need to see the joy.  God knew what change did or didn't take place in their hearts, and Sanjura is a perfect example.  When we left his hut, we were off to the next hut about 1/2 mile away.  We walked through thickets, corn fields, briers, cattle, and just about everything else you can think of that would go with those surroundings.  I had plenty of time to think about Sanjura and Julius during that walk.  I prayed for them.  I asked God to solidify that decision so they really understood what they were doing.  I asked God to allow their roots to grow deep so they would grow as Christians. 

You see, the church in Bukabwa is about a two hour walk from where Sanjura lives.  For him to fellowship with other Christians at the church, it would take some serious commitment.  It was Saturday, June 9th, when he gave his life to Christ, and I thought the first test of his commitment would be the next morning, if he showed up at church.  How wrong I was. 

The plan for the days in Bukabwa was to witness to the people, hut to hut, in the morning, and then break for lunch.  Then the afternoon was spent in discipleship groups, often under trees, sitting on rocks for chairs, studying the Bible together with the Bukabwan people.  I was anxious to see who would come to that first discipleship group, and sure enough, Sanjura was one of the people there. 

I recognized him immediately, but Sarah, another translator, started to tell me his story.  My brain started to scramble, because Gladys was with us, not Sarah, when Sanjura gave his life to Christ, and I was quite sure I already knew his story, but it sure didn't match what Sarah was telling me.  Then Sarah went on to tell me that her team had passed Sanjura's hut and noticed he had a tract in his hand.  They knew one of our teams had already visited with him, but he looked up and asked them to stop and talk.  Then he asked them if he could take them to visit with his neighbor.  Sanjura then went on to take them to several huts of people he knew that needed to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ.  Straight from the New Testament, he had an urgency to tell others about this Jesus, his new friend, that he had met. 

Sanjura, a baby Christian, was already becoming a disciple.  How humbling it was to see this in action, right in front of my eyes.  After the Bible study time, I had the opportunity to go over and talk with Sanjura some more, through a translator of course, because my Swahili is non-existent.  (I kept wanting to revert to Spanish, but somehow that doesn't fly in Tanzania!!!  No beuno!!!) 

Sanjura went on to say that he had heard about teams coming into his village, and he kept wondering, "When are they going to come tell me about Jesus?"  Like I said, Sanjura lives quite a distance from where the church in Bukabwa is being started, so it took "the teams" a while to get to him, but in God's perfect timing, we did just that, and Sanjura became part of the family of God, my brother in Christ. 

Still, that long walk to church might prove difficult, and when I told Sanjura goodbye, I knew in my heart I may not see him the next morning at church.  I don't know if my faith is so weak as much as I'm a realist.  In reality, how many people do you know that will walk two hours to church?  I dare say not many.  Well, I walked in the door of the make-shift church after a very bumpy ride, and sure enough, there sat Sanjura, with a massive smile on his face.  It was his first time ever gracing a church, but no one would have known it.  He worshipped, he prayed, and he even came forward for people to pray for him at the end of the service.  He went out witnessing with us again Sunday afternoon, and this time it wasn't even in his neighborhood.  He was going hut to hut blindly, much like us.  He was becoming a disciple, right before our eyes. 

When I said goodbye to Sanjura on Sunday, I knew we were working in another area of Bukabwa on Monday.  This new area was in the complete opposite direction of where Sanjura lived.  It would be another two hour morning walk to the church, and again being a realist, I didn't expect him there.  No one even asked him to join us.  So what I saw on Monday morning brought tears to my eyes.  As we drove down that bumpy dirt road, a few miles from the church, we passed Sanjura Juma Magige.  He had a bounce in his step, and he waved as our Land Rover passed him on the dirt street.  He was ready once again to share Christ with us.  I pointed him out to Peter, our driver and host from the AIC (African Inland Church) and Peter agreed to go back and pick him up after he dropped us off at the church. 

On Monday, once again, Sanjura went hut to hut with us, this time sharing at every single home about the decision he had made on Saturday.  When he shared, he smiled, and he talked about how God had already changed his life and given him peace. 

I said goodbye to Sanjura on Monday and just assumed he would be with us again on Tuesday, but unbeknownst to me, he had a sick family member he needed to attend to, and I never got to really say goodbye.  He tried to tell me goodbye, but silly me didn't realize what he was doing.  He pulled me aside and thanked me for coming to his hut and sharing the Good News of Christ.  He asked how he could remember me and how he could give me updates on his growth in Christ.  I just smiled and said I didn't know when I would be able to come back, but that our church is committed to work in Bukabwa, so I'm sure I could hear updates through the team and the leadership. 

When Sanjura wasn't there on Tuesday, my heart sank.  I showed Pastor Samuel, the pastor of the church in Bukabwa, Sanjura's picture.  I wanted to be sure he knew about this newborn sheep, one that I want so desperately not to be lost in the pasture along the way.  I made sure Pastor Samuel knew he needed to follow up with him.  I told him every detail I could about Sanjura, as if I was leaving my own son in the care of a new daycare worker.  And then I left a picture of my family with the pastor to give to Sanjura, so he could share in the memory. 

Matthew 28 says to "Go and make disciples."  I went.  I went all the way to Bukabwa, in the Mara Region of Tanzania, East Africa.  Make disciples?  I can't take the credit for that.  God's love took root in Sanjura's heart, and those roots grew deep.  Sure, he watched me as I shared the Gospel with others, but somehow, as soon as he made a commitment to Christ, he started his path to becoming a disciple.   

Romans 10:14 says "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?" 

How will they hear?  By Christians being obedient to what God tells us to do.  Obedience.  God says go.  The answer isn't yes or no, the answer is "Where, God?"  Bukabwa is where God sent me this last week.  Sanjura Juma Magige, I dare say, will never be the same, but I will never be the same either. 

 

--- Beth Banfill
www.GodandMe2theMax.com

Psalm 53-- Is the World Suffering from Selective Hearing?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

_________________________

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

Psalm 45-- Carry It or Watch Others Carry It: The Choice is Yours

It has marked the beginning of every Olympic Games since 1928.

The Olympic Torch lights a large cauldron during the opening ceremonies and the cauldron stays lit until the end of the games. Since 1936, the flame that ignites the cauldron originates in Greece and then is carried by relay to the Olympic stadium. Typically hundreds, even thousands, of people participate in the carrying and passing of the torch as it makes it way around the world before finally lighting the cauldron.

There are those individuals who get to be part of history--the passing of the flame to the next runner--and then there are the rest of us who just watch.

When I think of the Olympic Torch relay, I can't help but think of the Torch relay all of us are to take part in as followers of Christ.

In Psalm 45 we are prophetically introduced to Christ. We are told about His majesty, righteousness and might. We are given a sneak peak into His everlasting kingdom. Then the chapter concludes by saying "I will make Your name to be remembered in all generations; Therefore the people shall praise You forever and ever."

Just like the flame of the Olympic Torch is passed from one runner to the next, the Name of Jesus will be praised, exalted, and passed on from one generation to the next. But unlike the Olympic torch, which eventually is extinguished, the Name of Jesus will be remembered for eternity.

Think about that for a moment.

Since the resurrection of Christ different people have joined the relay to pass along Christ to the next generation. They have been part of an unbroken chain prophesied here in Psalms 45. Now, there were those in every generation who embraced Christ, but who failed to pass Him along to the next generation. They watched as others did, but they did not have that legacy for themselves.

They watched while others made history.

The question comes to us today: Will we watch or will we make history? Will we sit on the sofa while others in our generation proclaim the life-changing message of Jesus? Will we rest on the bench while our peers pass the torch to another generation? Or will we rise to the occasion and take our place in history by handing the Flame to those who will carry it the next leg?

Will we go into eternity knowing that we helped carry the Name, or will we go into eternity knowing we missed the opportunity to make a difference in our generation?

The choice is ours!

_________________________

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

Psalm 26-- Maintaining Your Innocence

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


_________________________
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 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?

_________________________

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

Psalm 53-- Is the World Suffering from Selective Hearing?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

_________________________

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

Psalm 45-- Carry It or Watch Others Carry It: The Choice is Yours

It has marked the beginning of every Olympic Games since 1928.

The Olympic Torch lights a large cauldron during the opening ceremonies and the cauldron stays lit until the end of the games.  Since 1936, the flame that ignites the cauldron originates in Greece and then is carried by relay to the Olympic stadium. Typically hundreds, even thousands, of people participate in the carrying and passing of the torch as it makes it way around the world before finally lighting the cauldron.

There are those individuals who get to be part of history--the passing of the flame to the next runner--and then there are the rest of us who just watch.

When I think of the Olympic Torch relay, I can't help but think of the Torch relay all of us are to take part in as followers of Christ.

In Psalm 45 we are prophetically introduced to Christ. We are told about His majesty, righteousness and might. We are given a sneak peak into His everlasting kingdom. Then the chapter concludes by saying "I will make Your name to be remembered in all generations; Therefore the people shall praise You forever and ever."

Just like the flame of the Olympic Torch is passed from one runner to the next, the Name of Jesus will be praised, exalted, and passed on from one generation to the next. But unlike the Olympic torch, which eventually is extinguished, the Name of Jesus will be remembered for eternity.

Think about that for a moment.

Since the resurrection of Christ different people have joined the relay to pass along Christ to the next generation. They have been part of an unbroken chain prophesied here in Psalms 45. Now, there were those in every generation who embraced Christ, but who failed to pass Him along to the next generation. They watched as others did, but they did not have that legacy for themselves.

They watched while others made history.

The question comes to us today: Will we watch or will we make history? Will we sit on the sofa while others in our generation proclaim the life-changing message of Jesus? Will we rest on the bench while our peers pass the torch to another generation? Or will we rise to the occasion and take our place in history by handing the Flame to those who will carry it the next leg?

Will we go into eternity knowing that we helped carry the Name, or will we go into eternity knowing we missed the opportunity to make a difference in our generation?

The choice is ours!

_________________________

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

Psalm 40--Slipping and Sliding

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

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

Psalm 26-- Maintaining Your Innocence

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


_________________________
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.

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 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.

Psalm 9-- Is 'God Bless America' Backwards?

Every U.S. president that I can recall in my lifetime has always concluded any major speech or address to the nation with, "And may God bless America." But I'm waiting to hear a president say, "And may America bless God." You see, it is great to ask for Divine favor and blessing on a nation--but it is even more important that a nation brings blessing to God. Now before you "amen" that statement too much, think about your own life. How many times do you go to God asking for some form of His blessing or intervention in your life compared to how many times you bless God? In Psalm 9 we see an example of what in means to bless God, illustrated by David in the first two verses. "I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart." Do you live a lifestyle of praise that comes from the very innermost part of who you are? Do you have an undivided heart that daily offers praise to the Lord? "I will tell of Your marvelous works." How many people this week have you told about the marvelous works of God? "I will be glad and rejoice in You." Does your joy in life stem from a deep understanding of God and a close walk with him? Are you deeply in love with the Lord--or has life detracted from that love relationship? "I will sing praise to Your name." Are you so focused on the Lord that you find yourself breaking out into songs of praise to Him, not on Sunday but in the middle of the week? The chapter goes on to chronicle why we should bless God--because He is a righteous judge, a refuge for believers, and a deliverer of those in need. Yes, let's continue to ask for God's blessing on our nation and on our lives, but let's also be sure that our nation and our lives are blessing God.
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. 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 14-- Decisive Action Needed

It was called the "Miracle on the Hudson" when US Airways flight 1549 heading from New York to Charlotte made an emergency landing on the Hudson River on January 15, 2009. Hailed as a hero, Pilot Chesley B. “Sully” Sullenberger took decisive action and saved the 155 passengers and crew, and countless more lives, by keeping the plane from crashing into the densely populated city. His quick-thinking and clear-headed action averted a catastrophe. This reminds me of someone in Scripture known for his decisiveness, and that was Abraham. The more you read of Abraham's life, the more you realize that he was a man of action. When God said go, he went. When something was wrong, he took action to fix it. When he saw what he felt was right, he did it. In Genesis 14 the area where Abraham's nephew, Lot, resided was attacked by invading armies. Lot and all of his possessions were taken captive. When word reached Abraham about Lot, Abraham immediately moved to do something about it. He put together his own mini-army and successfully attacked Lot's captors. Afterward, Abraham meets someone called Melchizedek who is identified as "the priest of God Most High." While scholars differ on exactly who this was (some say it was a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ) it was clear how Abraham responded to him--he gave Melchizedek a tithe of all he had. Again, Abraham took action even though it cost him greatly (this was long before the tithe was given as a command through Moses). When God says "go," do you? When the Holy Spirit prods you to do something, do you take action? There are some things that are so clear we don't need to pray about doing them--we just need to take action and do it. How many opportunities do we miss because we fail to act? How much do we short-change ourselves because of our indecision? Let's learn to listen closely to God and then be quick to respond to what He says.
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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.

 

Nehemiah 8-- Don't Take It for Granted

It is easy to take something for granted when you see it all the time, isn't it?

Think about those things that you pass each day to work. You've seen them so many times that you don't give them a second thought. Unfortunately, some of us are like that when it comes to the Bible. We have not just one Bible but multiple Bibles. We may have access to Christian TV or radio where the Bible is read and taught.

We are so accustomed to having the Bible around us that we may forget its importance. I've been in places, however, where there were no Bibles, where I have given someone their very first Bible. It is an entire different reaction in these settings.

Those who have not had God's Word cherish it and desire to read and understand it, while many of us who have multiple copies of God's Word sitting around our houses never open one. In Nehemiah 8 we see the Jewish people, those who had returned to Israel following years of captivity, gathered to hear God's Word. Common people did not have access to God's Word.

Most of the people assembled that day had never heard God's Word read before. They had heard about God's Word and had teachings from it passed down over history, but they had not experienced it for themselves.

Three simple things happened in this chapter, but they had a profound impact.

First the people heard the Word. "Then he [Ezra] read from it...from morning until midday, before the men and women and those who could understand" (v3).

Next, they understood the Word. There were "preachers" scattered amongst the assembly who explained to the people what was read. We are reminded that there is a need still today for people to explain God's Word to those who do not know it (see Romans 10:14-15).

Third, they allowed God's Word to truly impact their lives as they started obeying it (vv9-18).

Let me encourage you to do two things today. First, make a commitment to spend some time in God's Word each day. Second, each time you open God's Word, ask God to make that reading like the first time you ever touched a Bible.

Look for something new--something you have never seen before. Keep God's Word fresh in your life--and do what it tells you to do!

_____________________

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 16-- West Nile Virus and Your Future

Every summer here in Texas and other western states, we are alerted to the dangers of West Nile Virus, a mosquito-carried disease that in rare cases can be deadly. We are told by health officials to not have any standing or stagnate water on our property as this can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. In our spiritual life, stagnation is also dangerous. It keeps us from becoming all that God would have us to become and it often makes us more susceptible to temptations. The Apostle Paul was never stagnant.  He kept growing, kept moving, and kept doing his part to expand God's kingdom.  In Acts 16 we see Paul and his team on the move once again for God, making their way through various cities and regions.  Notice several things that Paul did as he moved for God. 1) He expanded his team.  Paul kept his eyes out for people whom he could mentor (vv. 1-4).  2) He was Holy Spirit led.  He went when and where God wanted him to go (vv. 6-10).  3) He engaged people, sharing Christ with a group of women (vv. 13-15).  4) He worshiped God even in difficult times and in difficult places (v. 25).  5) He was fearless in his mission (vv. 35-40).  These are good steps for us to follow as we stay on the move for God and avoid stagnation.

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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 11- Christianity in Action

There is a popular song that says "love isn't love until you give it away." The point is that love isn't merely an emotion or concept, it is an action. Similarly with Christianity. If we have received Christ as our Savior, we should be moved to action. Notice four examples of Christianity in action found in Acts 11.  1) Christians rejoice when groups of people receive "repentance to life" (v.18).  We long to see people from every tribe, tongue and nation experience the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ. 2) Christians engage the culture around them. Verse 20 talks about witnessing to Hellenists. These were people of Jewish descent but who were totally identified with the secular culture.  They were Jewish by race but not by religion or practice--what we would call today "secular Jews."  Certain Christian men engaged these people and proclaimed Christ to them.  3) Christians are concerned about spiritual growth, not just conversion (v.23).  Barnabas at first, and then Paul helping him, discipled the believers in Antioch, which led to even more people turning to Christ. 4) Christians pro-actively care for those in need.  The believers in Antioch, hearing of an impending famine, gave of their resources to help those in Judea who would be in need.  If you are a Christian, how are you putting you faith into action?

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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 10- Get Out of Your Box

Two men from different races, different cultures, different positions in life drawn together by the Spirit of God because of a willingness to move out of their "boxes."  That is the remarkable story of Acts 10 as Peter, a Jew, Christian church leader, and former fisherman meets Cornelius, a Gentile with power and prestige within the Roman army.  Cornelius sought after God, but was not aware of Christ.  He moved outside of his box to solicit instruction from someone whom society would have consider his lesser.  Peter radically moved outside of his comfort zone to go to Cornelius and spend an extended time with him, his family and friends in order to explain salvation through Christ.  Peter had seen God work with the Samaritans--but they were "half breeds" with somewhat of a Jewish heritage.  Cornelius, however, was completely different.  No Jewish background at all.  But they both had in common a desire to follow God.  Cornelius's story is lived out today all around the world as God sends His messengers to those who seek Him.  Peter's story is exemplified each time someone moves outside of their culture, their way of doing things, their comfortable box, to engage others with the gospel. When was the last time you moved out of your box?

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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 8-- You've Got to Move It Move It

My kids got this toy from McDonalds that is a plastic animal character from an animated movie. Every time you move, bump, shake or otherwise disturb the little plastic creature it breaks into a song..."You've got to move it move it. You've got to move it move it." Lately, my wife has been carrying it around in her purse. She and the children think its funny, but personally, I think its annoying! There is, however, a lesson that can be learned from this little guy--there are times in our life when we need to move it move it! When we do move it move it--out of our comfort zones--we often see God do great things, as we see in Acts 8. This chapter marks a major transition in the life of the church and in Christianity itself.  It is the wide-scale movement of the gospel message to those outside of Jerusalem, and eventually to non-Jews. 

It is interesting that one of the key characters in history used by God to move the gospel around the world was used here, and he didn't even realize it.  Saul (who later became the Apostle Paul) consented with the stoning of Stephen and then goes on a rampage to persecute and imprison every follower of Christ that he could find.  The result of this persecution was the fleeing of the believers to regions beyond Jerusalem.  As they settled into new locations, they shared their faith, which resulted in multitudes coming to the Savior.  What Saul meant for evil, God used for good.  Saul, of course, would later be converted and would take that passion to knowingly reach the lost.  These unnamed believers moved because of persecution.  Others moved intentionally in order to share Christ. The chapter focuses primarily upon the ministry of Philip and the masses coming to Christ in Samaria.  Philip was obedient to God and moved out of his comfort zone to minister cross-culturally (the Samaritans and then later the Ethiopian).  When God's people move out in obedience then movements happen.  We see the same thing happening all around the world today as large numbers of people are responding to the gospel brought by those who moved out of their places of comfort. Is it time for you to move it move it out of your comfort zone so that others can come to 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.

Acts 7-- What's Your Picture of Boldness?

When you read the word "bold" what picture comes to your mind? Would it be that sports fanatic who paints his body, puts on a wig, and boldly declares is admiration for his favorite team? Would it be the employer who boldly asks the boss for a raise? Would it be the teenager who resists peer pressure to do the right things? Some boldness we laugh at (the sports fan) while others we admire (the teenager). I marvel at the boldness of Stephen, who became the church's first martyr.  With boldness he ministered and with boldness he applied God's word to those around him--even though it wasn't popular or accepted.  Most of Acts 7 is Stephen recounting the history of Israel, something his hearers would have known quite well.  I'm sure everyone listening was thinking "yeah, I know all this, so what?"  That was until Stephen made the application that just as their forefathers had rejected God so had they rejected God by rejecting Christ.  Stephen said what needed to be said, even though it would cost him his life.  His sacrifice, however, would have a great impact for the cause of Christ.  I'm sure it made a lasting impression on Saul (who later became the Apostle Paul).  Stephen was filled or controlled by the Holy Spirit.  It is a lot easier to be bold when you are allowing the Holy Spirit to completely control your life.  How bold are we today?  Or maybe the better question is "are we living a Spirit-filled 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.

Acts 5-- Glad to be Beaten?

There isn't anyone that I hold in higher esteem then those who have suffered physical persecution--torture--for their stance for Christ. I have met a few of these dear saints who lived under oppressive communist regimes. The stories they tell are horrific. Could you imagine if this happened to you, and you were actually glad about it? I mean, who gets glad about being physically beaten?  Well, Peter and the apostles did in Acts 5--because it meant they were "worthy to suffer shame for His name" (v41).  They were glad because they were worthy--worthy to be counted with Christ.  We see in this chapter the seriousness of the apostles and early Christians.  They weren't playing church.  No games here.  They were committed to live for Christ and proclaim His message.  We see their commitment to purity when they held Ananias and Sapphira accountable for their lying and selfish motives (vv1-11).  We see their commitment to persevere in their message even when faced with impending persecution (vv17-32).  We see their commitment to identify with Christ by viewing a negative situation--being beaten--as a positive one.  Do we do what is right only when it is easy?  Or are we committed to live for Christ no matter what?

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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 4-- Can't Shut Up

I chuckled as I read the T-shirt a young child was wearing. "Help! I've started talking and I can't shut up!" We probably have all experienced those times, either with our own children or with others, when they start talking about something and won't stop. Whatever is on their brain at the time comes out their mouths...and keeps on coming! In Acts 4 we see a grown-up version of this. But instead of talking nonstop about something of little importance, we find the Apostles boldly talking about Christ. "We can't stop speaking of the things that we have seen and heard," said Peter and John (v20).  In the face of persecution for sharing their faith, Peter and John refused to be silent.  They couldn't be silent.  They had experienced so much with Christ, and His resurrection had radically changed their lives that they could not help but tell others.  God was alive and real and working in their lives.  They naturally had to talk about what was so important to them.  When was the last time we experienced God's working in such a way that we couldn't help but talk about Him?  Shouldn't every day be like that?  Shouldn't who we are as believers just naturally come out in our daily conversations? Maybe we need to pray the prayer of the early church, "Lord...grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word" (v29).

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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.

Acts 1-- Minutes Before Kick-Off

It's just minutes before the big game. The team gathers around the coach in eager anticipation of what he will say to fire-up the players and motivate them to victory. It  will be the last moment he speaks to them as a group before they take to the field and assume their individual positions. Will he review strategy? Will he cast vision for victory? Will he give some game-changing insight? Will he reach into his players' hearts and give them new motivation? As exciting as these moments may be for sports teams, they pale in comparison to the moment described in Acts 1 when Jesus assembled His team of followers. Jesus gave his final charge to his disciples prior to his ascension back to heaven. It was a visionary charge, nothing less than impacting the whole world with His message. As soon as Christ was gone, the eleven apostles gathered with the other disciples. The first order of business was to find a replacement for the betraying and now deceased Judas. Why? To fulfill Scripture and to prepare to carry out Christ’s final charge. They had to organize before they could effectively evangelize. They also needed to wait for the Holy Spirit—the One we would empower them for such a daunting task. They then went on to turn the world upside down with their teaching, an amazing accomplishment given the lack of technology, air travel, and other advances that we enjoy today. For the mission to continue, we must heed Christ’s words, get organized, seek God’s power and then launch out to reach this world with the gospel. Read Acts 1 and let Christ's final words to His team challenge you to be victorious for His kingdom.

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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 14-- Driving in a Fog

Have you ever driven in a real thick fog? No fun is it? It is stressful because you have to pay such close attention to what is right in front of you. It is especially difficult if you are on the freeway. You focus intently on the tail lights of the car in front of you, trying to stay close enough to see them yet far enough back that you can stop if that car suddenly hits its brakes. In a fog, you lose sight of the big picture. It doesn't matter how beautiful the scenery around you might be, you can't see it. Some people approach church, Christian service, and spiritual gifts like they are in a fog. They lose sight of the big picture and focus only on certain gifts or abilities. 1 Corinthians 14 is a reminder that we need to stay out of a spiritual fog and keep things in perspective. The most important thing that we can do is proclaim God's word (vv1,3,5,31,39) but we must do it in an orderly way (vv33,40). Our focus should not be on the minutia of particular gifts but rather on people hearing from God and growing in Him.  Keep that purpose in view and you will keep yourself out of a paralyzing spiritual fog.

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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.

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 8-- Impending Global Disasters

Ravaging wild fires that consume million dollar homes. Massive hurricanes that level entire cities. Killer earthquakes that topple buildings. Just about every year, somewhere in the world, we see natural disasters like these take place. But imagine if disasters like these were taking place simultaneously all over the world! These are just a taste of what is to come as we see God's judgment intensify in Revelation 8. The seventh seal is opened which unleashes the second wave of earth's punishment known as the trumpet judgments. The first trumpet destroys one-third of earth's vegetation. The second devastates the seas, including fish and ships. Next, a third of earth's fresh water sources are attacked. The fourth trumpet, which is the last recorded in this chapter, alters the sun and moon so that night is extended. These impending global disasters should challenge all of us to seriously consider what we are doing to reach this world for Christ. We don't know the year and day when God's judgments will begin and those outside of Christ will endure such great punishment, but we do know that every day multitudes without Christ slip into eternity. What will you do today to touch someone's life in such a way that it changes them forever?
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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 19-- Crucifixion Characters

They were there, witnessing the most pivotal day in human history. They were the people with "supporting roles" in the greatest drama ever--the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. When we look at the lives of those present at Christ's death, as recorded in John 19, we may actually see ourselves. First there was Pilot, the Roman governor. He was a people-pleaser who didn't have the courage to stand by his own decisions. Next there were the chief priests and Jewish officials. They had their own agendas, which Christ did not fit into. Then we see the Roman soldiers gambling for Jesus' garments. Nothing was sacred to them--they viewed all of life from a secular viewpoint. After Christ died, two men prepared his body for burial--Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. These were "undercover" believers--followers of Christ but they wanted to keep their beliefs secret. Finally, there were those devoted to Jesus--his mother, his aunt, John, and others who would follow Him to what appeared to be the end, regardless of what might happen to them. When you look at this cast of characters, does any resemble you? Are you the type that won't stand by your convictions and are always giving in to the crowd? Or maybe you have your own agenda that Christ just doesn't fit into right now. What about your view of life? Is anything truly sacred to you? Are you a follower of Christ but afraid to let anyone else know? Or are you truly devoted to Him and willing to follow Him anywhere He leads? Take a fresh look at the crucifixion today and see where you stand in your relationship to Jesus Christ.

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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please 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 15-- Grapes and Birds

Growing up, my grandparents grew grapes in their backyard. They had a tall white grape arbor that the grape vines would wrap around. There was nothing like the taste of fresh grapes pulled off the vine just as they ripened. But there was a problem--birds. The birds would come just before the grapes got ripe and carry them away. My grandfather put up netting, scare crows, and anything else he could think of, but some how those birds still found a way to get some of the grapes. They pulled the grapes off the vines before they were edible. In John 15 Jesus uses the analogy of grapes and their vines to show how we need to stay connected to Christ, who is the vine (v5). Staying connected or "abiding" as Jesus put it (v4) is critical if we want...

• our prayers answered (v7)
• a fruitful life as His disciples (v8)
• lasting joy (v11)
• strength in the midst of persecution and rejection (vv18-25)

But how do we stay connected? "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love," Jesus said in verse 10. In my book Maxpoint: Your Journey to Maximum Significance I detail how Christ's commands deal with nine areas: salvation, evangelism, missions, relationships, heart issues, daily living, spiritual victory, vigilance, and persecution. If we can obey Christ in these areas, then we will enjoy an abiding walk with Christ and all the benefits that come with it. Let's stop the birds of this life from pulling us away from the Vine! Let's learn to walk in obedience.
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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.