And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.” (Philippians 4:3)
 
The body of Christ is made of a team of disciples with various talents. Paul is requesting the help of another unnamed disciple. 

We are not told who this disciple is, but the words in the text imply someone who is closely tied to Paul. The Greek word for "urge" is a verb that implies someone that Paul considers his equal. He is the apostles’ “true companion” or “yokefellow”. (ASV) This individual was closely joined to Paul in an important duty assigned to him.

Discord among brethren can quickly destroy all that is one is trying to accomplish. The spread of the gospel is hindered in a scene of turmoil. The gospel will best reach honest hearts in an environment of mutual love and respect. Thus, Paul is anxious to reconcile two devoted women: Euodia and Syntyche. (vs. 2) They must be of the same mind!

Many believe that this unnamed disciple was called by the apostle to assist in the reconciliation of these two women.  Had Paul been present he would have undertaken the task himself. Promoting unity among brethren is an important, but delicate work. Jesus said: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9)

Additionally, Paul also mentions Clement and other fellow laborers that were a part of this spiritual team. Each had a common share, because of a common calling, and a common cause– the cause of Christ. It is truly a beautiful picture when God's people work together for the Lord.

Some of these laborers are not specifically identified, but it does not matter for God knows them by name. They are written in God’s Book of life. They are citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem and recognized by God.

What duty, large or small has God given to you? Whatever the task do it with all of your might, and give the glory to God.

By George Slover

 

And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.”(Revelation 21:6)

God is the beginning and the end. He is the self-existing creator. He is the cause and succession of all things that exist. He is the sole Creator, and beside him there is no God. (Isaiah 41:4) He created and determined the purpose of all things. God is the only source of eternal promises, and his unchangeableness is the assurance of their steadfastness.

The promise recorded here is of life-sustaining spiritual water. Jesus promises the same to a Samaritan woman. "Jesus answered and said to her, “ If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” (John 4:10)  No sensation is more burning than physical thirst. However, the thirst of the soul is even more threatening. The human heart is looking for purpose, acceptance, and security. Only the self-existing God can provide. 

This life-sustaining water is offered freely, or without merit. The recipients, don't deserve the gift. They deserve death, but they have been washed in the blood of the lamb. They have been released from the debt of sin! They are heirs of an eternal promise!

Just because it is a free gift does not mean it is given without terms or conditions. The next verse states: ”He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son”. (verse 7) God calls his people to endure hardship for his cause. Being a follower of Christ is not a life of ease, yet it is far better than the yoke of sin. (Matthew 11:28-30)

It is hard to believe that God offers such an incredible gift. But, surely the same God who is the giver of life itself, who provides sustenance for our existence, would also provide for man's spiritual needs and offer everlasting satisfaction.

So the question is – are you thirsty? If so, do you believe it? "And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” (Revelation 22:17. 

By George Slover

 

Then the people rejoiced, for they had offered willingly, because with a loyal heart they had offered willingly to the Lord; and King David also rejoiced greatly.” (1 Chronicles 29:9)

One of the closing acts of David’s life was to call on the nation to make an offering toward the building of the temple. Such a project was one that David wished to accomplish himself, but God‘s answer was “no.“. But as civil and religious leader of the nation, David called a solemn assembly to offer adoration and praise for the acquisition of those items necessary to accomplish the task.

When called upon, the people offered willingly and eagerly. Such generosity came out of a loyalty to David and the Lord. Every child of God is a servant and worker for the Lord. Such service and gifts must be motivated by a devotion to Jehovah. God considers the heart of every giver.

A heart truly devoted to God will result in generous giving. “With a loyal heart they gave willingly. “ Nothing is gained until all the barriers of indifference are broken. Only then will one be fully devoted to serve. 

Such gifts come from perfect hearts. They gave out of humility, and not out of a desire to draw attention to self. Such giving is an act of self denial, when the heart is given to advancing the cause of the kingdom of God.

When they gave they did so out of their own substance and according to their ability. The gifts were costly and generous. Such liberality will prompt joy in the heart of each participant. They are glad that they were able to participate in the work of God.

This liberality was accompanied with gladness and rejoicing. And David blessed the Lord with adoration before the assembly. (vs. 10-14) The attributes of God are celebrated with reverence. God’s name is blessed. David acknowledges his own unworthiness before God. And he is grateful that God has provided the means of their generosity.

This day was one the happiest in all the history of Israel.  Any concerns about the nation’s future were placed aside for this moment of rejoicing. There are fewer scenes more beautiful than when God’s people offer willingly their lives and resources to the service of God.

By George Slover  
 

“One man of you shall chase a thousand, for the Lord your God is He who fights for you, as He promised you. Therefore take careful heed to yourselves, that you love the Lord your God.” (Joshua 23:10,11)

Joshua, the great leader of Israel, is addressing the nation. The mission has been accomplished, and Canaan has been conquered. Before retiring, Joshua delivers his final charge to the nation. It is full of encouragement, warnings about the future, and reminders of the past.

God has already delivered the enemy into their hands, and he will continue to do so. Even today God's people have adversaries, but victory is assured. Even when it looks like the odds are against us, God is by our side fighting for us. He strengthens us through prayer, and directs us with his marvelous word.

Connected with this promise, is an admonition: “take careful heed to yourselves, that you love the Lord your God”.  A perfect love of God involves a  strong relationship with him. It is manifested in our delight of his law, our implicit trust, our yielding obedience, and our longing for his presence.

Why would Israel need such a reminder? Simple. Israel's past was not always pretty. Through the wilderness wanderings there was a yearning to go back to Egypt. Throughout their journey there were times when Israel lapsed into licentiousness and idolatry. It is still easy for God’s people to look back and be tempted by their past sinful life. Thus, we need to “take heed”!

In addition to the past influences there are current challenges. There are times when God’s demands seem unreasonable and painful. We live in a world where our peers are self-serving. These temptations may blind us from the heavenly vision.

But scripture encourages us to devise a plan and press on. Too much is at stake if we fail. God could withdraw his help, and we could miss the home God has prepared for us. Thus, we must frequently meditate on God's wonderful character, and the blessings that he offers.

God is still calling his people to be a holy people, separate from the world.  He promises them victory over the enemy and finally a marvelous inheritance. Therefore, we must “take heed”.

By George Slover  

Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the dumb sing. For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert. (Isaiah 35:5,6)

The marvelous imagery presented here not only represents a time of national joy, but also foreshadows the healing and grace of the Messiah. The reader must also recognize the marvelous work of Christ, as Isaiah vividly depicts the transforming influence of the gospel of Christ. 

John, the Baptist had heard from prison about the activity of Jesus and inquired, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?”  (Matthew 11:2)  On this occasion Jesus claimed to be the fulfillment of this prophecy. “Jesus answered and said to them, “ Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them.”  (Matthew 11:4,5)

The work of Christ is depicted here in marvelous pictures. During his earthly ministry he was moved with compassion toward the lame and the blind. His healing work and marvelous signs not only prove his claim to be God’s Son, but was a glimpse of his great work of healing and saving souls.

Christ also has power over sin, which is man's greatest ailment. The power of Christ is able to make those who are crippled and blind by worldly ambitions, and transform them into fruit bearing souls for God.

The overall tone of these thoughts are within the context of a hymn of joy. “The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them, and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose; It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice, even with joy and singing.” (Isaiah 35:1,2)  The accomplishments of Christ is like a refreshing stream in a wasteland that is full of heartache, disappointment, pain, and guilt. The friendship of Christ is a source of joy and peace – like streams in the desert.

Recognizing these words as messianic in scope, they describe the transforming effect of Christ on those who receive him. When the gospel of Christ is allowed to work in the lives of men, it's effect is wonderful.

By George Slover