Frank’s Reflections

If it’s bigger, it must be better. If it’s expensive, it also must be better. The entire manufacturing process thinks bigger is better and more desirable. It doesn’t make any difference, whether it’s housing, cars, toys, or jewels. This is man’s thinking, but what does God think about it? Is a bigger ego better than humility? Not what I can see from God’s Word.

God seems to be interested in the unseen little things. Usually, things proceeding from the heart. Not as it appears in the eyes of others, but in His eyes. The ones that have X-Ray vision and the penetrating discernment that get to the real motive behind the actions.

• God sees when a sparrow falls to the ground (Matthew 10:29). 
• Elijah’s servant saw one cloud the size of a man’s fist in the sky, and the Prophet knew the three-year famine was over. It was about to rain.
• David used one of five small stones to defeat the giant, Goliath ( I Samuel 17:40 ff).
• Our Lord was born in the little town of Bethlehem, predicted in Micah 5:2.

God observes those little thoughts and the intents of man’s heart. No one knows those dreams but God. If a man has faith the size of a mustard seed (smaller than a pinhead), he can move mountains. 

It’s the little things that fascinate God. The Lord is interested in our faith. What do we believe God could do through us if we had the confidence? The Lord asked Jeremiah if anything was too hard for God (32:27). The answer is always no. But the Lord needs a willing servant to accomplish the impossible. He needs us to show those who are weaker in the faith that He can and will work through ordinary people.

This is where you and I come into the picture. God wants to use us. Whatever His mission is, He needs a human instrument to accomplish it. However, it must be an individual who trusts God. He uses people who are close to Him to do big things. Those who hear His small, quiet voice and follow directions. It is those He will use. Are we willing and ready? God is.

I wanted to write a blog on prayer. As a retired pastor, I have always thought prayer is undoubtedly an unused resource of the modern church. We have not because we ask not according to the book of James.

While doing some research on how to approach this subject, I found an old church newspaper clipping by Leonard Ravenhill. The excerpt did not include the date. 

No Christian is Greater Than His Prayer Life

“The church has many organizers, but few agonizer’s; many who pay but few who pray; many resters, but few who are wrestlers; many who are enterprising, but few who are interceding. People who are not praying are playing.

Two prerequisites of dynamic Christian living are vision and passion, and both of these are generated in the prayer closet. The ministry of preaching is open to a few. The ministry of prayer is open to every child of God. 

Don’t mistake action for unction, commotion for creation, and rattles for revivals. 

When we pray, God listens to our heartbeat. Hannah’s lips moved, but her voice was not heard ( I Samuel 1:12, 13). When we pray in the Spirit, there are groanings which cannot be uttered (Romans 8:26).

Tithes may build a church, but tears will give it life. That is the difference between the modern church and the early church. Our emphasis is on paying, theirs was on praying. When we have paid, the place is taken. When they had prayed, the place was shaken (Acts 4:32). 

In the matter of effective praying, never have so many left so much to so few. Brethren, let us pray.”

Why Revival Tarries was the original publisher, my clipping does not have a date, but the file from which it came is at least 30 years old.

I hope this will be a reminder for all of us to pray more. All we have to do is look around, our country, as well as our churches, need prayer. The kind of prayer that God honors. Not the prayer that sounds good but the one that moves the hearts of our churches toward God.

There are times in life when something unusual happens. It seems strange at the time, but later we find there is a reason behind the happening. 

Why am I doing this? Why am I here? Why did I come here at this time? These are questions one may ask oneself.

Jesus was going to Galilee. Instead of the usual route in leaving Judea, he chose a direct way to a particular city named Sychar in Samaria. Yeah, Jews and Samaritans did not intermingle. The Samaritans in previous years had married non-Jewish people. Legalistic Jews considered the Samaritans unclean. They were socially unacceptable in Jewish eyes.

Jesus had a mission in a strange city. This city, Sychar, is only mentioned in John chapter four. When Jesus arrived, He sent the disciples into town to buy food. Jesus waited at a well outside of town.

A woman of Samaria came about noon to draw her water. The reason for the timing was because the lady was not socially acceptable in the eyes of the other ladies of the town. As she drew water, Jesus asked her for a drink. She questioned His request. “Jewish people do not associate with Samaritans, why are You asking me for water?” Jesus replied, if you knew who was asking you, you would ask for living water. That stirred her curiosity. Sir, give me this living water, ”so I will not have to come here and draw water again.”

Then Jesus identified Himself as the Messiah. That really got her attention. 

Upon realizing Jesus was indeed the Messiah, she left her water pot and went into town. There she told some men, “I found the Messiah. He’s at the well. He told me everything I did.” That’s an interesting statement because this lady had been married five times. And the man she was with at present was not her husband. Out of curiosity, the men went to see who this stranger was. Maybe the men who came out did not want their past to be known. But Jesus led them to Himself. They became men of faith. They returned to town and told others. An additional group of men then accepted Jesus as their Messiah. 

In reviewing this chapter, my eyes saw something new for me. I asked myself, what if Jesus didn’t go to Sychar? What if the woman at the well decided to get water at another time? What if the Apostle Paul refused to listen to Jesus on the Damascus road? What if Ananias refused to see Paul (Saul) so he could receive his sight? Heaven would be less populated.

What happens when God directs our hearts to do something for Him? Whatever our response, heaven will be different. Somebody will be there because we were obedient, or someone will not be there because we were disobedient. It may be our one chance to do His beckoning.

Our lives are full of valuable things. Some of them cost a large amount of money. Usually the most valuable things are the ones without a huge price tag. They are things that came along as a gift from someone you hold in high esteem. It could be a photograph of a loved one. Maybe an object that was treasured by a loved one. Both possess a sentimental value.

I have in my possession five or six marbles. Yes, marbles. They are clay marbles that an Aunt gave to me 60 plus years ago. They were antiques. Their dollar value is minimal. The memories they hold are of great importance to me because they bring back memories of my grandmother’s homestead. Whatever brings back an old memory has a special place in your heart. 

Peter comes to mind. On the night of our Lord’s betrayal, Peter denied the Lord three different times. When the rooster crowed that morning, Peter remembered the Lord’s prediction of his upcoming denials. 

Somehow, even forgiveness cannot erase the memory of the offense. I imagine every time Peter heard any rooster crow, he remembered that night. Because of the Lord’s precious forgiveness, Peter never denied the Lord again.

When Peter wrote part of the Bible in what we know as first Peter, he included a reference describing the preciousness of the Lord. In chapter two, verse six, he described Jesus as the chief cornerstone, elect and precious. In second Peter 1:1, the Apostle described his faith as precious to those who have obtained like precious faith. This was a fresh reminder to Peter and every believer of the cost of our salvation.

Our redemption did not cost you and me anything. We are the recipients of the cost which He paid for us. Whenever I read of Jesus’ crucifixion, it reminds me of His affection. A genuine love for me and every believer. 

As we reflect on special memories, may we remember the one memory which changed our lives for eternity? Jesus was paying our sin debt. Hopefully, every day we live, we are making good eternal memories.

When you look at a picture, what do you see? Is it a picture that fits in your wallet? Maybe it’s one in a collage. It could be a five by six in a group of others on your wall. It could be a large centerpiece with smaller ones surrounding it. But then it could be a massive work of art occupying the dominant place in your great room. Whichever it is, it draws your undivided attention. There is something about it, pulling you towards it. 

But when it comes to life, can we see the big picture? Do we see where we fit? Are we the little picture tucked away in the wallet for only a few to see, or are we the glaring portrait on the wall? Just where do we fit? Most of us do not know exactly. We go along with the flow taking in whatever comes along. But is that how it’s supposed to be? 

What is your God-given mission in life? Have you ever thought about it? Now that I have journeyed down life’s road a bit, I can see more clearly where I fit. All the experiences, the bumps on the way, and the hilltops have all had a place. Even when I have wandered off on my own, each brought a lesson to learn and share—which have helped others along their way. I’m now doing for others, what some did for me along my journey.

It is encouraging to share and to reflect. The path may be different, but is rich in opportunities. Only the participants are different. But this is still God’s world. I’m just one of the many God is nudging along to be used of Him in a small way, yet, in a big way in the lives of some that we touch.  It is encouraging to realize God is directing our steps even when we do not know it.

We live in a day when things go wrong and it is always somebody else’s fault. No one wants to accept responsibility for their actions. Society is good at pointing fingers. That kind of thinking started developing when we were young. Incredibly young for some. Through the years, we improved in making better excuses. 

Somewhere through the years, we matured chronologically. But did we grow in maturity? Did our mental capacity catch up to our physical stature—and to an acceptable level of know-how? It is only then—we can take responsibility—the kind expected by our society.

The foundation for responsibility is “truth”—everything worthwhile and lasting rests upon this principle. Being truthful builds character, and character leads to trust. The truth is always best, regardless of the situation. Even if it is not accepted or wanted, its message is plain and unshakable.

If your message is pure, your character can be challenged but never destroyed. Even blemished in the eyes of many, but in God’s eyes, it is highly esteemed. Joseph, in the Bible, comes to mind. He eventually rose to the top of his society, but slavery and prison did not change his character. He was above reproach, even in those situations.

Helping others just because its right is always noticed by the Lord, even when it’s not convenient. Actions do accent your outward public character.

But what about the nonpublic part of you? The part others never see. The private part of your life that only God can see. The practice which heaven will reveal for all eternity. The closet prayer, just you and God, and no one else. The place where the heart of your soul comes alive.

What is your heart’s desire? Where will God allow you to reveal it? Helping someone may be your answer. It doesn’t have to be physical or financial help. It can be spiritual. You can ask God to intervene in an individual’s life for their protection, healing, or to be moldable for God’s work. 

I believe that I am what I am today because of my grandmother’s prayers. I cannot prove it and will not know the answer until I get to heaven, but I believe it. She took the responsibility to pray. 

Responsibility can have far-reaching effects if one would take it seriously. Each step you take can lead to another, and then another, then to where you are today. But it all started when you were willing to be truthful with yourself and God.

Try, try, try again goes the old saying. It was a motto. I heard it when I was young. It still applies today, especially to those who want to write. But there comes the point when you fail. Keep failing, keep trying, change, adjust, but the result is still the same. No success. 

Try walking away for a while. Get a fresh outlook. Think of another strategy. Maybe it will work. If it fails, what do you do? Try again. Perhaps the 100th approach will work. Try a new way of thinking. Results often come when different efforts are applied. The desired effect may not even appear then. 

What are you going to do? Four options come to mine. The first is to revise and try a modified plan. Quitting would be the second option, if you can get an inward peace about it. Put the project on the shelf for a while or try to get some sort of learning environment to sharpen your skills would be the third plan. The last would be to start a new project using your newly acquired skills.

Warning. Do not throw away the first project or burn it. A year from now, a fresh breeze of motivation may blow your way for its revival. 

Failure is a mental concept, not physical. The tire may be flat, but it can be patched or replaced. Failure in the world’s eyes is your learning step for success. When you were a child learning to walk, you did not give up when you fell. You got up and tried it again and again. Now that you have walked 1000 plus miles one step at a time, aren’t you glad you didn’t give up? 

There is truth in the adage try, try, try again; without trying, nothing new would ever be invented. Remember superglue. It was a new plastic supposedly. Post-it pads came about by trying to create something else.

The point is if we put effort into a project, the result may be significant. Just not the one we were looking for or the one we intended. If we put the effort in and leave the results to God, we may be surprised by what God will do with our diligence.

Every saint of God has individuals who know how to drive us to the brink of insanity. They seem to know what irritates us and enjoy doing it. To overcome their irritation, you search for answers. You may even ask for advice from someone you respect and trust. 

The Bible has the answer—where? Paul writes to believers in Ephesians six. Verses ten through twenty are about protective armor, our spiritual armor. He mentions two weapons and who is to use them. The clue is in the word “all.” Verse 18 uses this three-letter word with prayer, perseverance, and the saints (believers).

Our protection begins with prayer. It is the greatest weapon in God’s arsenal. Prayer, diligent prayer can conquer any enemy. The second weapon is perseverance, which is the main subject of this discussion. The last application involves all believers. For us to be who God wants us to be, we need a divine shield. Prayer and perseverance are the weapons available to every saint, the redeemed believer. 

Now to our subject, perseverance. Its underlying importance is that this word is found only once in the New Testament both in the Greek, the original language of the New Testament, and in most translations. What is your definition of the word? Mine would never be quitting regardless of the circumstances. 

Life has a way of discouraging every believer sometimes. Circumstances seem insurmountable. People disappoint us, even ones close to us. Yet God is still in control. He is working on our behalf, even if we cannot see it. Sometimes, we ask, “why is this happening?” Am I being punished for something? We usually have an event in our lives, which causes us to think like this. Yes, we may be enduring punishment for forgiven sins (for example, you robbed a bank, you are in prison, now you are going to serve the time for the crime even though God has forgiven you. A lousy example, but you get the point). 

Even in unfortunate circumstances, God is still with you. In these surroundings, you can shine the brightest for the Lord. People will be amazed at your spiritual strength. Notably, the peace you have, it is beyond their reasoning power. 

Persevere regardless, and yes, it may be hard. You will hurt inside. But God is greater than the circumstances and the pain. Usually, during this time, God is preparing us to help another who is about to go through a similar situation. Our wonderful Lord will use this hurt to help others. 

So, thank God for the events in your life, regardless. Persevere, God is with you. He promised never to leave you or forsake you. It is a promise He will always keep.

Details. The small things. The things that work together for our betterment. It is God arranging them one by one for our spiritual growth. Some of the big ones take a long time for everything to be in the right place. Their path may be confusing. A good example would be Joseph, in the book of Genesis. He was going to prison, not knowing it was of God to provide for his family. God is the Master of the details.

Reaching the journey’s end may be long, but achieving it is the goal. 

My thoughts go back to the Ark. The one that took Noah 120 years to build. It was all about details. It was cutting trees, transporting, shaping them, putting them in place, then sealing the Ark inside and out. But the loading of the Ark brings an intriguing observation. How long did it take the two snails to get on board? They were even slower than the two turtles. Yet the Ark did not sail without the snails. God waited for the snails to get on board before He shut the door. 

I guess I’m going around the bush to get to my point. Whatever your station in life is, God has more for you to do. In our society, as goes the old western TV show, it is expected for old people to ride off into the sunset. However, I do not believe that this is God’s desire for us. Each person can do something to advance their area of service for Him. It is all about focus. Passion is the root of pure determination. 

For any tree to grow, it needs nourishment from God and time. If the roots are deep, the tree will stand. Some of the limbs may need trimming, especially the lower ones, but the tree still stands and grows. It provides shade, maybe some fruit. It could be the tree to provide the lumber to build your house. The shelter you will use in the times of storm, cold, or heat. It could be your fortress.

God has protected you and wants to use you. The question is, do you want to be used by God? It is a question all of us must answer. Will we make ourselves available? Or unavailable? Our eternal rewards are a result of our service.

It is all about the small things—the details.

If we keep that perspective in mind, great will be our reward.

What can we do for God? Whatever it is will last for eternity? 

Producing spiritual fruit is all about decision making. Decisions determine the outcome of our lives. We can make some bad decisions. We all do. But did we learn from them? Every wrong decision can be part of our spiritual development if we allow them, even though they may hurt. The best choices are usually the result of learning from our wrong preferences and their consequences because we live with their results.

The foundation of good choices is found primarily in three areas—past experiences, advice, or observations from wise people and biblical examples. Although we cannot predict the outcome of our choices, we are sure the results will be better. The self-control of our thoughts lends themselves to the wisdom of sound decisions. 

The word for self-control in the Bible only appears in three verses in the New Testament. Each of them commands a thoughtful decision. 

Paul, now a prisoner, is standing before Felix, one of the Roman authorities in Israel (Acts 24). Felix has the power to release Paul from the false accusations of the hypocritical Jewish leaders. Felix, along with his Jewish wife, Drusilla, hear Paul’s subject matter concerning Christ. Because of this message, Felix was under conviction. In his heart, he was reasoning about righteousness and self-control (verse 25). Instead of accepting Christ, he chose to send Paul away. The Bible does not record Felix ever accepting Christ as his Redeemer. 

The second place in scripture that self-control is mentioned concerns the fruits of the spirit in Galatians 5:22,23. It is the last of nine fruits listed. Self-control is the evidence of the other eight-character traits in action. Without the ability to restrain our emotions and practices, we are inconsistent in our Christian walk. A consistent mindset stabilizes our character. 

All of us struggle with self-control to some degree. It is an ongoing effort in our lives. Determination and effort on our part will help each of us to improve our service for the Lord.