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Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed. For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.

Psalm 84:9-12



Matthew Henry was in great demand as a speaker in churches across England. His insights into the Scriptures challenged people in a way many had never heard before. Throughout his life, in addition to his preaching, Henry worked on what became one of the most used commentaries on the Bible in history. But he also endured great sadness and suffering. His first wife died not long after giving birth to their daughter, who then also died. Both of his children with his second wife died as infants as well. Yet rather than being angry at God, Henry remained devoted to Him. The night before his death, he told a friend, “You have been used to take notice of the sayings of dying men: this is mine—That a life spent in the service of God, and communion with him, is the most comfortable and pleasant life that any one can live in this world.”

God didn't promise things would be easy if we follow and obey Him. He told us, instead, that He would be with us no matter what. Christians who value the things of this world too highly will never be willing to make the sacrifices required or stand up to hardship and suffering without giving up. It is only when our highest values are the things of God that we live up to His calling. Even what the world regards as menial service is transformed into joy and blessing when it is done in the presence of the Lord.

Today's Growth Principle:
Following Christ is not meant to be easy, but the rewards are worth far more than any sacrifice it requires.

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me; And said unto me, Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified.
Isaiah 49:1-3


God has a purpose and a plan for each of our lives, and He has things He wants us to accomplish for His kingdom. Paul wrote, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). In order to fulfill our mission, however, we must be prepared for God's use. Soldiers even in a time of war are not sent directly into battle, but rather go through training at boot camp. In the same way, we should not expect to immediately or automatically have everything we need for God's work. We need to grow in grace as He prepares and polishes us for His service.

We don't need to be worried about whether what we are doing is public and will be known by others. Instead, we need to trust God to use us in His time in whatever way He chooses. F. B. Meyer wrote, “Fit yourself for God’s service; be faithful. He will presently appoint thee. In some unlikely quarter, in a shepherd’s hut, or in an artisan’s cottage, God has His prepared and appointed instrument. As yet the shaft is hidden in His quiver, in the shadow of His hand; but at the precise moment at which it will tell with the greatest effect, it will be produced and launched on the air.” Preparing arrows and polishing the shafts took a great deal of time in Bible days. It was not something done quickly, but once the arrow was prepared, it would fly straight to the target.

Today's Growth Principle:
We must never rebel against the timing or the process by which God prepares us for His service

ELPAN TEACHING SERIES FOR JAN/FEB 2023

1. THE POWER OF PREPARATION
2. THE POWER OF PRINCIPLES
3. THE POWER OF CHOICES
4. THE POWER OF LIVING RIGHT.
5. THE POWER BEHIND DOING GOOD (ACTS 10:38).
6. THE POWER OF DETERMINATION/PURPOSE.
7. THE POWER OF APPRECIATION