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OUR IMMEDIATE purpose in life should not be to win necessarily but to glorify God in all our efforts. So it is not your business to succeed but to do right. When you have done so, the rest lies with God - CS Lewis. At one point, Saul was jealous of David. And he repeatedly tried to kill him—but David concerned himself with doing what was right. What did David do? He took God's Value. WHEN DAVID looked at life with the eye of faith, he found it vital to please God as he could differentiate right from wrong. The Word of God became a lamp unto his feet and a light unto his path. (Ps. 119:105) His faith in God was his perception against the deception of the enemy. So when Abishai wanted him to take Saul's life, he said: As the Eternal One lives, his time will come. Then, the Eternal will strike him down; he will die or go into battle one day and be slain. (1 Sam. 26:10) And as he looked at Saul through the eye of God, love became his companion, and mercy became his virtue. So he considered Saul's life precious and spared it. When you look at life with the eye of faith, you express your love through your obedience to Him. He took God's Promises THE PROMISES of God gave him hope—and through them, he held on. He remembered what transpired when the prophet visited his home. He knew the promise was God's to keep. So he said: I wait for the Lord; my whole being remains, and I put my hope in his word. (Ps. 130:5-6) Abraham still hoped and believed when there was nothing left to hope for, so he became a father of nations. (Rom. 4:18) Simeon did a similar thing, and in due season, he saw the Messiah. (Luke 2:25-35) There's a miracle in waiting on the Lord. Faith in God is an expression of love through obedience to Him He took in God's Purpose. GOD DOESN'T WANT anything from you. He wants you - CS Lewis. David said: Your word have I hid in my heart that I may not sin against you. (Psalm 119:11) He understood his purpose, so he carefully made his choices—and every situation became a test. He took in God's humility. WHEN THE KING called out to him, he treated Saul with respect. "Why is my Lord pursuing his servant? What have I done, and what wrong am I guilty of? Do not let my blood fall to the ground far from the presence of the Lord. The king of Israel has come out to look for a flea—as one hunts a partridge in the mountains." (1 Sam. 26:19-20) David humbled himself before God so that God would lift him. His success was not hinged on his skills but on God deciding the outcome. He accepted God's future. THESE WERE TRYING TIMES for him, but he knew where to go when he was weary. Hear my cry, O God; Attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth, I will cry to You. Then, when my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I. (Ps. 61:1-2) To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in You; let me not be ashamed; Let not my enemies triumph over me. (Psalm 25:1-2) You may not know what tomorrow holds, but you know who holds the day. When you can't, you go to the One who can! He gave thanks. A LIFE without thanksgiving is an anomaly! Whenever you are ungrateful, you play god. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says: In everything give thanks for this is the will of God concerning you. When David looked at his father's house, he gave thanks. (2 Sam. 7:18-29) He started many of his psalms by thanking and praising God. He was a man of immense gratitude. THE BIBLE calls him a man after God's heart because he loved the Lord; he was faithful to Him and quickly repentant when he sinned. You can never do right before God without loving Him. And you cannot love God without knowing Him. For God so loved the world that he gave His only Son so that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) Now that you know God loves you give your life to Him!

WHAT IF GOD is interested in our presence and not our productivity? We often think we can satisfy him through what we do, only to discover what he needs most is our presence. What he delights in is our intimacy with Him. YOU cannot love people without spending time with them. Likewise, you cannot say you love God without paying attention to him. When you draw near to him, he draws near to you. (Jam. 4:8) JESUS was travelling through a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary who sat at the feet of Jesus, hanging on to every word he said. But Martha was consumed with caring for her guests. She was pulled away by the urgent, ignoring the important. When Martha noticed her sister's absence, she said: "Master, don't you care that my sister has abandoned the kitchen to me? Tell her to lend me a hand." "Martha, Martha! You worry and fuss about a lot of things. There's only one thing you need. Mary has made the right choice, and that thing you will not take away from her," Jesus replied. (Luke 10:38-42) Mary chose to worship. You cannot be close to God without worshipping Him. OUR SENSE of entitlement puts us in harm's way—and when our worship is rejected, we wonder why. Cain wondered why God rejected his sacrifice. And God said to him: Why are you angry? Why do you look so sad? I'll accept you as long as you do what is right. But if you do not do what is right, watch out because sin is crouching at the door, ready to pounce on you! It would help if you mastered it before it masters you. (Gen. 4:6-7) To be intimate with God, you must do what is right. AS THE FAMINE'S darkness was setting over Israel, God commanded Elijah to go to the brook. God wanted him to himself. And when the brook dried up, God told him what to do next. Get up, and travel to Zarephath. It has Sidon, which is outside Israel. Remain there, and do not leave for any reason. There is a widow in Zarephath whom I have told to take care of you. (1 Kings 17:9) Elijah could hear God because he paid attention to Him. Are you paying attention to Him? GOD WHISPER'S to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains. It is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world - C.S. Lewis. Perhaps the pain you're suffering is God shouting to get your attention. Will you give it to Him? GOD WILL NOT give you a new instruction until you've obeyed the previous one. Ask Jonah, and he will tell you what can happen when you walk in disobedience. God told him to go to Nineveh and cry against the people, but he ran to Tarshish. He never got far because God sent a storm. And when he was tossed into the sea, he was picked up by a whale that took him to Nineveh. (Jonah 1:4-17) There's something about disobedience that turns Him off. Are you obeying Him? ONE WAY to give attention is by praying to Him. There are things you can never succeed in except you pray. Jesus said: Men always ought to pray and not lose heart. (Luke 18:1) Elijah was a man with a nature like ours. So he prayed, and it did not rain for three years and six months. (Jam. 5:17) He understood why his productivity mattered, but much more his presence. AT THE BACKSIDE of the desert, Moses saw the bush burn without being consumed. He knew this was extraordinary. So, he moved near to see. And when he stepped aside, God knew he was interested. So, he called out to him: Moses, do not come near. Take off your shoes. Where you stand is holy ground. (Exod. 3:5) The unseen God made an entrance into the physical. God needed his attention, and he got it. He wanted Moses to himself. The Lord's eyes scan the whole world to find those whose hearts are committed to him and to strengthen them. (2 Chron. 16:9) God wants you! All these people had one thing in common—they knew God. AS WE CELEBRATE the most wonderful time of the year, it will only be complete when you have a relationship with the person of the season. He knew we couldn't go up. So, he came down to earth. Now we can go up. He (Jesus) who knew no sin became sin that we might become the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. (2 Cor. 5:21) All you have to do is confess your sins to Him and ask for forgiveness. Then ask Jesus Christ to come into your heart and be your Lord and Saviour. If you've done this, you are now a believer in Christ. Look for a Bible-believing church near you, and go there. God bless you.

WE WALK the earth on troubled waters. So many of our lives show pain. We wonder how dark it will get and how much more we must take. So we walk by faith and not by sight. ( 2 Cor. 5:7) And as we walk through the storm, we keep our wipers on. The Narrative WHEN GOD took his children out of Egypt, he tried to teach them how to trust Him. They hadn't been around victories very much. So, God took them through many tests to prove their hearts. (Deut. 8:1) And when Moses passed, God put Joshua in his place. (Deut. 34:9) JOSHUA understood that they had to pray like everything depended on God and work as if everything depended on them. So he sent two spies to Jericho. But when they entered the city, people knew they were Jews—and they told on them. WHILE THEY stayed in the house of Rahab that night, the king sent soldiers to fetch them. But she already hid the spies before the soldiers came. And she said to them, "Two men have been to see me. But I didn't take the time to ask them where they came from. All I know is that they got up and left when it was dark outside and the gate was about to close. I don't know where they went from here. If you hurry, you might still catch up to them." (Joshua 2:5) Take your place WHILE THE KING was trying to stop something, Rahab was starting something. She lent a hand to the move of God. She knew God had created a space and needed to take her place. God is waiting on you to take your place. Watch what you do RAHAB aligned herself with the Will of God. She showed them mercy. And blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. (Matt. 5:7) I know God has given you this land, she said. Your coming has paralyzed us all with fear. We have heard how God held back the Red Sea so you could escape from Egypt on dry land and how you destroyed the Amorite kings—on the far side of the Jordan. As soon as this news reached us, our hearts melted like wax, and none of us had any courage left. Your God is truly God of the heavens above and the earth below. (Joshua 2:9-11) She believed their testimony. Then, she latched on in faith as she trusted God to move her forward. Rahab put her wipers on. I pray that your trust in God will know no borders Know where to take your fear RAHAB took her fear to God. When you learn to take your fears to the foot of the cross, you are needy of Him. Everyone in the kingdom understands how needy they are—and totally dependent on grace. John the Baptist knew where to take his fears. He sent his disciples to confirm if Jesus was the one. Jesus told them to tell him what they have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, and those with leprosy are cleansed. The deaf hear. The dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. (Luke 7:22) My prayer is that your enemies will hear your story and come to your God Do something with God's testimony RAHAB put her faith in God. She welcomed the spies as friends. And as a result, she did not die with those who refused to obey God. (Hebrews 11:31 ) I pray that your enemies will hear your story and come to your God. Get Wisdom RAHAB understood their situation and responded adequately to it. She saw things the way God would see them and interpreted them the way he did. She trusted God. I pray that your trust in God will know no borders so you can walk upon the waters. Believe the promise IN TURN, they made her a promise. You had the power to turn us in, but you saved us. So now we will do the same for you. If you promise not to tell anyone what we are doing here, then you have our word: we will treat you with kindness and faithfulness when God gives us the land. (Joshua 2:14) When your longing to please God becomes your dream, you'll adjust your life accordingly. She believed in the sacredness of their promise because they were servants of God—and she counted on God that they would keep their word. Bringing it Together GOD has created a space. He is waiting on you to take your place. The fastest way to give God pleasure is to obey Him. The quickest way to have Him rush into your life is to repent. Give your life to Him!

WE ARE NOT makers of history. We are made by history - Martin Luther King Jr. Esther was clueless when Haman threatened the Jews. And when her uncle, Mordecai, called on her, she realized she was made for such a moment. (Esther 4:4) The siblings of Joseph thought he made history by becoming a prime minister, but he saw things differently. He felt the hand of God over his life. Joseph knew that God had put him there to actualize his dream. (Gen. 50:20) So, he lived a life of worship. MANY PEOPLE in the scriptures did not receive a call like Abraham; neither did they have a visitation like Moses, but they knew God called them. They felt a twist inside, and they couldn't sit still. Nehemiah was one of them. HE LIVED in Susa and worked as a cupbearer to the king. When Hanani came to visit, Nehemiah asked about the Jews who had escaped exile and the city of Jerusalem. And the reply shocked him. "Those who survived the captivity are in the province. They are enduring serious troubles and being insulted. The wall of Jerusalem has broken down, and its gates have been destroyed by fire." (Neh. 1:3) So, he cried out to God. Begin with a prayer YOU CAN NOT FACE the future without a prayer list, nor can you do so without a prayer line. Nehemiah had an altar, so he cried out to God in worship. "Lord God of heaven, great and awe-inspiring God, you faithfully keep your promise and show mercy to those who love you and obey your commandments." (Neh. 1:4-5) He knew that God captures your heart in worship—and when he's got it, the real work begins – Matt Redman. Do not allow shame NEHEMIAH did not allow the shame of their situation to keep his hands down. Instead, he lifted his heart in worship. Romans 8:1 says: Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Take Ownership NEHEMIAH acknowledged that they had done wrong. He confessed their sins and asked for forgiveness. 1 John 1:9 says: If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. The prostitute who sat at the feet of Jesus washed his feet with her tears. She took ownership of her sins. And Jesus said to her: Your sins are forgiven. (Luke 7:48) Intercession is vital WORSHIP and INTERCESSION must go together; one is impossible without the other. – Oswald Chambers. Paul said: For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. (I Corinthians 14:14-15) So, what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding. When last did you pray in the spirit? When did you stand in the gap for someone? You must pray that God will do in others what he will do through you – that was Nehemiah's prayer. Seek God's endorsement YOU MUST FIND acceptance with God before you find favour with men. For You, O Lord, bless the righteous man [the one who is in right standing with You]; You surround him with favour as with a shield. (Ps. 5:12) Nehemiah asked for God's mercy to find favour before the king. Pray that God will do in others what he will do through you Paint a picture INTERIOR DECORATORS will tell you that if you want a thing to disappear into the background, you make it the same colour as the room's wall. If you want a problem handled by God, you paint it with the brush of faith. And when you do, your challenge disappears because where he stands, your problem cannot. Faith thrives where there's no contrary belief that God will do as intended. Live in excellence TO THE DEGREE that Nehemiah was perfect in his private life, he was also excellent in public life. Nehemiah lived a life of worship. So, it wasn't difficult for him to enter this environment when his people took a hit. Nehemiah saw the redemption of his people on his shoulders. He came with a prostrate heart seeking help. He used the faith of one. Nehemiah did not have it good, but he had God. He understood that he needed God's manifestation to move forward. You need God's intervention to make good progress in life. To know Him is to worship Him. Worship does not satisfy our hunger for God – it whets our appetite. – Eugene Peterson. Bringing it Together YOUR WALK is not to conquer but to actualize God's dreams – and the way to do that is to live a life of worship. You can not allow your self-interest to overshadow the Will of God. Nehemiah made his doctrine find its place in the things of faith. He preferred the treasures of God to his treasures.

EVERY BELIEVER in Christ must understand that they live no ordinary lives. And the Will of God will never take you where the grace of God will not protect you – Bernadette Devline. The Narrative THE STORY OF GOD returns to Jacob because he had a special place in God's plan—and God chose his son, Joseph. While Jacob loved him, his brothers hated him. And when Joseph shared his dreams, they felt he was destined to rule over them—so they hated him the more. One day, Jacob sent Joseph to the brothers in the field, and they conspired to kill him. Oh, here comes the great dreamer. Let's kill him and throw his body into one of the pits. Then, we can tell everyone a wild animal killed and devoured him. We'll see then what becomes of his stupid dreams. (Gen. 37:19-20) Reuben prevailed on them not to do so. But in his absence, they sold him into slavery. Grace Abounds JOSEPH'S SITUATION was dire. There were many uncertainties. He was among strangers, and he had no help. But God never left his side. On the contrary, in his pain, God gave him grace. And God can make all grace abound to you. (2 Cor. 9:8) No matter where affliction ships, it is shaped by God Prophecies are in part ALTHOUGH he knew where God was taking him, he did not know how to get there. He had to trust God to help him navigate life, which God desires of us. When Potiphar's wife wanted to sleep with him, he said: How could I do such a great thing and sin against God? (Gen. 39:9) Joseph understood that everything in life was a test, and everything became significant. When you approach life this way, everything you do becomes vital. And God becomes the centre of all. Stay in your lane THE ANALOGY he drew from his circumstances painted the future he wanted. He obeyed God despite being treated unfairly. Nevertheless, Joseph did not give up hope. He did not resign himself to just leading the prisoners. Instead, Joseph concerned himself with their well-being. So, when he found two of them looking sad, he asked questions. He knew that God had a role for him. When he spoke to them, their stance changed from suspicion to interest. When they told him their dreams, he interpreted them. So the cupbearer will be restored, but the baker will lose his life. And when the cupbearer was restored, he forgot Joseph. (Gen. 40:23) Do you feel helpless? Do you feel forgotten? A mother can forget a suckling child, but God can never forget you. (Is. 49:15) God rules in the affairs of men AFTER TWO YEARS, Pharaoh had two dreams. And he sent for his counsellors, but no one could interpret them. Then, the cupbearer said to Pharaoh: Today, I remember my shortcoming. He told Pharaoh how he and the baker had dreamt in prison—and Joseph had interpreted their dreams. So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and they brought him quickly. When Pharaoh told Joseph about the dreams, Joseph replied: I cannot do this, but God will answer your request and relieve your concerns. God did answer his request. Joseph interpreted the dreams. And Pharaoh said: Since God has shown all of this to you, I can't imagine anyone wiser and more discerning than you. Therefore, you will be in charge of my household. All of my people will report to you and do as you say. (Gen. 41:39-40) In the Kingdom, obedience to God is the secret to relevance. Bringing it Together GOD'S PATH to greatness does not lead astray. No matter where affliction ships, it is shaped by God. You may not love what you suffer, but you must love what you defend. And never forget that your life is not ordinary.

OUR ATTITUDE gives us a chance at life. It shows up in everything we do. When we adopt a posture of indifference, the weight becomes heavier and heavier. But when our attitude is right, we are relieved. The right attitude is this: that I have my own will, yet I will the will of God - Watchman Nee. John the Baptist understood this and said: "This is the assigned moment for him (Jesus) to move into the center while I slip off to the sidelines." (John 3:30) It's time for you to do the same. The Narrative AFTER THE DEATH of Samuel, David and his men went into the wilderness of Paran. A certain man lived in Moan. This man was very rich: he owned 3,000 sheep and 1,000 goats. It was sheep shearing season which was celebrated with feasting and generosity. This rich man's name was Nabal—and his wife's name was Abigail. Attitude to life NABAL was mean-spirited and bad-tempered, but she was smart and beautiful. (1 Sam. 25:1-3) He was described as a disgrace to his people. Unlike Nabal, God wants us to be kind to one another, sympathetic and forgiving each other as God has forgiven us through Christ. (Eph. 4:32) Something is wrong if you belittle those you are called to serve Attitude to Fellowmen FROM David's hiding place, he sent ten men to Nabal, asking for gifts. But Nabal said: "Who is David? Who is this son of Jesse? I've never heard of him, so he must be nothing more than a slave who abandoned his master." (1 Sam. 25:10) When he spoke harshly to David's servants, he lost the chance for redemption. Something is wrong if you belittle those you are called to serve. If you talk of their weak points in contrast with your strong points, forgetting that there's nothing you have that has not been received, you know nothing about God's love. Attitude to Possessions THE ATTITUDE of saints toward their possessions most assuredly signifies whether they continue to preserve their self-life or whether they have consigned it to death - Watchman Nee. Nabal's attitude to riches spoke of his heart. He had so much, yet he wasn't willing to share. Are you willing to share? Attitude to Things THE REMARKABLE THING is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day - Chuck Swindoll. David was angry when his servants related Nabal's response. He told his men to strap their swords, and 400 of his men followed him. But one of Nabal's servants recognized his master's insolence and quickly told Abigail. He told Abigail that evil was coming if she didn't do something. Attitude to a bad situation ABIGAIL knowing the stakes gathered gifts similar to what her husband would have offered. She sent her servants ahead of her. Then, she rode down a hidden trail. (1 Sam. 25:20) She knew nothing is so sour that a good attitude can't sweeten it - Woodrow Kroll. When Abigail met David, she spoke like someone who knew God's plans. She said: Even though someone is pursuing you to take your life, God would bound your life securely, and the lives of your enemies he will hurl away from the pocket of a sling. (1 Sam. 25:29) She aligned herself to God's Will, and her soft words changed David's mind. Attitude to sin THE GREATEST DAY in your life and mine is when we take total responsibility for our attitudes. That's the day we truly grow up - John C. Maxwell. When Abigail confronted Nabal about his attitude, there was no remorse, but fear gripped him. God struck him ten days later, and he died. Bringing it Together WHILE ABIGAIL was concerned about Nabal's attitude, he wasn't bothered. God's Word reveals that He is not as concerned about the depth or extent of the sin. Instead, he is about our attitude and response when confronted with it - Nancy Leigh DeMoss.

THE ENEMY doesn't care how many days you live, as long as you don't live in the days – TD Jakes. He was after Peter and Jesus told him the Devil had planned to sift him. But he has prayed for him. (Luke 22:31) Satan tried to stop the children of Israel from making it to the promised land. So anytime they encountered a problem, they complained. They murmured against Moses at the red sea. They grumbled against him at Mara. (Exod. 14:10-12; 15:24-25) And when the spies returned from Canaan, ten of them sowed doubts in people's hearts. (Numb. 13:31-33) Even his siblings criticized him for marrying a non-Jew. Then, they asked if the Lord spoke only through him. (Numb. 12:1-2) They did not live in their days—and God was angry with them. TO LIVE IN your day is to live in reverential awe. One way of doing this is hiding His Word in your heart. (Ps. 119:11) Moses basked in awe of God, and the children of Israel could tell that he was a man of His Presence. They were afraid to come near him when he returned from the mountain of God. (Exod. 34:30-35) But that did not stop them from going after other gods. They asked Aaron to make some for them in his absence. They provoked God. (Exod. 32:22-24) MANY OF US have lost the awe of God because we have become so familiar with Him. However, since we are receiving our rights to an unshakable kingdom, we should be extremely thankful and offer God the purest worship that delights his heart as we lay down our lives in absolute surrender, filled with awe. (Heb. 12:28) TO LIVE IN your day is to make good use of your moments. Mary, the sister of Lazarus, understood this well. So she sat at the foot of Jesus when he visited their home, listening to what he taught. (Luke 10:39) Rahab knew where to seek help and hid the spies when the soldiers came. (Josh. 2:1-5) So be very careful how you live, not being like those without understanding, but live honourably with true wisdom, for we live in evil times. Therefore, take full advantage of every day as you spend your life for his purposes. (Eph. 5:15-16) If a Christian does not want to please God, something is wrong. TO LIVE IN YOUR DAY is to be wise. Paul warns that you make sure no predator makes you his prey through misleading philosophy and empty deception based on traditions fabricated by men. (Col. 2:8-9) Philosophy is the height of human wisdom—and it can be appealing. But, when you allow it at the pulpit, people are misled. The wisdom of this world is sensual, selfish and demonic. But the one from above is pure, gentle, obedient and full of mercy. (Jam. 3:17-18) Peter employed earthly wisdom when he told Jesus that he wouldn't die. And Jesus replied: Get behind me, Satan. (Matt. 16:23) But when Jesus said: Who do men say I am? Peter employed the wisdom of heaven. He said: You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. (Matt. 16:16) Which one do you employ? YOU CAN NOT live in your day without giving God pleasure; neither can you say that you love God without wanting to please him. The more you know Him, the more you want to please Him. If a Christian does not want to please God, something is wrong because giving God pleasure is the core of Christian living. God took delight in Abraham, and he's called a friend of God. (Jam. 2:23) Enoch walked with Him, and he was not because God took him. (Gen. 5:24) Paul desired God. So he said: That I may know Him; the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death. (Phil. 3:10) Do you know Him? If you do not know Him, you cannot please Him. GIVING HIM pleasure begins with acknowledging you are a sinner who needs a saviour. Confess your sins and ask Him to forgive you. Tell Him to be your Lord and Saviour. Now that you have done this, you can please Him. Go into the week knowing you are made for Him as you live in your day.

THERE are seasons of life we get caught up in excitement when we succeed and a sense of despair when we fail. For example, we were wrung with pain when the virus struck, but there were shouts of joy when the vaccines came. THE ARMIES of Israel experienced a similar thing. Goliath harassed them for forty days. And when David killed him, the people rejoiced. However, their chant troubled Saul, and he was suspicious of David. (1 Sam. 18:7-9) Then, Saul came after him. David couldn't leave anything to chance. So, he ran for his life—but God was in his story. MANY TIMES, we think good things are only those favouring us, like the defeat of the Philistines. When asked to name them, we give responses like safety, wealth, beautiful family, nice house, godly friends, excellent health and a high-paying job. These are truly good things, but there are unfavourable ones too. A THING is good when it's in harmony with God's Will. Good things do not happen to you because you have good thoughts. Instead, they occur as God is on your case. Paul puts it this way: So we are convinced that every detail of our lives is continually woven together for good, for we are his lovers who have been called to fulfill his designed purpose. (Rom. 8:28) God does not leave your life to chance. Instead, he continuously weaves it into his plan. Destiny is God weaving your life into what he wants. FROM THE DAY you become a believer in Christ; God is in your story. God changes your thinking and makes you see that a good thing can come out of difficulty. So you do not run from tests and hardships. As difficult as they are, you will ultimately find joy in them; if you embrace them, your faith will blossom under pressure and teach you true patience as you endure. And true patience brought on by endurance will equip you to complete the long journey and cross the finish line—mature, complete, and wanting nothing. (James 1:2-4) EVERYONE used by God has had to go through a time of preparation disguised as tests and trials. Some went into captivity, while others went into exile. Joseph was sold into slavery, where his gift blossomed into maturity—and God positioned him for the next phase of his life. So to him, captivity is a good thing. (Gen. 45:7) Moses learned great lessons in the backside of the desert until God saw that it was time to save his people. And he appeared to him in the burning bush. So, God worked Moses' misstep into His plan. (Exod. 3:1-5) Each of them needed to know God more to begin the next chapter of their lives, so they were thrown into the crucible of affliction for refinement. You also need to know God more to be ready for what God wants to do through you—and this is done by walking in obedience to His Word. Destiny is God weaving your life into what He wants. GOD WANTS TO commit things to you, but he will not do so until you are ready. He will not entrust anything to you until you're committed and willing to follow Him. Abraham trusted God. A few years after he had Isaac, God told him to sacrifice his son to Him. And as he tried, God said: Do not lay a hand on the boy. Please do not do anything to him. Now, I know that you fear God because you did not refuse to give me your son, your only son. (Gen. 22:12) Abraham was ready! YOU CAN SAY you are ready, but only God can tell. He knows your capabilities—and the tests and trials you face will reveal them to you. The children of Israel had to go through the wilderness for forty years to reveal what was in their hearts. (Deut. 8:2) DAVID had outstanding testimonies, yet God felt he wasn't ready. He wasn't prepared to lead the nation of God. Once, he went to make a pact with the Philistines. But Achish turned him down. When he returned to Ziklag, he found that the Amalekites had attacked his camp and taken the women and men prisoners. Then David and his men cried until they had no more strength. He was distressed because his men told him they would stone him in their bitterness. Then, he remembered that God was in his story. So, he called Abiathar, the priest and instructed him to bring the priestly vest. And he asked God: Should we pursue these raiders? Can we catch them? God said: Go after them. You will catch them, and you will certainly rescue your families. (1 Sam. 30:3-10) Where do you take your questions? Knowing where to take them will give you the answers you need. David was closer to God when he took his questions to Him. When you ask Him questions, you leave nothing to chance as you allow Him to write your story. Bringing it Together GOD'S GREATEST PLAN is to weave His Will into your life, which is why he saved you. Will you allow Him?

WHILE OUR LIVES are filled with major milestones, not every moment gets the attention it deserves. Some go unnoticed, and others are rebuffed—as a result, we are surrounded by unsung moments. MARY'S attentiveness would have gone unnoticed except for Jesus who said: "One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it's the main course and won't be taken from her." (Luke 10:42) The family of Moses could not celebrate his birth as desired because he came at a difficult time. So, his mom hid him for three months until she could no longer do so. (Exod. 2:1-3) David's father ignored him until God refused his brothers—and Samuel said: "Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives." (1 Sam. 16:11) All these people had ordinary times—they had unsung moments. ESTHER's life was not different. She lost both parents early—but for the intervention of her uncle, her story would be underwhelming. Her narrative didn't explicitly mention God, but God never left her side. God was there when they took her to the palace and put her under the care of Hegai—who oversaw the king's harem. (Esther 2:10-14) He was there when she found favour with her caretaker and was chosen as queen. Whatever you are going through, He is working out his plan in the background. God is always there—He is not God that's far away. He is near. (Jer. 23:23) A LOT happens when we open our lives to the flood gates of things. When we make decisions, we become the friend of some and the enemy of others. Jesus said: If the world hates you, know that it had hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, I chose you out of the world; therefore, the world hates you. (John 15:18-19) MORDECAI became Haman's enemy when he refused to bow. So Haman plotted his death and the destruction of other Jews. Mordecai tore his clothes and sobbed when he heard what had happened. Then, he sent a message to Esther—and she was scared too as no one sees the king without an appointment. But Mordecai could see the big picture, and he said: "Don't be fooled. Just because you live inside the king's palace doesn't mean that you, out of all of the Jews, will escape the carnage. Of course, it would help if you went before your king. If you stay silent during this time, deliverance for the Jews will come from somewhere, but you, my child, and all of your father's family will die. And who knows? Perhaps you have been made queen for such a time as this." (Esther 4:13-14) The question is: Who made her for a time like this? No matter how ordinary your moment is, God is in it. THERE'S PEACE available in swelling emotions and challenging times. For example, Jehoshaphat knew where to find peace. So, he took the threatening chit Sennacherib sent and laid it before the Lord. (2 Kings 19:14) Are you in turmoil? Go to God. Esther understood the same. Intercede for me, she said. For three days and nights, abstain from all food and drink. My maids and I will join you at this time. And after the three days, I will go to the king and plead my people's case, even though it means breaking the law. And if I die, then I die!" (Esther 4:16) Esther went before the king, and Haman was hanged on a pole. THERE'S a common thread woven through our lives called grace. God extended it to Esther at every point—and he can make his grace abound to you. (2 Cor. 9:8) He will work things together for your good if you love Him and are called according to his purpose. (Rom. 8:28) Bringing it Together NO MATTER how ordinary your moment is, God is in it. The world says everything happens randomly, without reason. But the Bible reassures us that God works in all things – David Jeremiah. Now that you know this, go and accord every moment the importance it deserves. Enjoy your week!

THOSE who came before us can teach us many things. We can learn from their successes and failures, accomplishments, and non-achievements. We can emulate them where they did well and do things differently where they walked in error. But it doesn't seem as if we have learnt anything—and our inability to become tells our story. We are consumed with doing things and neglecting being something before God. AT A TIME, Israel was in a similar situation. So their leaders said to Samuel: "You're old, and your sons aren't following your example. So appoint a king to judge us so that we will be like all the other nations." (1 Sam. 8:5) Samuel had questions—and faith does not eliminate questions, but it knows where to take them – Elisabeth Elliot. So, he took his concerns to God. And God said: "Listen to everything the people are saying to you. They haven't rejected you; they've rejected me. They're doing just what they've done since I took them out of Egypt—leaving me and serving other gods. Listen to them now. But be sure to warn them and tell them about the rights of a king." (1 Sam. 16:7-9) AS HE presented the king, he warned them not to turn away to follow other gods. He shared with them God's view. The Lord will not abandon his people for his great name's sake because he wants to make you his people. It would be unthinkable for me to sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you. I will go on teaching you the way that is good and right. Fear the Lord and serve him. (1 Sam. 12:22-25) With perspective comes contrast. GOD INSTRUCTED SAUL to go against the Amalekites and destroy what belongs to them. So, Saul summoned two hundred and ten thousand soldiers and went to Amalek. They attacked the city but spared the life of King Agag and the best of the animals. And God said to Samuel: "I regret that I made Saul king over Israel because he has turned away from Me and from executing My commands." (1 Sam. 15:11) God gave Saul great victory but rejected him. Therefore, he is saddened by disobedience. Previously, Saul took the priest's role and performed a ritual sacrifice. Then, his soldiers broke the dietary rule by eating meat that contained blood. (1 Samuel 13: 13; 14:33) Samuel felt terrible about what would happen and spent the night weeping. Sin is a stratifier; grace is the unifier. THE FOLLOWING MORNING, Saul thought the prophet would accept his explanation, but he was in for a surprise. He said to Samuel: "I went on the mission the Lord assigned me. I destroyed the Amalekites and brought back Agag, their king. The soldiers took sheep and cattle from the plunder, the best of what was devoted to God, to sacrifice them to the Lord your God at Gilgal." (1 Sam. 15:20) The starting point of obedience is acknowledgement. But unfortunately, Saul did not take ownership of what they did. Sin is a stratifier; grace is the unifier. WHEN SAMUEL told Saul that God had rejected him as king, he said: "Now I beg you, forgive my sin and come back with me, so that I may worship the Lord." (1 Sam. 15:25) He was more concerned about his image than his disobedience. Are you more concerned about your self-image than obedience to God? Jesus is eagerly waiting for you to come to Him. Bringing it Together WHILE Samuel made obedience simple, Saul complicated it. To obey is better than sacrifice and to heed is better than the fat of rams. You'll never grow close to God when you live as you please. However, you grow closer to Him when you live as he pleases. You can never go wrong obeying God - Charles Stanley.

THE WORD in her day made her ceremoniously unclean—and this exempted her from many gatherings. (Lev. 15:19; 25) When people asked why she looked frail—she said nothing. Instead, she kept her story to herself. She had spent her savings trying to find a cure, and hope deferred made her heart grow cold. But when she heard of Jesus, she said to herself: If I could touch the hem of his garment, I would be made whole. (Luke 8:43-48) She realized how to shorten her painful season. Her hope for recovery seemed in sight—and the journey of over a decade was coming to an end. The woman with the issue of blood went behind Jesus, touched the hem of his garment, and her bleeding stopped. When you can't, you run to the One who can! IT IS NO fairy tale that painful seasons come unannounced. And if given a choice, we love to be on the mountain top at all times. However, life is full of highs and lows, mountains and valleys. Valleys are rough places full of storms, difficulties and unrest. I bet you've been there many times. Moses was there when he left Egypt. He had killed an Egyptian. So, he ran to Midian, trying to get away. And he lived with the town's priest for forty years. (Exod. 2) Know God's Intention GOD does not intend you to live in the valley for life, but he wants you to be brave. Even though you walk through the darkest valley, you will fear no evil, for God is with you, his rod and staff they comfort you. (Psalm 23:4) David did not know that he could be brave until he found himself in the valley. Have a New Perspective THE VALLEY allows you to see Him in ways that you can never see at the peak. Job said: "I know that you can do everything and that your plans are unstoppable." "You said, 'Who is this that belittles my advice without having any knowledge about it?' Yes, I have stated things I didn't understand, things too mysterious for me to know." (Job 42:2-3) Whenever you face a difficulty, don't bother to give God instructions; just report for duty - Corrie Ten Boom. Get a New Understanding WE DISCOVER our true nature in the valley, and the journey becomes painful until nothing matters. Paul puts it this way: We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus so that Jesus might be manifest in our bodies. (2 Cor. 4:8-10) So, know that God has your back. He's got you there for something. God remains solid when your world falls apart Purpose mindfulness GOD does not allow a valley without a purpose in mind—he uses every tool to prepare you for the next phase. But what will be your response—will it be rebellion or cooperation, disobedience or obedience? Grow Up YOU are immature when you're in a difficult place and sulk or blame others. If you want to speed up your time in the valley, your response should be: God, what are you teaching me? What will you have me do? All I am, my life, they are yours. Look Ahead THE PAIN may be unbearable, but there's joy on the other side. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. (Ps. 30:5) Stay on Him IN YOUR darkest moment, God will give you peace. When your world falls apart, he remains solid. He will keep you in perfect peace if your heart stays on Him. (Is. 26:3) Bringing it Together WITH every word of God comes perspective, and with every perspective comes instructions. Storms are not punishment for lack of obedience; often, they are the result of obedience - David Jeremiah.

WE FIND it easier to seize an opportunity when we know what we want out of life. So perhaps the question to ask is: What do you want out of life? Jabez knew what he wanted out of life when he cried out to God: "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my border, that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!" And God granted his request. (1 Chron. 4:9-10) Nehemiah's heart ached when he heard of the condition of Jerusalem and the people there. Therefore, he sought permission to go back and rebuild. (Neh. 1:3-10) Daniel knew he had to say no when offered the king's portion of meat dedicated to idols. Rather he suggested a ten-day diet of vegetables and water. (Dan. 1:5-16) These people's greatest concern was to be on the Lord's side. But how can you tell that God is on your side? The Narrative JOSHUA sent two men to spy out Jericho in their march to the Promised land. After they crossed Jordan, the spies stayed in the home of Rahab. Somehow words reached the king that spies had slipped into the city, and they might be visiting Rahab. So, he sent soldiers to fetch them. But she already hid the spies before the soldiers came. And Rahab told them that the spies had left. (Josh. 2:1-24) When the soldiers were gone, Rahab recounted the victories of Israel: how the Lord parted the Red Sea so that they could escape on dry land and how God destroyed the Amorite kings. Our hearts melted as we heard these things, and we had no courage left in us. Since I have treated you kindly and protected you, promise me that you will do the same for my family. The spies replied: You had the power to turn us in, but you saved us. So now we will do the same for you. (Jos. 2:10-20) They cut a covenant with her. Relationship with God YOU can tell that God is on your side when you are on his side: when you have a relationship with him. But my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right" - Abraham Lincoln. Joshua had the same concern when he suddenly saw a man standing and holding a sword. He said, "Are you one of our soldiers or an enemy?" (Jos. 5:13) Rahab knew how vital it was to be on God's side—she understood that God was right. What do you do with your fear? Take a stand for Him WE LIVE in a time when the dividing line between good and evil is blurry to many. Therefore, if we are going to please God, we need to learn to say no. Redeeming the time, for the days are evil. (Eph. 5:16) Meshach, Shadrach and Abednego were men of conviction. They took a stand for God when they refused to bow to the king's golden statue. And they knew that God was on their side. (Dan. 3:1-16) Rahab took a stand for a God she did not know when she protected the spies. Walk by faith BY FAITH, the prostitute Rahab welcomed the Hebrew spies into her home so that she did not perish with the unbelievers. (Heb. 11:31) To some, she was a harlot. But to others, Rahab was an innkeeper who knew how to seize the moment. Her faith in God was greater than her faith in her people. She knew where to separate patriotism from obedience to God. For we walk by faith and not by sight. (2 Cor. 5:7) Trust in Him THE SPIES were God's people. They represented the markers or symbols of trust. So, she believed their word. She believed the testimonies. The teachings of the Lord are perfect. They renew the soul. The testimony of the Lord is dependable. It makes gullible people wise. (Ps. 19:7) Cast your cares RAHAB was worried about the future. So she took her fears to the spies, and they made her a promise. When she believed their mission, she trusted the plan of God for Israel. The apostles did a similar thing when the Sanhedrin threatened them. On their release, Peter and John returned to their people. And they reported all the chief priests and the elders had said to them. (Acts 4:23) Then, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. Where do you go when you are afraid? What do you do with your fear? Be anxious for nothing, prayerful for everything, and thankful for anything. When you cast your fears upon God, he gives you peace. (Phil. 4:6-7) This peace indicates that God is with you. Bringing it Together GOD is near to those who call upon Him in truth. (Ps. 145:18) Are you on the Lord's side? If not, it's time to make a change. Give your life to Him!