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THE PAST several months left many uncertainties in its wake. We lost loved ones—and taking or not taking the vaccine became the elephant in the room. Governments, businesses and families had to decide on what to do. MANY OFFICES had to shut their doors. And 'sorry, we are closed' became the dominant theme. Suddenly, our priorities changed, and we realized that we could do things differently. IN OUR absence, other things took our place. People saw wild animals walking the streets, and others in India could see the Himalayas from their end. For once, there was no smog. AT A POINT, it was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop—but after a while, the silence became deafening. So we began to seek for the noise. WE HAD to social distance. But, when we kept our distance from one another, God knew that we were vulnerable. He never left our side. He never shut his door to our cries, our fears and frailties. God was kind to us—and I say, "Thank you to Him." WHEN OUR founding parents sinned, God showed them mercy. First, he pronounced a judgment with a promise that only He could keep. "I will put enmity between you and the woman and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel," he said. (Gen. 3:15) Then, he covered them with sheep's skin. (Gen. 3:21) God planned on reconciling us back to Himself—and when He sent His Son, He changed the dynamics. So, He made the second Adam a life-giving spirit. (2 Cor. 5:18; 1 Cor. 15:45) Is it by works? AT THE WELL of Samaria, he opened the door to the Gentiles. Jesus dialogued with a Samaritan woman. And when he asked her for water, she was shocked. If she knew who was asking her for water, she would have asked for something greater. Then, she bragged about how long and hard it was for their fathers to dig and keep the well. (John 4:1-26) But Jesus made her understand it wasn't anything she had to do but what His Father had done. (Eph. 2:8-9) What did the Father do? THERE WAS no other way to reconcile us back to Himself when we sinned, so He sent His Son to take our place. And he who knew no sin became sin that we may become the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. (2 Cor. 5:21) Who do you worship? SHE WANTED to know where to worship, but he told her they worship what they do not know. (John 4:22) Salvation is of the Jews. Therefore, if you do not seek the Father, you do not worship. What do you do? WHEN HIS DISCIPLES returned with food, they gathered around him and wondered why he would openly break the custom by speaking with this Woman. When they urged him to have some food, and he wouldn't eat, they thought someone had brought him food. But he said, "My food is to do the will of him who sent me and bring it to completion." (John 4:34) His job was cut out for him—and for His days, he lived in the shadow of the cross. (John 10:18) What is the Father's Will? JESUS CAME to finish what the Father had started. "This is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me but raise it on the last day." (John 6:39) Few words are these comforting. God's will for you is that you look unto the Son and believe in Him so that you can have eternal life—and He will raise you on the last day. (John 6:40) What do you believe? JESUS CHRIST is the second Adam—and He is a life-giving spirit. The Woman at the well looked unto Him and believed. To be reconciled back to God, you must believe that Jesus Christ died for your sins and confess Him as Lord. (Rom. 10:10) Ask Him to forgive you and invite Him to be your Lord and Saviour. If you have done this, you are now a believer in Christ; what a way to start a new year. Thank Him for not shutting the door. Happy New Year!

MANY OF HER college mates had great plans for the holidays, but not for her. Jackie Turner grew up in an abusive home. She never knew her birth mother. She was a straight-A student in her college—and great friends surrounded her. Jackie was able to roll through the eleven months of the year, but she was sad as the Christmas holiday approached. With no one to spend the holiday with, she put an ad on Craiglist: Parents for hire. She was even willing to pay. To her amazement, there were many responses: parents who were willing to do it for free and students who felt the same way. She was hopeful about the future. Jackie realized that people were hurting, so she had a meeting with the people and made matches, including one for herself. The Narrative AFTER JESUS was born, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem to look for him. Where is the newborn? Who is the king of the Jews? When we were far away in the East, we saw His star, and we have followed its glisten and gleam all this way to worship Him. (Matt. 2:2) When King Herod heard, he was worried. He called the wise men to his chambers and asked them when they saw the star. Then, he instructed them to find him and report back to him. What is a miracle? WHEN THEY left, the star reappeared to them and led them to where Jesus lay. When they arrived, they worshipped Him. The reappearance of the star is a miracle. God authenticates the divine through wonders—everything that he does is to give us hope. We got a lift when he was born Who sits at the table? THE NIGHT that Jesus was born, shepherds in the field watched over their flocks. An angel of the Lord appeared unto them, and a light shone around them. (Luke 2:10-11) God sent his angel to minimum-wage workers who had little or no status in the world. They were lowly people God raised to have an audience with the king. They were the first to hear of his birth which speaks loads of his ministry. Are you lowly? God is calling you to the table. Are you rich? He is calling you too. God is inviting everyone to the table—the rich and the poor. We got a lift when He was born, and hope tells us the realities in Him. What do you believe to be true? WHAT WILL keep you moving and give you hope is what you believe to be true. The shepherds believed the Lord. So, they left their flocks to see the baby that was born. To succeed in your walk with God, you must believe Him. Your trust in God will affect your eternity. He who takes truth for his guide and duty for his end may safely trust God's providence to lead him aright -Blaise Pascal. Can God renege on His Word? WHILE THEY were fulfilling their obligations in Jerusalem, they met a man called Simeon. He was a righteous man waiting for the consolation of Israel. (Luke 2:25-26) Simeon was in touch with the Holy Spirit. And the Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die until he saw the Messiah. That day, he was led to the temple by God's Spirit—and he saw Jesus in the hands of his parents. God never makes a promise too good to be true - D. L Moody. Why was Jesus born? WHEN ADAM and Eve sinned, we were isolated from God—helpless and without hope. However, the greatest miracles usually happen in the greatest messes—Jesus Christ is the greatest miracle. God sent him to end our loneliness and give us another chance at life. He was born to reconcile us to God. (2 Cor. 5:18) Jesus came and never left—he is Emmanuel, God with us. (Matt. 1:23) Bringing it Together WHAT YOU need this season isn't the gifts, but the Christmas story. For here is the way God loved the world—he gave his only, unique Son as a gift. So now, everyone who believes in him will never perish but experience everlasting life. (John 3:16) Today is your visitation. Give your life to Him! Merry Christmas.

HAVE YOU noticed that a piece of tapestry is perfect on the outside and messier on the inside? The believer is like a knitted work—conflicts on the outside and fears inside. We are cracked and chipped from our afflictions on all sides, but they do not crush us. We are bewildered at times, but we do not give in to despair. (2 Cor. 4:8-9) We are still standing! The Narrative WHEN KING AHAB told his wife, Jezebel, what happened and how Elijah killed the prophets of Baal, she sent a messenger to the prophet. "May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them." (1 Kings 19:2) One would imagine that Jezebel would rethink her ways, but she was set in them. Can you trust God? ELIJAH feared for his life. So he ran to Mount Horeb. Finally, after travelling a day's journey, he got to a broom brush, where he sat down and prayed that he might die. I have had enough, Lord," he said. (1 Kings 19:5) Have you given up on God? ELIJAH had given up on God, but God hadn't given up on him. When a train goes through a tunnel and gets dark, you don't throw away the ticket and jump off. Instead, you sit still and trust the engineer – Corrie Ten Boom. God is our engineer. When we are faithless, He is faithful. God's arms are wide open, waiting to embrace us. Do you know that God cares? AS HE slept, the angel of the Lord touched him. Get up and eat," the angel said. (1 Kings 19:5) So, he got up. He ate and drank. I pray that in your difficult hour, God will make you a hot spiritual meal—a word that will change your perspective. How do you know a friend? A FRIEND is not known in prosperity. An enemy cannot be hidden in adversity - Jack Hyles. God encouraged him when he sent an angel to feed him for the journey ahead. He is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (Prov. 18:24) Every storyline in your life is God's design What are you doing here? THE LORD asked him a question that should resonate with many of us—what are you doing here? "I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too," he replied. (1 Kings 19:10-14) He sounded like many of us—we make things much about ourselves and forget that it's about God. Every despicable act is a cry for help – Zig Ziglar. Are you lonely? LONELINESS is much less about being alone but more about feeling alone. However, it's out there for everyone to experience. God addressed his disconnected feeling to manage his anxiety. God told him that he had seven thousand people in Israel who had not worshipped Baal. (1 Kings 19:18) It was bruising to his ego but soothing to his spirit. You must know that when you face challenges, there are others like you, and when God shows you things, he is likely showing the same to someone else. Loneliness is much less about being alone Do you know that God is in charge? WHEN Elijah felt that he had lost the battle, God was still in charge. So God told him to anoint Elisha as a prophet to succeed him. (1 Kings 19:16) At the end of the affliction, he was still standing. What the enemy meant for evil, God turned around for good. Whatever challenges you face, let the promises of God shine on your problems - Corrie Ten Boom. My prayer for you is that the glory of God will swallow your troubles, and your hallelujah will be unto Jesus. Bringing it Together ADVERSITY has a way of shaping people's lives and not leaving them where it met them. Many saints learnt their lesson in the crucible of difficulty, and they left us notes in the scriptures where they were still standing. The greatest things that will ever happen to you will either be birthed in difficulty or shaped in it—and never forget that every storyline in your life is God's design.

WHEN YOU'RE GONE, how do you want to be remembered? What do you want people to write on your epitaph? MANY of the heroes of faith were buried in caves with nothing written on their graves. But God testified of them. He called Abraham His friend and David a man after his heart. (Jam. 2:23; Acts 13:22) They were comfortable when things were certain and felt alive when things were not. They wrestled their fears, but God clarified their whys on earth. SOME were ordinary, like Samuel. Others were dissatisfying, like Jacob. (1 Sam. 3:4-20; Gen. 27:36) They were imperfect people whose lives had to be interrupted. FOR JACOB, the trigger was the consequence of his actions. At Bethel, he saw angels ascending and descending but seemed not to grasp the enormity of his responsibility. (Gen. 28:10-22) When God made him a promise, he had a rethink. But, like many of us, it was short-lived. ON HIS WAY home, he realized that he would have to face his fears, so he sent his family ahead. While he was alone, he did some thinking and prayed. O God of my father Abraham, God of my father Isaac, Lord, you who said to me, 'Go back to your country and your relatives, and I will make you prosper.' He worshipped and gave thanks. I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant. I had only my staff when I crossed this Jordan, but now I have become two camps. Save me, I pray, from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid he will come and attack the mothers with their children and me. (Gen. 32:9-11) Jacob expressed his delight in God, and that's worship. That night the Lord interrupted his life. He became a changed man. (Gen. 32:22-32) On his sick bed, Jacob testified of God's goodness. He thought he had failed in life but saw that it was glorious. A FEW DAYS AGO, Pastor Nomthi was laid to rest. She loved the Lord. Her zest for life was contagious. She was never oblivious to people's profound moments. Instead, she seized them and changed their lives. We can't but thank God for her glorious life—and her memory is blessed. When we lose loved ones, the pain of their absence is what we feel. But we must acknowledge that God is sovereign—and think about our lives. BRINGING IT TOGETHER YOUR LOGIC of life may appeal to you, but does it appeal to God? When your time comes, what will be said of you? Will it be eternally worthy? It's time to make your way right with God.

IDEAS HAVE CONSEQUENCES, and consequences have victims. He lived in the shadow of others—and facts, fears and faith filled his life. The Narrative IN THE WOMB, they jostled one another—but at birth, Jacob held unto Esau's heel. One day, Esau was hungry and said to his brother—Give me some of that red stew—I'm starving! "Make me a trade: my stew for your rights as the firstborn," Jacob replied. He wanted Esau's birthright—and on oath, Esau traded it for a bowl of stew. And years later, Jacob swindled him out of his blessings. (Genesis 25 & 27) Facts JACOB HAD PROBLEMS with his masculinity—dominated by his mother; he tried to take over the leadership of his family. He struggled to love his father, to obey his mother and not be killed by his brother. To stay alive, he ran to his uncle, Laban. However, Jacob and his uncle were like-minded. Laban deceived him into marrying Leah before Rachel. (Genesis 29:1-29) Fears AFTER YEARS OF SERVICE, Jacob heard what Laban's sons said about him—and Laban's attitude to him changed. (Genesis 31:1) He had to flee to break the dominance of his father-in-law. However, there was an issue in his past that he needed to resolve—previously, he stole his brother’s birthright. To solve emotional problems, you need to address your issues too. On his way home, Jacob sent servants to Esau because he wanted Esau's trust and favour. His words were simple and bare, but a lot was riding on them. The faith of a patriarch, the destiny of a people and the survival of a family—all rested on him. When he heard that his brother was coming with four hundred men, he was afraid. Even as he divided his family into two groups, he was breaking apart. I want to make amends—all I have is yours, so he seemed to be saying. He was trying to minimize his absence—like saying; I am still your brother, please, don't kill me. And he prayed to God to save him. Jacob came to the end of himself. Faith JACOB UNDERSTOOD that he was full of frailties and failings. He had to atone for his misdeed—and leave his deception behind. You also need to own your mistakes and ask God for forgiveness. Jacob wanted to protect the women and children, yet he sent them ahead. However, that night, Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him till daybreak. (Genesis 32:24-25) There was something about him that continued to hold him back—that's his nature. And when he found the connection to God, he wouldn't let go. The man dislocated Jacob's hip. And he said, "What is your name.” (Genesis 32:27) Jacob—he answered. "Your name will no longer be Jacob (Usurper, trickster), but Israel (leader)," said the man. BRINGING IT TOGETHER FINALLY, he broke away from everyone's control and limped to victory. The sun rose upon both the wounded and the blessed. And this is my prayer for you—God will call you by a new name—no longer will they call you Deserted or name your land Desolate. But you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for the Lord will take delight in you, and your land will be married. (Isaiah 62:4)

EVERYONE HURTS in some ways. A man with a knee replacement did not go looking for pain—pain found him. Joseph did not go looking for a date when his brothers sold him into slavery. (Genesis 37:18-36) Hardships, persecutions, and disappointments will come—and because God has a reason for adversity, it will be difficult not to ask why? Job asked why God had made him a target. (Job 7:20) GOD WILL NOT be angry when you do so, but never ask if you’re not ready to hear the answer. However, you may ask and not get an answer—and you’ll have to wait till you get to heaven. GOD MAY ALLOW things into your life because he is interested in what you are becoming. He tested Israel in the wilderness to know what’s in their hearts. (Deuteronomy 8:2) He will rather allow things to shape us into what he wants us to be. THE NATURAL CONSEQUENCE of sin is adversity in one form or the other. And when we sin, God disciplines us because he loves us, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son. (Hebrews 12:6) After all, life comes together with truth. SOMETIMES, adversity comes through temptation. But remember that it cannot get to you without God permitting it. For you died, and your life is now hidden in Christ, and Christ in God. (Colossians 3:3) It can also be God sending something into your life. God is far more interested in building character in us than we understand. When we face adversity, our instinct is to blame someone and not take ownership. Job’s wife wanted someone to blame, so she told her husband to curse God and die—but he refused. (Job 2:9) SOME PEOPLE look for other ways of escape. Sometimes, people back-up in anger. They are bottled up and walk around like a ticking time bomb. To escape, some give up and do not care. But you must understand that adversity is good. To turn away from it isn’t the right thing to do—there is a way to profit from it. ONE OTHER REASON we react in a certain way is our nature. We want the pain to end. Our focus goes to the circumstance, and we doubt God’s love for us. We feel that the pain wouldn’t end soon. You begin to despair and want out. The danger with this approach is that you miss learning in the situation. We forget that God acts for those who wait for Him. (Isaiah 64:4) WHEN PAUL had a thorn in the flesh. He raised it three times before the Lord. At no point did God say to Paul that he has had enough or God was angry with him. But he said, “My grace is sufficient for you for my power is made perfect in your weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) God is saying to you that grace is what you need. His power reaches peak performance in your weakness. You are at your best in crisis mode. You must be willing to bleed, to be blessed IF YOU ARE dealing with excruciating pain and difficult circumstances, there are ways to depend on Him. Take a cue from Paul, who surrendered to the Will of God. WHEN THINGS are hard, people will advise that you look for the cheapest way out, which will put you in more trouble. The world may be looking for a reason to put you where you do not belong, but all you must do is walk in obedience to God. BRINGING IT TOGETHER A MAN that has seen amazing sights and sounds never heard before by anyone was subjected to pain. And he realized that you must be willing to bleed, to be blessed. To sharpen your faith, you may need to bleed with life’s pressures—and this is how your faith will define you.

IN THE PAST few days, our faith has been tried. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. (2 Cor. 4:8-9) And we've realized that no one passes through life on calm seas. The Narrative FOR YEARS, the people of Israel were ruled by the Romans. They looked forward to the coming of the Messiah—the one who would set them free. So, when John the Baptist came on the scene, they were delighted. He reminded them of the old prophets—John lived in the wilderness, wore wild clothes, and ate wild honey. His message was stern but exciting. John wasn't afraid of anyone. He seemed unfriendly, but he spoke the mind of God. People went to him confessing their sins, and he baptized them with water. (Matt. 3:1-6) Do you point people to Jesus? JOHN knew that he was a man of purpose. And he told them that the One who would come after him would baptize them with the Holy Spirit and fire. (Matt. 3:11) Our essence is to make everyone that we meet see the abilities of Jesus. Do you feel unqualified? IF YOU DO, you are not alone. When Jesus came to him at Jordan to be baptized, he tried to deter him. But Jesus told him, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." (Matt. 3:15) The grace that saw John and called him by name will see you. God will bring you to His table. Our essence is to make everyone that we meet see the abilities of Jesus. Are you an example? LEADERS are supposed to be role models. But at times, they can be a terror to good conduct. Herod, the reigning governor in Galilee, married Herodias, his brother's wife. (Matt. 14:1-5) When John heard of it, he denounced the marriage and called it adulterous. Herod was angry. He wanted John dead, but he feared how the people would react if he killed him. So, he arrested him and put John in prison. But John knew that no one born of God passes the world on calm waters—and everything in life comes with a cost. (Luke 14:25-34) What do you think? WHEN THINGS happen to you in life, they make you think. When you hear things, you ask questions. He heard about the miracles of Jesus, so he sent his disciples to ask him a question. "Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?" (Matt. 11:3) Jesus told them to go back and tell John what they had seen and heard. What do you do? NOTHING gives courage like knowing that the Lord is with you. And when you trust God, you can trust the water and the fire. (Is. 43:2) What is your testimony? AS JOHN'S DISCIPLES were leaving, Jesus began testifying of John. He believed in John's ministry. Can God testify of you? When you walk in obedience to the scriptures, He will testify of you. The bible commended many people for their faith. (Heb. 11) And God testified that Abraham would instruct his children in the way of the Lord. (Gen. 18:19) BRINGING IT TOGETHER JOHN had no untold truth. He pleased God. He had these three things: the purpose of God, the will of God and the reality of God. In life, you must ensure that your expectations are met in God's reality.

LIFE OCCURRENCES sometimes cause controversies and conversations. They confound our reasoning and reveal our vulnerabilities. They humble us—and when we can't, we run to the One who can. We pray to the One who knows all things—the author and finisher of our faith. (Heb 12:2) The Narrative IN THE early church, things had begun to take shape—and they needed more hands to do the work. They chose seven men, and Stephen was one of them. He was a man of faith, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. But there were men in the synagogues who disliked him. Are you despised? THEY HATED Stephen for his word and his wisdom. They hated him for the Spirit he carried. So they trumped up false accusations against him. But when they questioned him, he pointed them to Jesus Christ. "If you find that the world despises you, remember that before it hated you, it first despised Me" - Jesus Christ. (John 15:18) When you can't, run to the One who can God's Accolade or Man's Approval? GOD HIGHLY PRIZES many things that the world hates. He loves those who take a stand for Him. The audience hated him for the truth, but the heavens loved him. When the world condemned him, God celebrated him. And when the earth closed upon him, the heavens opened over him. He saw the glory of God and Jesus standing. (Acts 7:55) Stephen saw the heavens acknowledge his testimony and God waiting for him to come home. What is your testimony? HIS WITNESS was that Jesus put a face on salvation, and through his death and resurrection, we can acquire redemption. (Acts 7:52-53) With the heart, man believes unto righteousness. With the mouth, confession is made unto salvation. (Rom. 10:10) Stephen was a believer in Christ. Are you a believer in Christ? What do you enjoy? STEPHEN ENJOYED the core of life as a believer without the bore of death. His inward possession supported his outward expression—and his life was a demonstration of his walk with God. He loved the Lord. Stephen's purpose in life was not to satisfy his plan but to lay it at the foot of the cross. He did not cling so much to life to be afraid of death. Instead, the young man fell on his knees and asked God to forgive them as they pelted him with rocks. (Acts 7:59-60) And when he died, the brethren mourned his passing. The Inevitable GOD WAS intentional when he started the conversation to change our plight. He was intentional when he sent his Son to take our place. (1 John 4:14) If we are deliberate in choosing careers and places to live, we must intentionally choose where to spend eternity because death is inevitable. (Eccl. 3:2) Death has always been a sore point—and no one wants to lose a loved one. Unfortunately, we lost one this past week: Pastor Nomthi Odukoya, my senior pastor's wife. It's a difficult one to process, but that's our reality. Our loss is heaven's gain. After all, to live is Christ's; to die is gain. (Phil 1:21) She was our hero! And when heroes pass, we miss them. But we appreciate their walk of faith, and we are consoled that they are with the Lord. Pastor Nomthi, we celebrate you. We are glad that you were here. Bringing it Together A SONG says, "You can bury the workmen, but the work will go on. You can silent the voices, but you cannot stop the song" - Unspoken. The mob took his life, but they couldn't take his faith. He had a good testimony. When your time is up, what will be your testimony?

HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT of what you want to be remembered for—when you're gone, how do you want people to honour your name? Many of our faith champions never thought of this. They lived like those who belonged to another realm, and the world wasn't worthy of them. (Hebrews 11:36) But they were commended for their faith—they found their voices in good times and bad times. The Narrative AT A TIME, Bethlehem, which is ironically the place of bread—was dried up with famine, and a man left his home to live in the land of Moab. He left with his wife and two sons. His name was Elimelech; his wife's name was Naomi—and his sons were Mahlon and Kilion. But soon after making a life for themselves, the patriarch of the family died. The two sons married wives—Orpah and Ruth. They lived with their spouses for ten years, and they died too. (Ruth 1:1-3) Perspective Matters ONE DAY, Naomi heard that things had improved back home. She left with her daughters-in-law, and along the way, she told them to return to their families in Moab. Orpah turned and kissed her mother-in-law goodbye, but Ruth clung unto Naomi and wouldn't let go. And she said, "Stop pushing me away, insisting that I stop following you! Wherever you go, I will go. Wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people. Your God will be my God." (Ruth 1:16) Ruth puts things in the right perspective—she knew there was more to her mother-in-law, and she chose the God of Israel. If you want to succeed, you must have the right perspective. If you want to have a voice, you must choose God! Take Ownership PEOPLE WHO HAVE FOUND their voices are those who took ownership. Ruth took the initiative to stay with Naomi. She believed that it was her responsibility, and she made it a lifelong commitment. Nehemiah took ownership of the sins of Israel when he cried out to God for forgiveness. He wept, fasted and prayed, and God hearkened to his voice. He sought the permission of the king to return and build the walls of Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 2:1-7) The king granted his request. When you take ownership, you show interest. And your interest indicates your commitment. Live to Give RUTH UNDERSTOOD that to heal; she needed people like her—those who know her story. She found one in Naomi and stayed. "A bell isn't a bell until you ring it. A song isn't a song until you sing it. Love isn't put there to stay. And love isn't love until you give it away," says Coach Wooden. Ruth began living by giving. She gave Naomi a shoulder to cry on. And blessed are the merciful for they will receive mercy. (Matthew 5:7) You must understand that anything you share with anyone doesn't remain the same—it grows. And kindness is the button to push when people are hurting. Take Instructions AFTER HER HUSBAND'S DEATH, Ruth stayed active and managed her limits. While Orpah felt the cost was too high, Ruth weathered the storm—she understood that faith would outweigh fear. And when it did, she found her voice, and her mother-in-law became her greatest ally. Ruth followed all the instructions that Naomi gave her. She found favour with Boaz. (Ruth 3) To find your voice, you must be willing to take instructions, and God has many of them. BRINGING IT TOGETHER RUTH was an incredible woman of faith. Her faithful example extends beyond her time. God moved her from emptiness to greatness. Finding your voice requires that you walk with God. And now that you have heard this, the action is yours.

THIS PANDEMIC has shown three things: we are social creatures—we need social interactions and social contacts. We've had to seek out people we haven't talked to in years—and many of us have become members of various groups on social media. Regardless of our personalities: introverts or extroverts, we have realized that we need friends, not just superficial friends but those that add value to our lives. A true friend who loves regardless of the situation, and a real brother who exists to share the tough times. (Proverbs 17:17) To be a good friend, you need the knowledge to apply. Practice makes permanence not perfect. Nevertheless, what you repeatedly do, you will do. NOWADAYS, love has become a trump card. As a result, people fall in and out of love. You saw her across the hall, and you fell head over heels. 'You fell in love.' 'When I find the right person, everything will fall in place.' We will live happily ever after. But what happens when things don't fall in place? If love is so resilient, why is it fickle? But, of course, love isn't inconsistent; it's the way we use the word. We use the same word for many things, but the word is not the same for all things. Practice makes permanence not perfect THE WORD love in Greek has many meanings: familial love, siblings' love, and parents' love. PARENTS SHOW helicopter love like the chopper hovers over you. They centre their love around their children and sometimes do not work on their passion for one another. As a result, when their children leave, they have nothing in common. THEN, THERE'S physical or romantic love which the Greeks call Eros. Eros is associated with lust. But we have made Eros the foundation of everything; in the process, we destroy everything. PHILEO is brotherly love—a love of deep friendship. It's where you look for someone to fulfil you. So in John 21:15-17, when Jesus asked Peter the third time if Peter loved him. He used this word—a love that's companionable and relational. Paul also admonishes that believers should be devoted to one another in brotherly love. (Rom. 12:10) AGAPE is unconditional and sacrificial love. It's the love that God extends to us. It comes from God, and he wants to show everyone, agape love. (1 John 4:8) It made Jesus Christ die on the cross at Calvary, and he took our place. Bringing It Together A CHRISTIAN is a person of compassion, love, and patience. Suppose I learn to relate this way. Then, my life will reveal Him. Go out this week, show someone the love of Christ and see what God will do.

THE PAST YEAR has taught us how to live. Now, we understand that there's an implication to all that we do. In-person events have become virtual, and we now wear masks in public spaces. The things we took for granted have become a big deal, and we are compelled to live in a certain way. Likewise, there is only one way to live—in hate or love, in fear or faith. The Woman with the issue of blood had faith in Jesus. And when she touched the hem of his garment, she was made whole. (Luke 8:43-48) Enoch had such a close relationship with God that one day, he just vanished. God took him. (Genesis 5:24) Both made room for God. Faith is only as good as the subject that it's placed in The Narrative AFTER GOD had taken Israel's children out of Egypt, he told them to camp between Migdol and the Red sea. He knew that Pharaoh would come after them, so he hardened Pharaoh's heart. The Egyptians pursued after the children of Israel. When they saw them, they were afraid. They complained to Moses. 'Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us in bringing us out of Egypt?' "Is not this what we said to you in Egypt: 'Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians'? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness." (Exodus 14:11-12) They feared for their lives and the lives of their children. They knew how cruel their former masters were. ONE THING that motivates us when we face adversity is the intensity of the need. And when anxiety sets in, it narrows your focus and takes away the grandiose of life. When Sarah couldn't conceive, all she saw was her inability to conceive. Every other thing in her life found no place—and she made a proposition to Abram to sleep with her maid. (Genesis 16:2) Sarah stepped outside the plan of God. Whenever you walk outside the Will of God, you walk in disobedience. Sometimes, you expose people around you to consequences that can adversely impact their lives. When Achan took the accursed things, he and his family lost their lives. (Joshua 7) MANY OF US cannot take a risk for God because we do not take his word for it. We forget that faith is betting on God. When the children of Israel murmured against Moses, they doubted Him. They were scared to face the Red sea, and they had to be brave to advance. To return will be cowardly, and refusing the Will of God will be rejecting their destiny. God saved them from Egypt not because they were his favourites. God chose them in Abraham. THE PANDEMIC may have exaggerated your fear, but you must realize that faith in God is what will keep you turning the pages of life. You may not be moving, but God is moving. It is our work to cast care, and it is God's work to take care – Thomas Watson. Cast all your anxieties on Him because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7) MOSES UNDERSTOOD that faith is only as good as the subject that it's placed in. And he said to them, "Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent." (Exodus 14:13-14) God parted the Red Sea and drowned their enemies in it. BRINGING IT TOGETHER MOSES made room for God walking by faith. There's no doubt that we live in a fearful age, and danger comes suddenly. But we must live with courage. Faith is a call to give up all in surrender. It's like a call to a Christian who learnt that his house was burnt and replied, "It was never mine in the first place." Faith makes the word of God tangible and brings it alive. Make room for God and believe what he says about you.

AT TIMES, we desire to be quiet. We try to escape the noise in the cities and forget the noise in our hearts. We move close to nature and clean environments to find peace—but Quietness is much more than we think. QUIETNESS is a state of living in the tranquility of the soul. Cain was disquieted when God rejected his sacrifice. His mouth was closed, but his heart was open—and God spoke to him. "Why are you angry? And why do you look so despondent? (Gen. 4:6) God wanted Cain to take the pause. PROVERBS 17:1 says, "Quietness and crusted bread are more valuable than a house of strife. (Prov. 17:1) David enjoyed peace till he committed adultery—and when Nathan the prophet told him to choose, he begged God not to take His Holy Spirit from him. (2 Samuel 12:1-7; Psalm 51:10-11) ANY FORM of Quietness gives you rest. You don't have to leave the city to find it. It does not mean that you can't bubble, laugh or smile. It just means that you have confidence in God. Paul and Silas could sing when they were thrown in prison because they had peace with God. (Acts 16:25-34) They knew that God had everything under control. Like Paul and Silas, you can sing. But you'll have to take the pause and be quiet. Why does God want you to be quiet? HE WANTS you to be quiet so that you can hear Him. Jesus' first thirty years on earth were quiet. At Cana, when they ran out of wine, he told his mom, "My time has not yet come." (John 7:6) Once, he said, "Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself, he can only do what he sees his Father doing because whatever the Father does, the Son also does. (John 5:19) When they brought the woman accused of adultery to him, he did not say anything for a while. He wrote on the ground. (John 8:1-11) When you're quiet, it's easier to discern the voice speaking to you. Sin makes the greatest noise SOMETIMES, God will get you quiet because he wants to save you from yourself. When Zechariah couldn't get his spirit quiet, God made him dumb for a season to save him from himself. (Luke 1:18-19) God called his attention to that of a teachable spirit. OTHER TIMES, situations will force you to be quiet. At Ziklag, David was troubled because the Amalekites had plundered his camp and taken their families as prisoners. When his men took rocks to throw at him, he knew he needed to be quiet. David worshipped, and God told him what to do.(1 Sam. 30:8) YOU ARE at your best when you're quiet. And when you study to be quiet, you live an exemplary life. You earn the respect of others. (1 Thess. 4:11) If your work is honest, it will come from a quiet spirit. How can you be quiet? TRANQUILITY starts with understanding the place of God. You can never have a quiet spirit without the peace of God. When you have Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, he gives you peace. This peace surpasses all understanding and will guard your heart and mind through Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:7) FOR THE BELIEVER in Christ, a quiet life begins with your schedule. If you are going to study his word and pray, you must set aside time to be quiet. You must adjust your surrounding to give you space. Jesus took the pause What makes the greatest noise? SIN makes the greatest noise. To deal with it is to confess it—when you do, God will forgive you. How can you break the noise? ONE WAY to break the noise habit is sometimes not to switch on the television or radio. You can never be quiet while creating your noise. And when you're perturbed in your spirit, you call your mind home and submit everything to the word of God. (2 Cor. 10:5) BRINGING IT TOGETHER IF WE LISTEN to God as intently as we pray, we will hear Him. A great artist said, "I take my best strokes when I take the longest pause." Jesus took the pause and accepted the call. It's time to take the pause and be quiet!