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IF WE are talking about the calendar, it's the end of winter—and spring is a heartbeat away. Yet, everything spring stands for—like hope and sunlight seem so far away. The news headlines are full of uncertainties—and people are on edge. The Narrative THERE WAS A TIME in Israel when people felt the same way. Jehoshaphat had just fortified his kingdom, when his intelligence sources came running in with a piece of horrifying news. "A huge force is on its way from beyond the Dead Sea to fight you. There is no time to waste." (2 Chronicles 20:1-2) If you were in his shoes, what will you do? What will be your course of action when something threatens your existence? Realize there is a problem JEHOSHAPHAT was scared, and the people of Judah were afraid. He knew there was a problem, but he wasn’t sure of how to respond to it—so, he turned to God for help. Jehoshaphat understood that the only thing fear needs to thrive is to give up hope, and he wasn’t going to allow it. Whenever you face a dire situation, let your need drive you to God. Let your prayer be, "I will lift up my eyes to the hills—From where will my help come from? My help will come from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." (Psalm 121:1-2) Resist fear EVERY BELIEVER will say that adversity would automatically drive you to prayer, but this doesn't happen. Although he was afraid, he did not react that way. He could have called his generals to come together, and they would have gone to war. Rather than trust in his army, he trusted in God. The instincts would have been, "God, this isn't fair. I have tried to follow you, and now, my heathen neighbour threatens me." But Jehoshaphat showed no sign of self-entitlement. When we face challenges, many of us go to God and talk to Him as if He owes us something; we forget that he owes us nothing. Be Vulnerable to God IN THOSE DAYS, kings were powerful. No leader wanted to be vulnerable. (2 Chronicles 20:12) If Jehoshaphat lived in our day, people would have frowned at his approach. They would have said he was politically wrong. He showed no sign of self-entitlement But he wasn't bothered about the politics or his image. He was only concerned about his esteem before God. (James 4:10) Jehoshaphat went to God not only to ask for help but to seek Him. (2 Chronicles 20:4) He was God-centred. To seek God in your crisis is the vital thing. Even if he doesn't deliver you from it, when you have him, you can surmount any adversity. (Isaiah 43:2) Have faith BY THE FOLLOWING MORNING, Jehoshaphat had stopped renting a space to fear. He had tipped the balance of faith, but he had one more thing to do. He had to ensure that the people were on the same page. And he said to them, "Believe firmly in God, your God, and your lives will be firm! Believe in your prophets, and you'll come out on top!" (2 Chronicles 20:20) They went to war and didn't have to lift a hand. The enemies fought and killed one another. (2 Chronicles 20:24) BRINGING IT TOGETHER JEHOSHAPHAT realized there was an issue. He resisted the problem and remembered God's promises. Then, he prayed to God, and God came through for him. Even as you pray to God, always remember that a quick prayer is only as effective as how much time you spend in long prayers.

WE LIVE in the days when our leaders are fighting one another and sowing the seeds of discord. We live in a time when we need a visionary leader to take the lead and make a difference. AT A TIME, the people of Judah needed to hear the voice of God. They wanted to know the future. And God said to Jeremiah, "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, and before you were born, I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations." (Jeremiah 1:5) I'm so young," he replied. Many of us respond to the call the same way. We make excuses—we turn to our inadequacies and pushback. We also forget that every believer has a pulpit. (Romans 8:30) But we must understand that – we are not random notes on the keyboard of life's circumstances. We were chosen before we were born and stepped into history as we were called. We are part of God's divine calling – Chuck R. Swindoll. The Narrative WHEN NEBUCHADNEZZAR invaded Judah, he chose the best people and took them to his home country. (Daniel 1:1-4) Daniel, Meshach, Shadrach and Abednego were among the deportees. Reach out in the spirit of a servant THE KING assigned a portion of the food and wine from his table to his eunuchs. But Daniel resolved that he will not defile himself with the food or drink from the king's table. They had to live in Babylon, but they'll rather not be absorbed into the culture. Every bite of the food reminds them that they are the people of God. Daniel reached out in the spirit of a servant and asked the chief of eunuchs for permission not to defile himself. He requested for a diet consistent with God's dietary laws. And God granted him favour before his boss. When you love God, and you're faithful to Him, you will find favour and good success in the sight of God and man. (Proverbs 3:4) God will only allow things into your life that will bring glory to His name No silent witnesses THE FOUR of them understood that there was no place for silent witnesses. And Daniel said, "Test your servants for ten days; let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then let our appearance and the appearance of the youths who eat the king's food be observed by you, and deal with your servants according to what you see." (Daniel 1:12-13) At the end of the ten days, when the chief of the eunuchs found that they were better in appearance and fatter in the flesh, he took away the food and the wine and gave them vegetables. God has profound sovereignty. He would only allow things into your life that will bring glory to His name. Walk in Obedience THEY KNEW that they had a divine call over their lives, and they walked in obedience. Obedience is like the missing sock in the dryer you're looking for and can't find it—you can only choose it. Whenever you take a stand for God, you're advancing His Kingdom. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10) Wisdom is paramount IN THE KING'S second year, he had a disturbing dream, and he couldn't sleep. His usual advisors couldn't tell him the dream and the meaning. The king was angry. He issued a decree that all the wise men, including Daniel, be executed. But when the chief royal guard saw Daniel, Daniel responded to the soldier wisely and shrewdly. Whenever you understand your situation and respond to it properly, you walk in wisdom. He knew how to get past the gatekeepers to the king. And Daniel asked the king for a little more time. (Daniel 2:1-12) He returned home and told his friends to plead for mercy that the Lord will reveal the mystery. If you want to make a difference, you must be a person of prayer—and you'll be a person of His Presence. Be the Light ONE NIGHT, the Lord revealed the dream to Daniel. And he said to the king, "I am here today, not because I have greater wisdom than any other in the land, but because God in His wisdom has revealed this mystery to me. God plans that the king knows the meaning of this dream and understands the thoughts that raced through your mind." (Daniel 1:30) Daniel did not take credit for the dream. He pointed the king to God. He became the light to the king's darkness. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. (Matthew 5:14) BRINGING IT TOGETHER NOTHING SETS a Christian out of the devil's reach, like obedience to God. Daniel took the lead. His journey began in a place where he didn't belong, but it was his fruitful place. God has invested Himself in you. Step out this week and invest yourself in Him.

WAITING IS ONE of the hardest disciplines—some of us have had to wait long for things we are expecting. Abram waited twenty-five years to have Isaac. (Genesis 25) Joseph had to wait another two years before the king's cupbearer remembered him. (Genesis 41:1-9) The Narrative EIGHT DAYS after his birth, baby Jesus was circumcised and taken to the temple in Jerusalem. While fulfilling these obligations, Jesus' father and mother encountered Simeon—a good and prayerful man waiting for the salvation of Israel. God had promised him that he would see the Messiah before he died. As the parents walked in, Simeon was led by the Spirit of God to the temple. Simeon took baby Jesus into his arms and said. "God, you can now release your servant; release me in peace as you promised. With my own eyes, I've seen your salvation; it's now out in the open for everyone to see." (Luke 2:1-32) However, Jesus' father and mother were astonished at his words, and they were speechless. The Nature of Waiting MANY PEOPLE think waiting on God is passive, but it isn't. Passive waiting is something familiar to many of us. Most things are a push-button away; we will instead dictate into our phones and computers than press the keypad. All we want is instant results—and when things don't happen our way, we become impatient and frustrated with people around us. We wait for the life we deserve, and the miracles we believe should happen. But God wants us to be active while waiting. Jesus illustrated this in the parable of the ten virgins. Each of them took a lamp and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were wise, and they took extra flasks of oil. The bridegroom did not turn up right away, and they were all drowsy. When he showed up, the five ill-prepared virgins found that their lanterns were flickering—and the wise ones couldn't help. They stepped out to get some oil. And when they returned, they found the door shut. But when they knocked, the bridegroom said, "I certainly don't know you." (Matthew 25:12) Waiting is Ongoing TO WAIT ON GOD is for the long haul. Simeon knew that to see the Messiah was to continue to trust God. He didn't just fold his hands, Simeon was patient. He continued to pray, expecting his birth. You must continue to pray and confess scriptures till you receive the promise. Jesus concluded the parable of the virgins, saying, "So, stay awake. You neither know the day or the hour when the Son of Man will return." (Matthew 25:13) Waiting on God is lifelong—after you've received a promise, you begin to look forward to the next. Jesus must be your journey Faith is the starting point WAITING IS NOT EASY—it's a walk of faith. Simeon understood this and trusted God. The promise that was given to Abraham and his children that one day they would inherit the world did not come because he followed the rules of the law. It came as a result of his right standing before God, a standing he obtained through faith. (Romans 14:13) Faith turns your attention to the mysteries of God—it makes you understand and accept the unseen. Everything physical will deteriorate, and all that is touchable will lead to dismay. "So, we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:18) BRINGING IT TOGETHER THE BIBLE succinctly shares Simeon's story of hope. Although he did not know the end date, God had him right where he wanted him. While waiting—with your unique gifts, live life to the fullest and allow Jesus to be the journey and your destination.

THOSE WHO LIVE BY FAITH know that there is a world beyond the one we live in—a world more real than the one we see. While the five senses allow us to perceive the physical world, faith gives us the chance to interact with the unseen world. Faith is risking what you have for what you're expecting—and life presents us with the windows of opportunity that require radical faith. The People of Faith ENOCH's interest was that wherever God goes, he goes. But he couldn't have known where God was going—where His footsteps will lead. However, he walked with God until God took him. (Genesis 5:24) GOD SAID to Abram, "Leave your country, your family, and your father's home for a land that I will show you." (Genesis 12:1) Imagine Abram living a life of comfort—a place of security, and God calling him to a land he did not know. He gave up his comfort for a city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. (Hebrews 11:10) The question is, what are you willing to give up? MOSES was tending his Fathers-in-law's sheep when he saw a fire in a bush, but the forest did not burn. And God said to him, "It's time for you to go back." (Exodus 3:10) Moses was afraid because he could lose his life, but he took a risk and went back to Egypt. If everything in life is a risk, what are you risking your life for? SOLDIERS were going to their war positions when Goliath, the champion of the Philistines, shouted his usual defiance. David heard him, and he asked the men around what the king will give to the man that defeats Goliath. People who overheard David told the king and Saul sent for him. Saul tried to discourage him from fighting Goliath. And when Saul dressed him in his armour, David said that he wasn't used to it. So, he took it off. David took a sling and five smooth stones. He went against Goliath and prevailed. (I Samuel 17) Are you willing to look ridiculous before everyone by putting your complete faith in God? FOR ESTHER, EVERYTHING HAD GONE WELL until she heard of Haman's plot to annihilate the Jews. No one appeared before the king without an invitation, but Esther needed to see the king urgently. So, she called for a fast and said, "If I perish, I perish." (Esther 4:16) And when the king saw her, he was pleased. (Esther 5:1-3) Are you willing to bet on God Are you willing to bet on God? All these people who exhibited radical faith had three things in common: fear, faith and God's rewards. They were all afraid. So, if you're scared, you are not alone. And God has not given you the spirit of fear, but power and love and a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7) Just like them, you need to step out of fear to conquer faith. They all knew that God exists. David confirmed this when he said, "Is there anyplace I can go to avoid your Spirit, to be out of your sight?" (Psalm 139:7) They also knew that God rewards. And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (Hebrews 11:6) BRINGING IT TOGETHER DAVID understood that it wasn't his accuracy with the sling that gave him Goliath, but a step of faith. Where there's no risk, there's no faith. And when next you face a challenge, remember that it's an occasion to trust God.

ON NOVEMBER 22, 1963, Annie Shapiro was watching the news of the assassination of John F. Kennedy when she suffered a massive stroke. Annie's husband rushed her to the emergency, but the doctors could not help—so he brought Annie home and cared for her. For some time, Annie's eyes were wide open, and her husband put drops of water in them to prevent them from drying out. Martin, Annie's husband, bathed and dressed her. He also slept next to her. While in a coma, she had cataract surgery, hysterectomy, and hip replacement. One day, twenty-nine years later, she snapped out of it. Martin was sitting next to her when she suddenly sat up and said, "Turn on the TV. " He could not believe his eyes, and she could not believe her eyes either. When Annie looked in the mirror, she was devastated by her appearance. Once, she was a young-looking woman—but Annie had become a 79 year-old grandma with bags and wrinkles. When Martin explained to Annie that she has been sleeping for decades, it was inconceivable to her. Annie had no idea that man had walked on the moon—she did not know what a computer was, and she had not seen a coloured TV. She had no memories of the 29 years. Martin slowly told her that their children were now middle age, and they had children of their own. When Annie asked to speak with their first son, Martin dialled his number and handed her the phone. She was startled that the phone was cordless—above all, she cried over lost time. For the next two days, she talked about what she had missed: the various family events and news of lost siblings and friends. Annie was a woman without memories. LIKE ANNIE, Hannah was married to a loving man, but he was polygamous. In her time, it was customary for men to have two wives. Elkanah had two wives: Peninnah had sons and daughters, and Hannah was barren. Every year, they went to worship and sacrifice to God at Shiloh. (1 Samuel 1:1-5) Although having children was part of the culture, her infertility did not matter to her husband. EVERY TIME they went to Shiloh, Peninnah provoked Hannah to tears. She would weep and not eat, but her husband would try to encourage her. He would ask her, "Why are you weeping? Don't I mean more to you than ten sons?" (1 Samuel 1:11) If you are suffering any form of shame, share it with someone who understands. It will help you better handle the situation and heal. ONE DAY, after they had finished eating, Hannah stood up and walked to the temple. In her deep anguish, she prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly. "Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant's misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head." (1 Samuel 1:11) When you are overwhelmed with grief and despair, cry out to God. (Psalmist 61:2) He who sees in the secret will reward you in the open. Let God be your rescue story THERE was no leadership—Israel was in a dark place. While people were waiting for the light of God, God was looking for someone to send. When she made the vow, Hannah keyed into His plan. She offered her son, who was yet to be conceived. Hannah gave her all, and God was pleased. What have you done for Him lately? HANNAH conceived and had a son. She named him Samuel—saying, "Because I asked the Lord for him." (1 Samuel 1:19) BRINGING IT TOGETHER HER LIFE was one of fear, fraught and faith. Hannah cried from the depths of despair, and God became her rescue story. She moved from the ache of anxiety to the calm of contentment. Today, we celebrate mothers worldwide—especially those who are selfless and have given their all. Happy Mother's day!

THE ISSUE of unanswered prayers has been a thorny topic in Christian life. When prayers go unanswered, is it a situation of lack of faith? Can we persuade a sovereign God who knows all things to change his mind or alter his plan? And if not, what is the point of making our requests known to Him? However, the Bible commands us to be anxious for nothing, but with prayers, supplications, and thanksgiving, we should make our requests known to God. (Philippians 4:6) BOTH SCRIPTURES and experience teach us that prayer can make a real difference in human events. And if in doubt, consider Abraham's intercession for Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 18:16-33, and Hezekiah's prayer for the extension of his life or the church's plea for the release of Peter from prison (Isaiah 38; Acts 12:1-19). Elijah was a man like us. When he prayed that it would not rain, no rain fell on the ground for three and a half years. And when he prayed again, the ground produced crops (James 5:17-18). Prayer is a must! THERE ARE times that our petitions go unanswered. Paul's repeated request that the thorn in his flesh is removed is a case in mind (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). Another example is David's prayer that the life of his and Bathsheba's child be spared (2 Sam. 12:15-23) Why were some saints enabled 'to subdue kingdoms, shut the mouth of lions and escape death while others were sawed in two and stoned to death?' (Heb. 11:33&37) The power of prayer is a mystery. LIFE IS a lot about how we show up in difficult situations—it reveals us through our response and reaction. However, courage is choosing faith in the face of unanswered prayer. To get the desired outcome from prayer, you must understand that it is not first and foremost talking to God; it's listening to God – Leslie Ludy. Prayer isn't about an outcome—it is a relationship. Courage is chosing faith in the face of unanswered prayer OUR PROBLEM while waiting for answers is not fear itself, but how we respond to the situation. Is waiting easy? No. Can you be uncertain and anxious? Yes. What does God want you to do? He desires that you trust Him with all your heart and lean not on your understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path. (Prov. 3:5-6) Unanswered prayer does not mean that God cares less; in fact, he cares more. If God gives us some of the things we want, they will destroy us. Sometimes, God's greatest gift might be unanswered prayer. WHEN WE brag that we have fasted and prayed and he has not answered us, we say that our holiness and works should get our prayers answered. But that's not how God does His stuff. Instead, God responds to his Son—and this is how the Father would be seen in the Son (John 14:13). BRINGING IT TOGETHER PRAYER IS a place of vulnerability—and where we exhale. So there is nothing wrong with pouring your pain into Him. Anything besides God's Will is off the table when we pray. And the greatest tragedy in life is not unanswered prayer, but unoffered prayer – F.B. Mayer.

UNTIL WE have a perfect understanding of God, we will treat Him as a man. But God is not a man—He doesn’t lie. God isn’t the son of a man to want to take back what He’s said, or say something and not follow through, or speak and not act on it. (Num. 23:19) ANY LONG-LASTING relationship must be founded on trust—the reliance on the integrity of a person. You trust a chair to hold your weight when you sit on it. Likewise, a cashier expects that transaction will go through when you tap your credit card. And when we believers cry out to God, we are confident that he hears us. (1 John 5:14) Trust is what makes us who we are. THE MESSAGING of each story in the bible is consistent, and it is intended to build trust. This consistency is evidence of truth—and we can equate God with the truth. David believed in God as he pursued his enemies to recover all. (1 Sam. 30:8-18) Paul maintained his trust in God while imprisoned, and Jesus clung to trust while he was on the cross. (Acts 16:16-40; Luke 23:46) God’s relationship with his people stood the test of time. AS THE CHILDREN of Israel travelled the plains of Moab—they camped east of the Jordan River. They had acquired a reputation—their size and strength scared the local population. And an enemy king had an unusual dialogue with a well-known prophet in the land. Balak tasked Balaam to curse the people of God—but rather than do this; he repeatedly blessed them. (Num. 23 & 24) And when he persistently pressured him, Balaam gave him a message from God. Don’t you know that God is not a man that he should lie, or is he the son of man that he should repent? He contrasted with man and God. God had rescued his people from slavery. He told them that he would keep the promise that he made to Abraham. When Balak stood against them, he tried to stop this plan. As a result, he became an enemy of God. If God allows his plan to be thwarted by anyone, he will break His promise. (Is. 55:11) Every adversary of your soul is an enemy of God—and he will not allow such a person to disrupt his plan for your life. Has he made you a promise? God will keep it. He is not a man that he should lie. All God wants is for you to trust Him. And when you trust Him, doors will open where there are only walls. Bringing it Together THE BIBLE is replete with the stories of people putting their trust in God to overcome their problems. They believe and acknowledge his word. They believe that he is near. They believe that God cares. They believe that he will act. They believe that he is not a man. Do you believe?

WHENEVER YOU GO to the Lord in prayer, do these two things: pray with eternity in mind and intercede for keeps. Nehemiah was burdened when he heard that the walls of Jerusalem had broken down for more than half a century (Neh. 1:4). The Narrative ABRAHAM was sitting at the entrance of his tent on a hot afternoon when the Lord appeared to him. He saw these three men and ran to meet them. O Lord, if I've found favour in your sight, do not pass by your servant. He ran to the tent to get Sarah. He took a young calf and gave it to a young man who quickly prepared it. Then, Abraham took curds, some milk and a calf that was prepared and set it before them. He stood by them under the tree while they ate. Where is Sarah, your wife? "She is in the tent," he replied. "I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah, your wife, shall have a son. Abraham and Sarah were both advanced in age. The way of women had ceased with her. Sarah laughed, saying, "After I am worn out, and my lord is old, shall I have pleasure?" When the men said she laughed, Sarah denied it because she was afraid (Genesis 18:1-13). AS THE MEN got up to leave, Abraham walked with them. And the Lord said, "Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do, seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?" (Gen. 18:17-18) God wanted to share his plans with him. He told Abraham why they were on their way to Sodom and Gomorrah. Whenever God impresses something on you or tells you what he wants to do, it's because he wants you to pray. He wants to get you involved in what he wants to do. And the Lord will not do anything without first revealing it to His servants, the prophets (Amos 3:7). Everything you do starts with a burden AN AMAZING EXCHANGE ensued between God and Abraham. He stood before the Lord and interceded for the people of Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham knew the atrocities in those cities, but that did not stop him from pleading with God. He understood that the lives of people were at stake. Abraham had walked with God long enough to know that he needed to press in with the mercy of God. He wants you to see the souls of men as precious. THE SITUATION became a burden to him—and the only way to relieve it was to lay it before God. He began to plead for souls. You need to understand that everything you do as a believer in Christ starts with a burden. And burdens come in various ways: God can put a burden on you spiritually to stand in the gap for someone, a people, a place, or a nation. He may bring the name of a friend or someone you do not know to your heart. God shares these burdens so that we can have an idea of how he feels. What does he expect you to do with this burden? He wants you to pray till it is lifted. There may be times when you notice something in someone's life and feel the need to help, or someone may share a situation with you, and you feel a burden to do something. Obadiah saw a pressing need, he hid one hundred prophets in two caves when Jezebel went after them, and he fed them (1 Kings 18:4). We are commanded to bear each other's burdens (Gal. 6:2). Are you concerned about a bad occurrence within your family that keeps repeating itself? These burdens are only removed in intercessory prayers. The best time to start praying for a child that you’re expecting is when they’re still in the womb. Pray that the child will walk in the Will of God. Pray about that man and that woman you’ll marry. God wants you to pray about everything. When you intercede in prayers, you call God into your affairs. And he will go before you. GOD does not give us burdens to weigh us down. Therefore, all burdens that we receive from Him must be given back to Him. This we do in prayers. "When [our plans] are interrupted, his are not. His plans are proceeding exactly as scheduled, moving us always (including those minutes or hours or years which seem most useless or wasted or unendurable)." Elisabeth Elliot. There is no time spent with God that is wasted. Bringing it Together PRACTICE the pause. When in doubt, pause. When angry, pause. When tired, pause. When stressed, pause. And when you pause, pray – Anonymous. Nothing teaches us about God like the emptiness of ourselves—and the place to relieve burdens is in prayer.

MANY STORIES in the Bible are not aha moments—they are narratives of action taken by men and women to please God. Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him for righteousness. (Romans 4:3) Mary, the sister of Lazarus, knew that it was vital for her to sit at the feet of the Master—and Jesus said, "She has chosen what is best." (Luke 10:42) When the apostles were arrested and brought before the council, Peter replied, "We must obey God rather than men." (Acts 5:28-29) God wants us to do the same! PEOPLE CHOOSE NOT to offend each other but offend God. We live in a time when people talk mostly about systemic evil and not personal sin. We forget that one gives birth to the other—people water down the Word of God and celebrate mediocrity. THE NARRATIVE WHEN JOSIAH ascended the throne of Judah, things were bad. People celebrated mediocrity. Many of the kings before him had led the people to worship strange gods—and God was displeased. IF YOU ARE going to walk with God, the things that matter to Him would matter to you. And if you are a leader, you must lead by example. The king was bothered about the people who took God seriously and made God attractive. He directed his minister of state to tell the priest to account for the temple's collection and give the money to those who maintained the temple. (2 Kings 22:3-7) He made the best of the situation by ensuring that they were well cared for. WHEN THEY FOUND the Book of the Law, he asked them to read it to him. He desired to know what the Lord wanted him to do. He was set to give God pleasure. Does your life give God pleasure? If it does, you have done well. And if it doesn't you need to change your ways. Obedience begins with knowing what God expects of you. As his minister read the book to him, he was filled with sorrow, and he tore his clothes. (2 Kings 22:11) He knew that sin aches the heart of God, and it's a reproach to a people. (Proverbs 14:13) He was troubled by what they had done and wanted to do something. Josiah humbled himself. And he who humbles himself before God is exalted. (James 4:10) As a result, God promised to take him to the grave in peace. (2 Kings 22:20) Obedience is the road to freedom; humility is the road to pleasure - C.S. Lewis. He called all the people of Judah, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the priests, and the prophets—and all the people from the least to the greatest. (2 Kings 23:1-3) The king read in their hearing all that was in the Book of Covenant. He renewed his covenant with the Lord, and the people pledged themselves to the covenant. (2 Kings 23:1-3) And he commanded that all the strange gods be removed from Judah. Josiah put his trust in God. ABRAHAM DID the same. When he had nothing left to hope for, Abraham still hoped and believed. He didn't doubt God's promise out of a lack of faith. Instead, giving honour to God for the promise, he became strong because of faith and was absolutely confident that God would do what he promised. (Rom. 4:18-21) You cannot serve God without a commitment to His word—and everything you do begins with a conviction. BRINGING IT TOGETHER TIMES OF LIFE should be moments of intentionality—Josiah was deliberate in his acts to please God. And if you ask why, we should obey God, in the last resort, the answer is, 'I am." To know God is to know that our obedience is due to Him - C.S. Lewis. Happy Father's day.

THE WORD of God may not lead you to ease, and it will not lead you astray. When God spoke to Ananias about Saul of Tarsus, he said, “I have much to show him (Saul), including how much he must suffer for My name;” he meant Paul had a lot to learn (Acts 9:16). God had put him on the unconventional path to greatness. The Narrative JOSEPH HAD been on a difficult walk of life. When he was thrown in prison by Potiphar, he still had a lot to learn. But he had his dream. The presence of God was with him—and he was made the head of the prisoners. One day, two palace staff offended Pharaoh, and they were thrown in the same prison. The same night, the baker and the cupbearer had a dream. When Joseph came to check on them the following morning, both men looked troubled. Why do you both look dejected today? We’ve both had dreams, and there is no one in this prison to interpret them. Interpretation belongs to God, Joseph replied. Joseph told them to tell him their dream—and this lightened their mood. They thought that this was a moment of revelation. Although his dream was yet to come to pass, he was willing to spend time to solve their problems. Joseph preferred them to himself. Whenever you have the opportunity, God wants you to invest in people’s lives. If you know the good you ought to do and do not do it, it is a sin for you. (James 4:17) On the path to greatness, there will always be a need to meet. ONE WILL think he had enough to grapple with—despite his situation, he was willing to put a smile on people’s faces. He wanted to serve rather than be served. When the cupbearer told him his dream, Joseph said that Pharaoh would restore him to his position in three days. These were words that will change his life. He was so close to a breakthrough, yet he did not know it. Amid the euphoria, Joseph told the cupbearer to put in a word for him. But when he was released, he forgot Joseph. (Genesis 40:1-21) Joseph was trying to put his disappointments behind him—and when he thought things would change, he was disappointed again. Do you feel discouraged? Do you feel forgotten by family and friends? The reality is that the human memory is short—and we are fixated on ourselves. We mostly remember people when we need their assistance, but we can do better. We must always remind ourselves that we live in a world full of people and reach out to them from time to time. With true greatness comes the willingness to sacrifice for others – Chuck Swindoll. TWO YEARS later, Pharaoh had a dream—and he woke up startled. Then, he slept again and had a second dream. The following morning, he felt uneasy; so, he called his wise men and magicians for a consultation. When he told them his dreams, none of them could say to him the meaning. Then, the cupbearer remembered Joseph. He moved quickly to redeem his image, and he went to Pharaoh. (Genesis 41:1-9) Many of us may be quick to cancel the cupbearer, but we are not any better. Whenever we look at our faces in the mirror, we must see ourselves as recovering Pharisees. THE CUPBEARER narrated what happened in prison to Pharaoh, and he sent for Joseph. When Pharaoh saw Joseph, he told him that he hoped that he would interpret his dream. But Joseph replied, “I cannot do this, but God will answer Pharaoh’s questions and relieve your concerns.” (Genesis 41:16) Joseph understood that he was a man used by God. He listened to Pharaoh’s dreams and gave him the interpretation. He also told him that the future is fixed—this was about the significance of God. Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God – William Carey. MY ADVICE is that Pharaoh should select someone who is wise and discerning and put him in charge of the land of Egypt during this time. (Genesis 41:33) Pharaoh confirmed that he couldn’t find anyone wiser than him. He made Joseph his second-in-command—and to make sure none queries it, there was an official ceremony and a wedding ceremony for him. The way to greatness is service. The measure of a man’s greatness is not the number of servants he has but the number of people he serves – John Hagee. BRINGING IT TOGETHER GOD SHIELDED him when necessary and left him vulnerable to teach him life. If he had been at home, he would have been sheltered and protected by his father. But away from home, he was exposed to the various elements of life—it was God’s unconventional path to greatness.

MANY THOUGHT they knew the President until that day. Edward Everett had taken the podium at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania before him—and spoke for two hours. America had just come out of a brutal civil war in which over 300,000 lives were lost. When President Lincoln took the stage, he had a lot to say, but his remarks were only for three minutes. Many people belittled them. They felt that his words were too few until they read them on the newspaper pages. Jesus was a man of few words too. The Narrative WHEN ISAAC was placed on the altar, he was a picture of the failed human race. The knife was before him. He wasn't a perfect sacrifice, and God gave Abraham a lamb. (Genesis 22:9-13) Humanity needed someone to take their place—and that's the story of Christmas. WHAT WILL BE your reaction when all you've planned lifelong comes? When the hour came, Jesus‘ words were few. He cried out that the Father will glorify him that the Son may glorify the Father. (John 17:1) He knew that his essence was to be revealed, and he acknowledged the Father's Will. Your essence of living is to worship the Father. When anyone says that a movie glorifies violence, they want everyone to pay attention to what the film is about. Jesus said the prayer so that everyone will laud what he has done—and as a result, men and women will ascribe glory to Him. From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised. (Psalm 113:3) THE CROSS was about the worth, the wisdom and the attributes of God. It's the way we see God and the way he interacts with us. Jesus Christ is the reason we can ask the Father anything. And when we accept Him, we receive eternal life. (John 10:27-28) He said, "And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began." (John 17:5) We must understand that he did not become more glorious at the cross. He was already glorious before he came to die. MANY OF US are so self-focused that we find it difficult to appreciate how good God is. His blood could have paid for our sins without him having to go through the horrendous death. He could have saved us in any way he chooses, but he died to show us how to obey God. He humbled himself and became obedient unto death—the death on the cross. (Philippians 2:8) Many people are afraid that if they obey Him, they will lose something. They forget that walking in disobedience is an indication of a lack of trust. But God wants them to trust Him and leave the consequences to Him. BRINGING IT TOGETHER HOLINESS is not valued until God is understood. If we fail to make God known in our generation, we create the disappearance of Christian beliefs. Now that you know that God loves you, it's time to act on His Word. Have a Merry Christmas!

I MAY NOT ASK FOR ASSISTANCE until I know that I need one. I may not request for directions until I know that I have missed my way. It will take my desperation to recognise my need for God. We fight and struggle with situations till we reach a point where we can’t take it any more, then, we ask God for help. Man’s extremities are God’s opportunities. When you come to your wit's end, give God the platform to work on your behalf. The Narrative THE DISCIPLES OF JESUS had baptised more people than John the Baptist. Then, Jesus left Judea and went back to Galilee. (John 4:1) On his way, he passed through Samaria. He was tired and sat by the well of Jacob. Shortly after, a woman came to fetch water. He said to her, “Give me a drink.” (John 4:7) The woman was shocked because Jews do not associate with Samaritans. And Jesus told her that if she knew who he was, she would have asked for the living water. She replied, “Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water?” (John 4:11) Jesus told her that when she receives the living water, she will not thirst again. The water will become a spring of water welling up to life. She asked Jesus to give her the water so that she wouldn’t thirst again or come to fetch at the well. The woman had a thirst only God could quench. While Jesus spoke about the spiritual, she talked of the natural. Brokenness THE WOMAN had gone through a lot emotionally; she looked forward to the coming of the Messiah. When Jesus said to her, “Go and call your husband.” (John 4:18) The woman said she had no husband. Jesus said to her, “You are right in saying, ‘I have no husband’; for you have had five husbands, and the one you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true.” (John 4:17-18) That was her reality. She filled the vacuum in her life with relationships, and nothing worked. Are you doing the same? Only Jesus can satisfy that longing in your soul. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. (Psalm 15:17) Submission THE WOMAN AT THE WELL suspected that Jesus was a prophet, she submitted to His Lordship. She said, “Our fathers worshipped on this mountain, but you say that Jerusalem is the place where people ought to worship.” (John 4:20) Jesus told her that they worship what they do not know. Do you worship what you know? If the answer is yes; is He the driver of your life? “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:24) Then, Jesus told her that he is the Messiah. 1 Peter 5:6 says, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.." (1 Peter 5:6) The prostitute who crashed Simon’s party was at her wit’s end too. (Luke 7:36-50) The prostitute sat at Jesus’ feet, poured the perfume on him and wiped his feet with her hair. While Simon saw her as broken beyond repair, Jesus saw healing beyond relief. Jesus had mercy on her and forgave her sins. Until we see our depravity, we cannot truly enjoy God. C.W. Lewis said, “God made us: invented us as a man invents an engine. A car is made to run on petrol, and it would not run properly on anything else. Now, God designed the human machine to run on Himself.” God is your fuel. You are made for His pleasure; outside Him, there is no satisfaction. The Beatitudes give us the picture of how we come to the end of ourselves. Matthew 5:3 says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Many times, it takes a journey of utter misery for God to grab our full attention. It’s when you’re empty that the Lord can fill you. Except you're empty, God will not fill you God wants you to move away from the centre of things, so He can occupy it. You must be hidden in Christ, and Christ in God. (Colossians 3:3) BRINGING IT TOGETHER THE PATH OF CHRIST requires submission. You cannot surrender without coming to the end of yourself and allowing God to fill the vacuum in your life. God wants you to live your life depending on Him. Then, you can genuinely say the prayer—give us this day our daily bread. (Matthew 6:11) Enjoy your week.