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THE SENSE OF ONESELF has a place, but your identity in Christ is more vital to your existence. Just as the writer writes for the audience of one, life also must be lived for the audience of One. The Narrative MOSES WAS AT SINAI taking care of his Father-in-law's flock when he saw a strange sight – the bush was on fire but did not burn, and he stepped aside to look. (Exodus 3) God called out to him, "Don't come any closer. Remove your sandals from your feet. You're standing on holy ground." 'I have seen the sufferings of my people, and I have come to deliver them.' A Somebody GOD TOLD MOSES that he was sending him to Pharaoh to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt to the Promised land. "I am a nobody," replied Moses. (Exodus 3:11) If you had felt inadequate when God called you, it's because you are. The presence of God in your life is what makes you adequate for what he wants you to do. After all, 'God works in you to will and to do of His good pleasure.' (Philippians 2:13) God came into Moses' life to make him a 'somebody' and teach him how to live for the audience of one. He said, "I'll be with you. And this will be proof that I am the one who sent you: When you have brought my people out of Egypt, you will worship God right here at this very mountain." These are some ways to live for the audience of One: Be Humble IT'S EASY TO SEE PRIDE in others but not ourselves. When we think we've done so much for God, and he has done little in return, we are prideful. (Romans 9:20) Pride also shows itself as ingratitude. When Israel grumbled at Moses, they were ungrateful to God. (Numbers 14:1-4) However, gratitude punches a hole in discontent. A person who talks too much about him/herself is proud. (Galatians 6:3; Proverbs 27:2) Jesus showed us how to be humble. 'And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.' (Philippians 2:8) Focus on the Goal AUTHORS WRITE FOR THE AUDIENCE of one because it helps them focus and stay on point. Paul advised us to focus on God. He wants us to forget the things that are behind and press forward to the things that are ahead – the prize of the upward call of God in Christ. (Philippians 3:14) Be the Light TO LIVE AS THE LIGHT of the world, you must walk in obedience to God's word. You must be a doer of the word and not a hearer only. (James 1:22) And do not develop partnerships with those who reject God. (2 Corinthians 6:14) Be Anxious for Nothing ANXIETY WILL ROB YOU of today's strength and make you worry about tomorrow. But God wants you to be anxious for nothing. (Philippians 4:6-7) He wants you to move from fear to faith. "The man with a cross no longer controls his destiny; he lost control when he picked up his cross. That cross immediately became to him an all-absorbing interest, an overwhelming interference. No matter what he may desire to do, there is but one thing, he can do; that is, move toward the place of crucifixion"—A.W. Tozer. BRINGING IT TOGETHER MOSES NEEDED TO UNDERSTAND that it wasn't about him – his abilities, but God. When you understand that you are nothing without Him, living for Him becomes a priority. And to make your life count here, you must live for the audience of One – Jesus Christ

IN THE WAKE of the 1976 Military coup, Túndé was on a trip to Ibadan, Nigeria. While martial music played on the airwaves, soldiers mounted roadblocks in search of the coup plotters, motorists were inundated with long queues of vehicles waiting to be searched. The frequent stops were time-consuming; a usually seamless journey became a nightmare. Being the pre-cell phone era, it was difficult to communicate, many unknowns were at play. Armour tanks sat in front of the government buildings, the presence of soldiers dawning tactical gears was frightening. He felt like someone passing through a wilderness of some sort. A journey that should take sixty minutes took him eighteen hours. Finally, Túndé got to Ibadan. In the Christian faith, the 'wilderness' has always been a metaphor of some kind, and the 'wilderness experience' is a trip through time. The Narrative IT HAS BEEN A FEW WEEKS since the children of Israel left Egypt. While they rejoiced, their enemies reeled in pain. God had given them a prompt to take them to the Promised Land. He had tried to prepare them for this event, but many of them were still unprepared. ‘Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea, and they went into the Desert of Shur. For three days they travelled in the desert without finding water. When they came to Marah, they could not drink its water because it was bitter. So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What are we to drink?”’ (Exodus 15:22-24) They were ecstatic when God drowned their enemies. But at Mara, they grumbled. They put Moses in an awkward position. The people did not trust God. When you doubt God, you set the bar too low. You displease Him. Responsibility THE PEOPLE were not used to such liberty and couldn’t grasp the responsibilities that came with it. Walking through this highway of information was part of the process of getting them to trust God. The information they had received had to move from their heads to their hearts. This process is the reason that "man believes with the heart.." (Romans 10:10) Tests THEY HAD TO FACE TESTS to prove their allegiance and understanding. The journey was to prepare them for their relationship with God and how to live in Canaan. Psalm 11:5 says, "God tests the righteous and the wicked .." Whatever tests you face, it's a preparation. It takes your focus off self to God. Heart THE EXTERNAL SITUATION revealed the subjective realities of their hearts. They needed much more than deliverance from Pharaoh - they needed a change of attitude. Many of us need a change of position too. Reality SOME OF US may well be at this juncture. We have prayed and made personal commitments to the Lord. Just when we thought things were beginning to fall into place, they became distant. The same words that inspired you in the past seem to fall flat. You’re not joyful; church seems boring and a chore. But I have a word for you; there is grace for every pain. There is grace for your pain The Word GOD COULD HAVE SPOKEN to the water and made it sweet, but He didn’t. God gave Moses instructions. The people did not lack water to drink, but the sweetness - goodness. It’s the goodness that ties everything together. When this link is absent, the truth becomes stale and meaningless. The joy of the Lord gives meaning to everything. Paul summed it up this way, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Romans 15:13) The Miracle MOSES' ACT OF THROWING the wood into the water seemed simple but changed the course of things. Let us see the wood as the word of God. God wants you to apply the simple things to your life even when they look like a chore. Your miracle resides in the confession of His words over your situation. As you continue to confess and stand on His words, a healing transformation begins within your heart. You move from bitter to sweet. Whatever bitter situations you face, God can turn it around. He turned their Mara into a resource in the next leg of the journey. For every challenging situation, God leads us into His truth. They were on their road to Canaan but the highway of God. BRINGING IT TOGETHER MANY OF US HAVE WOKEN UP to the sights and sounds of construction in our neighborhoods. They are usually uncomfortable. On the road to destiny, construction is always going on. May God cause you to hear the sounds of his highway being built in your life and help you to align with His will.

WHAT YOU choose to share with others shows how much you care. When Jesus was twelve years old, he went to the Feast of Passover with his parents. At the end of the celebration, as Joseph and Mary returned, Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem, sitting among teachers listening to them and asking them questions. When his parents came looking for him, they said, “Why have you done this to us? Your father and I have sought you anxiously.” “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” Jesus replied. (Luke 2:48-49) Jesus showed them how much he cared—he pointed them to the reason why he came. The Narrative AS JESUS GREW, he told many parables to his listeners. He engaged their imagination and made them ask questions. One day, a scholar of the Hebrew scriptures said to him, “Teacher, what must I do to experience eternal life?” What is written in the Law? How do you read? He answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind.” ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ You have answered correctly. Do this and live. But the scholar wanted to play smart—so, he asked. “Who is my neighbour?” (Luke 10:25-29) He had the right answer but not the right heart. Do you have the right heart? If not, ask the Lord to create in you a pure heart and renew the right spirit within you. (Psalm 51:10) Are you looking to God? JESUS TOLD HIM a story. A man was going from Jerusalem to Jericho when thieves attacked him. They took all that he had, beat him up and left him for dead. Isn’t this the picture of humanity? We lost everything when Adam and Eve sinned. (Genesis 3:1-21) When we look to God, everything looks good. But when we turn from Him, everything looks bad. Who is driving you? A PRIEST happened to be going down the same road. When he saw the injured man, he passed on the other side. A Levite saw him too and passed on the other side. (Luke 10:31-32) Both men felt they had something more important to attend to, and they couldn’t spare time and resources. These were men expected to have a certain understanding, but they behaved to the contrary. Self drove them. Humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less – C.S. Lewis. What are you seeking? THERE WAS a Samaritan passing that same route. When he saw him, he stopped and took pity on him. (Luke 10:33) He went to him, bandaged his wounds poured oil and wine. He put the injured man on his donkey, brought him to the inn, and cared for him. The Good Samaritan gave some money to the innkeeper and told him to take care of him till he returns. He took ownership, leadership and responsibility—he undid his shame. He went across racial lines, rescued him from death and nursed him back to life. The Good Samaritan behaved like a man, not seeking favour but responding to God’s command—that was what Jesus did. (Hebrews 10:14) Bringing It Together THE QUESTION isn’t who is your neighbour but what kind of neighbour are you? Our pleasing God is hinged on our relationship with Him and our fellow men. Let God drive you. Submit your attitude to Him—and the only way to express Jesus is to go and do likewise.

TIME AFTER TIME, destiny decisions are given to underdeveloped people—many of who appear perfect in the public eye. But in their human moments, they crash. David wept like a baby when he got to Ziklag and found that the Amalekites had sacked his camp. (1 Samuel 30:5-7) JACOB and ESAU faced a colossal task—they lived in the shadow of their grandpa, Abraham—the father of faith. They had heard stories of great men, but they did not know how to follow in their footsteps. They did not know how to fulfil their dominion mandate. The Narrative WHEN REBECCA was pregnant, God told her that she has two nations within her – and she shared this with her husband, Isaac. (Genesis 25:23) However, when the time of the blessing came, she did not remind him of the prophecy. Instead, she told Jacob to pretend that he was Esau. And when Jacob said that his father might find out and curse him, Rebekah said, "Let the curse be on me, my son." She conspired with Jacob to prepare the meat for Isaac." (Genesis 27:13) And Isaac pronounced the blessing despite knowing that it was Jacob. WHEN ESAU found out that he had been cheated out of his inheritance, he wept like a baby. He begged his father to bless him. And Isaac said, "You will live away from the richness of the earth and away from the dew of the heaven above. You will live by your sword, and you will serve your brother. But when you decide to break free, you will shake his yoke from your neck." (Genesis 27:40) All that Esau got was a blessing of Dominion—conditional approval—this quest became God's Will for his life. TO WIN in life, you need to know your limitations and your enemy. He knew that he had been given the blessing of Dominion, and he needed to work hard to make something out of it. Esau had faith. He believed the prayer that he received and worked hard at his hunting strategies to acquire the blessing. And hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some do not turn up at all – Sam Ewing. A sluggard's appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied. (Proverbs 13:4) David knew his limitation. He understood his enemy. At Ziklag, he got the ephod and inquired of the Lord. (1 Samuel 30:7-8) He showed his men how to seek God's face. ESAU KNEW that he needed time, and he used it to rise to prominence. He did not make noise, but he made progress. Jesus slept in the boat that the disciples might use their faith. But they cried out, "Master don't you care that we perish?" (Mark 4:38) In life, all you need is time. Esau understood that time and chance happen to all men. (Ecclesiastes 9:11) He seized the moment and worked towards achieving his purpose. AT BETHEL, God revealed Himself to Jacob to wake him up and remind him of his identity. (Genesis 28:16-17) To reach your God-given potential, you need a revelation from God. You will, at times, have to go where you've never been. Lazarus had to die for three days for Jesus to wake him from the dead. (John 11:1-44) Peter walked on water with Christ, and he was never the same. As something inside of you shifts for you to move forward, your faith will help you redefine your possibilities. BRINGING IT TOGETHER WHATEVER LIMITATIONS you face, you can climb over it. But something inside of you must shift. The impression of difficulty will take a new meaning, and the birthing of this new thinking will cause a change in you. When you express it, you’ll fulfil your dominion mandate, and others will do the same. It will set you on fire to touch lives and change situations.

IF JESUS LIVED IN OUR DAY, we would have pulled out our cellphones and taken pictures of Him—some would have wanted a selfie too. Many of us would have put his videos on social media and tweeted his messages—because they were extraordinary. He did the impossible. The Narrative MANY STORIES in the bible touch me, and this is one of them. On one occasion, crowds of people kept arriving at the hillside to hear Jesus. When evening came, his disciples being practical reminded him that it was getting late, and the people will be hungry. Send them away to get something to eat from the neighbouring village before it gets dark. “They don’t need to go away. You give them something to eat,” Jesus replied. (Matthew 14:13-21) The Crossroad IMAGINE WHAT must have been going through their minds. They had forgotten that on their previous mission, they had been doing the impossible. And Jesus did not take back the power he gave them. He wanted them to use that authority to meet their needs. (Matthew 10) The successes of yesterday and yesteryears are fantastic, but God desires that you use that same power today. He wants you to rely on Him as you did in the past—there lies the secret to doing the impossible. But instead of scolding them, Jesus asked if anyone had food. And when they brought it to him, he looked up to heaven and gave thanks. And they served and served, and everyone ate, and there were leftovers—five thousand men in total plus women and children. The Expectation GOD IS BIG ENOUGH to shatter your finite expectations—he does not strive to exceed them; he always surpasses them. (Ephesians 3:20) God amplifies your meagre gifts and talents. Nothing is too small to give to Him. He has a surprise for you. He uses the weak things to display his glory. (1 Corinthians 1:27) God does not strive to exceed your expectations The Need IF WHAT YOU have in your hand is too small to do what you want, then give it to him. He told them to leave what seemed impossible to him but feed the crowd. Jesus bypassed their efforts but involved them. God will engage us in His work, but only he can equip us. He could have blessed the food in everyone’s hand but chose to bless the boy’s food and handed it to them to distribute. We are God’s extended arms here on earth—a part of his plan to reach the world. The disciples were not expected to feed the crowd in their power. They weren’t supposed to start at what the resources were but try to meet the need. They had to trust Jesus to supply what to feed the crowd; we must trust Him to provide what we need to reach the unsaved. All good things come from him. (James 1:17) We serve a Big God TO THE DISCIPLES, it was a significant challenge. But God is bigger than all our difficulties. God did a similar thing when Elisha had only twenty loaves to feed a hundred men. They ate and had leftovers. (2 Kings 4:42-44) This incident is a reminder that no challenge is a march for our God. BRINGING IT TOGETHER THE DISCIPLES realized that limited resources are never the end. They handed what they had over to Him. Are you tied up? Does it seem as if there’s no way out? Put whatever you have in His hands! And you’ll be amazed at what He will do with it.

CLIMATE CHANGE enthusiasts believe that the world is at crossroads. The rising temperature of the ocean waters and the rapid melting of the arctic ice were attributed to the increasing level of greenhouse gases—and there is a need to do something. With the surge in the numbers of covid positive cases, medical doctors know why the disease is spreading exponentially and what we need to do to flatten the curve. The question is 'are we doing enough?' The Narrative WHEN THE Philistines tried to invade Israel, the latter was at a crossroad. The Philistines came with their champion, Goliath of Gath. He was ten feet tall. Every day, he taunted the armies of Israel, asking them to send someone to fight him. When Saul and his soldiers heard him, they were afraid. No one compares to him—and a hand-to-hand battle with him would end up in defeat. He challenged the soldiers of Israel, morning and evening, for forty days. (1 Samuel 17:1-20) They feared for their lives—and they knew that they were not doing enough. Are you afraid? ONE DAY, Jesse called David. He told David to take some food to his brothers and check on their welfare. When he got to the camp, he shoved his way through the armies to greet his brothers. As he talked with them, Goliath emerged and challenged the soldiers of Israel. David heard a soldier itemize the king's gifts to anyone who kills the Philistine, and he asked again. But Eliab, his oldest brother, overheard the conversation and scolded him. "What have I done now? I am just asking a question," he replied. He felt that his kid brother was arrogant, but he was not. David was bold. He wouldn’t fear because the Lord is his light and salvation. (Psalm 27:1) What are you doing? MOST PEOPLE used by God began in the place of doing something. Saul was running an errand looking for his father's missing donkeys when he went to the house of Samuel, the seer. And he was appointed to lead the people of Israel. (1 Samuel 10:1-9) To do enough, you must be willing to do something. Any form of change begins with stepping up and doing the needful. Where have you been? WHEN THE news of David's valiant words reached the king, he sent for him. He told the king not to be afraid that he will go and fight Goliath. But David sounded ridiculous. Saul felt that David was too young and had zero experience, but David thought otherwise. He told the king where he had been—and how he had killed the lion and the bear that came after his father's sheep. 'Any form of change begins with stepping up' How do you see what you are passing through? AT SUCH a tender moment, he knew God to the point where he could do more. David saw his challenge with the eye of faith. He understood that the worst of times could be his best of times—and the same goes for you. The most poignant moment was when he said, "The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine." (1 Samuel 17:37) Do you have testimonies from the past? God wants you to use those milestones as stepping-stones to new ones. He who did it in the past can do it again if you will trust him. Let Him do the heavy lifting. What drives you? DAVID SEEMED to be fascinated by imminent threats. While others ran away from danger, he ran toward it. First, it was the lion. Then, the bear—and now Goliath. He was moved by his faith in God. He wouldn’t stand around and see someone defame the God of Israel. He knew that the righteous are bold as a lion; so, he went against Goliath and prevailed. (Proverbs 28:1; I Samuel 17:50) All who are led by Spirit of God are the sons of God. (Romans 8:14) BRINGING IT TOGETHER DAVID allowed his faith to shape his thoughts, his prayers and this helped him face the enemy. The enduring appeal of his life endeared many people to him as a champion, the king in Israel and the man after God's heart. (1 Samuel 13:14) Eyes that look are many, but eyes that see are few. To take anything away from this story is to immerse yourself in it and learn how to do more. Have a great week!

LIFE IS A MYSTERY—you need to work at it, to make meaning of it. When things changed in David's life, he ran from place to place seeking refuge—his life was cluttered. He had won one of the greatest battles of his life, only to face a stiffer one. Saul, the reigning king, wanted him dead. Once, he was hungry. He asked Abimelech, the priest for the holy bread. (1 Samuel 21:1-9) Many men joined him—those who owed money, those who were in trouble and men who were unsatisfied. (1 Samuel 22:2) David lived a life of unending struggles; sometimes, he saw it as a daring adventure. The Narrative IN HIS HARDSHIP, the mentor he loved died. And David moved to the desert of Maon. A wealthy man called Nabal lived there. He was married to Abigail—a woman of good understanding and beauty. But he was harsh and arrogant in his dealings. (1 Samuel 25:1-2) David sent ten men to him saying, "Now I hear that it is sheep-shearing time. When your shepherds were with us, we did not mistreat them, and the whole time they were at Carmel nothing of theirs was missing. Ask your own servants, and they will tell you. Therefore, be favourable toward my men, since we come at a festive time. Please give your servants and your son David whatever you can find for them." (1 Samuel 25:7-8) Chance THE SHEEP-SHEARING SEASON was a festive one in which people right their wrongs and were happy. But Nabal thumbed his nose and said, "Who is David?" "Who is Jesse's son? So many servants nowadays are leaving their masters. Should I take my bread, my water, and my meat that I butchered for my shearers and give them to men coming from who knows where?" (1 Samuel 25:10-11) Folly is a joy to him who lacks sense. (Proverbs 15:21) Nabal found it challenging to see the good in other people. All he saw in them were destitutes looking for what they did not deserve. How do you see people? The way you see them will influence the way you treat them. Nabal had the chance to do something right, but he blew it. And his words provoked David. Proverbs 15:1 says, "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." David told his men to arm themselves. They left for Nabal's dwelling. Choice ONE OF THE SERVANTS who overheard the discussion spoke to Abigail. He told her to do something. The changing times required a paradigm shift—one with quick intervention. Abigail understood that whatever choice you make in life makes you. She knew that life can be understood by looking backwards but lived by moving forward. She took some food supplies and loaded them on donkeys. She told her servants to go ahead. (1 Samuel 25:18-19) Abigail took her destiny in her hands. She took ownership of her husband's error and asked for forgiveness. (1 Samuel 25:24) Forgiveness is a means of refuge She told David that her husband was like his name, a Godless fool. Abigail knew that he was fighting the Lord's battle. (1 Samuel 25:28) So, she offered her gifts and asked that David will remember her when he succeeds. Change PEOPLE SAY THAT HAPPINESS depends on happenings, but Abigail understood differently. Like her, do not put your happiness in someone's hands. Her soft words changed David's mind. He accepted her gifts and forgave her. The essence of life meant much to her. It was essential for her to love her fellow man. BRINGING IT TOGETHER ABIGAIL KNEW she could live beyond what she's capable of. She went on a passionate plea seeking forgiveness. She understood that Nabal was part of her story, but not her destiny. Wisdom triumphed over folly. To unclutter your life, you must choose wisdom.

HUMAN PREDICTIONS are snapshots of a certain time—but ‘the best way to predict the future is to choose it’ – Abraham Lincoln. David took a stand when he stood up to fight Goliath. (1 Samuel 17:45-46) Rahab chose her future when she hid the spies. (Joshua 2:1-21) You must choose your future. The Narrative IT GOT into King Herod’s head to go after some believers. So he murdered James, John’s brother and arrested some brethren. When he noticed that the Jewish leaders were pleased with him, he arrested Peter during the Unleavened Bread Festival. Herod put four squads of four soldiers on him, so he will not escape. He planned to kill him after the Passover. However, when Peter was under heavy guard in prison, the church prayed for him strenuously. (Acts 12:1-5) Stephen had been martyred in the hands of an incited crowd, and his death was painful. (Acts 7:54-60) They were not going to sit and watch another brother put to death—and so, they cried out to God. BEFORE NOW, the apostles and the three thousand believers had continued in the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship to the breaking of bread and prayer (Acts 2:41-42). At a point, the Jewish leaders threatened Peter and John. When they returned to their company, they prayed that God would give them boldness to preach his word, heal and perform won ders in the name of Jesus (Acts 4:29-30). What they did with ease, they did with diligence. The brethren knew that prayer changes things—they predicted the future because they chose it in worship. You must pray your future into existence—the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much (James 5:16). HAVE YOU noticed that every gym has fixed footage but unlimited membership? Some people buy gym membership but never set a foot there. Others purchase workout equipment and never use them. It is a case of commitment versus contribution. Many would have believed when Peter shared the word on the day of Pentecost, but only three thousand made the commitment and stood by it. You cannot say, I do without first saying goodbye! What they did with ease, they did with diligence EVERY BROKENNESS begins with a conviction—for, with the heart, man believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation (Romans 10:10). We cannot change things with our ideas but our convictions. The disciples occupied a place of prayer because they knew that faithful is he who has promised, and he will do it. ON THE night before Peter’s execution, he was asleep and chained in a room full of soldiers. A bright light filled the room. The angel of the Lord tapped him on the side and woke him up. Get up quickly, and the chains fell off his wrist. Peter thought that he was dreaming or having a vision until they passed the first and second guard. The gates flung open—and he was alone. Peter knew that God had come to his rescue. You may stand alone before your challenge, but you are not alone. Even when you cannot see God, he is there. The Lord is near to them who call upon him in truth. He fulfils the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them (Psalm 145:18-19). PETER RUSHED to the house of Mary, and a large crowd was there praying for him. When Rhoda, a maid, heard his voice, she knew it was Peter. But when she said, “Our prayers are answered. Peter is at the gate,” they said that she was by herself. Prayer is an answer to answered prayer. You have not because you ask not (James 4:2). It is a discipline with the screws that are sometimes loosé. But in their case, they prayed earnestly and consistently. And Peter continued to knock until they opened. When they saw him, they were surprised. They were praying for his release, yet, when he appeared, they didn’t believe it. BRINGING IT TOGETHER ANY TRUTH in the scripture that you engage commits God to perform. They understood that hope in Christ is the metaphor for troubled times. If you are expecting things to change, you must do the following: Have a conviction in Christ Trust in the Lord Pray diligently Be expectant

FROM THE MOMENT, we are born to the moment we die—we search for significance. We know that we are valuable, and our quests pull us here and there. We watch those looking at our social media posts, our followers—and how many likes we get. When we fail at something, we feel lousy about ourselves. And when others approve of us, we get over it —sometimes, we feel like we measure up. We look for people to define our self-worth—we put our identity in achievements: wealth, fame, looks, our children's success or our reputation? However, none of these can give us significance. The Narrative SOLOMON had an exciting and telling story. In his attempt to gain wisdom, he searched out all history to find answers to life's questions. He looked at all that he had achieved and found that all was vanity. (Ecclesiastes 2:11) He did everything his way and said all was like a vapour. But why did he say so? Money goes as it comes, and beauty fades. Joy and satisfaction do not originate and cannot be sustained by anything under the sun; these were his words. (Ecclesiastes 1:16; 2:26) YOUR ATTEMPT to meet success and approval fall into these two things: compulsion and perfection. When people's approval drive you, you are searching for significance. When you seek perfection and avoid relationships that might fail, you fear rejection and become a slave to people's opinions. The fact that you didn't go to college makes you feel dumb. You live in a particular zip code, so you think you're less than everyone else and can't amount to anything. These are lies. God wants you to replace them with the truth. YOU PRETEND and become an actor because you are seeking someone's approval. Jacob sought for Isaac's approval and tricked his father to receive the birthright. (Genesis 27) Over time, you do not know the real you anymore and live different lives in various seasons. THE PROBLEM is that we confuse affirmation with love. You need someone who will know the total you—your failures, successes and all; someone who will love you. And the only person that can do that is God. The bible says, "He that knew no sin became sin that we might become the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus." (2 Corinthians 5:21) If you have not received Him as your Lord and Saviour, you need to do it now. Jesus gave His life to purchase you. I know you may be struggling with doubts and values, but your self-worth will begin to change as you understand Christ. Confess your sins to Him and ask Him to come into your heart. If you just gave your life to Christ, you are now a believer. You are valuable, chosen and infinitely precious to God; that’s the affirmation you need. The blood of Jesus is your worth. BRINGING IT TOGETHER IT WILL be a waste to attempt to change a behaviour without first knowing what drives it - Robert McGee. I know that it is tough to break away from these erroneous beliefs, but you need to know that you can. You must understand that your self-worth does not come from a performance or people's accolades. It comes from God!

WHERE DOCTRINE is rightly applied, knowledge and wisdom will collide. When Moses had grown up, he refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt because he was looking ahead to his reward. (Hebrews 11:24-26) When Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce Joseph, he knew it was time to flee. (Genesis 39:12) There’s something about rightly applying the word of God and getting the job done. The Narrative AFTER GOD established David, he moved the capital to Jerusalem. His priority was to restore proper religious worship in Israel and make Jerusalem the centre of political and spiritual powers. “Let us bring the ark of our God back to us, for we did not inquire of it during the reign of Saul,” said David. (1 Chronicle 13:3) Since God’s presence dwells within the ark, moving it to Jerusalem will move His presence to the city, and whenever their enemies come against the city, they will come against God. They put the ark on a cart, and when it stumbled, Uzza put out his hands to stabilize it. He took a wrong step. God was enraged with him. God struck Uzza, and he died. (1 Chronicle 13:9-10) How do you get the job done? By seeking God’s Presence GOD’S PRESENCE—His manifest presence will make you prosper in all your endeavours. The Bible begins and ends with his presence. God struck Uzza because he touched the ark and defiled its sanctity, ignoring God’s instructions never to handle it. Things could be okay in your eyes but unholy in the eyes of God. We must understand that God does not give instructions for consideration but to obey them. Just as you have a house in your name, but the bank has a part of it, you are sealed with the Holy Ghost of promise—and that's God's presence. (Ephesians 1:13) Where doctrine is rightly applied, knowledge and wisdom collide. By knowing that You are His temple DAVID WAS UPSET and afraid when Uzza died. He kept the ark in the house of Obed-Edom, the Gittite, for three months, and the Lord blessed his entire household. (1 Chronicles 13:13-14) However, when David heard that Obed-Edom had been blessed, he told them to bring it to Jerusalem. God’s investment in Israel was His Presence—and the ark contained it. Today, our bodies are the temple of God, and He wants us to honour him with them—and present them as a living sacrifice. (1 Corinthians 6:19; Romans 12:1) By studying the Scriptures DAVID HAD THOUGHT well by wanting the ark in Jerusalem. However, he did not know how to move it from one point to the other. Get to know God through His Word—the scriptures are less about what you think but more about what God thinks. God’s word is a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path. (Psalm 119:105) By knowing that it’s not about you DAVID FELT humiliated and ashamed that his plan did not work, and the God he knew became strange to him. He misunderstood God. Personal failures are difficult to handle, but the best way to respond to them is by responding to the truth. David had to find out God's instruction on how to carry the ark. When we fail, we must not look at God through the same prism. If we do, we put a limit on Him. His ways are not our ways. (Isaiah 55:8-9) And he is the only One that can exist without anyone else. BRINGING IT TOGETHER YOU NEED to learn how to walk with God and not against Him. David learned how to walk with God by finding out. He realized that the Levites must carry the ark. (1 Chronicle 15:2) You know that you can do better than you are doing right now—begin to walk according to the Will of God.

I HAVE ALWAYS wondered why God will look down from heaven and choose a man. But I have since realized that whatever He does is for a reason. God repeatedly showed Joseph dreams about the future to prepare him for a leadership role. (Genesis 37) Samuel was in the house of Eli, the priest when God called him. And the third time, he said, “Speak for your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel 3:10) Moses was a fugitive when he saw a strange sight—and God told him to return to Egypt to deliver his people. (Exodus 3:1-10) Whenever God speaks to you, he wants to teach you how not to lose everything. The Narrative GOD SPOKE to Abram. ‘Get up and go! Leave your country. Leave your relatives and your father’s home and travel to the land that I will show you. Don’t worry—I will guide you there.’ (Genesis 12:1) He got into a special relationship with one man to change the course of humanity. God has a plan THERE IS NOTHING to show that Abram did something. But there are things to show that God was merciful to Him. If you are a believer in Christ—by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not your own doing, (Ephesians 2:9) He promised to bless him, make him great and through his descendants bless the earth. Likewise, God has a plan for your life. His plans are for welfare and not for evil to give you a future and hope. (Jeremiah 29:11) Hold on to His Promise TO LAY HOLD of this promise, he had to do something daring—leave all he knows for a land that God will show him. Abram had to trust God. Without hesitation, he left with his wife, Sarai, his nephew, Lot, and all he had. When he reached Canaan, God appeared to him and promised that he would give his children the Canaan land. If you are going to walk with God, you must come to terms with Him. (Amos 3:3) God will test You AT THE APPOINTED time, Sarah had a son—and they rejoiced at his birth. But he was the only thing in Abraham’s life that competed with God. ‘Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.’ (Genesis 22:2) Abraham must have laid awake struggling—and asking, ‘God are you sure.’ It must have been difficult, especially when Isaac said, “Father, I can see the knife and the wood, but where is the lamb for the sacrifice.” (Genesis 22:7) All that God was doing was to test Abraham’s love for him. Yet, he proceeded to obey God. And God stopped him from laying his hands on the boy. He provided Abraham with a lamb, a perfect sacrifice. (Genesis 22:120) Abraham proved his love for God through his willingness to sacrifice his son. What sacrifice I can offer You is my broken spirit because a broken spirit, O God, a heart that honestly regrets the past, You won’t detest. (Psalm 51:17) Remove every Idol JESUS KNEW that without sufficient understanding and insight, his disciples would continue to grope in the dark. He appeared to them at the beach to change their perspective. There was no doubt that Peter loved Jesus. After all, when they came to arrest him, he cut off the ear of the servant of the High Priest. (John 18:10) However, there were things in his life competing with his love for Christ. There were idols he needed to remove. And Jesus asked him, “Do you love me more than these?” (John 21:15) Are there things in your life competing with his love? Don’t be quick to answer. Think deeply. If you answer quickly, you are likely not telling the truth. And anything you prefer to God is an idol. Idols are usually subtle. Peter reaffirmed his love for the Master. His doubts vaporized. God’s love cost the Father, Jesus Christ. If your love for Him does not cost you something, you do not love Him. BRINGING IT TOGETHER IS THERE anything in your life competing with your love for God? If the answer is yes, the best approach is to lay it down before Him. And he will decide if you’ll have it back or give you something else in its place. Abraham lost nothing by laying it down, and you will lose nothing by doing the same.

WE LIVE in a world of mysteries. Have you ever wondered why we call this alphabet 'W'—double-u and not double v? Why do we call certain television shows soap operas when no one sings in them? Why do women take so much time to find things in their purses? There are many mysteries around us—and the bible is full of them. The Narrative SINCE THE BABYLONIANS seized Judah in 586 BC, Jews had endured one foreign occupier or another. They longed for a time when they'll throw out the Romans and rule themselves. Then Jesus came, and some thought he was just the man for the job—but that was far from the truth. And when he told them that he was the bread of life, they grumbled silently. "Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, 'I came down from heaven?" (John 6:42) They thought he was not the One because they knew his parents. The people had a picture of what he was supposed to look like in their heads—and he was far from it. They didn't know that he was not there to report to them. What picture do you have of him? WHEN CHRIST said that unless they eat the son of man's flesh and drink his blood, they had no life in him. They took him literary, but his statement was a figure of speech. Many of his disciples saw it as a hard saying. They left—and when he asked if the others wanted to go too. Peter replied, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God." (John 6:68-69) What do you believe of Jesus? WHILE IN CAPERNAUM, Jesus posed a question to his disciples. Who do people say the son of man is? "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets." "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." (Matthew 16:13-20) The way to build love and friendship is to meet people where they are Who is Jesus to you? THE DISCIPLES couldn't imagine the gruesome death that Jesus would die. And as he began to talk about it, Peter couldn't take it. He said, "No, Lord! Never! These things that You are saying—they will never happen to You! "Get away from me, Satan," Jesus replied. (Matthew 16:22-23) Peter had moved from being a stepping-stone to becoming a stumbling block. What are you becoming? THINGS WERE confusing and difficult for Peter, and he denied Jesus three times. (Luke 22:54-62) After the resurrection, for want of what to do, Peter and four other disciples went fishing. (John 21:3) The way to build love and friendship is to meet people where they are—and that was what Jesus did. Peter knew that Jesus was at the beach for him. He remembered that he had denied him—and he lived a story that he needed to give up. When Jesus asked if he loved him, it hurt Peter because he asked him a third time. But Jesus wanted him to reaffirm his love for him. (John21:15-18) Do you live in a story that you need to give up? If Jesus were to ask you the same question, what would you say? Jesus left his throne in heaven to die for you. His death was not the end; he rose from the grave. This gesture is the reason we celebrate Easter. For God so loved the world, he gave his only son who believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) God wants you to state your love for him by confessing your sins and asking for his forgiveness. Invite him into your heart; tell him to become your Lord and Saviour. (Romans 10:10) If you have done this, you are now a born-again Christian. Bringing it Together ON THE NIGHT of his denial, Peter was smeared with fear. But after he met with Jesus, he was covered in grace. Change done to us is exasperating, but when we do it to ourselves, it is exhilarating. And these are the questions for you: Who is Jesus Christ to you? What picture do you have of him? Do you live in a story you need to give up? What are you becoming? Happy Easter!