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MANY TIMES, we approach God with the thought that he will grant any request we put to Him. But that’s not how God does his things. “Faith is not the belief that God will do what you want. It is the belief that God will do what is right” ― Max Lucado. He is bound by His word. The Narrative IN CAPERNAUM, Jesus just delivered one of his famous sermons. And as he walked, a delegation of Jewish leaders came to him with an urgent plea. They wanted him to come quickly and heal a centurion’s servant who was on his death bed. It seemed strange having a master plead for his servant. A Little Unusual THE REQUEST was a little odd because Jewish leaders are never fond of Roman soldiers. They realized this, so they said, “He deserves this. He loves our people. He even built our meeting place.” (Luke 7:4-5) It was also unusual that a Roman soldier will be fond of Jews. Jesus understood everything. He knew that the Father was at work, and he just preached on loving one’s enemies. (Luke 6:27-35) Jesus knew he needed to encourage this, so he followed them to go to the centurion’s house. A Little Hesitation AS THEY APPROACHED, there were hush discussions. The elders seemed confused. And the representative from the centurion said to Jesus, “Master, you don’t have to go to all this trouble. I’m not that good a person, you know. I’d be embarrassed for you to come to my house, even embarrassed to come to you in person. Just give the order, and my servant will get well. I’m a man under orders; I also give orders. I tell one soldier, ‘Go,’ and he goes; another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; my slave, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” (Luke 7:6-8) The centurion understood that he wasn’t worthy of having Jesus come to his home. He knew he was a sinner—and humbled himself before God (James 4:10). A Marvel JESUS THOUGHT QUIETLY. He marvelled at the centurion's faith. This man was a Roman soldier, a representative of the enemy of Israel. But he understood certain things that even the elders in Israel didn’t. He turned and looked at the elders, then, he looked at his disciples. And he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” (Luke 7:9) The centurion was an unlikely candidate for a hero of faith. He was a pagan, a distinguished brutal Roman soldier stationed there to ensure that the Jews complied to the emperor’s laws. We do not know what happened to him. But, all he heard made him trust Jesus for what he had not seen. He became a foreshadowing of the grace of God to the Gentiles. (Matthew 8:11) Faith in Christ is longing for God What is Faith? TO HAVE FAITH IN GOD means you believe in Him and to trust Him is to do what he says. The centurion did not qualify by race or selection, but by faith. He believed that Jesus had authority—that is faith. God looks for those who look for Him. (Psalm 14:2) Today, you can look for Him. BRINGING IT TOGETHER THE CENTURION’S NARRATIVE is a reminder that God is not impressed with titles or achievements, but the heart. (I Samuel 16:7) God moves people from the profane to the sacred—contrasting light with darkness and complete strangers becoming friends. For you to stand the test of time, you must walk by faith. God is not done answering, and you shouldn't be done praying.

WE JUMP to conclusions. We throw our weight around. We twist the truth. We stretch the lies. We bend the rules. We push our luck. We lift our egos. We run from tough situations—we are absolutely fit! – Anonymous. Who says we don't exercise? The Narrative AT A CUSTOMARY time for prayer, Peter and John went to the temple. Some people carried a paralyzed man—every day; they brought him to the Beautiful Gate to beg for money from people coming to worship. When he saw Peter and John, he asked for alms. And Peter said to him, "Look at us." (Acts of Apostles 3:4) He was expecting to get something from them, but Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." He took him by hand, instantly the man's ankles became strong, and he began to walk. (Acts of Apostles 3:1-10) What do you have? YOU'LL AGREE that you cannot give what you do not have. You'll recall that the sons of Sceva went around casting out evil spirits, and they tried to invoke the name of Jesus, saying, "I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims." The demon-possessed man overpowered them and tore their clothes. (Acts of Apostles 19:14-15) They found out that they couldn't give what they didn't have. Peter and John had no political influence, property, fame or money, but they had a name. If you are a believer in Christ, you have that name too. For as many as received Him, He gave them power to be called the sons of God even to them that believe in His name. (John 1:12) And whatever you ask the Father in His name, he will do that the Father might be glorified in the Son. (John 14:13) As you walk in obedience to God's Word, you bring a godly touch to your life and people around you. We twist the truth. We stretch the lies. Why the opposition? PEOPLE OFTEN tolerate Christians when they don't reach out—if they do not increase in number, they are no threat. Peter and John became a concern to the Sadducees when they healed the man at the Beautiful Gate. The Sadducees: Pharisees and Sanhedrin were from a wealthy aristocracy—and in those days, they were the most powerful men in the nation of Israel, but they were opposed to Christ's teachings. They were full of ego willing to lie, bend the rules to suit their purpose—and protect their estate. They were self-centred people who used their influence to get what they want. They propagated themselves. Jesus described them as men who loved to show off—they lock people out of the Kingdom of heaven and wouldn't go in themselves. (Matthew 23:1-18) They did not believe in the resurrection, and no one should do. When they arrested Peter and John, they were in a murderous mood, but they had no legal right to kill them—so they put them in prison till the following day. And Peter told them that the man was healed by the name of Jesus whom they crucified. The following day, Peter told them that the man they crucified had become the Chief Cornerstone. The Sadducees didn’t like what he said but there was little they could do. Why this name? THE APOSTLES couldn’t stop speaking in the name of Jesus because salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved. (Acts of Apostles 4:12) The fact that they had seen a notable sign didn't matter— the Sadducees were bent on stopping them. They warned them not to preach in that name. And Peter told them they could not help but speak of what they have seen and heard. What have you seen? What have you heard? You cannot stop being a witness to that Name. Every believer in Christ has been sent to reach out to the world. Whenever someone tells you not to obey God, remember that you're not your own, you've been bought with a price. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) BRINGING IT TOGETHER WHILE THE SADDUCEES pushed their luck and twisted the truth, Peter and John were obedient to God. An obedient man is one who does what God says when he says it and how he says it. It will help if you do not yield to the spirit of this age. And "whoever marries the spirit of this age will find himself a widower in the next" – William Inge.

RARELY DO MINISTERS know whether they are making lasting impressions on their congregation, but finding out can have a profound effect on all. The Narrative JESUS AND HIS DISCIPLES had come to the region of Caesarea Philippi. And he asked, “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,” they replied. But Jesus said, “Who do you say, I am?” And Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:13-20) It’s Personal IT WASN’T ENOUGH for his disciples to walk with Him. They needed to know Him. We live in a world where many believe information is golden. And when you acquire it, you feel more important than other people. But that’s not the case here; it’s the godly knowledge. The knowledge that gives us grace and peace. It’s like a conduit that lights up our lives. It’s our key to practical living; it makes our lives work. For a believer, nothing can replace it. Our present world puts information at our fingertips and wisdom out of reach – Dave Lewis. Knowing Jesus is like a personal relationship between a husband and wife—this is not casual. It takes time TO BE FAMILIAR with His name does not get you there. It comes with experience. God wants you to know Him personally and intimately. He called you to gain insight into His passion and personality—loving what he likes and hating what he dislikes. And I cannot say, I love the world and say that I love God. (1 John 2:15) Paul knew Jesus wasn’t a checklist, and he got to a point where he dumped everything that he might know Christ. (Philippians 3:8) For him, it stopped being what you know, but Who you know. With David, life was meaningless and worthless without God’s presence. He said, “O God, thou art my God, early will I seek You: my soul thirsts for You; my life longs for You in a dry and thirsty land.” (Psalm 63:1) All God wants from you is to keep on knowing Him It’s lifelong PETER intended to know the facts. His learning was an ongoing pursuit—a constant one. We need to know there is a gap in our understanding of God. When everything we touch turns to gold, we may feel that God is happy with us, but that may not be the case. We do not always have a full picture of how he thinks because He’s mysterious. (Isaiah 55:8) But the knowledge we receive from God makes us respond to Him appropriately—and that is enough. This understanding makes us act like Paul, who said, “I know how to survive in tight situations, and I know how to enjoy plenty.” (Philippians 4:12-13) BRINGING IT TOGETHER THE PATH to understanding Christ is achieved only in a relationship with Him, and Peter knew it was worth it. “Whatever comes into your mind when you think about God is the most important thing about you”- A.W. Tozer. This thought determines how you will live your life. But all that God requires of you is to keep on knowing Him.

THE QUESTION has never been, God not willing to do what he promised; the issue is whether we are eager to submit in full obedience to Him and believe His word? The Narrative THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL had continued their match to Canaan, and Moses sent twelve men to spy out the land. Are the inhabitants strong or weak? Are they many or few? Do their cities have fortifications, or their camps opened all around? Is the land good or bad? Is its soil rich or poor? These were his words to them. But when the spies returned, they went beyond the guidelines of the assignment. The land is fertile, prosperous. It flows with milk and honey, and here is some of the fruit. It's highly desirable, but their people are strong. Their cities are enormous and secured. We can't do it; the people are too strong for us—said the spies. (Numbers 13:1-31) They made cutting comments; they changed the mood of the people. Faith gave way to doubt, and fear rushed in. The majority believed themselves; they sucked faith out of the people. Do you suck faith out of people? Fear or Faith DO YOU BELIEVE IN YOURSELF or do you believe in God? Do you suck faith out of people or give it to them? God wants you to give hope wherever you go. For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7) Caleb was in the minority when he spoke the heart of God. And God said to Moses, "But, because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it." (Numbers 14:24) What distinguished Caleb from the ten spies? HE HAD A DIFFERENT SPIRIT—Caleb had the right attitude, the right approach and the proper anticipation. God's Spirit shaped his Spirit, and he behaved accordingly; where others saw challenges, he saw possibilities. Caleb saw with the eye of faith. He believed God wholeheartedly and did not rely on his power. He knew they'd be successful because they were on the Lord's side. He stood on the promises of God that never fail. He understood that faith anticipating anything from the Lord would endure—hope that will possess will sign up for the long haul. He had a conviction that every word of God is a promise to keep. Caleb couldn't get the vision of God out of his mind. This understanding led to his commitment to God. He proceeded with single-heartedness and set the bar high. Caleb knew that the starting point wasn't as vital as the finishing line. He did not give in to lesser values. His commitment to God led to his confession. "Let's go up and take it over! We are surely able." (Numbers 13:30) For him, this moment was a defining one. No wonder when the time came, he stood before Joshua and said, "Give me the mountains that the Lord promised." (Joshua 14:12-15) BRINGING IT TOGETHER THE JOURNEY took a detour, but Caleb never wavered at God's promise. He gave faith a fighting chance and did not fear the mountain from a distance. You cannot afford to lose the sense of awe for God. And you can never know what God will do through you until you completely abandon yourself to Him.

“Sow a thought, reap an action; sow an action, reap a habit; sow a habit, reap a character; sow a character and reap a destiny.” When God warned Cain about his thoughts, he wanted him to put his boundaries in place. He said, “Why this tantrum? Why the sulking? If you do well, won’t you be accepted? And if you don’t do well, sin is lying in wait for you, ready to pounce; it’s out to get you, you’ve got to master it.” (Genesis 4:6-7) Evil thoughts will get you on a detour and put you in murky waters. The Narrative THE PHARISEES AND EXPERTS of the law just complained that Jesus welcomed sinners and ate with them. And Jesus told them the parable of a father and two sons. The younger son said to the father, ‘Father, I want right now what’s coming to me.’ (Luke 15:11-12) The dad divided his property into two. And shortly after, the younger son took his inheritance and left for a distant land where he found himself in trouble. If you ever find yourself in murky waters, ask yourself these questions: Where is your heart? BEFORE HE WENT TO HIS FATHER, the son had left—his heart was somewhere else. He acted out what he thought. “It’s obvious, isn’t it? The place where your treasure is is the place you will most want to be and end up being.” (Matthew 6:21) He wanted to be alone. He rejected the father’s love and hearth. The prodigal son wanted to be away from home—independent and free from parental controls and responsibilities. Have your values shifted over time? SOME OF US bury our values when we are trying to achieve or going through tough times. The prodigal son’s values had shifted. He partied with the big boys and lived on the fast lane. His friends’ values screamed loud in his ears and blocked access to his own values. They drowned everything he believed in, and he lost control of his life. One way to prevent shifting values is to step aside—away from all the noise and be still before God. Another way is to be rooted in biblical principles and continue to value what God values. When David hatched the plot and had Uriah killed and took his wife, he disrespected the values of God. And David paid dearly for it. (2 Samuel 12) Paul advised that ‘we demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.’ (2 Corinthians 10:5) Your duty is demolishing the arguments and ideas, not God’s responsibility. Your duty is demolishing the arguments and ideas What’s your process? THERE WAS A GREAT FAMINE in the land. The prodigal son began to want, and no one gave him food. Then, he looked inwards. The prodigal son did a value assessment and came to his senses. He recalled how his father treated even his hired servants. He said, “I’m going back to my father. I’ll say to him, Father, I’ve sinned against God, I’ve sinned before you; I don’t deserve to be called your son. Take me on as a hired hand.” (Luke 15:18-19) When God sent Nathan to David, he called David’s attention to the process. David re-examined himself. He said, “I have sinned against the LORD.” (2 Samuel 12:13) Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! (2 Corinthians 13:5) The process of self-examination should be an ongoing one. Who are you becoming? THE PRODIGAL SON realized that he had brought shame to himself. When he searched his soul, he came to his core values. He was concerned about what he had become, but he had the option—to return home and ask for forgiveness. To become who he should be required taking ownership for his mistakes. He returned home. While he was afar, the father recognized him. He ran out, embraced him and kissed him. The father told his servants to bring clean clothes and put on him. He also said to them to put the family ring on him. He rejoiced that his missing son had returned to take his place. He treated him as his son. BRINGING IT TOGETHER THE PRODIGAL SON realized that the only way out of his predicament was his dad, and he went to him. You must also understand that only God can rescue you from this world of sin. Run to Him and be safe!

I CAN FIND MY WAY HOME from there,” he said. Officer Peter O’Hanlon was on patrol when he heard a quivering sob—it was a little lad in the shadows sitting on a doorstep. "I’m lost. Please take me home,” said the boy. “Where do you live, child?” “What street?” “I do not know,” the boy replied. The officer began to name the streets in the neighbourhood hoping to help him remember where he lived. He repeated the names of hotels and shops, but nothing helped. Then, he remembered a well-known church with a towering cross in the centre of the city. He pointed at it, and the boy’s face brightened. “Take me to the cross.” “I can find my way home from there.” The Narrative IT WAS THE PASSOVER, and Jesus shared the bread, and the cup with his disciples. He proceeded to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done,” he prayed. He was in so much agony, and an angel of the Lord strengthened him. Then, he came to his disciples, he woke them up and urged them to pray. But as he talked to them, a crowd came, and they arrested him. They took him to the council of elders, who connived against him. The elders were like gatekeepers, those that one will call the harbingers of progress, but they shut the door on the people—it seemed like systemic cruelty. The following day, he stood before Pilate, but Pilate found no fault in him. He would release Jesus, but the people shouted, “Crucify him, crucify him.” (Luke 23:21) Pilate granted their request, and they led him to Golgotha where they crucified him with two criminals, one on each side. He said, “Father forgive them for they know not what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34) Place of Separation THE THIEVES represent the two groups of people that live: the righteous and the wicked. The cross is the place of the divide. When the criminal on the left hurled abuses at Jesus, the one on the right told him to stop. He knew that Jesus was innocent and did not deserve to die. Take me to the cross Place of Forgiveness THE MAN ON THE RIGHT knew that it wasn’t about what he had done, but what he must do. To be with Jesus in eternity, he needed to have him now. He understood that the punishment fitted his crime and wanted it to end quickly, but not before he made a request. He said, “Jesus, remember me when You come to Your kingdom!” (Luke 23:42) And Jesus said to him, "Truly, I say to you. Today, you'll be with me in paradise."  (Luke 23:43) Both were guilty and couldn’t save themselves, but they had equal opportunities to be saved—the one on the right reached out in faith while the one on the left didn’t. Both wanted to be saved, but one had a saving faith: he repented and confessed Jesus publicly. Jesus saw something good and forgave him. Place of Hope ON THAT NIGHT, many people lost hope. They had thought that Jesus would take back the Kingdom of Israel from the Romans and give it to them, but they were far from the truth. It was his darkest hour—Jesus was at the brunt of everything, but he turned on the light and forgave their sins. To some, forgiveness had become a forgotten virtue. But Jesus reminded them why it was so important to forgive. At the cross, forgiveness played out in a very humbling way—it gave them hope, and humanity had the chance to live again. Has anyone offended you? God wants you to forgive. Let go, let God. BRINGING IT TOGETHER AT THE CROSS, the man on the right found his way home. He knew that Jesus could love and forgive, and he asked for it. There is no bliss in anxiety, no delight in persisting challenges. The way to take the stress out of the distress is to trust Him with your life. Life is short. Eternity is long! The Cross of Christ is the way home. It's time to choose how you want your story to end.

IF WE DO THINGS THE WAY the world does, we have missed our way. God wants us to do things differently. We are born on earth, ‘but we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.’ (Philippians 3:20) We live in the world, but we are not of the world. Even as we are heavenly-minded, God wants us to be earthly useful. We mustn’t be overly impressed by power and influence and miss our way. Our leaders must continue to tell the truth to power. We are called to live lives of salt and light. (Matthew 5:13-14) The Narrative CRUCIFIXION WAS DRAWING CLOSE when Jesus shared deep things with his disciples. (John 16:1-4) A time will come when people will kill you and think they’re doing God a service, he said. Paul warned us too. He knew things would be confusing—he shared how to live a godly life in a corrupt world. Follow my Example HE INVITES ALL BELIEVERS to imitate him, and the lives of others like him. (Philippians 3) Paul’s example includes his teachings, way of life, purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions and sufferings. (2 Timothy 3:10) And God left us an incredible legacy. He gave us the heroes of faith. (Hebrews 11:4-39) We also have heroes in our lives—like godly parents and others who show us how to live a holy life. We can follow their patterns and lifestyles, admire them but not idolize them. Anyone you're going to be close to, you must choose carefully. Don’t be so naïve—there’s another saying you know well—Bad company corrupts good habits. (1 Corinthians 15:33) Salt can do nothing except it comes out of the shaker Know this Reality SOME PEOPLE take other paths and choose other goals. Paul calls them ‘the enemies of the cross.’ He describes their end being destruction, god is their appetite, they glory in their shame, and they set their heart on earthly things. (Philippians 3:19) We are to live with them but not like them. And God wants us to share the gospel of Christ with them. Our Citizenship WE ARE SPECIAL because our citizenship is of heaven. But it comes with responsibility. Our expression is to make Jesus Christ known and live this life with the anticipation of his return. We must not buy into the global system to the extent that we are heavenly useless. What does God want you to do? He desires that you’re rooted in Him, and you lay your treasures in heaven. Stay firmly planted—be unshakable—do many good works in the name of God and know that all your labour is not for nothing when it is for God. (1 Corinthians 15:58) BRINGING IT TOGETHER IF GOD WANTED YOU OUT OF HERE, he would have taken you to heaven. You’re the salt of the earth. But salt can do nothing except it comes out of the shaker. You cannot touch lives except you interact with people. Jesus rescued you from sin that you may reach out to others. The light in you was made to shine.

WE SEEK THE COMMON THREAD that binds us together. Many of our associations are built on shared beliefs. We thrive on changing people's minds and live trying to persuade others. Jesus came to change the mind of humanity about God. He went around building bridges and not walls. 'For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility.' (Ephesians 2:14) The Narrative PEOPLE WERE DRAWN to him because he had the word of life. They never heard anyone teach like Jesus. (Mark 1:22) As he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, the people pressed around him to listen to the word of God. There were two boats by the lake, and the fishermen just left them to scrub their nets. Jesus got into Simon's boat. He told him to put out a little from the shore. But when he was done speaking, he turned to Simon and said, "Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." (Luke 5:4) His command was precise. His words were prescriptive and descriptive. Change your thinking JESUS WANTED PETER to change his thinking. He planned to bring him into the fold. Anytime God gives you a command, he is trying to help you align your thoughts to His. And as a man thinks in his heart, so he is. (Proverbs 23:7) "Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless, at Your word, I will let down the net," Peter replied. (Luke 5:5) Failure is temporary HIS RESPONSE showed how he saw Jesus. And where he was, wasn't him. Failure has a way of making people come up with excuses, but no one has ever excused themselves to success. Excuses feel good, but you have to stop making them. Peter had been listening to Jesus. He knew that Jesus had authority. His response was emotional. The failure stood between him and the future. Although it planted a flag of reality, Peter knew that the words of Jesus weren't ordinary. Speak with the voice of faith WHEN HE RESPONDED TO JESUS in the affirmative, he spoke with the voice of faith. He aligned to the plan and purpose of God, and the heavens opened over him. If you want the heavens to open, you must obey God's word. You must speak with the voice of faith. Life is ever great when you decide to live under the authority of God's words. And all these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the LORD your God.. (Deuteronomy 28:2-12) Catch the Revelation PETER CAST THE NET. They caught many fishes and had to call the other fishermen to assist. They filled both boats with their catch. When he saw what happened, he fell at the feet of Jesus. He said, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!" (Luke 5:8) The miracle swept him off his feet—he caught the revelation of worship. BRINGING IT TOGETHER PETER HEEDED THE WORDS OF JESUS. He got the chance to rewrite his story. He went to where he has never been. His experience redefined his impossibilities. It's time to take your personal narrative to where God wants it. He cares about where you've been and much more where you should be. Have a great week.

GENUINE CHARACTER is modelled in us when we see it in others. We look for people to emulate—and whenever they fall, we are disappointed. We must recall that the bible never gives us pictures of perfect people, but imperfect men and women made perfect by God. What comes to mind when you think of David? If you describe him as the champion of Israel, you have done well. But Saul hated him. While Saul looked at him with jealous eyes, David worked out his concerns—just like him, we must face our doubts and fears. He had the right attitude; he turned his challenges into stepping-stones—and we can learn from his life lessons on leadership. The Narrative SAUL ORDERED JONATHAN and his servants to find David. David possessed what many chased after—he had a family, and he had God. When David ran to Adullam's cave, his father's house went there, and four hundred men joined themselves to him. (1 Samuel 22:1-2) What are you becoming? TO HIM, success wasn't about what he had achieved but what he was becoming. He was mindful of everything he did. David did not disrespect the king. Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the Lord. (Leviticus 19:32) Do you love your enemy? WE LIVE in a world where everyone teaches you to love yourself, and no one teaches you how to love your neighbour—but the scriptures tell you how. (Luke 10:25-27) When Saul was in his most vulnerable state, David spared his life. (1 Samuel 24:19) He loved his enemy—he was relational—and relational skills are the most important abilities in leadership – John Maxwell. Without good relationships, people miss out on life. What are your convictions? HE UNDERSTOOD that life was much more than tweaking things; it’s about convictions and priorities. He knew that to change people's minds, he needed to have convictions. And he said, "I have set the Lord always before me, and because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved." (Psalm 16:8) What is your priority? ONE OF HIS PRIORITIES was treating others well. When he went after the Amalekites, who took their families captive and returned, some of his men said those who didn't go shouldn't get any of the spoil, but David disagreed. And he told them to share everything equally. (1 Samuel 30:23) Where is your focus? LIFE SHOULDN’T BE about what you've acquired but how much you give. The focus must go from you to others—good leaders never seek anything for themselves but the welfare of others. He had no time to gloat over his triumphs. He loved his people. Where is your heart? IN CRISIS, people search for the truth. When he saw the Amalekite, he wanted to know what happened to Saul. And when the Amalekite told him that he killed Saul, David knew it was a lie. The Amalekite wanted to cash in on the situation—and curry his favour, but David saw his heart. (2 Samuel 1:1-11) If you love Christ, you'll not rejoice over your enemy's death—it's not Christ's way. (Proverbs 24:17-18) He couldn't imagine how someone will celebrate at such a time. He wept openly. Are you self-serving or humble? GOD TOLD HIM to go to Hebron, where they ordained him, king. When he went to Jabesh-Gilead, he did not Lord things over them. David told them that he was made king in Judah. Jesus once taught his disciples how to lead. He warned them not to be like kings with high authority who ruled over their subjects like tyrants. The greatest among you will lead like one called to be a servant. (Matthew 20:25-27) David led as one who came to serve. BRINGING IT TOGETHER DAVID'S LIFE was a miracle of courage, tenacity and focus. And this is the life that you must live, that you bring God's touch to all you do—after all, your values come from Him.

WHO HASN'T BEEN TOUCHED by someone seeking God to do something in life or praying for a miracle? The woman with the issue of blood went everywhere seeking a cure but found none—and when she touched Jesus' garment, she was made whole. (Mark 5:25-34) The man at the Pool of Bethesda, with no one to put him in the water laid there for thirty-eight years—and when Jesus saw him, he told him to carry his mat and walk. (John 5:1-8) We are all seeking God to bless us and change our situation—and not fail. The Narrative ABRAM SEEMED to be doing great when God called him, but God had a better plan for his life. God told him to leave his relatives and father's home for a land that he will show him. After years of waiting, God said to Abram that he's his shield and exceeding great reward. And Abram replied, "What could you possibly give to me that would make much difference in my life?" (Genesis 15:2) Abram was seeking God for a child. God took him outside to show him the stars—your descendants will be as many as the stars—and God cut a covenant with him. Focus is Vital FAITH MOVES to fear when our focus shifts from God to our situation. Abram was trying to move his family to listen to God, but he lost his wife along the way—she couldn't wait any longer. Why haven't we had a child? Are we going to have any? Why can't you have my maid instead? Sarai's eyes were set on having a child through her maid, so she suggested it to her husband. This arrangement wasn't unique to Sarai because the ancient eastern customs approved it, but God frowned at it. Abraham slept with Hagar, and as soon as she conceived, her attitude changed. She became arrogant towards Sarai, but Sarai wouldn't have any of it. One thing that the earth cannot bear is when a maidservant displaces her mistress. (Proverbs 30:23) Waiting is Inevitable THIRTEEN YEARS after the birth of Hagar's child, God appears to Abram reassuring him of the promise he made to him. God changed his name to Abraham and said to him, "For your part in the covenant, you and your descendants must keep my commandment to all generations." (Genesis 17:19) The wonderful thing about us is that God knows what we need to persuade us – Charles Swindoll. God's pause in his life was a divine setback to give Abraham an understanding of covenant. Abraham could see his life in the rear-view mirror. He understood where he went wrong. Like someone said, "Life is lived in forward but understood in reverse." God was building into him an attitude of trust—those who know your name trust in you. For you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. (Psalm 9:10) The wait taught him what real strength is. He left God's presence with a closeness that he had never known. What is the wait teaching you? Know that You are not in Charge WHEN YOU wait for something, it's an indication that you're not in control. When you dedicate your life to Christ, you give Him the wheel. You're no longer your own; the precious blood of Jesus has purchased you. (1 Corinthians 6:20) To please Him, Jesus must become your motive and your message—in Him, you live and move and have your being. (Acts 17:28) Are you in business or God's activity? When you think the world is terrible, it may just be your world that's terrible. If it's God's business, do it according to the scriptures. Abraham discovered that he wasn't in control and left everything to God. When God told him that he would have a child, he found faith in the shadow of a doubt. Focus on the Promise HE FOCUSSED on the promise—the fear was removed and replaced with the conviction that he who has promised will do it. The promise became his long-term goal and trusting God to keep the pledge became his short-term aspiration. Someone said, "People do not want the truth; they want hope." But you cannot have one without the other. God told him the truth—Abraham will have to keep all the commandment of the Lord. He also gave him hope by giving him the promise. BRINGING IT TOGETHER ABRAHAM's STORY teaches us how not to fail God. And if any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (James 1:5) Like Abraham, you start from the wonder-list—and when you know Him, you can present your checklist. Have a great week.

THE MEASURE of a man or woman is not in what they accomplish but how they deal with their challenges. They have insight—they see things differently, and the ability to see what many cannot see puts them ahead. The Narrative THE SLAVE MASTERS subjected the children of Israel to labour beyond exhaustion, and Pharaoh commanded the midwives, Shirprah and Puah, to kill any male child born to them. But the midwives respected God more than the king and did not carry out his command. Under their care, many Hebrew women had more children—and God blessed the midwives. As a result, Pharaoh made a decree that all newly born Hebrew sons be thrown into the Nile. (Exodus 1:1-20) Love of a Mother DURING this challenging time, a Levite couple had a son. When they saw that he was healthy and beautiful, they feared for his safety. They had seen things change before their eyes, and their son's life was in their hands. The couple needed strength and determination to do what was necessary to save him. They hoped for a good outcome. They hid him for three months. When Moses' mum couldn't hide him anymore, she made a basket of papyrus and placed the boy in it. Then, she put the basket among the reeds along River Nile. They had done everything humanly possible to save him—and they gave him to God to keep. The sister, Miriam, stood afar and watched what might happen to him—imagine how she felt knowing that he might be killed. Do you have a situation where you have done everything possible, and nothing seems to happen? Lay it at the feet of Jesus. Favour beyond reproach PHARAOH's DAUGHTER came to have a bath, and the ark caught her attention. When she saw the baby, she had compassion on him. Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favour as with a shield . (Psalm 5:12) She knew he was a Hebrew child, yet she favoured him. Miriam ran to her, asking if she needed a nanny. She consented, and Miriam left to fetch the son's mother. "Take this child and nurse him for me. I'll pay you," said Pharaoh's daughter. (Exodus 2:9) The powers of the day wanted him dead, but providence intervened. The proof of God is when you feel abandoned, someone shows up to lend you a hand. Do you feel alone? Help is on the way. God, who made it happen for Moses' mom, will make it happen for you. The powers of the day wanted him dead, but providence intervened It's no secret that we are doing less than we ought to. If you're going to succeed in this life, do not let your desires in Christ take the backseat. Do not settle for less than you're capable of achieving. When you face dire situations, submit your panic and anxiety to hope and live out your faith. And knowing who you are and what you're capable of will go a long way. You must also allow your faith to shape your thoughts and prayers, and they will help you face the unknown. And never forget that it will take a little to move a mountain when God is in it. BRINGING IT TOGETHER MOSES' PARENTS knew that people do not surmount difficult times by unbelief but resilience and faith in God. When life throws you a curveball, you must put out your best effort because you cannot sneak on success; you must own it. Happy Mother's Day.

WE LIVE in a time when most people are experientially rich and relationally poor—we know everyone slightly and no one deeply. We desire to give our children the experiences we never had—in the process, we expose them—and their lives are simple till they are not. We forget that the rules of many things are always shifting, and everyone is looking for a lasting relationship. But if things are not working, what can we do? The Narrative I DO NOT want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and the sea. They all ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. (1 Corinthians 10:1-5) God wanted them to be His people, but they murmured and complained—they desired evil. They did not know that grumbling and the absence of praise is the beginning of darkness. THE CHILDREN of Israel allowed their emotions to take the lead—and they put their lives in jeopardy. Today, we live in a reactionary culture where we choose what makes us happy. However, it's easy to say that they didn't choose carefully but isn't this what we do? We undermine ourselves—some shop for bathing suits more carefully than they do for husbands and end up with an unintended outcome. WHAT IF I told you that you'd believed a lie for so long—when we tell people to follow their hearts, forgetting that their inherent feelings influence their decisions. If you love to eat out and do it often, you are following your heart. When you rather sit on the couch than exercise, you're following your heart, and you're basing your decision on your feelings. The gullible believe anything they are told, but clever people know to question every step. (Proverbs 14:15) THE HEART is the seat of our emotions, the ruling centre of our lives, and we are to guard it with all diligence because out of it flows the issues of life. (Proverbs 4:23) Jeremiah says—the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately sick; who can understand it? (Jeremiah 17:9) The sick heart is the un-regenerated one. David cried out—create in me a clean heart and renew the right spirit in me. (Psalm 51:10) Until you allow God's Word to go from your head to your heart, it wouldn't be beneficial to you—to progress; you have to believe the Word of God with your heart. (Romans 10:10) They couldn't appreciate God's blessings because their testimonies remained in their heads and did not go to their hearts. THEY HATED how things were moving slowly and forgot that God delivered them from Pharaoh. They reacted like the world. But Romans 12:2 says, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Do not pattern your life to what the world wants. The Word of God and His ways are counter-cultural and counter-intuitive to the ways of the world. Jesus told his disciples that if anyone will come after Him, he must deny himself, take up their cross and follow Him. And whosever wants to save his life will have to give it away. (Matthew 16:24-26) BRINGING IT TOGETHER HAVE YOUR EMOTIONS ever led you astray? To progress, it's never wise to go back to the past simply for its own sake. The past sometimes shows us how to live and sometimes, how not to live – C. S. Lewis. And if you do not learn from history mistakes, you are bound to repeat them.