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GOD MAKES PEOPLE because he likes stories, says a Rabbi. And each story in the bible provides us with many lessons that drive home profound truths. The Narrative AT A TIME in Israel, things were out of hand. They had an old high priest, called Eli, who had two sons. The sons were worthless men; they had no understanding of God and their priestly duties. They treated God's offerings with contempt. But other people loved the Lord. Elkanah and his two wives came to Shiloh yearly to worship and sacrifice to the Lord. (1 Samuel 1) Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none. And Hannah cried to God for a child. She made a vow—that if God gave her a son, she would give him to the Lord. When she had the boy, she named him Samuel—and took him to the high priest to serve the Lord. (1 Samuel 1:24-28) The Visitation IN THOSE DAYS, the country was asleep. The word of the Lord was scarce, and very few received visions. (1 Samuel 3:1) One day, Samuel was resting in his quarters when he heard his name. He ran to Eli, saying, "Here I am." "I did not call you. Go back and lie down," replied Eli. When Samuel heard his name a second time, he ran to Eli again. And Eli told him to go back and sleep. But when Samuel heard his name a third time and ran to his master, Eli perceived that it was God. He knew from experience. So, he told him that if he heard his name again, he should say, "Speak Lord, your servant is listening." Eli was telling Samuel to be attentive. God broke His silence to speak to Samuel. It was a first and an intimate moment. Previously, God had sent a man to Eli to warn him about his sons, but he did nothing to stop them. Eli honoured his sons above God. He was a very privileged man, but his sons were reprobates—they laid with women at the door of the temple. Samuel knew nothing about what was happening, but God spoke to him. He told Samuel that he was cutting off Eli's family and that no sacrifice can atone for their sins. (1 Samuel 3:11-14) All God wants from you is to act on His word The Confrontation SAMUEL WOKE UP early the following morning and went about his duties, but he dreaded having to tell Eli the vision. When Eli summoned him—he asked Samuel what the Lord said. And Samuel told him everything—word for word. What a place to find oneself? Samuel had to tell his mentor the awful thing that was about to happen to him. It's always challenging to confront someone in opposition. However, it will help if you correct such a person in humility. (2 Timothy 2:25) The Mistakes THE PRIEST was preoccupied with his job. He neglected his sons, and his no-time pattern became a lifelong regret. His family disintegrated. They saw their dad in the priestly garment. They saw him burn incense and minister to the people, yet, their skepticism and cynicism increased, and they defied the laws of God. Everything they needed to know was in plain sight, but they paid no attention. BRINGING IT TOGETHER ELI DID NOT RESPOND to people's reproof about his sons. He ate out of the meat his sons brought home—he rationalized the wrong and became a part of it. For those with young children, do not preoccupy yourselves with an occupation that will keep you away from them—spend time with them. Knowledge will puff you up, but action will humble you. All God wants from you is to act.

THE SCHOOL YEAR ended not the way many imagined it—at home. With the pandemic, in-person activities have become impossible, and many schools are putting together virtual graduation ceremonies. Whenever there’s a crisis, there’s a frenzy. Wherever there's an outbreak, there's confinement—and our abode has become our safe place. These are difficult times, but we must not make them the worst of times. The Narrative AFTER FORTY DAYS of uncertainty, David delivered Israel out of the Philistine's hands—and everyone was pleased. Then, the king drafted David into his service, and Jonathan made a covenant with him. As they returned from the war, the people were so excited. They came out in numbers singing and dancing with their tambourines. 'Saul has slain his thousands, and David, his tens of thousands' was their song. (1 Samuel 18:7) This song irritated Saul, and he went after David. (1 Samuel 18:8) They had dipped their feet in the friendship pool, but they were not going to swim. Things you cannot change DAVID LOVED the king, but Saul hated him—who can stand jealousy? (Proverbs 27:4) All he tried to do was fit in, but Saul thought he wanted to take his place. When David stepped out to fight Goliath, God gave him the chance to change the plight of Israel. However, when Saul came after him, there was nothing he could do to change the king's mind. Do not stop living HE ACCEPTED his plight, looked unto God and did not stop living. Likewise, your life may change, but you must not sit and sulk. When the children of Israel were in Babylon, God told them to build houses, plant gardens and eat their produce. He told them to marry and have children and pray for the land where they lived. (Jer. 29:5-7) He told them to keep living. Hard times may well be the plight of the righteous—they may often be overwhelmed—but God rescues them from what oppresses them. (Psalm 34:19) God will save you from whatever is threatening you. God will never leave you in the lurch Do not feel alone? THERE WERE TIMES that David felt abandoned and alone, but he never stopped trusting God. He was at a low point when he said, "How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?" And he ended his prayer, saying, "But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation." (Psalm 13:1;5) As a believer, its possible to reach a point where you feel God has abandoned you—but God never leaves his own in the lurch. You're a creature of meaning DAVID UNDERSTOOD that he was a creature of meaning. He woke up every morning, knowing that he was on God's mind. He was touched by this privilege and asked, "What is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you visit him?" (Psalm 8:4) When you realize that God loves you, your relationship with Him takes a new turn. Open the door EVERYTHING he did was deliberate and purposeful. David began his day spending time in God's presence. He never stopped worshipping God—Your steadfast love is better than life, and my lips will give You all my praise. (Psalm 63:3) He understood that God had an agenda for his life. And God has one for you too. God has prepared a table before you in the presence of your enemies. (Psalm 23:5) And God will make your life-threatening situations seem like a non-event. BRINGING IT TOGETHER THINGS THAT DEFINED David were fleeting when he ran from Saul, but they were not him. God will make you go through situations that will deepen your relationship with Him. Like David, make sure that you come out better skilled than you went in.

MOST TIMES, we look so good from a distance—well dressed and well behaved, but what happens when people come close to us? On social media, everyone looks perfect—and so, we want to have what our friends have without wanting to know how they acquired them. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. (1 Timothy 6:6-7) The Narrative WHEN A PHARISEE invited him to dinner, Jesus was quick to accept. The following day, he spoke against the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. And someone in the crowd interrupted him. “Master, you should tell my older brother that he has to divide the family inheritance and give me my fair share!” (Luke 12:13) It wasn’t arbitrary for someone to ask a rabbi to intervene in such a dispute. But Jesus said to him, “My friend, you can’t expect me to help you with this. It’s not my business to settle arguments between you and your brother—that’s yours to settle.” (Luke 12:14) Relationship is Vital THE MAN was likely the younger of two brothers. He wasn’t asking Jesus to be an arbitrator but to take sides with him. He wanted Jesus to put pressure on his brother, but Jesus wanted him to restore his relationship with his brother. Behold, how good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! (Psalm 133:1) Be on Guard JESUS WARNED THE MAN against greed and told him that life does not consist in the abundance of possessions. (Luke 12:15) Then, Jesus told him a parable. A wealthy man owned some land that produced a bumper harvest. “I have a problem. I do not know where to store my crops,” the rich fool said to himself. I know! I’ll tear down my small barns and build even bigger ones, and then I’ll have plenty of storage space for my grain and all my other goods. Then I’ll be able to say to myself, “‘I have it made! I can relax and take it easy for years! So, I’ll just sit back, eat, drink, and have a good time!’” (Luke 12:16-19) Being content makes poor men rich; discontentment makes rich men poor - Benjamin Franklin. Be A Steward THE RICH FOOL did not realize that he was a steward to God. Jesus called him the fool because he did not acknowledge God in his achievement, and his success became meaningless. Kenneth Bailey said, “In biblical thought, we are stewards of all our possessions and are responsible to God what we do with them.” What are you doing with your possessions? Do you thank God for all you achieve? Ananias and Sapphira failed to acknowledge that they were accountable to God for what they owned, and they lost their lives. (Acts 5:1-11) God owns Everything THE PSALMIST says, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” (Psalm 24:1) The rich fool felt that he was set up for life and kept saying, my crop, my barn. He was self-indulgent and wasn’t rich towards God. As a result, God took his life. But the writer of Ecclesiastes had a good understanding of his source. He said, “A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This, too, I see, is from the hand of God.” (Ecclesiastes 2:24) We must understand that in God we live, we move and have our being. (Acts 17:28) And never stop thanking Him for all that we achieve. BRINGING IT TOGETHER IN EVERY SITUATION, God will do what is right—the young man wanted Jesus to use His influence on the brother, but he didn’t. Until you understand the Cross, you cannot understand why your commitments to what is right must precede what you prefer.

THERE ARE THINGS in life that keep us in permanent wakes—they echo our past and emphasize the present. They tell us what we have done well—and where we have done poorly, we become afraid. In the 1930s, many Americans faced a grim existence—family savings were gone, and no one could deny the dark realities of the day. "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself," said Franklin Roosevelt. While he noted the difficult days ahead, he promised to return the courage the people reposed in him. He understood that what they were going through was deeper than they could imagine. He also reminded them that the hard days would be worth the cost if they learnt something. The question is, what are you learning today? What are these difficult times teaching you? Tell the Truth IF YOU'RE IN LEADERSHIP, you must learn to steer the people in the direction to go and tell them the truth. God delights in honest people—and lying lips are disgusting to Him. (Proverbs 12:22) When the Ammonites and Moabites came against Judah, Jehoshaphat called for a fast. And all the people stood before the Lord. (2 Chronicles 20:13) Roosevelt's inaugural speech reflected his concern for the future. However, he asked the Lord to protect them and guide him in the days to come. News is Important IT'S SELFISH to suppress the news. When leaders do this, they erode their credibility. Learn to speak to people's experience and show empathy. It pulls everyone together. When people realize that their leader cares about their well being, they are delighted. "We must learn to regard people less in the light of what they do or omit to do, and more in the light of what they suffer" – Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Dignity is vital EVERYONE'S dignity matters to God. When leaders give people direction, they lighten their burden. Extending assistance to someone in need makes you human. Franklin Roosevelt read the mood of the people when he dedicated the nation to the policy of the good neighbour—where the neighbour respects himself and the rights of others. When people brought a woman accused of adultery to Jesus, they continued to demand for an answer. And he said, "All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!" (John 8:7) When they heard this, each one of them left. And Jesus told her to go and sin no more—every life matter to Him. Sacrifice for others EVERYONE IN JUDAH gave up their food to fast. They trusted God for a great outcome. (2 Chronicles 20:13) Have you given up your food lately? Roosevelt told his fellow Americans that their true destiny is not to be ministered to but to treat themselves to their fellow men. He taught them how to give up certain things to keep others safe. The Good Samaritan gave up his money and time to save a stranger. (Luke 10:25-37) And Jesus gave his life to save the world. (John 3:16) Give Hope THE DAY after the people of Judah met with the Lord, Jehoshaphat said to them, "Believe in the Lord your God, and you shall be established. Believe in his servants, the prophets, and you shall prosper." (2 Chronicles 20:20) He gave them hope. BRINGING IT TOGETHER IF YOU'RE worried, you are not alone. David said, "Why are you so downcast oh my soul? Put your hope in God." (Psalm 42:5) To be strengthened, you have to look inwards. And if you're going to be saved, you must look upwards.

THERE WILL ALWAYS be needs in our lives to meet—this is who we are, and this is where we are. Our needs come from various sources. THERE ARE NEEDS that we create ourselves, especially when we make bad decisions. When the prodigal son collected his inheritance and left home, he ended up in the hog pen—and created a need that he could not meet. He had to return home to ask for forgiveness. "Father, I have done a terrible wrong in God's sight and in your sight too. I have forfeited any right to be treated as your son." (Luke 15:11-32) OTHER PEOPLE create genuine needs in our lives. When Joseph's siblings sold him into slavery, they created uncertainties—and exposed him to a difficult life. But everywhere he went, Joseph continued to give his best. There was something about his understanding of God that made him live in a certain way—and this led to his recognition. (Genesis 41:41-46) THERE ARE NEEDS that God creates in our lives. When God said to Satan, "Have you thought about my servant Job? No one in the world is like him! He is a man of integrity: He is decent, he fears God, and he stays away from evil," he made Job vulnerable. (Job 1:8) And Job had to go where he hadn't been to have a better understanding of God. Sometimes, God causes his children to face challenges to reveal their hearts. Adversity does not build character; it reveals it. THERE ARE NEEDS you inherit from your childhood. Someone may have talked you down, bullied or berated you—and handed emotions over to you. Adversity does not build character; it reveals it You may have suffered one form of abuse or another and built a coping mechanism to protect yourself. You might deny your situation or refuse to take ownership where you're responsible and project the blame on someone else. You can also continue to lie to please others and comply to avoid conflicts and conform to get accepted, forgetting that conflicts are needed. If you're suffering any of this, pray to God to show you the real cause, help you deal with the pain and heal the hurts. Jabez inherited a name that caused him pain. He came to terms with it and cried out to God. "Please bless me and extend my territory. Let Your hand be with me and guard me from harm, so I will not experience pain as my mother did." (1 Chronicle 4:10) God granted his request. UNCERTAINTY surrounds every need—and when the demand grows, it triggers anxiety. But worry is a sign of unbelief, and it's a sin. What do you do? "Don't be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life, then God's wonderful peace that transcends human understanding will make the answers known to you through Jesus Christ." (Philippians 4:6-7) Knowing how your thoughts pattern your life is empowering. Paul teaches us how to train our minds employing a series of attitudes: Keep your thoughts continually fixed on authentic and real truths—the truth in God's Word. Honourable and admirable—do the dignified and noble refusing the ignoble. Beautiful and respectful—morally lovely. Pure and holy—celebrate clean thoughts and build a mindset that encourages it. Merciful and kind. Fasten your thoughts on these glorious works of God. (Philippians 4:8-9) BRINGING IT TOGETHER HOW WILL YOU KNOW HOW to author your life without experiencing the good, the bad and the ugly. Your situation may not be perfect, but you'll have peace when you walk with God. And anything you do not have today; you will be wealthy of it tomorrow.

ENTHUSIASM is the bedrock of happiness—it's the fuel that empowers the believer, and without it, nothing extraordinary happens. Enthusiasm gives you the desire to face each day and gives you hope for tomorrow. However, it's easy to lose enthusiasm when you go through difficult challenges—and people violate you by cruel, hateful behaviour. The Narrative THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL had been in slavery for four hundred years when the Lord sent Moses to deliver them. (Exodus 3) And they left Egypt to navigate a new reality—one that required a sustained enthusiasm. But as they continued their journey, they lost interest in God and walked in rebellion. God was displeased with them. And he said, "None of these ones who have turned their backs on Me will ever see the land." (Numbers 14:23) But how do you sustain enthusiasm? Maintain the Course IF YOU'RE going to keep your enthusiasm, you cannot change lanes—you must stay the course. Don't get off track, either left or right, to make sure you get to where you're going. (Joshua 1:7) Paul gave similar advice to Timothy. He told him to fan to flame the gift of God that's in him. "Stay at your post reading Scripture, giving counsel, teaching. And that special gift of ministry you were given when the leaders of the church laid hands on you and prayed—keep that dusted off and in use," Paul said. (1 Timothy 4:13-14) Timothy, be active! Be Bold GOD HAD NO DOUBT that Joshua desired to please Him, but the times required much more. The time that we live in requires more accountability too. Joshua will have to be keen on the inside and courageous on the outside. He understood that when a leader is fearful, the effect trickles down to the rest of the body. And after spying out Canaan, he believed the Lord's report. (Numbers 14:6-9) God also wants you to keep up your attitude and zeal. When things are challenging—count it all joy. (James 1:2-4) Take Instruction GOD KNEW IT was intimidating for Joshua to step into Moses' shoes, so, he told Joshua what to do. Let the words of the Book of the Law always be on your lips—take instructions from it. Ponder and meditate on it day and night—always keep it in your thoughts. And Joshua, if you do these things, you will never go wrong. (Joshua 1:8) For you to sustain enthusiasm, you must experience God continually and change to His image. The more you read and meditate the word, the more excited you become. But when the things of God become a duty, and there's a loss of excitement, these are signs that you're jaded—and there's danger ahead. Paul warns us not to get too familiar with God. He said, "So, let even the most confident believers remember their examples and be very careful not to fall as some of them did." (1 Corinthians 10:12) BRINGING IT TOGETHER WHILE MANY ISRAELITES yearned for the past and got stuck, Joshua looked to the future. He got into God. Enthusiasm means 'to be in God.' And to stay enthusiastic day after day, you need a daily infilling of the Holy Spirit.