THE EXISTENCE OF GOD

Thursday, October 1, 2015Text: "Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: He calleth them all by names by the greatness of His might, for that. He is strong in power; not one faileth…. Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of His understanding…. "- Isaiah. 40: 26-31.

Comment: Any one who looks into the heavens, especially with the aid of scientific instruments will be astonished at the number of stars that hang out there “upon nothing”. One would then better appreciate why David stated, “When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?” (Psalm 8:3, 4) According to a philosopher, George Berkeley (1685-1753) "We may even assert that the existence of God is far more evidently perceived than the existence of man; because the effects of Nature are infinitely more numerous and considerable than those ascribed to human agents."

Also, C. H. Spurgeon was quite right when he wrote: "He who looks at the sunrise, and the sunset and does not see the footprints of God, must be inwardly blinder than a mole, and only fit to live underground. God seems to talk to me in every primrose and daisy, to smile upon me from every star, to whisper to me in every breath of morning air, and to call aloud to me in every storm. It is strange that so many educated gentlemen see God nowhere…. Thus it is very clear that a man may be a great hand at learning and yet be ignorant, very ignorant." We shall continue to draw inspiration from the words of David under inspiration, thus, “By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth… Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.” -Psalm 33:6-9.

Friday, October 2, 2015Text: “And the LORD said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have shewed among them?” - Numbers 14:11.

Comment: Except for Joshua and Caleb, the other spies who went secretly to see the land of Canaan reported back that though the land was very fertile, the inhabitants were too strong for them. This raised panic in the camp and they decided to return to Egypt! They showed therefore that despite all the wonders they had seen they still did not have faith in God. For such show of open rebellion, God Almighty said He will destroy them. But after the pleading of Moses, the punishment was modified to be that all the people who were 20 years and above would not reach the promised land. The duration of their stay in the wilderness would be 40 years, after the number of days they spent searching the land. And their route was changed to a longer one. “And the LORD said, I have pardoned according to thy word: But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD. Because all those men which have seen my

glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice; Surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked me see it: But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it.” (Numbers 14:20-24. See also verses 28-33). The men who brought the false report were killed by a plague, only Joshua and Caleb lived. (Numbers 14:34-38) God does not tolerate faithlessness among the people to whom He had shown His favour. See Hebrews 6:4-6.

Saturday, October 3, 2015Texts: “God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us.” - Acts 17:24-27.

Comment: When St. Paul arrived Athens from a very fruitful, though contentious trip to Thessalonica, he was much disturbed that the people were given to idolatry. He therefore debated with them wherever people gathered - in the synagogue, in the market, and so on. His preaching caught the attention of the philosophers, who found to be totally strange, his doctrine of belief in one God, Who alone ought to worshipped through His son Jesus Christ. When he was brought before their Supreme Court, the Areopagus, (the Latin form of Mar's Hill) he told them, “For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.” He went on to say that God Almighty, the Creator of the universe, does not dwell in temples and does not need sacrifices of food or drinks “seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things”. He urged them to discard their vain imaginations of what God looked like. He told them that “as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.” - Acts 17:22-29.

People should now repent and serve their Creator, for, “the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.: - Acts 17:30, 31.

Sunday, October 4, 2015Text: “The God of the Hebrews hath met with us: let us go, we pray thee, three days' journey into the desert, and sacrifice unto the LORD our God; lest he fall upon us with pestilence, or with the sword. And the king of Egypt said unto them, Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let

the people from their works? get you unto your burdens. And Pharaoh said, Behold, the people of the land now are many, and ye make them rest from their burdens.” - Exodus 5:3-5.

Comment: Pharaoh did not want the children of Israel to go because he wanted them to remain as source of cheap labour for his numerous projects. Requests for him to release the Jews even moved him to punish the people the more. After several plagues for which the magicians of Egypt confessed that “This is the finger of God” (Exodus 8:19), there came the last straw, the death of the first born, “from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle”. As a result “there was a great cry in Egypt; for there was not a house where there was not one dead”. This calamity was too much for Pharaoh and the Egyptians and he had to call Moses telling him that they were free to go, adding “and bless me also”. The Egyptians themselves “were urgent upon the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste; for they said, We be all dead men.” - Exodus 12:29-33.

The songs of praise rendered by the children of Israel after the famous crossing of the Red Sea, has an eternal significance acclaiming the majesty and power of God Almighty and His faithfulness in delivering His people from the devil's oppressive hands, to wit, “I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea. The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him. The LORD is a man of war: the LORD is his name.” - Exodus 15:1-3.

Monday, October 5, 2015Text: "Let them be confounded and troubled for ever; yea, let them be put to shame, and perish; that men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth."- Psalm 83: 17, 18.

Comment: Those who deny God's existence and who are paying no heed to the saving gospel of Jesus Christ, will soon be compelled by the force of circumstances in this last day - the atomic age - to acknowledge not only the truth of His existence but also His supremacy. They shall find themselves in a spiritual storm when Jehovah the Almighty God will visit the iniquities of men upon them. Whether they believe it or not, those who oppose God and His people will come to naught. “Do unto them as unto the Midianites; as to Sisera, as to Jabin, at the brook of Kison: Which perished at Endor: they became as dung for the earth. Make their nobles like Oreb, and like Zeeb: yea, all their princes as Zebah, and as Zalmunna: Who said, Let us take to ourselves the houses of God in possession.” (Psalm 83:9-12) The fact is that there are those who are ignorant of the existence of God, having fallen into the snare of the devil and having been spiritually captured by him at his will. St. Paul stated, “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." (2 Corinthians 4: 3, 4) We pray that such ones who are of goodwill will realise themselves sooner and come to God before it is too late. “For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted.” (Isaiah 60:12) The Bible also

warns, “For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted.” - Isaiah 60:12.Tuesday, October 6, 2015Texts: “Understand, ye brutish among the people: and ye fools, when will ye be wise? He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see? He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not he correct? he that teacheth man knowledge, shall not he know? The LORD knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity.” - Psalm 94:8-11.

Comment: While those who promote the doctrine of “unbelief” have always ended up in disgrace, the praise of God continues unabated among people of goodwill. The American astronaut, Colonel John Glenn, the first American to orbit the earth, and the oldest person ever to go into space when he rode aboard the space shuttle Discovery in late 1998, was the more convinced of his belief in God's existence after his space-travel, and wrote of “the orderliness of the whole universe around us”. He asked: “Could this just have happened? Was it an accident that a collection of solid masses of material, like our sun, stars, the planets, etc, suddenly started making these orbits of its own accord? I cannot believe that. This was a definite plan. This is one big thing that shows me there is a God. Some Power puts all this into orbit and keeps it there.”

There were skeptics in the time of Apostle Paul. Concerning them he wrote, “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?” (1 Corinthians 1:18-21) In the revelations given to St. John, the angels are reported to have extolled God Almighty thus, “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” “…Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? …for all nations shall come and worship before thee…” - Revelation 4:11;15:3, 4.

Wednesday, October 7, 2015Text: “Let his heart be changed from man's, and let a beast's heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him. This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men. - Daniel 4:16,17.

Comment: One of the interesting incidents during the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar, was the dream in which the command in the text for today was given and its fulfillment . He was no doubt humbled by the “signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward” him. According to the letter which he wrote to all people in His kingdom, he had a fearful dream for which reason he invited magicians, soothsayers and astrologers, but they could not tell him the meaning, until Daniel came and interpreted it.

Daniel told the king that he was the tree of great height shown in the dream. “It is thou, O king, that art grown and become strong: for thy greatness is grown, and reacheth unto heaven, and thy dominion to the end of the earth. And whereas the king saw a watcher and an holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it; yet leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, …till seven times pass over him.” - Daniel 4:22, 23.Regarding the fact that a watcher came from heaven “saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it; yet leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass”, Daniel said, “This is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the most High, which is come upon my lord the king: That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.” - Daniel 4:24, 25.

PRECEPTS FROM OUR LORD CHRISTThursday October 8, 2015Text: “Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands? He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” - Mark 7:5-7.Comment: Over time, the Pharisees, and the scribes had evolved traditions which they placed even higher than the law of God in importance. These included diligent and frequent washing of hands, plates, cups and tables. - Mark 7:4.

Having observed that the disciples ate without washing their hands, the Pharisees found fault, eliciting the response from our Lord. He made them to understand that ritual should not replace or take the place of righteousness – which means right relationship with God and right relationship with men in terms of social behaviour. The truth is that godliness is more than mere formally correct behaviour as many who scrupulously observed the ceremonial aspects of the law were still far from God because of their evil heart condition. The Pharisees also loved to display their piety by enlarging the borders of their garments, making long prayers and so on, hence Christ declared, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity”. - Matthew 23:27, 28.

Christians should also be careful by not placing traditions of men and making them to be on equal terms with the law of God, if not higher. There are many people today who merely attend services, make themselves visible in Church activities but whose lifestyle or conduct is the opposite of Christianity. In other words, they are hypocrites. Christ said, “For I say unto you,

That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” -Matthew 5:20.

Friday October 9, 2015Text: “And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.” - Mark 12:29-31..

Comment: The Jews were God's convenant people. They were founded to be an example of right conduct among the nations. It was through the natural Jews that spiritual light and salvation came to mankind. (Exodus 19:4-6; Amos 3:2; John 4:20-24) But for many years people in different parts of the world did not know the true God, but “walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience”. (Ephesians 2:2) Gross darkness covered the earth. (Isaiah 60:2) Though generally people knew of the existence of a supreme being, they still worshipped several gods whom they believed were intermediaries or agents for God Almighty. Our Lord Jesus Christ came to free people from spiritual prison and to make them know of the clear divide between God and the devil. As some writers have said, he planted the roots of universal monotheism by extending to all nations the moral jurisdiction of God Almighty. Our Lord Jesus Christ during his earthly ministry taught people and practically demonstrated the power, the purposes and the love of God for mankind - that He is the One that should be worshipped. Worshippers of God should not compromise their faith in that one cannot serve God and the devil at the same time. “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” - Matthew 6:24.

Saturday October 10, 2015Text: “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.” - Matthew 5:13.

Comment: In the beatitudes, our Lord Jesus Christ gave what would pass for a manual on Christian conduct, to all believers and gave expression to the prophecy that he came to “magnify the law, and make it honourable”. Truly, the law was, as St. Paul said, a school master to lead us to Christ, who, when he comes all should pay heed to. (Isaiah 42:21; Galatians 3:24,25; Deuteronomy 18:15) Salt was important in the old covenant in regard to meat offerings as every sacrifice was to be offered with salt. (Leviticus 2:13) Just as the salt preserves and gives flavour to food, so true Christians preserve godliness and high moral standards in the world, thereby making the relations among men to be a pleasant one. (Verse 13) The way we talk to one another should, as it were, be seasoned with salt, that is, be courteous and edifying. (Colossians 4:6) But if Christians fail to live up to the moral demands of their faith, then they are only fit to be trodden under foot and destroyed. Compare 2 Peter 2:20-22; Hebrews 6:4-6.

Christians should be of meek character, that is, they should, because of the fear of God, be humble, ready to associate with those of low estate, be contrite in spirit, teachable, easy to entreat, and be ready to share what they have, whether of knowledge or of temporal goods, knowing that God provides for us to support His work and help others. He taught us that those who want to enter the Kingdom of God should do things out of a pure heart, not like the hypocrites who pretended to be godly but were full of greed, pride, wickedness. A disciple of Christ should be a peace-maker, one who works to unite people, not one who fans the embers of disunity and strife, turning people against one another. By his preachments and way of life, the Christian should be a shining example to others, a vehicle for spreading right conduct among people. Our Saviour admonished, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” - Matthew 5:16

Sunday October 11, 2015Text: “And Jesus departed from thence, and came nigh unto the sea of Galilee; and went up into a mountain, and sat down there. And great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus' feet; and he healed them: Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel.” - Matthew 15:29-31. Comment: Our Lord Jesus Christ came primarily to preach the gospel. But as King of God's Kingdom through whom man would be restored to perfection, he could not but carry out works of mercy to show in a small way what God would use him to do in greater measure in God's Kingdom fully established. In prophecy it had already been stated that “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows...” (Isaiah 53:4) The account of St. Matthew shows that there was no kind of disability that he did not give permanent cure to, once the person had the faith to be healed. By his numerous works of mercy, he made it clear that God Almighty was not responsible for the deformities or afflictions the people suffered; that these were at the instance of the devil. He also showed that God Almighty was now calling His people to come to Him to be saved. Apart from those who were sick, Christ gave a sense of belonging to the rejects of society, the social outcasts. God is no respecter of persons. He welcomes and hears the petitions of anyone who has faith in Him. - John 9:31; Acts 10:34,35.We should hold on to Jesus Christ who though he was rich, yet for our sakes he became poor, that we through his poverty might be rich. (2 Corinthians 8:9) He himself enjoined all people of goodwill who are in need of salvation to wit, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” - Matthew 11:28-30.

Monday October 12, 2015Text: “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” - John 15:19.

Comment: Before his death, our Saviour charged the apostles to be strong and forward-looking and not allow themselves to be weakened or confused by the opposition from the ungodly. Their hostility should be expected since the Christians are on the side of God Almighty and Jesus Christ and are not following the world to break the laws of God and obey the traditions of men. The church is of necessity in the world but the world must not be in the Church. - 1 John 4:5; John 3:19-21.

It is by keeping oneself unspotted from the world (James 1:27), that one can prove he is a true disciple of Christ. Apostle John warns us thus, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” - 1 John 2:15-17;2 Corinthians 6:17-18.

Since the wheat and tares must grow together until the time of the harvest, the Christian must live together “with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters” or else he has to “go out of the world”. (1 Corinthians 5:9-10) The Christian attitude is that the believer should not compromise his faith or conform to the world to please the world. Rather, the person on the side of truth must condemn and expose evil in every shape or form, even though the wicked will not like him for so doing. - Ephesians 5:11; Romans 12:1,2.

Tuesday October 13, 2015Text: “, “And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.” - Luke 21:34.

Comment: Our Master Jesus Christ taught us to be hard working, prudent, sensible and far-sighted. Even at the age of 12, he was found "sitting in the midst of the doctors both hearing them and asking them questions”. And when Mary complained that they had been looking for him for three day, he said: "How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?" (Luke 2: 42-49) We also recall that there was a time his disciples were begging him to eat, he told them, "My meat is to do the will of Him (the Father) that sent me, and to finish His work." - John 4: 34.

The parable of the prodigal son teaches us the importance of thrift, of spending what we have wisely so that we would not fall into hard times tomorrow. The parable says the young man used up his money with harlots, “and wasted his substance with riotous living”. However when he had spent all, “there arose a mighty famine in that land: and he began to be in want”. It was with shame he had to go back to his father, offering to be employed as one of the servants. Truly, the seed that fell among thorns “are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection”. - Luke 8:14.

We should avoid waste. Let us recall that after feeding over 5000 people with five loaves and two small fishes, Christ directed his disciples to “Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost” What they gathered filled twelve baskets...” (John 6:12,13

Wednesday October 14, 2015Text: “Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.” - Matthew 17:19, 20.

Comment: Faith is the first condition for receiving divine favours. Faith involves acknowledging the existence and power of God Almighty and the supreme worth of the divine order he had established through His word. When a certain man besought Christ to heal his son who was possessed by a demon since his disciples could not do so, our Saviour rebuked the apostles for their faithlessness, meaning that if they had faith, they would have been able to cure him. He then said to the man “If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” Immediately the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” Seeing his faith, he commanded the spirit to leave the boy. And this was exactly what happened. - Mark 9:19-29.

Ironically, one of the places where Jesus Christ faced rejection was in Nazareth, among his own people, where he grew up. This was because of their lack of faith. Though the people were astonished at his wisdom, they still belittled him because they knew him from childhood. The people asked, “Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things? And they were offended in him.” They were the losers because of their lack of faith. Jesus said, “A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house. And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.” (Matthew 13:53-58) It is said that familiarity breeds contempt, but not to the spiritually discerning in that the stone which the builders rejected turned out to be the head of the corner. (Acts 4:10-12) Also, it would be wise for us to follow the example of the apostles who prayed, “Lord, Increase our faith”. - Luke 17:5.

Thursday October 15, 2015Text: “In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.” - Luke 12:1, 2.

Comment: Christ enjoins us to avoid the self-advertized piety of the Pharisees, in that they do all their works to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, (pieces of parchment containing portions of the law); they enlarge the borders of their garments, “love the

uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi”, (that is, master, teacher) (Matthew 23:5-8) The religious preach “the strait and narrow way to others but walk in the broad way themselves”. The borders of their garments which they enlarge is a hypocritical application of the commandment that the Hebrews should make a ribband of blue at the fringes of their garments to remind them of the law. - Numbers 15:38,39.

One clear example of the hypocritical attitude of the scribes and Pharisees was when they brought to our Lord Jesus Christ a woman taken in adultery. Jesus Christ knew they were merely looking for an excuse “that they might have to accuse him”. But he told them, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” But because they were all guilty, they left, after which Christ told her “go, and sin no more”. (John 8:1-11) Whereas the law is that both the man and the woman caught in adultery should be punished, the leaders of the Jews brought only the woman, apparently because they themselves were in the habit. (Leviticus 20:10; Deuteronomy 22:22) Their wickedness is therefore evident. No wonder Jesus Christ stated, “...The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.” - Matthew 23:2, 3.

Friday October 16, 2015Text: “Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” - John 4:22.

Comment: Though many people go to great expenses in travelling to Jerusalem for prayers, believing that it is a holy land, our Lord Jesus Christ in his conversation with the woman of Samaria had long settled the dispute by declaring that locations are no longer important. The woman said “Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. But Jesus said to her “Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.” He added, “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him...” (John 4:21-24) St. Paul throws more light on this when he says, “For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.” (Galatians 4:25, 26) The true worshippers are those who have the spirit of God as could be seen in their character, which comes about through the belief and practice of the truth. (Galatians 5:22, 23; Romans 8:5,9) It is not the place one worships or the magnificence of the structure that matters but the quality of the worship. Hence our Saviour asked us to pray for the spirit of God so as to have the qualities that would enable us serve Him acceptably. He stated, “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” - Luke 11:13.

Saturday October 17, 2015

Text: “And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.” - Mark 12:43, 44.

Comment: From this incident, our Lord makes us to understand that what matters with God is not the size of the donation but the amount of love and self-sacrifice it represents. While the rich were putting bigger amounts into the offertory box, the woman put in a very small amount. – “two mites, which make a farthing”, or “two farthings, which make a half-penny”. - Mark 12:41, 42, Twentieth Century New Testament.

Jesus then told his disciples that the value of the amount put in by the poor widow was higher in the sight of God than all that had been put in by the rich people, because she showed great faith: she did not give a part of what she had but all she had. The faith shown by the widow is a reminder of the faith of the woman of Zarephath who gave Elijah the prophet the only food she had at home, which she was preparing for herself and her son, on the basis of the promise that the food would not finish. She believed the word of the Lord and the promise fulfilled on her, in that they all had more than enough to eat until the hunger in the land ended. (1 Kings 17:11-16) The Christians at Corinth were commended by St. Paul for their liberality, for, “in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality”. (2 Corinthians 8:2) Apostle James declares that God has chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, (that is, the meek) to be the heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him, by His grace. - James 2:5.

Sunday October 18, 2015Text: “And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” - Luke 19:9, 10.

Comment: As Jesus was passing through Jericho, Zaccheus, who apparently, had been longing to see Jesus, was determined not to miss this opportunity that offered itself, as the Saviour passed by. He therefore climbed a sycomore tree to see him. Being directed by the spirit of God, Jesus asked him to make haste, and come down, saying that he would be his guest that day. This brought no small joy to Zaccheus. But considering the attitude of the Jews to publicans, the uproar this offer by Jesus Christ to stay with Zaccheus would create among the Jews could only be imagined. “And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.” That Zaccheus was a man of goodwill who was misled by circumstances into living a fraudulent life, could be seen from his voluntary offer to give half of his goods to the poor and to refund four-fold anything he had taken from another by false accusation. (Luke 19:8) The ways of God are not the ways of men. It is not for human beings to judge who can or should serve God. He is willing to forgive the sinner who is sincerely repentant and grant such one salvation.

Zacheus was a social outcast because of the nature of his job. He had amassed wealth by means which his conscience now told him was wrong. Jesus observing his faith ignored local prejudices to visit his house. “Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die?, saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?” says God Almighty in Ezekiel 18:23.

Monday October 19, 2015Text: “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” - Romans 12:18, 19.

Comment: Jesus Christ enjoined us to practise tolerance, described as “the fine art of getting along with others without compromising moral principle”. God Almighty is tolerant towards men, hence David the King says He is, “full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth”. (Psalm 86:15) It is this attribute of tolerance that gives room for sinners to repent of their evil deeds so as to be forgiven. (Romans 2:4; Ecclesiastes 8:11-13; Acts 17:30,31; etc.) It is the example of tolerance set by God Almighty that Jesus Christ in his famous Sermon on the Mount, enjoined us to emulate. He taught us to avoid violence as much as possible, even if people want to provoke us to a fight. We should even suffer wrongs quietly, not following the old law of “an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth”. (Matthew 5:38-41) He also said we should do good to them that hate us and use us despitefully, “That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and the unjust.” (Matthew 5:43-48) Doing good to those who persecute us is evidence of the understanding that it is the devil who is misleading such ones and that they would change once they realize their faults. We should not pray for evil to befall those who are opposed to us in faith, but to keep praying for them and showing kindness to them “if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth”. - 2 Timothy 2:25.

Tuesday October 20, 2015Text: “Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet. Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee? Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was? So there was a division among the people because of him.” - John 7:40-43.

Comment: It is a common experience that some people in society are denied certain rights and privileges for no other reason than the circumstances of their birth or the colour of their skin or other social, political or economic reasons. The messiahship of our Lord Jesus Christ was disputed by some of the Jews, especially their leaders because he grew up in Galilee. For instance, during a celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles in which our Lord Jesus Christ attended and preached to the people, a number of them were convinced that he was the Christ. But some strengthened their unbelief and weakened the faith of others by contending that no prophet had ever come from Galilee and that the prophets, instead pointed to

Bethlehem as the place he would come from. (They did not even know that the prophecy that Christ would come from Bethlehem had already fulfilled!)- Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:6.

Again, the Chief Priests and Pharisees told Nicodemus “Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look: for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet.” (John 7:45-53) The low regard for Galilee was earlier highlighted by two men of goodwill who became his disciples - Philip and Nathaniel. When Philip told Nathaniel that they had found the One who was prophesied of by Moses, (John 1:44,45) Nathaniel retorted “Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?” Christians should not despise maltreat or isolate anyone for we are all created in God's image and likeness. A society can only be great when all her talents are put to full use. Apostle Peter, who was compelled by a vision from God not to be prejudiced against anyone declared. “Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.” - Acts 10:34, 35.

NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GODThis statement was made by the Angel Gabriel in the course of breaking the news to Mary that her cousin Elisabeth had also conceived a son in her old age and that the pregnancy was then six months old. He then added “… For with God nothing shall be impossible”. (Luke 1:37) In other words, God could bring to pass or do what human beings think is not possible. Though people had written off Elizabeth as barren, she would still bear a child by the power of God with Whom all things are possible. It is from this statement of the angel that this theme has been chosen.

Wednesday October 21, 2015Text: “Zacharias said to the angel, "How can I be sure of this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years." - Luke 1:18 World English Bible

Comment: While Zacharias the priest was performing his duties in the temple, an angel appeared to him telling him that his prayers had been heard and informing him that he would have a son. Using human considerations to judge the word of the angel, Zacharias doubted the promise given him, since they were well advanced in age. Every word of God is pure , says the Psalmist. They should be believed without our looking for signs and wonders . We walk by faith not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7) The angel had to give him some detail of his high office and prerogatives. He told him that he would not be able to speak for a while until the child was born. This was a warning to others worshipper of God not to doubt the word God. The word of God says, “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.” - Proverbs 30:5.True to the word of the angel, when Zacharias ended his officiation, his wife Elisabeth conceived, and later gave birth to a son. (Luke 1:24) This miracle brought great rejoicing to her neighbours and her cousins and they glorified God Who had shewed great mercy upon her. When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, the people called him Zacharias, after the name of his father. But his mother said he would be called John. When they asked his

father, he wrote the same name on a table . While they were still wondering in amazement, “his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God. And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea”. - Luke 1:58-65.

Thursday October 22, 2015Text: “Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:.” -Jeremiah 32:17.

Comment: There is no circumstance in which God Almighty cannot save us from. Indeed He is the God of salvation. (Psalm 68:20) God Himself asserted: “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” - Jeremiah 32:27.

It would be recalled that in revealing himself to Abraham, God told him “…I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.” (Genesis 17:1) Because He is Almighty, He is able to bring His promises to fulfillment. He is therefore worthy of being trusted. God declared through Isaiah the prophet, “Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.” - Isaiah 46:9-11.Right from time of old, God Almighty had been demonstrating that with Him all things are possible. These are written to teach us vital lessons on faith, patience, obedience and other qualities that God requires from His worshippers. St. Paul stated: “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” - Romans 15:4. See also 1 Corinthians 10:6, 11.

Friday October 23, 2015Text: “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?” - Numbers 23:19.

Comment: Sarah, the wife of Abraham had been written off by people as barren. But she conceived when she was already 90 years of age. Much earlier, God had promised Abraham that he will have a child. “And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.” Abraham believed firmly in the promise of God to him and it was counted to him for righteousness. - Genesis 15:5, 6.

The leader of the three angels who were on a mission to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, speaking on behalf of God Almighty, told Abraham, “I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son”. The promise sounded so unrealistic that Sarah, not knowing who was speaking laughed from behind the tent, because she was “old

and well stricken in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women”. The angel said to Abraham “Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old? Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.” (Genesis 18:9-14) As the angel promised, so it was. Sarah became pregnant and bare Abraham a son when he was 100 years old “at the set time of which God had spoken to him.” (Genesis 21:1-3) Truly, God is unlike man, what he had said, He will do; what He has promised He will certainly make it good.

Saturday October 24, 2015Text: “And, behold, the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir. And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.” - Genesis 15:4-6.

Comment: There was a day God appeared to Abraham (then called Abram) in a vision and told him “Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward”. He then raised the issue of his wife's barrenness saying, “Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus?” (Genesis 15:1-3) To reassure him of His promise that he would have a son who would be his heir, God asked him to behold the stars, saying that his children would be as innumerable as the stars. St. Paul recounting the importance of what happened in those days stated that Abraham had firm belief in the power of God Almighty, “who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were” for which reason he “against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken”. He added, “And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.”

In the letter to the Hebrew Christians St. Paul also stated, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” - Hebrews 11:6.

Sunday October 25, 2015Text: “Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.” - Hebrews 11: 11, 12.

Comment: The faith, patience, steadfastness shown by Abraham and Sarah are examples we should copy. From the explanation in the text above, it is clear that though Sarah expressed surprise and even laughed when she overheard the angel telling Abraham that his wife will have a son, her faith was strengthened when she realized they were angels. We should also

have strong faith in the Lord's promises that what He has promised He also would be able to perform. St. Paul, stating that the belief in what God had promised was counted to Abraham for righteousness added, “Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.” - Romans 4:17-25.

Couples who are yet to have children are exhorted to draw inspiration from the examples of Sarah and Elizabeth who stayed with their husbands and remained steadfast in the service of God without running from pillar to post looking for miracle workers, witch doctors and visionaries until it pleased God to bless them with children by the grace of God. The Bible says: “He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children.” – Psalm 113:9. See also: 68:6.

Monday October 26, 2015Text: “And Moses said, The people, among whom I am, are six hundred thousand footmen; and thou hast said, I will give them flesh, that they may eat a whole month. Shall the flocks and the herds be slain for them, to suffice them? or shall all the fish of the sea be gathered together for them, to suffice them?” - Numbers 11:21, 22.

Comment: While the children of Israel where travelling from Egypt to Canaan, they cried bitterly for meat to eat. Moses was grieved because of their impatience and faithlessness and complained about them to God saying, “Whence should I have flesh to give unto all this people? for they weep unto me, saying, Give us flesh, that we may eat …” (Numbers 11:13, 14) But God, with Whom all things are possible declared that though they were in the wilderness, they will have more than enough of meat to eat. “Ye shall not eat one day, nor two days, nor five days, neither ten days, nor twenty days; But even a whole month, until it come out at your nostrils, and it be loathsome unto you: because that ye have despised the LORD which is among you, and have wept before him, saying, Why came we forth out of Egypt?” – Numbers 11:19, 20. In asking questions about how the multitude could be provided with meat in the wilderness, Moses was speaking as a human being. But God told him, “Is the LORD'S hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not.” - Numbers 11:21-23.

We should believe the promises of God Almighty and not worry about how He would bring them to pass. We should commit our causes to Him Who “doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number”. (Job 5:8, 9) What happened was that God Almighty Who owns all the riches of the earth, caused a wind that brought quails from the sea close to the camp, about two cubits (two feet) above the ground. And the people gathered as much as they wanted in that there was more than enough for everybody. But God punished them later for their blasphemous words and faithlessness. – Numbers 11:33,34.

Tuesday October 27, 2015Text: “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” - Luke 18:27; See also Matthew 19:26

Comment: Our Lord demonstrated this statement when he brought back to life, Lazarus who had been buried four days earlier. When Martha saw Jesus Christ, she said that her brother would not have died if he were around. Howbeit, she showed faith in the power of God through Christ saying “But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.” When Jesus told her that her brother shall rise again she thought he was referring to the resurrection in the last day. But Christ told her, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.” (John 11:21- 26) So unrealistic did the idea of bringing back to life of Lazarus seem that when Jesus Christ asked them where they had laid him and ordered them to remove the stone covering the cave, Martha reminded him that Lazarus had been in the grave for four days. It was then Jesus told her, “Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?” (John 11:40) Jesus then proceeded to make a short prayer to God Almighty, after which he shouted “Lazarus, come forth”. “And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.” (John 11:44) This miracle done by Jesus Christ by the power of God Almighty convinced many people that he was indeed the Messiah the son of the Almighty God. As Jesus Christ told his disciples , “With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” - Matthew 10:27.

Wednesday October 28, 2015Text: “Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?” - Daniel 3:15.

Comment: We should always have strong unwavering faith in the word of God. Whatever He says, He will surely do them. When Nebuchadnezzar insisted that the three faithful Jews must bow before his golden image the king asked them impudently, “and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?” He felt that he had the last word on every matter in his kingdom, including the power of life and death. But when the king's men bound the three Jews hands and feet and threw them into the fiery furnace, the fire did not hurt them in any way, as it is written, “Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonied, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king. He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.” (Daniel 3:24, 25) The fourth man among them, was no doubt an angel who had materialized among them. It was Nebuchadnezzar himself who ordered them to come out of the fire and made a decree “That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their

houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort.” - Daniel 3:29

Thursday October 29, 2015Text: Then Elisha said, Hear ye the word of the LORD; Thus saith the LORD, To morrow about this time shall a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria. Then a lord on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God, and said, Behold, if the LORD would make windows in heaven, might this thing be? And he said, Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof.” - 2 Kings 7:1, 2.Comment: We should recall the case of the lord on whose hand the king leaned who openly disputed the word of God from the prophet Elijah, as narrated in the text for today. There was great hunger in the land because they had been besieged by the Syrians and no one could come in or go out. Elijah openly declared that within 24 hours there would be abundant food in the land. Thinking that the abundant food would come about through the natural process of planting and harvesting, which of course depended on adequate rain and sunshine, a lord on whose hand the king leaned openly doubted the man of God as in the text for today. He thereby undermined people's faith in the words spoken.

Elijah then told him “Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof.” The word of the Lord through Elijah fulfilled to the letter in that the Syrian army heard the noise like that of an approaching army and fled, abandoning their provisions. But the man who Elijah told will see it with his eyes but shall not eat therefore died while trying to keep order at the gate was trampled upon by the multitude and died. - 2 Kings 7:17-20. He saw the prophecy fulfilled but he did not partake of the bounty.

Scripture says: “…Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.” - 2 Chronicles 20:20.

Friday October 30, 2015Text: “Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.” - John 20:25.

Comment :The Bible reference for today contains the statement of Thomas, that he would not believe that Christ had risen except he saw the marks on his body. But there had been a number of such reports by credible witnesses to warrant belief. In most of these appearances our Lord gave his disciples the opportunity of confirming that he is the risen Christ. He spoke with them, and they touched him, and he ate bread with them. - Luke 24:39, 42, 43; John 20:27; 21:12, 13. However, eight days after his resurrection, while the doors were still shut, Christ entered the room and later told Thomas “Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.” It was then Thomas answered and said unto him, “My Lord and my God.”. Jesus then admonished him thus, “Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” - John 20:26-29.

There are many people today who reason as Thomas did. They want to see signs and wonders first before they believe in the power of God. But St. Paul says we walk by faith and not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7) Therefore whatever may be our problems we should believe that God will solve them for us in His time according to His will. We should not doubt. Faithlessness is a big hindrance to prayer. Apostle James enjoins the believer to make his requests with faith, “nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord”. - James 1:5-7.

Saturday October 31, 2015Text: “Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” - Matthew 21:21, 22.

Comment: When we have problems and believe in God He will solve them for us in His time. Some may have various plans for self-improvement, they may want to carry out certain projects in the work of God. Because of the resources required, they may look impossible but with steadiness, determination, patience, trust in God they will be realised if such are according to the will of God. As St. Paul said God is able “to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,” – Ephesians 3:20.

Many need to go to school, find work, get married, get cured, get children, solve problems in their marriages, get deliverance, be freed from the hands of demons, witches and wizards, etc Such ones should draw inspiration from the word of God, knowing that although the devil has plagued mankind with so many problems, God is able to protect us and save us from the devil's assaults. St. Peter stated: “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. - 1 Peter 5:6-9.

THE CHEQUERED LIFE OF KING DAVIDThe name David means Beloved. He was the youngest son of Jesse, of the tribe of Judah. He has been described as one of the most remarkable men in either sacred or secular history.

In his early life he was distinguished by his faith in God and his skill as a musician and soon was brought to the King's court early in life as a musician and then as a soldier. His unswerving faith in God Almighty throughout his career, including his killing of the giant, Goliath, and the resultant hostility of Saul towards him, are highlighted in these pages. We have a lot to learn

from the Patriarch David, about whom God Almighty declared, “… I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will”. - Acts 13:22.

Sunday, November 1, 2015Text: “And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.” - 1 Samuel 15:22.

Comment: As Saul was being established on the throne, so he grew in ungodliness; he became self-willed, arrogant, and materialistic. God had given him a clear command to destroy the Amalekites, sparing neither man nor beast. But Saul spared Agag, their king and allowed the people to take a lot of spoil, on the ground that they were for sacrifice to the Lord. That was why God sent his servant to tell him that the law to destroy everything could not be circumvented by the excuse of sacrifice. He added that “rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry”. (1 Samuel 15:23) Moreover, Samuel told him that God had rejected him from being king.

That was not the first time Saul had disobeyed. Earlier, he had provoked God Almighty by making sacrifices himself instead of waiting for seven days as he was told. The waiting period was a test of his obedience, but he failed woefully, in that he bowed to fear and the protestations of the people. A leader must keep the instructions of God and not listen to people, most of whom, in times of danger, are moved by emotion rather than faith and reason. The fear of man leads to danger. (Proverbs 29:25) Consequent upon his presumptuous conduct, Samuel the prophet told him, “…Thou hast done foolishly … But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee.” (1 Samuel 13:13, 14) It could be seen that because of his disobedience Saul lost the throne and above all, the favour of God.

Monday, November 2, 2015Text: “But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” - 1 Samuel 16:7.

Comment: After Saul had fallen from the favour of God through his persistent disobedience, God instructed Samuel the prophet to fill his horn with holy oil to anoint one of the sons of Jesse the Bethlehemite as the new king of Israel. When Samuel saw the build and carriage of the first son, Eliab, he said, “Surely the LORD's anointed is before him”. This elicited the statement in today's text in which God told Samuel that He does not judge people's suitability for offices based on their physical appearance but their heart condition. It happened that all the sons of Jesse passed before Samuel but none of them was chosen. David, the youngest son who

was not invited by the father because he felt he could not be a candidate for that position, was the one who was eventually anointed.

Truly, the ways of God are not the ways of men. (Isaiah 55:8, 9) He searches the heart. (Jeremiah 17:10) It should be recalled that despite the captivating physical features of Absalom, he was a crafty, greedy, selfish and godless person. The Bible says “But in all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom for his beauty: from the sole of his foot even to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him.” (2 Samuel 14:25; 15-18) As Bible students know, he almost overthrew his father from the throne and had even gone to war with the mind of killing his father, if possible.This is a stern warning to people of God not to rate people by their seeming pleasant manners or appearance but on spiritual considerations. God takes pleasure in them that fear him, in them that hope in his mercy. (2 Corinthians 10:7, 10; Psalm 147:10, 11) Our Saviour said, “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.” - John 7:24.

Tuesday, November 3, 2015Text: “And Saul's servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee. Let our lord now command thy servants, which are before thee, to seek out a man, who is a cunning player on an harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well.” - 1 Samuel 16:15, 16.

Comment: When one forsakes God, the spirit of God will leave the person and the spirit of the devil will come in and dwell in the person. That God allowed the evil spirit to take control of Saul was therefore a direct consequence of his disobedience. Azariah the prophet told King Asa “…The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.” - 2 Chronicles 15:1, 2.

Following the advice of his aides, Saul directed them to look for a man that can play well on an instrument to calm what some writers have called his “fits of morbid melancholy”.As God would have it, David was identified as the one who met the required criteria. “Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD is with him.” (1 Samuel 16:18) This was the means by which David came to be a regular feature in the King's court. That Saul acknowledged that he had developed spiritual problems should have made him to go to the next step of repenting of his sins and seeking the face of God so as to be restored to health. But he did none of that. Rather he sank more and more into ungodliness. The Bible says, “A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.” - Proverbs 17:10. See also Isaiah 26:10

Wednesday November 4, 2015Text: “And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine. David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee..” - 1 Samuel 17:32, 37.

Comment: One of the stories in the Bible that illustrate the power of faith is the story of David and Goliath. The Philistines, said to be the ancestors of the Palestinians of today, brought out a giant, called Goliath. Lacking any iota of reverence for God he spoke derisively against God Almighty and cursed the people of Israel by their gods. When David, who had been sent by his father to see to the welfare of his brothers heard the boasts and blasphemies of this proud giant, he could not stand it. The spirit of God moved him to determine to fight the giant. He had no doubt in his mind what the outcome would be. Desperate to win the battle, Saul had promised to give his daughter in marriage to anyone who could face the giant and defeat him - to make his father's house free in Israel, besides other gifts. David then exhorted the people not to panic but to have faith in God Almighty. Despite his confidence, Saul felt David was embarking on a suicide mission, and advised him not to attempt to confront Goliath, who had been a soldier from youth. David had to relate to him some of the wonderful exploits he had accomplished by the power of God, one in which he killed a lion, another when he killed a bear and how God had delivered him. “David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine.” When Saul heard these he declared, “Go, and the LORD be with thee.” - 1 Samuel 17:37Evidently, David did not forget the great things God had done for him and through him. These were memories that spurred him on to greater acts of faith by God's grace. David declared “Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” - Psalm 103:1, 2.

Thursday, November 5, 2015Text: “Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give you into our hands.” – 1 Samuel 17:45, 47.

COMMENT: Seeing that David was determined to go and fight Goliath, Saul put on David his armour, - a helmet of brass upon his head, a coat of mail, and gave him his sword. But he found he could not move with such heavy armour and so had to put them off. What then would he use to fight the giant of Gath? David took “his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.” (1 Samuel 17:40) When the Philistine saw David he was surprised and disappointed. Instead of a full grown soldier who would give him a good fight, what the Israelites sent was a youth. “And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves?...” (1 Samuel 17:43) Still overflowing with faith in God David declared that he would kill the giant “that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel”. - 1 Samuel 17:46

It is clear therefore that David was not hoping to conquer Goliath by his might or wisdom but by the power of God. The fight was not a personal quest for glory but to vindicate the name of God

Almighty. We should be ready to defend the name of God whenever the need arises. David wrote in the Psalms, “…For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me. But thou hast saved us from our enemies, and hast put them to shame that hated us. In God we boast all the day long, and praise thy name for ever.” - Psalms 44:4-8.

Friday, November 6, 2015Text: “And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth. So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David.” - 1 Samuel 17:49, 50

COMMENT: Angered by the boast of David that he would give his body to be food to the birds, Goliath moved to finish off David with what he thought would be a simple manoeuvre. Undeterred, David ran to meet him, and with the expertise he had gathered over the years, he “put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it”. By the power of God, the stone, “smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth. So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David.” (1 Samuel 17:49,50) What had happened stunned the Philistines and they panicked and fled. The people of Israel were then encouraged to pursue the Philistines, and chase them even to Ekron and spoiled their tents. It was when Abner, the captain of the army brought the “stripling” to Saul, that he was able to identify him.

St. Paul reflecting on the faith shown by the people of God wrote, “And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.” - Hebrews 11:32-34. See also Psalm; 60:11,12; 108:10-13

Saturday November 7, 2015Text: “He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.” - Luke 1:32, 33.

Comment: In the story of David and Goliath, David stood for Jesus Christ, who was lowly of birth and was not reckoned with by people as the Messiah. The giant Goliath stood for satan the devil. Just like Goliath, the devil defies God, makes a lot of noise and boasts about his great power. He actively opposes God Almighty and His people and uses the fear of death to frighten many into submission. – Job 1:9-11;2:4; 1 Peter 5:8; Hebrews 2:14,15.

The Bible shows clearly that the devil will in due time be reduced to ashes and shall be no more. (Ezekiel 28:19; Isaiah 14:16,17; Matthew 4:1-10; Revelation 16:13,14) The confrontation

between David and Goliath pictures the battle of Armageddon. Before casting his stone against Goliath, David had said: "This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel." (1 Samuel 17: 46) At the battle of the Great Day of God Almighty, “the slain of the LORD shall be at that day from one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth: they shall not be lamented, neither gathered, nor buried; they shall be dung upon the ground.” (Jeremiah 25:33) All the powers and devices of satan, his coat of mail, cannot protect him when Jesus Christ, God's battle axe and weapon of war will give him a fatal bruise in the head and make a speedy riddance of him and his hosts. – Romans 16:20; Revelation 20:1,7-9; Zephaniah 1:14-18.

Sunday, November 8, 2015Text: “And the women answered one another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands. And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom? And Saul eyed David from that day and forward.” - 1 Samuel 18:7-9

COMMENT: Proclamations of joy by women in the aftermath of the great deliverance God had given the Israelites from death, despoliation and slavery, soon turned out to have negative consequences for David. Saul, living true to the description that he was being controlled by the spirit of the devil than of God, was more concerned about the throne than the songs of victory occasioned by the manifestation of God's goodness on His people. (1 Samuel 18:7-9) What had happened should have made him to fear God; it did not. Instead he started planning evil for an innocent young man who had no hand in the songs of the women. Several times he tried to kill David: by casting his javelin at him to pin him to the wall. A number of times he trailed him to the wilderness. Twice, David found Saul in a cave sleeping but refrained from killing him. Despite swearing that he will not pursue him any more, he continued to do so. (1 Samuel 23; 24; 26) He even gave him his daughter Michal, not out of love but as a way of ensnaring him so as to kill him. (1 Samuel 18:17-28) He even instructed his son Jonathan to kill him. But Jonathan turned to be David's ally. At a stage David fled to meet Samuel in Ramah, and Saul sent people to arrest him but they started prophesying like the sons of the prophets. He sent a second and a third set of messengers and the same thing happened until he himself had to go. He also started prophesying, “Wherefore they say, Is Saul also among the prophets?” – 1 Samuel 19:24.

The promise of God is that no weapon formed against His servant shall prosper. (Isaiah 54:17) Though Saul was being used by the devil to trouble Saul with the mind of killing him, yet God Almighty delivered him at every turn of the way. “The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished.” - 2 Peter 2:9.

Monday, November 9, 2015

Text: “And Michal took an image, and laid it in the bed, and put a pillow of goats' hair for his bolster, and covered it with a cloth. And when Saul sent messengers to take David, she said, He is sick.” - 1 Samuel 19:13,14

Comment: When Michal, David's wife got wind of the plot to kill him, she urged him to escape from the house before morning lest he be killed. David had to be let down through a window so as to evade the watchers. Since Saul would not accept the excuse that David was sick, his men were let into the room only to find that it was an image that she had covered in the bed. (1 Samuel 19:10-17) It needs be pointed out that since her father was king, Michal could have pitched in with him for material benefits and even for her safety. The Bible says, “A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband …” (Proverbs 12:4), and that the “heart of her husband doth safely trust in her”, in that she “will do him good and not evil all the days of her life”. (Proverbs 31:11,12) Unfortunately, Michal did not continue to support David in the course of righteousness, as fleshly sentiments crept in later. This showed when the ark was being brought to Jerusalem and David expressed his joy by dancing very energetically. When he came to the house she mocked him saying that he “uncovered himself ... in the eyes of the handmaids of his servants, as one of the vain fellows shamelessly uncovereth himself!”. David was very angry with her, telling her “he will yet be more vile than thus, and will be base in mine own sight: and of the maidservants…” For her base conduct she was isolated and did not have a child for David until death. (2 Samuel 6:20-23) One should be steadfast in the service of God. St. Paul wrote, “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him...” - Hebrews 10:38, 39

Tuesday November 10, 2015Text: “David therefore departed thence, and escaped to the cave Adullam: and when his brethren and all his father's house heard it, they went down thither to him. And every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men.” - 1 Samuel 22:1, 2

COMMENT: It was a measure of the hostility which David faced in the land of Israel that he had to escape to a cave to hide himself. His family members and sundry characters also came to stay with him, some out of faith; others for their own personal reasons. Seeing the way things were going, David had to send his parents to the King of Moab saying, “Let my father and my mother, I pray thee, come forth, and be with you, till I know what God will do for me.” (David was related to the Moabites through his great grandmother, Ruth.) So bent was Saul on eliminating David that on hearing that Ahimelech the high priest, attended to David when he came to him, Saul killed not only Ahimelech and all the people in his father's house, but also 85 priests of the Lord. At a stage David had to flee to Achish, the king of Gath, which belonged to the Philistines. But his officers recognised David as the famous man who killed their champion, Goliath, as a result of which David had to pretend to be a mad man. He acted the part so well that the people believed him and allowed him to leave. (1 Samuel 21-22:1-23) According to the writers of Black's Bible Dictionary “God put David through an arduous educative process of suffering, uncertainty and danger because he found in him an instrument well suited to deliver

his nation from heathen foes and to establish a strong, stable government.” God trains his workmen to have nobility of character by allowing them to meet various trials at the instance of the devil, so that, like Job, they will be examples of “of suffering affliction, and of patience”. (James 5:10) But in the end the people of God will gain victory by his grace. – 1 Corinthians 15:57.

Wednesday November 11, 2015Text: “And he (Jonathan) said unto him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth.” – 1 Samuel 23:17.

Comment: The bond between David and Jonathan the son of King Saul was such that Jonathan loved David as his own soul. (1 Samuel18:1-4; 20:17) This was because Jonathan saw that David was innocent, that the hatred against him was misplaced, that God was with David and that he would certainly become King some day. By acts of humility, faith in God, even at the risk of his life, he openly identified with David, even disclosing to him the evil plans of his father. He is a true example of people of honest minds who in identifying the truth or true servants of God, forsake all carnal considerations, putting the interest of God and His Kingdom above all else. (Matthew 10:37-39; Luke 14:26,27) When he was established in the throne, David went to great lengths to show favour to Saul's house for Jonathan's sake. That was how Ziba the servant of Saul and Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, were granted their father's lands and various privileges. (2 Samuel 9:1-10)

Even when the Gibeonites asked for seven sons of Saul as compensation for blood Saul shed among them, in violation of the oath made to them by the Israelites, the Bible says, “But the king spared Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan the son of Saul, because of the LORD'S oath that was between them, between David and Jonathan the son of Saul. (2 Samuel 21:7) This shows the danger in violating vows made to God. (See Numbers 30:2; Ecclesiastes 5:4,5; Psalm 50:14) Though David and Jonathan were not brothers in the flesh, yet they regarded themselves as brothers and were very honest to one another. That is the type of love and mutual support God wants His children to have among themselves. The Bible says, “Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.” - Leviticus 19:18

Thursday, November 12, 2015Text: “Go, I pray you, prepare yet, and know and see his place where his haunt is, and who hath seen him there: for it is told me that he dealeth very subtilly. See therefore, and take knowledge of all the lurking places where he hideth himself, and come ye again to me with the certainty, and I will go with you: and it shall come to pass, if he be in the land, that I will search him out throughout all the thousands of Judah.” - 1 Samuel 23:22, 23.

COMMENT: Despite Saul's excesses, God still gave him opportunities to know that He is with David and that his self-imposed mission to crush David and all that belonged to him would be futile. For instance, while he was in a cave, in the wilderness of Maon, Saul had David

surrounded but a message came to Saul that the Philistines had invaded the land, for which cause he had to leave. At another time while he was in the wilderness of Engedi, fell asleep in a nearby cave where he went to rest. David had opportunity to kill him but refused to do so. He only cut off his skirt. Again while David was in the wilderness of Ziph, Saul and his men slept off again in a trench closeby. David that night only took Saul's spear, his cruse of water. Nobody saw them “because a deep sleep from the LORD was fallen upon them”. (1 Samuel 23; 24;26:1-25) On both occasions David called out to Saul and his men to let them know that, contrary to what they thought, he harboured no malice against them. The contrast in disposition between Saul and David is therefore very clear. Saul was faithless, was concerned only about being in office and has no qualms resorting to lying and even murder to secure his seat. David trusted in God and His word, believing that His purposes for him would be fulfilled in due time by His grace. (Psalm 27:13,14; 145:18,19) The story also shows how dangerous a wicked leader is to a society. People do fall into sin by readily volunteering information to betray their kin because of benefits and privileges. Scripture says, “For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.” - Isaiah 9:16.

Friday, November 13, 2015Text: “And David said to Abigail, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, which sent thee this day to meet me: And blessed be thy advice, and blessed be thou, which hast kept me this day from coming to shed blood, and from avenging myself with mine own hand.” – 1 Samuel 25:32, 33.

COMMENT: The 25th chapter of the book of Samuel tells the story of David's kindness to the servants of Nabal, a sheep master within the confines of Judea. Nabal slighted David when he asked him for favours for his men. But Abigail, the wife of Nabal intervened quickly to stave off a ghastly situation, thus stressing how a godly wife could help prevent distress from coming on the entire family. Nabal, who owned a large flock had as wife, “a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance”, but “the man was churlish and evil in his doings”. While the servants of Nabal were in the wilderness, David did not use his position as commander of an army to grab any of the sheep or goats for himself and his men. However, knowing that sheep shearing period was feast-time for owners of large herds, David sent people to ask for “whatsoever” support he could get from him for the upkeep of his men. Actually, Nabal “held a feast in his house, like the feast of a king”. (1 Samuel 25:36) However, Nabal insulted David, saying that “there be many servants now a days that break away every man from his master”. (1 Samuel 25:1-11) Some people who are rich forget that it is by the grace of God, they became rich, not just by their own wisdom or power. See Deuteronomy 8:17,18) Those who are better-off than others materially should be liberal and considerate of the poor or of anyone in need. They should support the work of God so that He would protect them and bless them with peace and continued prosperity by His grace. – 1 Timothy 6: 17-19; 1 John 3:17,18.

Saturday November 14, 2015Text: “For in very deed, as the LORD God of Israel liveth, which hath kept me back from hurting thee, except thou hadst hasted and come to meet me, surely there had not been left unto Nabal by the morning light any that pisseth against the wall.” - 1 Samuel 25:34.

Comment: David was so provoked by the ingratitude, pride and rudeness of Nabal that he determined to wipe out his house. The servants of Nabal quickly turned to Abigail telling her that while in the wilderness, the servants of David were very good to them both by night and day. Knowing that time was of the essence, she quickly saddled her asses, and loaded them with various foods, meat, fruits, bottles of wine. She positioned the provisions at the head of the convoy. When she saw David she was effusive in demonstrating in word and deed her faith and humility. She appealed to him to hear her out, blamed her husband for his gross misconduct, expressed the belief that David would one day become king for he fights the battles of the Lord. She also raised a pertinent issue: after he comes to the throne how would it sound for it to be on record that he had, in avenging himself, shed blood needlessly? (1 Samuel 25:13-35) The Bible says that “For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God” (James 1:20) and that “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger”. (Proverbs 15:1) David thanked God for using her to stop him from what he had wanted to do as stated in the text. When Abigail came back to the house, Nabal was drunk. It is dangerous to take too much of wine, as, wine “takes away the heart”, that is, distorts and perverts one's judgement. (Hosea 4:11;Proverbs 23:29-35) For his wicked inclination, God killed Nabal and Abigal became the wife of David, a king-in-waiting.

Sunday November 15, 2015Text: “And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire; And had taken the women captives, that were therein: they slew not any, either great or small, but carried them away, and went on their way. So David and his men came to the city, and, behold, it was burned with fire; and their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, were taken captives. Then David and the people that were with him lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep.” – 1 Samuel 30:1-4.

Comment: To escape from the persistent harassment by King Saul, David had to flee to Achish, the king of Gath, in the land of Philistines. He went with 600 men and his two wives., Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail, who was formerly the wife of Nabal the Carmelite. Achish showed him extensive hospitality, even giving him Ziklag to stay in. (1 Samuel 27) Because everyone in Israel was afraid of Saul, David could not find peace among his own people but in the land of the gentiles. As is bound to happen in cases like this, a tricky situation soon arose when the Philistines were to go to go war with the Israelites and David felt obliged to fight on the side of the Philistines in return for their favours. The lords of the Philistines however, resisted this. This was the saving grace David needed to go back home. Unfortunately, by the time he returned to Ziklag, the Amalekites had invaded the place, looted their belongings and taken his two wives captive. Another angle to the story was that the men with David were so bitter that they even thought of stoning him “but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God”. (verse 6) A leader, and indeed, every honest disciple, sometimes finds himself alone, misunderstood and wrongly accused. This is the devil's work. It is faith in God, coupled with patience, that will see the person through. St. Paul says God comforts those who are cast down. (2 Corinthians 7:6) David

declared, “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.” - Psalm 42:5.

Monday, November 16, 2015Text: “And David recovered all that the Amalekites had carried away: and David rescued his two wives. And there was nothing lacking to them, neither small nor great, neither sons nor daughters, neither spoil, nor any thing that they had taken to them: David recovered all.” - 1 Samuel 30:18, 19.

Comment: Not one to take an affront lying low, David and his men resolved to pursue the Amalekites. Before proceeding to fight however, David first inquired from the Lord. People of God should not lean on their own understanding but should first seek God's direction in whatever they are doing. (Proverbs 3:5-7) God told David through Abiathar the priest, “Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all.” (verse 8) God helps His people to win their battles. David found an Egyptian who after being given some food and water and assurance that his life would be spared, took them to where the Amalekites where. They took them by surprise and routed them, and recovered all that were taken away in addition to taking much spoil. However, because David's men were made up of good and bad characters, some men described as “men of Belial” contended that those who waited behind should not get anything, except their wives and children. But David would have none of this. He laid down a principle that those who were assigned to stay behind to do guard duty should be given a share of the proceeds as those who went to the war. (1 Samuel 30:24, 25) This teaches us that whatever role each person plays for the progress of a mission, an enterprise or in an organisation, whether visible or hidden, he should be rewarded for it. “For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn....” - 1 Corinthians 9:7-9, 13,14.

BUILDING ON THE FOUNDATION

A foundation is defined by The New Websters Dictionary of the English Language as “the solid base either natural or prepared from concrete, etc, on which a building is raised.” The Jews have a custom of building their houses on a rock or other firm foundation - for the purpose, no doubt, of ensuring that it stands the test of time. Jesus Christ is the rock on which the Church is built, he is the sure foundation of the house of God. He who believes in him shall never be disappointed. – See Isaiah 28:16.

Tuesday, November 17, 2015Text: “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” - 1 Corinthians 3:11.

Comment: Because of his faithfulness and pre-eminent position in the work of God the Bible variously describes Jesus Christ as “a precious corner stone, a tried stone, a sure foundation”.

Indeed, without Christ no one can get salvation. (Isaiah 28:16) St. Peter, quoting the prophet David in Psalm 118:22 affirmed that Jesus Christ “is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner”. He added, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:10-12. See also 1 Peter 2:6-8) Jesus Christ provides firm assurance on which people of God can repose their trust and stay their hopes. He will never fail them nor desert or forsake them. He who trusts in Jesus Christ shall never be anxious, or be in haste, fear or in want. Their expectations shall not be frustrated by God's grace. “...Behold, I lay in Sion a stumbling stone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.” - Romans 9:33

Wednesday, November 18, 2015Text: “And the house which I build is great: for great is our God above all gods. But who is able to build him an house, seeing the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain him? who am I then, that I should build him an house, save only to burn sacrifice before him?” - 2 Chronicles 2:5, 6.

Comment: Solomon the King while embarking on the work of building the temple acknowledged that no one can build a house for God Almighty to dwell in, except a place for His people to gather and to worship Him and make sacrifices to him. The Bible shows that the temple of God in the Christian era, or the prophetic house of God, consists not of material things but would be made up of Jesus Christ (the foundation) and his body members, the 144,000 chosen and anointed Christians, who form the "spiritual house" or "temple" of God which is now built and set up in Mount Zion in heaven, the capital of God's Kingdom. (Isaiah 66:1,2; 1 Corinthians 3:9,16,17; Hebrews 3:6) God's visible organisation on earth is made up of the Churches set up by Him through the saints, whose mark is the truth, the word of God preached without adulteration. Jesus Christ, told the people, “…Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up”. (John 2:19) This mighty organisation founded on Jesus Christ shall never be shaken or destroyed.

People of goodwill should therefore serve the Lord with zeal and understanding, as the door is still open for people to enter and work for their salvation by His grace. The Bible says, “Thus saith the LORD of hosts; It shall yet come to pass, that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities: And the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, Let us go speedily to pray before the LORD, and to seek the LORD of hosts: I will go also. Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the LORD.” - Zechariah 8:20-22.

Thursday, November 19, 2015Text: “Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual

drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.” - 1 Corinthians 10:1-4.

Comment: Jesus Christ was the One God Almighty was using to lead the children of Israel from Egypt to the promised land. Concerning him, God Almighty declared, “Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared. Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions: for my name is in him.” (Exodus 23:20, 21) “In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them...” (Isaiah 63:9)

It would be recalled that when St. Peter correctly answered the question as to who he was, Our Lord and Saviour told him, “…And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, (from the Greek Petros, a stone) and upon this rock (from the Greek Petra, a mass of rock) I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:13-18, parentheses ours) Our Lord Jesus Christ here made it clear that he is the rock God has set up for His people Gates and walls were the strength of cities. The “gates of hell” spoken of by Christ signify the power and machinations of satan and his followers which cannot harm us, diminish God's favours on us His sheep or affect our salvation if we remain faithful in His Organisation till the end by His grace. Again, no matter how strong satan may claim to be, He cannot escape the judgement of God, as Christ will destroy him when the time comes. See John 10:27-29; Romans 16:20; Matthew 21:44.

Friday, November 20, 2015Text: “From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?” - John 6:66-70.

Comment: Some people do not respond to the call of God because they do not have the spirit to understand or seek to understand the truth. There was a time many of the Jews who could not bear the truth he preached backslided and “walked no more with him”. Then Christ asked his immediate followers, the 12 disciples “Will ye also go away?” Simon Peter replied emphatically that they would not because he had the words of eternal life. Though several disciples could not stand the test, the apostles and other faithfuls remained and the work went on.Also, some people are not able to respond to the call of God or to continue until the end because of material concerns. For instance, during our Lord's earthly ministry, there was a man who is described in the Bible as having great possessions. He asked Christ what he should do to obtain eternal life, and he told him to keep the commandments. The young man then declared confidently that he had kept them from his youth and wondered what yet he lacked in order to get life. Jesus then said unto him, “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.” When he heard this “he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions”. (Matthew 19:16-22) The Lord

Jesus Christ then warned us on the dangers of materialism. (Matthew 19:23, 24) The Bible says that because of the love of money many have erred from the faith and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. – 1 Timothy 6:10.

Saturday, November 21, 2015Text: “And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.” - Acts 5:38-40.

Comment: The promises of protection and of ultimate victory over the forces of the enemy which God gave to His people was seen in the travails of the early apostles. The apostles were abused, beaten, imprisoned, while some of them were even killed. But the more they were persecuted, the more the work progressed by God's grace. In one instance, the angel of the Lord released the apostles from prison and ordered them to go and preach in the temple. When the Council and Senate met to try them, they were shocked to hear the report of the military officers who said: “The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors but when we had opened, we found no man within.” (Acts 5:12-23). As the religious leaders pondering the matter, word came that “Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.” - verse 25.

Because they wanted to stop them, St. Peter boldly told the Jewish leaders: “We ought to obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29) This enraged the judges, but God saved the apostles through the intervention of Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, who after recounting the instances of failed religious movements admonished them with the words in the text for today.

The fact is that no body can do anything against a worshipper of God unless God allows it and no matter the persecution, the work of God will continue. God declares, “Fury is not in me: who would set the briers and thorns against me in battle? I would go through them, I would burn them together. Or let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me; and he shall make peace with me....” - Isaiah 27:4,5.

Sunday, November 22, 2015Text: “Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings. For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation.” - Isaiah 51:7, 8.

Comment: The devil raises opposition to the children of God through violent afflictions, reproaches and misrepresentations. Our Lord Jesus Christ warned his apostles in advance not to be dissuaded from their chosen course or frightened by the intensity of the persecutions. He stated. “It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?” (Matthew 10:25) It is noteworthy that, in spite of threats from the Sanhedrin, the

apostles “daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ”. - Acts 5:42.

As the apostles turned to the gentiles, spreading the gospel to other parts of the Roman empire, the emperors who were worshipped as divine beings in those days became hostile to the faith and expressed determination to wipe off Christianity which they equated with criminality. Christians who refused to offer sacrifices to pagan deities were crucified or thrown to the lions; for refusing to worship the emperor's statue, many disciples of Christ were banished or put to death and their property seized. But this did not affect the work. In the face of such fierce opposition, so many Christians were prepared to, and did lay down their lives for the cause of righteousness. Hence it is said that “the blood of the martyrs became the seed of the Church”. It is on record that several faithful Christians held to the truth till the end by God's grace. There is great blessing in steadfastness in the Lord's service. The Bible says, “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” - Matthew 24:12, 13.

Monday, November 23, 2015Text: “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!” - Isaiah 52:7.

Comment: The feet of Jesus Christ are the saints. The remaining ones in this age, known as the remnant, are being commissioned and mandated to proclaim the good tidings of salvation to mankind. They stand on the mountains (the kingdoms of this earth) and proclaim the reign of God's crowned King, Jesus Christ the righteous. (Isaiah 52:7) The saints and their helpers are still repeating the clarion call of our Lord Jesus Christ who declared, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” - Matthew 11:28-30.

In the dream of the “great image” by King Nebuchadnezzar, whose dream the prophet Daniel interpreted, God Almighty gives further assurance to His people that, it is only in His established Kingdom that people can find refuge and sure resting places; every other place is mere sinking sand. This Kingdom will know no decay or decline but shall continue to grow as the people of God flee into it. - Matthew 24:15,16

“Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast,” declared the Almighty God through Isaiah the prophet who added, “For, behold, the LORD cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.” - Isaiah 26:20, 21.

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Text: “And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” - Acts 17:10, 11.

Comment: The people of Berea did not just dismiss the teachings of St. Paul, though they sounded strange, but they readily received what was preached and took time to search the Scriptures whether what was preached to them were in accordance with the Scriptures. Because of this attitude which was highly commended by St. Paul “ many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few”. (Acts 17:12) This passage was no doubt written for the benefit of those who truly want to serve God. This is the time God has appointed for His people to seek Him as to be found of Him. After now, the door will be shut, and as it is commonly said, opportunity once lost is never regained. It is dangerous therefore to delay. (Luke 13:6-9; Amos 8: 11,12) The Bible says, “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:21.

It is only by believing and practising the truth, putting one's whole trust in JEHOVAH and Christ Jesus and supporting the Kingdom on earth, spiritually, financially or morally, that one can be saved. (John 8:32,51; Psalm 51:17,18) King Solomon says, “The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” (Proverbs 18:10) The Bible also says, “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” - Isaiah 55:6, 7.

Wednesday, November 25, 2015Text: “And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.” - Luke 14:22-24.

Comment: Our Lord Jesus Christ made this parable to warn all seekers after truth to take the call to salvation seriously lest they lose the great privileges God had kept in store for them. There is no respect of persons with God. The parable speaks of a man who made a feast and sent his servants, to ask those who had been given prior notice, to come. But they shunned the invitation, and gave lame excuses which were expressive of their disregard for the invitation. One said he was going to see to the land he had newly bought, another to prove his oxen, the other said he had married a new wife.Because those invited slighted his invitation and insulted him by neglecting his feast, he directed his servants to go to the streets and lanes of the city, the places where the poor, or common people would be found.. The servant invited all he found in the lanes, and yet there was room. “And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” - Luke 14:23.

The fact is that God is no respecter of persons. Those who fail to make use of the opportunity for life offered them will lose it. (Acts 13:45-47) Those who have been called by God must make the work of God their priority. (Matthew 6:33) They must be diligent in acquiring His knowledge and practising it. St. Peter exhorted, “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.” - 2 Peter 1:10.

Thursday, November 26, 2015Text: “For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.” - Matthew 24:7, 8.

Comment: Today the world is troubled by tumults and upheavals and turbulence, natural disasters, wars, crime, diseases, hunger; air crashes, forest fires, earthquakes, drought, diseases, etc. People's hearts fail them for fear of impending calamity. As Jesus Christ said, the world will be marching into harder and harder times as the last days advance. (Matthew 24:8; Luke 21:25, 26) Apart from the disasters that have been taking their toll on human lives, the vulnerability of human beings and their helplessness in spite of technological advancement have frequently been exposed when these disasters strike.

These incidents are at the instance of the devil who is bent on creating maximum distress among the people knowing that his time to live is short. (1 Peter 5:8,9) The turbulence and distresses in the world are signs that the last days are here, and that people should quickly identify the Lord's established Kingdom and flee into it for safety and protection. Jesus stated: “Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.” - Matthew 24:32,33.

The Bible exhorts, “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.” - 1 Peter 5:6-9.

Friday, November 27, 2015Text: “According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.” - 1 Corinthians 3:10.

Comment: All who place themselves under the protection of God Almighty in His visible Organisation on earth will not fold their hands and do nothing. They must do righteousness and support the Kingdom work willingly, honestly and steadfastly until the end for their blessing and salvation by God's grace and power. Continuing the text for today, St. Paul added “Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire;

and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.” (1 Corinthians 3:10-15) As St. Paul said, it is only the works which measure up to God's standards that will get any reward. Gold, silver and precious stones can withstand fire but not wood, hay and stubble (grass).

Those who are “doers of the word” (James 1:25), who firmly believe in Jesus Christ, and are steadfast in his service are often compared to the wise who built their houses on the rock; but those who refuse to keep the laws of God are the like foolish who built their house on sand. Of course, when the rains, floods and winds come, the house would easily be swept away. - Matthew 7:24-27

Saturday, November 28, 2015Text: “Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.” -Hosea 10:12.Comment: It is unfortunate that some who claim to be Christians are proud and self-willed, they engage in gossiping and rumour-mongering, and are lacking in self-control. They deliberately break God's laws especially the law against fornication and adultery. Such have not realized the Lord's unchanging rule - that when one is favoured to serve God, he should show appreciation by way of faithful service, and that anyone who abuses the privilege will have such favour withdrawn from him and given to another. (Romans 13:11-14; Galatians 5:19-21; Matthew 25:14-30). Anyone who responds to the call with a selfish desire of coming into a position of honour, ease, and power is certain to falter along the way, and may fail if he does not have a change of attitude. The only proper motive for serving God is the determination to do so as a duty and in response to JEHOVAH'S goodness to His creatures. It is then left for God to do whatsoever He sees fit to such one by way of reward. All those whose actions fall short of God's standards should retrace their steps now lest they be disappointed in the end. The Bible says it is God Almighty, “Who will render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; ...For there is no respect of persons with God.” - Romans 2:6-11.

Sunday November 29, 2015Text: “Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. - Acts 14:22.

Comment: Some have not realized that those who claim to be dedicated to the Lord's service must be tried, and that judgement begins with those in the house of God. The trials are persecutions from the devil which are allowed by God to prove the depth of our faith. In his days, St. Paul went about “confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God”. In another letter he pointed out that “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer

persecution”. (2 Timothy 3:12) We must march on however, knowing that, “our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; … ” - 2 Corinthians 4:17,18

Since the coming of Jesus Christ to his temple, the judgement has been going on among the Lord's people (1 Peter 4:17,18; 2 Timothy 4:1) Jesus Christ said he will send his angels to “gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity…” - Matthew 13:39-43.

We should show ourselves to be worthy candidates of the Kingdom to come. St. Paul warned: “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” He added: “But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.” - 2 Timothy 2:19-21

Monday November 30, 2015Text: “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.” - 2 Corinthians 8:9.

Comment: The riches from God Almighty through Jesus Christ bring true freedom and peace. (Proverbs 10:22) There can be no peace on earth in the absence of truth. And there can be no end to opposition of the truth unless the source of lies, the devil and his hosts, are put out of the way. (Hebrews 2:9-14; John 8:31,32,36) But until the devil is destroyed, he will continue to persecute the Church of God. We should however not be deterred knowing that no one can uproot the Lord's planting nor can any, including the devil, pluck us out of the hand of the Almighty Father by His grace. Christ said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.” - John 10:27-29.

Having called us into His Kingdom on earth in this age of Christ's second presence, we should make full use of the opportunity. We should not slacken our hold on God's sure foundation due to trials and temptations, so as not to lose all we have done in the past. We should continue to strive for righteousness so as to be fitting vessels for God to use. “We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.” “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” - 2 Corinthians 6:1, 17, 18

COME OUT FROM AMONG THEM AND BE YE SEPARATEIn his second letter to the Christians at Corinth, St. Paul exhorted the believers to learn from his example of patience, endurance, sacrifice, longsuffering in the service of God so that they would have the full benefit of the grace of life which God Almighty had in His mercies offered them. After listing some of what he had suffered, he charged them to be wary of the stumbling blocks the devil had set in their way, admonishing that they should not compromise their faith by having anything to do with the devil's religion. (2 Corinthians 6:14-18) Now that the world is plagued with uncertainties and fears, besides numerous sinful pleasures, it is vital that we hearken to this exhortation and keep our faith pure by the grace of God.

Tuesday, December 1, 2015Text: “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” – 1 Corinthians 15:33.

Comment: Good Christian character could be corrupted through keeping company with ungodly people or men of loose lives and lax principles. King Solomon drew attention to this fact when he stated: “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” (Proverbs 13:20). This is so because intimacy with bad principles or behaviours over time definitely dilutes one's own thinking and character. There is a well-known adage which says: “Show me your friend and I will tell you the kind of person you are”. This is usually prevalent with young or untrained minds – the youths. Through bad associations, some youths have involved themselves from which they are unable to free themselves till date. Some have even suffered the forfeit of their educational pursuits. Vices or sins to which people who keep bad company are commonly lured include sexual immorality, armed robbery, drunkenness, lotteries or games aimed at getting quick riches, anger, diabolical practices, religious infidelity (or interfaith practices), tobacco or cigarette smoking, cultism and so on. To avoid being lured into these vices and escape their serious spiritual consequences, a true Christian should choose his or her friends carefully; he should keep company with those who are God-fearing, and who heed godly counsel.

We are not to be gullible in our attitude but sensible and prudent as to be alert to the devil's devices (2 Corinthians 2:11). Jesus Christ told his followers in his days on earth that they are living “in the midst of wolves”, he then counseled: “Be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves” – Matthew 10:16.

Wednesday, December 2, 2015Text: “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?” – 2 Corinthians 6:14.

Comment: Through bonding or intimacy, a true Christian may be lured into acts that are sinful. It is true that in our daily lives, be it in the market place, offices and other places of work, in our businesses, school campuses and in our neighbourhood, we cannot but interact with people who are non-believers. But such interactions should not be of intimacy to make us bond or be ”yoked together” with them because Christian commitment, integrity, or standards might be

weakened. This, however, does not mean isolating ourselves from non-believers. - 1 Corinthians 5:9,10.

Separation from the world involves more than keeping our distance from unbelievers or avoiding entertainments that lead to sin; it also means keeping our spiritual mindedness alive always and resisting the sins around us.

When the imagination of the thoughts of the hearts of the entire world around Noah, the Patriarch, “was only evil continually”, the Almighty God said of him: “for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.” (Genesis 6:5,13; 7:1). And when the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were filled “with filthy conversation of the wicked.”, Lot, who was living among them “in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds”. (Genesis 19; 2 Peter 2:6-9). Where we have knowingly or unknowingly joined hands with unbelievers to sin, we need to pray that the Almighty Father should give us the courage to “come out from among them and be separate”. We should rather be companions of them that fear God and those that keep His precepts as stated in the Holy Scriptures. – Psalm 119:63.

Thursday, December 3, 2015Text: “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.” – Psalm 1:1.

Comment: David, the Sweet Psalmist of Israel begins the Psalms extolling the blessedness and joy of obeying God's commandments. Our friends and associates can have profound influence on us, often in very subtle ways, particularly when we walk by the advice they offer.

The ways of the ungodly lead to no useful end, as such ones are controlled by their lusts. Rather than join them, the committed Christian is saddened by their actions. (2 Peter 2:6-8). No believer would look to their principles for guidance, or act according to their examples in order not to blaspheme or desecrate holy things and do things that foster the evil works of the devil. A true child of God studies and meditate on the word of God day and night; and diligently submits to its guidance.

If we insist on friendship with those who mock or ridicule spiritual matters, we might fall into sin by becoming indifferent to godly principles; if we make ourselves available to them, we become part of them and get influenced by them. The consequence of such companionship is disastrous. True friends should help one another spiritually. This may involve sharply correcting one's friend out of love for him. There is no fear in love. (1 John 4:18) The word of God says: “Two are better than one… For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow…” (Ecclesiastes 4:9,10). Those who diligently try to obey God's laws are blessed; their happy condition is like healthy, fruit-bearing trees with strong roots (Jeremiah 17:5-8). In contrast, those who refuse to walk in the law of God have meaningless lives that blow away like dust or chaff. – Psalm 1:2-6.

Friday December 4, 2015

Text: “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God… If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed. For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” – 2 John 9-11.

Comment: False teaching is a serious matter as it leads to tragic or fatal consequences, and we are not to overlook it. In fulfilling his ministry of giving spiritual guidance to the children of God, John the Apostle instructed the believers not to show hospitality to false teachers. They were to do nothing that would encourage the heretics in their propagation of falsehoods. In addition, if the believers were to invite them in, such action would show that they were approving of what the false teachers said and did. It may seem rude to turn people away, even if they are teaching heresy, but how much better it is to be faithful to God than merely courteous to people! Apostle John is in the text for today warning Christians against giving active support to those who are dedicated to opposing the true teachings of God, not condemning hospitality to non-Christians generally, as some unbelievers are people of goodwill, only that they had been misled.. The fact is that a person who supports a false teacher in any way, shares in his wicked works.The true Christian should always be vigilant, circumspect and wise as not to be carried away by “good words and fair speeches” with which the false teachers “deceive the hearts of the simple”. (1 Corinthians 2:1; Romans 16:18) To guard against false teachings, one should read the Scriptures diligently so as to measure every teaching through the yardstick of the word of God. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” - 2 Timothy 2:15.

Saturday December 5, 2015Text: “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” - Matthew 7:15.

Comment: As agents of the devil, false prophets are dangerous. True Christians should beware of them. Just one of them can lead millions to destruction through the lies they preach and make people to believe. In Isaiah 9:16, it is written: “For the leaders of this people cause them to err, and they that are led of them are destroyed.” – See also Matthew 15:13,14.

Based on the knowledge of God which they have, the people of God are able to know the person whose words and actions are in accord with all that are true, noble, reasonable and upright. This he does by constantly comparing what he hears and reads with the Holy Bible. This was the attitude of the people of Berea, whom St. Paul said “were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” (Acts 17:10, 11) It is by constantly cross-checking and studying that one would know the truth and attain the freedom which our Lord Jesus Christ said would be enjoyed by every true disciple. St. Paul described false prophets and teachers as “men of corrupt minds and destitute of the Truth”, part of which manifests in their emphasis on wealth. He wrote: “If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to

godliness. He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strife of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmising, perverse disputing of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself” – 1 Timothy 6:3-5.Sunday, December 6, 2015Text: “Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.” - Proverbs 14:7.

Comment: Proud and arrogant people who scoff at the word of God – the Truth – and who speak evil of dignities and walk disorderly are regarded in the Bible as foolish persons (2 Peter 3:3-6; 2:10; Jude 8). As Christians whose virtues should be Christ-like, it is of immense importance that we keep away from the company of people whose lips utter blasphemy – those who speak evil about God and His purposes without fear. Many of such foolish or irreverent speakers are atheists, unbelievers, who make mockery of the word of God. They also engage in dirty, immoral jokes, which are not spiritually convenient. - Ephesians 5:4.

An important area that must not be glossed over is concurring, agreeing, and approving of the corrupt jokes or ungodly utterances of unbelievers amounts to supporting them. Such a worshipper of God, so-called, is equally guilty, in that though he is not doing the same things with them he has “pleasure in them that do them”. (Romans 1:26-32). Worse still, when a true Christian joins the laughter of the careless jesters, he (the Christian) confirms that he enjoys the companionship and immoral jokers. The asks, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3). King David stated that a vile person is contemned or despised by those who love God. (Psalm 15:4). To achieve this, there may be need to employ what the Bible calls “an angry countenance” to express our disapproval for the person's ungodly attitude and further association with him (Proverbs 25:23). We should have the courage to depart from the company of those given to unwholesome discussions we will be better off spiritually in the sight of the Almighty God by His grace.

Monday, December 7, 2015Text: “Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.” – 3 John 11.

Comment: Sin is enticing, it appears to offer a quick means to false or deceptive satisfaction and prosperity and makes one feel like one of the crowd. Talking particularly of the sin of fornication and adultery, King Solomon tells us that those who indulge in it say, “Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.” (Proverbs 9:17) But on the long run, it is sheer vanity, emptiness and vexation of spirit – it leads to death Hence he adds, “But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.” (Proverbs 9:18. See also Romans 6:23; James 1:14,15). Speaking through Jeremiah the Prophet, the Almighty God said: “For among my people are found wicked men…” (Jeremiah 5:26). This is the unfortunate situation among the people of God from ancient time and which serious minded disciples of Christ must not lose sight of. Some so-called influential individuals, associations or groups do

see themselves as authorities or mouth-pieces of the Church yet by their vile conduct they impact negatively on the membership.

Children of God have it as an obligation to do good or righteousness at all times. (Psalm 106:3). “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin” (James 4:17; see also 1 John 3:7). Further admonitions from the Holy Scriptures say: “Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you … Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate”. (Amos 5:14, 15) The Bible also says, “ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men”. – 1 Thessalonians 5:15.

As true Christians, our focus should be to keep away from following gangs who indulge in doing evil and to imitate the good. We must learn to make choices, not on the basis of flashy appeal or short-range pleasure, but in view of the long-range effects. This means steering clear of people or groups who want to entice us into activities that we know are wrong according to the Holy Bible. This, by the grace of God, will make us to be the children of our father Who is in heaven. – Matthew 5:45.

Tuesday, December 8, 2015Text: “Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil….” – Exodus 23:2.

Comment: The Almighty Father has never relented in His work of giving needed guidance to his true worshipers at any given time. He does this through His holy spirit and by His word as contained in the Holy Scriptures. Today's text is one of such. David the Psalmist stated: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105). With the emergence of numerous associations for men and women, non-governmental organizations, clubs and political parties whose goals and objectives are varied and sometimes questionable, the tendency for the individual in such groups to lose his individuality, identity and values to follow mass opinion is high. The crowd is a mob that, more often than not, has no genuine direction towards any worthwhile objective. Many people follow the multitude or the masses in order to be in the bandwagon or be acceptable to the group even though such opinion of the crowd is not always right. Submitting to worldly or carnal influences as to partake in evil practices is an indication of weakness in faith and character. Solomon warns, “My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause: Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit: We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil: Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse: My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path.” - Proverbs 1:10-15.

Wednesday December 9, 2015Text: “And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)” - 2 Peter 2:6-8.

Comment: It is possible for a Christian to be “separate” from unwholesome conduct around them. We have ready examples in Noah and his family in the first world (Genesis 6:5, 11, 12; 7:1); Lot and his family in Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:4,7-9; 2 Peter 2:6-8), among others. Some professed Christians follow prevailing fashion trends, without deep thought about the consequences of their actions because they esteem highly their relationship with their friends more than their spiritual well-being. People of such disposition lose sight of the fact that values, traditions or standards that the world regards highly are more often than not, contrary to the will of God, in that the world likes darkness rather than light. – Luke 16:15; John 3:19.

As new creatures or peculiar people or a chosen nation by the grace of God, we are expected to be different in relation to whatever is in vogue around us. We must bear in mind at all times that, being in an evil world, the devil has insinuated himself in every aspect of human activities. Apart from scriptural instruction for true disciples of Christ to “walk as the children of light” (Ephesians 5:8), we are warned not to love the world and the things that are in the world such as “the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.” But that we should give ourselves to the doing of God's will so as to live in His glorious and everlasting kingdom when fully set up by His grace. – 1 John 2:15-17.

Thursday, December 10, 2015Text: “… Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” – James 4:4.

Comment: Satan the devil, the arch-enemy of God and man, is constantly bent on setting man adrift with his corrupting influences. One can become an enemy of God when he allows himself to be seduced by the devil, “the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience” to constantly follow unrighteous courses.

To be a friend of the world means to live a lifestyle that conforms to the ways and fashion of this world; to do things people of the world do even though such things are contrary to the will of God, such as cares of this life, inordinate concern about what to wear, what big parties to attend, to live a riotous life, and worldliness or carnality generally. These are sometimes brought about through friends, peer groups or age-mates to which the simple or gullible person is associating with - 1 Corinthians 15:33; Exodus 23:2.

While friendship with God and Christ will give us life and other attendant blessings, the opposite, though may appear attractive in the beginning, is completely unfruitful, leading to sorrow, pain and death in the end. It is for this reason James the Apostle exhorted Christians as is the text for today. So let us keep away from friends, companions and things that could make us friends of the world. Let us draw close to God by knowing Him through the study of His word and the practice of His righteousness. It is by so doing that we would be His friends, like Abraham the father of the faithful by His grace. – James 2:23; 4:7,8.

CONTRITENESS

The Chambers 21st Century Dictionary defines the word contrite which is the root word for contriteness as being “sorry for something one has done.” Contriteness has bearing with the word contrition which means penitence, regret, remorse, repentance, self-condemnation, self-reproach, humiliation and sorrow. The fact that the habit of sincerely admitting one's errors or faults accompanied with show of remorse or contrite heart are steps required to remedy strained relationship and be at peace with one another. A good understanding and application of these qualities are prerequisites for God's mercy and other attendant blessings by His grace.

Friday, December 11, 2015Text: “He openeth also their ears to discipline, and commandeth that they return from iniquity. If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures. But if they obey not, they shall perish by the sword, and they shall die without knowledge.” – Job 36:10, 11.

Comment: Sin is a violation of the law of God. God corrects His people when they err. It is only by humility and contriteness of heart in receiving such corrections that the repentant sinner can gain forgiveness and so create room for prosperity. The eternal goodness of the Almighty God in continually guiding His erring human creatures in various ways to keep him on course for attainment of His good thoughts or purposes to him is clearly reflected in the text for today. He had said: “For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, said the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” - Jeremiah 29:11.

Discipline or chastisement to call man to order from his excesses is a loving and fatherly concern confirming to man that we are not bastards but beloved children of God. Said St. Paul: “And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son despise not thou the chastening of the LORD, nor faint when thou at rebuked of him: For whom the LORD loveth He chasteneth, and scorgeth every son whom he receiveth” (Hebrews 12:5,6) He added: 'If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness...” - Hebrews 12:7-12.

Saturday, December 12, 2015Text: “In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live.” - Isaiah 38:1.

Comment: God's disciplinary action against any of His children is actually for their good. God allowed King Hezekiah to fall sick even unto death. He was told: “Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live.” Obviously, God was not satisfied with his conduct at that point in

time. Faced with the prospect of death, King Hezekiah cried and prayed for mercy and God pardoned him and added 15 more years to his age. Hezekiah then resolved: “I shall go softly all my years.” (Isaiah 38:1-22). King Hezekiah benefitted from the chastisement from God.

God's disciplinary measures vary from person to person and in accordance with situations. One may be confined by pain of sickness, hampered by poverty or hardship, delay in certain hearts desires, disappointments, and suchlike. Our faith should be strong that He is aware of them before they came on us. Said Apostle Paul, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13) This understanding should make us to take them calmly, patiently and prayerfully. Such unfavourable situations do sometimes, draw one to his senses to discover past sins (Lamentation 3:39,40); to attune our hearts to accept the discipline allowed by God as He opens our “ears to discipline”; makes us to be willing to learn and make needed adjustment in our lives; to deter and draw us off from iniquity for the future. “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby…” - Hebrews 12:11-13.

Sunday, December 13, 2015Text: “Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” - Romans 2:4

Comment: St. Paul's rebuke of unrepentant sinners who fail to take advantage of the opportunity God has provided for them to pay heed to His words and repent, echoes what David the prophet stated earlier in the Psalms thus, “Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God endureth continually. Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. Thou lovest evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness.” Thou lovest all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue. God shall likewise destroy thee for ever, he shall take thee away, and pluck thee out of thy dwelling place, and root thee out of the land of the living.” (Psalm 52:1-5) It is because God wants His people to take warning and repent of their sins that He has not destroyed the world. St. Peter wrote: “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9). The Almighty God admonishes man in this vein: “Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. Cast away from you all your transgressions, ... for why will ye die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.” - Ezekiel 18:30-32.Monday, December 14, 2015Text: “These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself: but I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes. Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver. Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.” - Psalm 50:21-23

Comment: The Almighty God is giving man time for the truth to be preached to educate man on the benefits of serving Him and the dire consequence of continuing in sinful acts. Those who fail to take warning will pay dearly for their arrogance and stubbornness in due time. Everyone knows where he or she is failing in the striving to meet God's standard of righteousness. - Isaiah 59:12.

Despite the sinfulness of men by which they provoke God daily, He continues to beckon on them to refrain from the life of sin, show contrition or remorse and repent so as to gain His mercy and forgiveness by His grace. The consequences of refusing to forsake sinful ways of life are grave. King Solomon pointed out that though punishment for sin may sometimes appear to be delayed, each person will eventually get the reward for his actions. “Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him: But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because he feareth not before God.” (Ecclesiastes 8:11-13) Apostle Paul stated: “To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: But unto them that are contentious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile.” – Romans 2:7-9; See also 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12.Tuesday, December 15, 2015Text: “…if then their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity: Then will I remember my covenant with Jacob, and also my covenant with Isaac, and also my covenant with Abraham will I remember; and I will remember the land.” - Leviticus 26:41, 42.

Comment: God Almighty used Moses to tell the children of Israel that if, in course of time, the Israelites sin against Him, he would subject them to various afflictions, and allow them to be carried away by their enemies during which period the land will keep Sabbath. But if they humble themselves and amend their ways He would have mercy on them for the sake of the covenant He made with their fathers that the nation of Israel would continue to exist. (Leviticus 26:39-44) In many cases in life, sense of remorse and repentance are stimulated or brought about by severe disciplinary measures such as strong correction, rebuke, punishment or chastisement as in the text under reference. - Job 33:27-30; 34:31, 32.David the King fell far short of the divine standard in the matter of Uriah and his wife Bathsheba in which he was found guilty of the sins of covetousness, adultery and murder (2 Samuel 11 and 12), It can be appreciated therefore why after tasting the mercy of God he stated: “Before I was afflicted I went astray; but now have I kept thy word. It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.” (Psalm 119:67, 71) Any measure of correction and discipline based on the truth and righteousness of God are not only to bring back the erring ones from the path of error but also to inculcate in them the vital qualities, they needed in their service to Him by his grace. What is required to secure such peace and harmony with our Maker is

contriteness of heart. King Solomon wrote: “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” – Proverbs 28:13,14.

Wednesday, December 16, 2015Text: “And David's heart smote him after that he had numbered the people. And David said unto the Lord, I have sinned greatly in that I have done: and now, I beseech thee, O LORD, take away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.” – 2 Samuel 24:10.

Comment: To acknowledge or realize one's errors and determine not to do such again as David the Prophet in today's text did is a godly virtue or quality worth cultivating. He himself stated: “For I will declare mine iniquity, I will be sorry for my sin.” (Psalms 38:18). A Christian is required to engage in constant self-examination for the purpose of always making his way right with God by His grace. Where one finds himself wanting, he should repent as expected of a true Christian. Writing to Christians in the early Church, St. John stated: “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness…” (1 John 1:8-10) It is with sincere repentance, humility and contriteness of heart that one can get forgiveness by the grace of God. (Job 33:27-30; Proverbs 28:13, 14) When God uses someone else to bring our errors to light, we should humble ourselves to accept our faults in the fear of God for our own good and not justify ourselves. In this regard, Apostle Paul admonished: “ “For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.” – 1 Corinthians 11:31,32.

Thursday, December 17, 2015Text: “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart, and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” – Psalm 34:18.

Comment: God Almighty does not mark iniquity and He does not deal with us according to our sins, desires a broken spirit and a contrite heart when we realize that we have broken his commandment. (Psalm 130:3,4; 103:8-14) No one can please God by outward action alone – no matter how good or far-reaching if the inward heart attitude is not right. There should be genuine and sincere sorrow for sin committed and determination to forsake same. Said King Solomon: “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper, but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” – Proverbs 28:13. See also Isaiah 55:7.

We often wish we could escape the griefs, sorrows and pains of losses, failures or even the small daily frustrations or vicissitudes of life that constantly wear us down. God promised to be “near to those who have a broken heart” to be our source of power, courage, and wisdom, helping to restore our confidence and hope. In the days of Jesus Christ on earth, the woman with an alabaster box of ointment, who was heavily weighed down by the regret, guilt and sorrow of her past life came to Jesus Christ weeping, washed his feet with her tears, wiped them with the hairs of her head, kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. The response of Christ to the woman for her deep show of repentance was: “Thy sins are forgiven” – Luke 7:36-50.

Today's text is an assurance that though man is groaning under the heavy bondage of sin, what God requires of him is genuine show of remorse, thorough repentance, penitence, humbleness of mind, as it is written: “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” – Psalm 51:17.

Friday, December 18, 2015Text: “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” – Isaiah 57:15.

Comment: Today's text tells how God Almighty relates with those who are humble, repentant or of contrite spirit. He has deep thought for His human creatures. He focuses His attention and affection towards man to ensure his well-being. He did say: “For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” – Jeremiah 29:11; See also Psalm 29:11.

Despite the sinful nature and fallen state of man (Romans 7:14-19), He gave man a conscience as an ever present guide towards right conduct if rightly exercised through the knowledge of the truth. Apostle John wrote: “For if our heart (or conscience) condemn us, God is greater than our heart and knoweth all things. Behold, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence towards God.” – 1 John 3:20,21. See also Isaiah 59:12.

In exercise of His great love for man, the Almighty God forgives and sustains in His kingdom the humble and all those with contriteness of heart who are willing and have pleasure in keeping the truth and practising His righteousness by His grace. Such ones accept their faults, regret their wrong doings and strive to forsake evil by God's grace and power. Speaking through Isaiah the Prophet, God Almighty said: “… But to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.” – Isaiah 66:2.

Saturday, December 19, 2015Text: “And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.” – Luke 18:13.

Comment: The deep sense of total remorse, modesty, humility and sincerity exhibited by the publican in his prayer to God in the familiar parable of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Bible book of Luke 18:9-14 makes it to be regarded by Bible students as one of the model prayers in the Holy Bible. Unlike the prayer of the Pharisee in the parable who resorted to self-justification and proclamation of his own righteousness, the prayer of the publican is the type that can only come from the heart of one who is humble in disposition, truly repentant, remorseful and contrite in spirit. No wonder Jesus Christ remarked: “I tell you, this man (the Publican) went down to his house justified rather than the other (the Pharisee)”.

The godly disposition of the publican is a good example of the genuine penitent. He went to the temple recognizing his sins and begging for mercy. On the contrary, self-righteousness as displayed by the Pharisee is spiritually dangerous. It leads to pride, arrogance and conceit, causing a person to despise others, and prevents him or her from learning anything from God. Job, the Prophet of God who knew the danger of self-justification in our dealing with the Almighty God, wrote: “If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me; if I say, I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse.” – Job 9:20; 1 John 1:8-10.

When we realize our errors or faults or when our attention is drawn to them, we should emulate the example of the publican by expressing regret for our sins and praying for God's mercy because we all need God's mercy every day. – Psalm 51:1-3.

GOD DOES NOT FORSAKE HIS PEOPLEA fact that cannot be overemphasized is that God Almighty is ever faithful to His promises. It is man who fails to live up to the promises he had made. God has promised to provide for His people, and to protect, and guide them and save them save them in His Kingdom, despite the devil's harassments. He promised to place the children of Israel in the land of Canaan. He kept it. He also promised to keep the kingship in the line of King David.; and it was so, until the antitypical David, Jesus Christ took over the kingship of God's Organization. What we owe Him is faithful service. For instance when the children of Israel sinned by demanding for a king, Samuel the prophet told them, “…Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart; And turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain. For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people”. - 1 Samuel 12:20-22.

Sunday, December 20, 2015Text: “Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself. Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine.” - Exodus 19:4, 5.

Comment: The text for today underlines the privileged status which the natural Jews had in terms of their relationship with the Almighty God. In the text God Almighty speaks of His protection and care over the nation of Israel for the fact that they were a peculiar treasure unto him above all people. In the Christian era, the gospels talk of “the Israel of God”, in that true worshippers are no longer limited to the natural Jews but comprise all people of goodwill in any part of the world who believe in Jesus Christ and therefore worship the Father in spirit and in truth. (Galatians 3:26-28; John 4:22-24; etc.) God Almighty will never abandon those who look to Him for sustenance and salvation by His grace. But while He will always guide, protect and care He will also not fail to hold them to account whenever they walk contrary to His laws. Referring to His chosen nation, the natural Jews, God declared: “You only have I known of all

the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.” (Amos 3:2) It is a great blessing to be counted among God's covenant people, hence in Psalm 33:12 it is written: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD: and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.”

Monday, December 21, 2015Text: “And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.” - Deuteronomy 31:8.

Comment: God Almighty had from time of old promised to protect, sustain and increase His people on the condition that they obeyed His commandments. It was to this end Moses the Prophet made the declaration in the Bible passage for today. It was important that Moses should give such exhortation to the people at that time in that he was about to leave them by way of death. He therefore made them to understand that though he would not be with them anymore, they should not habour fears about the future because He Who is the Everlasting God will continue to be with them. He told them: “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, … for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” (Deuteronomy 31:6) It is instructive that God Almighty gave a similar assurance to Joshua the successor of Moses when He charged him thus, “There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.” - Joshua 1:5, 7.

Tuesday, December 22, 2015Text: “Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.” - Isaiah 49:15.

Comment: The promise of God Almighty to always guide and care for His servants particularly, and the rest of the faithful generally, is pointedly expressed with the use of picture language as stated in today's citation. Ordinarily, there is nothing closer to a woman's heart than her child, even if she has many of them. But as could be seen in the world today, it is possible for a mother to be so heartless as to abandon her children, even at the stage of infancy. There are emergencies, such as fires, windstorms, or earthquakes, where a mother has to abandon her child or children because everybody is on his own at that moment. But our heavenly Father is Almighty in power and infinite in mercy. It is impossible for Him to fail His people. That the attention of God Almighty will always be on the faithful, to continually direct them with His holy spirit and feed them with His word is a great source of comfort and strength to His children on earth. Continuing, the Bible says, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” (Isaiah 41:10) Furthermore, God gives us this much assurance as stated in the following text, “When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them.” - Isaiah 41:17. See also Matthew 18:20; Psalm 65:4; 144:15.

Wednesday, December 23, 2015Text: “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” - John 8:44.

Comment: The fact is that the devil could be so hard and relentless in his persecutions that some among the faithful could be swayed or confused as to think that God had forsaken them. The devil confuses people by exposing them to hard conditions such as natural disasters, hunger, ill-health, wars, deaths, etc. The idea is to make them think God has forsaken the earth and does not care about His people. Such ones are then encouraged to seek help from the devil, which means they have to obey him to get favours from him. The devil also deceives or misleads people through false teachings and enticements. The ultimate aim is to destroy as many people as possible by making them to deny God or compromise their faith as a result of adversity. The purpose of the gospel is to expose these lies and direct the attention of people of goodwill to their Creator, Who has made abundant provisions for their well being. Our Saviour stated, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10) All those who have come to Christ should be part of this enlightenment campaign to free people of God from satan's chains. St. Paul laid down the attitude they should adopt when he instructed, “In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” - 2 Timothy 2:25, 26.

Thursday, December 24, 2015Text: “And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?” - Job 1:8.

Comment: A ready example of a committed worshipper of God who suffered various tribulations at the instance of satan the devil was the prophet Job, whom the Bible describes as “perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil”. (Job 1:1) Job had remained faithful even though many people in the world had been misled to follow evil. Because the devil believes that when people are exposed to hard conditions, they will sooner or later turn against God, he said, “Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.” (Job 1:10, 11) To prove to the devil that there would definitely be some people who will never backslide, even in the face of fiery trial, God Almighty stated, “And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.” (Job 1:12) Job met the challenge by the grace of God, in that he remained undaunted even after the devil had killed his 10 children, his cattle, asses, sheep, etc. We should pray to be able to stand in the hour of temptation, and to be counted among the faithful. St. Peter exhorts, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary

the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.” - 1 Peter 5:8, 9.

Friday, December 25, 2015Text: “And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.” - Job 2:3.

Comment: Seeing that Job still remained steadfast with God, the devil went further to boast that if God allowed him to afflict Job with sickness that threatened his life, he will curse God. Satan believed that if God removed His protection Job would be singing a different tune. He said. “…Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face.” (Job 2:4, 5) Thus, but for God Almighty none of the faithful would be alive. It is also interesting that when satan was asked where he was coming from he said, he had been “going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it”. It is also pertinent to note that it was when God allowed satan to disturb Job with ill-health that he could do so. Even at that God set a limit that he could not take his life. This was to prove to satan that Job would still remain faithful - and he did by the grace of God. (Job 2:1-7) Rather than abandon his faith, Job declared: “All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils; My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit… till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me. My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go: my heart shall not reproach me so long as I live.” - Job 27:3-6.

Saturday, December 26, 2015Text: “And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down among the ashes. Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die. But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.” - Job 2:8-10.

Comment: The wife of Job was a fair-weather friend who jumped ship in time of adversity. She had apparently been worshipping God with him all these years. But now that he had lost all he had, she now felt his life was not worth it and he was better dead than alive. The Bible says, “A friend loveth at all times…”. (Proverbs 17:17) By her words, she had become an advocate for the devil and his followers who say, “...What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit should we have, if we pray unto him?” - Job 21:14,15. Job knew that God allowed the evils to befall him as trial of his faith so as to build him up to be a better person. The experience was also part of his work of salvation. The Bible says: “…In all this did not Job sin with his lips”, “…nor charged God foolishly”. (Job 2:10; 1:22) He knew that even if he dies the reward of eternal life still awaited him in God's Kingdom fully established. (Job 14:13-15; 19:25-27) That of course cannot be compared to the few years of suffering he

had to endure. In course of time, God Almighty, Who can never lie, showed His faithfulness by restoring to Job even double of all that he had lost. (Job 42:10-17) Apostle James stated: “Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.” - James 5:10,11.

Sunday, December 27, 2015Text: “So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, the widow woman was there gathering of sticks: and he called to her, and said, Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink. And as she was going to fetch it, he called to her, and said, Bring me, I pray thee, a morsel of bread in thine hand.” - 1 Kings 17:10, 11.

Comment: The story of the widow of Zarephath offers us important lessons in faith and obedience. Though He had made abundant provisions for His people, God wants each person to go through a test to prove his faithfulness. At a time when there was great hunger in the land of Israel, God Almighty sent Elijah the Prophet to a widow who will feed him until the famine was over. When Elijah came to Zarephath, where the woman lodged, she was gathering sticks to make fire. The prophet then asked her to bring him water to drink. At a time when there had been no rain for months, water was of course, precious as gold. Yet she obliged him for God's sake. As she went about that, Elijah raised the bar by asking her to bring some food for him to eat. It was at this stage that she opened up and said, “…As the LORD thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die.”- Verse 12.

However, in spite of the desperate condition of the widow, Elijah told the woman, “…Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son. For thus saith the LORD God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth.” The Bible shows that “she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days. And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Elijah.” - 1 Kings 17:13-16.

Monday, December 28, 2015Text: “But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land; But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow.” - Luke 4:25, 26.

Comment: The level of faith shown by this poor widow was so high that our Lord Jesus Christ recalled it during his days on earth. As true worshippers of God, we should follow the example of faith shown by the widow of Zarephath. The fact is that God allows some of the devil's

persecutions to meet us so as to try our faith and manifest His great power - all for our spiritual benefit. Those who patiently endure with faith in God will grow in the favour of God and in spiritual qualities and will also become reference points or examples to others, to the glory of God. In this age of the last days, when the devil had been driven down from heaven, he is causing unprecedented distress in the world, hence when he was cast down from heaven it is written, “Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” (Revelation 12:12) In the face of the problems people would face Christ makes us understand that it is those who are steadfast in the faith, God will help to gain victory in the end by His grace. He stated, “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” - Matthew 24:12, 13. Tuesday, December 29, 2015Text: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.” - Psalm 34:19.

Comment: Those who are on the side of God Almighty are seen by the devil as enemies; he therefore strives to frustrate them from the path of life. He also discourages those of honest minds who are in his camp in ignorance, from crossing over to the Lord's side. We must continue to trust in God so that He would help us to overcome in the hour of temptation. This was the attitude displayed by St. Paul in the heat of persecutions when he declared: “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.” - 2 Corinthians 4:8, 9.

The story of the widow of Zarephath also shows that with God all things are possible and that we should trust firmly in Him even when the odds look overwhelming. David the prophet stated: “The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.” (Psalm 9:9, 10) The Bible further says, “Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.” - Psalm 55:22.

Wednesday, December 30, 2015Text: “And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.” - Luke 21:25, 26.

Comment: This age known as the last days is the most turbulent time in the history of mankind. In the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, the onset of the last days in 1914, when the devil was driven down to this earth was “the beginning of sorrows” for mankind. (Matthew 24:7,8) Dr. MacMillan of St. Antony's College, Oxford University, and the author, "The War that Ended Peace: The Road to 1914" spoke of the long-term consequences of the First World War — political, social and moral. He wrote, “The war had brutalized European society, which had grown accustomed during the largely peaceful 19th century to think that peace was the normal

state of affairs. After 1918, Europeans were increasingly willing to resort to other sorts of force, from political assassinations to street violence, and to seek radical solutions to their problems. …Throughout the empires, assertive and impatient national movements—often led by those who had returned from the war—pushed the empires toward their end.”

Apart from the world wars which would have wiped out mankind but for God's intervention, (Matthew 24:22) there have been so many other wars through which millions of people have died. Moreover, so many groups around the world, complaining of one grudge or the other, are causing mayhem and destruction largely to innocent citizens through terrorist acts - and these have put big and small nations in a permanent state of fear. What should the people of God do? Christ admonishes, “Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” - Luke 21:36.

Thursday, December 31, 2015Text: “The wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the word of the LORD; and what wisdom is in them?” - Jeremiah 8:9.

Comment: Apart from resurgence of such vices as kidnapping, there have also been revolutions in various parts of the world as well as economic crises that exposed the frailty of man and his utter helplessness in dealing with the problems of the world. The former President of Brazil, Lula Da Silva, declared in the thick of the 2009 global financial crisis, that present world problems have shown that the wise men of the world “who before seem to know everything, and now have shown that they do not know anything”. (The Guardian on Sunday, October 14, 2012, page 53) This calls to mind the words of the Prophet Jeremiah as stated in the passage for today. Undeniably, the problems of the world are spiritual and no human power can understand or solve them. St. Paul says, “For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.” (1 Corinthians 1:19-21) To make progress, people must pay heed to the words of God in the Holy Bible and do His will so as to enjoy His favour. God told Joshua, “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” - Joshua 1:8.

Friday, January 1, 2016Text: “And Moses said unto Hobab, the son of Raguel the Midianite, Moses' father in law, We are journeying unto the place of which the LORD said, I will give it you: come thou with us, and we will do thee good: for the LORD hath spoken good concerning Israel.” - Numbers 10:29.

Comment: While the children of Israel were in the wilderness, Moses assured Hobab that God Almighty had promised abundant blessings to the nation of Israel and that if he followed them, the blessing would certainly reach him also. Though Hobab was not inclined to go at first, Moses encouraged him to go, telling him, “…And it shall be, if thou go with us, yea, it shall be, that what goodness the LORD shall do unto us, the same will we do unto thee.” (Numbers 10:29-32) When the Jews got to the promised land the descendants of Hobab were given territory to dwell in. (Judges 1:16; 4:11) That they continued in the true way is shown by the fact that the descendants of Hobab, the Rechabites are spoken of in Jeremiah 35. After accompanying the children of Israel to Palestine, they dwelt among them. (Judges 1:16) It was a measure of their strong belief in God Almighty that they kept to the instruction of their father not to drink wine or to live in cities, so that material concerns will not distract them from the way of righteousness.

We should be contented with what we have and not be in a haste to become rich. St. Paul warned: “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee…” - Hebrews 13:5,6. See also 1 Timothy 6:6-12.

Saturday, January 2, 2016Text: “For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.” - Matthew 24:7, 8.

Comment: There have been epidemics of various proportions as well as natural disasters such as earthquakes, wild fires, floods, hurricanes, cyclones, volcanic eruptions, famines and so on since we entered a new era in world history in 1914. These natural disasters, according to the American Psychological Association (APA) take a serious emotional toll on victims which range from disrupted eating and sleeping patterns, strained personal relationships to physical symptoms such as headaches, nausea or chest pain.

Here in Nigeria we have had our share of political, social and economic problems as well as natural disasters, the most recent of which have been the floods that ravaged many states. The prospects for the future do not look bright as scientists have predicted that rains would be more intense, floods heavier and winds stronger in years to come, due to the effects of global warming. What should Christians do? We are to be prayerful, wise, cautious, and guard ourselves with discretion. (Psalm 112:5, 6; Proverbs 2:10,11) Some people feel God has forsaken them because of financial difficulties or because they have not realized their ambition. But God Almighty has assured us that He will always answer the prayer “Give us this day our daily bread”. (Matthew 6:11. Compare Psalm 68:19) David the prophet stated, “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” (Psalm 37:25) And St. Paul exhorts, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:6, 7.

Sunday, January 3, 2016Text: “I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause: Which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number.” - Job 5:8, 9.

Comment: Some people become so frustrated as to take extreme measures due to financial difficulties, problems in getting marital partners, difficulties in the marriage union such as childlessness, etc.; joblessness; failure in examinations, and so on. Recently, two female students who failed their WAEC examinations in one of the states committed suicide, allegedly, because they had written the examinations three times without passing Mathematics and English Language. That was foolishness on their part. If one studies hard and effectively he or she should be able to pass by God's grace. If one does not succeed today he could succeed tomorrow, God willing. But those who are not academically inclined could take to other professions. Many people who are well-off today were not bright in academics. However, no one should contemplate taking his life because of difficulties, as such a person would be adding sin to sin. No one created himself and no one has the right to take his own life or that of another. (Job 1:21) The belief in the providence of the Almighty God which instills in the believer the hope for a better tomorrow, is the basis of the Christian endeavour. God Almighty says, “Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.” - Isaiah 50:10.

Monday, January 4, 2016Text: “Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.” – Matthew 6:31,32.

Comment: We all should continually look to God Almighty, Who has given us sure promises of deliverance anytime we are in trouble. The Bible says, “…For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall.” (Isaiah 25:3, 4) Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Great Shepherd who stands for the children of God, admonished us not to be overly anxious because of the wants of this life but to make the quest for God's Kingdom our priority. He stated, “Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?” He asked us to look at the birds “for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them.” He also raised a very pertinent question, “Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?” Our Saviour then turns our attention to the flowers in the field “how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin” pointing out that “if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Jesus Christ then admonished, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you….” - Matthew 6:25-33.

Tuesday, January 5, 2016Text: “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with charity.” - 1 Corinthians 16:13, 14 .

Comment: Those whom God has called to serve Him must have patience, which is faith exercised amidst difficulty, over time, in order to be in close fellowship with Him. St. Paul tells us that, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6) And our Saviour Jesus Christ exhorts: “In your patience possess ye your souls.” (Luke 21:19) We must be determined to remain on the Lord's side no matter the situation, believing that there is no difficult situation God cannot reverse. (See 1 Corinthians 10:13) This calls for good heart condition and the doing of righteousness at all times. Our Lord Jesus Christ himself stated: “And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.” - John 8:29. Moreover we are exhorted in this wise, “For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?” - 1 Peter 3:10-13.

Wednesday, January 6, 2016Text: “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” - 1 Peter 4:12, 13.

Comment: The truth is that all true Christians must go through a fiery trial. These are tests of one's faith; they purge the person of the lusts of the flesh, inculcates in him godly virtues, enables one to study the scriptures and to understand them and increases the spirit of God in one. They give one experience and establishes one's faith the more. (Romans 5:3-5; 1 Peter 1:7; Job 23:10-12) When one continues to trust in God He will help the believer to go through the trials or whatever temptations he is facing. St. Paul said, it is God Almighty “Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us.” (2 Corinthians 1:10) Moreover, St. Peter, exhorting us on the importance of faith and patience in the midst of tribulations, stated: “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you...” (1 Peter 5:6-9) Our Lord Jesus Christ drove home the point that God will always preserve us no matter what the devil may do or plans to do, when he stated: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.” - John 10:27-29.

Thursday, January 7, 2016

Text: “Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, This people say, The time is not come, the time that the LORD'S house should be built. Then came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet, saying, Is it time for you, O ye, to dwell in your cieled houses, and this house lie waste? Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways.” - Haggai 1:2-5.

Comment: Those who say they trust in God must do His will at all times. It would be recalled that when the children of Israel were still under Darius the Mede, some of the Jews said that time had not come for them to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem. Consequently, God directed Haggai the prophet to warn them against shying away from their duties in His service. They should go out and work and He will bless them with the means to rebuild the temple at Jerusalem. At this time Zerubbabel was Governor of Judah. The Bible says that when they heard this, “Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the LORD their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the LORD their God had sent him, and the people did fear before the LORD.” For their obedience and readiness to do His work, God sent word back to them telling them, “I am with you…” (Haggai 1:12,13) He restated the words of encouragement in chapter 2 verse 4 to wit, “Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the LORD; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the LORD, and work: for I am with you, saith the LORD of hosts.”

Let us therefore forge ahead without fear, without doubt and with complete assurance that He will always be with us as long as we do His will always with sincerity of purpose by His grace. King David charged his son Solomon thus: “…Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee…” - 1 Chronicles 28:20.