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BECOMING A WISE AND UNDERSTANDING NATION

Wednesday, April 1, 2015 Text: “Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord GOD of hosts.” - Jeremiah 2:19

Comment: The Bible says that because of sin, “a man is brought to a piece of bread”. (Proverbs 6:26) Indeed, sin brings people low, makes them to suffer avoidable difficulties, miseries and distresses. One of such people who had become notorious for sinfulness were the people of Sodom Gomorrah. Although the land was fruitful and well nourished, the people gave themselves to gross immorality, precisely, to the sin of homosexuality. The Bible says, “But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.” - Genesis 13:13. In the days of old, the people of Israel did not continue in the path of righteousness, consequent upon which God promised that He would give them exemplary punishment to serve as warning to future generations, as it is written: “Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Behold, I am bringing such evil upon Jerusalem and Judah, that whosoever heareth of it, both his ears shall tingle. And I will stretch over Jerusalem the line of Samaria, and the plummet of the house of Ahab: and I will wipe Jerusalem as a man wipeth a dish, wiping it, and turning it upside down.” (2 Kings 21:12, 13. Compare Psalm 137:1-4) Scripture say, “For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.” - Proverbs 1:29-32

All who love life, and want to see good days must avoid sin so as to have the mercy of God. – 1 Peter 3:10-13. Thursday, April 2, 2015 Text: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.” - Matthew 23:37-39.

Comment: In the days of our Lord Jesus Christ, he pronounced woe on Jerusalem, saying the city would be desolate until they humbled themselves and turned to God. He also addressed the women who were weeping because he had been nailed to the tree, as it is written, “But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children. For, behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck. Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us. For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?” - Luke 23:28-31. Christ spoke further on Jerusalem at the Mount of Olives, as it is written, “And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple. And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?” (Matthew 24:1-3) He also said “And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.' (Luke 21:20) These prophecies fulfilled in that Jerusalem was really compassed with the Roman armies and destroyed barely three decades after Christ had ascended to heaven. From all these our Saviour said, the people of God shall be delivered by His grace. - Luke 21:17-20.

Friday, April 3, 2015 Text: “There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, 11 Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. 12 For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.” - Deuteronomy 18:10-12

Comment: The devil rules the world through politics, religion and commerce. It is through these elements that he troubles the nations of the world. (Revelation 16:13,14) One of the problems in several societies across the world is that a growing number of the people, have gone back to worshipping the demons that their fathers put away when they embraced Christianity. They mix their Christian beliefs with astrology, witchcraft, idolatry, occultism, membership of secret societies and so on, contrary to the Bible. Such festivals as Halloween and novels that glamourize witchcraft and institutions that make secret society membership a condition for appointments and promotions cannot but drag the people backwards rather than forward, even if they claim to be advanced or civilized.. - Isaiah 47:12-15.

Concerning Nineveh the capital of Assyria which sold herself to worship of the devil, God declared: “Because of the multitude of the whoredoms of the wellfavoured harlot, the mistress of witchcrafts, that selleth nations through her whoredoms, and families through her witchcrafts. Behold, I am against thee, saith the LORD of hosts; and I will discover thy skirts upon thy face, and I will shew the nations thy nakedness, and the kingdoms thy shame.” (Nahum 3:4, 5) Other countries who refuse to embrace the truth as preached by Jesus Christ and taught by his anointed servants but prefer to follow falsehood in the name of Christianity; yes, all those who give themselves to the devil will not enjoy the peace and progress that come only from God Almighty. – See Jeremiah 16:5; John 16:33; 14:27;

Saturday, April 4, 2015 Text: “And the land be subdued before the LORD: then afterward ye shall return, and be guiltless before the LORD, and before Israel; and this land shall be your possession before the LORD. But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out.” - Numbers 32:22, 23. Comment: When a significant percentage of the people of a country believe that money obtained through fraudulent means is legitimate business then there is cause for alarm. Those involved in shady transactions should desist from such practices in that they would be exposed along the line or will lose whatever filthy lucre or ill-gotten money they have obtained from people in that there is nothing hidden that will not be revealed. - Luke 12:2; 1 Thessalonians 4:6.

Other vices as injustice, oppression, fraud, greed, corruption, drug trafficking, prostitution, fraud among others, encourage violence, selfishness, partiality, insincerity and other negative traits affect the thinking and behaviour of people such that they are not able to rise to their full potentials. Such countries, many of them in Africa, find themselves at the bottom of the ladder economically, socially, and politically, from year to year.

Oliver Goldsmith, stated in his poem Deserted Village “ill fares the land ... where wealth acccumulates and men decay”. Moreover, God declared through the prophet Hosea, “Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land. By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood. Therefore shall the land mourn, and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish, with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven; yea, the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away.” - Hosea 4:1-3.

Sunday, April 5, 2015 Text: “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.” - Galatians 3: 26-29

Comment: Some parts of the world have caste systems or ethnic discriminations written into their laws as their societies are divided along ethnic, religious or social lines. Some are classed as free born and others as outcasts. The people are therefore not equal and even the most talented and ambitious in the society find it very difficult to climb up the social ladder. The situation leads to frustration and to frequent cycles of violence.

All peoples of the world are equal before God. In the words of Apostle Paul, God “hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth”. (Acts 17:26) When St. Peter separated himself from the gentile converts, St. Paul rebuked him openly. And when the elders in Jerusalem challenged St. Peter for eating with the uncircumcised Christians, he related to them how God Almighty had in a vision charged him saying “What God has cleansed; that call not thou common” and how the so-called gentiles had also received the holy spirit as they the apostles. Having heard these words, the elders in Jerusalem held their peace and glorified God. – Acts 11:1-16; 10:1-48. Those of us who are in the truth, especially the elders, should borrow a leaf from the elders in Jerusalem by glorifying God who has given us the same opportunities for life regardless of whether we are regarded as “freeborn” or not. The prophet Solomon says: “He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he”. – Proverbs 14:21 Monday, April 6, 2015 Text: “Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.” -John 4:9.

Comment: Though the Jews despised the Samaritans and so had no dealings with them, Jesus Christ never observed such taboos. He related normally with the Samaritans and for two days preached the gospel to them as a result of which many of them believed. – John 4:1-43.

It should be noted that God never told the Jews to regard the non-Jews as outcastes or to subject them to inhuman treatment. Rather, those who accepted to serve God wholeheartedly were subject to the same laws as the Jews. “One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you.” (Exodus 12:49) Again it is written: “But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God. (Leviticus 19:34) Because of the liberal conditions with which the non-Jews lived in Israel, some of them who were faithful to God rose to positions of honour. These include the woman Ruth, who became the great-grandmother of Jesus Christ. We should be practical Christians who do not follow traditions of men that are incompatible with the Scriptures. No true Christian should look down on his or her fellow man talk less of refusing to consent to a marriage because of circumstances of birth, over which no one has any control. - Matthew 15:7-9; 1 Timothy 4:7; Titus 1:14.

Tuesday, April 7, 2015 Text: “Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?” - Matthew 15:1-3. Comment: Caste systems are among the barbaric and therefore ungodly practices that took root in various parts of the world several centuries ago. This was a time of gross darkness when people had not known God. (Isaiah 60:2) In some cases the people so despised were said to be assistants to high priests of deities of various communities. At that time they resided in the vicinity of the shrines of the deities and for all practical purposes, excluded themselves from routine engagements with the larger society. Out of fear or respect for the gods they served, the civil society also did not allow intimate interaction (including marriage) with them. In some cases their ears were pierced or ears and fingers chopped off to make for easy identification. However, in spite of persecutions their ranks have continued to swell.

It is ironical that while allegiance to the traditional religion that gave birth to these systems hardly exists today, and while many cultures have done away with such segregations, the discrimination is still being kept alive by the people as those counted as slaves are not allowed to mingle with those of them who are regarded as “freeborn”. In this age of enlightenment, of freedom and of equality before the law, when knowledge has increased, we should be marching forward not backwards. Why should we in the name of custom saddle ourselves with or take ourselves back to 15th century traditions?

Even if parents sinned, the children should not inherit the punishments meant for their fathers. This is wicked and unchristian. - Exodus 20:4; Ezekiel 18:1-32; 14:12-14; Galatians 6:4, .5.

Wednesday, April 8, 2015 Text: “Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.” - Deuteronomy 4:6

Comment: Indisputably, the laws of God make people wise and their nation stable. The laws of most modern societies who are regarded as civilized and technologically advanced ,are based on the Holy Bible. This accounts for the concept of human rights, the right to life, to dignity of the human person, freedom of association, and of religion, disavowal of capital punishment, the preference for reform of criminals than retribution, the principles of service, law and order, the values of hard work, temperance or sobriety, thrift, abstinence from wasteful consumption and so on. These virtues have served humanity well over time and explain why some countries are high and others low.

For a nation to be truly great in the sight of God and men, both the leaders and the led must have the fear of God and be ready to follow the truth at all times as stated in the Holy Bible, God's guide book for man. The people should have such qualities as selflessness, fairness, diligence, love for one another, patience, endurance and so on. The Bible says: “O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea: Thy seed also had been as the sand, and the offspring of thy bowels like the gravel thereof; his name should not have been cut off nor de8, 19.

LOOK UNTO ME AND BE YE SAVED

Evil thrives in the world but it is not because God has forsaken the earth, or because he does not see, or will not punish the wicked. But, as apostle Paul said in Athens, He has “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 17:31) Those who faithfully continue in righteousness till the end he will reward in due time to punish the wicked and reward the righteous. (2 Peter 3:9) “He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.” - Deuteronomy 32:4. Thursday, April 9, 2015 Text: “Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings”, drawn from the book of Isaiah chapter three verse ten.

Comment: As prophesied in the Holy Bible, many people today are addicted to satisfying their carnal desires and this involves doing things that are contrary to the laws of God. (Luke 17:26- 30) Because those who are given to godliness generally find themselves isolated and despised, the temptation is strong for them to deviate from the right courses to join the bandwagon. There is need therefore for people of God to be encouraged and exhorted to continue in the strait path. One of such words of comfort is given to us by God Almighty through the Prophet Isaiah as in the text for today.

The “righteous” are those who have the fear of God and do His will by obeying His commandments by His grace. Such ones hate evil in all its forms. (Psalm 97:10) Some of these sinful acts as listed in St. Paul's letter to the Christians at Corinth include fornication, idolatry, adultery, homosexuality, stealing, drunkenness, and so on.(1 Corinthians 6:9, 10) That the righteous hate evil implies that they will stoutly oppose sin in every shape or form. (Ephesians 5:11-13) The statement “that it shall be well with him” implies that though at the time of the exhortation the people of God are in distress or discomfort, the Almighty Father will reverse such situation completely by and by, at a future date, if only the righteous will continue marching on till the last post is reached despite the rough weather and bad terrain. Solomon the prophet stated, “...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.

Friday, April 10, 2015 Text: “Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace. But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off. But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble. And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.” - Psalm 37:37-40.

Comment: The words of David in the citation for today can easily be proven even from day to day experience. The man or woman who is upright in word and conduct and continues like that will enjoy peace. He may not be materially rich but he will not be assailed by accusations that he had cheated, lied, deceived or stolen anything from anybody. The benefits of honest living are more clearly seen over time because of the high regard people will have for the man who relates with others with a perfect heart and loves his neighbour as himself and so will not because of the lure of money or other selfish reasons hurt another person. (Ecclesiastes 9:13- 16) ) Truly, “A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth. (Ecclesiastes 7:1) Peace will be the lot of the man who does not follow the majority but speaks the truth to set records straight, ensure history is not falsified or free an innocent person from being cheated or punished or denied justice. (Exodus 23:2, 7) Peace will redound on the person who is known for keeping his words or promises, whose yes is yes and no, no. (Matthew 5:37) Such ones will live to enjoy the fruits of their labour but the wicked will reap emptiness and curses even from those who initially supported them and will end up unlamented. Scripture says, “The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.” (Proverbs 10:27) “The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.” - Proverbs 10:22.

Saturday, April 11, 2015 Text: "Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.” - 1 John 3:7.

Comment: Some people say there are no righteous persons on earth. It was Eliphaz the Temanite who said, “What is man, that he should be clean? and he which is born of a woman, that he should be righteous? Behold, he putteth no trust in his saints; yea, the heavens are not clean in his sight. How much more abominable and filthy is man, which drinketh iniquity like water?” (Job 15:14-16) The fact however is that no man is perfect before God. This is because of inherited sin and the influence of satan the devil. The Bible says: “For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.”(Ecclesiastes 7:20) But when one is determined to do right by diligently keeping the commandments of God all the time, he is counted as righteous before God. Though such ones may make mistakes, they do not relish in such errors but make efforts not to do so again. (Proverbs 28:13,14) Thus, there are, by the grace of God, many men, women, boys and girls who are morally upright, humble and willing to do the Lord's will by His grace.. Abraham, Lot, Noah, Moses, Job, David, Joshua, Simeon, Zechariah, and so on were righteous. Though they were surrounded by sinful men, they never compromised their faith but were always grieved with the wickedness going on around them. Concerning Lot the Bible says that “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 2:8

We cannot claim to be devout worshippers of God today and expect Him to hear us, unless we honestly and diligently keep His laws. Scripture says: “Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.” – John 9:31

Sunday, April 12, 2015 Text: “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you.” - 1 Peter 4:12.

Comment: Though we are all born in sin, there are times when one is faced with what St. Peter calls a “fiery trial” that may shake one's faith to its foundations. The 'fiery trial' refers to the wave of turbulence the convert will experience in his personal life for identifying with the cause of truth and righteousness. These persecutions are from the devil who is determined to frighten the believer and compel him to doubt his faith and seek help from the demons who infest the earth, holding millions of people captive. Truly, the problems that afflict man today are many and varied, filling him with “labour and sorrow” such that it is even a miracle that people not only live up to the three score and ten years but also enjoy additional years of grace as stated in the Bible. (Psalm 90:10) In the words of the prophet Job “Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not”. (Job 14:1,2. See also Chapter 5:6, 7) Apart from the troubles people have to contend with daily, the devil whose stock-in-trade is “going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it” (Job 1:7) targets the children of God to make things unbearable for them. The believer should stand firm in his trust in God, Who is the confidence of the ends of the earth in that He is faithful and “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.

Monday, April 13, 2015 Text: “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.:

Comment: True to the words of our Lord Jesus Christ about the signs of the last days, the horrible events of the First World War have been the beginning of sorrows. (Matthew 24:8) The ouster of satan the devil from heaven was followed by a lamentation from the angel as stated in the text for today. Peoples of the earth are indeed marching into harder times as we advance further into the last days. Today, there are wars and fears of wars. Globally, Infectious diseases are spreading and man is unable to check them. In a number of countries permanent warfare is spiraling out of the grip of politicians, and others are looming in the horizon; climatic change is triggering major emergencies; high taxes are fueling popular revolts; there are also natural disasters, accidents – in air, land and sea. There are growing cases of homosexuality, lesbianism and the menace of false prophets.

Also, because of the multitude of problems that beset them, many youths simply resort to anger and violence, the adults to withdrawal and sadness. Some have difficulty sleeping (insomnia), while others sleep too much (hypersomnia), There are problems of unemployment, such that looking for work has now become an occupation in itself for youths particularly. Some married persons battle with strains arising from the marriage itself - homemaking, financial worries, the discipline of children, relationship with in-laws, inability to have children, etc. True Christians have the privilege of knowing the signs of the times must continue to look to God, for “the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel. (Joel 3:16) And Eliphaz stated: “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.

Tuesday, April 14, 2015 Text:“So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter. Wherefore I praised the dead which are already dead more than the living which are yet alive. Yea, better is he than both they, which hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun..”. – Ecclesiastes 4:1-4.

Comment: In the last days or “perilous times” in which we are now living, the troubles that people have to deal with daily have multiplied in variety and magnitude. Some are persecuted because of their faith; we do lose our loved ones now and then; others lose their positions and/or privileges in work places, at school, etc.

The devil creates these problems to overthrow the faith of believers by making them to feel hopeless and defenceless – a “perfect” excuse to seek help from the devil's refuge of lies. He imposes wicked men to be rulers at various levels of society. These ones use the powers given them to act forcefully and effectively for the good of their societies to oppress the people by denying them of their rights, and to respond with a heavy hand if such ones dare complain. They make strange laws and are very clever at creating new ways of putting people under tight control by way of imposing on the people the rule of one man. There were examples of such oppressive governments in the days of the slave trade, colonial rule, the World Wars (as well as other wars that had afflicted mankind), the Communist rule in the Soviet bloc, the condition of blacks in United States and South Africa several years past, and so on, until the present day. To show that God Almighty acts in His time to end these oppressions, He brought about changes that ended the kind of oppressive conditions they faced, as recent history has shown. These experiences should teach all believers the power of the Almighty to turn things around for them in His own time such that the past will be mere story that is told. We are exhorted through Isaiah, “Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.” - Isaiah 35:3, 4.

Wednesday, April 15, 2015 Text: “Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.” - Daniel 12:10.

Comment: The people of the world need peace today than ever before. However, the Prophet Daniel had long prophesied that the last days we are living in will be a time when “the wicked will do wickedly”. (Daniel 12:10) A former Israeli military strong man, General Moshe Dayan, was reportedly asked how it felt being the commander of one of the world's most powerful armies and yet having only one eye. The General is said to have responded that: “For all that there is to see in this evil world, one eye is enough!” (The Guardian Wednesday January 4, 2006, page 27) In the time of Jesus Christ, he declared that at this time there will be “distress of nations” and panic among people. (Luke 21:25,26) Man does not have the power to solve the problems of the world on his own.

The confusions in the world is evidence of the last-ditch effort by the devil to cause maximum distress and instability in the world and drag many into destruction knowing that he will soon be killed by God Almighty. However God will continue to restrain him until his time is due. The charge of Christians is given by the Lord in Luke 21:34-36 “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. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 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.”

Thursday, April 16, 2015 Text: “When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains.” -Matthew 24:15, 16.

Comment: After seeing the follies and brutalities of the First World War, the nations met and set up the League of nations in 1919 so as to prevent wars through joint efforts. Because people looked to it rather than to God Almighty, the body became an abomination that brought desolation, particularly to nations of Europe when the Second World War broke out in 1939. After the Second World War, the leading powers of the world set up the United Nations on October 24, 1945, as a kind of world government, in which nations would act in concert or unitedly to solve the problems of the world and thereby ensure peace for mankind. But the facts so far have informed a more humble and realistic view of man's capacity to tackle the challenges that confront him every second. Mr. George Kerevan, a columnist for The Scotsman, a British newspaper, writing on the largest ever gathering of world statesmen during the 60thanniversary of the UN on 24th October 2005, described the decade (1995-2005) as the worst for the UN following the genocide in Rwanda, the Balkans, the Sudan, the wholesale proliferation of nuclear weapons technology, “under the nose of the UN Watchdog”, the war in Iraq and the Middle East Crisis. He believed the UN is “an idea whose time has been and gone”. (The Scotsman Thursday September 15, 2005, page 31) Certainly, it is only God Almighty Who can bring peace on earth. Long ago had the Bible declared, “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.” - Psalm 118:8, 9.

Friday, April 17, 2015 Text: “Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield.” - Psalm 33:18-20.

Comment: God Almighty has never intended that anybody should be hungry in this world. Every reasonable person can see that our heavenly Father has provided food and other resources in abundance for mankind. Even though the land is no longer as fertile as it should be due to man's sin, but does not mean that food should not be available for people in the world. The sentence only means that food would require more time and labour to produce. Analysis by experts show that matters have been grossly compounded by the recklessness of man in the name of development. According to Microsoft Encarta (2009), Irrigation depletes, the artificial application of water for crops that makes unproductive lands fertile. Too much irrigation depletes fresh water supplies, seriously damages the environment, including fish stocks and wreaks havoc on human populations. Chemicals used for farming pollutes the environment, destroying cropland, poisoning the drinking water, and creating serious health problems among the population. Land available for agriculture is also disappearing as more space is being used for homes, shopping centers, industries, and roads to accommodate growing populations. Modern farming practices also contribute to the decline of arable land by causing the wearing away, or erosion, of topsoil, the upper layer of soil that provides the nutrients plants need. Also the population growth rate in a growing number of countries is too low to provide manpower for farming even as more people rush to the cities for white collar jobs.

Evidently, human beings compound the problems they have to contend with. “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) The fact is that it is to God Almighty all should look to for salvation “Truly in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, and from the multitude of mountains: truly in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel.” - Jeremiah 3:23.

Saturday, April 18, 2015 Text: “He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill; That he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people. He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD.” - Psalm 113:7-9.

Comment: Sometimes the righteous suffer like the wicked. The devil it is who makes those doing the will of God to be childless. When God Almighty created the woman Eve and gave her to Adam, he blessed them and said: “Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth”. (Genesis 1:26-28) We could see therefore that God never intended any woman not to have children. But the reality today is that a significant number of couples have been seeking desperately to become pregnant. Many childless couples “clutch at every straw” and visit many doctors to receive all sorts of treatments but have achieved nothing. For whatever reason each case may be attributed, we should understand that childlessness is the devil's work but miracles do happen such that couples still have children after years of waiting. The couple should draw comfort from the word of God and exercise faith in Him with Whom there is no impossibility. (Philippians 4:6, 7) For childlessness and even any other challenge people have they should continue in prayer and wait patiently on the Lord Who will do what He wants to do in His own time. Jesus Christ, “In your patience possess ye your souls.” (Luke 21:19) And our Lord Jesus Christ taught us “that men ought always to pray, and not to faint”. (Luke 18:1) God has promised to turn things around for the faithful by and by, “Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.” - Isaiah 66:5.

Sunday, April 19, 2015 Text: “In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. - Psalm 62:7, 8.

Comment: David the Psalmist stresses the fact that God Almighty is the hope of His people and that they should cast their burdens on Him at all times through prayer. He will not fail them or forsake them. This however requires faith, humility, patience, understanding and so on. We should pray for strength to withstand temptations. St. Peter exhorted, “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, 7) Such faith was exercised by Jacob and his second wife, Rachel who prayed to God for her to conceive (Genesis 25:21) “And God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and opened her womb. And she conceived, and bare a son; and said, God hath taken away my reproach.” - Genesis 30:22, 23.

Hannah prayed fervently for a son and followed it up with a vow, and having been prayed for by the Eli the priest, “she went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad”. This is evidence of faith. “All things are possible to him that believeth”, stated Jesus Christ. – Mark 9:23.

Bible understanding shows that God could allow certain things to happen as trial of the believers faith after which He will manifest His power. (Compare John 9:3) “Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed”, declared the Prophet David. He added, “Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” - Psalm 37:3-5.

Monday, April 20, 2015 Text: “What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death? shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave?” - Psalms 89:48.

Comment: Occasionally we are thrown into mourning because of the loss of loved ones. Death has a profound effect on individuals in the family and the family unit and even the larger society. It disrupts normal activities of the family. The devil however troubles some people with death more than others. When children lose their parents they generally feel unhappy about it, wishing they lived longer. But what of the situation where it is the parents who are burying their children? There are cases where the only child of the couple or even of a widow dies just after completing his or her final examinations in the university or even the National Youth Service. What of parents who lose their children and in some cases those who are the bread winners in the family?

We shall continue to pray for God to deep death far from us, but of course death is inevitable at some point and so when God allows it there is nothing any one can do about. (Psalm 89:48; Ecclesiastes 8:8) The most important thing is that at whatever time God allows death to meet one, one should die in the Lord. (Philippians 1:21; Romans 14:7-9) It is necessary to point out that if we believe that it is God Almighty Who cares for us and if we believe in the promise of the resurrection of the dead, the burden will be lighter. St. Paul asserted: “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable”. (1 Corinthians 15:19) “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. Wherefore comfort one another with these words”. – 1Thessalonians 4:13,14,18

Tuesday, April 21, 2015 Text: “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.

Comment: With humility, diligence, faith in God, He will help everyone to stand on his feet. We should not worry unduly or fear for tomorrow but think positively knowing that as long as we continue to do what is right in the sight of God, things will turn out right according to the will of God by His grace. Our guiding principle is enunciated by St. Peter to wit, “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. {against: Gr. upon}And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?” - 1 Peter 3:10-13..

Though times are hard, God will always sustain His people by answering the prayer, “give us this day our daily bread” and “feed me with food convenient for me”. (Matthew 6:11; Proverbs 30:8). We should not be so occupied with worries over finances that we forget to be appreciative of the goodness of God in keeping us alive, providing for us and giving us the strength to go about our daily pursuits. And it is commonly said that where there is life there is hope. Jesus Christ said, the life is more than meat and the body than raiment, “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?” - Matthew 6:25,30.

Wednesday, April 22, 2015 Text: “And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.” - Isaiah 32:17, 18.

Comment: It is with the understanding that God He will eventually destroy the devil and save His people that God Almighty gives the following exhortation through the prophet Isaiah saying “Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.” (Isaiah 35:3,4) When all wickedness is put away by God and man attains perfection by the grace of God in Paradise this text will fulfil as it written: “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” (Revelation 21:4) The grandeur of the Kingdom is such that the Bible says, “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” - 1 Corinthians 2:9.

Let us therefore march on with faith that the time will come when all our travails in this world shall not even “be remembered nor come into mind”. (Isaiah 65:17) David the prophet declared: “When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them. The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad. Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south. They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” – Psalm 126:1-6.

“BE STRONG, FEAR NOT” The true Christian is faced with so many challenges as he strives along the highway of holiness. The Webster's New World Dictionary defines strong as among other things, “physically powerful; robust in a healthy and sound condition; not easily affected or upset, morally powerful; having strength of character or will.” Fear means “an unpleasant feeling of anxiety or apprehension caused by the presence or anticipation of danger.” These definitions are in harmony with the Bible. People of God are enjoined to believe firmly in His Almightiness, that with Him nothing is impossible. David declared, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.” - Psalm 46:1-3

Thursday, April 23, 2015 Text:: “He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall.” - Isaiah 40:29, 30.

Comment: As worshippers of God we should be zealous, diligent and faithful in His work. The Christian life to which we are called is a life of struggle or battle between the forces of good and evil. One needs to be strong in the Lord to be able to overcome at all times the obstacles that come one's way by the grace of God.

Physical strength is an attribute of the young. The Bible says “the glory of young men is their strength”. (Proverbs 20:29) But the strength of the true worshipper is spiritual. He is therefore energetic and lively regardless of age as his spiritual and even physical strength is renewed by God like that of the eagles. (Psalm 103:5) It was by the power of God that David's “mighty men”, some of whose exploits are stated in 2 Samuel 23: 8-39, were able to fight for the cause of righteousness. Samson was endowed with strength with which he rescued the Israelites from the hands of the Philistines several times. (Judges 15:14-16, etc.) What God requires of his people is faith, knowledge and understanding, and other spiritual qualities which “are profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come”. (1 Timothy 4:8) God declared through Jeremiah, “Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.” - Jeremiah 9:23, 24.

Friday, April 24, 2015 Text: “And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches. A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.” - Proverbs 24:4, 5.

Comment: The strength of the righteous is spiritual and is based on the accurate knowledge of God, which of course will impel one to do righteousness at all times. It is such who are strong in the Lord that He will use to fulfil his purposes and they are the ones He will bless with spiritual and material riches. The spiritual riches come from having the spirit of God, growing in knowledge, faith, understanding and other spiritual qualities. Material riches come gradually over time. Those who follow the leadings of Scripture cannot but grow in material wealth in that they are hardworking; they avoid waste; they are not high-minded or flamboyant as they exercise moderation in everything; they make it a habit to save part of what they earn; they are humble enough to pursue opportunities that come their way or that they identify themselves; they are honest and peace loving and are ready to be of service to others, etc. With the blessing of God the faithful will definitely have their chambers filled “with all precious and pleasant riches”. (Proverbs 22:29; 6:6-11; 10:22) Besides, the true Christian draws spiritual strength and protection by supporting the work of God and doing good to his neighbour. Jesus Christ our Saviour stated, “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?.” - Luke 16:10-12.

Saturday, April 25, 2015 Text: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” -- Ephesians 6:10-12. Comment: Christians need to “be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might” so as to escape the attacks of the devil by God's grace. Apostle Paul wants us to realize that even though human beings are the ones we see persecuting believers and the work of God generally, they are not acting on their own but are being used by the devil and his agents. St. Paul then went on to list weapons in the armoury of a soldier of Christ: “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:14-17) We can only be said to have put the whole armour of God when we cultivate the qualities just outlined. St. Peter stated, “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.

Sunday, April 26, 2015 Text: ”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. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” – Hebrews 13:5, 6.

Comment: Today the allurements to sin are greater than ever. The need for Christians to acquire and grow in the knowledge of God in order to keep their head high above waters is now more urgent than ever before. The level of moral decadence in the world is cause for great concern to godly-minded people. The universities which are set up to groom responsible leaders for the nation, are now the hot bed for all sorts of vices, including cultism, prostitution, examination malpractices, wild or crazy way of dressing and so on. No worshipper of God should be tempted to do evil in order to escape hard situations, perhaps because others are doing it. (1 Corinthians 15:34; Proverbs 1:10) We should be contented with what we have and God will continue to help us by His grace. The need for this quality has become even more urgent considering that the devil has created hard conditions in the world so as to create confusion, turn people against one another, distort their value system and generally increase transgressions among men. True Christians will however overcome odds they face because of their faith, which enables them to move mountains. (Matthew 21:21, 22; Hebrews 11:6) They are contented with what they have. (1 Timothy 6:8; Philippians 4:11) They work hard and are thankful to God for His provisions. (1 Thessalonians 5:18; Proverbs 6:6-11) They are ready to proclaim the truth to others. (1 Peter 3:15) They are moderate in their spending habits and life style. (Philippians 4:5) They have no fear of the future. – Hebrews 11:6; Psalm 37:25.

Monday, April 27, 2015 Text: “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.” - Ephesians 4:14, 15.

Comment: In a bid to escape the economic, social and health problems they see, some professed Christians drift to various organizations, clubs and societies, who of course give them false assurances of quick solutions to their problems, though they leave the hapless victim worse than before. Christians are warned not to trust people to the extent of allowing them to drag them into doing things they had not verified and that they should not be ignorant of the tricks of the devil to lure as many people as possible into his gang. “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves”, said Christ (Matthew 10:16; 2 Corinthians 2:11) Apostle John also highlighted the fact that Christians are in the midst of people of a perverse disposition when he said, “And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.” (1 John 5:19) We are enjoined in the Scriptures to hold fast to the truth so as to withstand the various currents of ideas, philosophies and religious persuasions that we may come across so as to do things that are pleasing to God by His grace. And in his letter to the Christians in Colosse St. Paul stated: “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” – Colossians 2:6-8 Tuesday, April 28, 2015 Text: “Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.” - Psalm 119:98- 100.

Comment: This is an age of opportunities, of materialism, excitement and adventure. It is a time when many people are being drawn away from God. They scoff and laugh at holy things - like the sons-in-law of Lot, who laughed him to scorn when he invited them to escape from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. (Genesis 19:14) It goes without saying that the godlessness of the Sodomites is being replicated several fold in the world today.

Those who are not careful would be led astray by ungodly knowledge and the dazzle of modern technology as courses in secular institutions do not enhance but rather dilute, if not destroy, faith in God. These are at the instance of the devil. Also, the devil fills the world with material necessities and luxuries, which he had long had control over, which he uses to lure people away from God. But true Christians know that all “the earth and the fullness thereof” belong to God and He will give them to His people in His due time. They will not therefore because of present pleasures and cares of this life, forget their Maker or be deceived or misled. - Psalm 118:8,9; 1 Timothy 6:20,21.

While some give themselves to taking of hard drugs resulting in “bewildering and some times dangerously disoriented forms of behaviour,” others are deep in cultism. They are therefore self-willed, undisciplined, easily provoked and are hardly sober. See Deuteronomy 18:10-13; Galatians 5:19-23.

The account of Job contains a stern rebuke of those who do not have the knowledge of God and do not reflect on His wonderful works so as to be sober, as it is written: “But none saith, Where is God my maker, who giveth songs in the night; Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven?” (Job 35: 10, 11) Moreover, David stated, “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” - Psalm 139:14

Wednesday, April 29, 2015 Text: “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.

Comment: It is when we who have known the truth are strong in the faith that we can overcome the wiles and tribulations brought by Satan the devil and be able to live up to the standard required of us by Christ. (1 Peter 5:8, 9) We should shun beauty contests, indecent dressing, avoid being used as thugs by politicians, or being involved in communal fights and must have nothing to do with secret cults. Scripture says: “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.” (Ephesians 5:11,12) Like the three faithful Jews, we must muster the courage by God's grace to stand up for what is right even at the expense of (short-term) material benefits. See Daniel chapter 3. It is for lack of faith that people who are strong in the Lord today in the world are few. Truly Solomon said “a faithful man who can find?” (Proverbs 20:6; See also Luke 18:8) A writer once declared: “The greatest want in the world today is the want of men, men who will neither be bought nor sold, men who will not be afraid to call sin by its right name, men who in their inmost souls are true and faithful.” And St. Paul exhorted: “Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled…” –Hebrews 12:12-15 Thursday, April 30, 2015 Text: “Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.” - Isaiah 35:3, 4.

Comment: God Almighty in His mercies sends His people help to revive their spirit and give them the faith to carry on and overcome the temptations facing them. (1 Corinthians 10:13) It would be recalled that after the Jews left Egypt, Pharaoh and his host pursued them with the mind of forcing them to return to Egypt to serve them. When the people saw them, many of them panicked and made statements which showed that they were afraid. But Moses was inspired by God to tell them, “…Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.” - Exodus 14:13, 14. When the king of Syria sent his soldiers, horses and chariots to Dothan by night to arrest Elisha, his servant was scared and said “Alas, my master! How shall we do?” He answered, “Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.” (2 Kings 6:16) Elisha prayed God to open the eyes of the servant, and “and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha”. -2 Kings 6:17.

In the time of Christ, there was a day a message came to him from the ruler of the synagogue that his daughter was dead. Those who heard the message rebuffed them saying, “…Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?” But “As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.” (Mark 5:35, 36) And the girl of about 12 years was brought back to life. - Mark 5:41,42.

Friday, May 1, 2015 Text: “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him…” - 2 Chronicles 16:9.

Comment: It was Hanani the Seer who declared the words in the text for today to King Asa. This was after the king had provoked God to anger by removing vessels of silver and gold from the temple and sending them to the king of Syria so that he would attack the people of Israel and compel them to lift the siege on Judah. What he did showed that he had lost faith in God Almighty Who had helped him defeat even much stronger enemies in the past and Who built him up to the state he was then. But instead of listening to the admonition, the king threw the man of God into prison. We should pray hard not to backslide after so many years of faithful service. St. Paul had to ask the Christians in Galatia, “O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?” (Galatians 3:1) The point made by Hanani under inspiration has been recorded so that we may be properly guided. God Almighty, from His heavenly throne, beholds all that is going on the world, His “eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men”. (Psalm 11:4) “For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings. There is no darkness, nor shadow of death, where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.” (Job 34:21, 22) We should believe firmly in Him Who loves us and cares for us. “The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.” (Nahum 1:7) He will always “do good, … unto those that be good, and to them that are upright in their hearts.” - Psalm 125:4.

Saturday, May 2, 2015 Text: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” - Romans 1:16.

Comment: Though St. Paul was subjected to immense persecutions by reason of the preaching work for which God had called him, he was very happy that he, who was before harassing and arresting Christians, was now being used as an instrument to call people to light. Though despised, abused, slandered and in frequent danger from Jews and gentiles, he forged ahead, determined to finish his course with joy. In his letter to the Christians at Corinth he said, “We are fools for Christ's sake, … And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.” (1 Corinthians 4:10-13) While addressing the elders of the Church at Ephesus, St. Paul disclosed that God had revealed to him that “bonds and afflictions” awaited him in Jerusalem,. He added “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.” (Acts 20:22-24) It is the devil who puts obstacles in the way of the true ministers of God. Whereas the apostles are in the forefront of proclaiming the truth, all other believers are duty- bound to play their part in imparting the truth to others. (Revelation 22:17) There is great blessing in doing so, hence Jesus Christ said, “Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” - Mark 8:38.

Sunday, May 3, 2015 Text: “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.” – Hebrews 10:35, 36.

Comment: The faith or trust or confidence we have in God is demonstrated by the fact that “we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe”. (1 Timothy 4:10) Indeed, without this 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) Applying oneself seriously to the work of God while awaiting the granting of one's desires or maintaining this faith over time in the face of difficulties is what is called patience, defined as “the ability to endure waiting, delay, or provocation without becoming annoyed or upset, or to persevere calmly when faced with difficulties”.

The truth is that the devil will harass one who has converted to the truth in order to weaken his faith and lure him to return to the days of ignorance. God allows some of these troubles to meet the Christian to test his faith in His Almighty power and the person's determination to inherit the precious promises He had prepared for those who love Him. Again, it is through trials that the carnal attitudes that are due to inherited sin are purged and one is able to better understand the Scriptures and gain experience in the work of God. (Romans 5:1-5; 1 Peter 4:12,13) We are exhorted by St. Paul to learn from the patience of Jesus Christ who “endured such contradiction of sinners against himself” lest we be wearied and faint in our minds.” (Hebrews 12:3) The only viable option of the believer is to keep going forward. “… We are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.” - Hebrews 10:35-39.

Monday, May 4, 2015 Text: “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” - John 8:31-32.

Comment: Contrary to what some people teach and believe, there are absolute, indivisible truths, as far as the way of God, is concerned. God cannot inspire His servants to preach different things. (1 Corinthians 1:10; Ephesians 4:4-6; Philippians 3:15) Moses told the Jews that another Law-giver like unto himself would be raised by God to teach them His ways and that they should hearken to him. (Deuteronomy 18:15) Having come to the world and expounded to the people the truth, our Saviour in the text for today gives the charge that believers should continue to teach and practice what he had taught and not add or subtract from it, or even to backslide from the faith. To ensure that they avoided wrongful teachings, Jesus Christ warned the disciples to beware of the leaven or doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. (Matthew 16:6-12) He also warned Christians, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” (Matthew 7:15) By steadfastness in keeping to the truth they will be given more insights into the Scriptures and in the end they will attain freedom from sin and death for which Christ came and died for the children of God. (Romans 6:14-18; Hebrews 2:14-15) It is important that we note the distinction Christ made between those who are his disciples indeed and those who merely profess to belong to him. (Compare Matthew 7:21; Luke 6:46) The only way to prove oneself to be a true follower of Christ is by following the truth he preached and putting it into practice. St. Paul stated, “And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.” - 2 Corinthians 5:15.

Tuesday, May 5, 2015 Text: Who is as the wise man? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? a man's wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed.” - Ecclesiastes 8:1

Comment: Wisdom comes from understanding what the will of God is. (Compare Ephesians 5:17) We should strive always to get wisdom and understanding. (Proverbs 4:5-7; Ecclesiastes 7:12) Wisdom enables one to be “built up”, that is well established and grounded spiritually and otherwise. (Job 22:21-30; 28:12-28) It builds faith which moves the believer to accomplish great things in the work of God. The wisdom displayed by Jesus Christ when he contended with the doctors of the law even at the age of 12 was such that “all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers”. (Luke 2:47) Dr. Luke records that when the leaders of the Jews “saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus”. (Acts 4:13) Even when threatened with death for preaching the gospel the apostles went ahead to do their duty and preached the word with boldness. (Acts 4:29-31)

It is expected that those who have the knowledge of God would not only impart it to others but would also be diligent in doing what they preach so that people will take them seriously. St. Paul stated, “Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.” (2 Corinthians 4:1, 2) Another side of the matter is that those who have committed themselves one way or the other are usually timid or fearful. They are haunted by secret fears wherever they go. But “In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.” - Proverbs 14:26.

Wednesday, May 6, 2015 Text: “In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.” - Titus 2:7-8. Comment: Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour is the greatest man who ever lived on earth. He was born perfect and died perfect. He taught us to be sincere, diligent and earnest in the service of God. We should serve God without compromising with false religion or the traditions of men. He taught us that a leader should lead by example and that we should be humble enough to serve one another, hence he washed the disciples feet. (John 13:1-15; 1Peter 2:21) To all people of goodwill he gave the open invitation that they should come to him and learn of him so as to have rest for their souls. -Matthew 11:28-30.

Those whose duty it is to preach the gospel must be faithful to the truth brought by Christ, and must be seen to be practising what they preach so as not to give room for opposers to ridicule the work of God. In his farewell charge to the Christians at Ephesus, St. Paul said, “I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:33-35) The rest of the believers must also do what they believe. Christ asked the Jews, “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46) And Apostle James exhorted, “So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. - James 2:12.

THE VOICE OF CONSCIENCE The word conscience is defined in Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English as “an inner sense that knows the difference between right and wrong, judges one's actions according to moral laws, and makes one feel guilty, good, evil, etc.” Every person is made to possess a conscience. The Almighty Creator planted it in man as the faculty of distinguishing between right and wrong, and of deciding upon the moral quality of one's thoughts, words and actions, excusing or accusing one. And because like the human voice it is capable of giving expression of a reasonable point of view we can talk of the “Voice of Conscience”.

Thursday, May 7, 2015 Text: “And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.” - Genesis 3:8.

Comment: The immediate consequence of eating the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil was that the couple became conscious that they were naked. This required immediate action for them to look for something to put on. But since man had not risen to the stage where he could have such knowledge, the only material they could get to cover themselves were leaves. When the angel of God materialized and they heard his voice, they had to hide themselves, knowing that the fact that they were wearing something would give them away as having eaten of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. In other words, they were troubled by guilty conscience, a state of mind which makes one to be easily fearful. “The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.” (Proverbs 28:1) To relieve themselves of their guilt, both of them were shifting blame for their actions. The man blamed the woman and (indirectly blamed God for giving him the woman),while the woman blames the serpent . But no one can deceive God. Both are held responsible for their actions and sentence is passed on them. Sin brings one low. One should not allow another person to talk him into breaking the laws of God no matter how highly placed or dear such a person is to one. This is because the person you have respect for or you do not want to offend cannot save or protect you from the consequences. “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)” - Hebrews 10:22, 23.

Friday, May 8, 2015 Text: “And they said one to another, We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us.” - Genesis 42:21.

Comment: It could be recalled that many years after the sons of Jacob had, out of envy, sold their younger brother, Joseph, into slavery and he was taken to the land of Egypt, they were driven by famine to go to Egypt for food. Joseph had by then risen to a position of pre- eminence in the Egyptian Kingdom. When his brothers appeared before him for help he recognised them but they no longer knew him. When he put them to the test and made them experience some difficulties in getting the help they wanted, their conscience judged them and they were compelled to confess that it was their sin against their bother that was making them suffer. (Genesis 42: 22) It would be recalled that it was Reuben who opposed the idea that Joseph should be killed and instead suggested that he should be cast into a pit to the end that “he might rid him out of their hands, to deliver him to his father again”. (Genesis 37:20-22) While Reuben was away, they saw Midianite merchant men passing by and Judah suggested that they should rather sell Joseph to them than kill him. (Genesis 37:25-28) When Reuben came back to see that the lad was no longer in the pit, he wept. (Genesis 37:29) Here again we see that majority is not always right in the way of God and that when our conscience corrects us we should swallow our pride and amend our ways immediately, even if we feel we may lose some immediate benefit for so doing. Wrong actions will definitely produce negative consequences by and by. St. Paul stated, “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.

Saturday, May 9, 2015 Text: “And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.” - John 8:9.

Comment: At the time of Jesus Christ, sin had become so commonplace that the laws were not always enforced, in that the person or people who should complain to the judges was likely to be guilty of the same offence or of other serious offences. Adultery was one of such sins. There is the striking record of the Scribes and Pharisees who wanted to find fault with Jesus Christ. To this end, they brought to him a woman caught in adultery and asked him what should be done to her. According to the law of Moses, they said, such an action carried capital punishment. (Leviticus 20:10; Deuteronomy 22:22) But they brought only the woman and left the man, in that the law says both the man and woman should be put to death. But Jesus Christ who knew their intention turned to them and asked that any of them who was not a sinner should first throw a stone at her. None of them did. Rather, they were conscience-stricken and went out one by one. (John 8:1-11) People of God should judge righteous judgment. (John 7:24) There are many hypocrites who claim to be godly but are devils at heart. Scripture says, “Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.” - Romans 2:22-24. Sunday, May 10, 2015 Text: “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (i.e. the holy spirit).” - Acts 2:37, 38, parenthesis ours

Comment: Before Christ's ascension, he instructed his apostles to wait in Jerusalem until the holy spirit would descend on them and empower them to effectively proclaim his name and word. It was not until the day of pentecost, the festival of firstfruits which is observed on the 50th day after the Passover, that the promise was fulfilled. On that day the apostles spoke in several languages which worshippers from other parts of the Roman empire spoke and understood. The truth must of necessity come into conflict with the works of error, It exposes error in ways even the speaker may not be aware of and arouses in the people of good heart condition, the contriteness of heart that moves them to do right. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) St. Peter, addressing the Jews spoke of their ignoble and wicked role in crucifying Jesus Christ and assured them that the same Jesus had been resurrected by God and exalted to be Lord above all His creatures. The Jews in their conscience felt very guilty, and were compelled to enquire as to what they should do under the circumstance. The result was that about 3000 people signified their conversion by baptism, having been charged to “save yourselves from this untoward generation”. (Acts 2:40, 41) St. Peter stated, “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.” - 1 Peter 3:21, 22.

Monday, May 11, 2015 Text: ”Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron.” - 1 Timothy 4:1, 2. Comment: Some people develop a bad and insensitive conscience. Among such people are die-hard criminals and others who pride themselves in violence, immorality, lie telling, stealing, and other forms of evil. Included among them are false prophets who persist in making bogus claims and in telling lies in the name of God to deceive the people. These are the ones “whose conscience are dead, as if burnt with a hot iron” as the prophecy of St. Paul is rendered in the Today's English Version.

As a wicked man knows that he is wicked, so too a false prophet knows in his conscience that he is deceiving the people but will not listen to the voice of his conscience or of reason. Such constant violation of the conscience and perversion brings about a situation in which the conscience becomes defiled or unresponsive as not to see things in their true light. “Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.” (Titus 1:15) Such ones preoccupy themselves with satisfying their ungodly fleshly desires without regard for the laws of God or the feelings of people whom they injure by their perverse conduct. In the words of St. Paul such ones “being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness”. (Ephesians 4:19) Even worse are those who claim to be Pastors but who are in actual using religion to make easy prey of people. Such ones are false prophets, whom Jesus Christ said, appear in sheep's clothing, “but inwardly they are ravening wolves”. (Matthew 7:15) Such ones St. Paul said “serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple”. - Romans 16:18

Tuesday, May 12, 2015 Text: “Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? See thou to that. And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.” - Matthew 27:3-5.

Comment: There is great danger in having a conscience that is not functioning properly as it cannot forewarn its owner against an evil course. Consequently, the owner will always incur the anger of God by doing things contrary to His will.

Some other people however do get warning from their conscience but simply ignore it by looking for excuses to justify their actions. Whatever the case, the fact is that the wicked man does evil without regard for God or man. Take for instance the case of Judas Iscariot. Our Lord Jesus Christ had declared concerning who would betray him in this wise, “The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.” (Matthew 26:24) But despite the lucid warnings of Jesus Christ, he went ahead to betray him into the hands of the wicked Jews, for thirty pieces of silver, which according to Matthew Henry's Commentary, is the same as thirty shekels, which in British money is about three pounds eight shillings or three pounds fifteen shillings.

The law of God provides that if an ox kills a slave then the owner of the ox must pay to the master of the slave 30 pieces of silver, (about fifty-two dollars, eighty cents). This was therefore the worth of the slave in monetary terms. See Exodus 21:32. Compare Zechariah 11:12, 13) By the time Judas proclaimed that he had sinned in that he had betrayed innocent blood, it was too late. His repentance cannot be accepted in that he sinned against knowledge, in spite of warnings from our Lord Jesus Christ. (John 6:70; 13:26, 27; Matthew 26:21-25) Those whose interest in satisfying their carnal desires is higher than their regard for God and His word are likely to sin against the holy spirit, a sin committed deliberately, in spite of knowing the law of God, for which there is no forgiveness. See Matthew 12:31,32; 2 Peter 2:20-22.

Wednesday, May 13, 2015 Text: “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: King David had his conscience well trained in the law of God. Indeed, the Almighty God described him as “a man after mine own heart” and made him king to feed His people, the Israelites. (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22) But there was a time where the devil took advantage of his human frailty and moved him to undertake a census that displeased God. In 1 Chronicles 21:1, it is stated: “Satan, setting himself against Israel, incited David to count the people.” (New English Bible). This explains what is stated in 2 Samuel 24:1 to wit, “And again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah.” God allowed the devil to influence David because he, and by extension, the Jews, had given room for it. However, because he had a sensitive conscience, he quickly realised his error, confessed his sin and asked for God's forgiveness. As it is written: “After he had counted the people David's conscience smote him, and he said to the LORD, I have done a very wicked thing; I pray thee, LORD, remove thy servant's guilt, for I have been very foolish.” (2 Samuel 24:1-4,10, New English Bible) That the devil moved David to do the wrong thing should teach us that no man is (except Jesus Christ) is perfect and that a man reputed for wisdom and honour could also make mistakes. Bible students know that even though David repented, yet vile consequences followed his action in that many people died, as a result of collective responsibility. When a leader is involved in a grievous error, the people should not just follow blindly but help him by insisting that he should do what is right in the sight of God. Else everyone will share in the blame and suffer the consequences. “For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.” - Isaiah 9:16; see also Jeremiah 5:30, 31.

Thursday, May 14, 2015 Text: “But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols.” - 1 Corinthians 8:9, 10.

Comment: The Bible recognises the need for one to respect the conscience of another, even where the other's conscience is weak or where his actions are based on ignorance. At the time of the Roman empire, it was common practice for people to take to the market meat that had been offered as sacrifice to idols. These were images of wood and stone and had no power whatsoever. Thus, St. Paul stated that a Christian having a weak conscience owing to lack of spiritual understanding, may think that it is a sin to eat such meats. But those whose consciences are strong being better informed and having spiritual understanding, should not exercise their liberty in a way that would weaken the faith of those who are new in the faith. Hence he said “but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way”, adding, “if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.” (Romans 14:12-15) There are certain rules some make for themselves to enhance their Christian living, which, though not commanded by God, are not sinful. It enables them to serve God with clean conscience. It would not be discreet for one who does not observe such rules to stridently oppose his fellow Christian who demands it, seeing that it enhances his spiritual life., simply because it is not written in the law. We should take note of the guidelines given us by St. Paul in deciding on what is acceptable. He stated, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” - Philippians 4:8.

Friday, May 15, 2015 Text: “These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.” - John 16:1-3

Comment: People should be made to know that though the freedom to act according to the dictates of one's conscience exists, one should always be guided by reason and the law of God in any step one wishes to take. Jesus Christ warned his disciples that, because of their ignorance of the truth, people would persecute and kill them, thinking, that they were doing the work of God, as stated in the text for today. This emphasises the need to acquire the knowledge of God as not to be deceived by one's conscience or for one to act out of ignorance. Although the conscience acts involuntarily, it is important that it is trained to act on the basis of the knowledge of the laws of God. “Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.” (Romans 10:1-3) Nobody should simply, on the dictates of his misinformed or uneducated conscience, do things to the detriment of his fellow man, for there is a saying that “your freedom ends where the other man's own begins.” We should remember the golden rule, “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” - Matthew 7:12.

Saturday, May 16, 2015 Text: “For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. - Galatians 1:13, 14.

Comment: Like the heart of man, the conscience can also be deceitful in the sense of being insensitive to certain things that are not in harmony with the will of God. In this regard one who has no knowledge of God will not have a prick of conscience when he is serving idols, or pouring libations to ancestors. Such was the case of St. Paul before his conversion. He himself stated how he, honestly thinking that he was doing the will of God, persecuted the Church as the citation for today says. When Stephen said he saw a vision of Jesus Christ standing at the right hand of God, the people stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord and stoned him to death, laying their clothes “at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul”. (Acts 7:58-60) Besides the case of Stephen, St. Paul, then known as Saul, waxed stronger in his attacks on the Church. The Bible says, “As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.” (Acts 8:3) He confessed that he was “a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.” – 1 Timothy 1:13.

In the days of our Lord Jesus Christ, he condemned the religious leaders of the Jews for carefully keeping the traditions of men, even though they violated the laws of God. (Matthew 15:1-12) The zeal of those who, in clear conscience, keep the traditions of men thinking they are doing the will of God, will not receive His approval or blessing. Hence the charge that we should not “...Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven ... For the customs of the people are vain...” - Jeremiah 10:2, 3.

Sunday, May 17, 2015 Text: “The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.” - Proverbs 28:1.

Comment: Sin makes men cowards because of guilty conscience. A landlord who was caught in adultery with a tenant's wife was so humiliated that he lost courage. Not only did he go on his knees before his young tenant but for every word of rebuke from him he was always saying “yes sir”. So too, a thief who escapes from police custody is always haunted by fear: he thinks every man he meets is a policeman. Those whose consciences are clear speak with boldness. St. Paul boldly made his defence before Governor Felix and the leaders of the Jews declaring that he always sought to have a conscience void of offence toward God and toward man. (Acts 24:16) Strong faith and therefore the favour of God belong to those with clear consciences. David stated, “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? ... Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.” (Psalm 27:1- 3) Anyone whose conscience has judged and convicted of his sin or fault knows that he is guilty before God. Repentance is what he needs as to obtain forgiveness. St. John in his epistle stated: “For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.” – 1 John 3:20,21.

Monday, May 18, 2015 Text: “Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.” - Hebrews 13:18.

Comment: The value of good and clear conscience is inestimable. “A quiet conscience sleeps in thunder, but rest and guilt live far asunder,” was the statement of the American Statesman, scientists and writer, Benjamin Franklin (1706 – 1790). And a French proverb says: “There is no pillow so soft as a clear conscience.”

St. Paul states in his letter to the Hebrew Christians that his primary concern in the work of the ministry was to live honestly and he had no doubt in his mind that this principle had guided his work in the ministry of Christ. In his letter to the Christians at Corinth he had had stated, “For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 2:17) Because he was sincere in the practice of the faith, he believes God will always hear his prayers and prayers said on his behalf by the brethren. Hence he said that the grace of God will always “be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity”. (Ephesians 6:24) In his letter to Timothy he said he had been “Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.” -1 Timothy 3:9.

When people know the truth and are willing to follow it, they will have peace of mind, which is based on the confidence that one has not offended God in his thoughts and actions. That was why he could boldly tell a Jewish council that he had “lived in all good conscience before God” (Acts 23:1) Having a good conscience is the end of the commandment in that one who does not break the laws of God will be confident towards God and at peace with himself.

Tuesday, May 19, 2015 Text: “When she was brought forth, she sent to her father in law, saying, By the man, whose these are, am I with child: and she said, Discern, I pray thee, whose are these, the signet, and bracelets, and staff.” - Genesis 38:25.

Comment: When the first son of Judah, called Er, married a woman called Tamar, the marriage did not last because the Bible says he was wicked in the sight of God and so God killed him. (Genesis 38:7): The second son, called Onan had to marry her to raise up seed for his brother. (Deuteronomy 25:5) He too did what was wicked in the sight of God and died for it. Judah refused to give his third son, Shelah to Tamar as wife for fear that he too may die. Rather, Judah sent her to her father's house, with a charge to remain a widow until the son be grown. Seeing that she may remain in that state, she posed as a harlot at a time of sheep shearing when there was much to eat and to drink. Strangely enough, it was Judah, the patriarch of the house, who was taken in by the trap. When she was found to be with child, he was outspoken in demanding that she be burnt for adultery.

He was loud in condemning adultery though he was guilty also of it. (Compare Romans 2:1, 21- 24) It was at this stage she brought out the tokens Judah had given her, his signet, his bracelets and staff. (Genesis 38:24, 25) His conscience then smote him. “And Judah acknowledged them, and said, She hath been more righteous than I; because that I gave her not to Shelah my son…” (Genesis 38:26) We should not suspect people when there is no proof as the suspicion could be totally wrong. (Zechariah 8:17) The one who is falsely accused should trust in God that he or she would be vindicated in course of time.

Wednesday, May 20, 2015 Text: “Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling.” - 1 Timothy 1:5, 6.

Comment: In the practice of righteousness love or charity is fundamental. But it must be without hypocrisy and out of a good conscience if it is to be a genuine love acceptable to God. This was made explicit in St. Paul's letter to Timothy, as highlighted in the text for today. The apostle then charged Timothy to continue in the spiritual warfare against unrighteousness, “holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck.” – 1 Timothy 1:18, 19.

The sacrificial death of Jesus Christ serves the purpose of purging believers of their sins and evil conscience as to serve the living God in truth and be saved. (Hebrews 9:8-9, 13-14). Therefore, St. Paul exhorting the Christians stated: “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed in pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering...” (Hebrews 10:22, 23) Washing our bodies with pure water means immersing ourselves in the word of God and putting it into practice (as proof that we have faith in it) thereby living the new life in Christ. The person who wavers in his faith, in the words of Apostle James “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”. He added, “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:5-8) The message is clear and conclusive - let us live in all good conscience before God.

Thursday, May 21, 2015 Text: “And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.” - Acts 5:27, 28. Comment: God Almighty did many wonderful works through the apostles at the time the Church was being established. This aroused the anger of the religious leaders, who sent men and arrested them. But the angel of God opened the prison and commanded them to go and preach to the people, and they did so the following morning. When the council and senate met and asked for the apostles to be brought, they came back with a strange story that though the prisons doors were locked, the apostles were not there. Word soon reached them that those they sought for were busy preaching in the temple. They had to bring them gently, without force, because of the people. It was at that stage the Sadducees asked them the question in the text for today. The apostles replied them “...We ought to obey God rather than men”. (Acts 5:29) This made them very angry and so they wanted to kill all of them until one of the leaders called Gamaliel, intervened, counselling against rash action, lest they be found to be fighting against God. - Acts 5:12-42.

The law of the land in many countries provides for a “conscience clause”. It is “a part of a law that says that the law need not be obeyed by people whose consciences will not allow them to obey it.” Allowance is also made in law for the “conscientious objector” that is, “a person who refuses to serve in the armed forces because of moral or religious beliefs”. Such allowances are reasonable and are very well appreciated, and governments that uphold them must be commended, as God Almighty Himself does not force people to obey His laws. – Genesis 2:16,17; Joshua 24:14,15; Deuteronomy 30:15.

A MAN REAPS WHAT HE SOWS To sow means to scatter or plant seeds on an area of land in order to grow crops. It is what one has sown that he will reap. However it happens some times in the world, that one could plant, only to lose it to criminals. It is generally accepted that anyone who sows yam but is seen to have harvested plantain is a thief, in that one cannot plant one thing and reap another. (Isaiah 65:22) The law of cause and effect is a natural law and each person must get the reward for his actions. St. Paul declared, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” - 2 Corinthians 5:10.

Friday, May 22, 2015 Text: “Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” - Matthew 7:16-20.

Comment: In this famous warning our Lord Jesus Christ gave concerning false prophets, he stated that it is not possible for a corrupt tree to produce good fruit and vice versa. By the same token, it is not possible for a seed that is sown not to bring forth its own plant. This is God's arrangement. The Bible says, “And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so. And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good.” - Genesis 1:11, 12. It is a universal fact that it is what one sows that he reaps, that like produces like. The seed of corn can never produce groundnuts, or tomatoes or pepper. Used figuratively, the principle of sowing and reaping, illustrates the correspondence between moral action and its consequences. It is said that when one sows an act, he reaps a habit, if he sows a habit, he reaps a character, what he sows by way of character determines his future. Those who are lazy should not expect to get the rewards of hard work or industry. A student who neglects his studies and spends his time travelling, attending parties, and watching home video and sports programmes should not be surprised by the results he gets at the end of the semester or if he is asked to withdraw from the institution. Scripture says, “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.

Saturday, May 23, 2015 Text: “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.” - Hebrews 4:13.

Comment: Indeed, any attempt to pretend to be doing well only amounts to self-deceit for there is nothing men do – whether in secret or in the open – that is hidden from God. “Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.” (Jeremiah 23:24) One who is a wizard or witch engaged in wicked practices may appear to men as a good Christian, but he or she is completely exposed before the eyes of the Almighty God. So too an unfaithful woman or man who indulges in adultery secretly may seem good a housewife or husband - yet every secret is known to our Maker. Concerning the Almighty God, St. Paul stated: “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.” (Hebrews 4:13) Even the thoughts of the hearts of men are well known to the all-powerful and just God. He is therefore in a position to reward everyone according to his deeds. As it is written: “I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.” – Jeremiah 17:10

A person may do some good but his intention may be otherwise evil. For example, a man may be giving assistance to his neighbour and offering gifts to him and his wife as a friend but his intention may be to seduce his neighbour's wife. Though by human considerations he is regarded as a kind man, God knows that he is a mischievous character. Christ said, “For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.” - Luke 12:2.

Sunday, May 24, 2015 Text: “The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness: according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me. With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful, and with the upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright. With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself unsavoury. - 2 Samuel 22:21, 26, 27. Comment: No one can escape the consequences of his actions. To the Roman Christians St. Paul wrote: “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” (Romans 14:12 see also 2 Corinthians 5:10) Instances abound in the Holy Bible of good men and women who for their works of faith and righteousness were prospered by the Most High and whose ends were blessed. Take the case of Abraham concerning whom the apostle James wrote: “Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? …And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.” – James 2:21-23 see also Romans 4:3, 18-22

Mention can also be made of men such as Abel, Noah, David and women like Sarah, Rahab, Mary the sister of Martha, Dorcas and so on who were blessed for their good deeds and who shall further “be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.” (Luke 14:14; Hebrews 11:1-40. St. Paul also stated: “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. Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. - Hebrews 11:32-35, 16.

Monday, May 25, 2015 Text: “On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king. And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's chamberlains, the keepers of the door, who sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus. And the king said, What honour and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this? Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, There is nothing done for him.” - Esther 6:1-3.

Comment: There is nothing good a man does which goes unrewarded, no matter how little it may be or how long it takes. There is the instance of the captive Jew, Mordecai, in the Kingdom of Persia who revealed the plot by some of the king's officers to kill him. Inquiry was made and it was found to be true following which the culprits were hanged and entry on what he had done was made in the chronicles in the presence of the king. – Esther 2:21-23. No reward whatsoever was given to Mordecai then, for so great and loyal an act as saving the king's life. He seemed to have been forgotten. And so it happened that one night the king could not sleep. He called for and had “the book of record of the chronicles” read to him, whereupon he discovered that he had not rewarded Mordecai for saving his life. The king immediately summoned Haman – a bitter enemy of Mordecai – who ironically had just then come to the courtyard to ask for the king's warrant for Mordecai's death. Without knowing Haman's mission, the King asked him how one who pleased the king should be honoured. Haman thinking he was the one slated for such a benefit, listed high honours that should be done for such a person. His disappointment could only be imagined when the king told him to ensure all those privileges he mentioned were done for Mordecai, who sits at the king's gate. - Esther 6:6-10. Haman had no alternative but to obey. God keeps record of our good deeds and will reward us adequately in due season. “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” - Hebrews 6:10. Tuesday, May 26, 2015 Text: “And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath. And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai.” - Esther 3:5, 6.

Comment: Apparently, one of the honours attached to the office of Haman after his promotion, was that people should bow down to him. But this was contrary to the law of God, for which reason Mordecai refused to bow. (Exodus 20:4, 5; Isaiah 45:23) Seeing that he refused to bow, the king's servants, reported him to their master. When Haman observed him and found out that the accusation was true, he decided to destroy not only Mordecai but all the Jews. But to do this he had to convince the king that he will not suffer loss (in terms of revenue or services) but would even gain from such an operation as he would pay “ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of those that have the charge of the business, to bring it into the king's treasuries.” - Esther 3:8, 9. The decree from the king did not make Mordecai or Esther to change course or compromise but to seek the face of God by prayer and fasting. Mordecai believed that God would give the Jews deliverance one way or another. (Esther 4:13,14) Esther on her part, directed a programme of fasting for all the Jews in Shushan so that she may be granted favour to appear before the King. (Esther 4:16) When people of God are facing danger they should trust firmly in Him and seek His favour through prayer. “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.” - Psalm 42:11.

Wednesday, May 27, 2015 Text: “Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and to morrow speak thou unto the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be made.” - Esther 5:14. Comment: Apart from destroying the Jews and all that belonged to them, Haman planned to give Mordecai an exemplary punishment, by hanging him. Seeing his mind- set, his wife and friends told him just what he wanted to hear, and this was music to his ears. One can see the dangers of flattery. When one is in position, except he is very careful and alert, he will be surrounded by men-pleasers, meaning that he will hardly get frank, honest advice. He himself will look at those who tell him hard truths with suspicion and may even distance himself from them. “Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts”, (Proverbs 19:6) and “a flattering mouth worketh ruin”. (Proverbs 26:28) A wife should also help check the husband from falling into the pit, no matter the privileges they may be enjoying for the time being. She may thereby save the entire family from ruin and disgrace. - Proverbs 12:4; Ecclesiastes 4:9-11. The Bible says, God takes the wise in their own craftiness. (Job 5:13) Eventually the evil plot to kill all the Jews was revealed to the king and Haman and his ten sons were hanged in the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. He fell into the pit he had so diligently and arrogantly dug for Mordecai and the Jews. See Esther 7:9,10; 9: 14. The Bible says: “He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him. Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith; and he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby. (Ecclesiastes 10:8, 9) “Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.” - Proverbs 26:27.

Thursday, May 28, 2015 Text: “…Seventy kings with their thumbs and big toes cut off used to gather their food under my table; as I have done so God has repaid me.” – Judges 1:7 New Kings James Version

Comment: The Holy Bible abounds with examples of people who wrought wickedness, lived dishonourably and ended up disgracefully. They suffered the penalty for wickedness. Thus, Adonibezek the Canaanite king, did not escape the wrath of God for his unnatural fondness for cruelty to other people. He was captured and had his thumbs and his great toes cut off as he had done to others. He thus made the confession as in the text for today. Historians say that cutting off of thumbs and great toes “was an ancient mode of treating enemies” and that "the Athenians, at the instigation of Cleon, son of Cleaenetus, made a decree that all the inhabitants of the island of Aegina should have the thumb cut off from the right hand, so that they might ever after be disabled from holding a spear, yet might handle an oar." Adonibezek, hereby acknowledges the supremacy of God Almighty Who had rewarded him for his cruelty to others. Indeed, King David did say of the wicked: “Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood. He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made. His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate.” (Psalm 7:14-16) Furthermore he stated, “The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation. Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.” – Psalm 37:14,15. See also Proverbs 26:24, 27; 28:10 etc.

Friday, May 29, 2015 Text: “David said furthermore, As the LORD liveth, the LORD shall smite him; or his day shall come to die; or he shall descend into battle, and perish.” - 1 Samuel 26:10. Comment: In one of the notable incidents that took place in time of old, David and his men found that Saul and his lieutenants, who were pursuing David, were sleeping. Abishai, one of David's mighty men sought permission from him to kill Saul “with the spear even to the earth at once” but David refused, responding with words in the text for today, that he would either die naturally or in battle. This shows that David had firm belief in the law of retribution. Though he had done Saul no wrong, yet the King was pursuing him from pillar to post because he was afraid he would displace him from the throne. He had pursued David to Kellah, then to the wilderness of Ziph and the wilderness of Engedi and to the hill of Hachilah. (1 Samuel 23:13-29; 24; 26). Saul's fear of losing office was of course due to lack of understanding. He should know that it is God Almighty Who “bringeth low and lifteth up”. (1 Samuel 2:7, 8) True to the words of King David, Saul died in battle. When he saw that the war had gone sorely against him, and that he had been wounded by the archers, he “took a sword, and fell upon it”. (1 Samuel 31:1-6) Scripture says, “As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death. Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.” (Proverbs 11:19, 21) “Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.” - Proverbs 13:21.

Saturday, May 30, 2015 Text: “The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.” - Proverbs 11:18.

Comment: There have been reports in the newspapers of people who unjustly influenced the retirement of their subordinates on the grounds that they were redundant. When the injustice was found out, the culprit was compulsorily retired by the government. There had been reports of chief executives whose appointments were terminated for no good reason. But in course of time the officials who influenced the removal of the chief executive was himself sacked and the chief executive reinstated.

The word of God is always true. As king Solomon was inspired to state: “If you witness in some province the oppression of the poor and the denial of right and justice, do not be surprised at what goes on, for every official has a higher one set over him, and the highest (God Almighty) keeps watch over them all.” (Ecclesiastes 5:8, New English Bible.) God Almighty will not just watch over things but will in due time set things in order to show mankind that the “most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whosover he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men”. -Daniel 4:17. Also a woman who, according to her own account, worked hard to see that the husband became well placed in life, found to her dismay that he wanted to marry another woman she decided to punish him through witchcraft. But things backfired and she fell victim instead. This should teach women who would otherwise have been good wives to exercise the fear of God and avoid selfishness, ungodly jealousy and other devilish tendencies. It is futile to indulge in evil-doings such as robbery, murder, bribery, oppression of the poor, false accusation, backbiting, adultery or fornication, witchcraft, lying, seditions, and so on, which according to St. Paul, are manifestations of ungodly fleshly lusts as these produce negative consequences. – Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 5:3-7; Colossians 3:5-11 etc. Sunday, May 31, 2015 Text: “Behold, I will bring evil upon thee, and will take away thy posterity, and will cut off from Ahab him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel.” -1 Kings 21:21.

Comment: Ahab was the son of Omri, seventh king of Israel. Contrary to the law of God (Deuteronomy 7:3,4) he married Jezebel, daughter of Ethbaal king of Tyre. He allowed idolatry to be practiced so freely in the land of Israel that the Bible says that “there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up.” (1 Kings 21:25) One of the major blunders of his reign was his quest for the vineyard of Naboth, which he refused on the ground that it was an inheritance. (Leviticus 25:23) Through Jezebel's arrangement, a false accusation of blasphemy was brought against him, and he was murdered, and Ahab took possession of the land. Ahab was therefore guilty of murder. God declared through Elijah, “Arise, go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, which is in Samaria: behold, he is in the vineyard of Naboth, whither he is gone down to possess it. And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the LORD, Hast thou killed, and also taken possession? And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the LORD, In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick thy blood, even thine.” (1 Kings 21:18, 19) Though he humbled himself on hearing the grim sentence, he still allowed idol worship and listened to false prophets, who encouraged him to go to war against the Syrians as against the advice of Micaiah the man of God, who told him not to in that he would lose. Even though Ahab disguised himself and went to the war, He did not return from that battle as he was fatally wounded. True to the prophecy dogs licked his blood as soldiers washed his armour in the pool of Samaria. – 1 Kings 22.

Monday, June 1, 2015 Text: “Wherefore they came again, and told him. And he said, This is the word of the LORD, which he spake by his servant Elijah the Tishbite, saying, In the portion of Jezreel shall dogs eat the flesh of Jezebel: And the carcase of Jezebel shall be as dung upon the face of the field in the portion of Jezreel; so that they shall not say, This is Jezebel.” - 2 Kings 9:36, 37. Comment: What happened to Jezebel should serve as an example to those who misuse their positions to persecute the people of God and delight in sinful practices. Jezebel served Baal, and dragged others into worshipping it. She practised idolatory. (1Kings 16:31) She killed several prophets of God. And when Elijah ordered the killing of 450 prophets of Baal she vowed to kill him. (1Kings 19:2) But God hid Elijah. When Ahab coveted the vineyard of Naboth it was she who organised false witnesses to give evidence for which he was stoned to death. For this heinous act, God declared, “The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel” - 1Kings 21:23, 25. God gave Jehu the asignment to destroy Ahab and his house, including Jezebel and he carried out the order to the letter. (2Kings 9:7, 10, 22, 30-33) After Jezebel had been thrown down from the storey building on the orders of Jehu, he sent word to his men to go bury her, for “she is a king's daughter” . But they only found her bones, as her flesh had been eaten by dogs. “Wherefore they came again, and told him. And he said, This is the word of the LORD, which he spake by his servant Elijah the Tishbite, saying, In the portion of Jezreel shall dogs eat the flesh of Jezebel: And the carcase of Jezebel shall be as dung upon the face of the field in the portion of Jezreel; so that they shall not say, This is Jezebel.” (2 Kings 9: 34-37) In the place where Jezebel caused the dogs to lick the blood of Naboth, the dogs licked her blood. King Solomon stated, “He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail.” – Proverbs 22:8.

Tuesday, June 2, 2015 Text: “For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again” declared our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” - Luke 6:38.

Comment: Words, thoughts, actions are seeds. We receive like measure of what we mete to others. Our attitudes towards others is reflected in their responses to us. So also the negative actions we take pleasure in comes back to afflict us. This is the lot of drunkards, drug addicts, fornicators and adulterers, gamblers, the covetous and so on. The only way in which we can hope to better our lot in life is to sow good seeds. In both the natural and the spiritual spheres: the size of a harvest corresponds to the scope of the sowing. The effect is the child of the cause, our sowing determines our reaping.

We should endeavour to keep ourselves busy sowing useful seeds so as to reap bountiful harvest by the grace of God. “He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.” (Ecclesiastes 11:4) The point is that one cannot say because the north wind driveth away rain, (Proverbs 25:23), and on that account put off the sowing of the seed till it is too late. Also, one should not, just because of a bout of rain in harvest time, put off his harvest. (Proverbs 26:1) But the lazy man, looks for any excuse, including the state of the weather, so as not to go out and work. He who would accomplish and gain anything, must have confidence and courage to work hard and to venture.

The planting would be difficult, but persistence would doubtless bring a harvest. Hence David said in one of his psalms: “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” - Psalm 126:5, 6.

Wednesday, June 3, 2015 Text: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” - Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14.

Comment: Some people, who do not believe in the world to come, think that it is only in this world one can suffer for one's evil deeds. And as some wicked people get away with their wicked acts without being detected, perhaps until they die, some think that such ones had escaped punishment. Those who think so are ignorant of the purpose of God. It is worse when some of those who disregard the word of God are the ones who are preaching to others. “Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things… And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” (Romans 2:1-4)

It is clear in the Holy Bible that those who do not receive their punishment now, though they did not repent to serve God before their death, shall be resurrected by God through Jesus Christ in His Kingdom to suffer for their sins. Even those who have suffered one form of punishment or another among men are yet to face God's judgment. And the Bible talks of the judgment of the dead; as it is written: “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” – Hebrews 9:27 And Jesus Christ said, “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” – John 5:28, 29

Thursday, June 4, 2015 Text: “For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” – Galatians 6:8, 9

Comment: This is a follow-up to St. Paul's statement in verse seven of Galatians 6, that a man reaps what he sows To sow to the flesh is to do things to satisfy our sinful nature and live under the dominations of sin. Such is the life of unbelievers whose tendency is to please the world rather than God. To sow to the spirit is to do things in conformity with the law of God Who is a spirit and to His pleasure. Another point we must bear in mind is that a good return at harvest is usually proportional to what is sown. In other words, a man who sows little expects little yield whereas the one who sows much hopes to reap much. St. Paul also confirmed this when he exhorted the Christians at Corinth as regards the blessing in being liberal in the service of the Lord. Said he: “…He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.” – 2 Corinthians 9:6

A good farmer, therefore, does not economise his seeds; he works hard to sow as much as he is able or as his arable land can contain. Similarly, we need to be industrious and generous in giving support to the work of God by all means at our disposal – our influence, our money, the wisdom with which God has blessed us – our substance or possession and even our bodies. So shall we be abundantly rewarded by the Lord.

In Hosea 10:12 it is written: “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.” It pays to fear God and do righteousness.

Friday, June 5, 2015 Text: “For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.” - Matthew 16:27.

Comment: Jesus Christ, underscored the inevitability of the judgment of God in his parable on the final judgment when the world will be divided into sheep and goats. Concerning the fate of the goats he said: “Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.” - Matthew 25:41-46.

Now that now Christ has returned to give divine rewards, we should be more diligent and more zealous in promoting righteousness in all our thoughts, words and deeds so that we may be in favour with him and be saved. For he himself had said: “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” – Revelation 22:12; Romans 2:5, 11 etc

And St. Paul admonished: “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.” – Colossians 3:23-25

EXAMINE YOURSELVES The theme “Examine Yourselves” reminds us of the need to maintain constant checks on ourselves using the Holy Bible as our yardstick. It involves examining one's own behaviour, motives, moods, beliefs, state and so on with a view to detecting or knowing for oneself the areas where one has not done well or is living up to expectation. It is encouraged by God because by so doing men are able to correct themselves of their errors in order not to be subjected to the judgment of others. It has been said that: “Self-reflection is the school of wisdom.”

St. Paul stated, “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.

Saturday, June 6, 2015 Text: “Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.” - 2 John 8. Comment: This exhortation by the servant of God teaches us to be always on our guard, constantly checking whether what we are doing is righteous, lest we lose the blessings for the good things we have done in the past, thus, depriving us of getting all the reward for the many things we have been doing by His grace.

It is very important to note that it is not by talking smoothly or eloquently like angels that matter so much in the sight of God as putting the knowledge into practice. This is where some professed Christians are failing. Did Apostle James not say: “So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.”? (James 2:12) We pray God through Jesus Christ to help us all to be doers of what we preach and hear so as to get a full reward, which is eternal life with other attendant blessings, by His grace. (Matthew 7:21. See also Romans 1:16; 1 Timothy 4:16; Luke 6:46) “But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak”, said St. Paul who also added,. “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” (Hebrews 6:9, 10) What is required of us is to constantly keep in view the ultimate object of our sacrifice, which is salvation. For us not to lose “those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward”, requires faith, the habit of study and prayer, patience, trust in God and steadfastness. “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” - James 1:25.

Sunday, June 7, 2015 Text: “But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.” - Galatians 4:9-11.

Comment: The Christian life is one of self-denial and sacrifice. Our Lord and Master Jesus Christ declared: “…If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24) Those who have come to Christ must therefore beware of materialism – “a preoccupation with or stress upon material rather than intellectual or spiritual things”. (Encyclopaedia Britannica 2002 Deluxe edition). It is regrettable therefore for Christians to be preoccupied with birthdays, Halloween, Valentine, Wake keeping events, as well as festivals to flag off the eating of new yam and new corn besides other traditional festivals. It is true God promised to glorify His Church in this Kingdom age. But that promise will fulfil gradually on those who serve the Lord with fear, who do not abuse the privileges they have in the Lord's service, meaning they are faithful in diligently keeping His word. We should not by our conduct create the impression that having supposedly placed our hopes in the Kingdom to come, we are being carried away by the quest for material things or are trying to please the world, as the text for today states. The Bible counsels moderation in all we do and warns strongly against materialism and the changing fashion of this evil world which is now rolling away very fast. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:1, 2) We should learn to set our “affection on things above, not on things on the earth”. - Colossians 3:1, 2.

Monday, June 8, 2015 Text: “For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.” - Ecclesiastes 7:12.

Comment: To be able to make steady progress in the work of God one needs knowledge. It is the interest or love for knowledge that propels one to seek it with diligence. “The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein. His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever.” (Psalm 111:2, 3) In time of old it was at the word of the priests “shall every controversy and every stroke be tied” - Deuteronomy 21:5.

We should always pay serious attention to acquiring the knowledge of God whether by way of reading or listening as it builds faith and gives one strength. (Revelation 1:3; Romans 10:17) If we read diligently with sincere minds, the spirit of God will grow in us and this will reflect in our conduct and approach to issues by God's grace. David declared, “But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him. Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD. (Psalm 4:3-5) Those who are not serious about getting knowledge do not listen attentively to sermons, exhortations, etc, which build faith. (Romans 10:17) How can any one grow in faith and understanding when he or she does not like to retain the knowledge of God or shows gestures of nonchalance or apathy when the word is being preached? The Bible says, “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.” - 1 Corinthians 15:1, 2.

Tuesday, June 9, 2015 Text: “To whom shall I speak, and give warning, that they may hear? behold, their ear is uncircumcised, and they cannot hearken: behold, the word of the LORD is unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it”. – Jeremiah 6:10

Comment: We should avoid the mistake of the natural Jews regarding whom the prophet Jeremiah made the declaration used today. While we are free to acquire various kinds of knowledge, we should however, place premium on spiritual knowledge as it is not everything that constitutes “knowledge” in the eyes of the world that is true. It is the knowledge of God that makes people to do righteousness and to be saved. St. Paul described such knowledge that does not lead to godliness as “foolishness” with God. He asserted: “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? 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 1:18-21) St. Peter said in the last days scoffers will abound who will doubt the promise about the second Coming of Christ. He then stated, “For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:” - 2 Peter 3:5. Those who are lagging behind in the study of the Scriptures should make the reading of the Bible their daily routine so that they will be equipped to face modern challenges in their day-to- day life, particularly, considering the onslaught of false prophets. The prophet Solomon said: “For by wise counsel (from the Scriptures) thou shalt make thy war: and in the multitude of counsellors there is safety”. – Proverbs 24:6;

Wednesday, June 10, 2015 Text: “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” – Philippians 2: 3, 4.

Comment: One of the vices that is capable of choking our fruitfulness is over-ambition or haste to attain certain things or positions in life. It is good to have ambition to attain certain standards and to work towards it. Ungodly ambition however is not about setting targets or goals for growing in righteousness, but haste to realise these goals overnight or ambition to shine and dominate others. This could be due to high-mindedness or over estimation of oneself. Such feeling that “I am good enough for this or that and no other” “Or why was I not given this or that?” has been the undoing of some people in the way of God. We should learn from their mistakes, for as Shakespeare said, vaulting ambition over leaps itself and falls on the other. Any one who comes with preconceived notions of what he is entitled to in the way of God will run into problems. One who is preoccupied with seeking personal glory, making a boastful show of who he is or what he has in order to shine among the flock will not be able to cultivate the humble spirit required to serve God acceptably. St. Paul admonished: “And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.” (1 Corinthians 8:2) Truly as the prophet Solomon stated: “for men to search their own glory is not glory.” - Proverbs 25: 27.

Thursday, June 11, 2015 Text: “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.

Comment: Jesus Christ came for the purpose of calling the sheep of God to the way of salvation. Those who respond to this call are however enjoined to be humble and obedient to God, like Jesus Christ, so as to enjoy what God had prepared for them that love Him. Ordinarily, all mankind ought to readily and joyously answer the invitation to enjoy life and peace as against the distresses, fears and wants that had been their lot since the fall of Adam. But this is not the case due to satan's influence. And some of those who come into the way of God do so with a selfish desire of coming into a position of honour, ease, and power. Such ones are certain to falter along the way, and may fail if they do not repent. The only proper motive for serving God is the determination to do so as a duty and in response to His goodness to His creatures. It is then left for God to do whatsoever He sees fit to such one by way of reward. “The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down. The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing.” - Psalm 145:14-16

Friday, June 12, 2015 Text: “Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I am the LORD.” – Leviticus 19:16

Comment: There are those who think that the way to quickly climb up the ladder is to cast aspersions on others. They move from one house to the other and from one person to another spreading rumours and lies and even slander so as to appear before others to be industrious, far-sighted and kind-hearted, whereas all those efforts are for their selfish interests. While making people to see themselves as enemies, they run rings round people on both sides of the divide pretending to be the best friend each side could have. This is a dangerous practice, hence God directed that His people should never be involved in carrying unfounded tales. God Almighty warns us thus, “Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I am the LORD.” (Leviticus 19:16) The Bible highlights the dangers of talebearing in these words, “Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.” “The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.” - Proverbs 26:20, 22

Those who engage in carrying tales to set people against one another for their selfish ends are destroying, not building. David the King stated, “Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer”. (Psalm 101:5) Moreover, Solomon declared, “These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood.” - Proverbs 6:16, 17

Saturday, June 13, 2015 Text: “He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.” - Matthew 12:30.

Comment: The boldness with which some make unfounded allegations and spread it from one person to the other clearly shows lack of fear of God, and disregard for the well being and progress of those whose reputations are being tarnished. Clearly those involved in such things have been over reached by the devil. We should shun this habit of tale bearing, gossiping and avoid those who indulge in it for “a talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter” (Proverbs19:11) and “A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends”. – Proverbs 16:28

Those called into the way of God are being trained by means of His word to teach others by word and example, not to strengthen themselves in doing their own will in opposition to the will of God, with the reasoning that “everything in life is politics”. This is the kind of communication that corrupts good manners, brings worldliness into the Church, and dilutes it of its peculiarity. Our Lord said, “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) Any one who after knowing the truth, prefers to put the word of God aside and persist in doing his or her own will would certainly suffer serious punishment except he repents. We cannot be preaching to others about love, charity, sincerity in the Lord's service and not be doers. James the apostle stated, “So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. - James 2:12.

Sunday June 14, 2015 Text: “I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness: they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah.” - Jeremiah 23:14.

Comment: Several people today indulge in immoral conduct to satisfy their carnal desires, for the purpose of adventure, to be seen as having grown up and in tune with current trends, all through the influence of the devil. Fornication is a sin and is fraught with several dangers including unwanted pregnancies, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, including HIV/AIDS; dislocation of one's education and career and above all, God's punishment. The Bible says that “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven” and “better is the … patient in spirit … than the proud in spirit”. (1 Corinthians 6:9,10; Ephesians 5:3-5; Ecclesiastes 3:1;7:8) The people who surrounded Lot were very wayward but he did not join them. Rather he was constantly “vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked” and so was delivered when Sodom and Gomorrah were overthrown. According to the Bible in Basic English God God “sent destruction on Sodom and Gomorrah, burning them up with fire as an example to those whose way of life might in the future be unpleasing to him; And kept safe Lot, the upright man, who was deeply troubled by the unclean life of the evil-doers (Because the soul of that upright man living among them was pained from day to day by seeing and hearing their crimes)” – 2 Peter 2:6-8.

If anyone is indulging in sin secretly, such one is fooling him or herself and such ones should know that they will not escape punishment, in that their sins will find them out. (Numbers 32:23) The Bible says, “And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.” - Job 28:28.

Monday, June 15, 2015 Text: “And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” - Genesis 2:23-24.

Comment: The state of the matrimonial homes of some believers are far from satisfactory. .Several homes are only keeping a semblance of normality. They are burning inside as the relationship is riddled with conflict and insecurity. There are those who hardly talk to each other. They live as strangers in the same house. Some men are so high-tempered that for almost every misdeed of the wife, no matter how trivial, results in a quarrel or a fight. On the other hand, some women are very quarrelsome, vindictive, rude and stubborn. They derive joy to irritate their husbands with abusive words and provocative conduct. They even challenge them to open duels. The fault is certainly not in the marriage institution but on the practitioners who do not keep to the rules of marriage, the basis of which is the love of God and of one's neighbour, in this case the partners in the marriage. Husbands and wives should appreciate the sacrifice they have made to come together as a couple and work together to grow their aspirations, spiritual and otherwise, as heirs of the grace of life. “And they shall be one flesh” said the Bible. The oneness of purpose must be cultivated in the marriage for it to work, The Many a gifted man (and a gifted woman) have lost their high offices and had become spiritually ineffective because the couple were not working unitedly as a family. “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.” - Colossians 3:18, 19.

Tuesday, June 16, 2015 Text: “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” - Ecclesiastes 4:9 -12.

Comment: One of the advantages of marriage is that through it the couple are able to support and help one another, by way of companionship, advice, encouragement and so on. While husbands should help the wives, the wives should also help their husbands in every way possible, especially in crisis periods. It would be disastrous for the husband and wife to be walking in the path of error at the same time. That way, they would eventually lose the blessings for the good things they have done in the work of God. Non-believers see beyond the preaching by professed Christians. However, the responsibility primarily falls on the husband as head of the house to strive to rule the house well as Abraham did, for which reason the angel stated, “...For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.” (Genesis 18:18, 19) Leadership in the house involves not only giving out instructions but also helping the household to grow in knowledge, faith and understanding through precept and example. For parents to do everything to promote themselves and advance their careers while neglecting the family is to plan to fail spiritually.

Also, couples should try not to quarrel and use hard words against one another in the midst of children. For while the parents are likely to get over the issue raised by God's grace, the children, being easily influenced, may not. They grow up with what they have heard the parents say about various issues and about each other. Rather we should bring up the children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. – Ephesians 6:4

Wednesday, June 17, 2015 Text: “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. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” -Hebrews 13:5, 6. Comment: We must learn to be content with such things as we have until God will raise us to get better things. While it is true that at no time will all our needs be satisfied in this world, we should pray to be able to meet up with at least the basic requirements of each and every one of us. It was Indhira Ghandi who said: “There is a sufficiency in the world for man's need but not for man's greed.” And a notable evangelist, C. H. Spurgeon, is also quoted to have said that “A man's contentment is in his mind, not in the extent of his possessions.” The virtue of contentment goes with faith. (1 Peter 1:5,8,9) Such ones also have the quality of humility, the characteristic of the meek. (Numbers 12:3; Matthew 5:5) The true worshipper puts God before pleasure. (2 Timothy 3:4) Because they are not preoccupied with the pride of life, they are moderate in all things. (1 John 2:15-17; Philippians 4:5) They are thankful to God for His provisions even as they patiently wait for more of His goodness. - Psalm 107:8; 27:14.

Since no one can stop what God has for any one of us, we should be focused and wait on God's time. Let us remind ourselves of the exhortation of St. Paul to wit: “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” –1 Timothy 6:6-10.

Thursday, June 18, 2015 Text: “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: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.” - Exodus 19:4-6. Comment: According to the Oxford Dictionary, a nation is a large aggregate of people closely associated with each other by certain features such as common descent, language, culture, history, as to be identified as a distinct people. The declaration by God Almighty that the Israelite nation is made up of priests and an holy nation shows the distinction between the priestly class and the rest of the faithful. The Church should be one people firmly united among themselves, not riddled with divisions, intrigues and petty rivalries. Said St. Paul, “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” - 1 Corinthians 1:10. Speaking also of the peculiarity of the Christians, St. Stated in his letter to Titus that “the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” adding that Christ “gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” (Titus 2:14)

As spiritual Jews, we should by our exemplary character show ourselves as true worshippers by His grace. People who are dedicated to the Lord's service make haste to carry out the King's business. (1 Samuel 21:8; Psalm 119:59, 60,139; Isaiah 6:9-12) They are “not slothful in business” but are “fervent in spirit serving the Lord”. (Romans 12:11) They do not hesitate to declare the truth when the opportunity comes. (1 Peter 3:15; Jude 3) They show strong, unbending determination to carry out the Lord's purpose and therefore obey God rather than men. – Acts 5:29.

Friday, June 19, 2015 Text: “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. Comment: The fact that we are Christians demands that we fully deploy our time and energy to the work of God by His grace. We should be able to judge if we have been measuring up to the standards required of us.

St. Paul in his letter to the Christians at Corinth declared: “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.” (2 Corinthians 13:5, 6) It is possible for one to be doing something, believing it is right, until the person realises he had been in error or some one draws his attention to it, hence the importance of the text for today. Jesus Christ knew that the sins of the people were responsible for their troubles, hence he warned the man he made whole, “Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee”. - John 5:14.

We should note that “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Proverbs 14:12) It follows therefore that when a Christian suffers any setback or misfortune in life, what he should do is to examine his ways. Perhaps his troubles are of his own making because of his sins. If so, he has no cause to point accusing fingers at others. Rather, he should repent of his sins and retrace his steps, as it is written: “Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins? Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD.” -Lamentations 3:39, 40.

THE WISDOM OF THE PLOUGH MAN Saturday, June 20, 2015 Text: “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” - Luke 9:62

Comment: Our Lord Jesus Christ made this statement in response to a man who offered to follow him but sought permission to go home and inform his people. (Luke 9:57-62) To put one's hand to a plough is a proverbial expression to signify the undertaking of any business. According to agriculturists “a man who holds the plough MUST NOT LOOK BEHIND HIM if he is to keep on a straight furrow. Ploughing requires an eye intent on the furrow to be made, and is marred the instant one turns about”.

He that undertakes to do the work of God must do it with his whole heart. He must not be looking back at the pleasures, wealth, and honours--that he has left. Such cannot be a Christian, and is not fit for the kingdom of God. Though the statement of Christ was prompted by the request of the man he had invited for full devotion, it is clear that it has general application: those called to serve God must continue doing so till the end. Unfortunately, it is not all converts that are able to continue. Some fall because of money, lust for and abuse of power, pleasures of sin, false religion - all at the instance of the devil. We should take to heart the warning by Apostle John, “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.

Sunday, June 21, 2015 Text: “But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” - Matthew 13:23. Comment: In explaining the parable of the Sower, our Lord Jesus Christ said the one whose seed fell by the way side is one who hears the word and does not understand it, then the devil will come and take away what he knows . He that received the seed into stony places, is the one who hears the truth and receives it with joy, but because it does not have root in him, when tribulation or persecution comes, he can only endure for a while before he drifts away. He who received seed among thorns is he who hears the word but the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. But he that received seed into the good ground is he that hears the word and it moves him to do righteousness continually, each person yielding fruits according to the grace given to him. - Matthew 13:17-23.

True worshippers do not fall away because of challenges by the grace of God. Persecutions and tribulations by the devil, revilings of men even make them stronger in the faith. Such ones are blessed. “Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you" said our Lord Jesus Christ. - Matthew 5: 10-12. Christians do not set their hearts upon riches but in God Almighty. “Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them. God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.” (Psalms 62:10, 11) To a true Christian the work of God is his first priority and all other things are secondary. (Matthew 6: 33) Each person should examine himself and prove himself as to whether he has received seed on good ground or not..

Monday, June 22, 2015 Text “They joined themselves also unto Baalpeor, and ate the sacrifices of the dead. Thus they provoked him to anger with their inventions: and the plague brake in upon them.” - Psalm 106:28-29.

Comment: The natural Jews suffered a lot because of their unsteadiness in the service of God. Several times they lost faith in Him and put their trust in idols and demons like other gentile nations around them. The prophet David in the Psalms described the Jews as “a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God”. (Psalms 78:8) There is no denying the fact that the lowest points in the history of the Jews were when they forsook God Almighty to worship false gods.

Because most people in Israel had given themselves to idol worship, which Jeroboam introduced on a national scale following the break up of the Kingdom of Israel, God Almighty promised to “smite Israel, as a reed is shaken in the water” and that “he shall root up Israel out of this good land, which he gave to their fathers, and shall scatter them beyond the river…” Only one child of Jeroboam was mourned for, “because in him was found some good”. (1 Kings 14:13,15) True to the word of God through his servant Ahijah, when Baasha came to the throne, he slew all the house of Jeroboam, not leaving “any that breathed, until he had destroyed him”. (1 Kings 15:27-30) The descent of the Israelites into idolatry had long been predicted by Moses under the inspiration of God. He stated in The Song of Moses, “They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new gods that came newly up, whom your fathers feared not. Of the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that formed thee”. (Deuteronomy 32:16-18) The people of God should have nothing to do with idols. – 2 Corinthians 6:14-18. Tuesday, June 23, 2015 Text: “In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back.” - Luke 17:31

Comment: This statement by our Lord Jesus Christ is already in fulfilment, as it has to do with this age, the last day, when the judgment work is proceeding in earnest. (Revelation 14:6,7; John 12:48) The picture language used by Christ would be easier to understand if we consider the design of cities in Palestine in time of old. According to Bible scholars, “The houses have flat roofs with stairs on the outside, by which a person may ascend and descend without coming into the house; and in walled cities they usually form continued terraces, from one end of the city to the other, terminating at the gates; so that one may pass along the tops of the houses and escape out of the city without coming down into the street.”

Those who have already known the truth should not look back to worship the devil or into worldliness. They should march forward all the time, hence St. Paul compared the striving for salvation to a race saying “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13, 14) It is instructive that our Lord Jesus Christ follows up the admonition with the statement, “Remember Lot's wife.” (Luke 17:32) This short sentence brings to mind the calamity that befell the wife of Lot when she disobeyed the commandment of the angel, by looking back, no doubt to their abundant possessions that were being destroyed.

Moreover, Zephaniah the prophet was inspired to charge the people of God thus, “Gather yourselves together, yea, gather together, O nation not desired …before the day of the LORD's anger come upon you. Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD's anger.” – Zephaniah 2:1-3. Wednesday, June 24, 2015 Text: “The children of Ephraim, being armed, and carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle. They kept not the covenant of God, and refused to walk in his law; And forgat his works, and his wonders that he had shewed them.” - Psalm 78:9-11.

Comment: By virtue of the blessing which Jacob the patriarch gave to Ephraim the son of Joseph, the privileges of the first-born were assigned to him. (Genesis 48:1-5; 1 Chronicles 5:1,2) The people of Ephraim were therefore expected to show leadership when occasion calls for it. But from the text, it is evident that they did not rise up to expectation at a crucial moment, due to lack of faith, in spite of the high stakes involved, thus incurring the anger of God.

Let us remember that when the leaders of Ephraim complained that the land allocated to them was too small, Joshua had agreed and had suggested that the remedy was for them to conquer the tribes in the land. He said, “If thou be a great people, then get thee up to the wood country, and cut down for thyself there in the land of the Perizzites and of the giants, if mount Ephraim be too narrow for thee.” But they responded by saying that “the Canaanites that dwell in the land of the valley have chariots of iron, both they who are of Bethshean and her towns, and they who are of the valley of Jezreel.” Joshua had to reassure them that they would “drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots, and though they be strong”. - Joshua 17:14-18.

Without faith no one can please God. (Hebrews 11:6) Even on the way to the promised land, the other tribes of Israel doubted the power of God, murmured about food, water, among others. Committed idolatry, and even wanted to return to Egypt. Eventually, only Joshua and Caleb reached the Promised Land (Numbers 14:24,30,37, 38) The blessing enjoyed by Joshua and Caleb is a powerful exhortation to us to have faith in God and not be dismayed by seemingly insurmountable obstacles. – Deuteronomy 31:6,8; John 10:27-29; Isaiah 43:1-3. Thursday, June 25, 2015 Text: “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. God forbid that I should justify you: 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.

Comment: Great and intense were the tribulations Job faced. The Sabeans fell on his oxen and took them away and slew the servants looking after them. Then the devil sent fire, which the messenger called “the fire of God”, which burned up the sheep, and the servants, and consumed them; then the Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and carried them away; then his sons and daughters who were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house were killed when “a great wind from the wilderness, ... smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men”. As a human being, Job felt the pangs of the calamity that befell him, but he declared “Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” When his wife asked him to curse God and die, feeling that death was better than the condition he was in, Job rebuked her, saying that things cannot be smooth sailing all the time. His determination to continue doing the will of God no matter the circumstances, based on his understanding of the purpose of God, is well expressed in his declaration that things will turn out right in the end by the grace of God. He said: “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food”. – Job 23:10-12.

Friday, June 26, 2015 Text: “And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.” - Genesis 19:17.

Comment: Because the people of Sodom and Gomorrah were given to wickedness, including the sin of homosexuality, God sent His angels to Sodom who told Lot, “For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the LORD; and the LORD hath sent us to destroy it.” (Genesis 19:13) Because the sons-in-law of Lot did not take him seriously, he had to escape with his wife and two daughters, with the angel dragging him out of the city. The angel then gave the charge in the text for today. But unfortunately on their way out of the city, Lot's wife flouted the angel's instruction by looking back and was immediately killed as she turned to a pillar of salt. - Genesis 19:12-17, 25-26.

The lessons for us Christians are pretty obvious. Having been given the grace of life, we should not toy with it, by being carnally-minded, disobedient and faithless. (Titus 2:11-14; Romans 7:5,6, 24,25) “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.” (Romans 8:6-8) Another point is that God is no respecter of persons; one who wilfully breaks the laws of God in spite of knowing the truth will not escape punishment. “For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries…”, said St. Paul in Hebrews 10:26-29

Saturday, June 27, 2015 Text: “Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if aught but death part thee and me.”- Ruth 1:16,17. Comment: Ruth, the daughter-in-law of Naomi, made this statement in response to entreaties by Naomi that she should go back to her people. Naomi had accompanied her husband Elimelech from Bethlehem to the land of Moab because there was no food in the land of Judah. While in Moab Elimelech died, as well as their two sons Mahlon (who had married Ruth) and Chilion (the husband of Orpah). (Ruth 1:4; 4:10) On hearing that there was now food in Judah, Naomi decided to go back to her people and urged the young women to do likewise. (Ruth 1:1-13) Though Orpah went back, Ruth refused and followed up by making the declaration in the citation for today.

This is a great lesson for the people of God to follow the strait path that leads to life by remaining in God's service even though the devil may beset them with hard conditions, including death of a loved one, as in this case. (Matthew 7:13,14; Romans 8:35-39) The conduct of Naomi was also exemplary in that despite losing her husband and her two sons who died childless, her faith in God was firm. Jesus Christ has conquered satan the devil and will continue to conquer him until the final end. (Revelation 6:2) St. Paul asked, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” (Romans 8:35,37) Moreover, King David stated, “Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth. Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side.” - Psalm 71:20, 21.

Sunday, June 28, 2015 Text: “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” - 2 Corinthians 2:11.

Comment: The story of the temptation of our Lord Jesus Christ teaches us important lessons as to some of the devices of the devil to lure people into his fold. Seeing that Jesus Christ was hungry after fasting for forty days and forty nights, he came to him and urged him to “command that these stones be made bread”. But Christ countered him with the Scriptures, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” After that the devil took him to the holy city, (Jerusalem) and, setting him on a pinnacle of the temple, told him to throw himself down to prove he is the son of God “for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone”. But “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” The last temptation was that the devil took him to a high mountain and promised to give him the kingdoms of the world, if only he would fall down and worship him. But our Lord is too high a personality to be taken in by such cheap tricks and brazen lies. He said to satan, “Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” Though the devil abandoned him there, angels came to his aid. (Matthew 3:1-11) St. Paul warns us to beware, “lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ”. - 2 Corinthians 11:3.

Monday, June 29, 2015 Text: “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.” - John 6:66-69.

Comment: During his earthly ministry, Jesus Christ did not mince words in berating the unbelieving Jews for their practice of personal righteousness, for their lack of faith in his mission and in warning them of the dire consequences thereof. In one of his discourses, he used picture language to drive home the fact that he is the One sent by God Almighty to bring salvation to mankind. He told them, “Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6:54) Many of his disciples complained, “This is an hard saying; who can hear it?” It is instructive that our Lord made these statements when he saw that many of the Jews were looking for him because he had multiplied food for 5000 people. As was characteristic of him, he did not mince words in telling them that they were not looking for him for spiritual reasons but because of food - they had even wanted to make him king by force ! (John 6:15). Christ then explained what he meant saying, “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” (John 6:63) Despite this explanation “many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him”. (John 6:66) Those who went back showed by their action that they were not looking for eternal life but for material benefits, here and now. Thus, they did not have the earnestness, patience and sincerity to understand or seek to understand what he was saying. Let us pray to be among the true disciples whom our Saviour says will “hear and understand” and remain steadfast because they are actually called by God into His service. – Matthew 15:10; John 6:44, 65; 2 Timothy 2:7.

Tuesday, June 30, 2015 Text: “And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.” – Matthew 24:75.

Comment: While our Lord Jesus Christ was telling his immediate disciples about his death and resurrection, Peter declared that “Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.” But our Lord told him, “Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.” The other disciples also gave assurances of their faithfulness. But when Christ was actually arrested and Peter saw the intensity of the harassment visited on the Lord, he lost his nerves, denied Christ three times, even cursing and swearing to convince his interrogators that he did not know Christ. And then the cock crew as stated in today's text. – Matthew 26:32-35, 56,69-75.

We should recall that Christ told the disciples, “Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.” (John 16:32) And truly after he was arrested, ”they all forsook him, and fled”. (Mark 14:50) St. Paul had a similar experience when he wrote, “At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.” - 2 Timothy 4:16.

The disciples at the time of Christ and St. Paul fled because of fear of death. Evidently, it is not by any one's strength that he could fight the cause of righteousness until the end but by the power of God. St. Paul stated, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God.” - 2 Timothy 1:7, 8.

Wednesday, July 1, 2015 Text: “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: The word exhort means, “to urge strongly …to do the right thing; to give warnings or advice; (to) make urgent appeals”. After St. Paul had been stoned at Lystra and abandoned by his persecutors who thought he was dead, he revived when the believers stood round him. He then visited Derbe, Lystra, Iconium, Antioch and other cities and towns in Asia Minor to encourage the disciples with the word of God. On their return from Jerusalem where a doctrinal issue on circumcision was settled, he travelled again to Antioch, now in modern Syria. It was there Paul told Barnabas “…Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.” (Acts 15:36) By then the converts had seen for themselves the near-death situation Apostle Paul suffered and how despite that, he had continued the work without looking back. Incidentally, Paul reasoned that they should not go along with John Mark who had abandoned them at Pamphylia, and did not continue with them in the work. (Acts 15:38; 13:13) The point of Apostle Paul was, why should he trust John Mark not to disappoint again?. However the two apostles had to travel to different directions. - Acts 15:37-41.

What was most important however was that the exhortations to the various congregations were vital as they needed strength to withstand the fiery trials that met them after their conversion. In his second letter to Timothy St. Paul spoke of one of his disciples who had deserted him saying, “For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica…” (2 Timothy 4:10) He therefore exhorted us saying, “For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end.” - Hebrews 3:14. Thursday, July 2, 2015 Text: “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy.” - 2 Timothy 3:1, 2.

Comment: The last days would be known by signs. In the book of Daniel, the signs given were that “Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.” (Daniel 12:10) St. Paul's account lists some of the vices that would make this age dangerous or perilous, as stated in the text. He added in subsequent verses that people would lack “natural affection”, would be “despisers of those that are good”, and “highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof”. He urged us as Christians to “turn away” from such people so as not to be corrupted by evil communication and learn their ways. – 2 Timothy 3:3-5 The exhortation St. Paul gave Timothy to follow what he had learnt from him by precept and example also applies to us. He stated, “But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” - 2 Timothy 3:10-13.

He added: “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” - 2 Timothy 3:14, 15.

Friday, July 3, 2015 Text: “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: That we are now in the days spoken of by Bible prophecy, there is no doubt. The three elements, with which the devil rules the world – politics, religion and commerce, - are in turmoil and the fear of the present, and even greater anxiety about the future, rules the hearts of men. The world is beset, on an unprecedented scale, by wars, famine, accidents, (on sea, land and air) terrorism, greed, armed robbery, kidnapping, (either for political reasons, money or ritual purposes) oppression, injustice embezzlement, etc. These have created problems such as loneliness, anxiety, guilt, anger, depression, low self-esteem, fear of death, bereavement; marital instability, widowhood, single parenthood, unruliness, ill-health, unemployment, high death rate, etc . But armed with the understanding that the last days are a period of distress and perplexity, those in the way of God should hold fast and be determined that “nothing shall separate us from the love of God”. (Romans 8:35-39) Our Lord Jesus Christ told the apostles, “I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” (Matthew 28:20)

That was why our Lord Jesus Christ directed that in the face of trials and temptations Christians should read the Bible constantly and understand its fulfilment in order to build our faith in him and forge ahead in the race of salvation. “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. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 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 21:34-36.

Saturday, July 4, 2015 Text:. “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them…” - 2 Peter 2:20-22.

Comment: St. Peter in his general epistle gave this firm warning to all Christians so that they would be aware of the danger of backsliding. He said that those who went back into a life of sin after they had known the truth, would suffer a worse fate than when they had not known the truth at all. “But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.” (2 Peter 2:22) Let us recall that when Christ stated that he came so that “they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind”, some of the Pharisees asked “Are we blind also?”. Jesus had to tell them, “If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.” (John 9:39-41) Therefore those who have known the way of light would face greater peril for flouting the Lord's commands than those who had the opportunity of knowing the truth. - Luke 12:47, 48.

It should be noted that no one can claim ignorance of the basic laws God wants His people to keep, because the law is already written in the hearts of men, in the sense of knowing right from wrong. (Romans 1:19, 20; 2:14,15) But those who had the benefit of receiving more enlightenment but are still perverse in their ways, will face greater punishment.

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” wrote St. Paul in1 Corinthians 15:58.

IT PAYS TO DO GOOD Sunday, July 5, 2015 Text: “For he hath said, It profiteth a man nothing that he should delight himself with God.” - Job 34:9. Comment: Some people think that it is vain to be good, that there is no benefit in helping other people for God's sake, when there is no hope of reward from the person or persons concerned. On the basis of this philosophy, quite a number of people live only to satisfy their personal interests or desires. They do not bother how their actions or pursuit of personal interests affects others. They have no fear of God and will do nothing for which they will not get immediate reward or benefit. However, evil does not pay in the end; but it is highly rewarding to do good. It was Elihu who stated, “Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity. For the work of a man shall he render unto him, and cause every man to find according to his ways.” (Job 34:10, 11) “Trust in the LORD, and do good”, exhorted David the prophet, “so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed” – Psalm 37:3 The grace of life brought by Jesus Christ requires us to have good thoughts and show goodwill to others in appreciation of the mercies we enjoy from God. (Titus 2:11-14) St. Paul further stated: “This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful”. (Titus 3:8, 14) Works or deeds that could be classified as 'good' in the sight of God must be based on faith, understanding, and good heart condition. “For whatsoever is not of faith is sin” –Romans 14:23; Luke 8:15; Ephesians 6:6.

Monday, July 6, 2015 Text: “But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful”. – Luke 6:35, 36

Comment: If we have opportunity to do good to those who see themselves as our enemies, we should not hesitate to do so. This is not for the purpose of encouraging them to do evil but for them to realise their folly and turn to righteousness. Before making the statement in the text for today, our Saviour had said, “And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.” - Luke 6:33, 34.

There are those who make an outward show of doing good to others whereas their hearts are full of malice and hatred. While they smile to their neighbours and appear to be genuinely solicitous of their welfare, they are in fact scheming to harm them. David, a prophet of God describes these dissemblers in these words: “The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords…” (Psalms 55:21-23) He thus prayed to be delivered from such people: “Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, which speak peace to their neighbours, but mischief is in their hearts”. – Psalms 28:3; Proverbs 23:6-8. As Christians we should try to accord recognition and commendation to those who do well. Indeed, we should not be unthankful as such ones will be punished by God if they do not repent. The prophet Solomon says: “Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house”. (Proverbs 17:13) We should do good at all times; it pays to do so. – 1 Thessalonians 5:15; Acts 20:35.

Tuesday, July 7, 2015 Text: “Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.” - Matthew 11:4, 5.

Comment: The Holy Bible is replete with examples of people who did good works in various ways and were blessed. It was because of his record of good works that Jehoshaphat was spared, though he offended God by supporting the ungodly king Ahab in his war against the Syrians. Jehu the son of Hanani the seer told king Jehoshaphat, “…Nevertheless there are good things found in thee, in that thou hast taken away the groves out of the land, and hast prepared thine heart to seek God”. – 2 Chronicles 19:2, 3.

During his days on earth Jesus Christ showed us example of the virtue of doing good, of offering selfless service to people as stated in the Bible text for today. Even in the face of hostility by the wicked Jews, he did good on the Sabbath day. Generally, in the words of Apostle Peter, Jesus Christ “went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him”. – Acts 10:38.

We are expected to follow the example of our Lord and Master Jesus Christ by giving help to the poor and needy with the realization that God empowers us to use our gifts for the benefit of others. (1 Corinthians 12:7; John 13:15) Good works attract the mercy of God. Daniel told King. “Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.” (Daniel 4:27), In the days of the early church, a certain woman named Tabitha who was full of good works, died. Peter prayed for her and by the grace of God, she came back to life. (Acts 9:36-42) Indeed, “the liberal deviseth liberal things; and by liberal things shall he stand” - Isaiah 32:8.

Wednesday, July 8, 2015 Text: “He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.” - Proverbs 28:27. Comment: Some people know what to do and have the means to do what is good but they are too busy or even careless to do so. To know what is good and fail to do it, is in itself sinful. (James 4:17; Proverbs 3:27, 28) In the world today people are so stressed up with various problems that they need help and support from one another, more than ever before. Some years ago, a newspaper report quoted the Chief Medical Director of a University Teaching Hospital as saying that most of the patients treated at the hospital that year were suffering from stress. He attributed the stress to socio-economic problems such as unemployment, inadequate food and shelter, delayed salary, polluted environment and chaotic traffic situations in urban centres, problems of housing, feeding, lack of money to pay their children's school fees, unemployment and other urban-associated crises. Our Lord Jesus Christ stressed the importance of doing good to support the work of God and to help anyone who may be in need, as stated in the parable of the sheep and goats. After being commended and blessed for their good works, the sheep, (the righteous) will reply, “Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matthew 25: 34-40; See also Matthew 10:41, 42) It could be seen that no good done for the sake of God and His work will go unnoticed or unrewarded. – Malachi 3:13-18; Isaiah 49:15; Hebrews 6:10.

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