2015 MFDL

The first word that Peter used when he was talking about the example of Jesus Christ is suffering. This is a word that seems to be disappearing from the Christian dictionary bythe present day Christians. According to them suffering is nevertheir lot. To them Christ has completed all forms of suffering,what is left are miracles, gospel of prosperity and fire to consumeall the enemies. All these are true but when suffering for the sakeof Christ is severed from Christianity, it becomes an ordinarything.The sight of the Cross is a constant reminder of the suffering thatthe believer may likely encounter. This suffering is not the lack offood, clothing or shelter but the willingness to live for JesusChrist which the world would not readily accept. Withoutmincing words, to be a Christian is to accept to suffer like ChristThere is also a misunderstanding of the concept of suffering as aChristian. The simple meaning is, because you are not ready to dothings the way the unbeliever does, but the way of Christ, you aregoing to suffer. Everybody is complaining that evil is on theincrease in spite of the sudden upsurge in the number of Churches.Although Christians are more, not all are ready to handle issuesthe way of Christ. To them if they do, they will lose their benefits.Christians are not ready to lose the worldly benefits therefore theycannot share the glory of Christ.PRAYERSharing in your suffering is the secret to your glory. Grant megrace to share in your sufferings. 243

Sharing in the sufferings of Christ is not as a result of the sin we have committed; it is the attempt to glorify Christ in our lives. If there is any Christian who thinks he is notmeant to suffer, then he may need to examine himself whetherhe is ready to contend for the faith that was once for allentrusted to the saints (Jude 3).Apostle Paul was a man who rejoiced in all the tribulations thatcame to him. He had everything that would have earned himpleasure in life. But to have chosen Christ, all he had wascounted as loss in order to gain the surpassing greatness ofknowing ChristWhen we make up our mind to follow the steps of Christ, thenlike him, we are going to forfeit our rights so that he can beglorified. There is no better way to preach the gospel than tofollow this example. Besides the steps of Christ, there are manyother steps which are purely human. In their own case theythink of themselves first. In the case of Christ, it is God first,then others second before yourself. How wonderful would itbe, if this will be the guiding principle for all Christians? This isthe step that Christ left behind for us to follow. This is the onlyway peace, progress and prosperity can return to our land.PRAYERAlmighty Father, we pray thee to give us a clear understandingof Christ's suffering. May we be comforted by sharing in it. 244

Those who are ready to suffer for the sake of the gospel must have got a clear vision of heaven. If this is not real to someone, there is no way suchperson can appreciate the sufferings of Christ. Somepeople come to the church whose ego will not allow themto involve themselves in some activities.They feel too bigto involve themselves in some menial jobs in the Church.When it comes to charity works or going out forevangelism, they are never involved. There is apersonality they parade that is bigger than the master theyclaim to be serving.Apostle Paul had a clear vision of heaven which was thereason for Christ sufferings. Therefore he had to endure allforms of sufferings for the sake of the elect. He was a manwho suffered many things; he was rejected by his ownpeople. He went to the Gentiles and they stoned him, yethe was not deterred because of the elect. We need not bediscouraged, but to endure for the sake of those who are tobe saved. So that they can obtain salvation that is in ChristPRAYERApostle Paul for the sake of the elect endured all formsof Suffering. Give me grace to do the same in Jesusname. 245

When Paul talks about sharing in the sufferings of Christ, it must be properly understood. The suffering is not the lack of food, clothing or shelter.Even though some of the sufferings may be related, but it is notbecause we lack them. We may be denied because of our desireto follow his steps. When we are denied then it becomessharing in the suffering of Christ.Our Lord in Matthew 3:33, says \"But seek first his kingdomand his righteousness and all these things will be given to youas well\". As children of God the source of our supply will neverrun dry. In a place where you are working, you may be temptedto do what is against the law of Christ. In such a situation, youhave to decide who to obey. When you decide to obey Christ,you will be persecuted. Your colleague will hate you becauseyou are not willing to compromise your faith. Your desire tolive a godly life in Christ Jesus will lead to persecution.The Nigerian way they talk about is always against Christ. It isnot even the ideal way of natural justice. Corruption isunabated because; Christians are always compromising thefaith. You may not be disposed towards it, but how do youhandle it?PRAYERWhen persecution comes my way, good Lord grant me thecourage to face it and may I triumph over it. 246

From all walks of life, different stories have been told. Imagine a young promising girl, an undergraduate, beautiful and hard working. She will never miss herclass and she does her assignment. She was up to date in hercontinuous assessment. Examinations came and she did herbest. The unexpected happened; her lecturer demanded thatshe should go to bed with Him so that she can pass herexaminations. Because the girl is a Christian, she refused.The lecturer went ahead to fail her.This is one of the problems in higher institutions. Promotionsare not forthcoming for refusing to compromise the faith.Some have been sent to the remotest areas and they havebeen forgotten. Others refused to join cults therefore, theyare marginalized.Dearly beloved, you may have been subjected to any of thetreatments because of your desire to follow his steps. \"But ifyou suffer for doing good and you, endure it, this iscommendable before God\" (1 Pet. 3:2 GB). Do not give up,He is faithful, he will surely reward you accordingly. Haveyou compromised the faith, by following other steps? This isan opportunity to retrace your step back to that of the master.PRAYERHeavenly Father, without your divine courage it is difficultto cope with hardship. May we never be denied of it. 247

Sharing in the sufferings of Christ brings out the reality and the power of the Gospel. Paul, a man called by God to preach the gospel of Christ went through the lengthand breadth ofAsia declaring the saving knowledge in Christ.His fellow Jews rose against him and wanted him killed buthe appealed to Ceaser. It was the plan of God for people inRome to hear the gospel. On their way to Rome they were tosuffer shipwreck, but God delivered them. After aboutfourteen days of constant suspense and without food, theyarrived an Island called Malta.While at the Island, it was raining and cold. Paul decided togather some wood to make fire for the people. As he wasdoing this a snake came out of one of the wood and held-on toPaul's hand. When the Islanders saw the snake, they said Paulmust be a murderer Justice will not allow him to live afterescaping death by the sea. Thus they were expecting Paul tofall and die. When they had waited to see him dead but hedidn't they changed their minds about him. In the Island ofMalta God used Paul mightily. Beloved, your suffering canalso produce similar result and God's name will be glorifiedin your life.PRAYERLord Jesus when am tempted to share your sufferings, let itproduce result that will glorify your name. 248

The event at the Island of Malta coupled with the role that Paul played during the tempestuous journey must have changed the notion of the passengers in the ship.It was evident that Paul was not a murderer.His message to the leaders of the Jews in Rome was, \"it isbecause of the hope of Israel, that I am bound with thischain\". His purpose of suffering he stated was not because hewas a murderer. No suffering can be compared to theChristian hope. In Romans 8: 18, Paul says, \"I consider thatour present sufferings are not worth comparing with theglory that will be revealed in us\".My dear brethren, I do not know what your presentexperience is. As a Christian are you being misunderstoodbecause of your faith in Christ? Paul says, I am in chainbecause of the hope of Israel. You do not need to give up, theintimidation may be much, think about the Christian hopewhich is far greater. When Paul got to Rome, he was allowedto live by himself, because they were convinced that he wasnot a criminal. When we share in Christ sufferings, He willnot leave us alone. He will always vindicate his own.PRAYERThank you Lord for the privilege of sharing in yoursufferings. It is a suffering with hope, may those who share inyour sufferings never lose this hope. 249

The Philippian Christians had heard about his travail and how they were treating Paul their father as a criminal. They went to him with their sweet smellinggifts. Apostle Paul now wrote to thank the Church for theirconcern. While he thanked them for their generosity, hemade it clear to them that the suffering he was subjectedhelped to advance the gospel. The Philippians Christiansmust have been wondering why this mighty man of Godmust be suffering like a criminal? Where is Jesus Christ thathe should allow his servant to undergo such an experience?Some may be tempted to abandon the faithFor them not to misunderstand his suffering, he told themthat as a result of his experience, the whole palace guard hadthe opportunity of hearing the gospel. Ordinarily this peoplewouldn't have had the opportunity. Paul admonished themnot to see his suffering from the negative point of view.This is a lesson for all Christians that when we share in Christsufferings it advances the gospel. Whatever you are goingthrough as a result of your faith in Christ is helping topromote the gospelPRAYERHeavenly Father, as I understand the purpose of mysuffering, help me never to think negatively but to see it asadvancing the gospel 250

The apostles, after sharing in the suffering of Christ, they rejoiced. \"The apostle left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had beencounted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name\"(Acts 5:41). For the followers of Christ, suffering isinevitable. To deliberately avoid it, is to avoid thesteps of Christ and take on to another step. In this endtime, believers must be careful to follow the steps ofthe master. No matter how difficult it may be, it is thepath that leads to peace in this world and eternal life inthe world to come.If there is anyone who confesses the Lordship of JesusChrist and such a person is relegating his sufferings tothe background then such faith is not in Christ. Suchfaith is an imitation. It can best be described ascounterfeit. In a world where you cannot beat themjoin them; no Christian should adopt that philosophy.Wickedness may increase, sin may multiply, let yourlife remain a testimony to everyone.PRAYERMy Father and my God, when I share in the sufferingsof Christ let it produce joy in my life. 251

As we follow the steps of sufferings of the master, we must remind ourselves the characteristics that he portrayed. As a suffering servant he was innocent.He didn't suffer because of the wrong he did.According to Peter, \"he committed no sin\" (2:22) Paul said\"God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that inhim we might become the righteousness of God\" (II Corinth5:21). According to our text he was tempted in every way,just as we are - yet no sin was found in him. He suffered as acriminal but not a criminal, as a sinner but not a sinner. It isself deception if our present suffering is as a result of ourfault. It cannot be equated to sharing in the sufferings ofChrist. We must ask ourselves, is our present sufferingtraceable to our own mistake? But if it is as a result ofglorifying Christ, then you must rejoice. As mortals, we arebound to make mistake that may lead to sufferings. If we arecaught up with such mistakes we should confess and joyfullyface the tribulation God will not forsake you. Infact it is anopportunity to learn some truth about our faith. In the schoolof experience, you take the examination before the lesson.PRAYERLord Jesus, thank you for your example of innocence. Asmortal, I may have erred, pardon and grant me grace toovercome in Jesus name. 252

There was a man who got married to a woman and they both settled down for life. They were in the business of making palm oil. While they wereworking, the husband was convinced beyond allreasonable doubt that his wife was committed anddedicated. However deep down her heart, she was a golddigger. Having convinced himself that the wife wasreliable he left the sales and the proceeds with the wife.There came one of the seasons they worked so hard andGod blessed their efforts and they had so much. Thewoman was targeting the man when he will go to thebush so that she can escape. Early in the morning, thewoman dropped message that she had gone to themarket. Eventually the husband traced her home, and hewas told that his wife came but she had traveled - end ofmarriage. Jesus Christ in his own suffering no deceit wasfound in him. How many Christians are genuinelysharing in his sufferings without ulterior motives?PRAYEREvery deceit in us O Lord, please get rid of it. Thatgenuinely following your example we may be rewardedaccordingly. 253

While our Lord and master Jesus Christ was undergoing suffering for our sake he didn't attempt to retaliate. Insults were hurled at himhe suffered beyond what the body could take, he made nothreats. When Judas Iscariot and his mob came to him atGethsemane to arrest him, one of his disciple pulled out asword to attack, he said \"do you think I cannot call on myFather and he will at once put at my disposal more thantwelve legions of angels?\"Our Lord obediently went to death like Isaiah describedhim \"he was led like a lamb to the slaughter and as asheep before her shearer is silent, so he did not open hismouth\". (Isaiah 53:7b).To share in his suffering involves emptying ourselves, likehe did. In my view our Lord reduced himself to the level ofcriminal to redeem us. Is it too much to deny ourselves ofour official position because of Christ? No child of Godshould retaliate for the sake of Christ. No matter the evildone against you and the number of times please do notretaliate. To this you have been called, so that you mayinherit blessings.PRAYERVengeance is of the flesh, Lord Jesus help us to yieldourselves to the spirit as we follow your steps. 254

Our Lord Jesus Christ took on the form of man to redeem mankind. Being God, he is Ominipotent, Omnipresent and Ominiscience. He is all powerful, he has the powerto create and destroy. John said \"through him all things weremade; without him nothing was made that has been made\"(John 1:3).Inspite of the colossal powers at the disposal of our Lord hewillingly submitted to his accusers. He entrusted himself tothem and made no threat. This is another profound example ofour Lord to his followers who are to take after his steps.Whenever we start boasting of the power we think we havethen we have chosen to follow another step.Every position you find yourself today is a gift from God. AsChristians the position we occupy are meant to glorify God andbe a blessing to mankind. Some believers are so difficult thateverybody around is complaining. While some are very quickat sending people out of job or suspending them, othersspecialize in writing.As a believer occupying a higher position,what testimony do your subordinates have about you? Do youconstantly remind them of what you can do to them so that theycan fear you? Have you withheld what belongs to them and yourefused to release it? These are some of the elements of threat.PRAYERHeavenly Father, if by behaviour we threaten others, help us byyour grace to overcome it in Jesus name. 255

Those who occupy higher positions must be reminded of what Solomon is saying in our text so that by no means should they abuse their positions. They shouldbe aware that there are others who are higher than them still.The way some people handle their position is as if nobody hasever occupied it or no one will come after them. Some havepositioned themselves as gods, they must be worshiped. Theoffice is jealously guarded as if it is going to be taken away.But as much as you guard it jealously, do you forget that youare a Christian and Christ must be seen in what you are doing?If Christ has given it to you, he will secure it for you. But ifyou got it in your own way then you will always be afraid ofthose who are working to get it from you just the way you did.In an attempt to secure the position if you trample on othersand you oppressed the poor, remember there is one higherstill to whom both the oppressed and oppressor areresponsible to. As you handle your business, make everyeffort to avoid any form of threat. Always remember a higherauthority unto whom we are all responsible.PRAYERMy dear redeemer, you have given us example to follow.However difficult it may be, help us to step where youstepped. 256

We go on to consider another step that the Saviour has left behind for us to tread. The step of humility in my own opinion is the most profound stepamong the others. The humility that our Lord Jesus Christdemonstrated is the type where he gave up his status so thatwe can be saved.Apostle Paul understood the mystery in it when he said,“consider others better than yourselves\". Irrespective of thestatus, disposition in life, see others better. To see othersbetter is to see what Christ has accomplished in their lives.Our humility is being prompted by the finished work ofChrist in the lives of others. Even though they are notChristians, we should appreciate what Christ has achievedfor them.The type of humility that many Christians demonstrate isdetermined by wealth, position and influence. This is notChrist's humility. Imagine how wretched we were, whenChrist came to our level and even went below to redeem us.Beloved, what do you normally look out for before youhumble yourself before others?PRAYERAlmighty Father, several times I have overlooked peopleforgetting what you have wrought in them. Forgive me goodLord. 257

Learning in the school of humility is a gradual process. The more we respond to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, the more humble we become. One of thethings that enhances humility of Christ in one's life is thebrokenness of the heart. David in Psalm51: 17, says “thesacrifice of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contriteheart, 0 God you will not despise”. A broken heart is a heartthat is opened to Jesus Christ, where repentance takes placeand forgiveness is secured.When the heart is not broken, pride becomes thedomineering attitude and self is always displayed. But aheart that is broken is always at the service of Christ. There isthe earnest desire to glorify Christ at every given situation. Itis always the desire of such a heart that Christ should be seenand be heard.Naturally, we all have our nature by birth and the race towhich we belong. But when we give our lives to Christ, weexperience the new birth and we become a new creation. Theold gives way for the new as we learn from Christ. Let it beour desire always to learn more about our Lord who is gentleand humble at heart.PRAYERLord Jesus grant me grace to learn more about yourgentleness and humility on daily basis.Amen. 258

It is expected that everybody should enjoy things that are good. Such things are uninterrupted power supply, potable water, efficient government, good roads, good educationalsystem etc. Before all these can be in place, a price has to bepaid, not necessarily in Naria and Kobo. If it was possible toquantify in monetary terms people would have provided themoney. What is required is much more than money.There was a time when the children of God were in bondage,nothing worked for them. The leaders were confused. Thepeople were under torment. After twenty years they realizedthat they were not living right. They have abandoned the way ofrighteousness and followed their own ways. The only way wasto repent and have a change of heart. When they genuinely didit they regained their freedom. (1 Samuel 7: 1-6). The word ofGod is true and clear when it said that “righteousness exalts anation but sin a reproach to any people” (Prov. 14:34).It is not possible for a nation that zealously continues to plantcorruption and evil, to reap the fruit of righteousness andholiness. It is easy to cast all the blame on the leaders but welose sight of the fact that the leaders are the product of the samerotten system. A system where your value is only judged withthe amount of money you have.PRAYERDear Lord we pray for Nigerians help us to love our nation andbe willing to promote righteousness. 259

For our Lord to take the servant nature, it was an act deliberately taken to empty himself. He laid aside his glory so as to submit himself to the humiliationof becoming a man. He willingly surrendered his rights,his high position and glory for the servant identity. As aservant, he was always submissive to his Father. He neverdid anything against the father's will. On one occasion, hetold his disciple \"my food, is to do the will of him who sentme and to finish His work\" (John 4:34).After the last supper, perhaps it was clear to the apostlesthat Jesus Christ was really going to die. Instead of beingfilled with sorrow and finding out what would follow afterhis death, they were arguing of who should be next to theirmaster. If he dies then he can take over. This is the self atwork, always looking for a comfortable position where itcan dictate. When the apostle had disputed for sometimesthe master called them and told them, they were behavinglike unbelievers (Gentiles). Among them Jesus Christ isgreater, but he was the one serving them. What an exampleto follow.PRAYERMy dear redeemer, you emptied yourself and submitted tohumiliation. Grant me such grace as never to think ofmyself too highly. 260

The humility of Christ was unquestionable. Humility is always preceded by obedience. Jesus' obedience was total. He died on the cross; it was the height ofhumiliation. He died like one who is cursed, endured thecross, scorning its shame. For it is written, \"Cursed iseveryone who is hung on a tree\" (Heb. 12:2, Gal. 3:13). Hiswillingness to die upon the cross was borne out of hishumility and obedience. While on the cross he prayed forforgiveness for his persecutors - \"father forgive them forthey do not know what they do\".Is this not impossible for mortal men like us? He knew it wasdifficult, hence the gift of the Holy Spirit. Through him andby his enabling power, it becomes a lot easier. How manyChristians today will be willing to take on them the problemof others or even to empathize with them? Sometimes, whenwe suffer some humiliation we say we are not fools webecome emotional and we are ready to show another colorother than that of Jesus Christ. To be a fool for Christ is thewisdom of the carnal man. We may not die for our fellowman, but following the example of Christ our humility andobedience must be evident.PRAYERIt may be difficult O Lord to die for our fellow man, butLord, help us to follow in your steps sincerely and faithfully. 261

Our Lord Jesus Christ throughout his earthly ministry did not take the Father's business with laxity. He was always at work every time of the day. He was alwayson the move. Early in the morning, he is at the mountain sideto pray, during the day he teaches the crowd. Although he setaside some time to rest, the father's business did not suffer.It is another step he has left behind that we should take theFather's business with all seriousness. Our generation is abusy one, the number of hours that make up the day is noteven enough to complete the daily assignment. Do Christiansreally have time for the Father's business? Our commonenemy is making things difficult for people. They haven't gotenough time to work to be able to earn a good living. Inspiteof the situation many of us have found ourselves, we musttake the Father's business more important than others. One good thing about it is that as we take the Father'sbusiness seriously, the Father will engage himself doing ourbusiness. Every Christian should know that, the devil willalways make every effort to prevent us from doing thefather's business. On our part we must resist him and engageourselves in what will yield us eternal dividend in ChristPRAYERMy Father and God in any way we have been lazy in yourwork forgive Lord. May we be committed to your service. 262

During the time of prophet Jeremiah, the Lord told Israel to destroy Moab. Those who were designated to do the job were urged to take their appointed taskseriously. Some of them were doing it deceitfully. They werenot ready to do it the Lord's way, they had their personalinterest and desire to fulfill. The spirit spoke, saying, \"cursedbe he who does the work of God negligently\".This is the attitude you find in the Church today. Not toomany people are willing to use their talents, profession topromote the Church. Even when some have to demand formoney, they do it as it is in the secular world. In those daysChristians render services to the church without pay andjoyfully. We join the choir, sing and play instruments withoutthinking of being paid. Sometimes when food is shared in thechurch one is forgotten, yet you are not disturbed. It is sad tonote that, some want to receive the salary pastor is receiving.Dearly beloved, let us avoid doing the work of Godnegligently; every service we render is always rewarded in awonderful way. Think less about money and God will giveyou money.PRAYERHeavenly Father, help us to value the service we render inyour name in other to overcome every form of negligenceand deceit in your work. 263

From the early stage, the Father's business became paramount in the mind of Jesus Christ. There was more to accomplish within the limited time. For his parents,their religious duties ended with the worship, hence after thefeast as usual they left for home until another year.That is the attitude of some Christians they only come to churchon Sundays, they go on giving excuses that their job or businessdoes not permit them to attend fellowship. Whereas theircolleagues attend programmes in their Churches. If yourworship is limited to Sunday alone, it is time to check it. Therecan be no reason whatsoever why you cannot find time to do theFather's business. If you haven't got time you may be too busyto make heaven.While they were going home, he remained to finish theunfinished task. While in the church, are you able to see theunfinished task or you conclude that others are doing it? Theparents asked, why have you treated us like this, but heanswered, I must be in my Father's house for the unfinishedtask. The Palmist said \"for zeal of your house consumes me--\"(Ps. 69:9), so it was for Jesus Christ. This is one of the steps hehas left for his own.PRAYERHow often I spend more time doing my own business without acorresponding time for your business Lord. Help me Lord totake the unfinished tasks in your house. 264

The content of Psalm 70 is an urgent prayer for one who is being threatened by enemies. It appears the enemies are gaining ground and you are almostgoing to be consumed. Beloved you need not give up. Asyou meditate on the Psalm, see what will happen to thosewho are after your life. They will be put to shame becauseyour God will not leave you. He will fight the battle foryou. Infact the Lord is fighting it already. Look around youand see the signs of victory; the tidings of victory arealready at your door step, open your heart to receive it.Because the Lord is fighting for you there is confusionalready in the enemy's camp. They have dropped all theirweapons of war and they have taken to flight. While theyrun for their dear lives, they are going with disgracebecause that is their portion.But for those who have made the God of Jacob their refuge,He will always be exalted in their lives. He is there to helpand deliver. He will not delay to come to their rescue.Relax, your salvation has come. Begin to sing his praise.PRAYERWe pray thee O Lord, come to the aid of those who arebeing tormented by the forces of darkness. May your armof salvation deliver them. 265

We ended yesterday by saying; you should begin to sing praises for your God is already at hand to rescue you. Singing praises to God in a troubledsituation is an irresistible weapon against the enemy. Thebook titled \"Prison to Praise\" is a new orientation about themiracle working power of Jesus Christ. Hitherto, webelieved that every problem can only go through a seriousprayer. After reading the book, some of the problems wereresolved through praises. What an indispensable weapon.According to the Psalmist, he will always hope in his Godand His praise will continually be in his mouth. Our LordJesus Christ has left behind the steps of praises in everysituation we may find ourselves. If you look at the prayers heoffered to his Father, he always begins with thanks. Thethanksgiving is rooted out of the hope that God has alreadydone it. When he was to feed the five thousand (John. 6), allhe did was to give thanks followed by distribution. The resultwas overwhelming.The psalmist believes in praising God more and more. If thisis your desire, then your miracles will be endless. Begin topraise God now, praises that is rooted out of hope.PRAYERLord Jesus, let praise begin to well up in my heart. Grant methe grace to express it to your glory and honour. 266

Our generation needs to spend more time in praising and thanksgiving to God. It has been said that, there are two ministering angels in heaven. One is incharge of prayer and onward transmission to God. While theother is in charge of praises.If we are to guess, which of the two angels is busier, wewould easily pick the angel in-charge of prayers consideringhow prayerful we are in this generation. The angel in chargeof praises is less busy. Testimonies are always the result ofanswered prayers. Can the level of flow of prayers becompared with the flow of testimonies? Could it be that weare not giving rooms to testimonies? No doubt, testimoniesevoke praises. When people get to know what God is doingin the lives of His people, it will help to build their faith andthanksgiving to God will be overwhelming.The angel that receives praises is always kept dormant. It istime to engage him as our lips begin to shout for joy. There isa habit Christians have developed over the years. We onlycome for thanksgiving when the unexpected happens and thegood Lord delivers us. Let Us learn to give thanks in thecongregation of his people.PRAYERThank you Father for every blessing we receive from youfrom time to time. Grant us a thankful heart always. 267

Who are those that make up the house of the LORD? They are the redeemed of the LORD who are to show forth His praises, His love and mercies tomankind. To be invited to the house of the LORD, is a greatthing indeed.Thus the Psalmist unequivocally declared, that joy welled up inhis heart when they said to him, let us go to the house of theLORD. What can be better than where peace like a river flowsin the heart? A place you express your desire to the LORD. It isa place you listen to his marvelous work in the lives of men. It isa place to adore his holy name, a place to show forth our lovefor him who first loved us. Our Lord Jesus Christ did notneglect the house of the LORD. This is why at the age of twelvehe was there. During his earthly ministry, on the Sabbath hewas always there doing good. Healing the sick, raising the deadand performing the unusual miracles.Our attitudes to the house of the LORD must be like that of themaster. Psalm 84:4, \"Blessed are those who dwell in yourhouse; they are ever praising you\". The business of those whodwell in the house of the LORD is praise. There can be no bettersacrifice to the LORD in His house than the praise that isoffered to him.PRAYERHoly Spirit, teach us the act of offering praises that we maytruly worship our God the LORDAlmighty. 268

It was in 587 B.C that Jerusalem eventually fell into the hands of the Babylonians and they were taken away as slaves. Before then according to the chronicler, the LORDGod had sent his word to them through his messengers,prophets and priests. The people did not listen to them. Thusthey sold themselves to slavery. Many of them except thechildren and those children born in Babylon were the ones whoreturned to Jerusalem after seventy years.Sin is dangerous and costly. It takes more to be restored. Theeffect is always there, the scar is always a reminder of the timethe devil has a free day enjoying the consent of the sinner. Youcannot continue the same way; there must be a definiteresolution not to continue the same way. \"There is a way thatseems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death\"(Proverbs 16:25).There are some habits that do not represent Christ thatChristians are exhibiting. Such habits must be dropped. Thechildren of Israel sinned to such an extent whereby there wasno remedy. They overstretched the patience of God and Godcould not contain them any longer. Now that you haveopportunities that the grace of God is still available do notharden your heart.PRAYERLord Jesus Christ, please come to our aid and make us a newcreature. 269

Reading through our passage one begins to imagine the people they sent to Jesus as spies and pretenders. Were they not religious men who attend theSynagogue on Sabbath and also at the temple for sacrifice?How does the scripture support that act? How sincere is ourrelationship with Jesus Christ? Do we still give room to thedevil to use us against him?This group of spies went to Jesus Christ pretending to behonest. Such people are in the church. They are responsiblefor the confusion and crisis rocking the body of Christ. Theypretend to be honest, whereas they are agents. They are goodat bringing inaccurate report to their masters. Their masterstoo will act on such information. Anyone saddled with thistype of responsibility in the church should know that he hasno portion in the kingdom.Our Lord Jesus Christ knowing their duplicity demanded fordenarius and asked whose picture it contained. Then he said,what belongs to Caesar should be given to him and whatbelongs to God should be God's. Many Christians are yet tounderstand this statement of Jesus Christ. To them it is anavenue to indulge in what is ungodly side by side with God.PRAYEROur Father and our God, we are yours, let us be yours ineverything we do. 270

I am always excited as many times as I read 1 Corinthians 15:58 \"Therefore, my dear brothers (and sisters) stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully tothe work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in theLord is not in vain\". It gladdens my heart that my labor in theChurch for Christ, is not in vain. Even when frustration comesmy way, discouragement and rejection, I am not disturbed.The children of Israel had a similar experience in the days ofprophet Malachi. To them it was futile to serve God. Theystarted counting their gains, in their futile heart; they could notsee any reason why they should continue. They saw the arrogantblessed, evildoers prosper and those who challenge God escape.This conclusion was as imperfect as they were.My dear brethren, the situation in the church now may bediscouraging. You may not have expected what you are seeingnow. Perhaps you are almost going to be lured or you have beenlured into the group of the arrogant and evildoers. This is thetime to examine your life. For God will make up His treasuredpossession. I will spare them. At that time there will be adistinction between those who serve God and those who do not.Which side will you be? This is the time to decide where youbelong.PRAYERHeavenly Father, you have designed us as part of yourtreasured possession. May we not miss it? 271

We go on to consider another step that Jesus Christ left behind for us to follow - step of obedience. Permit me to define obedience as total allegiance to Jesus Christ.Without any fear of provocation, I believe if we are obedient tothe Lord Jesus Christ, certainly we are already obedient to man.This is because his laws are not burdensome. \"This is love forGod: to obey his commands. And his commands are notburdensome\" (1 John 5:3).As much as his commands are not burdensome, they are notagainst man. If we are at peace with God, then we can be at peacewith man. It is possible to be obedient to man and be disobedientto God. Following the steps of obedience as exemplified byChrist is not being measured by obedience to man but ourobedience to God. Throughout his earthly ministry, his desirewas to do the will of him (his Father) who sent him. He lived asinless life in a sinful world. He related with them and was able tomaintain his righteousness. In his obedience, he accepted the death on the cross and wasburied among sinners. His obedience ushered him into the righthand of the Almighty God. It was through the disobedience ofAdam that we all became sinners and through Christ's obediencewe are made righteous. Our obedience to him must be total, evenif we need to go to the cross.PRAYERMy dear Saviour your obedience led to your being the Saviourof the world. Grant me grace to follow your steps. 272

We now return to Ezra our book of study. For any divine task at your disposal there are huddles to be crossed. In this world, hardly will any divine taskbe accomplished without some challenging story that wouldbe told. Until we study the books of Haggai and Zechariahwe may be tempted to think that the opposition was onlylimited to correspondence.At the dedication of the temple, the entire nation was agog.The temple was the unifying factor that brought the entirepeople together. It was the evidence of the presence of theLord. The absence of the temple was like God taken awayfrom His people. Their joy knew no bounds more so as theycould remember vividly their experience as they werebuilding. That was why the chronicler said, the Lord changedthe attitude of the king of Assyria who now worked in theirfavor. The Assyrian king took them to exile and robbed themof nationhood. They also became the instrument to restoretheir lost glory.Celebration awaits those who will faithfully carry out theirdivine task. Those who once worked against you shall turnback to be instruments of praise to God.PRAYERLord, as it were for the Jews, let my celebration be more inthis new month in Jesus name. 273

The man Ezra arrived Jerusalem when the new temple had been dedicated. His arrival at this point fits the description that was accorded him. He was a priest, ateacher well versed in the Law of Moses. His zeal for the lawwe would discover as we continue to mediate on the book.Ezra's vast knowledge in the law is a challenge to all who carrythe Bible. Bible carriers ought to be students of the Bible. Howmuch time do we spend reading the Bible, compared to otherliteratures that we read? The blessed man is the one whosedelight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditatesday and night (Ps 1:2). Ezra's intimacy with the law must havebrought him closer to his God hence the wonderful privilegeof the gracious hand of his God that was on him.God's hand on one's life is God's power and favor mademanifest. How many Christians can boast of this? Too manyChristians believe that this privilege is for some privilegedfew. This is why they are not seeking to have it. It is thisprivileged few that they run to when they encounter anyproblem. Some even pay the privileged few or send gifts as tocontinue to enjoy their prayers. The privilege of God's powerand favour is for all his children.PRAYERLord Jesus let your gracious hand rest upon our lives as wecarry out our ministry daily. 274

The constant repetition of the favor of God upon Ezra may look like an exaggeration but when we carefully examine the content of the letter of the king, you willsee God at work. Ezra must have been a leading priest whilein exile. When the information of the completion anddedication of the temple got to the king, it became necessaryto send a priest to perform priestly functions.The king therefore released Ezra with the privilege ofreturning with as many that are willing to return. Not onlythat, seven advisers were directed to accompany him. All thevessels that were removed from the old temple werereturned. Ezra was given the privilege of obtaining silver andgold from the province of Babylon; all the freewill offeringswere also included. The king went further to direct thetreasurers of Trans-Euphrates to release talents of silver tohim for his ministry while at home.The ministers in the temple were exempted from taxes,tribute or duty. Ezra also had the mandate for effective work.All these were the big surprises that represented God's powerand favor. If God has sent you then pray for his power andfavor upon your life and ministry.PRAYERGracious Father you have called and sent your ministers, letyour power and favor rest upon them. 275

Ezra was a man of faith. He believed God and His word. The journey from Babylon to Jerusalem is not an easy one especially when it involves a group of people.There were road blocks and with such number of people, otherscould assume that they were invaders, and without any inquirythey can attack them. This accounted for the trouble that Balakthe king of Moab had when he saw the Israelites approachinghis territory hence he called Balaam to put a curse on them.Ezra knew it. That was why he assembled the people at thecanal that flows toward Ahava. It was not a political gatheringor any other social gathering but it was a holy assembly thatlasted for three days to seek the face of God in prayer andfasting. This became necessary because Ezra had already toldthe king that God is able to protect his own without humaneffort.Ezra was a man of prayer, he believed that through prayer, hismiracle becomes easy. A project without seeking the face ofGod prayerfully will fail. It is a risk and a big one for any childof God to pay less attention to prayers and expect a good result.Have you prayed and are you praying about what is in yourhand?PRAYERHoly Spirit we ask for empowerment as we continue withour ministry give us the desire to pray and with result. 276

Until you find yourself in leadership position with the challenges it poses, you may not appreciate the faith of the man called Ezra. Traveling from Babylon toJerusalem without soldiers was a big risk that everybodyfeared. Even if no community engages in a fight, bandits werethere to raid and dispossess people of their belongings.I am sure that some who were ready to make the journey withthem, when they got to know that no security was put in place,could have changed their mind. Some of those people may haveremained in exile till the present day. Ezra and his fellow exilestraveled the road for about four months without any harassmentor any attack. The hand of God was on them as it were in thedays of the wilderness and they arrived Jerusalem safely.Security has continued to be a problem in our country.Insurgency has taken the centre stage for some years now.Those in government quarters are not safe inspite of thesecurity around them. While many are afraid of robbers andassassins others are afraid of the activities of demons that areresponsible for the terrible nightmares, which many aresubjected to. All these are the security problems we are facing.If only we could seek the gracious hand of God upon our livestestimonies will come.PRAYERAlmighty Father we beseech your gracious hand upon yourchurch and the nation as we tackle the problem of insecurity. 277

We should not think that Ezra is teaching us to disregard the services of security agencies. The situation they found themselves was like beingchallenged to prove God's capability. They needed soldiersto protect them from enemies but an idolatrous backing wasnothing compared to God's power.While we may not do away with the security apparatus at ourdisposal, it is Important for us to appreciate the fact thatwithout God the security around us will fail. In Nigeria,governors with their opponents or robbers are in battle. Someof the co-travelers with a particular governor sitting with himin the same vehicle were shot dead. If top people likegovernors can be attacked and the attackers succeeded, thenwhat becomes of the common people?According to the Psalmist, some trust in chariots others inhorses. It is Important to ask, where do you put your trust inmatters of security? Those who trust in the name of the Lordwill never be disappointed. You may have suffered someattack in recent times, God has not forsaken you, perhaps thedevil capitalized on your mistakes. Like Ezra, trust in theLord our God, for he will defend youPRAYERHeavenly Father, we rely on your divine security whichnever fails, help us Father. 278

The marriage institution is the bedrock of the society and the Church. What marriage gives the society is certainly a reflection of the family units. Society thatwill experience a meaningful change, such changes begins atthe family unit. Our society is failing today because thefamily set up is collapsing. Many of the criminals we havetoday are a product of failed families or children outside anacceptable marriage. It is the family units that make up theChurch. The Church is supposed to be a place of reformation.Ezra could not hold himself when he got to know that theholy race had been mingled. Members of the holy race hadgone outside to pick women as wives thus defiling the race.The holiness of God and that of his people cannot becompromised. Children of God ought to know that they arepeculiar unlike other people.Many Christians have messed themselves up as a result ofthe marriage they entered. Today some have packed it up;others are managing their lives daily on quarrels andmisunderstanding. When you have such people in the churchwho cannot agree at home how can the power of God bemade manifest?PRAYERLord Jesus we pray for all seeking to marry, may they beguided by your spirit. 279

Ezra spent the whole day mourning the unfaithfulness of his people. The priest and Levites were not left out in the sinful act. The problem of not waiting for God'sapproval in marriage abounds in the Church. Arising from theattitude of some Christians, they do not believe that God has asay in marriage. To them, the girls are there just pick anyoneyou like.There are Pastors today who have divorced their wives and theyare married again. This is common in the western world. Anyminister with a broken marriage would need to tell hiscongregation how it happened lest his preaching of the gospelwould be of no effect. What he has done speaks louder than themessage he is preaching.If you are a young man or woman preparing to marry, it isimportant to get God's approval before you proceed. GettingGod's approval will entail some serious prayers while you keepyour mind open and be ready to accept God's verdict. Whatevermay attract you to whoever you want to marry, can always fadeaway, when it is gone, that will be the end of the marriage. Makesure you do not add to the many problems of marriage in thechurch. Let your pastor spend his time to pray for yourprosperity.PRAYERDear Lord, look mercifully on the marriage of your childrenand bring your healing. 280

While Ezra was praying and confessing, weeping and throwing himself down before the house of God, the Spirit of the Lord was convincing andconvicting the people of the dastardly act. The people wereable to see the level of their apostasy. It is important for us toknow that the issue did not end up in marriage. These foreignwomen were servicing their gods and they even lured someof the priests to join them, after which they went to thetemple to offer sacrifices.The entire people resolved to put away the women and thechildren they had with them irrespective of the advantagethat may accrue to them. They forfeited all. That was agenuine repentance on the part of the Israelites. Suchrepentance is hardly seen in the church of today. Sometimeswe actually give up the sin, but we are feeding from theproduct of that sin.Some in the church are wealthy, but the wealth was stolen.The certificate that some Christians are proud of is not aproduct of their work, yet they are using it. Space will notallow me to enumerate many of the things we claim to beours whereas it is false. Whatever you lay claim to, can we beproud of you if we get to know the story?PRAYERGrant genuine repentance to your Church good Lord. 281

If people like Ezra will have the opportunity of coming back to this life and see the state of the Church, would the present pastors playing the role of Ezra be able to facehim? Certainly we cannot. Can we be bold enough to carryout Ezra's type of reforms in order to maintain the standard ofthe holy race? Any attempt for some of us to do that is toempty the pews.What becomes of those who are pastors for the sake of theirstomach? \"Their destiny is destruction, their god is theirstomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is onearthly things\" (Phil. 3: 19). The Church of today is packedfull of unrepentant sinners, they refuse to go to the cross theterminal point for the flesh. Until the flesh is dead the newlife in Christ will never resurrect in any person.If you are in the Church and you are comfortable with sin,you think God will overlook it? You are busy enjoying thefruit of that sin, God says, come out of it, touch no uncleanthing and he will receive you. It is important for you to knowthat you have no fellowship with God. The grace of God isonly keeping you for repentance, do not Waste it (2 Cor. 6: 1).PRAYERHave mercy on your church by sending us the latter rain ofrevival that the holiness of the church will be maintained. 282

As we noted before, the books Ezra and Nehemiah were one especially in the Hebrew Canon, however, they were separated in our Bible. The book Ezradealt with the rebuilding of the temple. Through thesemeditations, you being the temple of God, the Lord musthave done some work in you to His own glory.The book Nehemiah dealt with the rebuilding of the brokenwall of Jerusalem. As the Lord will be speaking to us in thisbook daily, expectedly every broken wall in our lives, will berebuilt.The book Nehemiah stands as a message of hope to anyonewhose spiritual wall has collapsed, because a message hasalready gone to wherever your Nehemiah may be, God willbring him your way. You must believe this propheticstatement that your Nehemiah has got the message and plansare underway to make his way through to you.Nehemiah means, \"The Lord comforts\". Your comforter hasgot the message about you, he is willing to come and removethe trouble and every disgrace. It is a new beginning full ofhope; your miracle will no longer be delayed.PRAYERLord Jesus you are our comforter we believe you willcomfort us again as we meditate on this book. 283

Yesterday we said a message had gone to your Nehemiah. The message is a divine message, therefore your Nehemiah cannot ignore it. It is amessage with utmost urgency that requires an urgentresponse.The message that came to Nehemiah in the citadel of Susawhere he was a steward broke him down completely. Theaffluence where he found himself became nothing becausehis heart and spirit went down to his people in Jerusalem. Fordays he sat down weeping and praying, seeking the counselof God on how to respond positively to the call. This is whywe said, your Nehemiah is already at work preparing to comeyour way.Nehemiah embarked on prayers because with prayers allthings become possible. He took his time to confess the sinsof himself and his people unto God. Through prayer he wasable to win the heart of the king and set the stage for thedivine task that was ahead of him. While your Nehemiah issettling with God, on your part, your prayer can help tofacilitate his early arrival. Every broken wall in your lifemust be rebuilt to the glory of God.PRAYERDear Lord, speed up our helpers at this time of the year thatour miracles may be complete. 284

While you may be expecting your own Nehemiah to come your way, it is also possible that you are the Nehemiah that someone is expecting.Perhaps there is a call you have been neglecting, theburden is so much on you, but a few things you alwaysconsider is preventing you from responding.I once met a Christian who told me that she has decided toexcuse every member of her family. The implication ofthis statement is that everyone in that family is a suspect.To her to be at peace is to distant herself from all of them.This action cannot be of Christ, because if she is aChristian she is an ambassador of Christ to her familyEvery Christian is expected to begin his witnessing at thefamily level. With the decision she took, if God is sendingher to someone in the family, she will certainly resist thevoice. Racial prejudice, ethnicity, malice and quarrel arepreventing some people from playing their God given role.The fear of witches and wizard and some demonic forcesare robbing them of the divine assignment If you are theNehemiah to someone, arise now avoid any delay.PRAYERFor all who are the Nehemiah of our days, inspire them0 Lord for the work you have assigned them. 285

If you believe in the prophetic idea of your Nehemiah coming your way, then you must also believe that your Nehemiah is more troubled than yourself. Satanictorments are not comparable to God's trouble on someone.Who is willing to be sent as a messenger? Jonah is a typicalexample in the scriptures.Uncle Jonah thought he could escape the Almighty God, buthe was only moving within the palm of the Almighty. Sincethe day that Nehemiah received the report of Jerusalem thatwas in ruins, the divine message of rebuilding the walls ofJerusalem never gave him peace as long as he remained inthe Citadel of Susa. The burden of the divine assignment inthe heart came through the face to the King. Such is thenature of a carnal man who never understands the things ofGod. There is always a wrong interpretation of spiritualthings. The King never knew that Nehemiah had received adivine call. It was the burden of fulfilling the call thatmanifested in his faceAs we said yesterday, are you the Nehemiah that God issending and you are still comfortable in the place you arenow? If you do not get up now, God will cause a trouble thatwill move you there which is not the best.PRAYERLord Jesus thank you for those you have ordained for each 286

Nehemiah was serving in the palace of the king in Susa the headquarters. We can begin to imagine the status of Nehemiah, it was a comfort zone. One who livesin such a place is never in want. Every facility that makes lifeas easy going is available. It is comparable to white house inAmerica because Babylon was the world power at that time.People living in this state of life always battle withinthemselves when they think about traveling. The question ishow comfortable is the place they are going?When some government functionaries are traveling theymake sure they go with everything except accommodation.All these have no place in God's calling upon our lives.Anyone that is carnal cannot accept it. Nehemiah was aspiritual man, hence he was willing to leave his comfort zone.Antioch had also become a comfort zone for Paul andBarnabas but that was not their zone, thus the Holy Spiritspoke and they responded accordingly. Perhaps you are stilltied down to your comfort zone whereas for long, God hascalled you. It is important for you to know that as long as youremain in your comfort zone you are no longer working forGod. Who are you working for?PRAYERFather we pray for as many that you called but held down,give them grace to overcome the spirit of comfort zone. 287

God's work is a divine task, the strategies to be adopted begins at the spiritual level. If the spiritual level is in order, the physical will take shape. Infactwhat we see in the physical are the manifestations of thespiritual. For Christians, the physical is always the arm of theflesh while the spiritual is of the Holy Spirit.When Nehemiah arrived Jerusalem he waited three days.Those three days were very important to his ministry. Theywere days of prayer and reflection, days of reflection andencounter with the Almighty God. At the end of the threedays which suggest a renewal and the readiness to work akinto Jonah's experience and a proto type of our Lord JesusChrist in the grave, he was ready for action. During the nightNehemiah with his God were examining the extent ofdamages and work to be done. Until now he never disclosedhis mission.Nehemiah's style is compared to what our Lord did in Luke6:12. Night is an important hour for every Christian. If youengage yourself in any battle at this time of the day, success isnever far away. It is a time to wreck havoc in the kingdom ofSatan, avail yourself of itPRAYERLord Jesus help us to follow your example of praying in thefor empowerment. 288

Every Nehemiah is always a source of inspiration. Things that have been difficult before and solutions are nowhere to be found, and have become a helplessand hopeless situations, when Nehemiahs are there withsterling qualities, they are quick to spot talents they knowhow to mobilize and the best will begin to manifest.I think you can be a Nehemiah today where you are atpresent. When the supernatural power of God comes on you,you will stop complaining, you will no longer disregardyourself. You will come to realize that the spiritual depositsin you can turn the situation around for good. What are youwaiting for, accept the challenge and begin to see results.When the Nehemiahs have settled it with God in prayers,closed doors will open; abundant resources will begin toflow. God will make all mouths to declare His will andpurpose, and the people will hear God speaking throughthem. With one voice that the Nehemiah knows the way, ifthey follow, they will get to their destiny. Nehemiahs aremen of vision, they are able to sustain destiny. If you are one,or one is around you, encourage him.PRAYERWe pray O Lord for the likes of Nehemiah in the church,inspire them more. 289

When Nehemiahs are lacking in any congregation it will suffer handicaps in the form of lack of spiritual gifts (1Cor.12; Eph.4:11-12), and suchcongregation cannot make any meaningful progress. Thereare some Churches you will go and it will be clear that theChurch is struggling to survive. Hardly will you see anythingto show the power of God at work. So many years with littleor nothing to show for it.The problem of the location of the Church may not be theproblem but the man on ground is of immense importance.Whether it is in the village, if one Nehemiah is there, thedifference will be clear. Out of nothing something will beginto happen, that is the nature of our God.Nehemiahs are never afraid of enemies or obstacles. Theirother name is called \"Immanuel\" meaning God is with us.They are able to say God will give us success hence Paulcould say, if God is for us who can be against us? I can doeverything (all things) through him (Christ) who gives mestrength (Rom. 8:31; Phi. 4: 13). What does your situationlook like? Remember those you are afraid of have no heritagein the project in your hand, therefore they have no say.PRAYERGrant us courage in your word 0 Lord as we continue with thetask committed to our charge. 290

Having read through our passage, Nehemiah's type of leadership becomes glaring. In the kingdom business, there is abundant room for all to participate and maketheir in-puts. It is unlike Christ to deliberately side line somepeople from participating. We see this attitude more often in theChurch. There are people willing to work, others perhaps in theleadership are preventing them. Some talents are lying fallowwith utter neglect because if such people are allowed, they willhear about them, the leader does not want it.Nehemiah was a competent and God fearing leader a man whobelieved that something good is in everybody only if they aregiven the chance. Thus he carefully arranged the rebuilding ofthe wall of Jerusalem by giving the several portions to differentgroups under appointed leaders. All went to work and the resultwas fantastic. What is the attitude of Church leaders todayparticularly ministers?In the ordained ministry we hear something like, pastor to beseen and never to be heard. When the young pastor isperforming, the senior pastor feels, he will overshadow himtherefore he should not be heard. This attitude cuts acrossboard. Nehemiah leadership is a challenge to us. Kingdombusiness has room for everybody to perform.PRAYERLord you have made room for all. Help your ministers tounderstand your divine concept of ministry. 291

The men of Tekoa were one of the most excited people in the rebuilding of the wall. They finished the first portion and went for another. This is nothing short of the joy ofthe Lord which was their strength. Kingdom business is thetype that evokes joy as a result of the grace of God that stirs themind. While others may abandon the job, joyfully you willaccept and continue because you are sure of your reward that isin heaven and on earth. This is the reason the nobles of Tekoawho refuse to put their shoulders to the work could not dampenthe spirit of the people.There are many in the church that brings their personality tobear when there is work to do in the Church. Church work tothem is a menial job meant for the peasants. Sometimes whenthey are there theirs is supervisory role or to point out errors. Inevery church the women are saddled with the responsibility ofsweeping the church, some will never be there to sweep, otherswill send their children to do it.David the King of Israel would say, \"I would rather be adoorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents ofthe wicked\" (Psalm 84:10b). Our Lord Jesus did not at anytimeneglect his work in his Father's house. We should follow hisexample.PRAYERHeavenly Father, give us grace to always humble ourselves forservice. 292