2015 MFDL

During the ancient days, the lack of a city wall meant that the people were defenseless and vulnerable to their enemies. When a city is walled round, itbecomes difficult for invading forces to have a thorough fare.This is why the Aramians laid siege against Samaria becauseit was difficult for them to gain entrance. The Israelites underthe leadership of Joshua could not enter Jericho because ofthe wall around. The Almighty God had to uproot it.Samballat and Tobiah and their collaborators were the chiefenemies against the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem. Withthe broken wall they had thorough access to the city to lootand do whatever they liked. In order to continue theirdevilish work, they were against the rebuilding of the wall.They knew that they cannot stop Nehemiah because he hadsecured the approval of the king. The strategy they adoptedwas to weaken the morale of the people by insulting anddiscouraging them. However, it was difficult to achieve.Perhaps you are working with one of the Nehemiahs of ourtime and you are being discouraged not to cooperate. Do notsuccumb because if it is of God, you stand to lose.PRAYERWe pray for all you have given a divine assignment 0 Lord,may they succeed. I condemn every satanic tongue that hasrisen against us in judgment in Jesus name. 293

The enemies of the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem did not relent in their efforts at preventing the work from being completed. When the Jews refused to bediscouraged and undermined their insult, Samballat andTobiah got angry. They plotted to come and fight them andstir trouble.Nehemiah being a good leader was fully aware of their plot.A good leader need not be passive but active his ears areclose to the ground through the people working with him. Wehave seen leaders who were not aware of troubles that arecapable of scattering their congregations or groups. Anyleader who is passive will always be caught unawares.When a leader is in close touch with heaven and the people,enemies cannot take him and the people, unawares. Thus heknows the right time to pray in order to scatter the plans ofthe enemies. One of the main reason why a leader canbecome passive, is when he does not listen to his own people,he believes he knows it all. The people will then leave him tohis fate. If you are that type of leader, you are already passiveand far away from reality. Danger is looming.PRAYERHeavenly Father, we pray for our leaders, keep them closeto yourself at the altar of prayer. 294

The battle we fight as Christians is unlike that of Nehemiah when they were building the wall of Jerusalem. Not only that they prayed they tookweapons against their enemies while they were working.Christians actually engaged in warfare and take up weaponsagainst their enemies, but ours is different. Apostle Paulsays; \"The weapons we fight with are not the weapons ofthe world (like spears, shield, bows, guns etc). On thecontrary they have divine power to demolish strongholds\"(2 Corinth 10:4). In a similar vein he wrote to the Ephesiansthat our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but againstthe rulers, authorities, powers of this dark world and againstspiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (6: 12).Nehemiah and his people were fighting against flesh andblood, but the Christian battle is beyond that, hence carnalweapons cannot be applied. The lesson we must learn fromNehemiah is that he was attentive and ready to combat theenemy. Our Lord has exhorted us to watch and pray, by sodoing, enemies will not be able to take us unawares. Thetrumpet that calls for prayer is always on; if we respond ourGod will fight for us.PRAYERWhen the trumpet calls the trumpet of prayer, Lord let meobey in Jesus name. 295

Before we leave chapter four of our book of study it is good for us to examine perhaps in detail the strategies adopted by the enemies and also find out howNehemiah reacted to them.The first strategy of the enemies was to ridicule the Jews.They made them to look inconsequential unable to achievesuch a noble objective. If they were people to be reckonedwith they would not have been slaves in Babylon. The devilhas not stopped to ridicule children of God, making them tobelieve that they cannot be saved, especially when they lookback to where they are coming from. If you allow your enemyto ridicule you, you will be forced to accept his opinion aboutyou. Thus you will remain at the base of the ladder. You willalways believe that the top is not meant for you.If you allow the devil to ridicule you, you would haveallowed yourself to be frustrated. It is dangerous to give roomto frustration because the end of it is death. This is why everychild of God must not accept whatever the devil may besaying. Do not allow him to rob you of your place in thedivine agenda; it is the will of God, that every broken wall inyour life be rebuilt.PRAYERIn any way that the devil may want to ridicule us, Lord Ireject it in your name. 296

The enemies of the Jews went on to say, \"What are those feeble Jews doing? Will they restore their wall? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they finish ina day? Can they bring the stones back to life from thoseheaps of rubble-burned as they are?\"Beloved, it is important for you to know that your enemieswould always have a wrong estimation of your very self.The reason is not farfetched. It is because he that is in youis greater than the one in the world and the one in the worlddo not know the one in you as to be able to properlydescribe him. There were five questions directed to theJews with a view to confuse them and bring out theirsupposed feebleness out of them.How many embarrassing questions has the enemies thedevil directed to you? Therefore you are not able to doanything. I say to you child of God arise, you are notfeeble, you are strong, you are rich, you are healed, you arecompletely whole because of what the Lord has done foryou. The congregation is waiting to hear your testimonies;your brothers will join you to sing his praise.PRAYERLord Jesus arise in your power to declare forth your praise. 297

Perhaps Timothy was timid in nature hence his godfather wrote to him saying; \"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power of love andof self-discipline\". (2 Tim.1:7). Any Christian that is timidshould know that he is the opposite of what God wants him tobe.Nehemiah was not frightened by the threat of his detractorseven when his strength and that of his people were comparedto what a fox can destroy. Make no mistake; these enemieswere officials of the government of the Babylonians. Theywere using the government's might against them, yetNehemiah was not perturbed. He knew what Solomon said inEcc. 8:9b, \"There is a time when a man lords it over othersto his own hurt\".Moreover, God was with them. While the enemies wereplotting, Nehemiah and his people were praying to their God.They also arm themselves with weapons to attack them.Enemies may be closing on you, are you really praying oryou have given the assignment of praying to somebody else?It is important you visit your armory as Contained inEphesians 6 for a victorious battle.PRAYERLord Jesus every timidity the devil wants to impose on yourchildren good Lord deliver us. 298

The economic condition of both the returnees and the remnants was not too favourable. Adjustment and the adaptation normally take time especially for thereturnees. New trades and new way of life added to thiswas famine in the land as a result of the climatic condition.Famine actually aggravated the economic situation in theland. A time of economic stress is what some people lookforward to, a time where the rich are getting richer and thepoor going poorer by the day.The few wealthy Jews took advantage of the situation bylending to their fellow Jews at exorbitant interest rate.They had to mortgage their field and other properties so asto get food to eat. According to Nehemiah, it was anexacting of usury. They had no mercy because they wantedto make wealth through high interest rate. As it was in thedays of Nehemaih so we find such traits in our Churches oftoday. Many are guilty of the accusation leveled against thefew rich who trampled on the poor. Our Lord also said,love your neighbour as yourself. We are to love as Christdemanded and then there won't be room for selfishness.Avoid the reproach of unbelievers.PRAYERHoly Spirit let the love of Christ flow through our heartsthat we may truly love like Jesus. 299

What we see of our leaders in the church leave much to be desired. It is a typical Pharisaic way of life - do what I say and not what I do. Sometimes when youget to know the relationship between fellow pastors, thecravings of ministers for worldly things, one would ask, isheaven real? Yes heaven is real. Position is not a passport toheaven.When Nehemiah got the report of how the people were treatingthemselves, he had the courage to rebuke them because he wasleading by example. Too many of our leaders are too selfish;they never respect the feelings of others especially theirsubordinates.As much as they get their own, no more problem.The Democracy in place has not helped issues. Anyoneaspiring for political position is only thinking of himself andhis immediate family. It is when they are satisfied that theymanage to stretch their hands. But are they really satisfied?Some by the grace of God are well placed but people aroundthem even within the family are suffering. Nehemiah was nottoo occupied not to listen to the people's complaints. Manywho have gotten to the top have closed the door against thosewho helped to facilitate their movement.PRAYERLord, let our leaders be reminded of their responsibilitiestoward those who elected them to office. 300

Nehemiah eventually became the governor and he occupied the position for twelve years. In the Nigerian politics that would have been three consecutive terms.To the people Nehemiah was the kind of leaders they wantedthus he enjoyed that privilege which was a service to thepeople. As leaders to what extent would your people want youto remain in office? A former president wanted this privilege.Many were campaigning for third term for the president. ButGod disappointed them. Why were they canvassing for thirdterm? As usual they must have reason to support their claims,but the bottom line is their selfish desire to continue to lead andenjoy as much as they could while majority are wallowing inabject poverty.Nehemiah was a selfless leader. For the number of years heoccupied the position he gave up his rights and never put moreburdens on the people. Thus he could offer what somebodycalled remembrance prayers to God. Church leaders shouldbegin to ask themselves of how much sacrifices they aremaking to promote the gospel? A good number of ministerswant to live in affluence at the expense of their congregation.This is evident in their choices of whatever the church isexpected to provide for them. Our Lord gave all so that we canbe saved, what have you given so that others can be saved?PRAYERGrant to your people the grace to follow your leadershipexample O Lord. 301

Samballat and Tobiah the foremost enemies in the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem had tried every means to prevent the project but they continued tofail. Now they devised another method wherebyNehemiah will be deceived to a place where they can harmhim and possibly kill him. The Whole idea was that if theysucceed then, no one would be able to motivate the peopleagain.The Nehemiah of our time must be careful as to avoidevery trap of the enemies. Some invitation that may haveofficial colorations must be properly scrutinized in thepower of the Holy Spirit. Certainly the Holy Spirit who isour guide will not allow it, but when we do not care abouthim, then we will be treading on dangerous ground.Nehemiah knew that he had a more serious job at hand as toattend a tea party. It is Important for Church leaders toknow the urgency of the task given to them. They aredemanding our attention on daily basis. Many of thesethings are just to satisfy man. Be mindful of honouringinvitation where kingdom business is secondary.PRAYERLord Jesus many are wasting time on trivialities. Help anddeliver us. 302

When the foremost enemies of Nehemiah knew that Nehemiah had discovered their tricks; they sent him a letter of threat. Do you know that sometimeswe need to carefully listen to enemies because what you mayregard as a curse may be a prophetic statement concerningyour life. It is possible they had the notion of what you willbecome hence they are fighting you and they want you tofoolishly agree with the curse they intend putting on you. Thisis why it is good to listen because what they say will form yourprayer points.If we closely examine the letters of the enemies in our passage,in it they foretold the plan of God for Nehemiah becoming thegovernor (Neh. 8:9). However they colored it with revolt, butthis will not prevent the plan of God for his life.Nehemiah never allowed their threat to bother him. Instead, heprayed the Lord to encourage him through the strength that hewill receive from God. Too many people called of God hadyielded to human threat thereby preventing them frombecoming what God wants them to be in life. If God has calledyou, tell him to strengthen your hands today. As the strengthcomes on you, you will be encouraged.PRAYERLord Jesus we pray you to strengthen the hands of yourministers today. (Pray with Psalm 90:17) 303

The word Saint in Greek is holiness. All Christians are referred to as saints. God has set them apart for Himself and on daily basis they are being renewed and made holy by theHoly Spirit. Take note, not all those who attend services everySunday, and not all those who go to the house of God but those whohave been washed in the blood.Erroneously we sometimes think that it is only those who have diedin Christ that can be called Saints. This is wrong. No one iscanonized after death; you can only be a saint before death. As achild of God, you are a saint meant to live a life of Holiness. We areliving in a corrupt world, we must make every effort not to bestained, you have been washed in the precious blood of the lamb.There are many in the Church who have stained their garment ofrighteousness because they cherish the things unbelievers like todo. Let it be known to you that you no longer belong to the saints.You may be in the Church, fellowship together, God knows hispeople.The multitude that John saw wearing white robes coming out of thegreat tribulation, have washed their robes and made them white inthe blood of the lamb while on earth. Therefore they could standbefore the throne of God to receive a kingdom that has beenprepared for them. If you must be part of this kingdom you must be asaint.PRAYERGrant us grace so to follow your blessed saints in all virtuous andGodly living. 304

In this new month, your enemies will lose their confidence in Jesus name. in the things of God, where there is the will, the grace to perform is never lacking.Our God is known to begin a work and complete it. He isunlike human being that is known for abandoned project.God will never abandon His project hence the Psalmistwould pray, \"The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; yourlove, 0 Lord, endures forever - do not abandon the worksof your hands\" (Ps. 138:8).Every child of God is a project in God's hand; God is busydoing things in our lives. However this can only be possiblewhen God enjoys our cooperation. If you will cooperatewith God, every abandon project in your life will receiveimpetus today. Within fifty -two days the wall of Jerusalemwas completed inspite of intimidation, threat, lack ofcooperation on the part of Tobiah's in-law who were Jewsand a host of other problems. Take some time to ponder overthe journey of Nehemiah thus far. People with a visionburning in their hearts are always undaunted. Why must youallow your vision to die when the grace of God is availableto you?Arise and begin your journey to a victorious end.PRAYERHeavenly Father we have confidence in you, we rely onyour sufficient grace to the end. 305

When the project had been fully completed, Nehemiah knew that it will be risky to put any man without the fear of God. Thus he looked forhis brother who must have worked with him, wholeheartedly with a sense of dedication and commitment.Addedto his brother was Hananiah the commander of the Citadel, aman of integrity and one who fears God. These qualities werequite imperative as to sustain the morale of the people. It willbe a wasted effort to commit the security of the city to peoplewhose detractors were working with their enemies. It wasnot a status that determined the appointment rather it was thequality of the life of the people.The call for people of integrity that fear God to rule ournation is becoming louder by the day. These are the type ofpeople that will put the nation on the path of development.The same call comes to the church today. Many of ourChurch leaders are corrupt; therefore they cannot come outto speak the mind of God to a fallen world. If we must enjoythe resources that God has given us in this country, then wemust diligently look out for people who fear God withintegrity.PRAYERHeavenly Father as many that have the responsibility togovern help them to be transparently honest to you and thepeople. 306

The arrival of the Jews from Babylon back to Jerusalem, the completion of the Temple and the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem were alltestimonies to an emergence of a New Jerusalem. The placeof Jerusalem in the hearts of the exiles who have recentlyreturned from Babylon is summed up in Psalm 137.Psalm 137 epitomizes the deep love for Jerusalem, where theJews sees as their root. Up till now, they are not ready to giveit up; more blood is still being shed because of Jerusalem.Every attempt is being made to pull down the Mosque thatstands in Jerusalem as an abomination. Nehemiah waswilling to retain those who were the rightful owners ofJerusalem, hence he went into records. Those who could notfind their names were excluded forever.Many Christians today cannot trace their roots. They wereborn in the cities, therefore it Was a genuine reason to losetheir root. This attitude is never in line with the divinearrangements. Can you speak your language? Do not waituntil you are excluded. Records will also speak on the lastday, will your name be found in the book of life? May theLord give you understanding of these things.PRAYERMy Lord and God never let me be excluded from yourrecords and all earthly records that are useful to me. 307

Nehemiah summoned the entire people in the square before the water gate. Ezra the scribe and a priest was called upon to read the book of the law of Moses. Ashe read and Interpreted what God spoke through Moses to theirfore-bears as it will affect posterity, the assembly could nothold their tears. There was great mourning and weeping.A day of celebration was going to turn to a day of mourning asa result of their grief. Thus they were reminded that it was asacred day, perhaps it was done on Sabbath day. Nehemiah thegovernor a man full of hope and highly optimistic encouragedthem to go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks and providefor those who do not have. The reason for it was that the joy ofthe Lord was the strength of his people. The implication of thestatement was that God has been vindicated as a result of theirreturn from exile; there was a restoration of destiny.To many of them their going to exile was as a result of thefailure of their God. Babylon won because their god wasperhaps more powerful. However, when they read from thelaw, they realized that it was as a result of their sins. Those whosincerely mourn for their sins will draw strength from the Godof mercy for forgiveness and restoration.PRAYERLord, may we sincerely repent of our sins so that therestoration of our destiny may come to pass. 308

While the gospel is not a source of sorrow and weeping but joy and salvation, yet there are promises and prophecies that evoke joy, butas it comes to us we would always discover ourinadequacies, grounds that we have not been able tocover. Thus our whole desire is how to make up.The grief of the people was not limited to sin, it was likereading the entire Deuteronomy particularly chapter 28.They discovered the beautiful plans of God for them ifonly they had been obedient. They saw the result of anyact of disobedience which they were suffering. Itbecame clear that God cannot be blamed for theirfailure. Their going to exile was the willingness of theirparents to disobey God.Too many Christians today live in sin and they want thegrace of God to multiply. They are quick to jump andcatch every promise in the scriptures and close their eyesto portions that talks about sin. This is self deceptionavoid itPRAYERHoly Spirit grant us humility at the proclamation of yourword and understanding of your word today 309

Your relationship with God daily can only be sustained as a result of your diligent study of His word. In His word you meet him daily and fromthere he speaks to you. Every prophetic message to you mustbe confirmed from His word. Until this is done never youbelieve it.There is an attitude with which the present day Christiansapproach the scriptures. I call it the pre-conceived-ideaapproach. They go there to look for what they want andexpress it at the expense of other portions of the scriptures.Some have even developed a message for themselves thusevery topic they handle is centered around this message.Devotionals are even written in this way. A good example is,\"What does God say I will be\". The writer goes on to spot orsearch to know what God says we will be. But this idea ishinged on some conditions. When the conditions areneglected, then it is no longer that of God.The assembly that was celebrating the feast of booths neverknew how until they read the law with an open mind. It wasthen they understood. What is your attitude to the study of theBible? Perhaps you are only interested in the aspect ofmiracles and promises; it is not a complete diet.PRAYERGrant us an open mind to study your word daily and absorb it. 310

The entire Israelites gathered together in a holy assembly to fast, pray and confess their sins to the Almighty God. It is important for us to take note ofthe patience of the people while worshiping God. It wasreported that the homily that is the reading and proclamationof the word took a quarter of the day which was six hours.They spent another six hours in confession and in worshipingthe Lord their God. What is the level of the patience ofbelievers when they come to the service of God? As a pastor Ican speak on this. In some churches first service begins at7a.m and ends at 10a.m. I have noticed that many will comeabout 8a.m or8.30a.m and such people are eager to leavebefore the end of the service. At the end of the service if thereis any need to wait, they are usually unwilling and cannot befound. This problem cut across every of our Churches.When new generation churches were springing up we heardsomething like \"as the spirit direct\". This is because the olderChurches were following an order and it was quicker. Whenthey started they could spend the whole day. But things havechanged; some of the services now last for one and halfhours. In all these can we say, we are patient like them?PRAYERGrant to your people patience as they worship you 0 Lordthat we may maximize your presence. 311

David in Psalm 51:17 says, \"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, 0 God you will not despise\". Apostle John went on tosay, \"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and willforgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness\"(1 John 1:9). From the above it is crystal clear that sins canonly be forgiven when there is a sincere repentance as a resultof a broken spirit and a contrite heart occasioned by the guiltthat follows every sin that is committed. Nowadays, sin isregarded as triviality. One can sin and the next minuteforgiveness is already secured. It appears we have removedthe guilt that follows every act of sin. By our attitude inChristianity, God is pictured as an errand boy somewhere upthere ready to carry out every instruction given to him. Thiscannot be our God. Those who know him to be holy andAlmighty tremble before him with fear for He is a consumingfire.A good number of Christians are behaving like Adam,accusing God for their sinful life. Others rely on weekly ordaily confession to the pastor. If you have a thoroughconfession like the Israelites today, it will bring peace to yourlife.PRAYERPardon your people for every sin and grant them sincererepentance and peace. 312

After the sincere confession of the Israelites, they bound themselves with a curse and an oath never to depart from the commands, regulations and decreesof the Lord their God. While the Old Testament religion was ofthe Law, we should not be tempted to think that the standardrequired of the New Testament Church is lower. All that theLaw required had been fulfilled in the blood of our Lord JesusChrist. If the religion of the Law rooted in the blood of animalswas of high moral code, now that it is the blood of Jesus Christwho was truly human and divine, what do you expect?The Israelites promised, never to be involved in a mixedmarriage. Christians must know that in marriage, they havenothing doing with unbelievers or some Churches that are notrooted in the word of God. We no longer observe the Sabbathas a result of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ onSunday. When we meet we celebrate Christ, thus it is a holyday.What is your attitude to this holy day? Do you leave thecelebration and embark on a journey you can make afterservice. Perhaps is a day to attend to social matters, andbusiness continues. We must respect the day of the LordPRAYERGive us grace to truly observe the day of the Lord andeveryday may our lives keep it holy. 313

Many Christians have a limited understanding of what is sin. I have seen many of them good at studying and teaching the scriptures. Their livesare quite challenging. They are a good example ofdedication, devotion and commitment to the Lord. Whilethey are good in many areas in the sight of men, they claim tobe born again, but their pocket is not born again. They hardlygive to the service of God. They can be good Ushers, doesevery other work perfectly, but their money is their God.Such people are living in bondage yet to know Jesus Christ.The repentance of the Israelites affected their worship life.Their contributions to worship was poor, they realized it andthey repented. They were willing to offer to God what isGod's - tithe offerings the different types of offerings, newwine and oil to the storerooms so that there will be food in thehouse of God. The more I read about the offerings in the OldTestament, the more I am convinced that as Christians we arecalled upon to do more today. Let our whole attitude in theservice of Christ experience a powerful change. This shouldbe evident as you will be made rich in every way and onevery occasion and it will result in thanksgiving to God (IICorinth 9: 11).PRAYERGrant your people true riches for the use of the church andenlargement of your kingdom. 314

Without the comfort that we receive from God, it is pretty difficult to live in this crooked world. On daily basis, we see things that are capable of turning our heartsfrom God, but for His unfailing love we are always comforted.The basis through which we enjoy His comfort is His unfailinglove. The climax of His love was when he gave his only begottenson Jesus Christ. \"For God so loved the world that he gave hisonly begotten son that whosoever believe in him shall not perishbut have eternal life\" (In 3: 16).For anyone to truly enjoy the comfort of the Almighty God, such aperson must have a relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord andSaviour. Then his comfort can flow into the heart of the personand he will be truly comforted.There are many in the church or some who may have been readingManna for Daily Living but have not received the comfort of Godin their lives. The secret is that, not until you turn to Christ, youcannot enjoy this comfort. It is the love of God that issues out Hiscomfort. How can you enjoy the product of the love withoutaccepting the love He has demonstrated?If you have not accepted Jesus Christ, this is an opportunity to doso. Hence forth you will enjoy his comfort and you will have atestimony to share with others.PRAYERLord Jesus Christ, please come into my life that I may be yoursin order to enjoy the comfort you give. 315

It is important for us to have a clear understanding of our source of comfort. In the next few days, I shall endeavour to spell this out. Our main source of comfort is GodAlmighty who is the God of all comfort. In our passage, thereis the sure promise that God will surely comfort Zion. Forsome time now Zion the city of David had been reduced torubbles as a result of the enemies invading the land. It used tobe the pride of Judah.As at the time Isaiah delivered his prophecy, it was in ruins.Not only the land but the people were not spared. Godpromised to comfort Zion and look with compassion on herdevastated position. Her desert will be like Eden and herwaste land like the garden of the Lord. God's promise was atotal restoration with new things to follow. All her needs willbe available. Joy and gladness will be her identificationmarks; her thanksgiving will be endless with a new song inher mouth.This is the promise of God to all those who are willing to becomforted. It is the wise thing to do, if you will turn to himwhole heartedly. He will surely comfort you.PRAYERHeavenly Father who is the major source of my comfort.Look mercifully upon me and those who need yourcomfort today in Jesus name. 316

When God is your comforter, you need not look elsewhere. You need not fear anything. Sometimes we are tempted to think that God is too slow, wecannot judge our God with our feeble sense. His ways are not ourways. When we ask for His comfort, it must not be determinedby our own timing. Yet he will not forsake you.Usually, it is when our problem is at its peak and the burden ismuch we think we have been forsaken. Sometimes God beginsHis work at our extreme. Waiting upon God is the assurance thathe will surely intervene.God spoke again to Zion, I will comfort you. But Zion was stillafraid of mortal man who was responsible for her predicaments.It is like asking God where you were when all these things werehappening to me. Sometimes we ask God such questions as aresult of the situation we find ourselves. When such questionshad occupied our minds, it becomes difficult to believe the wordof God.Your God is talking to you, “I, even I, am he who comforts you”.Rise up and believe the word of God, you have been comforted.Satan has been cast down, you are already on top. What are youstill doing at the bottom? You have a space on top already.PRAYERLord Jesus help me to overcome every doubt and let my faithproduce result. 317

God has caused his word to be written down for our comfort. All through the ages, from generation to generation, the scriptures have been comforting thosewho turn to the God of all comfort. This is the truth that Paulemphasized in our passage.A good number of people have been greatly encouraged by thescriptures. Its freshness is always comforting. The scriptures isdescribed as, \"living and active, sharper than double-edgedsword\" ... (Heb 4:12). The breath of God is always on it each timeyou read it again it comes out new -like you have not read itbefore.In your moment of trials and temptations, if you turn to the wordof God, surely you will be comforted. There is always answer towhatever may be provoking your heart. God is always speaking,via His word. How friendly are you with the Bible?The hymn writer, H. W. Baker says, \"word of mercy, givingsuccour to the living; word of life, supplying comfort to thedying!\" How wonderful the word of God is, the comfort youneed is loaded therein. Read it, and it works inside you and thestrength of it will be noticed outwardly. Let the Bible be yourcompanion, a newspaper that must be read daily.PRAYERAlmighty Father, thank you for the comfort that comesthrough the scriptures. Help me never to miss it on daily basis. 318

Indeed the word of God is powerful. I have seen it pulling down strongholds, disarming the mighty, lightening the darkness that pervades people's lives, giving direction topeople to follow. The sure compass that will never miss itspath with the assurance of destiny fulfillment. How often Ihave had an encounter with those who were totally confusedwith nowhere to run to. I have seen hopeless and helplesspeople and when I turn to the word of God, I see hoperestored I see joy flowing from the heart and healing takingplace in the soul. People have broken down in tears, whenthey hear the word of God read, they were revived.According to the Psalmist, as the word of God is unfolded,light is bound to shine and it gives understanding. Theunderstanding is very important. The word of God gives youthe understanding of both the problem and the word, and thenyou will be able to apply accordingly. Without theunderstanding that comes from the Holy Spirit, the word ofGod becomes an ordinary literature and it is always quotedout of context with wrong application.As you read the word of God, pray for understanding and youwill truly be comforted.PRAYERGive me O Lord, the understanding of your word. As I read,let its truth bring comfort to me. 319

God's provision for His children are enormous. Until we understand how the Garden of Eden was, we may not appreciate the plan of God for our lives in this planetEarth. Until we understand the love of Christ when he willinglyoffered himself on the cross of Calvary, we may not understandthe depth of God's love towards His children.According to David, another source through which our comfortcomes is the rod and staff of our good shepherd. The rod is aninstrument of authority which the shepherd exercises on the sheepand a defensive weapon against any other force that may want toattack the sheep. In this vein, we are comforted because we knowthat the authority of God cannot be challenged. Therefore wecannot be threatened or attacked. If attacked, we are comfortedbecause we know that our God will fight for us. He will not allowthe wolves to devour us.The Rod is an instrument of defense against external aggression.Thus we are comforted. The rod is used in guiding, rescuing andprotecting. Being sure of all these, we are comforted. The staff isalso a source of comfort. Basically, the staff is an instrument ofsupport. We are encouraged and consoled when we are sure of thedivine support on every occasion. These are the wonderfulprovisions that the Almighty God has made available to us for ourcomfort.Avail yourself of them.PRAYERThank you Lord for the comfort I receive from your rod and staff.May I never miss any of them in Jesus name. 320

It is a wonderful story to hear that Jesus loves me. Nothing can be more comforting than this. When we come to understand Christ's death for the forgiveness of sin and giftof eternal life; or that the condemned man has been acquittedand justified; or that the wrath of God has been settled, then wehave more than enough comfort.There can't be a greater love than that which our Lord JesusChrist demonstrated towards us. We were sinners, powerlessand completely separated from God. We became enemies,fighting against our creator God. Jesus Christ in his wonderfullove and by his sacrificial death changed the position - insteadof being enemies, we became children, and the lost glory wasrestored in a better form. If this is understood, what can be morecomforting? Hear what Paul says, \"since we have now beenjustified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved fromGod's wrath through him! For if, when we were God'senemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of hisson, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we besaved through his life\" (Rom 5:9-10).The story of God's love to you is enough comfort to enjoy and ittakes you over every problem in life. Let the love of Christcomfort you today.PRAYERHoly Spirit, may you grant me the grace to have a clearunderstanding of the love of my dear Saviour 321

For those who will return to their maker the one who took on the punishment due to them, God is promising them comfort. Because they have been forgiven, because theprice is paid fully, the devil can no longer accuse them again.Nothing to hold against them in order to oppress or deny them oftheir miracle.The devil is always trying to torment a repentant sinner. He makeshim to deny the forgiveness he has received. The devil tries toconvince the repentant sinner that his sins cannot be forgiven, andthat there is no way he can be at peace with God. To thesecategories of people Isaiah speaks. God will heal them, guidethem, restore and comfort them.This is a wonderful message to those who are being tormented bythe devil. Perhaps you have just confessed a particular sin youcommitted and you have not got peace because the devil istormenting you. You cannot allow him any longer. Repeat theword of God to you to the devil, he will run away from you.It is not unlikely that when you consider what you have done,shame has not allowed you to confess or you believe you cannotbe forgiven. Take note this is still the work of the devil to hold youcaptive. If you are contrite today, God will forgive you and youwill be comforted.PRAYERDear Lord, we pray for those who are contrite at heart, may youcomfort them as you have promised in Jesus name. 322

To those who may have in recent times suffered some setbacks God says \"as a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over therestoration of your rightful portion.\" That is a wonderfulmessage, you have been comforted already. Israel had beenattacked by the Babylonians, Jerusalem was sacked and she wassuffering the brunt of the invaders. Isaiah could see what wasgoing to happen to the land, hence his message of comfort.Just as a mother comforts her child, so will the Almightycomfort His people. I could see a child misbehaving and themother gets angry and flogs the child. The child begins to crybitterly. Even though it was the mother that flogged him, shewill still be compassionate over the child, prevail on him to stopcrying by comforting the child. It will be difficult for the motherto watch the child crying even though the child is at fault.Israel had sinned against God and they were punished, yet Godwould not forsake her. Rather, the loving Father left them with apromise of assurance and comfort.You may be responsible for your present predicaments, God ispromising to console you and restore you. Do not give uprespond to him, you will truly be comforted.PRAYERLord Jesus we may be responsible for our present predicament,forgive us and comfort us as a mother comforts her child. 323

It was in the heat of the day; Abraham was sitting at the entrance to his tent near the great trees of Mamre when the Lord appeared to him. Abraham looked up and saw three menstanding nearby, and most likely in the heat. Their faces were notfamiliar to him but he realized that they had been in the heat of theday. They must have been tired and needed some comfort andhospitality. Without hesitation, Abraham offered them his handsof fellowship by asking them to come in and have some comfort.Little did he know that he was ushering to himself his longawaited miracle.A little comfort that he was ready to offer was going to break theyoke of twenty five years. Not only that, it was going to be anopportunity of interceding on behalf of Sodom where his nephewLot was residing. The three men responded to Abraham'sinvitation. Abraham instructed his wife to get a meal ready. Aftereating, the men told Abraham, \"the Lord said I will surely returnto you about this time next year and Sarah your wife will have ason\". So it was that the promise was fulfilled.The Lord would not hide from Abraham what was about tohappen to Sodom. Thus Abraham began to intercede. What wasthe secret of all this? It was the comfort thatAbraham was ready togive. As children of God, we must be ready to offer comfort toothers.PRAYERWhen Abraham offered comfort to his visitors, it was an opendoor. Teach me to do the same for my open doors. 324

We begin to examine some of the words of comfort our Saviour Christ says to all who truly turn to Him. These words of comfort evoke joy in thespirit man and manifest in the outward man. It leads tofreedom. Imagine when Jesus told the woman, your sins areforgiven, how elated she was, nothing can be morecomforting than this.Simon the Pharisee invited Jesus to have a dinner with him.While he was there, a woman who had lived a sinful life inthat town heard about Jesus presence in Simon's house. Shewent there with the costliest perfume called alabaster. It wasa golden opportunity for her. She realized it was anopportunity to be reconciled to her God as long as she hadaccess to the Saviour of mankind.The woman emptied the jar of the perfume on the Saviour'sfeet. While she wiped with her hair, she kissed them. Shecould not think of any other way to appreciate the atonementof Jesus Christ other than the way she did it. The Saviour whois the discerner of our hearts knew this, saw the brokennessand offered forgiveness to this repentant sinner \"your sinsare forgiven\". Yours can be forgiven today if you turn to him.PRAYERHelp me 0 Lord, to turn to you as this woman did that I mayhear your comforting words today. 325

To be forgiven one's sin is to experience an unlimited joy. This cannot be compared to someone who had committed an offence and was going to be sent out ofjob, but suddenly receives pardon from his employer. Thejoy that a sinner receives is much more. It can only be likenedto an armed robber who had been tied to a stake forexecution. A command had been given to shoot. Suddenly asuperior officer from nowhere ordered that the robber shouldbe released. Or someone offered to take the robber's position.Jesus did not end up at forgiveness for the woman ofyesterday but he went further to say \"your faith has savedyou, go in peace\". For the woman, it was wonderful for her todiscover, that she exercised some faith. I think the womanwas much happier. When we turn to Christ, not only that wewill hear and receive his comfortable words, but he will helpus to discover our God given gifts that have been buried inthe pit of sin. When they are discovered, our lives becomebetter and we will begin to shine. Christ is able to do all thesein our lives if we turn to him. Make a room for him to day andlet him recover your lost glory for you. Your testimonies willbe wonderful, on daily basis you will experience his comfort.PRAYERI pray for saving faith and the peace that comes with it.Locate me today; let me truly turn to you. Let your gloryshine in my life. 326

It was another wonderful encounter with a Pharisee called Nicodemus who came to Jesus in the night. Nicodemus as a Pharisee was well versed in the lawbut pride would not allow any Pharisee to go to Jesus tolearn. But Nicodemus was convinced beyond allreasonable doubt that Jesus could not be able to do all thesemiraculous signs and wonderful teaching except God waswith him. Thus he secretly went to him at night for a properbriefing.It was a wonderful experience for him to learn aboutSalvation and the need to be born again. Jesus took him tothe old testament on how the bronze serpent became asource of healing, and explained that the son of man has sobeen lifted up for people to be saved.The most comfortable words that Nichodemus heard fromhim was the story of God's love to mankind as is still beingtold. If anyone hears it, he is always comforted. There is noone who will hear this story that will not be comforted.Have you heard it? If you have heard it, you will have apersonal story to tell as a follow-up.PRAYERJesus saves! Jesus saves! The sound is still on, Lord grantme the grace to hear it. 327

When Jesus Christ says, \"I will give you rest\", what else can be more comforting to those who are weary and burdened. Those who are under the yoke of the enemyand the oppression is becoming unbearable. People who havebeen sentenced to a perpetual suffering, life has become a litanyof woes, a life of an unending sorrow. A life committed to wastecharacterized with so many problems. It is obvious that people arenot only suffering under the yoke of sin, but that life is miserable.A curse has been placed on some people; the life they are living isunder the influence of that curse. How can such peopleexperience rest? Imagine someone who is forty years old and hisfather had been on the sick bed all these years. Poverty hasbecome the lot of some people because that is the curse that isplaced on them. Premature death is holding some families toransom because that is the curse placed on them. Some cannotgive birth to children because it has been covenanted so. Some areunder a curse such that there is nothing they put their hands on thatwill ever yield anything. Such people always work for others ornever enjoy the fruit of their labour.A life time earning had been spent on sickness or unprofitableventures. This couldn't have been the plan of God for them. Tosuch people Jesus brings a comforting word - \"I will give yourest.\"PRAYERMy dear Saviour, thank you for this word of comfort. I sincerelybelieve. Let me have this rest. 328

Jude was the brother of James and he was among the early disciples who had the opportunity of sharing the gospel in writing. He was a man deeply in touch with the Holy Spirit,therefore he was kept abreast of the latest development in theChurch.The Holy Spirit gave him insight to know of certain men who hadbeen condemned and they were aware of it. These men have nowsecretly slipped into the church in order to deceive more peopleto join them in hell fire. These men were in church performingmiracles with power other than that of Jesus Christ. Because ofthe \"miracles” a lot of people were trooping after them.The observation of Jude to the church is most appropriate in thisour generation. So many people have risen both in the establishedand the new generation churches. They are performing miracles.They say they are prophets, servants of the most high God, 'ManOf God' etc. Today they are pastors, bishops and apostles. Thesepeople are without any root or testimony of their conversion.Some were real herbalist, wizards or cult people. At no time didthey confess the Lord Jesus and were delivered. Nowhere to findthese records. Suddenly they have become men of God. Child ofGod find out now.PRAYERHeavenly Father, give us grace to know these people so that wecan avoid them in Jesus name.Amen. 329

These crops of men that Jude is talking about are not limited to miracle workers alone. Some of them are ordinary or floor members in the church. In the courseof our evangelical outreaches, we were in a village where wemet a man on his sick bed. When we got there, we knew thatsomething was wrong. We told the man to confess, the manadmitted that he was a wizard and he had done a lot of havocto their church. This is the mission of these evil men andwomen that have secretly crept into the church.While this man was in the church, he was a leader. Whateverhe says, others will do. They thought he was a child of God.How can a blind man lead his fellow blind people? The otherswho were following him were not born again; therefore theylacked the spirit to discern who he was.In the church today, you have commandos, who are ready tooppose the authority of the church. The pastor is an ant wherethey are. When the commandos speak majority will troupeafter them. I want to ask, are you sure of that your commando?Do you think it is the spirit of God that is at work? What doyou stand to gain by opposing a constituted authority?PRAYERAlmighty Father, never allow me to join the multitude tocommit sin In all I do Lord, let me always be conscious thatyou are all powerful. 330

We cannot allow this people to continue to carry out their havoc in the church, hence the epistle of Jude to the saints. The lake of fire is a place prepared for the deviland his cohorts - the fallen angels. It is not meant for the children ofmen except the children of disobedience. Too many people are onthe way to hell, we cannot fold our hands watching them going.Every hand must be on deck, every available means must beexplored to rescue these souls from eternal damnation.Jude used the word snatch. We must indeed snatch them from thefire where they are being led to. Heaven is waiting to rejoice over asingle soul that is snatched from going to fire. You can imagine thegreat joy that will be in heaven when more are snatched away fromfire.This is the assignment we must take seriously. Everybody should beinvolved. The church as it is now cannot be presented as a bride tothe groom - Jesus Christ who is coming again. What are we going totell the master who suffered, pay the price in order to possess hischurch? He did this by shedding his blood. The church is too holy anentity to be defiled or scattered.For every soul you will bring back to the master, there is an endlessreward. Look around pray, something positive will happen to thechurch. Before you finish this year try and snatch somebody fromthe fire of condemnation.PRAYERGrant me the unction 0 Lord, to be able to snatch your people back toyou the author of their salvation. 331

According to Jude some of this people that are meant to be snatched from fire have taken to some ways. It is good for us to identify these ways so as to ease the snatching of thesesouls from fire. Some of them have taken to the way of Cain. Cainwas the elder brother of Abel. Cain was a farmer working the soil,while Abel was a keeper of flock. When it was time to return thanksto God, Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering tothe Lord. ButAbel brought fat portions of his flock to the Lord.Abel gave some thought to his offering, he realized that whatever hehad was from the Lord, and it is wise for him to give the best part.Cain did not care about his gift, anything can go, does God reallyneed them? God looked with favour on Abel's offering while that ofCain was rejected. Cain was angry and he felt Abel was a stumblingblock; he was going to expose him. His anger led him to murder hisown brother thus he became a murderer. He became haughty inspirit without any qualms for his God.The posture of Cain is what this people have assumed. They havebecome ferocious animals ready to kill. They are never happy whenothers are progressing. The fate that befell them is what they wishevery other person. They have neither respect for God nor for man.Ask them whether what they are doing is of God, their response willconvince you. What they do in church, they can't do it where theyare working or trading.PRAYERLord Jesus Christ, please help us to get rid of those who arefollowing the way of Cain through repentance and forgiveness 332

According to Jude, the people have assumed the way of Balaam. Balaam was a man who was more interested in the profit he was going to make than to be obedient to theLord. The Israelites on their way to Canaan had come near Moab.The king of Moab and the Moabites were already afraid of thembecause they had been told of what happened to great nations likeEgypt and some other surrounding nations. They knew that itwould be difficult to conquer them except they were under acurse.To be able to do this, Balak the king of Moab sent for Balaam adiviner to come and place a curse on God's people. He refused toaccompany the people back to Balak. After the people had tried toconvince him and the gain that was waiting for him hedisregarded the Almighty God and he fell into error. Because ofhis desire for money, he reduced himself to the level of animal.Throughout the Biblical narrative, it was only Balaam whocommunicated with an animal. At that level he was nothing shortof an animal. The reason was his unhealthy desire for moneyThe people that Jude is talking about are in the church ready tofeed from the Church but are not ready to put in anything. Theyare very good at inflating the cost of whatever the church asksthem to do. Anyone who is going to question them is an enemylike Balaam's donkey. If they have their way they will strike.PRAYERWe pray 0 God for those following the way of Balaam. Touchtheir hearts to turn their back on the path of recklessness. 333

As many that may have planned to oppose you this December may the Lord oppose them. Korah was a descendant from Levi through Kohath.As a Kohathite,he had high duties in the service of the Lord at the tabernacle,but he desired more. \"His passion was to assume the role ofpriest, and he used deception to advance his claim\". TheKorahite Spirit is still prevalent in the church today. Korah wasinterested in the office of the priest for which you must belongto the house of Aaron. This explanation was not satisfactoryenough, to him it was man-made, Moses should be able to do it.But for Moses, it was of God, there was no way he could alterthe arrangement of God. Moses became Korah's enemy eventhough they were all in the tabernacle. As long as he was notready to yield to the will of the people, every effort was metwith stiff opposition.Today in the household of faith, how many people are youagainst because they are not ready to go the way you are going?Perhaps you are already whipping up sentiments against aconstituted authority. You believe the higher authority that isover all is on your side. The Church is of God, He will fight Hisown battle. If you have started buying the conscience of peoplewith whatever you have at your disposal repent now beforeyour disgrace.PRAYERConfrontation is a recurring decimal in the church, good Lorddeliver your church. 334

Korah was not alone in this project called rebellion. Two other captains Dathan and Abiram were with him including 250 Israelite men, well - known communityleaders, members of the council. Where a rebellion is going totake place, it is always notable members; you would hardlybelieve that such people can do such a thing. Once the KorahiteSpirit has possessed someone, rebellion becomes the job of theperson.This rebellious group stopped at nothing, they went on to insultMoses and Aaron accusing them falsely. They accused Moses oflaying emphasis on holiness; they accused him of deceivingthem since he had not been able to bring them to a land flowingwith milk and honey.Needless to say that rebellious people are more in the church. Asa result of lack of knowledge, too many people do notunderstand what the church is. It is not a club, it is a holyassembly. Your primary assignment is to worship your God.Beloved, do you want to engage yourself on some unwholesomebehaviours? Be satisfied with your primary assignment.Certainly if something is going wrong, our approach as a Churchmust be radically different from that of the world. What the Lordsays to the assembly is to move away from the tents of the rebels.PRAYERLord Jesus Christ, if in any way I have pitched my tenth withrebels, good Lord help me to go away from them. 335

In a church where there is unity of purpose, where Jesus Christ is the focus and every member surrenders to him, it is difficult for these people to have their way. If problems arise in thechurch, members are able to manage it because they are bornagain and they are willing to glorify Jesus. In the early church,when a problem arose in the church, because the self had died inthe apostles, they were able to manage the crisis and thecongregation was able to move on.As believers in this end-time, we must be careful. The devil ismore serious than ever before. Paul warned that, \"if you think youare standing firm, be careful that you don't fall\". If you are notspirit filled these people have every genuine reason to convinceyou to follow them. Be warned. Those who followed Korah werenot spared. The ground opened and they were swallowed alive.Those who were not swallowed were consumed by fire.There is one more thing we need to know about them. They do nothave the spirit; therefore they are ready to fight spiritual things.They are grumblers and fault finders, they always follow theirevil desires. They boast about themselves of the occult powersthey have not renounced yet they are in the church. Child of Godavoid them.PRAYERWe pray O Lord for this people that have secretly crept into thechurch, may it please you to touch their hearts so as to surrender toChrist. 336

After the feeding of the multitude, Jesus dispatched the disciples and they went ahead of him. Jesus did it because there was yet another miracle that would not depend onany human support. The feeding of five thousand men and un-numbered women and children was hinged on the provision offive loaves of bread and two fish. It is important for the disciplesto know that his miraculous power does not depend on anymaterial thing.During his temptation, the devil had wanted to convince him thatthrough stones he could have his food. But he replied, \"Man shallnot live by bread alone, but by the word of God\". The spokenword is able to sustain life more than food. This he was ready todemonstrate when he sent the disciples ahead of him. Whenevening came, at the fourth watch of the night Jesus began to walkon the lake. Jesus had to appear to show that he is always with us.When the disciples saw him, they took him to be a ghost. Whilethey were afraid, the master came up with his words of comfort.Take courage! It is I, Don't be afraid. How wonderful their joywas. Peter demanded to walk on the lake. Without depending onanything, Peter began to walk on the water. That was the miracleworking power of Jesus Christ. You too will walk shoulder highover your situation and into the New Year.PRAYERLord Jesus Christ, may we experience your miracle workingpower in our lives today. 337

When we make room for Jesus Christ, we always get more than we expect. Zacchaeus the chief tax collector never expected that Jesus would ever talk tohim how much more to call at his home. This was so because theJewish Rabbi, the Pharisees, and the rest of them would not haveanything to do with them. As far as they were concerned, the taxcollectors were condemned sinners.Zacchaeus must have been hearing about Jesus Christ but littledid he know that the Saviour came to the world because of peoplelike him. \"For the son of man came to seek and to save what waslost\". The chief tax collector made up his mind to see Jesus.Because he was a short man, he climbed the sycamore - fig tree.To his amazement, when the Saviour got to where he was hestopped and the Saviour told him to come down immediatelybecause he must stay in his house. Right from that moment,Zacchaeus made room for Jesus in his heart the Saviour knew.Zacchaeus was only looking forward to seeing him, but he endedup having a triple blessing. He saw him, Jesus Christ came to hishouse and salvation was in abundance. Thus the message ofcomfort, \"Today salvation has come to this house\".Your salvation can also come today if you follow the steps ofZacchaeus. The Saviour is already passing your way, if you makeroom for him, you will equally have the triple blessing even more.PRAYERLord Jesus Christ, I do not want you to pass me by. Visit me todayand let my experience be more than that of Zacchaeus. 338

As Christians we have received a calling different from any other. That calling is to be a Saint, that is, to be holy. \"All Christians are saints in that they are positionally\"set apart\" to God and are experientially being madeincreasingly \"holy\" by the Holy Spirit\". There are differentcallings with different mandates. As they are called they areexpected to fulfill the mandate they were given. This is whypoliticians talk about mandate given to them by the electorate.The electorate on their part can also call to order those who havebeen given the mandate if they are living below expectation.The mandate God has given to us is to be saints. This mandatesupersedes every other mandate. If you have been given amandate by your people or any institution you must beconscious of the mandate God has given you. It is God'smandate that will make every other mandate to work. To pushaside God's mandate is to opt for failure.As children of God, wherever we are, our calling is to be saints.People around us must be able to say it. If you haven't got atestimony in your neighbourhood then something is goingwrong. Our Lord Jesus Christ says, \"Let your light shine beforemen, that they may see your good deeds and praise yourFather in heaven\",PRAYERLord Jesus Christ, thank you for my calling to sainthood. Helpme through your grace to be truly a saint. 339

It is an emphatic confession by Apostle Paul that he is not ashamed of the gospel come what may even if others have made mockery of their calling. Sometimes when you listento some story making rounds one may be tempted to give upbecause as a Christian you will actually bury your head inshame. The person telling you who may be an unbeliever willtell you point blank why he is not interested in going to church.I came out of my house one morning going to the office. One ofmy neighbours accosted me and began to tell me a story of oneself acclaimed bishop who was once a member of mydenomination. I knew everything about that man until he leftthe Church. My neighbour ended the story by telling me that heis a minister like me. This is the predicament of the ministers.There are many out there whose activities are quite negative.Sometimes they live with you in the same neighborhood or theywork with you. All of you are now classified as Christians.Aren't you going to be ashamed of the gospel? Because whenyou share the gospel with others, they will point to that yourfellow 'Christian'. Sometimes, it is a difficult situation, but youcannot be ashamed of the gospel. This is where your lifestyle asa Saint will now prevail. You can never be ashamed of thegospel.PRAYERElements of discouragement may be around Holy Spirit help usnot to be ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus. 340

In a depraved generation like ours, sometimes, reason tries to prevail. But thanks be to God for the gift of His word and the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We thank Godfor His eternal word, as we read we rejoice in our spirit becauseour God knows the end from the beginning. He knew all thesethings that will give us problem thousand of years to come,therefore they have been written for our learning andinstruction.How are you reacting to the issues of gay bishops, gay priestsand gay members of the church? Homosexuals and lesbians inthe Church. A man takes his fellow man to the altar formarriage, so also the woman. Does the scripture approve of it?Are these people not reading the Bible? Where is theirauthority? The persecution in the Middle East especially Iraqand Syria, if not for the word of God where shall we be now?It is most embarrassing that some of these evils are happeningin the Church. If the scripture had been silent on it, what wouldborn again Christian do? Even our culture is vehementlyagainst these evils. The Bible says the women will exchangenatural relations for unnatural ones, in the same way men willalso abandoned natural relations for the unnatural. Child ofGod rejoice because His word is fulfilled.PRAYERThank you Lord for the fulfillment of your word. Sanctify yourchurch by your truth in Jesus name.Amen. 341

Different parts of the global church have reacted negatively to this ungodly development yet the proponents are busy doing the worse. Surely God has given up on them. Without God inus through our Lord Jesus Christ, we become empty, incomplete,inadequate and unfulfilled. This is why one of the church Fathers,Augustine, said \"our hearts are restless until they find rest in you\".These people that have been given up by God to their depraved mind,certainly are not aware, we pray that the comforting word of God willhave a way in their hearts. Because God has given them up, they arenow filled or possessed with the opposite of what they are meant to be.They are filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed anddepravity.These depraved minds specialize in inventing ways of doing evil.They have the ability to corrupt whatever comes their way. They areable to make the ungodly equivalent in order to corrupt people. Theymove to the top where they will corrupt them so that they can approvetheir evil practice. If you look at the society, these things are commonphenomenon. In the world of fashion, the ungodly equivalent is more.In business, it is much more; they always invent new ways of doingevil. In every vocation, these depraved minds are there.To what extent are Christians trying to overshadow this uglydevelopment? It is sad to note that Christians even patronize themmore. Gradually the church is turning to the Laodicean church that theLord rebuked. It is time to check ourselves lest we belong to thedepraved mind.PRAYERHeavenly Father, without your grace, it is easy to have a depravedmind. I rely on your grace to remain yours. 342