Preachify Daily Devotion

Hold on to righteousness!

2 Timothy 1.7

2 Kings 5.1-3

Genesis 40&41

The weekend should be an opportunity to imbibe God's own attitude of rest, reflection and revival (Gen. 2:1-2)

The dynamics in the relationship between Absalom and Joab teaches us to not take the help and recommendations of others lightly

Psalm 51:10, John 2:1-10

An instruction to call, depend on, yearn for and glorify God who hears us (Psalm 50:15)

The God of heaven whom we should know declares himself through the scriptures and wants us to appreciate His being, power and presence

Worldly Contents Bible Text: "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world." — 1 John 2:15–16 The world has never struggled to capture our attention. Every day, it competes for our affection through the things we watch, the conversations we entertain, the ambitions we pursue, and the values we embrace. What begins as a harmless interest can gradually become an unhealthy attachment. Like water dripping steadily on a rock, worldly influences rarely transform a person overnight. Instead, they shape the heart little by little until spiritual sensitivity begins to fade. This is why the apostle John gave such a direct warning: "Love not the world." God is not asking us to hate the people in the world but to reject the sinful system that constantly seeks to replace Him in our hearts. One of the greatest dangers of worldly contents is that they often appear harmless. A little compromise here, a little indulgence there, and before long, prayer becomes a burden, Bible study becomes occasional, and the desire for holiness slowly disappears. The enemy understands that if he cannot stop believers from attending worship, he can distract them enough to make their faith powerless. Many hearts that were once passionate for Christ have gradually become occupied with fame, wealth, pleasure, social media, entertainment, and the endless pursuit of acceptance. The tragedy is not merely that the world has become more influential, but that many Christians have become less watchful. Pause for a moment and honestly examine yourself. If someone could replay everything your eyes have seen, your ears have heard, your lips have spoken, and your mind has entertained over the past week, would it reveal a heart that longs for God or one that has quietly settled into the patterns of this world? We are often careful about protecting our homes from intruders, yet we leave the gates of our hearts unguarded. Every song, every movie, every conversation, every social media post, and every desire is depositing something within us. Whether we realize it or not, our daily intake is shaping our eternal outcome. The heart is like fertile soil; whatever is planted repeatedly will eventually produce fruit. Yet God never leaves His children without hope. He calls us not only to reject worldly influences but also to replace them with heavenly ones. A heart saturated with God's Word has little room for the corruption of the world. The more we spend time in prayer, meditate on Scripture, worship sincerely, and surround ourselves with believers who challenge us to grow, the more our minds are renewed. Victory over worldliness is not achieved by willpower alone but by allowing the Holy Spirit to continually transform our desires until loving Christ becomes greater than loving the things this world offers. This transformation requires intentional daily choices. We must become more selective about what we allow into our minds, more disciplined in our use of time, and more willing to walk away from anything that weakens our relationship with God. Instead of allowing social media to dictate our values, let Scripture become our standard. Instead of seeking approval from the world, let us seek the approval of God. Instead of feeding our flesh with endless distractions, let us nourish our spirits through prayer, worship, and faithful obedience. Every decision either draws us closer to Christ or gradually pulls us away from Him. There is no neutral ground in the battle for the heart. The most sobering truth is that eternity is shaped by today's choices. The world promises satisfaction but leaves the soul empty. It offers temporary applause while stealing eternal rewards. One day, everything that seems attractive today will pass away, but those who do the will of God will remain forever. When we finally stand before the Lord, our achievements, possessions, popularity, and worldly pursuits will have no value compared with a life that faithfully honored Him. Therefore, let us continually ask God to search our hearts, remove every worldly affection, and fill us with a greater hunger for His presence. A heart occupied by Christ has no room left for the world. Remember that, "The world does not conquer a believer in one great battle; it wins through countless small compromises. Guard what enters your heart today, because the contents of your heart will one day determine the course of your eternity."

Thinking Eternity Bible Text: "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." — Psalm 90:12 An elderly man once spent years building the house of his dreams. Every brick was carefully laid, every room was beautifully furnished, and every detail reflected his hard work. Friends admired the magnificent home and praised his achievement. One evening, while sitting on his porch, a little boy innocently asked him, "Sir, when you leave this world, who will live here?" The old man smiled at first, but the question lingered in his heart. He had invested decades preparing a place he would only occupy for a few years, yet he had spent so little time preparing for the home that would last forever. That simple question changed his life. Many of us live exactly that way. We chase promotions, degrees, wealth, recognition, and comfort. There is nothing wrong with these blessings, but they become dangerous when they consume all our attention. We carefully plan our careers, save for retirement, and dream about tomorrow, yet we often neglect the one destination every human being is certain to reach, eternity. The early Christians understood this truth. They lived with the constant awareness that this world was not their permanent home. That mindset gave them the courage to endure suffering, the strength to remain faithful under persecution, and the wisdom to invest in things that would last forever. When our hearts are fixed on heaven, life's disappointments no longer define us, and its successes no longer distract us. We begin to see every opportunity to love, forgive, give, and share the gospel as an investment in eternity rather than merely another moment in time. Jesus asked a question that still echoes through the ages: "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" (Mark 8:36). Every sunrise reminds us that our days on earth are numbered. Every passing year is another step closer to standing before God. The decisions we make today are not just shaping our future on earth, they are shaping our eternal destiny. Thinking about eternity does not make life gloomy; it makes life meaningful. It changes how we speak to others, how we spend our time, how we forgive, how we serve, and how we worship. When eternity fills our minds, temporary pleasures lose their grip, and eternal treasures become our greatest pursuit. Today, pause for a moment and ask yourself: If Christ returned today, would I be ready? Let that question influence your priorities, your relationships, and your walk with God. Live each day not merely for what can be seen, but for the kingdom that will never pass away. "The greatest tragedy is not that life is short, but that many spend a lifetime preparing for everything except eternity."

Costly Mistakes Bible Text: "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." — Galatians 6:7 One wrong decision can change the course of a person's life forever. Many people are not living with the pain of what others did to them, but with the consequences of choices they made themselves. A few minutes of uncontrolled anger can destroy a lifelong relationship. A moment of temptation can rob a person of years of peace. Words spoken in haste can never be taken back, and opportunities ignored today may never return. Every decision we make is like planting a seed. While we may choose the seed, we cannot choose the harvest. This is why God calls His children to live carefully, seeking His wisdom before taking every step. The Bible is filled with people whose lives were shaped by costly mistakes. Esau traded his birthright for a single meal because he valued temporary satisfaction over lasting blessings (Genesis 25:29–34). When he later realized what he had lost, his tears could not recover the opportunity. His mistake reminds us that impatience often makes us exchange God's best for immediate pleasure. King David, a man after God's own heart, made the mistake of yielding to lust with Bathsheba and orchestrating the death of her husband, Uriah (2 Samuel 11). Though God forgave David after his sincere repentance, the consequences followed him for years. His family experienced conflict, sorrow, and division. David's story teaches us that while God's mercy is abundant, sin often leaves painful consequences. Moses also made a costly mistake. Instead of speaking to the rock as God instructed, he struck it in anger before the people (Numbers 20:7–12). Although Moses had faithfully led Israel through the wilderness for many years, this act of disobedience prevented him from entering the Promised Land. It was a painful reminder that partial obedience is still disobedience. Judas Iscariot made perhaps one of the most tragic mistakes recorded in Scripture. For thirty pieces of silver, he betrayed the very Saviour he had followed for years (Matthew 26:14–16). What seemed like a profitable decision quickly became unbearable regret. Money gained through disobedience could never replace the peace he lost. Yet, the Bible also shows us the hope found in repentance. The apostle Peter denied Jesus three times during His trial. Unlike Judas, Peter wept bitterly, repented sincerely, and was graciously restored by the Lord. God used him mightily to strengthen the early church. Peter's life reminds us that while mistakes may be costly, they do not have to define our future when we genuinely return to God. The safest way to avoid costly mistakes is to remain close to God. Pray before making decisions. Search the Scriptures for guidance. Listen to wise counsel. Do not allow emotions, pressure, or temporary desires to control your choices. A decision made with God's wisdom may take longer, but it will never leave you with the regret that accompanies disobedience. As you go through today, remember that every choice matters. The decisions you make today are quietly shaping the life you will live tomorrow. Choose faith over fear, obedience over convenience, and God's will over personal desires. "Many regrets begin with the words, 'It was just one decision.' Never underestimate the power of a single choice. One moment of obedience can bless generations, just as one moment of disobedience can leave scars for a lifetime."

Peacemakers Bible Text: "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." — Matthew 5:9 Imagine walking into a room where two close friends have stopped talking to each other. The atmosphere is heavy. Every word is carefully measured, every glance carries tension, and everyone else feels uncomfortable. Many people would quietly walk away, hoping someone else would fix the problem. But then one person steps in with wisdom, kindness, and humility. Instead of fueling the disagreement, they calm the situation. They listen to both sides, encourage forgiveness, and slowly, the broken relationship begins to heal. That person is a peacemaker. This is the kind of person Jesus calls every believer to be. The world is full of people who are quick to criticize, retaliate, and spread hurtful words. Social media, workplaces, homes, and even churches are not exempt from conflict. Sadly, it is easier to start a fire than to put one out. Yet, Jesus reminds us that those who make peace carry the very nature of God. They are recognized as His children because they reflect His character. Being a peacemaker does not mean pretending that problems do not exist or sacrificing truth to avoid disagreement. Rather, it means confronting issues with love instead of anger, choosing forgiveness instead of revenge, and pursuing reconciliation instead of division. God reconciled us to Himself through Christ, and He now calls us to become agents of that same reconciliation wherever we find ourselves. Before you speak today, ask yourself, "Will these words heal or hurt? Will they bring people closer together or drive them further apart?" Every conversation is an opportunity either to deepen a wound or to begin healing it. Choose to be the person who brings calm into chaos, hope into brokenness, and unity where there is division. Strategies to Adopt • Begin each day by asking God to make you an instrument of His peace. • Think before you speak. Let your words solve problems rather than create them. • Learn to listen with empathy before responding. • Forgive quickly and refuse to keep a record of wrongs. • Be willing to take the first step toward reconciliation, even when it is difficult. • Pray for those who offend you and seek opportunities to show them kindness. • Let your actions consistently reflect the love and gentleness of Christ. "Anyone can add fuel to the fire of conflict, but only those led by God can bring the water of peace. Be remembered not for the battles you won, but for the hearts you reconciled."

Joy in Hopelessness Bible Reading: Romans 15:13 "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Every day, we are surrounded by stories that can make the future seem uncertain. Rising prices, insecurity, unemployment, violence, and the struggle to meet basic needs have left many people discouraged. In Nigeria today, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and ask, "Will things ever get better?" Yet, as Christians, our joy is not built on the condition of our nation or the stability of the economy. Our joy is rooted in God. The world may be full of uncertainty, but God remains faithful. He has not lost control, and His promises have not changed. The Bible reminds us that God is the God of hope. This means that even when our surroundings give us reasons to fear, God gives us reasons to rejoice. Joy does not mean pretending that problems do not exist. Instead, it is the quiet confidence that God is with us through every storm and that He will never abandon His children. When the apostle Paul wrote about hope and joy, he did so in a world filled with suffering and persecution. Even then, believers were encouraged to trust God because their hope rested on something greater than their circumstances. Today, let us refuse to allow fear, bad news, or uncertainty to steal our joy. Instead, let us fix our eyes on Christ, encourage one another, pray for our nation, and continue doing good. God is still working, even when we cannot see it. No matter how dark the times may seem, those who trust in the Lord can still rejoice because our hope is alive, our God is faithful, and our future is secure in Him.

Are you learning to let go? Have you come to realize that the grace and love of God is a powerful weapon against sin, worry and past failures? Why not try it—just try, by the grace of God, to let go

1 Peter 2:2-3 Peter says one of the ways we grow in our salvation is to long for the pure milk of His word like newborn babies long for milk. We are to develop a longing for the words of our Father. The more we drink in His words the more they bring us a satisfaction that is found nowhere else.

Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Hear the word of the Lord of hosts: Behold, the days are coming, when all that is in your house, and that which your fathers have stored up till this day, shall be carried to Babylon. Nothing shall be left, says the Lord. And some of your own sons, who will come from you, whom you will father, shall be taken away, and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.” Then Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “The word of the Lord that you have spoken is good.” For he thought, “There will be peace and security in my days.” Isaiah 39:5-8

Romans 12.2

Preachify Daily Devotional

A lesson in faith and salvation from a drowning apostle of Christ (Matthew 14:22-32)

A lesson from the experience of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego

Esther 2:15

Faith is expressed by our obedience to God's word and submission to His will. Joseph's story stands as an example for us today (Gen. 39:1-2)

A charge for the week encouraging us to live faithfully according to the examples in the scriptures (Hebrews 12:1-2)

The Running Father Luke 15.11-24

The Progression of Sin 2 Samuel 11

Nahum 1:7

Proverbs 13:20

An encouragement to do something differently today that brings a smile to God and others (2 Peter 1:5-8)

How's Your Journey Thus Far? Early this year we listened to one of our podcasts tagged How are you doing? A question that carries a quiet but deep thought. A question that requires a sincere and well thoughtful response of deep reflection of the past, present and future. Truly, many of us have plans for this year that are winding up already, aspirations that seem unachievable. Oftentimes, some people who find themselves not achieving their plans as designed tagged themselves as failure. They see themselves as less; incapable of doing anything thus, seeing themselves as a burden, so useless that no one cares about them. But if I should tell you that someone cares about you, will you believe? Quite alright our journey in life may be rough, not rosy as planned, but God is aware of every thought and intent of our future. He says that the plans He has for us is good not evil - Jeremiah 29.11. So, someone may be standing on the hedge of giving up, you don't have to. Hold to God's unchanging hands. Some are already frustrated with the way things are going in the country, many futures are not certain. In our marriages and relationships, our journey may be rough, not finding it easy. Some are thinking of suicide, but what shall it profit his soul if he loses his soul - Matthew Therefore, if you are thinking about giving up on Christ, let those who understand the situation of Christ, rejoice in His suffering. So to my good family and friends, how is your journey thus far? Are you making progress or retrogression?

DO YOU BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST? Mark 9.24; John 20.28 Welcome: we live in a world where people find it hard to believe the truth. History is being edited, as the truth is losing its place in human history. Instead, they embrace the packaged lies so attractive that no one is willing to raise some concerns. Diverse religions have emerged with their leaders claiming to be true. And we see many who follow these acclaimed messiahs. But in the midst of these falsehood, the important question to answer is do I believe in Jesus? We have the Bible that tells of Him; the prophecies, the reality, the miracles, the crucifixion, the death, the burial, resurrection, all in fulfillment of the scriptures. Yet, there are billions of people who will trample these evidences under foot, and hold unto disbelief, misbelief, and unbelief. Even when we did not see Jesus with our eyes, touch Him with our hands, the miracles recorded are enough to believe in the person and existence of Jesus – John 20.31 My dear friends who perhaps, are still finding it difficult to believe in Jesus Christ as LORD and KING, may I present some of the evidences to you: Jesus is Christ; He went to Galilee, walked on water which no other prophets had done. He died on mount Calvary. The tomb was found empty – 1 Corinthians 15.1-4 Jesus Christ fulfilled the scriptures. He made the blind eyes to see. The deaf ears were open. These testimonies reveal that Jesus Christ is Master over time – Mark 9.24 Jesus Christ brought the dead back to life – Lazarus (John 11.40-43). This is a proof that Jesus Christ is LORD over life. He is now in heaven and He is coming again – 1 Thessalonians 4.13-15; John 14.1-3; Matthew 13.24-30 If your heart is hardened, allow these simple but real truth to bring you to everlasting freedom and joy with Christ. Do not stay too long in your doubt. Will you, after all these proof still hold onto your unbelief? Jesus Christ invites you this morning to be like Apostle Thomas who after he strongly doubted the resurrection of his LORD and Christ came and fell down at the feet of Christ saying: “My LORD and my God!” Do not keep Him waiting for too long, my friend.

WILL I MEET YOU IN THE MORNING? 1 Thessalonians 4.13-18

WAIT FOR IT! Habakkuk 2:2–3 Life often places us in seasons where answers are delayed, expectations seem suspended, and the future feels uncertain. It is in such moments that the word of the Lord to Habakkuk becomes deeply relevant: write the vision, make it plain, for it is yet for an appointed time. This is not a denial of fulfillment, but a divine assurance that God’s promises are governed by His perfect timing. Waiting is not wasted time in the hands of God; it is a sacred process where faith is refined and character is built. When God says wait, He is not ignoring you. He is preparing you, aligning circumstances, and working behind the scenes for a greater manifestation. Why then should we wait? We wait because God’s timing is never late and never mistaken. The vision is certain, even if it tarries. What feels like delay is often divine arrangement. Waiting teaches dependence, strips away self-reliance, and anchors us in trust. It shifts our focus from what we want now to what God knows is best. While waiting, we are not idle. We are called to pray like Daniel, maintaining a consistent and disciplined communion with God even when answers seem delayed. We are to trust like Job, holding onto God in seasons of loss and confusion without abandoning faith. We must be faithful like Abraham, continuing to walk with God even when the promise seems far off. And we must believe like Esther, embracing courage and confidence that God will come through at the right moment. However, there are dangers to avoid in the waiting season. Do not change your vision because of pressure. Do not modify your vision to suit circumstances. And do not abandon your vision because of delay. The temptation to adjust what God has said will always come when the wait feels long, but altering the vision leads to missing the purpose. God’s instruction to write it plainly was to ensure clarity and consistency, not confusion. Hold onto what God has revealed, even when nothing around you seems to support it. The delay is not denial. The waiting is not punishment. It is preparation. So stand firm, remain steadfast, and keep your eyes on the promise. At the appointed time, it will speak, it will not lie, and it will surely come. Amen.

HIS INTENTIONS FOR ME Genesis 7:1-10 In a world often shaken by uncertainty and chaos, the account of Noah offers a powerful reminder that God’s intentions for His people are always rooted in preservation and purpose. When God called Noah into the ark, it was not merely an escape from destruction, but a divine plan for continuity and hope. The ark itself had no rudder, no human system of navigation, and no visible means of direction. Yet it floated safely through the storm because God Himself was in control. This introduces a profound truth for every believer: even when life feels directionless, God’s hand is steady upon the course of those who trust Him. The context of Genesis 7 reveals a world filled with corruption and impending judgment, yet in the midst of it all, Noah found grace in the sight of the Lord. God gave specific instructions, and Noah obeyed, entering the ark with his household. Once inside, the control shifted entirely to God. The rains came, the floods rose, and the earth was covered, but the ark was not abandoned. God steered it through waters of chaos until it rested in safety. In the same way, there are seasons in our lives when we are shut in with God, unable to control outcomes, surrounded by storms we did not create. It is in those moments that faith must rise, reminding us that God’s intentions are not to destroy us, but to carry us through. The lesson is clear and deeply comforting: we are not called to control our destinies, but to trust the One who holds them. When life feels overwhelming and uncertain, we must remember that the absence of control does not mean the absence of God. Just as the ark had no rudder yet never lost its way, so our lives, surrendered to God, will not drift into destruction. God’s intentions for you are good, even when His methods are beyond your understanding. Therefore, hold on in faith, walk in obedience, and rest in His sovereignty. He who began a good work will see it through to completion, and no storm can overturn what God has purposed. Amen. Oghenevwede Arison Ubiuku Evangelist, Church of Christ Rayfield Jos, Plateau State. 07060510595

Bible reading from PSALM 84

TEXT Ezekiel 18.21-23

TEXT Ephesians 4.32 Forgiveness is not for the weak!

TEXT 2 PETER 3.9&10 Revelation "Surely I am coming quickly." Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

TEXT PSALM 90.9-12 God owns it all!

SOAKING PRAYER

BE AN EXAMPLE IN CONDUCT 1 Timothy 4.12; Titus 2.7-8 [email protected] WELCOME: Every Christian is called by God through the gospel to live in a way that shows who we truly are in Christ. Christians need to understand that our conduct is a visible epistle that seal the spiritual transformation of the Holy Spirit in our lives (2 Corinthians 3.2-3). Our unbelieving and misbelieving friends watch how we speak in public, how we act in the open, how we respond to every circumstances that arose, and how we live daily. Therefore, we must ensure that our conduct will serve as a mechanism through which the world come to know Christ even more (2 Corinthians 6.3; Hebrews 12.15). AS CHRISTIANS, 1. OUR CONDUCT SHOULD REFLECT OUR TRUE NATURE OF THE NEW MAN We are new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). This new life must show the world how we behave by putting off the old nature of the flesh (Galatians 5.19-20; Ephesians 4.17-35; Colossians 3.3-9; 1 Thessalonian 4.7). The likeness of Christ as the new man must reflect our true nature; rather than keeping some grudges and malice, we are to make peace so long as it depends on us (Romans 12.18), rather than hate and hypocrisy, we are to love without hypocrisy, genuinely forgiving just as God in Christ has forgiven us (Romans 12.9; Ephesians 4.35), rather than being cruel and violent, we are called to be kindly affectionate to one another (Romans 12.10; 1 John 3.17-19). 2. OUR CONDUCT SHOULD REFLECT CHRIST Christ is our perfect example (1 Peter 2:21). Our lives must show His character, even when we face opposition or persecution. Our conduct must not reflect ourselves, but Christ's character of endurance in persecution, times of crises, hardship, difficulty, and uncertainties. Our conduct must also reflect Christ character of truthfulness, integrity, obedience in total humility (Philippians 2.1-8). Our conduct should also reflect Christ character of compassion (Matthew 9.36), compassion to lend a helping hand to those in need of rescue (James 2.15-17), but above all, compassion for dying souls (2 Timothy 4.2; 2 Peter 3.15; Colossians 3.12; Matthew 9.35-38). 3. OUR CONDUCT SHOULD LEAD OTHERS TO CHRIST People may not read the Bible, but they read our lives. Our good works must lead others to glorify God - Matthew 5.14-16 Even unbelievers can be won by pure conduct - 1 Peter 3.1-2 Our blameless life shines in a dark world - Philippians 2.14-16; 1 Peter 2.12 Conduct toward outsiders must be wise and gracious - Colossians 4.5.6 CONCLUSION Christ calls us to be examples in conduct. The world is watching, the church is watching, and God is watching. Let us choose to walk in a way that honours God, reflects Christ, and leads others to the truth. May our lives be a clear message that points people to Jesus.

Devotion - AS YOU GO... We need to have the consciousness that as we go out today: 1. We are going for WORSHIP - Psalm 122.1 2. We should go prepared 3. We should know who we are going to worship - John 4.22-24

SERIES: DEALING WITH CRISES Devotion - Coping In Crises Time 1. Trust in the Lord - Proverbs 3.5-6 2. Be patient - Habakkuk 2.1,3; James 1.2-3 3. Live righteously - Hebrews 12.14; 1 Corinthians 15.24 Conclusion - 2 Corinthians 4.7-10

SERIES: DEALING WITH CRISES Devotion - The Bible And Crises Types Yesterday, we were able to look at one of the four scholarly researched types of crises; accidental or Situational Crises which has to do with an event that's less or not expected. We saw this in the life of the religious man - Job who never knew of the debate that went on between God and Satan concerning his life. And we saw that many of us are in the position of Job too when we lost our loved ones, encounter new diseases, experience of rape and violence, social disturbance like war and killings etc. we become worried in the midst of these accidental crisis. But the consolation is that God is aware and He will take control of the situation. Therefore this morning, we will consider the remaining three types of crises namely: 2. Developmental crises is an event that's mostly expected hence, creating a room for adjustment. Like moving to school, getting married, handling criticism, facing retirement, adjusting to declining health and staying alone when your children have all become adults, the death of one's friends can all be crises that demand new approaches to coping. Consider Abraham and Sarah, who coped with their unknown journey to an unknown destination but with a known God. Handling barrenness for years alongside criticism. We might also wonder how an elderly Zacharias and Elizabeth handled their unique son like John the Baptist, or how Mary and Joseph were able to raise their unusual and brilliant son, Jesus. It appears these were developmental crises leading to a turning point that demanded adjustment and a prolonged period of decision making that also led to increased growth. 3. Existential crises overlap the other two. These are situations that all of us face when we encounter disturbing truths, often about ourselves. For example, thinking about not getting married, not achieving your goals at old age, dealing with the thought of incurable illness, seeing that your life is complex, having no direction, facing the fact that you are now a widow or widower again. Realizations like these take time and effort to assimilate. They are changes in self perception that can be denied temporarily, but in time they must be faced realistically if life is to go on and be fulfilling. After a great spiritual victory, Elijah ran into the wilderness with a conclusion that his life is a failure. Jonah had similar thoughts as he debated with God. In the midst of his crises, Job must have wondered why all these crises were happening. Did the disciples also wonder about the uncertainty of their future in the hours following the crucifixion? The beautiful part of all these crises is that God is aware. 4. National or Community Crises extend beyond individuals to involve large groups of people. When a country is attacked by insurgency like we are experiencing in Nigeria currently. It affects everyone through the economy and health and other sectors. People can't go to the farm which has resulted in the hiking of prices of food. Public properties are being destroyed and young girls abducted. People are being killed everyday and it should be of concern to everyone in the Nation or community where this crisis is happening. We shouldn't feel unbothered when others are being inflicted with pain, because it may get to our doorstep tomorrow. The terrorists are already in Kwara State, who knows if your State will be next. In all of these, people wonder why? The truth is that crises may be as a result of disobedience against God's law by the leaders and the people like the nation of Israel. It could be the bad decision of the leaders like David. Though the Bible talks about all types of crises, it does not give clear and complete reasons to explain why crises occur. However, we may agree that every event has a divine purpose and ultimately is under God's control. We know that crises can be a learning experience that mold character, teach us about God and His resources, and stimulate sound growth. But the ultimate reasons for specific life crises may never be known, at least while we live on this earth. It is my earnest prayer that God will help us to trust in Him in our crises time in Jesus' name. Amen! Oghenevwede Arison, Ubiuku Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and a Faith-based Christian Counselor. [email protected] +2348050470484 (Whatsapp)

SERIES: DEALING WITH CRISES Devotion - The Bible And Crises Types Topic: Accidental or Situational Crises Much of the Bible deals with crises. Adam, Eve, Cain, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Joseph, Moses, Samson, Jepthah, Saul, David, Elijah, Daniel, and numerous other people faced crisis that the Old Testament describes in details. Jesus faced crisis especially at the time of the crucifixion, and also the disciples. Paul, and many other believers as well. Several of the epistles were written to help individuals and congregations meet crises. Contemporary writers have identified three types of crisis, each of which has both modern and biblical examples. So, let us meticulously identify each one of them. 1. Accidental or Situational Crises: this crisis occurs when there is a sudden threat, disruptive event, or unexpected loss. Examples include the death of a loved one, the outbreak of diseases, the experience of serious violence like killings, rape, and abduction. Social disturbance like war, and depression. All are situational crises that can affect an individual, and family members. Think about Job. Within a short period of time, Job lost his family, wealth, health and status. His marriage appears to have been strained and his critics soon learn about Job's anger and inner turmoil. He was confused at the spot about why a caring God would let such crises happen to a good Job. Yes, you and I may have been in similar situations of the accidental crisis. How did we respond? Did we go about hating God or trusting His word? Given the current situation in the country, many people are confused about why God will sit on His throne and watch evil befallen His children. The truth is, when crises happen to us, we are expected to trust more in God's word and a call to live a holy life. Oghenevwede Arison, Ubiuku Minister and a Faith-based Christian Counselor. [email protected] +2348050470484 (Whatsapp)

HIS CALL, MY LIFE! 1 Thessalonians 4.1-7 What is God's call for my life? Do God have a purpose for my life? Yes, He does have a fine purpose for you. That you live in holiness, love, mercy and not as the gentiles walk in the passion of their own lust. God desires that we control our bodies in holiness and honor for thus He has called us. Will you obey His voice and heed His call today?