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Routed by their enemies, Israel discerned that their defeat was ordained by the Lord. Instead of examining themselves to see where they had sinned, they tried to manipulate God into helping them by bringing the Ark to the army. Although it was the Almighty’s symbolic throne in that day, this box could never save them. Neither will man’s programs or methods deliver the Church from its problems. We must repent and trust in the Lord alone. The answer lies in a personal God, never in an “it”. —K. R. Keyser

Christian partnership is a divinely provided fellowship which needs careful and prayerful nurturing. The Church works together with different backgrounds; ethnic, social, male and female. We have different spiritual gifts and natural talents; some public, some private, but all needed and important. We have different duties; communicating truth, encouraging and comforting one another but all praying for each other. Our goals are simple; to glorify God in our hearts and lives; minister to the needs of the family of Christ and serve a loving Master. —Milton Haack

David had been restored to his position as king, and representatives of both Judah and Israel had been involved. Sadly, however, there was dissension about who had been responsible for the homecoming. It is amazing how we, as believers, can find time to take offense and argue over issues that have gone well. Good events can turn into sad ones if we let the flesh take over with its envy and jealousy. —Brian Russell

When approaching God in the tabernacle of old, the first two articles one met in the courtyard were the altar and laver. First was the altar of sacrifice where the blood was shed, then the laver to wash the hands and feet. Today we approach God in the same manner: by the blood of Christ to atone for our sin, and by the washing of water by the word of God to continually remove the contamination of that sin.—Tom Steere

Do you have a burden today? Take it to the Lord. Call on Him. He has promised to answer. Savour the prospect of His response. He usually answers when we least expect, and usually in a fashion we did not imagine—mighty ways that we cannot prescribe. Call on Him, and leave the burden there. Too often we neither leave the burden, nor call in honest faith; and that is the reason we too often see no answer.—Doug Kazen

The phrase “in times past” draws attention to what we were in unsaved days: Christless, Godless, hopeless, and afar off. Those were dark days indeed. Then we have, “But now”. What a change has been wrought in us and for us. We have been brought near, reconciled, become possessors of peace and sharers in a glorious and blessed hope. We remember what we once were and will forever be grateful for what we now are. —Roy Hill

Since there is so much error, false teaching, and misunderstanding of the Scripture in our culture, we must be like the Bereans who “searched the Scriptures daily, whether these things were so,” (Acts 17:11). Much of this error is seen in the broadcast and print media so we must carefully instruct our young people and new believers since they would be more easily swayed due to lack of Bible knowledge. Man likes to contribute something to the work of God so he can say he earned his way. Careful study of the Word will tell us the work is done!—W. H. Gustafson

The excitement of the last few minutes had suddenly vanished, and once smiling faces were now fearful and terrified. Without opening the door, the Saviour suddenly appeared offering peace to His shocked disciples, who supposed they had seen a spirit. However, when He asked for food and ate it in their presence, they were confident He was the risen Lord, the Man, Christ Jesus. Jesus is alive today at the Father’s own right hand. Believe it with all your heart, and enjoy the peace He gave to them and now offers you and me.—Arnot P. McIntee

The person we marry will impact greatly on our life. So many Christians have married a non-Christian and today are far from God. Are you a Christian and thinking of marrying someone who doesn’t love the Lord? Don’t! How much better to marry someone who loves God and will encourage you in your walk with Him. —Janet Fleming