The other day, I was doing research for an upcoming seminar and I came across a book published in 1845 by Wiley and Putam titled, Emigrants's Guide. This book provides advice and instruction to those who are coming to America. In those days, voyage to America was by ship. During their journey, many people would get afraid during a storm. In order to prepare those that were embarking on this long journey, Wiley and Putnam advised them "never be alarmed until the Captain is." In other words, if the Captain of the ship is not afraid then there is no need for the travelers to be fearful.

Even though Jesus was buried in a rich man's tomb, God had other plans for Him: for Him to be raised from the dead. This "Good Friday," instead of burying Him in tradition, let Him reign in our lives.

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, some of our sufferings are for the glory of God. We may not understand it in our present condition, but know that “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Rom. 8:28).

In the midst of tragedy God came down to Job. The creator of the Universe came down to care for a man who was deeply suffering. All kinds of bad things were happening to Job: physical, material, psychological and spiritual. He was a "blameless" man who was deprived of wealth, posterity and health. So when Job cried out from the depth of his being, the Lord came down and offered him His communion. God revealed himself personally to Job. So at the end of the story, Job knows the purposefulness of God. He is at work in the universe. The Lord's appearance makes him reply, "I know that thou canst do all things, and that no purpose of thine can be thwarted."

In 2 Samuel 5:23, we read, "So David inquired of the Lord…" In verse 19 of the same chapter, David does the same thing as the Philistines came to attack him. Before David went for battle, he sought the providence of God. As a result, God handed over the Philistines to him. But the Philistines reorganized and attacked him again to regain the lost territory. So, the natural instinct for David should have been, "I defeated them before and I can do it again." And, he should have commanded his troops to be ready for battle. However, soon as the word came of aggression of the Philistines, David went to seek the will of God. David knew victory wouldn't be his unless God delivered them into his hands. He waited until he received a sign from God.

"And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils," (Luke 8:2)

In the Gospel of Mathew chapter nine, we read of a woman who came and touched the edge of the garment of Jesus. We don't know her name or her occupation; but we do know of her humiliating disease. According to the Law, she was declared unclean (Lev. 15:25-27). In Mark's account, she had tried every remedy and visited every available doctor without any cure. So, she was desperate to try anything that would save her from this humiliation.

In chapter 12 of I Chronicles, we see David living in Ziklag, a city of Judah, to escape the pursuit of King Saul. While his stay in this place, certain warriors came and expressed their allegiance to David. One of the tribes that came to his coronation was the children of Issachar. Issachar was the ninth son of Jacob, born in padan-aram. As a tribe, they assisted Deboarh in her battle against Sisera. In v. 32 we read "And of the children of Issachar, that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them two hundred; and all their brethren at their commandment."

The New Year has not stopped us being afraid of international crisis, national economy, personal health and future prospects. So, at the beginning of 2008, we need, perhaps more than ever before, the words of the risen Christ: "Be not be Afraid." (Matthew 28:10)

The Christmas has come and gone. Now many of us are waiting for reduced sales in department stores and coming of the New Year. But what exactly are we anticipating in 2008?