Words of Life September-December 2008

Warfare, sadly, is an ever-present reality. It always has been, not least in Old Testament times. This edition begins with the writer considering how the military success and failure of the Israelites was closely linked to their trust in, and obedience to, God. There are 21st-century lessons to be learned here, particularly from the military leader Gideon. He was great at strategy?and perhaps he would have made an excellent chess player! Guest writer Major Jim Bryden then offers a three-week study on Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, before four previous writers of Words of Life return with contributions based on 1 Peter, the Book of Micah, the Book of Proverbs, and the disciples Judas and James. The present writer, General John Gowans, then closes the book with some wise words leading up to Christmas and on the close of the year. He is also responsible for all the Sunday readings, most of which feature his prayer poems and songs, in which brevity and poetry combine powerfully to crystallize great truths in a few words.