Author: Life Focus Ministries

Who are we? Dr Robert McQuillan is recognised as an inspiring encourager, counsellor, mentor to ministries and Bible teacher ministering meaningfully on the prophetic edge. Robert and Maureen, a gifted communicator with an uncanny insight into knowing 'where people are at', delight to bless and encourage God's people and ministries... and touch the hearts of the unchurched in the marketplace. Contact: OnlinerConnect@gmail.com

Choices


We recall the first time we visited a big city store, quite a few decades ago. So many floors of quality merchandise with the top one filled with extremely expensive furniture.

Returning to the ground floor via the escalator, we discovered there was yet another floor, one below ground that we’d missed earlier on my way up. The Bargain Basement down the escalator for ‘el cheapo’ deals. But as we went down we realised we had made a wrong choice. That underground cavern was so dismal, hot, airless and stuffy. We couldn’t wait to get out!
We never went down into a store basement again. But the memory came flooding back recently when we found the illustration below! There’s an escalator leading up to brightness, life and safety and one that leads down to the basement, to the danger of an unquenchable fire.

Naturally this icon produces thoughts of heaven and hell – and bright preachers will quickly come up with choice sermons warning about the dangers of ending up ‘down below’ where it is stuffy and airless to say the least.

Choice
Personally we want to highlight the sign – It’s Your Choice. It’s really clear – it’s up to the person standing at the edge to make the right choice. 
Of course any sensible, balanced person would make the correct choice in relation to those escalators! But what about life choices? Sometimes circumstances lead people to make wrong ones. Sometimes the choices themselves seem too hard to make.
The noun ‘choice’ means ‘the act, option or power of choosing.’ Used as an adjective it means ‘carefully selecting the best.’  Used in scripture choice means to make the best selection.
King David, of course, didn’t go shopping as we do today but in Psalm 16:4-5a (Mge), he makes an interesting observation on making the right choice: ‘Don’t just go shopping for a god. Gods are not for sale. I swear I’ll never treat god-names like brand-names. My choice is you, God, first and only.’
Then in verse 5(b) he adds his astounding discovery: ‘And now I find I’m your choice!’ What an incredible truth to be grasped by all – when we choose God, we then discover that we are truly his!
And because we’re God’s we can call on his help when hard choices have to be made.
Paul’s hard choice
In Philippians 1 Paul speaks of his difficult time in gaol. It seems that he is considering that death – his removal to heaven to be with Jesus – would be the perfect choice. 
He writes in verses 22-23, ‘If I had to choose right now, I hardly know which I’d choose. Hard choice! The desire to break camp here and be with Christ is powerful. Some days I can think of nothing better.’
But Paul turned his thoughts and eyes away from looking down and the difficulties he had as an imprisoned Christian. He looked upward beyond his own problems to something brighter – to serving Jesus for his glory through his responsibility to his fellow-Christians.
In fact his choice was based on his acceptance of a realised truth – ‘Everything happening to me in this gaol only serves to make Christ more accurately known, regardless of whether I live or die. They didn’t shut me up; they gave me a pulpit!’ (v20).
No wonder he wrote: ‘But most days, because of what you are going through, I am sure that it’s better for me to stick it out here So I plan to be around awhile, companion to you as your growth and joy in this life of trusting God continues’ (v24-25).
Life choices
In our western nations with religious freedom we may never find ourselves in prison for our faith. But life itself repeatedly requires several natural choices. And life can also throw unexpected ‘hard’ challenges and some weird curves at times.
In life we have to make choices that not only affect us but others as well – family, children and friends. Life and Christian service choices such as –
+ Ministry
+ Church
+ Friendships
+ Career
+ Location
+ Vehicles
+ Marriage
+ Health
+ Study
+ Finance.
In all these matters we should make the right – the best – choices. Learning to rely on Jesus helps. Paul gives this advice in verse 27: ‘Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.’
An important aspect of honouring Christ in life choices is to rely on God and the Holy Spirit as Jesus did. Inspiration, guidance and direction from God are repeatedly found through praying. 
Jesus’ examples
Luke 6:12-13 is the classic example. Before Jesus chose his disciples he spent the previous night in prayer obviously getting God’s direction. Sometimes we too might have to think and pray for some time before we feel an assurance within to make certain decisions that will then prove correct and fruitful. 
Then there was that terrible time before Calvary when, as Mark 14:33-34 (Mge) puts it, ‘He plunged into a sinkhole of dreadful agony. He told them (Peter, James and John), “I feel bad enough right now to die. Stay here and keep vigil with me.”’ Jesus then prayed so earnestly to the Father and received an incredible strengthening and the ability to make the right choice that pleased God and would lead to victory for humankind.
Whatever decisions we must make in life – small or large, simple or intricate, personal or corporate, as we rely on Jesus and experience more of the reality that God is always there for us, we’ll be confident in making the right choices. And we too can discover an amazing strengthening within. 
Especially if we’re living daily in the light of Proverbs 3: 5-6, ‘Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track.’

Deception!


It’s virtually Christmas and we should take note that In Matthew 2:1-18 there’s an incident of religious deception that many are not aware of.
Some honourable wise men had brought news of a new king’s birth and that they wanted to worship him. And Jerusalem’s King Herod became disturbed, indeed terrified.
History tells that Herod desired favour with people and things his way. He had even publicly identified himself as religious, claiming conversion to Judaism. Josephus, the Romano-Jewish historian, writes revealingly about him; Modern scholars agree that he suffered throughout his lifetime from paranoia and depression.
Now Herod endeavours to deceive, even sounding spiritual to these magi. Having conversed with local religious leaders about messianic scripture predictions, he arranges a secret meeting with the magi.
The Message Bible reports: ‘Pretending to be as devout as they were, he got them to tell him exactly when the birth-announcement star appeared.  Then he told them the prophecy about Bethlehem, and said, “Go find this child. Leave no stone unturned. As soon as you find him, send word and I’ll join you at once in your worship”.’ 
But this self-agenda king had no intention of fulfilling his word. Verse 16 says, ‘When Herod realised (later) that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem…’ 
Dangerous deception
Deception, such as Herod intended, is the state of being misled by false representation, tricks or illusions or fraud. MacMillan Dictionary lists it as the act of tricking someone by telling him or her something that is not true.
Jesus himself warned against being deceived, especially in the end times.
In Matthew 24: 24, he said clearly that false Christs and false prophets would appear demonstrating signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect – God’s people. 
The Message Bible puts it this way: ‘Fake Messiahs and lying preachers are going to pop up everywhere. Their impressive credentials and dazzling performances will pull the wool over the eyes of even those who ought to know better.’
Paul too,  acknowledging the Holy Spirit’s concern, warned about deception in the end times: ‘The Spirit makes it clear that as time goes on, some are going to give up on the faith and chase after demonic illusions put forth by professional liars’  (1 Tim 4:1).
In 2 Tim. 3:13 he wrote, ‘Unscrupulous con men will continue to exploit the faith. They’re as deceived as the people they lead astray. As long as they are out there, things can only get worse.’ 
A current need to be on guard
To some the Message Bible may sound quite strong here but there is a need today for pastors and indeed every Christian to speak out strongly against religious and satanic trickery. We’ve been hearing recently of a few people deceived by smooth talkers who appear to be knowledgeable about scripture.
A good friend emailed  recently regarding last month’s  blog about gullible Christians falling for deceiving, seemingly religious so-called ‘prophets’ – one that I  had thought I’d worded rather strongly: ‘Robert and Maureen …never hesitate to spell it out or apologise for doing so. A lot of Christians are being so subtly deceived today. We’ve been trying to help such people but just can’t get through. They’re deceived and, worse still, they now sounding so spiritual, saying, “Oh, the Spirit told me. I know I’m right.”’ 
Then an astute pastor friend emailed pointing out a concern that many preachers don’t spell things out clearly. That they merely make suggestions but do not give clear directions or examples to their people.
And even more recently, Cheng, a friend that we had helped lead to the Lord phoned enquiring about someone who engaged him while shopping. This new contact became very friendly, seemed so interested that Cheng was a new Christian and offered to explain scripture for him. At first he seemed so spiritual but then expressed that Cheng shouldn’t accept certain things his church had taught and subtly suggested he leave that denomination, a good biblical church that we had gone out of our way to establish him in. 
Now because our friend is newly arrived from Asia and hasn’t got a full grip on English or ‘Aussieisms’ yet, he was feeling a little unsure of this glib speaker’s approach. 
But at least, new Christian that he is, Cheng is aware of the Spirit’s inner leading and followed through on the warning he was sensing. He felt within that something wasn’t right and was wisely seeking clear guidance from his pastoral friend whom he knew that he could fully trust.
Willingly Cheng accepted our explanations regarding what I was sensing about this Matthew 7:15 ‘ferocious wolf in sheep‘s clothing’ type that Jesus warned about: ‘Be wary of false preachers who smile a lot, dripping with practised sincerity. Chances are they are out to rip you off some way or other. Don’t be impressed with charisma; look for character.’
It was a case of what Paul in 1 Timothy 4:1 calls a deceiving spirit, what the old KJV called a seducing spirit. Cheng immediately said he’d have nothing further to do with this person with his hidden agenda. 
Delusion
To delude someone is ‘to mislead his or her mind, to deceive.’ Delusion relates to false beliefs and opinions. This is what enemies of genuine Christianity seek to do – and they’re usually mixed up themselves.
Evidently Herod had been a bit like this. When the magi had shared their good news about the new king, he wanted things his way, to keep his own kingship secure. So he sought, sounding so religious and worshipful to deceive the wise men. But they weren’t deluded. 
Christians, who are experienced in their relationship with the Holy Spirit, are well-versed in scripture and know the heart of God, and can recognise deception and delusion have a responsibility to guard others from such misleading religious trickery of mind. Freeing people such as our friend Cheng from those seeking to have their own way by deluding them with their beliefs is essential.
 
Proverbs 22:12 says that ‘God guards knowledge with a passion, but he’ll have nothing to do with deception.’ When we hear of God’s word being twisted, misread, misinterpreted, and ‘works programs’ being pushed before God’s grace, let’s quickly reach out with godly passion to help those in danger of being deceived and deluded.

Giftedness and Guileness


Recently a friend was talking about his ministry in the worship team. A professional highly skilled musician, he delights to please God when playing at church services. 
He’s aware that his music knowledge, flowing with the team and his beautiful playing will bless church attendees and set the platform for speakers at each service. But his priority is that his musical skill and anointed God-given giftedness will firstly honour and please his Lord. His greatest desire is that God alone gets the glory.
Very quietly, and meaningfully, he shared this: ‘God spoke to my heart and reminded me how precious this gift is. That ownership is his, not mine, that I must never abuse it in any way. I’m aware my playing touches peoples’ hearts and souls but I would never exploit this God-given ministry gift.’
Our hearts were touched by his insight and wisdom in accepting God’s direction. It was obvious he knew that what is from God, is God’s alone and should be dedicated to him.
God is a giver
God is the giver of good gifts to his children (Matt. 7:11). Salvation through Christ’s finished Calvary work is, of course, the greatest gift anyone can accept. 
But God also delights to generously give us many gifts to enjoy as we journey through life. A good local church is one such gift, where we can be encouraged, cared for, prayed for, and blessed.
And if led to serve in that local church and allow a ministry to develop, God desires to provide giftedness equal to that ministry. Many have natural gifts from birth that develop in growing into adulthood. Then there are other skills we pick up as time goes by.
But no matter how our talent comes about, if we want to ensure God is honoured in our ministry, we’ll desire the Holy Spirit’s rich anointing on whatever gift we have. Then their usage will bless others and please God. We will also guard that giftedness and use it primarily for his glory. 
If it so happens we receive some blessing in the process, financial or a gift, such as a ministerial stipend or ministry support gift, this is acceptable. But an incident of finance-over-giftedness shared with me recently is unsettling. A little background…
Gullible Christians
It’s an oft-quoted comment that Christians without balanced Bible knowledge, who don’t understand scripture and don’t look to sound leadership, are gullible. They fall for new scams and wrong doctrines that come along. 
Even this year certain ‘so-called Bible teachers’ and ‘big name prophets’ predicted with seeming absolute certainty that Australia will soon be finished, that the world would end earlier this year. The latest ‘prophecy’ is that Jesus will return in 2017!

Erroneous date-quoting about the end of the world and Christ’s return we can handle when we recall Jesus himself said that no one knows, only the Father (Mark 13:32. See also our January blog The Real The End?)
It’s other deceitful things creeping into churches and befuddling Christians who don’t know their Bibles, getting them spiritually conned, that concern me. Especially where unwise ministers aren’t protecting their people, particularly their young people!
Unwise wandering
Recently one minister shared this with me. He’d discovered that some of his young people had gone to ‘another church’ to hear a ‘great visiting overseas prophet who spoke seemingly accurate prophecies.’
To his horror he learned this ‘prophet’ was demanding money from Christians for prophetic words. Because his giftedness was a blessing he would demand finance and was obtaining email addresses. Then he emailed unsuspecting, gullible followers who yearned to hear his ‘gift from God’ and tell them to stand in the prayer line and give him $200 for a prophecy!
This is nothing new – abusing spiritual giftedness, wrong teachings and deceptions re-arise every so often. And some people never learn. So many Christians over many years have wandered around different churches and after ministries to hear prophetic words that will tickle their ears. They’ve been called ‘spiritual gypsies.’
We’re glad to write that even though they’re young in their faith, this minister’s youth knew instantly that something wasn’t right and refused to go back. They chose to be spiritual mini-shepherds and warned friends.
Warnings
Pastors are called to be guardians of their flocks. Paul’s 2 Timothy 4:2-4 end days warning to young Timothy regarding people who would run around needs to be noted by every churchgoer, not just ministers: ‘Proclaim the message with intensity; keep on your watch. Challenge, warn, and urge your people. Don’t ever quit. Just keep it simple. You’re going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food – catchy opinions that tickle their fancy. They’ll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages.’
Jesus warned: ‘False prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect’ (Mat. 24:24).
Yes, we should expect the supernatural in our churches. In fact Jesus commanded his first disciples to ‘Heal those who are sick. Bring those who are dead back to life. Make those who have skin diseases “clean” again. Drive out demons’ (Matt. 10:8).
But he carefully warned (v9), ‘You have received freely, so give freely’ and then made it clear that such Spirit-filled ministries are to be carefree regarding finance: ‘Don’t think you have to put on a fund-raising campaign before you start. You are the equipment, and all you need to keep that going is three meals a day. Travel light.’ 
Biblical principles
• Church shepherds need to wisely guard their flock, especially their unsuspecting young people. Christians need to know what scripture teaches
• Even if prophecies appear accurate, the character of the ministry may be open to question.  In ministry, finance is not the name of the game
• Pleasing God must be foremost, followed by blessing his people
• Elisha was a prophet who refused to accept finance to move in the miraculous (2 Kings 5:16). God was not pleased with Elisha’s servant who sneaked away and lied to get such rewards (v27)
Elisha’s challenge to Gehazi is very relevant to everyone: ‘Tell me, is this a time to look after yourself, lining your pockets with gifts?’ This prophet – and God – considered finance-hunting an abuse.
One’s attitude should be like our friend’s awareness of his musical gift. We should want to ‘freely give’ as we’ve received and ensure that God alone is glorified. That we are so careful how we handle our God-given giftedness.  
 

Seasons

Solomon, regarded as the wisest of all people, put it so well when he wrote about seasons in Ecclesiastes 3:1 ‘For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.’

 
Then, in following verses, he lists many things that have a season in God’s timing. The word season indicates ‘a fixed time or an appointment’ and the Message Bible puts verse one this way: ‘There’s an opportune time to do things, a right time…’

Opportune times?
Feeling that God has been endeavouring to speak to your heart regarding an opportune time – about moving into something new that you’re not quite clear on? You’re not alone!

As we’ve ministered in different churches this year we’ve casually mentioned that something was in the air, that the Lord was seeking to do something new with those with open hearts and were willing to move on. That it was difficult to put a finger on it all, but that things would become clearer toward year-end. That it is all a matter of trusting God and being open to whatever he had destined for us

Some listeners agreed, saying ‘I’ve been feeling that in my heart.’ Others, over cautious, remained content with the status quo. But we’ve heard of many moving willingly into positions of responsibility as God has provided opportunity to serve him more deeply.

And recently we’ve heard of those in ministry who’ve been aware that God is opening new doors for them and have willingly accepted the challenge to move on, even resigning from secure positions, yet not knowing exactly how everything is going to work out.

It speaks of steps of faith, trust and an awareness of God’s timing. 

Trusting God in everything
There are indeed times when the Lord calls us to move on into new areas…career, locale and ministry. 

But we need to know that we’ve really heard from him. I’ve had unsure Christians say, ‘Dr Robert, you move in the prophetic…I think I’m meant to move on to (somewhere). Tell me that I’m right.’ I immediately ask if they have really sought the mind of God and the usual answer is ‘No.’ So I challenge them to seek the Lord, not me! 

We can’t afford to stab in the dark if we claim to have committed ourselves to him. ‘Season’ refers to an appointed occasion – not a willy-nilly, shot-in-the-dark, hope-it-works-out possibility.

Solomon, in Proverbs 3:5-7 wisely advises: ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.’ 

This means what it says… he will direct us in everything – if we commit all, everything, to him in faith and trust!  The Message Bible puts it this way: ‘Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all.’
 
Verse 23 gives comforting assurance: ‘You’ll walk safely, and your foot will not stumble.’ That’s good news indeed! If we are willing to acknowledge God in absolutely everything, he will clearly lead us. 

At times we won’t get immediate step-by-step directions … the dedicated Christian life is lived on a daily step-by-step basis. But virtually every day will present some opportunity to commit to God something simple or something involved and discover his leading.

Examples
Over many years we’ve proven God in respect of his fatherly concern to lead us aright in every aspect of life…career, health, finance, schooling and careers for the kids, counselling troubled people, encouraging pressured ministers, homes and cars, little things, huge matters, new ministry and more.

A simple practical example: Recently we went to our favourite restaurant for lunch and found the background music was unusually extremely loud. I went to find the manager to have it turned down. But even as I approached him, he was already doing this.
Returning to Maureen, she said that she had claimed the scripture above: ‘God is concerned with everything to do with us and I simply committed the noise to him, requesting that he move the manager act. Robert, you didn’t even have to move, oh ye of little faith!’

A more serious example: Some years ago, it became obvious that the Holy Spirit was speaking to our hearts to move on into new areas of ministry. This meant, what seemed to others, to be taking a chance, a huge step with no guarantees, no financial or specific local church support, no new church or ministry to go to. But late one Monday night before each other and before the Lord, we agreed to do so, committing to a resolute decision to trust God completely and to dare to take a faith step into the unknown. 

I typed up a resignation letter regarding our then current ministry. Admittedly for a few moments we wondered about our future. But we had sensed deep in our hearts that God had spoken to us and as we know his voice and leadings from decades of experience, we knew it was the right thing to do. We also knew that often we have to make a move to allow God to make his. So we relaxed and enjoyed a good nights’ sleep.

The very next morning the phone rang, not at the business hour of nine but much earlier, and a voice enquired: ’Dr Robert? Where have you been all these years? We’ve been searching for you…can you come next Sunday and minister for us?’ It was the beginning of our new season!

Move and see God confirm
An out-of-the-blue God-confirmation from  his fatherly heart! His way of letting us know we were on track as we committed our future to him and trusted him completely to direct our path. 

For us, it was the commencement of a broad itinerant ministry of moving around many churches of different denominations and blessing many with inspiring clear teaching from God’s word as well as moving encouragingly in the Holy Spirit’s supernatural.

Still sensing that something is stirring within? Search your heart in case it’s just some inner dissatisfaction that needs to be dealt with. If you really know that the Holy Spirit is leading, keep searching God, read his word, be open when visiting ministries speak at your church, talk with your pastor, if married talk with your spouse (a priority!) and – without seeking out ‘some prophet’ – be open to prophetic words that are spoken over you in your local church. 

Don’t miss whatever it is that God wants of you as we move toward and into a new year. Jesus warned in Luke 12:56-57 (Mge), ‘You know how to tell a change in the weather, so don’t tell me you can’t tell a change in the season of God, the God-season we’re in right now. You don’t have to be a genius to understand these things. Just use your common sense…’                  

                           

Stretching Forward – And Not Giving It Away!

One of the first Oz expressions we heard on originally coming to the great country of Australia was ‘He (or ‘She’) has given it away.’ We soon learned that the ‘somebody’ had given up on something, usually something important.
Sadly it’s still a common happening, even among Christians and also worldwide.
Conversely, another saying that has been going up recently is Winston Churchill’s famous short speech to a graduation class. Coming to the podium, the great old man solemnly looked over the student body. A long speech, full of wisdom and challenge was expected but instead Churchill simply said, ‘Never give in, never give in.’ And then, with emphasis, in his unique attention-grabbing tone, added: ‘Never, never, never, never, never… in nothing, great or small, large or petty – never give in. ’
And what profound wisdom and challenge there still is in those words after 70 years!
Giving up too soon
Once, an errand of mercy late one evening found us searching for a particular destination on a very dark and stormy night. After driving up a dusty, unlit country road for some time, we were convinced we were in an old Hammer-type 60s movie and on the wrong road and so turned back.
After wasting precious time trying other roads, we returned to that first road, kept going on it and …guess what!…the place we were looking for proved to be just round the next corner from where we had first turned back!
The question arises…How many times do most of us miss out in life because we give up all too soon?
How often do we miss a great opportunity to achieve, to do something new, to strike a bargain, to exercise our talents and giftedness, to help someone in need, to honour our faith, to accomplish a desire or goal, to fulfil a promise, to further our destiny, to…whatever. Probably more than we care to admit.
Pushing forward
The Olympics are ended but still news items are circulating worldwide, particularly about successful Christian athletes and of course the recent paraplegic Olympics.
Personally we delight to learn of Christians who have pushed themselves to reach their goal, their destiny of winning through. I’m particularly impressed when we read of those who haven’t given up, haven’t given it away but have overcome adversity and crossed whatever finishing line they were inspired to reach.
We particularly delight to use the achievements of runner Eric Liddell as a challenge when preaching. We’ve always admired that great missionary to China, who was known as ‘the Flying Scotsman’ after the record breaking locomotive, and was highlighted in Chariots of Fire.
When still a young boy, he became very ill one time. Only his mother’s nursing devotion brought him through and he recovered, only to be extremely stiff in his legs. A well-meaning lady commented that he’d never run again. Little did she know of what Eric Liddell would later in life refer to as ‘the power within.’

One scene in Chariots of Fire shows Liddell competing in a certain race but being knocked aside. In reality it was ‘A Triangular Contest’ between Scotland, England and Ireland in July 1923. The depiction of him falling to the ground several strides into the race is accurate though. After merely hesitating, he got up and pursued his opponents, already 20 yards ahead. Incredibly he caught the leaders shortly before the finish line, collapsing after crossing the tape.
To onlookers it had seemed absolutely impossible Eric could catch up, never mind win. But he did, against all odds. One of his teammates rushed to his side, suggesting brandy to refresh the semiconscious Liddell. With his wry humour, Eric murmured, ‘No thanks, Jimmy, just a strong cup of tea.’
Eric Liddell believed strongly in one important thing in following Christ. He termed this never-give-it- away principle ‘the complete surrender of his will to God.’ It was a pathway he refused to deviate from all his life, no matter what. Closing on finishing lines, he would stretch forward in his determination never to lose, only ever to win.
Jesus’ declaration
In Luke 11:9-10, Jesus spoke strongly about not giving up: ‘Ask and you’ll get; Seek and you’ll find; Knock and the door will open.’ The verb tense indicates to go on asking, seeking and knocking. Someone, years ago, blocked people from fulfilling this direction and achieving in life through wrongly teaching that it’s enough to ask God only once.
Sounds spiritual – after all, God isn’t deaf. But we‘re human and need to persevere, go on asking, seeking and knocking to see our prayers answered otherwise we can easily give up and miss out. Does a child only ask once for something, especially coming up to a birthday or Christmas? Not likely! Even the most patient child subtly drops reminders.
God has an incredible father-heart, loving us to climb up on his knee (as it were) in our prayer time and knock on his heart’s door and ask away. In his wisdom he may not always grant or immediately grant every request. We learn to ask according to his will. He loves to bless us. After all, we’re his kids, spiritually born into his family though Christ.
Jesus’ own example
Despite every hindrance thrown at him by Satan, jealous religious leaders, misunderstanding listeners and doubtful disciples, Jesus persevered and ran his race to fulfil his destiny. He overcame every obstacle including death to become our Saviour.
We continue to live in a very uncertain world…and there’s talk about things getting blacker. But security, peace and a purpose in life can be found in Jesus Christ!
Christianity is about not giving up. God didn’t (and doesn’t) give up on us. If we’re already into something that we shouldn’t give up – then let’s neither give it away nor give up! Let’s be like Paul and press – stretching forward – on (Phi.3: 12-14).

The Importance of Connecting

Taking a break recently, we were wandering along a nearby beach when unexpectedly we met an old friend. In the ensuing chitchat she expressed how difficult it was to connect with people in her church, that she had done her best in reaching out to various ones but, despite promising, they hadn’t got back to her.

The result is that no meaningful contact has been established and this friendly lady is thinking about finding a more amicable church.
Then, last week, when I was in our local library a lady from another church recognised me and shared something similar: ‘There are so many lonely women in church that can’t seem to make a close relationship. It is so hard.’
We’ve also come across men who haven’t been able to connect in church life and be able to share their feelings. Then there are ministers of busy churches who do not have real friends to confide with. Some wrongly feel they can’t even share with their denominational leaders in case the ‘upper echelon’ thinks they aren’t spiritual enough.
The biggest shock is when a precious child confides with you that he or she feels they cannot share their heart secrets with anyone, not even their dad or mum.
Uniting closely
The reality is that everyone needs a friend! We all need to connect meaningfully with someone or our lives, even as Christians, will indeed be very lonely.

Lonely…that’s a word meaning ‘sad because alone.’ Connect…that’s a word meaning ‘join together, unite.’

The words connect, connecting and connection are very scriptural. In particular the Message Bible uses connecting in the sense of closely uniting, especially in relation to Ezekiel’s vision of the temple (Eze. 40). 


For Christians, today’s temple is church with the understanding that we are the temple of Christ (1 Cor. 3:16). Therefore in church circles it’s so important that Christians relate by connecting with one another and building mutual and meaningful relationships.

Love is all-embracive
Jesus gave a clear direction on this important matter: ‘Let me give you a new (meaning fresh) command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another.’ He went on to explain why this is so important: ‘This is how everyone (the world, unsaved people) will recognise that you are my disciples – when they see the love you have for each other’ (John 13:34-35 [brackets mine])

He was talking about love that is open to everyone no matter what culture, nationality, colour, education, irritating habits, personal problems or faults! There are no excuses for not reaching out to Christian brethren even if we don’t fully understand them or even their language! We simply appreciate them as brothers and sisters in Christ.
Recently we had the delight of ministering in a church where the brethren are from the Middle East and speak Arabic. What a joy to find them so open to the word of God, the moving of the Holy Spirit and so desirous of receiving our messages and the touch of the Spirit through our ministry.
We have connected with them, even by my (Robert) willingness to be embraced in their custom of hugging and ‘sacred triple kissing males on the cheeks.’ And what an unexpected blessing as a young Iranian, who so desires to be a prophet of God as well as seeing people come to Jesus, boldly gave me an encouraging word.
Yes, even we need encouragements from those who will make it a point to be our friends!
Involves responsibility
Connect is a great word. Dictionaries will explain that as well as uniting and joining it also means binding, fastening together, linking, establishing communication between, associating with, attaching.
To achieve a meaningful linking such as Jesus inferred means going out of our way to befriend people. Yes, it’s true that some people are hard to get on with and as God directs us to make friendships there’ll be times when we really have to make the effort and go the second mile. We may even find we are led to people we normally wouldn’t mix with but a beautiful relationship develops. And as we care for such people, we discover just how much they care for us.
Today a lot of churches use the word ‘connect’ to name their weekly home groups, such as Connect Group South. Funnily enough when we first church planted 30 years ago (way before church planting was a regular tag and few were really into such ventures), we called our five home groups connect groups.
Those were great days when we ensured that everyone in our growing church was connected, that no one would ever feel unwanted or lonely, even on Christmas Day if they lived on their own. We were strong on relationships as connecting means accepting responsibility and, like real love, it’s an action word!
Meaningful connecting
Normally Pentecostal churches have a spot when the leader encourages everyone to greet one another. But, sadly, it’s so often a shameful case of the briefest of greeting, with flimsy handshakes and eyes staring around elsewhere. No real connecting and reaching out and, abruptly shortened by the leader, it’s almost a case of ‘Let’s get on with the service – quick.’
Recently while ministering in Baptist churches we were delighted to observe how the Baptos really took time to greet one another, and with strangers such as ourselves as well, during what they obviously considered an important time of their gathering together.
It was more than merely a rushed few moments – we thought they’d go on and on! But we saw real love demonstrated, caring and sharing together. And after the service and ministry time they were so anxious to fellowship further around the traditional cuppa.
These were more than catch-up times – people were meaningfully caring for one another and asking warm-hearted, concerned questions. Paul’s directions of greeting [ie. embracing in the arms]with a holy kiss fulfilled scripture (Rom. 16:16; 1 Cor. 16:20; 2 Cor. 13:12; 1 The. 5:26). 
God’s heart
Back in the very beginning God’s heart was expressed as he recognised that his creation was lonely: ‘It is not good for the man to be alone; I’ll make him a helper’ (Gen. 2:18).
That’s a principle of caring that blesses each gender, both male and female, children, teenagers, adults and seniors. And what God intends for us, we must extend in connecting with one another. It’s so easy to go beyond church services and ‘do coffee or lunch’ with people, including the unsaved.
In 1 Peter 2:5, the apostle urges us ‘Don’t lose a minute in building on…’ and lists characteristics including ‘warm friendliness and generous love’ (v 7). He confirms in verse 8 that these qualities bring their own daily reward as well as maturity in Christ and desires us to have them ‘down in black and white’ (v15).

Whether emails, visits, phone calls and whatever our differences may be… let’s all connect!

The God Particle!

The first week in July was a celebratory one. America’s popular Fourth of July  celebrations with the associated Star Wars golden oldie pun: ‘May the Fourth be with you!’, our 51st wedding anniversary (No puns here, please!) and the announcement that UK physicist Peter Higgs’ 1964 predicted but elusive boson – ‘The God Particle’ – had been found at last.

A Boson is one of two elementary particles. Higgs’  God Particle is about a binding field, a mass that binds as it were – without which particles would zip though the cosmos at the speed of light, unable to bind together to form the subatomic particles that make up everything in the universe, from planets to people. He predicted the existence of a three-dimensional ‘field’ that permeates space and drags on everything that treks through it. A ‘field’ is about subatomic particles gaining mass and becoming heavier. ‘Bosons’ refer to mass-imparting carriers.

Intricate stuff for most of us, so let’s have a break for a moment with a couple of puns that started immediately ‘amassing.’ Such as the Jedi knights’ one: ‘The field is everywhere.’ Or a boson walking into a church only to be barred by a priest who exclaims, ‘We don’t allow bosons in here!’ to which the particle responds: ‘But you need me, Father. Without me, how can you have mass?’

The origin of all matter
It was 48 years ago that Peter Higgs wrote his landmark paper hypothesising why elementary particles have mass. Then on July 4 just past it was announced that physicists at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), the world’s largest atom smasher in Geneva, Switzerland, announced they had discovered a Higgs-like particle.

Newscasts and other media carried news along the lines of ‘Finding the Higgs boson will validate the Standard Model, a theory explaining how the universe is built, and could be a gateway to…’

All of this is over the top for most people until we do a Google search – and even then most of us will only understand a meagre portion of it all.

But I’m certain of one thing: Most Christians will be like me and just want to say, ’Gee, why don’t you whiz kids read the Bible? It has always, in the simplest terms, told us all about matter, where the universe came from, who created it, how it holds together, as well as revealing the greatest force of attraction ever – the Lord Jesus Christ.’

Scriptures amass (pun!) such as Gen. 1:1,31; Neh. 9:6; Job 12:10, 26:7-9,11-14, Psa. 104:10-14, 24-25; 65:9-11; Joh. 1:3; Col. 1:15-17; Heb. 1:3, 12 and other relative passages.

But of course one has to be willing to accept the Bible as a creator God’s revelation in the simplest of terms to we humans
who, although we can discover and create many things, will never have his mind or creative ability!

It’s interesting that Peter Higgs is not a believer and has never liked the God Particle tag as he considered it offensive to people. Evidently others in his field feel the same. The label came about because Leon Lederman, who wrote about this particle, thought it elusive and wanted to name his book The God D— Particle. His editor refused and the title The God Particle has become a catchphrase. Christianity Today Gleanings has an interesting article on this –http://blog.christianitytoday.com/ctliveblog/archives/2012/07/why-scientists-dont-like-the-term-god-particle-for-the-higgs-boson.html

Humans complicate things
Why do we, as Christians, so often complicate the things and mysteries of God? We like one article about this discovery that had a play on a famous Sherlockian observation to Watson: ‘Elementary, my dear God.’

What a great truth! God has always made what he wants us to know very simple. All the intricacies of the universe that we don’t need to know at this time, he’ll keep for our eternity with him. It’s enough to know who he is and that he loves us so much, even when we’ve offended him.

We’re in a time when God wants us to focus on his mission for us, for our churches, whatever it may be. Achievement is helped when we allow God’s love to flow from him to us and on to others. That’s the real amazing binding force that we just can’t get past as we seek to reach out to one another each day.

One other thought here: The noun particle means ‘a minute portion of matter, the least possible amount.’ But our God isn’t a tiny atom! He’s big! Christians believe in a big God who fills the universe, whom nothing can block, who seeks to bind his people together and make ‘his bosons’ – his carriers of the good news of the gospel and the powerful Holy Spirit.

An encouraging reminder: Psa. 138:3-6 (Mge), ‘The moment I
called out, you stepped in; you made my life large with strength.
When they hear what you have to say, God, all earth’s kings will
say “Thank you.” They’ll sing of what you’ve done: “How great
the glory of God!” And here’s why: God, high above, sees far
below; no matter the distance, he knows everything about us.’

God knows everything about everyone! That’s enough for us.

Sing o heavens                                                                                                                                                                                      
But we also feel to draw attention to the comments of the eminent Professor Michio Kaku (who once said, ‘We physicists are the only scientists who can say the word “God” and not blush’) about this God Particle matter.

He infers it is something that eluded the great Einstein and he
wrote about for the last 30 years of his life – Einstein’s theory of
the laws of harmony, that the universe is a symphony, that the
mind of God would be cosmic music resonating through
dimensional space. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cl1ugxrgQ

Interesting how these learned ones are acknowledging that things in the universe wouldn’t hold together without some sort of force binding everything. And how Isaiah 44:23 and other
scriptures talk about the heavens being commanded to sing to
the glory of God who has done so much on the earth below!

Aren’t we glad that, to quote the old song, ‘He’s got the whole
world in his hands.’ And the cosmos!

Crossing Jordan!

The River Jordan features prominently in the early chapters of Joshua.

Jordan is symbolic of leaving the past behind …death to the old, farewell to disappointments, imprisonments, meaninglessness, hurts and such. It’s also symbolic of entering into new things and claiming the promises of God. Of crossing over.

The direction of God came to Joshua and, as Israel’s leader, through him to God’s people to leave the wilderness – the dry years, the times of non-accomplishment, aimless wandering, and unfilled lives – and enter into the Promised Land and an exciting new period of their existence. Joshua chapters one to three tell that time had arrived and God’s support was assured – if everyone would be courageous to cross Jordan!

Today’s Jordan?
A number of church leaders and everyday Christians have been aware for some months now that something – that mysterious ‘something’ that we just can’t put a finger on – has been happening or is about to happen in the church today.

The word ‘transition’ – ‘change from one state to another’ – comes to mind as it’s easier to grasp. For Christians with minds and hearts open to being true disciples and thereby willing to follow Jesus wherever he leads, we can understand the meaning of this simple word.

When Jesus challenged his first disciples, ‘Follow me…’ he didn’t explain everything or the ‘where to’ of it all. In fact, many times, Jesus left things hanging in the air as it were and those who were really prepared to follow him into unknown territory had to trust as they did so.

Every Christian, and particularly church leaders, should be aware of the times and what we should be doing, be involved in – as were David’s ‘men of Issachar, who understood the times and knew what Israel should do’ (1 Chr. 12:32).

An exciting, rewarding time
‘Issachar’ has the meaning of producing a reward. As Christians, and church leaders, hear from and obey the Lord, we will encounter amazing Promised Land rewards of various kinds not only for ourselves, but for others and for our local churches.

This is an exciting time to be alive – being aware that even though the world is in massive trouble all round, our God has incredible plans for every one of his children (Jer.29:11).

Why are we particularly emphasising leaders when we’re challenging all Christians in this month’s encouragement? Simple…churchgoers look to their ministers for Bible instruction and God’s direction, especially in times of personal challenge – times when they need to cross some kind of personal Jordan, to reach security, tranquillity and new life on the other side.

Full flood not a problem
Joshua 3 relates how Israel’s ministers – its priests – were instrumental in leading the whole nation across the Jordan when it was in full flood. Boldly they showed the way! We like how the Message Bible describes this crucial transition time when Israel crossed the Jordan en route to the other side, to the Promised Land – not one foot got wet!

‘When the priests got to the Jordan and their feet touched the water at the edge (the Jordan overflows its banks throughout the harvest), the flow of water stopped. It piled up in a heap–a long way off – at Adam, which is near Zarethan. The river went dry all the way down to the Arabah Sea (the Salt Sea). And the people crossed, facing Jericho. And there they stood; those priests carrying the Chest of the Covenant stood firmly planted on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan while all Israel crossed on dry ground. Finally the whole nation was across the Jordan, and not one wet foot’ (Jos. 3:15/17).

May crossing Jordan be symbolic to all of us. Let’s now be afraid of getting our feet wet as we transition. Let’s take courage as we leave the first of 2012 behind and dare to embrace all that the next six months holds for all Christians with open hearts and a willingness to move ahead.

But… a question arises. Is there anything, any ‘wrong, distracting Jordan’ that we have to first cross…say goodbye to? Any hindrance that needs to be dealt with, anything that would hold us back from being an active part of all Promised Land involvements that God wants us into, as well as moving into living life to the full?

Maybe in our worship (not able to enter straight into it or stand in the anointing of Jesus’ presence), impotent prayer and Bible mediation life, marriage, relationship, witnessing, job satisfaction, dreaming in God…whatever?

If so, let’s deal with it! We all need to be aware of the times and ready to embrace this transition period, see the bigger picture and cross over!

The Mystery of Pentecostal ‘Tongues’

No mystery really to those baptised in – filled with – the Holy Spirit as described Acts 2!
This Acts 2 infilling, followed immediately by worshipping God in ‘tongues’ (unlearned languages), is regarded by Pentecostals as the initial evidence of having been baptised by the Spirit.
Such an infilling results in believers being fired up and supernaturally enabled to follow and serve Jesus. We also discover being aware of the ability and opportunity to move in the supernatural power of the Spirit… just as Jesus did (Acts 10:38).
Praising God and serving God
But even many Pentecostals still don’t understand that the initial worship tongues of Acts 2 do not require any interpretation as do the operational tongues gifts of 1 Corinthians 12.
Gods amazing gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit himself is granted every time someone accepts Jesus Christ as Saviour (Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 3:16). He enters into us, lives within, and is our friend.
(Incidentally… a good reason why Christians shouldn’t contaminate their bodies with drugs, excessive drinking and food, moral rubbish, cigarettes and such! See 1 Cor. 6:19 and 2 Cor. 6:16. Best to obey these scriptures else we offend God who gave us this blessings!)
Discrete from salvation is Jesus’ filling us full with his Spirit and our becoming enabled with the operational power of the manifestation gifts described by Paul in 1 Corinthians 12.
When we receive gifts from friends and family, it’s a delight to say, ‘Thank you!’ in appreciating the gift. How foolish it would be to ignore and neglect God’s free gift of the Holy Spirit. Especially when Jesus asked Father God odo ensure that this free gift was given to us.
Our role is to accept it, to welcome the Holy Spirit in all his fulness. Unfortunately due to a lack of church teaching and denominational believing, many Christians have been robbed of this incredible deeper experience of living each day as Jesus did…with the knowledge and assurance of spiritual power within to do God’s will and work (Acts 10:38).
This powerful infilling is evidenced by the Acts 2 gift of speaking in tongues. It’s an enabling to worship God and often it leads to singing in a tongue melody. It is a time of personally honouring and glorifying God – as was observed by the visitors from 15 nations who overheard what was going on the now noisy upper room of Acts 2!
As worship our singing rises up to God and doesn’t need to be interpreted. Otherwise some churches wouldn’t finish until 5pm because so much interpretation would be needed!
What is needed is more Spirit-filled Christians – especially leaders – exercising their gift of worshipping tongues. Otherwise Pauls’ urging of Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16 aren’t being heeded. Such opportunities in church worship times can result in a spiritual, therapeutical strengthening within!
Gateway to demonstrating God’s supernatural
In 1 Corinthians 12 Paul lists nine spiritual gifts available to every Christian. These have been called the ‘manifestation gifts’ as ‘manifest’ relates to ‘demonstration’ or ‘showing forth’ or ‘revelation.’ These are all operational gifts and communication gifts…God communicating his love, power and direction to us.
The tongues mentioned in this list – spoken, sometimes sung – naturally need interpretation to challenge us to move on in God. Hence these tongues and the accompanying gift of interpretation are often called ‘twin gifts’ and, as Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians 14, are equal to prophecy.
Some people try to get out of accepting the worship gift of tongues (and therefore don’t enter through the gateway to minister in power – the manifestation gifts – to those in need) by foolishly saying, ‘Oh, I’ll worship God when he causes me to speak in tongues.’
No, he won’t! God won’t force or make us do anything! But he does want us to hunger and thirst for this infilling just like the early church did.
And we know too the other big excuse for not moving in Holy Spirit ways: ‘Why would God operate this way?’
Hey…God is God, he’s the boss, he has his strange ways as Moses, Noah and many others discovered! Can you image Moses querying ‘Why did you turn my rod into a snake, Lord, and my hand to leprosy?’ or Noah querying God with a mocking laugh as he choked and spluttered on, ‘An ark, God? Rain, a flood? What’s an ark? What a flood, what’s rain?’
Rather it’s incredible that God is willing to use any of us humans with all our wrong attitudes, personal agendas and faults, even if it’s to worship in a way where our normally uncontrollable tongue is under his control!
‘Why?’ is not the question! Rather the question should be ‘Can I receive right now, Lord?’ Or ‘Can I be used right now, Lord?’ Or ‘You want to speak (in tongues, even interpret right now, Lord? Okay!’
As for worshipping in tongues…it should happen automatically – we should want to worship God in a deeper more personal way! Moving in any of the operational gifts of the Spirit happens similarly. We sense an opportunity and we take it, boldly believing that because we have the Spirit within, we have something to share that will bless.
Recent example
Here’s an up-to-date example. Sunday was Pentecost Sunday, that special day when worldwide churches of different denominations celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit in their own denominational way.
We happen to be ministering at a growing Baptist church where they really love the Lord and are moving ahead in touching their community. As usual when we finish preaching we delight to pray with people. I (Robert) led by the Holy Spirit, sensed that he wanted to bless by healing someone that had pain and trouble in a particular part of their hip.
Believing that I had clearly heard from him and had something to offer (that is: my prayer as I laid hands on the afflicted person would bring a response from heaven), I boldly indicated the exact area of the hip.
Several people responded and Maureen and I simply did what Jesus would – we ministered caringly and in love, and also in the prophetic and words of knowledge. People were so blessed as release came, as did a few tears and thanks.
Pentecost? It’s about more than speaking in tongues – it’s about being changed, charged and commissioned: Gods’s 3C plan!

Depression!

Despite the strengths and victories Christians receive from Jesus Christ, many times – as we minister to people at a prayer line –  some tell us quietly (wrongly feeling ashamed and not wanting anyone else to know) that they are suffering from depression.

Depression is an interesting word, meaning to be lowered in spirit, dejected, weakened, pressed down, despondent, lowered activity, having feelings of low value, sadness and pessimism, carrying delusions of inadequacy and hopelessness. It comes from Latin words meaning ‘pressed down.’

Anyone could be so afflicted
Yes, as mentioned above, we Christians have great strength and resources in Christ. But we must all be aware that even we could get hit by depression at some point, especially if overworked, tired, going through difficulty, disappointment or illness.

But if it happens, it’s not something to be ashamed of and feel we must be quiet about. That someone will accuse us of having lost our faith. If they do, that’s their problem, not ours! What we must learn to do is to recognise symptoms and how to deal with this problem.
Depression – this ‘pressing down’ – is a ‘following on from’ word. Depression can follow on from some upset or stress that happened to the person being affected.

Depending on which translation you use, you’ll find depression used quite a few times in scripture. For example Prov. 12:25, ‘Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression.’ Anxiety – that’s means anything that causes heaviness of heart.

It’s interesting how the Bible knew all about many illnesses and God had answers before prescription tablets!  Actually there are a number of examples in scripture that indicate people were struck by depression. For example, depression can hit…

Following exhausting hard work, including ministry
Samson – that incredibly mighty man of God was exhausted after killing 1000 of Israel’s enemies single-handedly (even though he moved in the amazing power of God’s Spirit and strength) – and cried out to God: ‘Must I now die of thirst and fall into the hands of these pagan people?’ (Judges 15:14-19).

The strongest man in the world was obviously depressed but God had an answer…he ‘caused water to gush out of a hollow in the ground … and Samson drank and was revived as he drank.’ Revived indicates that he was refreshed anew…’came alive.’ The Good News Bible puts it this way: ‘began to feel much better.’
God always has an answer to every problem, including sickness weariness and heaviness of heart (depression).
Following success
Elijah, that amazing prophet, who held back rain for almost four years and called fire down from heaven destroying false prophets, became crushed in spirit – depressed – after his incredible victory over satanic forces.  
1 Kgs 19:3-4 (Mge) tells us that ‘When Elijah saw how things were, he ran for dear life’ from the evil Queen Jezebel who now threatened him for having caused this victory over her evil rule.
Again, God had an answer. Just a gentle whisper of his comforting voice and a good heaven supplied meal fixed him up (1 Kgs 19:12ff)! Elijah found himself strengthened, recommissioned by God and sent out immediately on a new assignment.
Even a little R&R in God’s presence is enough to get us refreshed and going again! Spending time with the Lord, reading the Bible (our heavenly food!) and talking to God will help refresh us and we’ll be able to move ahead into whatever the Holy Spirit has for us next.
Following dark times and all kinds of attacks
David, the ‘man after God’s own heart,’ was no exception. Dark times fall on all of us every now and then, no matter who we are or how close to God we may be! In fact, when you carefully read David’s writings in Psalms and elsewhere, you get the impression that he suffered quite a bit from depression.
But David always ‘picked himself up, shook himself down and started all over again’ as he turned to God and drew strength and refreshing from him. For example, 2 Sam. 22: 29-30,’O Lord, you are my light: yes, Lord, you light up my darkness. In your strength I can crush an army.’
It’ll be the same for us if times of depression come. We can echo David’s strategy by truthfully admitting we have problems but then exclaiming, ‘But ah God.’ See Psalm 10:14 for example; ‘But you, O God, do see trouble and grief…’ 

These are good ‘Buts’ And no matter how dark the hour, our God will never let us down.
Following heavy decisions and responsibilities
Jesus too had his moments!
Think about the awful agony he went through in the garden struggling with the knowledge of the torture he would soon be suffering. (Mark 14:33-34): ‘He began to be filled with horror and deep distress. He told (his disciples), “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death.”‘
The Message Bible puts it like this: ‘He plunged into a sinkhole of dreadful agony.’ The wording means a deep distress of mind. But Jesus knew how to draw answers and supernatural overcoming strength from his God! ‘Abba, Father, everything is possible for you…I want your will, not mine’ (v36).
Strengthened within Jesus moved afresh in ministry, miraculously restoring the severed ear of one of his opponents (Luke 22:51).
Following disappointments and troubles
Hey, being disappointed, especially being heartbroken, over what someone did or said can hurt big time!
But, again, God has an answer: ‘The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the broken-hearted; he rescues those who are crushed in spirit’ (Psa. 34: 17-18).
Depression is a real nasty!
Like Satan it endeavours to sneak up on us, catch us unawares and rob us of joy. If we hang on to feelings of depression, they’ll flatten us – ‘de press’ – for days, weeks, months or longer.
They can lead to emotional and mental illness and cloud our thinking for a long time! We’ll go round the clock dwelling on even trivial matters. It’s really a rotten thing.
Yet God always has answers…we ought to turn to him right away and get his help. See Pro. 3:5-6 encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our heart for everything. Verse 8 promises renewed health, nourishment and vitality. GNB says: ‘If you do, it will be like good medicine, healing your wounds and easing your pains.’
The good news
Revelation 21: 4 is comforting! ‘God will remove all your sorrows, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain.’
That’s not just a promise to be outworked in eternity…it can be ours here and now! But remember…it all depends on us calling out to God, just like Jesus and other biblical examples did!

And, by the way, if we need some professional medical care, there’s nothing wrong with that providing we look to the Lord first and trust him fully!  And as we grow in Christ we can learn to trust him to free us from everything that goes wrong and tries to destroy us. 


Calling out to him is simply a matter of intelligent prayer.