comfort

OPINION PLEASE

(November 30, 2024) Dr Robert McQuillan shares …

Hi Robert

I hope you are well. I would appreciate your feedback on this commentary (title followed)— Jonny.

Greetings to not just Jonny but all our readers… I’ll explain the background here. Jonny is a dedicated Christian and very aware that some so-called Bible teachers aren’t true to scripture in what they teach/preach. And, somewhat cautious about a particular one— a comment on a particular Old Testament prophetic scripture— he was enquiring what was my perception of the comment and accompanying prayer.

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DON’T ZIGZAG WITH GOD’S WORD!

October 04, 2024) Norman and Margaret Moss share another precious meditation…

Do you remember waiting for examination results? Year after year Britain’s BBC gives time to the anxiety, agony and ecstasy of the day when the results are posted.

In our day, which was when the Royal Mail was the main source of communication, we were on holiday and I (Norman) was waiting for the letter to arrive which would give the results of my second degree. We lived in a small English town back then and as we looked from the window we could see the postman coming down the street.

Not only did he move slowly, but he would actually pause, look at the address on a letter and go back to the other side of the street to deliver it. So his progress was a zigzag journey.

After a couple of frustrating days, my beloved Margaret rang up a friend in London and asked her to go to the university building where the results were displayed. After all what’s a bridesmaid for? So she kindly set our minds at rest and all was well. She had the word we were waiting for and it was good!

Carry God’s Word in Your Heart
We were meditating on 2Kings 3:12,‘Jehoshaphat said, “The word of the Lord is with him”’ and we felt the Lord was saying—  

‘Every true servant of mine carries my word in their heart and mind. My Holy Spirit dwells within you and will speak my words through you.

‘Just as Elisha needed to quieten his heart and to wait on me for my word, so you need to be in the secret place if you would bring prophetic words in time of need.

‘Do not despise prophecy but heed the words that are spoken either by others or by yourself. Yet weigh all things and walk in humility before me.

‘To have my word with you is the best thing that you could have. For my word—

  • Brings peace and contentment.
  • Conveys blessings and fruitfulness.
  • Shall be given and those who ask for it.
  • Is altogether the very best that you could ask for.
  • Gives grace and enables those who otherwise would be near to giving up.

‘For my word brings clarity to a situation, it brings understanding and peace for those who are anxious and worried. It brings comfort and solace to those in despair and brings life to those who are in exhaustion.

‘My word is everything and brings increase. Only believe with all your heart and it shall be done — most certainly!’

Dear readers — seek God’s word that will bless the discouraged. Have it in your heart, carry it straight to the needy one and deliver it. And don’t zigzag enroute!

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Norman and Margaret Moss — Link: charlesnmoss@gmail.com — pastored Queen’s Road Baptist Church, Wimbledon for over 30 years, experiencing charismatic renewal since the 1960s. Desiring still to encourage ministers, churches and groups hungry for more of the Holy Spirit, although ‘retired’ they preach and teach by Zoom, and contribute to Dr. Ayodele Afuye’s Vessels of Virtues Fire Ministries. They recommend Vessels of Virtues’ YouTube weekly presentations.
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PRECIOUS PEARLS OF PRUDENCE

(September 20, 2024) Mama Lava shares some precious insights…

Are you familiar with the origins of pearls? I admit I was a bit mistaken in what I thought I knew.

Did you know it’s not a scratchy bit of sand which typically begins the process? A pearl is more commonly a mollusc’s defensive reaction to a parasite.

Natural History Museum informs us that —
‘Pearls are made by marine oysters and freshwater mussels as a natural defence against an irritant such as a parasite entering their shell or damage to their fragile body. The oyster or mussel slowly secretes layers of aragonite and conchiolin, materials that also make up its shell. This creates a material called nacre, also known as mother-of-pearl, which encases the irritant and protects the mollusc from it. When pearls are cultured commercially an irritant is manually inserted into a mollusc to promote the production of mother-of-pearl. Nacre can form naturally around almost any irritant that gets inside the shell, creating some very unique and precious pearls.’

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SHARING A PROPHETIC WORD

(January 26, 2024) Dr Robert McQuillan shares on the 1Corinthians 12:10 manifestation gift of prophecy…

Dear Dr Robert
Please share on the gift of the Spirit termed prophecy. Kelvin.

Hi Kelvin

Please note that my comments below are particularly for pentecostal and charismatic church attenders, although the Holy Spirit operates in other denominations too!

Let’s begin with something many ask… What is ‘a word of prophecy?’ In brief… a timely word from God. In outworking, prophesying is someone boldly speaking a word from God under divine Holy Spirit inspiration that blesses people, en masse or individually. Yes, they sense it in their spirit and allow God to use them verbally.

Three-fold benefits
As a supernational manifestation, it’s a vocal gift used in faith (itself one of the 1Corinthians 12:8-10 nine gifts). It’s meant to manifested (phanerōsis… exhibited, expressed) – responsibly demonstrated in church circles. In 1Corinthians 14:5, Paul urged that this gift be operated more, even more that tongues coupled with interpretation! Verse 2 explains its 3-fold benefits – strengthening, encouragement, comfort.

  • Strengthening… sometimes translated edification
    A word connected with architecture, to do with ‘building up.’ Something we all need!
  • Encouragement… or exhortation
    This links with the ministry of the Spirit whom we can rely on to encourage us in dark times and spur us on to great achievements. This too is something Christians need regularly.
  • Comfort… or consolation
    A word akin to encouragement, also relating to the work of the Spirit who is known as the great comforter (In John 14:26 Jesus called Him the parakletos – comforter, consoler, advocate). It’s not only on the loss of a loved one that Christians need divine comfort!
  • Further, prophecy demonstrates that God is real and comforts people by telling them that He knows what’s going down, loves them and cares so deeply in a personal way.
  • It also draws people closer to Him, inspiring them to go onward in God and in life itself. 2024 is a year when many wish to move on in God, If someone receives a prophetic word in this area, they’ll definitely be inspired.

Five important notations here:
(1) Generally missing today
Sadly it appears that this gift hasn’t been operating for several years as often and strongly as it used to. I recall ‘old-time-pentecostal’ Sundays when prophecy (and tongues/interpretation) flowed freely after communion or in praise/worship times, not necessarily through the pastor (or pastors) but operated by ‘ordinary’ church attenders… ‘ordinary’ but Spirit-filled and obedient to Him!

Recently some friends moved to another town and immediately began visiting a number of pentecostal churches. I received a sad letter asking, ‘Dr Robert… don’t Pentecostal churches allow prophecy, tongues and interpretation to occur anymore?’

(2) Ministering speakers
Many times a Spirit-filled preacher, whether pastor or guest speaker, may pause preaching and bring a word of prophecy, usually encouraging, even directive for the church. Such sudden ministry grabs listeners’ attention. It’s also enlightening  when ministers point to individuals unknown to them and give a prophetic word.

(3) Operable in any service/meeting
Prophecy can operate in any church service or meeting – children’s, youth, men’s, women’s, Bible study, even church maintenance days, as well as eldership, deaconate or business meetings.
It can also operate when counselling someone, often setting them free from what’s troubling them. Handled wisely this gift can be used anywhere on a Holy Spirit leading.

(4) ‘Out there’
God loves everyone and can use any of us to speak a prophetic word to an unsaved person! Usually this is accompanied by the sister gifts of words of knowledge and wisdom.
For example, you could be talking to a stranger in a shop or arcade and suddenly, even in saying goodbye, you have ‘a word’ for them whether they’re Christian or not. I’ve found such a word really touches hearts, especially when it’s an encouragement, and I explain that God had told me about their situation/character/difficulties.
Knowing that you don’t know them, they’re blown away and if unsaved, it’s an opportunity to share God’s love. I’ve found that no one has ever queried what I’ve shared.

(5) Responsibility
When the Holy Spirit gives someone ‘a word’ to speak forth, that person is open to being used by the Spirit, has an ongoing relationship with Him, and always willing to be used by Him. Naturally it doesn’t happen all the time, nor everywhere. I’m talking about special occasions where God wants to use you and you sense His leading, prompting, and you dare to go for it.
If you sense the Holy Spirit desiring to use you in this area, I’m confident that you’ll be prompt to respond to His leading… responsibly. Experience teaches us much. Don’t be afraid: boldly allow Him to speak through you… using your voice. You’ll know when to start and when to stop… and not go become ‘fleshly.’

Attitude
Christians should have the right attitude toward words of prophecy… and its operation. Prophecy is not to be taken lightly or ignored! Paul warns in 1Thessalonians. 5:20: ‘Do not treat prophecies with contempt.’ That is… don’t despise or stifle either them or the one bringing them!

If a person given such a word can’t quite understand it, encourage them to put it ‘on the back burner.’ Experience has affirmed that it will become clear in time (I’ve had later phone messages confirming this is true).

As for Christians, especially leaders, 1Timothy 4:15 seeks to persuade us to practise our ministry gift, indeed to give ourselves completely to them, that they are to be ‘kept dusted off and in use’ as the Message Bible puts it.

As inferred above prophecy is an incredible gift that not only operates in churches but the Spirit can use it to reach unchurched ‘out there.’ It can open doors to new relationships and sharing the gospel message is accepted because you’ve earned the right and respect of someone new.

I like what Paul says about all gifts – ‘Each person is given something to do that shows who God is: Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits. All kinds of things are handed out by the Spirit, and to all kinds of people!’ (1Corinthians 12:7Mge).

More could be said here but may all that I have shared encourage you, Kelvin.
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Got a question for Dr Robert or Pr Maureen McQuillan? Email either: OnlinerConnect@gmail.com
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TROUBLED HEARTS, MINDS AND CHARACTERS

(February 22, 2023) Dr Robert McQuillan encourages those with troubled hearts …

The following is in response to some recent questions, and requests for help and prayer, from some troubled Christians, and other conversations from yesteryear, where I’ve endeavoured to put some minds at rest.

There are times when something comes up, something is said or done that hurts so much that it stings our very hearts. Maybe something completely out of line, something nasty, accusative (maybe through misunderstanding), or even something simple, that burrows hurtfully deep in our thinking.

Do note something here: If we talk about our ‘upset heart’ we’re meaning that our emotions are upset! However, when the Bible talks about the heart, it is referring to our character… and many times it’s our character that’s been hurt, even slandered!

Jesus was cool
The first time Jesus mentioned the heart was on the sermon on the mount: ‘Blessed are the pure in heart’ (Matthew 5:8a). And what would be the outcome? ‘They shall see God’ (v8b)! And how do we see God? In the character of Jesus of course… John 14:8-11! How pure, how wise, how loving and forgiving He was – and is.

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DARE TO BE A BLESSING IN THESE DARK TIMES

(November 29, 2022) Robert and Maureen McQuillan share …

It seems so obvious to many that we live in dark times, depressing days because again and again we hear of the latest sad news. And not just more about war between Russia and Ukraine, uncertainty about China and north Korea’s intentions, covid and other health threats, rising anti-Semitism, increasing crime… but now we learn more and more that kids – mere teenagers – are hitting the headlines as the cause of serious crimes,  and that youngsters are longing for help from someone from a Peer Chat type group.

Yes, some good news does come through that we’re glad to hear… huge drug bust, some new medicine breakthrough, our favourite footy team or other sports star winning. Or something that makes us smile like cute new born babies, or a happy well-presented TV show such as Better Homes and Gardens.

But… there is a darkness hanging around many individuals and it is so evident that many people need encouragement, even a meaningful thank you!

Even some in ministry will openly admit they’re troubled, that although they’ll readily confess God is still on the throne, something has happened that has ‘got to them.’ Some uncertainty, lack of assurance, disappointment, illness, something they can’t put their finger on… and they’re feeling low in spirit.

Everyoneneeds encouragement at times! Our blog is called Encouragement and we would encourage every Christian to be an encourager!

Friendship
Proverbs 12:25NLT reads, ‘Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.’ 

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HOLY SPIRIT ‘EIRENE’ COMFORT

(July 24, 2022) Robert McQuillan encourages a young believer…

Dear Dr Robert

I’ve heard you talk about the joy of ‘falling into the arms of the Holy Spirit and knowing His peace, comfort and security.’ I’m a relatively new Christian… please tell me more. Billy (sorry, not my real name).

Dear ‘Billy’

Discovering more about our Holy Spirit is always precious, even eye-opening. Let me firstly say that He, who is the third person of the Godhead, is our friend (John 14:16Mge).

Friend… the Greek word here is paraklētos – comforter, consoler, advocate, intercessor – which tells us a lot about this great friend! We all need comforting at times! John also referred to this special friend in John 14:26, 15:26 and 16:7.

Jesus, who would be returning to heaven after His resurrection from the dead and then leaving His disciples (Acts 1:9-10), promised a new friend as He wouldn’t be around physically anymore; someone who would assist them in building His church. See also John 14:16-17, and Jesus’ words of John 15:26 and Luke 24:49. That new friend is the blessed Holy Spirit.

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SO WHAT ARE YOU DOING?

(July 12, 2022) Richard Winter brings a timely challenge…

History records both good and bad times that humanity lives through! And we don’t need anyone to tell us that were living in difficult days today… we know! Indeed, bad times these days offer us a perspective of worse times to come!

This was true in the times of Jesus too! And one day He gave His disciples ‘a scripture memory test’ about Noah’s times, linking it to the end of time and His return from heaven.

Most people know the story of Noah and the ark Jesus referred to. Indeed everyone should take note of His Matthew 24:37-38 warning, ‘As it was in the days of Noah, so will it be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying, and giving in marriage, up to the day that Noah entered into the ark, and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood took them all away.’

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PROPHETIC WORDS

(June 17, 2022) Robert McQuillan encourages a Pentecost enquirer…

Dear Dr Robert

Thanks for sharing last month about Pentecost Sunday. Please tell me about what’s called either ‘a word of prophecy’ or ‘a prophetic word.’ Jonno.

Dear Jonno

Either term is acceptable. In brief, prophesying means boldly speaking an encouraging, timely word from God to bless people –
a) One on one, not just face-to-face but via phone/email/Skype.
b) To your church on Sundays (as was generally expected years ago!), or at other church meetings even business ones.

As one of the Holy Spirit’s nine supernatural manifestation gifts (1 Corinthians 12) it can operate anywhere, anytime. Like the accompanying gifts word of wisdom and word of knowledge, it’s spoken in faith (itself one of those nine ‘operational gifts’).

This means that you must know the Holy Spirit personally eg through an intimate relationship of prayer, reading God’s word, trust and experience, whereby you just know that know that you know it is the Holy Spirit taking over and using you to bless, encourage, challenge some individual, or your church in general.

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THE VALUE OF A FRIENDSHIP

(March 21, 2019) Carol Round reflects on the great value of having a friend…

I still think of my friend Sonya throughout my day, relishing the memories we made through our common bonds as well as adversity. Proverbs 17:17 (ESV) says, ‘A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity’ – that’s the value of a friendship!

We bonded over our love of animals, landscaping our yards and fried chicken livers. But, our friendship grew through adversity.

Sonya, 12 years my senior, moved into my neighbourhood in 2010. After leaving Georgia, she purchased the house next door to me. I welcomed this tiny woman as my neighbour but, as so many of us are apt to do; I judged her first by her appearance.

Quickly connecting
In her late 60s at the time, Sonya dressed more like a teeny bopper, even when doing yard work. However, as I grew to know this precious woman, my spirit couldn’t help but connect through our mutual love of Jesus. (more…)