TIME TO TAKE YOUR MOUNTAIN?

Sometimes we just don’t get what we want when we’d like it! Sometimes we just have to wait. And wait…and wait! Even with a promise from God.

But there comes that moment in life when it is the time for us to boldly claim our inheritance.

No Negatives!
There was a guy called Caleb who claimed his mountain – and got it! You can read about him in the Bible, God’s great book of wisdom, encouragement and challenge to trust him fully as you dare to forge ahead.

Caleb was a real man … one of outstanding character, inner strength and courage. He was also a man of vision and forward thinking, open to new things and very loyal.

And he was quick to do whatever his boss requested or demanded…he would serve faithfully from an amazing trust in God’s word and promises. When others had doubts and couldn’t see the bigger picture and possibilities through giving in to their own fears, short-sightedness and weaknesses - and in doing so held others back from gaining ground - Caleb wouldn’t agree with defeatism, negativism and deceitful reports.

He was an encourager and wouldn’t compromise his beliefs. But because the crowd listened to the deceivers (scared spies) instead of him and his associate Joshua, they never received what had been promised to them or achieved what they could have. In fact they lost out and it would be 40 years until another generation was ready and willing to move into God’s promised land!

No Complaints!
And although he wasn’t at fault - he wouldn’t run with the weaker minded - Caleb also had to wait all that time for that worthier go-ahead generation, plus another five years before he could receive his own personal reward of faithfulness…his promise from God.

Interestingly we don’t hear of him complain in all that time. But, perhaps he did...if so, he must have done it privately to God. That’s a good principle incidentally, especially if you’re in leadership.

Maybe he was like Abraham, who had been given a promise of a son when he and his wife were rather old for kids. But believed and hung in waiting for the miracle and it happened!

Maybe Caleb was like David who groaned through his songs about so much but would end up declaring that God would bring him through because he was convinced that his Lord always could and would.

Maybe he even had a few moments of personal agony such as Jesus had in the garden of destiny when he cried out to God and was strengthened to get on with his mission from God to suffer horribly but to save all humankind in becoming our Saviour.

God’s timing and Caleb’s moment to claim came about!
In any case, there came that moment when Caleb knew the time had arrived to claim God’s promise to give him his ‘mountain’… a good piece of the promised land. You can read about it and Caleb’s character, inner strength and determination in Joshua 14:6-15; 15:13-14, especially 14:12.

‘Give me my mountain now,’ he demands, and is immediately granted the okay to go for his promised future security.

Even then he knows he can’t just move in and take it…he has three major enemies to defeat before it is fully his and peace will come! What’s his attitude? Positive of course!

A big fight is but a mere incident for this ‘old man’ in claiming his promise! He declared, ‘Hey! I’m as strong and bold as I was 45 years ago! God has given me an extended life. I’m as vigorous as ever! I can do it!’ And he does! He boldly claims his promise and swings into action to see it fulfilled. And he took his mountain!

Four Questions…
Q1: What’s the worst thing a parent can do to a child? Make a promise that isn’t kept!

God never makes a promise to any of his spiritual children that he can’t or won’t keep! Whatever God has promised you he will fulfil it. In fact, and of great comfort, when God makes a promise, the word for promise means ‘arranged.’ So as far as he‘s concerned, it’s all already been given, even if it takes a few years to come about.

Q2: What promises are you waiting for?
Perhaps now is your time to boldly claim them! Do so boldly!

Q3: Want your family blessed too?
Caleb’s very children were also blessed. Why were they all so blessed and victorious…what made the difference? Because Caleb had a different spirit (heart) from the others who feared people rather than fearing (respecting) and honouring God and his Word…it says of Caleb that he followed God wholeheartedly. Parents…influence your kids and grandkids! Secure their blessings and covering through yourself!

Q4: How did Caleb succeed?
His name means ’capable’ and in Jos. 14:12 he declares that the Lord would help him. A lot of people aren’t capable of living life because they don’t know the one who is always willing to assist them. When you accept Jesus Christ as your Saviour and friend, then you have his very Spirit within.

Live the character of Caleb wholeheartedly and your middle name will be ‘capable!’ You’ll make it! As a spiritual son or daughter of God, you too will be able to boldly claim whatever he has promised you. The waiting is worth it!

Time for you to claim?
What has God promised you? Good health? Victory over rotten circumstances? New job?

A Brownlow medallist was once asked what it took to gain such a medal. He responded, ‘Knowledge, commitment and perseverance.’ He could’ve been talking about Caleb types. For it kind of says it all… doesn’t it?

If you’ve been patiently waiting and you sense that now is your moment to claim from God, then go for it! You may have a battle or two to win as you do so, but remember God’s promise is that he’s already arranged the victory for you. That’s good news!

10/09

The Good Shepherd and the CIA

The Good Shepherd... that was title of a movie that claimed to be about 'the history of the CIA and one of its young agents.'

Christians who really know their God and his word, the Bible, with thankful hearts truly understand that there is a real ‘good shepherd’, Jesus Christ. And that he has his own brand of CIA, not centred in Langley but in local churches and in Christians themselves.

This particular, peculiar CIA stands for Connecting, Involving and Advancing.

Connecting

The church of Jesus is primarily a place of personal growth through connecting in worshipping God, in developing a Bible-grounded faith and in being released in serving Jesus.

That’s why we have pastors – caring God-appointed shepherds – to expound the scriptures, ensure we’re flowing in genuine Bible-based worship, growing in our faith and to build a platform of expectation for the supernatural moving of the Spirit in every meeting.

In simple terms, Connecting begins with connecting with Jesus through prayer, Bible meditation and developing a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit.

Connecting also includes ‘being there for others.’ This is where the rubber really hits the road! Real church … real body ministry that goes beyond what’s been taught but hasn’t been really heard or taken onboard at Sunday services. Christians getting together with one another and caring, advising and praying.

This is why many churches have different connecting opportunities…after Sunday meetings ‘cuppa’ fellowships, various midweek groups, especially home groups or whatever name they go under. And you can create your own connecting time …an invite to a meal or coffee time at home. Then the Holy Spirit can take advantage to open up hearts. Not only have Christians been helped and released at such opportunities but people have got saved!

Bible teacher Chuck Meissler has stated that he believes that this is where the church of Christ is meant to be…into fellowship - connecting - groups. And praise God that many have indeed been richly blessed through being part of at least one of such connecting groups!

Involving

Involvement is the opposite of being on the fringe, to being on the outside or at least only on the bank of God’s river instead of ‘diving in.’ Of being some kind of lone ranger on ones own, not really supporting your pastor and not buying into the church’s vision, programs or needs.

A great sign of a healthy church is when people seek God to be involved in church life and they commit fully to what he has shown them or whatever service opportunity their pastor offers. The blessings flow when we stretch ourselves in trusting the Holy Spirit and build Jesus’ local church through praying, caring, ’being there’, giving, encouraging one another and using our talents and time.

In Luke 15:1-7 Jesus painted a clear picture of a really caring person for whom nothing was hardship or bother when he had to help a sheep in trouble. Now we’ve heard sermons on this about Jesus being the good, indeed great shepherd and how the angels sing in heaven over ‘a lost sheep’ – an unsaved person finding Christ as Saviour and being saved. It’s a terrific salvation based story.

But we need to note two things… Jesus was speaking directly to a number of so-called religious people who did not want to be involved and weren’t caring. He began with ‘Suppose one of you…’ and then he talked about finding and bodily helping the poor sheep that would otherwise be perishing. And he keeps referring to the searcher (whether a shepherd or the actual owner doesn’t matter) rejoicing over finding and willingly carrying the load of the sheep on his shoulders (v5-7).

When we tie this parable in with other biblical insights and directions – John 13:34 (‘Love one another’), John 13:33 (‘Seek first the kingdom of God’), Acts 2:42-46 (Thousands of the early church being in pure togetherness with one another in fellowship including sharing meal times), and of course Heb.10:25 (a very clear instruction not to neglect gathering together and encouraging one another), we see that involvement is important to church and personal growth and development. And that the onus is on us, not just our pastors.

Matthew 6:21 is a great word of Jesus that can be our challenge in respect of church involvement! The big question is: Where does our treasure and heart lie? Start involving yourself in your local church!

Advancing

The kingdom of God is meant to be advancing through the strategy of the local church and every Christian. Numeric growth is important for any church. We need to, we should, grow numerically…especially if the church is in an overall healthy state, the word is taught, genuine worship is welcomed and the Holy Spirit is allowed time to exult Jesus.

It’s the church of Jesus overcoming the kingdom of Satan and the world! A growing church where people are blessed, the Spirit moves and its attendees discover great life principles and develop contented satisfying lifestyles is a shining beacon to troubled neighbourhoods.

And growth comes from us reaching out - connecting - to the unsaved. Salvation is a sovereign work of the Holy Spirit but our role is to do what Jesus asked of us… share the gospel’s good news and to make disciples of those who accept him. (See Mat. 28:19-20; Mar. 16:15-16).

There’s an old adage: ‘Sheep beget sheep.’ How do churches grow? Firstly prayer and a burden for the lost (that good shepherd principle again). Then through church folk reaching out to the unchurched and witnessing Jesus. And inviting people along to church and special meetings aimed at touching lives and meeting needs.

But also by us committing our time, talents and treasure to the running and development of our church. Then - and so important to remember this - through a sovereign move of God on prepared soil. Opportunities are around us toady! Let's advance.

Challenge

We have Jesus, the quintessential good shepherd to guard and lead us. And to care, provide and carry joyfully on his broad shoulders.

As for us, let’s really support our local church and buy into the vision. Let’s remember that other Christians are our brothers and sisters in Christ and support one another more. And of course also reach out to the unchurched. This way we’ll continue to grow personally and help grow our church!

And – as CIA team members – we also will become good shepherds.

The ROPE Factor - the Church that Jesus Started

Some people have a snobbish pride about the church or denomination they belong to. One gets the impression that theirs is the only church and if you don’t belong to it then you’re not really saved. Even some Pentecostals give this impression!

Not good!

It’s his church!

In Matthew 18:16, Jesus stated clearly that he would build his church. He didn’t put a particular denominational tag on it, just that it was his church.

Now Jesus probably doesn’t worry about the name of the church we attend, or whatever denomination it is under… as long as it is biblically founded and ‘walking the talk.’

He would be concerned though that such a church is truly Christian and proclaiming that salvation is only gained through accepting God’s way…forgiveness of sin through acknowledging Christ’s finished work on Calvary and accepting Christ as Saviour. Also that such a church was endeavouring to touch and influence its local community, and not be a wimpy bunch of closet Christians.

In truth, the church that Jesus founded was and still is based on the ROPE factor…

• R…Revelation that he is the Christ, the messiah (Mat. 18:16)
• O…Obedience to fulfilling his great commission (Mat. 28:19-29)
• P…Personal commitment to him (Luk.11:23)
• E…Empowerment through receiving his Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8)

The early church, the church that Jesus founded and was birthed on the Day of Pentecost, was such a church. In truth it was indeed a Pentecostal church! It grew quickly and in no time was accused of ‘turning the world upside down’ (Acts 17:6KJV). In fact, history shows that within two years the early on-fire Christians had spread the gospel to every part of the then known world! And all without TV, DVDs, CDs and the Internet!

Names of the early church

But that doesn’t mean we have to call ourselves Pentecostals as if to prove something! The early church was known variously and simply as…

• 'The believers’ (Acts 2:44)
• ‘The church’ (Acts 2:47NKJV)
• ‘The disciples’ (Acts 6;1-2; 9:19:19, 26, 38; 13:52 NIV)
• ‘The Lord’s disciples’ (Acts 9:1 NIV)
• ‘The Way’ (Acts 9: 2; 19:9, 23; 22:4, 24:14, 22).
• ‘Those who call on his name’ (Acts 9:21)
• ‘The saints’ (Acts 9:13; 26:10)
• ‘The Christians’ (Acts 11:26)
• ‘The church of God (Acts 20:28; 1 Cor. 15:9; Gal. 1:13)
• ‘The followers’ (Acts 24:4)
• ‘The churches of God’ (1 Cor. 11: 6; Gal. 1:13; 1 The. 2:14)
• ‘The churches of God…in…’ (eg Judea) (1 The. 2:14).
• ‘A peculiar people’ (Tit. 2: 14; 1 Pet.2:9)
• ‘The people of the Way.’

Now the titles or designations may differ depending on which translation you read. But the key is that whatever name they went under they were Bible-believing, Spirit-receiving, Christ confessing and salvation professing!

Have we really influenced our city and local regions as they did? Yet?

When Jesus called his followers – disciples – ‘his church’ he used the word ekklesia, meaning ‘a calling out’ and referring to ‘a popular meeting.’

Those who accepted Christ as Saviour and Lord were indeed ‘called out ones’…called out of a crippling religious system and the devil’s system of worldliness and the flesh. Christians are called out to follow Jesus and to walk the talk by living as he would, and their character and actions be as his (the fruit of the Spirit).

A peculiar people indeed

Even brief studies of Acts 2(NIV) reveals that those early Christians – the original church – the Holy Spirit-empowered church - his church - were indeed ‘peculiar people’! Christianity is indeed the upside-down lifestyle (eg different to fleshly thinking)! We too should be as they were. Acts 2 clearly describes those early Christians as …

• All-together people (Acts 2:1)
• Spirit-filled people (2-4)
• God-worshipping people (11)
• Perplexing people (12)
• Knocked (criticised) people (13)
• Bible-believing and Bible–proclaiming people (14ff)
• Evangelistic people (14-41)
• Devoted Bible and truth–seeking people (42)
• Committed to Christ’s family people (42)
• Don’t-miss-communion people (42)
• Dedicated -to-prayer people (42)
• In-awe-of (the Spirit) and miracle-expecting people (43)
• True believers people (44)
• Unselfish caring and sharing people (44-55)
• Connecting - home fellowships or cell groups - people (46)
• Happy, right heart attitude people (46)
• Praising people (47)
• Community favoured people (47)
• Increasing people (47).

They were on fire for Jesus, filled and led by his Spirit, reaching their families, friends, neighbours, and community and, within a short time, the world. What an example!

So…the challenge: Do you …does your church fully fit this role?

Maybe yes, in which case PTL! If not quite yet, are the foundations there? Hopefully yes.

But … make it a ‘we’ matter…as we and our church continue to allow the Spirit to work within us and in our services, as we take advantage of the various programs, meetings and gatherings put on, as we fellowship with one another, as we give generously to needs and church expenses, as we honour the Lord Jesus and pray/witness for/to the unchurched/unsaved, as we expect much from the Holy Spirit, we will definitely be heading in the right direction.

Rope is a word suggesting strength and security. History shows that The ROPE Factor produces great kingdom results. Actively hold onto that rope of faith and use its strength to succeed for Jesus and your local church.

15 Minutes of Pure Hell!

That was the sales blurb on the packet of ‘Little Lucifer Firelighters’ advertised in junk mail that arrived recently! And there was a caricature of horned Satan with his three-pronged staff. Guess what? He was beaming and winking one eye! Now, of course, we can smile at this. But for Christians the reality of it all ought to hit us deeply.

No laughing matter
For ‘hell’ is no laughing, smiling, beaming or winking matter! It’s a lost eternity of misery as depicted by Jesus in Luke 16:19-31 in the story of Lazarus and Dives. Those who have never accepted Jesus as Saviour are already doomed and destined for hell’s everlasting and unquenchable fire (Jesus’ own words of Matt. 25:31).

Sadly there are people, even Christians, who foolishly use the word ‘hell’ rather loosely as if it was even the Christian ‘in thing.’ It is not; neither is ‘damn’ or ‘damnation.’ In fact to use such words loosely displays a lack of understanding for the biblical meaning of the words and disrespect for the biblical usage of them.

Hell, according to scripture, means ‘the final condition of the lost (wicked) without Christ.’ It’s described as:

• Separation from God (Luke 13:25, 28)
• Outer darkness (Mat. 22:13; 2 Pet. 2:4, 17; Jude 6,13)
• Eternal or unquenchable fire (Mat. 18:8; Mar. 9:43, 45, 48; 2 Pet. 3:7)
• Everlasting contempt (Dan. 12: 2)
• Everlasting torment (Rev. 14: 10,11)
• Everlasting punishment (Mat. 25:46)
• Everlasting destruction or perdition (ruin)(Mat. 7:13; Rom. 9:22; Phil. 3:18,19)
• Where the worm doesn’t die (Mar. 9:44)
• The wrath of God (Rom. 2:5, 8, 9; 1 The. 1:10)
• Retribution (punishment proportionate to the evil) (2 Cor. 11:14, 15; 2 Tim. 4: 14
• The second death (Rev. 20:14; 21:8)

That’s a mean, frightening description list! 15 minutes of pure hell? No way…an eternity of impure hell!

Whatever happened to the good old time religion
Just recently we heard a great message at the church we base ourselves at. It was a clear exposition of end times by visiting speaker Dr Andrew Evans. Later we heard comments along the line of 'We rarely hear sermons like that anymore in churches.'

True. But what about non-church people? What do they hear? And anyway, so many people in the world that we meet aren't really interested; they're living for the here and now under fleshly circumstances.

And sometimes one wonders if Christians really care about the lost, for if we did, we would be witnessing more and praying more. Many old time revivals broke loose only when Christians got a passion (and compassion) for the lost. They came to the prayer group and wept before a merciful God for salvations, especially for family and loved ones. It seems we’re missing something today of ‘that old time religion!’

We owe God everything for his great love and concern for us. As sinners (ie guilty of breaking God’s laws of love and obedience…the stupid things we think, say and do) we were destined for hell.

But a gracious God willingly sent his Son, Jesus, to die for us at Calvary. Jesus paid for the punishment for our sins in our stead, and everyone who accepts him as his/her Saviour is immediately reconciled with Father God and will not face hell.

That’s what the real meaning of Easter, recently celebrated in April, is all about... not cute bunnies and chocolate eggs!

This is good news! If only we could get a million advertisements out there offering ‘An Eternity of Pure Heaven. Almighty God’s Life-lighter, Jesus.’

An easily recognised gospel for all to see...
But would anyone be interested in such an advert? They might be…if we get to prayer!

Meantime, let’s remember that there is one advertisement that they are definitely reading every day – us!

It’s better known as ‘The Gospel According to You.’ Let’s hope they are able to have a good read every day! For 'hell' is a reality and no mere 15 minute matter!

HOLY FIRE! Pentecost Sunday May 31

Sadly there is one really great event mentioned in scripture that gets overlooked virtually every year by many Christians, especially - of all people - Pentecostals and their pastors! And I for one can’t understand why!

Funny thing is…how do I find out each year when Pentecost Sunday is going to fall? Easy! I don’t only count 50 days after Easter, but I phone a local Anglican church! They always know. Yet, such mainline churches don’t relate to the fiery Pentecostal message as we Penties do!

The incredible first Pentecost

Jesus had given his disciples an assurance that they would not be left on their own to fulfil the great commission after he’d returned to heaven. That the great Holy Spirit - the Comforter - would come to assist them in supernatural ways to establish the kingdom.

This stupendous event happened on the first Pentecost Sunday when 120 disciples were gathered in the upper room (Acts 2). Jesus had directed them to wait until they were endued – clothed – with the power of the Spirit (Luke 24:49; Acts 1: 8) and they waited in great expectation.

And he had promised them a Spirit baptism akin to fire (Acts 1:5)! Indeed at times the infilling of the Holy Spirit and his refreshing touches are likened unto fire which cleanses and energises.

The early disciples’ obedience led to incredible events. Read with excitement Acts 2…the infilling of the Spirit (v1-4), worshipping God in languages new for the disciples (v7-11), the birth of the church through the first great outreach and 3000 saved (v41), the expectation for more (v38).

More than worship in tongues!

Some people still wrongly think Pentecost is only about speaking in tongues and they have a couldn’t-care-less attitude toward it. How sad!

Jesus himself received the touch of the Holy Spirit before he began his ministry (Mark. 2:10). So does every Christian who wants to faithfully serve him! This was why he advised his first followers not to leave Jerusalem until they were filled with the power of the Spirit.

Filled with the Spirit, baptised with or in the Spirit, clothed, endued, swamped, overwhelmed… whatever term one chooses to use, we’re talking about the supernatural of God coming on us to assist us mere human beings represent Jesus in our neighbourhood, church, workplace, marketplace, overseas trips, our ministry.

Whatever you may call it, I call this the visa to go through the gateway of the supernatural into the operation of the 1 Corinthian 12 manifestation gifts of the Spirit to help grow the church.

Expect a special Pentecost Sunday every year!

Personally, I delight to share somewhere every Pentecost Sunday. It’s May 31 this year and I’ll have the privilege of sharing to around 20,000 people in India. I’m expecting the Spirit to move, richly bless and bring glory to Jesus! And I have prayer supporters believing accordingly.

What are you expecting in your church? And through you, not just the preacher or pastor?

Here’s what Pentecost should mean to every Christian. It is about the…


1. People

Traditionally it was a time when people gave thanks in anticipation of the coming harvest. Now a new harvest was coming about when souls would be saved and God’s laws would be so written on their hearts so that they would love, obey and serve him with a new inner strength.
It was the first real ‘soaker service’ …120 people waiting on God. And their lives would never be the same again. They would go out, make history, and change the world!

Your own personal baptism in the Holy Spirit is to enable you to be a more effective witness for Jesus and to be a carrier of his good news to a lost generation.

2. Promise

People often let people down through promise-breaking. God never breaks his promises! Read some of them in Eze. 18:31; 36:27; Isa. 32:15; 44:3 and Joel 2:28.

In John 14 -16, Jesus reiterated the promise of something outstanding for his disciples… the Holy Spirit. And, as promised, the Spirit came to enable them to fulfil Jesus’ work on planet earth.

We too need the Holy Spirit. His infilling enables us too to extend the kingdom of God in our day, in this troubled and very insecure world. And we can do so with confidence as we move in faith.

3. Person

The Holy Spirit is the most wonderful person you can know. He is the gift of God! Not a thing or force but an incredibly wise and powerful person. In John 14 Jesus kept referring to ‘him’ as a ’he’… a person. He’s the third person in the godhead!

The Message Bible describes the Spirit this way: ‘I (Jesus) will talk to the Father and he’ll provide you another Friend so that you will always have someone with you.’ Hey! I like that. No wonder I call the Holy Spirit my Forever Friend!

We all need the Holy Spirit. I sincerely encourage you to develop a deep relationship with him! Talk to him every day and expect to be used by him powerfully (or simply) to bless others.

4. Presence

He’s also a precious presence…the presence of love. Some sense his touch - the breath of love or a flowing river or a refreshing breeze. Or that dynamic fire mentioned earlier. Whatever, you just know he’s there and he’s going to communicate God’s love and power in some special way.

However you sense him, you’re aware he’s there caring for you. At times you can feel the strength of his arms around you and you get encouraged, renewed and replenished. And you’re enabled to overcome satanic opposition and achieve much for Jesus.

I encourage every Christian to develop a deep relationship with the blessed Holy Spirit through prayer, trust and active service. And to seek a fresh touch of his presence daily. Just ask him!

5. Power

Mark 16:10 tells us that as the first disciples accepted the privilege of the great commission, the Holy Spirit moved with them in power.

The Message Bible puts it this way: ‘(They) went everywhere preaching, the master working right with them, validating the message with undisputable evidence.’ How? Signs and wonders in amazing action as the Spirit responded to their faith! (Read the book of Acts)

We need to soak in the Spirit and believe for signs and wonders to flow through us at every given opportunity! Remember the old chorus ‘We are a People of Power’? Let it be so today! Jesus is in heaven; we are his representatives on earth today. And we have the authority to move in the Spirit’s supernatural to make both Christians and non-Christians take notice.

6. Potential

Satan and doubters and ‘putter-downers’ would have us think that we can’t achieve anything. But we can in the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Jesus wants to use all of us, not just pastors! You are a person of immeasurable potential when you allow the Spirit to flow through you. Believe it!

Great confidence comes as we wait on God and the assurance of an ability to do whatever he wants us to. Don’t let the enemy - or anyone - put us off achieving much for Jesus.

7. Present

The ministry effective holy fire of the Holy Spirit is also about today…the present day!

Some people still foolishly teach that the days of signs and wonders are over, that they were only for New Testament days. That somehow they ‘died off’ after Paul and Peter died. And - worse still - that we don’t need them now because we have the Bible.

How ridiculous! Nowhere on scripture does it teach that the Holy Spirit’s work is over for our day! We need Spirit-filled Christians who will boldly go through the gateway of the supernatural, let the fire of the Spirit fall afresh on us and then and do mighty things for Jesus!

We live in a day of trouble when both unsaved and Christians need to see God in action! And we can…supernaturally through his saints filled with the enabling, the anointed fire of the Holy Spirit.

Let the fire fall afresh this Pentecost!

DOWN IN THE DUMPS AND CRYING THE BLUES?

If you are, know that it happens to everyone from time to time or at some particular time, for some reason or other. So be relieved to know that you’re not alone! And that there is always someone around who understands and is there for you.

Sadly, feeling down can link in with depression, an often-misunderstood word that easily throws some people and has them wondering if they’re perhaps manic-depressive.

But this latter word refers to a mental disorder characterised by alternation between extreme confidence and deep depression. Whereas feeling down - that depressed feeling - simply means…’Low in spirits, vigour; weakness, dullness, despondency characterised by feelings of inadequacy, pessimism, sadness…’

Interestingly, a recent report mentioned that at some point in life, one out of every six men and one in every four women will suffer from depression. Mental problems or illness is becoming an openly recognised and talked about problem. The mind and body will be affected. Even one’s very spirit can be affected too. But there is help from someone who understands and cares.

The mind

Depression can lead to crying; wrong thinking about situations and people; mixed-up thinking and criticism about partners; grieving; picking on petty things and not seeing the bigger picture; bad conclusions and lousy decisions, especially about finance.

It includes claiming to be totally right and that everyone else is wrong; feeling indispensable; a tortured mind and deceived thinking; feeling persecuted and that no one understands; feeling overburdened, unimportant, unworthy and inadequate; displaying a spirit of independence; being judgmental; lacking motivation; and such. Worst of all... thoughts of suicide!

The body

Experiencing illness, tiredness, blood pressure; eating wrong food and drinking wrong beverages, depending on substitutes…drugs (even prescribed ones), alcohol, life-destroying smoking, chocolates, binges, sexual encounters, and such.

The spirit

Naturally one can feel down in spirits, but how can a Christian whose spirit is safe with God be affected? Simple! Tiredness, lack of motivation and illness can lead to being out of touch with God, not reading his word (the Bible), not talking to him and trusting him, travelling a wrong road in life, not joining the church family on Sundays or at encouraging midweek gatherings, and then - worst of all, missing out on God’s blessings.

Friendly encouragement

Actually, feeling depressed or down is a rotten thing! Makes one not only feel miserable but also act miserably toward others. This is particularly bad towards loved ones…partner, kids, friends. But there is hope…real hope.

First, find a true friend who will stick with you. The Bible speaks of meaningful friendships. I think particularly of David’s great friend, Jonathan. David had his dark moments (check out the psalms!) but Jonathan was a true friend, always there and deeply loyal. He’s the kind of friend that I want when I hit trouble!

But the reality of it is that your life partner is usually the best one to help bring you through. Husbands…listen to your wife! Wives…listen to your husband! Let that caring special person speak positive things, hope and encouragement into your thinking.

Also… remember that you have to play your part! Change unwholesome habits and your lifestyle of stress. You must make the effort, whatever the cost! If necessary, see a doctor and be open in describing your problem!

Godly encouragement

Most importantly, ask God to intervene and rejuvenate you. He understands…many of his heroes were hit with depression at times, not just David – Moses, Job, Jonah, Elijah… Jesus too went through his ‘dark night of the soul’ (Matthew 26:37-38 Amp). What a comfort! It’s always good to know that Jesus understands exactly from self-experience what we’re facing and can really sympathise and help.

Scripture encouragement

Is depression or feeling down or downcast bothering you? Read and hold on to Psalm 43:5: ‘Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Saviour and my God.’

That word ‘downcast’ is shachach, meaning depressed. ‘Disturbed’ is hamah, meaning agitated in great commotion or tumult. Sound familiar? And ‘hope’ is yachal, meaning to wait patiently (on God) in confident expectation.

No wonder the exciting, energetic Message Bible version puts it this way: ‘Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on God – soon I’ll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He’s my God.’

That’s great news for anyone afflicted by depression or mental problems! Even if you don’t have a firm everyday relationship with God as yet, know that he understands and will help lift your spirit and put a smile back on your face.

Locusts and restoration

Joel 2:25 is another great encouragement from God. Here he promises to restore to us the years that have been stolen from us by devouring locusts. Think of locusts as problems not overcome yet, loss of peace and joy, time, wages, ministry, happiness, investments, contentment and such.

The word ‘restore’ is shalam, to make safe in mind, body or estate. It describes a comforting assurance of placing you into a covenant of peace set up by God.

You can do it!

Life is a gift from God to be lived to the full! With his help we can rise above every rotten, down in the dumps feeling. I’m not saying it’s always easy. There may be something deeper that needs a medical specialist’s checking. And you may have to determine to drop wrong eating habits or actions.

But I know that as we look to Jesus and depend on him we can get there! The old Beatles song stated, ‘I get by with a little help from my friends’ but in Jesus Christ we have the supreme friend, the greatest friend of all! And he will always be on hand to help.

In Christ you are worthy and by counting on him, you can have confidence in yourself. This will help you discover that necessary balance needed to overcome the mood swings of extreme confidence and deep depression.

You’ll also overcome when you feel low in spirit, down in the dumps, downcast, depressed and wanting to sing the blues.

Hey…you can win through! Trust God…hold your face up high instead of being downcast at times. Hope in Jesus is greater and surer than any worldly ‘maybe kind of hope.’

YONGGI CHO'S FINAL SERMON? (Reflections on the Weasel Talk, Twigs and Twits and Peter Pan Syndrome Tragedy)

We were disgusted recently to learn of some pastors referring to seniors – senior ministries and parents – as ‘twigs.’ Some young people were even being advised not to listen to their parents because they’re past it, don’t know what they’re talking about. As for ‘older’ ministers, they too are over the hill, not with it and passed their ‘use by’ date!

This is ’weasel talk’ (unjustifiable, unprovable statements)! It is not only discourteous but a seriously wrong presumption and a gross ignoring of the need in these troubled days not to forsake the wisdom of the ‘elders – the experienced fathers and mothers - in Israel.’

Yes, the leadership of some stuck-in-the-mud and spiritually rutted churches needs to release their young people into ministry; otherwise their churches are going to dry up without that needed freshness and fire of the younger generation! And it’s good to know that many pastors are doing that. With insight they realise that their young people are not the next generation but in fact the now generation.

And it’s working! We are seeing great new preachers and worship leaders who are teachable, learning fast and being outstanding examples to others, including seniors who are praying for them and supporting them.

Twigs
What’s a twig anyway? Usually the word relates to something small like a little shoot, sprig, sprout or bud. When used by younger leaders to strongly derogate their youth’s parents it is belittling. It is undermining parental authority and treating ‘older’ people as insignificant!

When used against those who have been in Christian service for a long time, it’s inferring that these ‘seniors’ are now nobodies that don’t have to be listened to anymore. That too is wrong, discourteous and unscriptural. It shows a lack of respect, is dishonouring and very dangerous.

And yet the strange thing is that some of these fork-tongued megaphone voices don’t recognise that they themselves, by their own voiced standards, are also twigs! They won’t step aside for the new generation with its fresh insights and vision. Rather they ensure that the positions they hold remain untouched, unchallenged and unchangeable.

Twits
Let’s switch to another word. Twits. It has a very simple definition…foolish people! Those calling a valued generation that went through many hardships, struggles and sarcasms to build the church are themselves very foolish! They’re twits, the real twigs!

They forget that the word twig has another meaning…one that calls for ‘noticing and understanding.’ Seniors including ministers ought to be acknowledged, honoured, listened to and appreciated. Not ignored as some have been and their hard-earned ‘father and mother in Israel’ experience ignored.

A fact that’s not often faced until crisis time is that many young ministers get into hot water because they don’t seek a mentor friend and ask for advice, guidance and suggestions. Recent highlighted reports from around the church scene confirm such disasters!

When is a minister’s kingdom contribution finished?
In a nutshell, not until he or she hears Jesus proclaim the great welcoming ‘Well done, good and faithful servant!’ (Matt.25: 21).

The Bible carefully recalls the adventures of those chosen by God to achieve great things in his kingdom. They were not all young people! Or they may have begun ‘ministry’ as excited youth caught up in something greater than themselves and their experience to that point but they went on following God and continued into advanced years achieving much for Jesus through the Spirit’s strength and help.

Paul and John were such heroes of the faith right into proverbial senior years and were still appreciated and sought after for their wealth of knowledge and experience. And, beyond scripture, church history tells of similar accounts of men and women on fire for Jesus being actively involved into ‘old age’ (awful terminology! In reality you’re only as old as you think, feel, dress, talk and act!)

Take for example Dr David Yonggi Cho.

Learning from Dr Cho

Our good friend Peggy Kannaday is editor of Dr Cho’s popular and inspiring magazine Church Growth. Peggy lives in the old Jim Bakker Heritage Village area and tells about what God is doing there today, restoring his presence.

Last year Peggy sent us a great DVD celebrating Dr Cho’s May 2008 loosely termed ‘retirement’ and the Korean Yoida Full Gospel Church’s 50th year. It’s a state-of-the art disc production to say the least, so enjoyable, revitalising and challenging!

As a teenager, Dr Cho converted from Buddhism to Christianity and God miraculously healed him of tuberculosis. In 1958, with little more resources than a discarded marine tent, he began conducting church services on the outskirts of Seoul with a mere handful of close friends. Today the world famous Yoida church has well over 830,000 members, seven Sunday services in 16 languages! This year ABC highlighted this great church in a program called Around the World in 80 Faiths.

But… when he entrusted his church to an anointed, younger successor last May, did Dr Cho really retire as ‘an old man’ no longer of any use for the ministry?

No way! He’s busier than ever, engaged in TV evangelism, church growth, building inroads into North Korea and other Spirit-led enterprises. He has no intention of being an inactive ‘old age’ retiree as long as there is Holy Spirit fire in his bones! He’s still achieving for God and called on to mentor younger pastors and encourage them by sharing what he’s learned over 50 years of not always easy ‘nuts and bolts where the rubber hits the road’ ministry.

We heard also of senior ministers that have paid the price to establish their ministry and have strengthened the kingdom but are now wrongly relegated as the Peter Pan Syndrome (see final para). And last year there was a book that unjustly sideswipes older ministries and has coloured the thinking of some younger pastors. They’re latching onto its wrong premises and the Peter Pan Syndrome ‘as gospel’ and relegating older essential ministries to the proverbial green pastures.

The reality is that so-called 'oldies' such as Dr Cho will keep on going, doing their God-given part in continuing to extend the kingdom! They’re here to help; guide, release and encourage the younger generation on a valued and essential Paul and Timothy basis. Such men should be sought out and listened to!

Younger ministries have no right to condemn, criticise or knock them! Rather they need to take time out to learn, to be prepared to receive. Sure they can follow their own visions but they ought not to write-off their knowledgeable kingdom partners.

Wiser younger ministers
But, we’re glad to report that many younger ministers are boldly seeking mentoring. This will stand them in good stead over the ensuing true-faith hit years to come. Already many pentecostal churches have wandered away from ‘the old time religion that pentecostals discovered and held dear regarding the Holy Spirit, divine healing, holiness, the power of the word and pastors really knowing their sheep and truly caring for them.’

John Maxwell often talks about when he was a young, naive pastor in need of advice and encouragement. He would willingly travel miles and surprise some senior been-around-for-a-while minister by offering $100 for just an hour of his time to learn something from his wealth of experience. And look what that wise move gained him in time!

Back to Dr Cho… back in ’94, I (Robert) had the privilege of a private interview with him in Korea. Knowing that he had much on his plate in the midst of a busy congress schedule, I ensured that I wouldn’t be wasting any of the precious time he had graciously allocated me by asking questions I should have already researched. Instead I asked eight simple but relevant up-to-the-minute questions.

The final question
My eighth and final question still nutshells Dr Cho’s ongoing ministry – and indeed that of every ‘oldie’ and ‘youngie’ minister for that matter…

‘Dr Cho, if you knew that you had only one more sermon to preach, what would it be?’

With great delight, a twinkle in his eyes and a beaming smile he enthusiastically bubbled forth: ‘I would preach Jesus is Saviour!’ And I will never forget the way he joyously pronounced the name Jesus in his Korean English. Even mentioning Jesus’ name obviously brought such joy to his lips even as his quick response did to my heart.

Incidentally, I have since asked that question of other ‘seniors’ around the world such as Dr Andrew Evans, Dr John Maxwell and Dr Thomas Trask. Their instant reply? Does it come as a surprise to learn that they all said the same thing as Dr Cho? I think not! They all want to go on sharing great truths about Jesus, Christian values and kingdom principles.

Seniors are not to be written off as ‘old fogies’ but warmly embraced while they’re still around. All right, some can’t be as vitally active as they used to be due to health and other problems. But there are those like Dr Cho and others not so well known who still have one more great sermon to preach! Who can mentor with godly advice from years of experience and save younger pastors a lot of time, trouble and mistakes. They definitely are neither twigs nor twits!

No more weasel talk! No more referring to ministers over 40 as the puer asterernus Peter Pan Syndrome... a pop-psychology term used to describe adults who have never grown up but remain socially immature. All that is bad! Instead let’s listen to them! These so-called ‘old fashioned’ seniors still have much to pass on!

© 2009 Dr Robert McQuillan/Life Focus. 0309

The Pencil Principle

When the space race between America and Russia heated up many years ago, a problem encountered by both parties arose while in space. Of all things it was but a simple writing problem.

What happened was this…both American and Russian astronauts discovered that biros just wouldn’t work in outer space under various conditions. Something was needed to help them write upside down, on any surface, including glass, and in degrees ranging from below freezing cold to over 300 degrees C.

So the Americans spent US12 billion dollars on the problem searching for and creating the answer. What can we say but exclaim: ‘Wow!’

The Russians? They came up with an ordinary common, ‘garden-variety’ El Cheapo answer. A pencil! And it worked!

Keep it simple…God is a big God!
How often do we complicate matters by worrying or getting frustrated when we only have to ask our God and trust that he will bring us great solutions that are so often simple? Admittedly, many times miraculous, but nevertheless simple.

Here’s an example…some time back I was trying to fit a towel rail to the bathroom wall. A very classy towel rail, but to my mind difficult to attach because of what I thought was a tricky method of fitting required by the manufacturers.

With a frustrated edge to my voice, I turned to Maureen. That’s my clever co-minister wife, Maureen, who wears several hats include that of a professional decorator. Or, ‘Grandma’ to our granddaughter, Bonnie-Jane, coupled with ‘And, Poppa, Grandma knows everything!’

‘How can I get these two rails into their holding brackets after I’ve already screwed and allan-keyed those brackets to the wall backing ones?’ I asked. ‘There’s no leeway to manipulate them into position. It seems impossible!’

Instantly Maureen saw the simplicity of the solution. ‘Just put the rails in the holding brackets first, ‘she said. ‘Then simply hold all that against the back brackets while allan-keying those other holding brackets to them.’

Well, I just stared at the wall and then at the brackets. Then I began to smile and laugh at the simplicity of it all. Within moments I had the job done. A seeming complicated job had proved so incredibly easy!

In reality I had asked my wife and then trusted her word completely. And that’s what we have to do with our problems and in asking God.

Comforting revelation
One of the great truths and comforting revelations about our almighty God is that there is no problem or challenge bigger than he is! He has answers for all that we may face or have to decide on. And the power to deliver! He just doesn’t promise stuff, he delivers.

All we have to do is ask him in faith. Then, when we receive an answer whether through his word - the scriptures - or through a prophetic word, or directly to our heart or mind, our next step is to trust him.

Experience proves that when one is trusting our big God it doesn’t matter whatever aspect of life the problem or challenge relates to …spiritual, mind, health, finance, vision, job, family, marriage, the future…! God has the answer and cares enough to reveal it.

We just need to activate three great but simple ’A’ keys…

1. Approach
How we approach the challenges and such determines our course in life and how successful we are in winning through.

Therefore if we’re going to have a great future we firstly need a great and clear vision that our God is indeed well able to help! Read Jeremiah 29:11-13 and be encouraged.

We’ve also got to get above any kind of rubbish that would hold us back. If you don’t dream about overcoming and breaking through - and then make the plans, you won’t have much of a future or success in your breakthrough.

But note something very important - always include others, adding value to their lives. Our dreams should always include living in Christ’s freedom, putting God first, then others.

Dr Albert Schweitzer has said, ‘There are two classes of people in this world…the helpers and the nonhelpers. I’m a helper.’

Helpers are happy people who get the best of life’s kicks through being there for others. In doing so they also win through themselves!

2. Attitude
We must also have a right attitude about ourselves. Let’s stop knocking ourselves. Putting oneself down, having a defeatist attitude about life, self and the future leads to lost or smashed dreams and vision!

You are capable of achieving much in life. Believe in yourself and draw pleasure from what God has you into. Where do you derive the most pleasure? Surely it’s from following Jesus? He had the right attitude to his heavenly Father and others. You too should always have the right attitude towards others, to God and his plans, and to yourself and life itself.

Thank God for the health, strength and time you have. Treat life as a gift and a great adventure; and an opportunity to help others. Build on your strengths; don’t concentrate on the weaknesses or past failings. Determine to be a winner. Have confidence in Jesus!

3. Action
You can get all the theory right; you can plan things, dream big and make hundreds of decisions to do the right thing.

But until you swing into action, it’s all talk. The world is full of ‘gonnas!’ and the problem is that they never become ‘round tuits.’ That is: They’re always going to (gonna) do it one day. But they never get round to it (round tuit).

Now get this: The same God who promises he has great plans for us…plans for prosperity in various aspects of life… also encourages us to call on him for help (Jeremiah 29:14).

Now that’s a good idea! Calling on God in confidence.

Ask friends, spouse and others for help; but above all ask your God! After all, who knows the future better than the one who’s there already? Get his answers…so often simple and easy to follow. You’ll also get his help and strength.

Simple, isn’t it? Yes indeed but…oh we can complicate it all by worrying, wrongly it’s too heavy even for God, not being patience enough, looking at the circumstances or symptoms, or letting doubt and the enemy lie to us. In other words…making it difficult in our minds.

Hey! Remember the pencil principle! And let God come through. We will to!

Yes we can, Barack Obama and God's Grace

It was just fantastic to watch Barack Obama’s historic inauguration last week. What an impacting moment for him, with great encouragement for America; for everyone in fact and meaningful hope for a better future in these uncertain times. A notable landmark occasion.

Obama’s effective opening speech inspired much encouragement, bringing tremendous responses and applause. It spoke of assurance and hope, as well as the strong theme that there is much to be done to rectify the present problems and the answers won’t come easily nor overnight. That teamwork is a mountain-levelling key to fulfilling the current catchcry of

‘Yes, we can!’

Of course there were those who afterwards just had to criticise and subtly demean that heart touching message! When you stick your neck out to achieve something meaningful, there’s always someone ready to swing the proverbial axe! On the other hand, Christian ministries that were previously against Obama’s presidential journey seem to have changed their opinions, although some are now evincing new spiritual views such as ‘what Obama must learn from scripture and do.’

Using the name of Jesus
There was much I liked about various aspects of that inauguration…Saddleback’s Pastor Rick Warren’s invocation prayer for example. Believing he would close with the traditional use of the name Jesus, critics had quickly pre-empted themselves by publicly slamming him. But Warren brilliantly closed with ‘I ask all this in the name of the one who changed my life’ then mentioned Jesus’ name in a number of ethnic languages relevant to Americans …’Yeshua, Isa, Jesus (Spanish pronunciation), Jesus who taught us to pray…’ followed by the Lord’s Prayer, then ‘Amen.’ An inspired 1 Corinthians 12:8 word of wisdom!

I also liked the Obamas using Abraham Lincoln’s Bible during the new president’s sacred oath-taking and the ‘So help me, God’, the ‘God bless you’, the ‘God bless America’ and the affirmations of the nation’s Christian values.

But I especially liked how Barack Obama brought God and scripture (‘We remain a young nation, but in the words of scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things.’) into his challenging oratory, particularly when he mentioned that classic phrase ‘God’s grace.’ It inferred that America needs it to see the ‘Yes, we can’ become ‘Yes, we did!’

God’s amazing grace
God’s grace is something amazing. Something we can’t do without. Something we need every day and in every situation. We have a God who has done so much for us because of his great love for us. We owe him so much. In a nutshell it’s G-R-A-C-E…God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.

Whenever I hear the term, ‘God’s grace’ I’m reminded of this and how condemned, helpless and hopeless I personally would be without it. I’m also reminded of the 2007 movie Amazing Grace, a great film not merely about John Newton’s famous song came about. Oh yes, Newton is featured, brilliantly and sincerely portrayed by the ever-polished Albert Finney. And his classic line – spoken with heartfelt warmth of ‘My memory is going but two things I can never forget...I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Saviour’ - will not quickly fade from many viewers’ minds for it summarises a awesome truth.

But the overall movie is an outstanding depiction of the courage, faith and passion of William Wilberforce, fondly known as Wilber. Superb acting, eye and mind-grabbing locations and touching moments, but above all portraying a strong message of self-denial for a worthy cause and the Christian principles of justice and caring for others. A movie worth seeing a number of times.

William Wilberforce believed with a passion that he could serve his Lord and his faith and break the injustice of Britain’s slave trade. But it cost him! Nearly his life, certainly his health and his sanity at times, as well as finance, personal pleasure and time. For 30 years he fought against the wealthy, ‘the system’ and Parliament. And by God’s amazing grace, strength, wisdom and power, he won through! If you like, ‘he did it!’

Making it through principles
‘Yes we can!’ means winning through, making it in difficult times, seeing a dream come about. For America and other nations, Barack Obama and Christians to ‘make it’ we all need the touch of God’s grace.

Here are ten of the many topflight winning principles that so clearly come through not only from the movie but the scriptures…
· It’s not enough just to be involved in the cause, work, church, vision; we must be committed and passionate!
· Having a godly inbuilt love for others is imperative
· We must be prepared to ‘hang in there’ no matter what
· Enemies, even ‘frenemies’ (friends who prove to be the opposite) can be most scathing and unkind
· Youth is not necessarily a hindrance
· Faith, love, caring and Christianity are verbs, not just nouns and call for action!
· God is for real and comes through when we put him and his values first!
· There’s a meaningful difference between real Christianity death bringing ‘religious rules and regulations’
· It isn’t money or power that makes the difference in life…it’s how we use them
· No one is meant to be a slave or owned by anyone…we are all meant to be free under God – knowing that we belong to him.

The superior touching the inferior
Right from Genesis the Bible speaks much about grace. It’s an amazing word in itself, referring to a superior being stooping right down to an inferior being. It depicts the depth of the love of our God, especially as it also means an action in favour of one who has no real claim to gracious treatment.

And that’s incredible! It’s like in the story Jesus told of the last labourer hired for only an hour’s work but received exactly the same wage as the one who worked all day. God’s grace - in all its various expressions and outworkings - is indeed ‘amazing grace.’

God’s grace is power! The phrase ‘by God’s grace’ is an oft-used one, indicating that with his help we can make it. The truth is that whatever God requires us to achieve for him, he has already allocated his power to help us make it. Indeed the New Testament speaks of the grace of God being a powerful tool to those seeking to fulfil God’s vision for them.

Take Acts 14:26 (Message Bible) for example. It acknowledges that despite the hard times they encountered, Paul and Barnabas had completed their God-given task by his grace: ‘They made it…back to Antioch, where it had all started - launched by God’s grace and now safely home by God’s grace. A good piece of work.’

My encouragement is this. A superior being has touched our inferior lives. Therefore the future looks good. Despite the bleak picture the world system is painting at present, we can make it. Yes, we can! Not only can America and President Obama make it but so can every Christian who fully trusts God.

Grace is something that can touch every aspect of our lives, not just our salvation. As we minister around different churches, we’ve been telling Christians who are concerned about finance and tomorrow: ‘You are not under the world’s economy, you’re under God’s economy!’

Now that’s good news! Take it on board and let God's grace abound!

2008's Christmas Motto

Christmas is meant to be a wonderful end-of-year time. There’s a great Chrissie spirit in the big shopping centres and local radio stations are playing cherry old-style Christmas carols mingled with modern hits. It’s mid-December and the usual end-of-year hectic rush to complete getting pressies and cards is in full swing.

Next the really good Chrissie stuff will start… parties, family get-togethers, exchanging gifts, those Christmas-focused movie reruns, carol services, the ever popular annual Melbourne Sidney Myer Bowl Carols by Candlelight, traditional baking of Christmas cakes and puddings and holidays.

But for those without personal faith or a solid Christian upbringing or background, December can be a meaningless time – apart from a brief holiday and perhaps some parties and gift giving. To many, Christmas church activities and Christian beliefs about Christmas are a lot of ‘rah, rah, rah’ and ‘So what, who cares?’

There’s even been a move to eliminate Christmas from some schools, to rob children of the joy of performing in annual school Christmas plays…how sad. The truth is that today the original meaning of the season is usually neither understood nor appreciated. Santa Claus or Harry Potter or something else has replaced the true centrepiece, Jesus Christ!

Buy Now, Pay Later
For now, we’re being strongly urged to ‘Buy Now to Your Advantage!’ and with the current world financial crisis, many retail outlets have dropped their prices in order to attract us to do just that. Some stores are offering ‘No payment required until 2010!’ Even the government is giving special bonuses to pensioners and parents.

True ...the bargains are there to be had. But people need to be wise and cautious as they spend that bonus and use their credit cards. Ignoring the reality that bills will inevitably come in a month after the Christmas cheer ends, means that unless they’ve planned their finances they will be hit hard! Yet some TV news interviews and reports already indicate that many, especially young people, intend ‘spending up big’ with government incentives.

Christmas ‘spend now, pay later’ debt has relaced God’s free gift of a Saviour and trusting a generous, loving God. The unique manger scene comes across as cute but is not fully understood. Commercialism has replaced the spirit of Christmas generosity. Today’s thinking that we can save ourselves by looking out for number one has replaced the need of a Saviour due to universal sin.

Why Christmas?
Even some Christians don’t bother celebrating the true meaning of Christmas any more, yet it’s the second most important Christian event on the church calendar (Easter must always be number one!)

The Bible (God’s directions) states that ‘God so loved the world that he gave his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, as our Saviour so that we could find forgiveness of sins (our wrongdoing, faults and breaking of his laws) and discover a satisfying and meaningful life by accepting him.’ God sent Jesus some 2000 years ago…the first Christmas gift as it were…free and willingly because he cares for us and loves us.

God is good! He is love itself! It’s a God thing! God doesn’t want people being robbed of a good life and without hope for eternity or living miserably today. He wants to bless us, give us support, and all kinds of security and help.

Now most Christians realise that no one knows exactly when Jesus was born but that long ago it became traditional at this time of year for the church to celebrate his birth with carols, cheery songs and thanksgiving to God.

Our giving of presents is symbolic of God giving his present – the greatest present possible – his own Son, Jesus, to become our Saviour by dying in our place, taking on for the punishment for our sins, waywardness, and wrongdoings, even evil deeds.

What a gift! And what a right thing for us to do at this time… celebrate God’s goodness through worship and gift giving! And what a hope for 2009 and the future! - if we will fully trust in a good and generous God!

The Other Side of Christmas
Christmas is indeed meant to be a wonderful time of family, friends and fun. But it can also be a time of sadness for many.

Foolish binge drinking, deaths, marriage break-ups, sicknesses, ongoing wars, road or home accidents, unexpected incidents such as the terrible tsunami of a few years ago, funerals, evictions, job loses, further financial worries as the worldwide financial tragedy worsens for many, people on their own feeling so lonely, lost and unwanted…these tragedies don’t stop just because it’s the festive season.

We live in uncertain, dangerous times, even in our own great and blessed nation. Times of new illnesses, uncertain financial investments, terrible criminal acts, rampant pornography even against children, divorces where couples aren’t prepared to work on their problems, desertions, job insecurity and increasing subtle witchcraft. Sadly a lot of people have no real assurance of a good life at this festive season. If ever we needed the real Christmas it’s this year!

Hope and Trust
Many emails and online articles that I read indicate an absence of trust in a good, generous and loving God - even though most comes from Christian sources! For example, reports continue to remind us of the monetary downturn and the insecurities around us, but few offer real or much hope in Jesus.

Yes, no doubt God is speaking to his people but we must put our trust in him and believe that he will act on our behalf. He delights when we rely on him, as did Daniel, Moses, Gideon and other Bible heroes in their own dangerous times.

Faith is always the key! The great ‘Apostle of Faith’, Smith Wigglesworth, once said: ‘Inactivity of faith is a robber, which steals the blessing. Increase comes by action.’

We live in days when we too must exercise faith. By so doing we will gain increase of blessings, unusual provision and protection, not the reverse. Don’t be despondent, dismal or undecided no matter what the perpetual bad news reports say or if you’ve lost out with investments and have other financial worries. Don’t yield to fear and negativity - trust in God and his word and his promises will bring you through!

Your Real Christmas Motto
The great truth is that the real Christmas story eternally remains a positive one, for the Bible gives a Christmas promise of good news and positive hope…'Don’t be afraid! I bring you good news of great joy for everyone! The Saviour – yes, the Messiah, the Lord - has been born tonight in Bethlehem…Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to all whom God favours’ (Luke 2:10, 11, 14).

That was the great and welcomed message God’s angels brought to troubled hearts all those years ago. And it can do so afresh today if we reach out in faith and accept it. For today the message of hope is still real. No matter what troubles us this Christmas, we can receive awesome comfort, not just from an angel but direct from the Lord himself.

Unfortunately some people begrudge Christmas. They don’t understand its real meaning or why it’s so important to Christians – and to a shaky world. It’s good to learn that some state premiers have encouraged schools to celebrate Christmas and not be influenced or pressured by those who would stop great traditional school celebrations. That’s good advice to everyone!

As we celebrate Christmas this year, remind God that you’re trusting him and relying on him and his love and generous heart.

But think about yourself and your difficulties! Think of others. Take opportunities to share the real meaning of Christmas with others. Perhaps there’s some lonely person you can invite home or give a simple gift to. Remember when you’re saying grace for the Christmas lunch and your own presents, to joyfully give thanks for your own and your family’s salvation through the greatest of all gifts – the Lord Jesus Christ. And spare a prayer for those who do not know him or the real reason for the season.

May your own Christmas motto this year not be ‘Buy Now’ but ‘Rely Now’ indicating that you know the one you’re relying on to bring the true Christmas cheer no matter what uncertainties you or the world may be facing!

Hope for Today!
My wife, Maureen, has a favourite scripture that she repeatedly offers to people with heavy hearts…Romans 15:13: ‘May the God of hope fill you will all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.’

Hey…that’s not just a great all-year-round scripture, it’s especially good to take onboard this Christmas!

LakeLand Lament?

It was sad news indeed to learn recently that the news-attracting Lakeland Revival has ‘shut down.’ Sad not because some were priggishly saying, ‘See, I was right, it wasn’t of God and didn’t last!’ and too late came the ‘well-known big voices’ for fatherly intervention, correction and advice. But because it has meant that yet another Holy Spirit phenomena had phased out.

Yes, it was obvious that certain actions and claims needed challenging and some ground rules needed putting in place - if the blessing was to continue. But good results were happening; ministries were being bold with Holy Spirit expectancy; people were being miraculously touched and the news of a mighty God was getting out there!

It would seem that those who ran the revival down and bad-mouthed it just couldn’t see the bigger picture behind it all and praise God for the good things that were occurring during the short months of supernatural activity. Or give God, at least, some credit being original and willing to use non-perfect, but willing humans!

The bigger picture
To be frank, the Lakeland Revival’s closing has been expected for some time by those operating the 1 Corinthians 12:10 gift of discerning (incidentally, not ‘discernment’ as some repeatedly erroneously put it…that’s a completely different matter that I’ll deal with in another blog). I’m referring to those who simply were aware in their spirits that while good things were happening and God should be praised, all was not kosher.

And the bigger picture is this…at the proverbial end of the day Lakeland was yet another reason - and lesson - why Christians individually must draw close to the Holy Spirit in a meaningful and personal way; know the word and church history (especially pentecostal and charismatic) and check everything out - not just go blithely hiking here and there after ‘happenings, big names or those currently in the limelight.’

The devil is sidetracking so many these days and more distractions will inevitably come! People seek to run to certain places where it’s ‘all happening’ and to hear and be blessed by certain personalties, possibly kind of fulfilling 2 Timothy 4:3-4.

Oh it’s good, if you can, to visit and to be expecting to receive from God. But if you do, come away praying and believing for the Spirit to move in and through you and your own church! A Lakeland type revival will enrich any church!

And – very importantly – know that you can’t pinhole the Holy Spirit! When he wants to move on, or change the scenario or the personalities involved, he will!

What should we be doing now?
What do we do then about what seemed a fresh move of God that went on for several great months? Attack those involved? Write it off? Blame the devil? Revel in disappointments? How do we respond?

Very simple, especially when you realise that such pentecostal moves and personalities have come before, lasted for a while and then either mysteriously disappeared or progressed into something new and even better for the kingdom's sake, or simply set a landmark for future expectation eg revivals or outpourings such as occurred in:

• Topeka in December 1900/January 1901
• Azusa Street in 1906
• Wales, Belfast and elsewhere
• the initial thrusts of Sunderland, Holy Trinity Brompton (London), Toronto and Pensacola, and so on

And personalities such as Smith Wigglesworth have come and gone, the renowned Rodney Howard-Browne has moved on to new areas of productive service for the Spirit.

They all happened or operated differently, even unusually. But they had one thing in common…they left a legacy! We should…

1. Not write off such wonders and blame the enemy or some person or system or mishandling for everything!
2. Gratefully thank God for the wonders and healings that genuinely occurred
3. Go on, as has been requested, praying for all who have been involved. That disappointments will be dropped and great new things will happen, that ministries will be refreshed and renewed
4. Look beyond the one or place the Spirit was using (they're only gifted channels after all and the people involved are like you and me, very human! But at least they dared to be instruments of grace!)
5. Seek after the blessed Holy Spirit ourselves with all our heart. He’s the one who causes the wonders, yet so few Christians have taken the time to read the many scriptures about him and get to know him on a personal level. Or dared to be used supernaturally by him
6. Very importantly, expect the Holy Spirit to be moving powerfully in our own lives and through our local church! And even in any other new, fresh way He wants to! In other words be encouraged and find your own destiny - and your local church's - in God.

Stephen Strader is to be congratulated for his courage in boldly allowing the Holy Spirit to flow in his Ignited Church. He himself has wisely stated not knowing how long the revival would last.

Of interest, I recall way back in ’95 I was in Orlanda, Florida visiting Steve Strang’s great Charisma organisation en route to LA. It was my intention to interview Stephen’s father, Dr Karl Strader, at his Carpenter’s Church about the megachurch’s great vision for the future.

But some Charisma staff volunteered to take me down to Melbourne where the Holy Spirit was moving. As it was closer, and I had, interestingly, come from Melbourne, Australia, I decided to go there instead and was given Steve Strang’s office to phone Karl. He wasn’t available and his daughter answered (Typical guy, I’ve forgotten her name. Sorry!) With a heavy heart she shared what had unfortunately happened at that time at Carpenter’s and that her dad was under attack.

I remember feeling compelled to pray with her and then prophesied that it would all come again, that the Holy Spirit would once more move powerfully in Lakeland but at a later time and in his own way. No doubt she’s forgotten about that phone call even as I had until hearing what was happening in her brother’s Ignited Church.

The Holy Spirit did move again in Lakeland! Not because I had spoken prophetically but because he obviously wanted too – and to get our attention. And in a mighty way – even if it was only for a short season – for which we should give thanks and, having learned some valuable lessons, move quickly on!

Moving farther on
Dr Luke tells us in chapter 24: 28-29 that Jesus wanted to ‘go farther’ but the previously disillusioned and disappointed two disciples mentioned only thought of the big three S’s…stomach, supper and sleep! They missed out on something ‘farther along’ with Jesus (I have a great teaching message on this!), and they turned back to Jerusalem.

We too can miss out by remaining disillusioned and disappointed, not moving on, moving farther along with Jesus, and going back or dwelling on the past. Until the Lord returns there will always be some kind of Lakeland, praise God. Those who are believing and praying for revival – and acting boldly – will see it! And God will be praised by those blessed by the Spirit’s refreshing and refiring touch.

The challenge as always is to learn, be wise, be discerning, give thanks and move on. As Master Potter Ministries’ Jill Austin recently stated, ‘Christians should stop waiting for the next big festival to spark a revival in their cities. Every Christian has the power to ignite a revolution in his town (let’s add ‘or her’) when he pursues a personal revival in his heart. Revival is not born out of mass movements but out of a series of solitary decisions.’ (Charisma’s Streams of Revival, Oct 22).