30/10/09         FEAR NOT, ONLY BELIEVE!    

Scripture – Mark 5:36 “As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, ‘Do not be afraid; only believe’.”

 Observations – The news had come that Jairus’ daughter had died and that Jesus need not bother coming. Jesus immediately realised what effect these words would have on Jairus’ faith. Faith is the essential ingredient for a miracle and fear is a serious constraint to any miracle. Jesus therefore tackles two issues – fear and faith – dismissing one and building the other.

 Application – We also should be quick to realise when words are spoken that bring fear and erode faith – and be quick to say “fear not” and “only believe”. To Jesus death, sickness, disease and demonic bondage were easily dealt with but for other people these words can bring great fear. Not only should we help others, but speak ‘Fear not’ and ‘only believe’ to ourselves. “As soon as” we hear them its time for action.

 Prayer – Lord this is such a great word. Help me to be quick to deal with words that bring fear. Help me to remember those two phrases “fear not” and “only believe”.

27/10/09         READY TO HEAL THE SICK     

Scripture – Acts 28:8 “…the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him.

 Observations – Paul was ready to take advantage of the situation. If sickness was there he went and prayed for healing. It is not a matter of waiting for someone to ask, but going and doing what God has commanded. The man is healed and this results in everybody on the island, who are sick (having diseases) coming for healing. They were all healed. His miraculous deliverance from the snake bite and healing of the sick certainly opened the people of Malta to the gospel and to generosity.

 Application – We should be ready to pray. Sometimes our own situation can become so big in our lives that we neglect to see the opportunities that are around us. We cannot always predict the result but we are commissioned to do it whether it leads to revival or persecution. Paul experienced both – as of course did Jesus. For years the church neglected healing, but now there is much more acceptance. Those who are sick and suffering are usually ready to be healed.

 Prayer  -  Help me to be ready to lay hands on the sick. Help me Lord, to be ready for every situation and to take my eyes off myself. Lord, I am trusting You to confirm Your word with signs following.

23/10/09         HOPE OF LIFE   

Scripture – Job 14:14 ‘If a man dies, shall he live again?’

 Observations – Job is concerned that man may not live again. He sees plants that seem to die and yet come back to life but wonders about man. He pessimistically sees life as hard and if that is all there is then life is pretty short and sad. Of course he is speaking without revelation that we have and from a place of depression. We have the wonderful privilege of knowing that God raises the dead and justifies those who have their faith in God.

Application – We should be very thankful for the revelation we have of God and the great hope we have for this life and the future. What we can learn from Job is that he spoke his feelings to God. He had a heart for God. He was bold towards God – but not proud. He knew man did not have the answers and it was always best to place one’s trust in God. We also should learn to trust God no matter what is happening.

Prayer – Lord, I thank you that I know you through Christ, through Christ, through Your word and through the Spirit. I know I shall live again and that in Christ I live and move and have my being. Help me to be steadfast and true. Help me to be open with You Lord. I will live because He lives!!!

20/10/09         PRAYING IN DOUBT      

Scripture – Acts 12:16 “Now Peter continued knocking and when they opened the door and saw how they were astonished”

 Observations – The church has been praying consistently for Peter to be freed from prison however when he was freed and arrived at their place they were astonished. Rather than expecting Peter to arrive they actually had little faith that their prayers would be answered. This can be typical of us all on many occasions. We pray for people to be healed and are surprised when they are healed. This can especially become they case when we have prayed and nothing seems to have happened. The lesson is to change our mentality – way of thinking – and not so easily allow ourselves to think negatively.

 Application – We need to work on “seeing” the result we are praying for. Our words, our imaginations and our thanksgiving are all very important. I certainly can learn from this example. Fear causes us to visualise a negative result. Faith causes us to visualise a positive result. It takes discipline and time but it is worth it.

 Prayer – Lord, help us to see, act and respond in faith when we pray. Help us to be more careful with our thinking. Help us to use our imagination positively. Lord help us to pray far more effectively, as you did when you were on earth.

Di and I just wanted to say how much we appreciated your words of love and support on Sunday morning. It was completely unexpected. I didn’t know there was a “pastors’ appreciation day”.

We count it a great privilege to be pastors of this church. It is wonderful to be working together with you to make a difference in our city, nation and world.

We know more than anyone that it is all by grace. Without His abundant grace and love we would be lost.

On Sunday night we had a wonderful time of prayer as the Spirit led us to pray for Melbourne. I know that God has a special purpose for our city. The Lord has placed us all here for a reason.

There were numbers of words given that were very encouraging and that were exhorting us to pray for our city and nation.

Throughout this week let us continue to “love one another”. Let’s listen to the Spirit within. He will show us many ways we can express His great love for each other. Romans 5:5 declares that God has shed His love into our hearts. Let’s give Him every opportunity to love, not only in word, but in action.

God bless you richly!

Richard