New mercies for you today

Lamentations 3:21-24 says: This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.

Most scholars attribute Jeremiah as the author of this tiny, poetic book nestled between Jeremiah and Ezekiel. It is filled with laments over the destruction of Jerusalem. This often graphic book laments the various aspects and consequences of the sin of God’s people which of course led to the destruction of the Holy City.

The book concludes with repentance:- “Turn us back to you, O Lord, and we will be restored; Renew our days as of old, unless you have utterly rejected us and are angry with us” (Lam 5:21-22 NKJV).

The focus for today however, is on His great mercy and faithfulness. In amongst all the lamenting over the predicament in which God’s people find themselves, the author says:- “This I recall to my mind therefore I have hope” (v21). I believe it is when we choose to remind ourselves of God’s goodness and His faithfulness to us, hope can be restored.

Perhaps you’re feeling full of lament, maybe regretting some past decisions and the resulting consequences. Can I encourage you today to recall to mind His great faithfulness? His mercies (goodness, kindness and faithfulness) are new every morning. He doesn’t expect us to get by with the leftovers of yesterday’s mercies. He has new mercies for you and me today. As the writer states:- “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed.” Remind your soul (your mind, will and emotions) as David often did in his Psalms, that the Lord is your portion “Therefore I have hope in Him!” (v24). Don’t waste today’s mercies.

There is work to be done

I was reminded recently of the scripture in Ephesians 4. Paul teaches the Ephesian church on the gifts Jesus has given to His body, the church, often referred to as the 5-fold gifts or the 5-fold ministries.

In v11 he says: - "and He Himself (speaking of Jesus) gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ…” (emphasis added).

There is no shortage of people who need a healing touch from the King of Kings – the One who paid for our healing with the stripes on His back. Jesus has given gifts for the express purpose of equipping the church to do the work He commissioned us to do before He returned to heaven.

There are simply not enough pastors, ministers, and priests to do the work of the Kingdom on their own. If you are a Christian and therefore a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ then there is work to do. We don’t have to strive and strain to do this work. The only requirement is to be totally surrendered to Jesus and trust Him to work through you to see the lost found, the sick healed and the oppressed delivered. Time is short friends and if ever the world in which we live needed a demonstration of God’s love and power, it is now!

He has given these gifts in order for the saints, you and me, to be equipped to do the work of the ministry. You are IN the ministry of Jesus if you have given your life to Him. There is no distinction in the Scripture between those who are in full time or paid ministry and those who perhaps are a stay-at-home mum, school teacher, lawyer, accountant, plumber or public servant. Those He calls, He equips and qualifies to do this amazing work.

I read only today, ‘our goal isn’t to get out of this world in one piece; it’s to take as many people we can with us to Heaven!’ In other words, we aren’t here waiting for the rapture and hoping the enemy doesn’t get us in the meantime. There is work to be done and what a privilege Jesus has given us to co-labour with Him to see the lost saved.

Paul continues in v14 of the same chapter by saying the whole body grows, is built up in love and strengthened when each part does its work.

As followers of Jesus, we have been given an assignment to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers and cast out the demons (Matt 10:8). What are you waiting for? May I encourage you today to step out and tell someone of the Good News of Jesus; to pray for someone who needs healing or breakthrough and leave the rest up to Him! He is faithful to His Word and just loves His followers stepping out in faith-filled obedience.

Jesus said “if you ask anything in my Name, I will do it.” What a wonderful promise for us! That which we seek and ask for in faith we will find and it will be done for us. Let me encourage you to ask Jesus for more ‘Divine Appointments’ – opportunities for you to give away the goodness of God to those He brings across your path. Then watch and be amazed at how clever He is in orchestrating circumstances in your life as you see His love, mercy, grace and power touch people He pre-purposed for you to encounter for the glory of His matchless Name!

Walking by Faith

I have been reflecting lately on this walk of faith we are called to live as God’s children. The Bible says we walk by faith and not by sight (2 Cor 5:7). Perhaps you’re thinking that’s easy for Paul to say. He was the great apostle who authored the bulk of the New Testament. However we learn from Scripture the prophet Habakkuk first mentioned this principle of living by faith in this way… “But the just shall live by his faith” (Hab 2:4) so this is not just a New Testament concept.

The original language here for ‘live’ means: - to have life, remain alive, sustain life or to be restored to life or health. It is interesting to note here too the personal nature of faith – the just shall live by his faith. That is to say we have to exercise OUR faith, not that of our parents, the pastor or anyone else. This is a personal walk with Jesus to which we are called.

The challenge for we humans is to look past the natural - our circumstances, problems, relationship challenges, health concerns, lack or whatever it is that is seeking to rob us of faith. Of course I’m not suggesting we should live in denial. The only denial I believe we should exercise is denying the issue, problem, challenge, etc to exalt itself above the Name of Jesus and His AMAZING ability to work ALL things together for the good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Rom 8:28).

I’m the first to agree it is challenging to look past that which is staring us in the face day after day but therein lies the very heart of walking by faith and not by sight. It is counter cultural, counter intuitive but such is the very nature of faith. The Bible declares it is the SUBSTANCE of things hoped for and the EVIDENCE of things NOT seen (Heb 11:1). Further without this at times mysterious ‘commodity’ it is impossible to please God (Heb 11:6).

With the challenges facing us in the ministry here at CHR, even as I pen this article, I’m encouraged yet again to look to the author and perfecter of my faith – the One who holds the UNIVERSE in His hands and the One who notices even a tiny sparrow falling to the ground. How much more does He care about the obstacles, conundrums and challenges I face. I believe it is a daily choice to continue to look to Jesus and get my eyes off my ‘stuff’ because He tells me not to worry about today because we are far more valuable than anything in the natural realm. Jesus’ exhortation or more correctly instruction to us is to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and the things which we are so often concerned about will fall into place (Matt 6:33).

When I focus on the problems and take my eyes off Jesus, the issues before me take on ‘unholy’ or perhaps even ‘Goliath like’ proportions. In so doing I can all too easily forget if God IS my refuge and strength and a very present help in trouble, therefore I will not fear as the Psalmist said (Psa 46:1-2). It is when I remain focussed on Him and trust Him to lead me through the trial, test or valley and give me the wisdom to know what to do and how to do it, then I WILL overcome. Trust me, I’ve tried it both ways so have some experience in this regard!

The ‘default setting’ for us is to look at the natural circumstances, challenges, obstacles and fret, worry and get anxious about the magnitude of the issue or the immovable nature of this problem. Indeed so often there doesn’t seem to be a way through. However, my Bible says if God is for me then who can be against me (Rom 8:31). He’s the One who parted the Red Sea; He’s the One who calmed the storm; He’s the One who fed 5000 men with 5 loaves 2 fish and there were 12 baskets of leftovers! He’s the One who defeated the enemy armies coming against Israel with the worship team (see 2 Chron 20). He’s the One for whom nothing is impossible! He’s the One who can soften hearts and move mountains – why would we put our trust in anyone or anything else! I love what King Jehoshaphat said when facing certain defeat – “we don’t know what to do but our eyes are upon You!” (2 Chron 20:12)

When you don’t know what to do – keep your eyes on Him because He surely knows the end from the beginning!

So let me encourage you today to lift your gaze heavenward, choose to focus on Him and remind yourself of the promises He’s given you. Choose each day to look only unto Jesus the author and perfecter of your faith. He will complete the good work He began in you until He calls you home or you meet Him in the air when He returns!

Trust and Obey

Obedience isn’t a very popular word these days. However, it is so vital in our Christian walk and I believe essential for long term fruitfulness in our lives. As a (much) younger man, we sang a hymn in church by the same title as this article. “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”

Obedience is something with which mankind has struggled right from the very beginning of creation. Adam and Eve were given everything to enjoy in the Garden of Eden and there was only one tree in this vast paradise they weren’t to touch. Yet they were unable to obey and we still live with the consequences.

We read in Scripture ‘partial’ obedience is not obedience at all. 1 Sam 15 tells the story of King Saul’s failure to obey the Lord’s commands. He had been told to wipe out the enemy, the Amalekites, but Saul thought it best to keep their king and a few of their choice animals. He further thought it best to offer the sacrifice to the Lord in his impatience in waiting for the prophet Samuel to arrive (who was the only one authorised to do so). On his arrival Samuel said to Saul ‘what have you done and what is that I hear?’ (the bleating of sheep, and the lowing of the oxen). Samuel speaks those famous words to Saul “to obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Sam 15:22). Saul thought his definition of obedience, which in today’s language would be ‘near enough is good enough’ was adequate. However, we see from his actions the Lord rejected him as king and from this point onwards, his reign came to an end.

Sometimes the Lord asks us to do things which simply don’t make any sense to us. Obedience though is what is required. Jesus only did what He saw the Father doing and only said what He heard the Father saying. Why else would He make mud and put it on a blind man’s eyes? (John 9:6). The disciples obeyed Him when He told them to have the multitude sit in groups of 50 prior to multiplying 5 loaves and 2 small fish which fed the entire crowd with 12 basketfuls of leftovers. (Luke 9:14). This surely made no sense to the disciples but for the miracle to happen they had to obey.

Jesus didn’t have a ‘near enough is good enough’ approach to His ministry. He was obedient even to death on the Cross. The Bible declares “…He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” (Phil 2:8). That is radical obedience!

After His resurrection, some of the remaining disciples were out fishing, having returned to what they knew best. They’d been fishing all night and caught nothing. Jesus called to them from the shore and asked if they’d caught anything to which they replied “No”. He told them to cast their net on the other side and the catch was so great they couldn’t pull it into the boat. This was the second of two miraculous hauls of fish brought about through obedience!

It's a simple but profound concept – If you want His (Jesus) results you have to do it His way. I read this quote by Randy Clark recently. “My obedience is not conditional on my ability to understand but rather on my willingness to obey.” (The Healing Breakthrough p191).

In praying for the ill and injured there are many mysteries some of which may not be fully understood this side of eternity but if we waited until we have full understanding of why this one is healed and another is not, we would never step out in faith and minister healing to anyone.

Moses was obedient when he struck the rock with a piece of wood and out gushed water to refresh the grumbling Israelites. He was obedient when He reached the Red Sea and was told to “lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it. And the children of Israel will go on dry ground through the midst of the sea” (Ex 14:16 NKJV). This would have made no sense whatsoever to Moses with the Egyptian army bearing down on them. Notice the Lord didn’t say to him “I will part the sea for you.” He told Moses to divide the sea – something which Moses had clearly never done before!

We could look at Abraham, Joseph, Gideon, Daniel, Isaiah and many other heroes of the faith and see time and again where obedience brought either breakthrough, a miracle, victory, abundant provision and so on.

Many times in the Healing Rooms, we have seen people healed when we simply obey that which the Holy Spirit is telling us to do – even though on several occasions it may seem more than a little ‘unusual’. If it was good enough for Jesus, then it’s good enough for us! I remember witnessing a young girl in India delivered of a demon when a visiting Pastor, following a prompting of the Holy Spirit, in obedience placed his Bible (the sword of the Spirit) on her head. The girl, who had been screaming violently, with several other Pastors yelling at the demon in a failed attempt to cast it out, which only made things worse and brought more shame and embarrassment to this poor child, was completely calm and in her right mind in about 10-20 seconds.

So let me encourage you to ask the Father what to do in each and every situation in which you find yourself and then step out in obedience and watch heaven come to earth in a powerful way.

Trust and obey for there’s no other way…

How is your highway

A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. Isa 40:3-5

Isaiah was of course speaking of the coming Saviour some 650 years prior to His birth and the message of John the Baptists as he preached in the wilderness a baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

This image of a highway being prepared for the coming King was a metaphor for us preparing our hearts to receive Jesus as Lord and master. The wilderness or desert is of course a place of trial, challenge and obstacles.  Life on this earth is not clear of these obstacles or challenges but our faith should not be hindered by them.  Instead, we are encouraged to make a straight path for the Lord to enter our hearts by removing the exalted mountains of pride or arrogant thinking and humbling ourselves for His service. We are to make straight paths for those around and about us to enter into a relationship with Him by living a life ‘attractive’ to the kingdom. By this I mean lives which bear witness to the goodness, grace and power of God to others.

The Lord promises to keep in perfect peace, those whose minds are stayed on Him (Isa 26:3) The Hebrew word for ‘perfect peace’ is of course shalom which has within its meaning completeness, safety, soundness, welfare, health, prosperity, quiet, tranquillity, contentment and friendship with God. It is a far more powerful word than the English word peace.

As we intentionally develop a highway of holiness for the Lord to enter our hearts, we are promised this perfect peace – just dwell on that promise for a few moments.

The righteous are assured of a smooth and level path. “The path of the righteous is level, O upright One, you make the way of the righteous smooth” (Isa 26:7). Despite obstacles, challenges, twists and turns throughout this life, I believe the Lord will always make a way through these challenges.  Looking back over the course of my life, it’s had its share of obstacles, some of which at the time seemed insurmountable, however I can truly testify the Lord has always brought me through to a better place and made a way where there seemed to be no way.

We can’t do anything to earn this righteousness of which the Bible speaks.  It is a free gift of grace to those who would invite Jesus into their hearts and surrender Lordship of their life to Him.  As has been said if He’s not Lord of all He’s not Lord AT all.

“For He (God) made Him (Jesus) who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Cor 5:21 (NKJV) 

This lasting and all-pervading peace is promised to those who are humble and whose minds are stayed on Him – literally this means to lean upon, brace oneself, rely on.  This promise is assured for those who lean upon His wisdom, grace and strength.

Truth not lies

“God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?”  (Num 23:19).

What a magnificent promise for us!  This is a rock solid assurance for us as followers of Jesus that anything He says is truth and there is no chance of Him changing His mind because He’s had a better offer or He didn’t feel like keeping His promise.  He is never double-minded and is the same yesterday today and forever (Heb 13:8).

The Bible contains thousands of promises and it has been said around 7400+ of them are directed from God to mankind.  That’s more than 20 promises per day in which we can delight!  Of course it goes without saying we are speaking here of promises made by the Creator and Sustainer of life to those He’s created.

Why is it then we are too often more inclined to listen to the voice of the one to whom the Bible names the father of lies and in whom there is NO truth (John 8:44)?

The facts are what you feed grows and what you starve dies.  This is so true when it comes to listening to God or the enemy of our souls.  Each time we listen to the devil’s lies we give him more and more ‘access’ or inroads to our soul. Not only that when we come into ‘agreement’ with his lies through fear and doubt we actually empower him. The Bible says he only comes to rob, kill and destroy and the main damage he tries to inflict is in our mind.  If he can get us to believe his deception(s) then he has won that battle. 

Jesus paid for our complete healing – body, mind and spirit as we see in Isa 53:4-5.  If He died just for our sins this would have been more than enough. However, His death on the Cross of Calvary also ensured we could have peace in our minds and our emotions.  What a Saviour!

The Apostle Paul also gave us a key to experience healing in our minds.  “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”  He goes on to explain the promise attached to this method of dealing with our anxiety. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:6-7 emphasis added).

The word used for ‘guard’ here in the original language has within its meaning the concept of a military sentry ‘standing outside the door’ of our mind.  What a wonderful picture this paints for us.  An armed guard stationed at the entrance to our mind – that’s peace!  We can remain calm in the midst of storms which invariably come when we bring our concerns, and requests before the throne of God with thanksgiving.  He knows what we need before we do and assures us we are far more important than the sparrows none of which fall to the ground without His knowledge (Matt 10:29-31).

Let me encourage you to give the Lord your anxious thoughts and rest in the peace He affords which is beyond our understanding.

One step at a time

We are all familiar with the call of Abram in Genesis 12. God told him to leave his country, his people and his father’s house and go to the land He would show him. In other words leave your place of safety, security and familiarity,  trust Me and I will show you where to go.  It’s interesting to note the Lord didn’t give him the final destination or even details of what might befall him on the journey but a simple instruction to leave where you are and go to the place I will show you.

We learn from the first few verses in Genesis 12 there would be promises attached to his obedience:- “I will make you a great nation, I will bless you…and make your name great.”  Abram was 75 when he received this instruction and yet we read in v4 “so Abram left as the Lord had told him.”

How did he reach his destination?  One step at a time!  When many people would be contemplating how to spend that phase of retirement, Abram stepped out in obedience into the great unknown and I believe it’s fair to say it was a blessing the Lord didn’t show him then exactly that which lay ahead.

I was reminded this morning of a bushwalking trip I was on in the South West wilderness area of Tasmania more years ago than I care to remember. A group of us had hiked all day in the summer heat and we reached our campsite adjacent to a lake late in the afternoon as the sun began to sink below the surrounding mountains.  I remember looking at the map and realising our challenge for the next day began with a steep climb of around 800m up the Ironbound range (aptly named for sure). This range looked huge from our perspective.

The morning broke after a good nights’ sleep with the sound of heavy rain and strong winds battering the tent.  We packed up and set out on the next leg of our journey – one step at a time.  By the time we began our ascent of this huge mountain range, the rain with icy sleet was coming in horizontally driven by what seemed like cyclonic winds.  There was no turning back. We had to press on as there were deadlines to meet in order to complete our 14 day hike.  I remember quite vividly, I just had to focus on the next step. To look up was daunting to look out was frightening as the lightning began to flash ever closer.  Just another step and we were closer to the summit which had to be reached in order to not only see what was on the other side but of course to continue our journey. 

Let me encourage you.  No matter what mountain you are presently facing, be it health challenges, financial, relational, emotional or spiritual, it is overcome one step at a time.  Each and every day is a gift from God and ever so precious.  If we focus on the height or width of the ‘mountain,’ it will invariably appear unclimbable but I have learned over the years to just focus on the next step of the journey.  When I’ve done this (and I don’t get it right every time), it has amazed me the mountains that seemed too high, too wide, too hard, too huge or too catastrophic with the Lord’s strength and power have in the fullness of time been traversed, climbed and conquered and often not quite in the way I had expected.

Integrity, character moral strength and a Godly reputation are built one day at a time. It is not an instant or overnight process.

So keep focussed on the next step and trust Holy Spirit for the wisdom and strength to guide you on the path Father has for you. Let me leave you with Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord withallyour heart, and lean not on your own understanding, inallyour ways acknowledge Him and Hewilldirect your path.”

Wisdom’s benefits

“My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you” (Prov 3:1-2 ESV).

I love the book of Proverbs! It is so rich in wisdom and practical advice for everyday life. As I often say: - “If we want heaven’s result, we must ‘do life’ heaven’s way.” These two verses at the commencement of chapter 3 give us one of the key principles for healthy living and a long, fruitful life.

Solomon, the principal author of Proverbs and perhaps the wisest man to ever live, encourages us with these instructions for Kingdom living. We are to build our lives on God’s Word, keep His commands (statutes) and in so doing, we add length of days and peace to our lives. The word here for peace in the original language is ‘shalom’ and contains within its’ meaning completeness, safety, soundness, welfare, health, prosperity, peace, tranquillity, contentment, friendship, and every good thing. What a remarkable word and how ‘inferior’ is our English word ‘peace’ when it comes to describing the truly wonderful blessings the Lord has in store for those whochooseto live by His statutes. 

They add length to our life and assure us of peace even in the midst of life’s challenges. May I encourage you to meditate on all of the attributes of the Hebrew word shalom and consider how you can more fully live by God’s ways in order to bring healing, wholeness and longevity to your life?

A new hunger

We are certainly witnessing a new hunger for the things of the kingdom in recent days.  There is a fresh outpouring of God’s Spirit in so many places.  No doubt you’ve heard about the move in Asbury in Kentucky.  Perhaps it’s a little too early to put a ‘label’ on it however no matter what it is called, there is a fresh new hunger for His Presence. This is manifesting itself in so many young people turning to the Lord in worship, repentance, prayer and hunger for His Word. I’ve read this move has now spread to around 100 colleges or universities with similar effects in a generation which has been called the most depressed generation to ever live.

During the recent Celebrate Jesus conferences hosted by Healing Rooms Australia we too witnessed a greater hunger for His Presence in those attending.  Jesus said those who are hungry and thirsty for righteousness will be filled (Matt 5:6).  Those who attended came to worship Him and press into His Presence.  They weren’t gathering for an ‘event’ and I believe that made a profound difference to the atmosphere in the meetings.  From the very first note of worship Holy Spirit’s presence was very evident which flowed over into the preaching and ministry times.  We are still receiving testimonies of so many who were powerfully touched but His Healing power.

I believe we are moving from gathering around a message or sermon (both of which are great and most worthwhile) to gathering around His Presence.  Jesus inhabits the praises of His people and in His Presence there is not only fullness of joy but perfect liberty.  When we worship Him in spirit and truth, I believe we create and environment or atmosphere where the impossible becomes possible and we will see more miracles, signs, wonders and those who have been in ‘captivity’ to sickness, disease, depression and addictions  being set free!

We witnessed not only so many physical healings, but powerful inner healing in so many who attended and simply pressed in to ‘touch the hem of His garment.’

We are so grateful to the Lord for His Presence in these meetings in 3 cities and we give Him all the glory and praise for the great things He did in so many lives!

From Darkness to light

Paul writing to the Colossians in Chapter 1 v9 says “For this reason, …we have not stopped praying …and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.”(Emphasis added)

A vital part of our healing journey is the amazing truth attached to the redemptive power of  Jesus’ accomplishment at the Cross.  Paul’s prayer for the Colossians in the first instance is they would be filled with the knowledge of God’s will for them.  This applies equally to us so many years later.  In order for us to walk in the strength and victory which Jesus purchased for us at Calvary we MUST know experientially not just intellectually, the power He has given us.  Further, it is by this growing knowledge of God’s will in our lives that we are strengthened to run this race of life with endurance, confidence and joy.

Jesus has rescued us from the darkness of the world and satan’s kingdom and ‘conveyed’ us into His wonderful Kingdom of light.  The original language in this passage has within its meaning a legal transaction whereby title is transferred from one to another, similar to that which takes place when a property is purchased.  The title deeds for the property are transferred or conveyed by means of a legal transaction from one owner to another.

When we surrender our lives to Jesus, there is a ‘legal transaction’ which takes place.  We no longer belong to the kingdom of this world. We are conveyed, transferred if you like, to the Kingdom of God with all the associated blessings and benefits.  The devil no longer has any legal claim over our life.  What a wonderful Saviour we have!

I understand we are still living in a ‘dark’ world and it seems at times the darkness is getting darker.  However I’m reminded that when the light shines darkness has to leave.  Jesus said “let you light so shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven (Matt 5:16).” Light dispels or displaces darkness.

Verse 10 of this great passage in Colossians gives the reason why we are to be filled with this growing knowledge of God:- that we may walk worthy of the Lord, be fully pleasing to Him, and to befruitful in every good work! My desire is to be fruitful in every good work. Jesus has a plan for each of our lives and part of that plan is to be fruitful, not through striving but simply by abiding in Him (see John 15). He has given us everything we need in order to live a life worthy of Him and as followers of Jesus we should always be shining His light from our lives – to the glory of His great Name.

Winter Appeal 2023

A short video about our Winter Appeal. Please help us raise the vital funds necessary to continue the ministry at CHR. You can read how you gift will be used here

God goes to great lengths!

There is a wonderful story in 2 Kings 20 of King Hezekiah who was sick to the point of death. God’s spokesman of the day, Isaiah, came to essentially tell the king to get his affairs in order as he is about to die. The Bible tells us Hezekiah wept bitterly before the Lord. In this remarkable healing story, before Isaiah had time to leave the king’s palace, God had spoken to him and told him to go back and tell the king his life was to be extended by fifteen years.

I’m sure Hezekiah was thrilled to get this news but he, like so many of us needed confirmation he would be healed. Hezekiah asked for this sign to be that the shadow on the sundial would reverse 10 degrees. This is a remarkable request! In order for this to happen the rotation of the earth around the sun would have to be reversed for approximately 20 minutes! This is in fact what happened as we read in v11 “So Isaiah the prophet cried out to the LORD, and He brought the shadow ten degrees backward…”

God so often goes to great lengths to prove His love and faithfulness to us right throughout Scripture and still to this day. We have so many testimonies of His healing power and presence in people’s lives over the last 18+ years at CHR. We were encouraged and 're-inspired' recently as we reviewed some of the remarkable healings that took place under the ministry of John G. Lake back in the early part of last century. In a 5 year period over 100,000 medically documented healings were recorded despite having a tragic loss of life in his own birth family prior to this healing revival breaking forth. He was one of 16 children and by the time he was married his parents had buried 8 of his siblings. Notwithstanding, the healing power of Jesus broke into their family with the miraculous healing of a brother and sister both of whom were at death's door. What flowed from that time was a remarkable healing revival from which the Healing Rooms were birthed - now in 65 nations around the world. God is the same yesterday today and forever (Heb 13:8) and His mercies are new every morning (Lam 3:22-23). He demonstrated His love and grace towards king Hezekiah by ‘reversing the universe’ and went to the ultimate length of sending His Son to pay for our salvation, healing and deliverance! What an amazing loving Father!

INTENTIONALLY SPIRIT LED

Another year has begun at Healing Rooms and we have great anticipation to see what the Lord will do this year.  The Lord has prompted us to be more intentional and more Spirit led.  Whilst it is fair to say we have always endeavoured to be both intentional and Spirit led in all we do at CHR, we really sensed the Lord calling us to 'take it up a notch or two' in both these areas.

We re-opened for 2021 on 1st February and right on the stroke of 6pm, when our time of worship began, the heavens rang out with thunder, lightning and torrential rain. Without wanting to appear too spiritual, we took this as a sign of ‘open heavens’ over the ministry this year and went home very encouraged with the commencement of 2021!

As I began to ponder the many examples of those who were truly Spirit led in scripture, I was inspired, encouraged and amazed at the consistency of flow-on effects in so many of these stories of obedience and faith. Space doesn't allow me to exhaustively cover the myriad of examples so let's just consider a few.

We read in Genesis 6 God spoke to Noah and gave him instructions on how to build the ark. V22 of the same chapter says " So Noah did everything exactly as God had commanded him" (NLT).  In other words, Noah was led by God and his obedience brought safety and security for his family.

Abram set out from his hometown and in obedience to the Lord's instructions (Spirit led,) set out for the place God would show him.  He was intentional.  He didn't know his destination at the point of departure but in obedience put one foot after another and the Lord prospered him and his family.  (See Gen 12:1-3 & Gen 13:1-6).

The Israelites, despite their grumbling and sinful ways for 40 years were (Spirit) led. When the pillar of fire and cloud moved, they moved.  God supplied all 
their needs.

David inquired of the Lord “shall we go up against the enemy?” (or not) – totally Spirit led – ‘yes go up’ on one occasion and ‘no don’t go up’ an another.  Many would be familiar with these accounts.  Victory, increase and advance is assured when we are led by the Spirit.  It’s not about our age, experience or ‘runs on the board’.  David was a man who had defeated lion and bear with his hands and yet still found it necessary to ask the Lord how to approach each battle.   We can take a lesson from him.
 
Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to prepare Him for what was to come – if it was good enough for Him how much more do we need to be Spirit led?

We know from John 5:19 Jesus could do nothing of Himself but only what He saw the Father doing.  He therefore demonstrated to us what was possible when a man/woman is truly led and empowered by the Spirit.

We need a move of the Spirit and for those who would respond in obedience to go where He says to go and do what He says to do.

 
Rom 8:14 says “for as many as are LED BY THE SPIRIT, THESE are the sons of God.”  I don’t know about you but I want to be known as a son of God! (son here is used generically and of course includes daughters)

 
If you read the book of Acts, time and time again, we see the apostles being led by the Spirit. Peter was called to go to Cornelius’ house. Paul and Barnabas were set aside for a specific task or mission destination. Acts 13:2 says "While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said – set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them. They laid hands on them and sent them off."
 
What were the results of this Spirit led obedience? We read in v49 of the same chapter, the "Word of the Lord spread through the whole region", and they spoke so effectively a “great number of Jews and Gentiles believed.”  (Ch 14:1)

 
Another blessing of this Spirit led obedience – they spoke “boldly for the Lord who confirmed the message of His grace by enabling them to do miraculous signs and wonders.” (See Acts 14:3)

Many times, we read in the book of Acts, the apostles preached the good news in this city or that city and the kingdom of God continued to grow.

We know from Acts 16 the Holy Spirit prevented Paul and his companions from preaching in Asia. Paul then had a vision of the Macedonian man calling him to come there and preach.  He travelled there in Spirt led obedience, preached and there was increase once again in the Kingdom. Even though he and Silas had to spend some time in prison – the jailer and his family came to the Lord.  This is further evidence of the fruit when we are 'intentionally Spirit led.

Already this year we have experienced powerful ministry sessions as we are endeavouring to be more intentional and more Spirit led.   We have also received some very encouraging feedback which of course is always welcome!

A wise man once said "nothing changes until it changes.”  Let me pose these questions to you. What can you be more intentional about this year?  How can you be more Spirit led? Holy Spirit is SO interested in all the details of our lives and truly desires to lead us into a deeper relationship for the glory of Jesus.

The Lord is calling each of us to be led by His Spirit into all He has prepared in advance for us to do and experience in His mighty Kingdom.  Would you join us in being more intentionally Spirit led in 2021?

A MEASURE OF FAITH

A MEASURE OF FAITH

I have been pondering on the prayers I hear quite regularly of people nearly begging God to ‘give them more faith’ or ‘God increase my faith’.   I confess I feel uneasy in my spirit when I hear this type of prayer and I am unable to be in agreement with the person praying.  As the Word of God is our benchmark, our yardstick, I have been searching the scriptures to see if this particular prayer actually lines up with God’s Word.  Here is what I found…….

We read in Romans 12:3    “…..as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.”  A measure speaks of a specific, a confined amount.  

The apostles even asked Jesus in Luke 17:5 ”…..Lord, Increase our faith”.  Jesus’ response in verse 6 was “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea’, and it would obey you.”

Jesus put the onus back on them – if you have faith, you can say…. He didn’t say to them ok here is an extra dose of faith – NO – He was saying to them to use their faith – to build up their own faith.  To put their faith into practice.

We read in the great ‘Faith’ Chapter in Hebrews 11…. (I encourage you to spend some time in this chapter yourself.)

                        By faith Noah…..

By faith Abraham.…

                        By faith Moses……..

                        By faith Joshua…….

After all the ‘by faith’ statements, an ‘action’ ALWAYS followed!  

Noah built an ark; 

Abraham left his country and offered up Isaac

Moses forsook Egypt, kept the Passover and passed through the Red sea safely on dry ground

Joshua obeyed the Lord and the Jericho walls came tumbling down

FAITH and ACTION go hand in hand.  God has given us a specific measure of faith – what are we going to do with it?  Are we going to use it or have it fade away and become weak and useless and eventually die?  OR are we going to build our faith muscles and see it grow and bear much fruit?  

Imagine speaking to a body builder and saying “I want the strength and the muscles you have spent many years of blood sweat and tears working at developing – please give me your muscles and your strength.”  And then walk away expecting to have huge muscles, without putting in any physical effort – it’s nonsense.  It’s not going to happen.  The only way we can build our physical muscles is to be intentional in lifting weights, training daily etc.  An action is actually required!

And it’s the same with our ‘measure of faith’. We actually have to do something to see it grow and bear fruit.  Each time we minister at the Healing Rooms we are developing our faith muscle; we are increasing and building on the measure of faith God has given us.  When we lay hands on the sick and believe for healing to flow – we are increasing our faith.  When we hear a Word, or receive a picture or a Scripture verse from the Father for the client and we pass it on – we are increasing our faith.  When we are obedient to His voice and follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit to pray for someone in the street, or shopping centre, or a neighbour – we are increasing our measure faith.  When we receive a Word of knowledge and pass it on to someone – we are building our faith muscle.  Whenever we operate in the gifts of the Spirit, we are increasing our measure of faith.  

In contrast, we read in John 3:34 “God does not give the Spirit by measure”.  There is no limit from His side in releasing the power and presence of the Spirit.  Jesus received the fullness of the Holy Spirit when he was baptised and walked in the power of the Spirit whilst He was here on earth.  We have access to the fullness of the Spirit just as Jesus did because we have the same Spirit living in us that raised Jesus from the dead. (Rom 8:11).  

In summary of my findings, if we have the fullness of the Spirit (not given by measure), and we have a measure of faith given to each one of us, then we can intentionally build our faith muscles in the power of the Spirit – ‘By FAITH…… followed by an ACTION.  The onus is on you and me – so my challenge to us all is – what are we doing with the measure of faith we have been given!

God Bless

Roslynne

HOW GOOD IS YOUR NEWS?

Have you ever received some really great news?  Perhaps an engagement, pregnancy, exam results, job offer…. you can fill in the blank. 

What did you do with this news?  How many people did you tell?

There’s a story in the Bible about a huge famine in Samaria. People were so hungry they were eating their children! In today’s terms dove’s dung was around $320/kg and a donkey’s head around $1000.  Not sure if you’ve ever looked but there’s not a lot of meat in a donkey’s head!

Four lepers were outside the city and their conversation went something like this… “If we go into the city we’ll starve, if we stay here we’ll starve so let’s go over to the enemy’s camp and surrender at least we might get a meal.  If they spare us we live, if they kill us then we are dead anyway!” (See 2 Kings 7).

They went over to the enemy camp and the place was deserted!  God had made a sound of a large army which caused the Aramean army (the enemy) to run for their lives leaving all their belongings behind!

The four lepers reached the edge of the camp, went in and ate, drank and carried away silver, gold and clothes.  They began to gather all the plunder left behind.  They said to each other “what we’re doing is not right.  This is a day of good news and we are keeping it to ourselves!  Let’s go at once and report this to the royal palace.” They went to the gatekeepers, shared the good news with them and the gatekeepers shouted the news across the palace.  Good news travels fast!

The king thought it was a trap but when he sent 2 chariots to check it out, they found the camp empty and the Arameans had fled with such haste they found the roads strewn with clothing and equipment.  They returned to the king with the GOOD NEWS!  It wasn’t a trap and God’s people went in to the enemy camp and plundered it so much so, the famine was over in 24 hours! 

It isn’t right to keep good news to ourselves!

When David brought the ark back to Jerusalem, set it in place and offered the sacrifices and burnt offerings he proclaimed a Psalm of thanks. “Proclaim the good news of his salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations and His marvellous deeds among ALL peoples.” (1 Chron 16:23-24)

We celebrate the birth of our Saviour in just a few weeks!  The news the angel brought to the shepherds was good news of great joy for ALL people.

We read many times in the gospels where Jesus healed someone & said to them ‘don’t tell anyone, just go and show yourself to the priest.’ However, on many occasions the person who had been healed, or delivered of their demons not surprisingly went and told everyone they could and His fame spread throughout the entire region.

Jesus went throughout Galilee teaching…preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing EVERY disease and sickness among the people – news about Him spread all over Syria, the people brought all their sick friends to Him and He healed them all! (Matt 4:23)

Let me pose this question. Has the good news of Jesus and what He’s done, and doing in your life still good news, and worth telling others about or has it become ‘humdrum’ in your busy life?

I would put to us all, (me included) we need to remember the GOOD NEWS not just of salvation, but what living a life with Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, the One who holds the universe in His hands, is really all about.  Friends, it’s worth getting excited and enthusiastic about! 

If the good news has become old news because the (initial) impact Jesus had on your life happened many years ago, perhaps it’s time to recall the wonder, awe and power of when you first met the Saviour or when you were first empowered by His Spirit. 

This good news is simply too good to keep to ourselves! It’s better than passing final exams, learning of another grandchild on the way or anything else this world has to offer!

I encourage you this Christmas to re-visit the good news of Jesus once again and be filled afresh with His mighty Spirit.  Step out again to tell others the good news just as David encouraged us to do.

May you have a wonderfully peaceful and blessed Christmas as you focus on the One who died so that you and I might have life and have it abundantly!

WALKING BY FAITH

I have been reflecting lately on this walk of faith we are called to live as God’s children. The Bible says we walk by faith and not by sight (2 Cor 5:7).  Perhaps you’re thinking that’s easy for Paul to say. He was the great apostle who authored the bulk of the New Testament.  However we learn from Scripture the prophet Habakkuk first mentioned this principle of living by faith in this way… “But the just shall live by his faith” (Hab 2:4) so this is not just a New Testament concept.

The original language here for ‘live’ means: - to have life, remain alive, sustain life or to be restored to life or health. It is interesting to note here too the personal nature of faith – the just shall live by his faith. That is to say we have to exercise OUR faith, not that of our parents, the pastor or anyone else. This is a personal walk with Jesus to which we are called.

The challenge for we humans is to look past the natural - our circumstances, problems, relationship challenges, health concerns, lack or whatever it is that is seeking to rob us of faith. Of course I’m not suggesting we should live in denial.  The only denial I believe we should exercise is denying the issue, problem, challenge, etc to exalt itself above the Name of Jesus and His AMAZING ability to work ALL things together for the good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Rom 8:28).

I’m the first to agree it is challenging to look past that which is staring us in the face day after day but therein lies the very heart of walking by faith and not by sight.  It is counter cultural, counter intuitive but such is the very nature of faith. The Bible declares it is the SUBSTANCE of things hoped for and the EVIDENCE of things NOT seen (Heb 11:1). Further without this at times mysterious ‘commodity’ it is impossible to please God (Heb 11:6).

With the challenges facing us in the ministry here at CHR, even as I pen this article, I’m encouraged yet again to look to the author and perfecter of my faith – the One who holds the UNIVERSE in His hands and the One who notices even a tiny sparrow falling to the ground. How much more does He care about the obstacles, conundrums and challenges I face.  I believe it is a daily choice to continue to look to Jesus and get my eyes off my ‘stuff’ because He tells me not to worry about today because we are far more valuable than anything in the natural realm. Jesus’ exhortation or more correctly instruction to us is to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and the things which we are so often concerned about will fall into place (Matt 6:33). 

When I focus on the problems and take my eyes off Jesus, the issues before me take on ‘unholy’ or perhaps even ‘Goliath like’ proportions.  In so doing I can all too easily forget if God IS my refuge and strength and a very present help in trouble, therefore I will not fear as the Psalmist said (Psa 46:1-2). It is when I remain focussed on Him and trust Him to lead me through the trial, test or valley and give me the wisdom to know what to do and how to do it, then I WILL overcome. Trust me, I’ve tried it both ways so have some experience in this regard! 

The ‘default setting’ for us is to look at the natural circumstances, challenges, obstacles and fret, worry and get anxious about the magnitude of the issue or the immovable nature of this problem.  Indeed so often there doesn’t seem to be a way through.  However, my Bible says if God is for me then who can be against me (Rom 8:31). He’s the One who parted the Red Sea; He’s the One who calmed the storm; He’s the One who fed 5000 men with 5 loaves 2 fish and there were 12 baskets of leftovers! He’s the One who defeated the enemy armies coming against Israel with the worship team (see 2 Chron 20). He’s the One for whom nothing is impossible!  He’s the One who can soften hearts and move mountains – why would we put our trust in anyone or anything else!  I love what King Jehoshaphat said when facing certain defeat – “we don’t know what to do but our eyes are upon You!” (2 Chron 20:12)

When you don’t know what to do – keep your eyes on Him because He surely knows the end from the beginning! 

So let me encourage you today to lift your gaze heavenward, choose to focus on Him and remind yourself of the promises He’s given you. Choose each day to look only unto Jesus the author and perfecter of your faith. He will complete the good work He began in you until He calls you home or you meet Him in the air when He returns!

SIN & SICKNESS

Solomon, the wisest man to ever live, on completion of the building of the temple, offered a prayer of dedication to the Lord (1 Kings 8:22-61).  In this prayer he makes several petitions (requests) and declarations to the Lord on behalf of the people.

He begins with a declaration of the goodness, might and faithfulness of God towards His people – always a good place to commence in prayer!  He then proceeds to pray into the many areas of life that befall us as humans.  When we wrong one another, when we are defeated because of sin our life, when the heavens are shut up and there is no rain and so on.  He entreats (asks earnestly) the Lord to bring justice, restoration, forgiveness, send the rain etc in order for healing to come.  He concludes in v56 with a declaration of praise and recognition for all the promises given by Moses none of which had failed to come to pass.

There are some wonderful keys for us in this passage.  When we approach God for healing, be it physical, emotional or spiritual an excellent place to begin is with a declaration of His goodness, might and power – not because He needs reminding, but in order to remind US of His exceeding great power that is at work towards those who believe (Eph 1:19).

Confession of any known (or unknown) sin is next ‘on the agenda.’  David made it clear in Psalm 32 when he kept silent, in other words when he tried to hide or deny his sin (in this case with Bathsheba), his bones wasted away. He was literally sick to the bones and indeed suffering physically because of hidden sin in his life or perhaps more correctly the issue of him trying to hide or deny his sin.  His vitality was likened to a drought in summer (v4).  He then has a pause moment – Selah. Once he had acknowledged and confessed his sin, he was forgiven and his health restored.

Please be assured here I am not in any way saying if you have sickness in your body there must be sin in your life.  All I am trying to make clear from the Scriptures is there is a place for examining our hearts and minds and allowing the Holy Spirit to reveal to us any areas needing His illuminating touch.  It takes courage to allow God’s Word to shine into those recesses in our heart where we may have been harbouring unforgiveness, bitterness, jealously etc or even trying to conceal an area of sin.  God sees all sin as sin.  Covering it up and trying to hide it only makes matters worse.  Repentance simply means agreeing with God.  The Bible says ALL have sinned and fallen short of His glory (Rom 3:23) but John reminds us that if we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

Let me encourage you today to ask the Lord to shine His light into any areas of your life that need illumination in order for healing to come – trust me it’s a wonderful thing to do and His restoration and healing is always given in measure abundantly more than you could imagine!

SACRIFICE & HEALING

We read in the latter part of the final chapter of second Samuel the prophet Gad had instructed David to go and offer a sacrifice to the Lord on the threshing floor of Araunah. 70,000 Israelites had died in the plague. In obedience David went to Araunah and offered to purchase his threshing floor.

Araunah said to David ‘there is no cost take whatever you want’ indeed he went further and said ‘here are the oxen and the wood required for the sacrifice.’  David made it clear to him that he would not sacrifice to the Lord that which cost him nothing. So David bought the entire threshing floor and the oxen and paid Araunah the going rate for this.  David then built an altar there and sacrificed the oxen he had purchased on this altar.  The Bible says “the Lord answered prayer in behalf of the land, and the plague on Israel was stopped (1 Sam 24:25 NIV).

Despite being offered a gift by the landowner, David wasn’t prepared to make a sacrifice to the Lord without it costing him something.  Too often, I believe we want a quick fix or a quick answer for which there is no cost on our part.

How often do we ask God to fix something in our life, no matter how big or small and expect Him to perform a miracle for us without the least bit of effort on our part? Have you ever asked the Lord to take away your anger, pride, selfishness, jealousy, bitterness or greed but not been prepared to make the necessary adjustments to attitude or behaviour patterns in order to cooperate with Him?  He’s always willing to do His part if we are willing to do ours.

In this story in the book of Samuel, we see the plague was stopped, in other words healing came to the entire nation of Israel once David had made a costly sacrifice to the Lord.  Now clearly in our time we don’t have to offer up sacrifices of oxen, sheep or goats.  However, I do believe there must be cost to our sacrifice in order for the healing to come to the issues previously mentioned.  The Bible say to gain our life we must lose it (Matthew 16:24-25). The way up in the kingdom of God is down. In other words we must humble ourselves before the Lord will raise us up (1 Peter 5:6).

One writer has said unless we experience some sacrifice, we haven’t truly given.  So when we make an offering to God or ask Him to ‘fix’ those parts of our life that perhaps are unholy, hurtful to others and ‘anti-Christ’ i.e. against His best for us there simply must be a cost to us.  We must be prepared to offer up (surrender) these things to Him and then watch and see what He will do with our sacrifice.

A STRONGHOLD IN THE STORM

The LORD is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him. (Nahum 1:7)

The city of Nineveh had repented following Jonah’s reluctant visit to this gentile city.  However about 100 years later the people had reverted to their old ways of idolatry and pride. We are reminded in the verse of today God is good and a stronghold in the day of trouble.  Despite the wickedness of those around and about us, those who know God and put their trust in Him are promised shelter and strength in His Presence.

 His promise of protection and deliverance is seen throughout scripture from cover to cover. ‘Those who put their trust in Him will never be put to shame’ (Rom 10:11).

 We are assured in this verse in Nahum that God knows those who trust in Him.  He knows us intimately and understands we are frail human beings.  The strength and victory for us comes from knowing Him intimately and trusting Him for protection, provision and victory in the midst of battle.  We learn from Scripture His ways of winning battles always confounded the enemy. From the sounds of armies marching in the trees (2 Sam 5:24); to the sounds of chariots, horses and a great army (2 Kings 7:6); or using a young boy with a small stone and a sling to bring down the uncircumcised Philistine, Goliath! He has and always will be creative in the manner in which He chooses to win battles on our behalf.  All He requires of us is childlike trust in His ability to make a way where there seems to be none.

 Psalm 23 verse 5 reminds us He prepares a table before us in the presence of our enemies.  I love the picture this paints. Our enemies have to sit and watch while we enjoy the richest of fare. God has a wonderful way of bringing vengeance to our enemies and victory to us no matter how dire the circumstances may appear.

There are so many 'storms' around us in these uncertain times. Let me encourage you today – God is an unshakeable stronghold in the day of trouble.  May the magnitude of His strength and power strengthen your soul!

A CALL TO PERSEVERE

As I reflect on the past 18 years of ministry at CHR, I'm reminded again of the need for perseverance.  It's relatively easy to look back and recall the highlights. However, just like most things in life, the many highlights have been punctuated with challenges, twists and turns, discouragement and the odd trial or two. 

It has been said many times, ‘this life of faith is a marathon not a sprint.’  This is of course a problem for us in the fast paced 21st century where we have fast food, fast cars, fast internet and expect fast solutions to our problems.  It is also a huge challenge for those of us for whom the words ‘cross country,’ 800m or 1500m at the athletics carnival, had us thinking of any and every way to fake an injury. Perhaps to even inform the PE teacher our dog had just swallowed our 10,000 word essay on the benefit of physical fitness! I have some very painful memories of the cross country in high school – perhaps I need inner healing.

Coming back to our topic, James put it this way in v4 of chapter 1 – “perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (NIV).  There is a clear progression here.  We can’t expect maturity, completeness and fulfilment if we lack perseverance or patience as other translations render it.  The word mature has within its meaning a fully grown adult; something that is perfect or something requiring nothing further to make it complete.

This verse of course follows James’ exhortation to count it joy when we face trials, because in the correct environment and heart attitude, the testing of our faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance is therefore a fruit which grows from us exercising our faith. Clearly, perseverance is a character trait worthy of pursuit!

By correct environment, I mean an environment of faith and expectancy. One which says ‘come what may, I know God works all things together for my good and I trust Him to turn this test into a testimony, this ‘detour’ into a demonstration of His power and faithfulness for the glory of His Name’.  If we give up, throw in the towel and allow bitterness, disappointment or resentment to enter our heart, we will never be mature and complete lacking nothing.  Trials lead to the testing of our faith, testing of our faith leads to perseverance and perseverance leads to maturity. 

If we ‘short circuit’ the process, or even try and hurry it along with our ‘clever’ solutions, we run the real risk of remaining ‘immature’ (incomplete, still needing work) in respect of this particular trial or challenge.  As I look back over the course of my life, I see quite clearly those times where my clever ideas or solutions to various trials may have appeared to ‘fix’ the issue at hand.  However it comes as no surprise that unless we learn the lessons in the trials we can rest assured they will come around again until we do.  It’s like an exam you get to sit over and over until to pass it.  This too has been my experience.

There will always be another trial or test along the way but wouldn’t it be wise to learn lessons on the way so we can move onwards and upwards?

The Bible promises us we will reap the reward if we don’t give up. Gal 6:9

I was reminded recently that Evan Roberts as a young, uneducated man of 14, prayed for 11 years for revival to come to Wales before the Holy Spirit fell in a small mining town.  Over 100,000 people came to faith in the following year as a result of his perseverance!

We have had to persevere at CHR over the last 18 years.  Yes of course we have seen much fruit and yet there is more fruit to be harvested in the years ahead.  In the scheme of eternity we have only been at this a very short time. Perhaps it’s even fair to say some fruit may not be fully known or understood this side of glory but let me encourage you to persevere in whatever is before you at present.  The Father is incredibly faithful and only has the best for His children.  If He is saying ‘no’ to you on a particular issue, it only means He has a better ‘yes’ in store.  Wouldn’t it be a shame to give up, pull back or allow disappointment, resentment or regret rob you from His best for you. 

Let’s be people who persevere so we may be mature and complete – lacking nothing!