Responding to God Orchestrated offenses(Part 1).

Dear friends,

Warm Greetings for this season in which we celebrate the birth of our saviour and Lord Jesus Christ. His birth is THE promise and hope of every generation since the first century and the basis for hope and optimism in this New Year season.Several weeks ago, i began reading the book of Job as part of my private devotion. It was also as a result of my own quest to discover more about why prayer sometimes remains unanswered. In the process i discovered a number of scriptural patterns which reinforced a number of convictions i have held.. This includes the following:

1)The conviction that God does not originate Human suffering.
2)That God is a good God.
3)Human suffering is one of the visible signs of the existence of evil.
3)Since the fall of the first couple, the human race has been in legal subjection to Satan and his kingdom of darkness(Colosians 1:13,Ephesians 6:12).
4)Every 'truly' good gift to a human person is a blessing that
comes from God(James 1:17).
5)Human suffering began in the garden of Eden when the first couple 'Adam and Eve' yielded to temptation instigated by Lucifer. He was by then disguised as the serpent.
6)As a result of one act of disobedience , a Divine order in which God had reigned through the heart of mankind, was interrupted.
7)As a result of this Act of disobedience future generations of the first couple became immediately 'enslaved' to an evil order all their lives.

SATAN WAS THE CAUSE OF JOB'S SUFFERING

In Job's case for example, Satan introduced the idea of afflicting Job and then later implemented this idea by CAUSING JOB'S SUFFERING FIRSTHAND(Job 1:6-11).In Job's life the suffering he endured made him extremely vulnerable to temptation but he stood firm(Job 1:22).I am using the Contemporary English Version(CEV)in which that verse reads 'in spite of everything,Job did not sin or accuse God of doing wrong'.

When we read the story of Job we know Satan to be the accuser whose aim is to discredit Job by turning God away from him. This is also the ultimate aim of any affliction or harassment. They are primarily initiated by Satan and his kingdom to turn individuals away from God. ONE OF SATAN'S PRIMARY OBJECTIVES IS TO CAUSE OFFENSE!I did a brief Internet search for the meaning of 'offense'. The free online dictionary gave four different meanings. Here are some of them:
a)A state of being offended b)A violation or infraction of a moral or social code, a transgression or sin c) A transgression of law.

A SIGNIFICANT MORAL QUESTION CAN BE RAISED ABOUT WHAT OCCURS BEHIND THE SCENES IN A SITUATION SUCH AS JOB'S! WHY DOES GOD PERMIT SATAN TO AFFLICT JOB AN INNOCENT PERSON WITH THE DEGREE OF SUFFERING HE EXPERIENCED?

IS GOD BEHIND INDIVIDUAL OFFENSES?

Everyone who has done an in depth cross examination of the truths declared in scripture will notice that God is consistently good and benevolent.Satan had already made the discovery about God's goodness in the life of Job.In the story of Job 1:9-12,Satan said to God

'why shouldn't he respect you?''Satan remarked.''YOU ARE LIKE A WALL PROTECTING NOT ONLY HIM,BUT HIS ENTIRE FAMILY AND ALL HIS PROPERTY. YOU MAKE HIM SUCCESSFUL IN WHATEVER HE DOES,AND HIS FLOCKS AND HERDS ARE EVERYWHERE. V11 TRY TAKING AWAY EVERYTHING HE OWNS, AND HE WILL CURSE YOU TO YOUR FACE.''.

Praying for others Anonymously(Part 3)

A prayer of consecration

Heavenly Father, we give to you all that we are and all that we have
The best way we know how. Please take what we give to you
and use it to the praise and glory of your name.
Fill our lives with your presence and make Jesus visible in what we are
And in what we do. We surrender our wills, our emotions and everything
We aspire to be. Please take what we surrender to you and use it to the
Glory of your son Jesus. This is our prayer of consecration in the name of
Jesus Christ our Lord and our saviour.
A SAMPLE PRAYER
You may add a prayer for your loved ones mentioning them by their first names as in this sample;
e.g. We pray for Charles(Ivy’s Dad you insert a relative’s name from your dad’s side) , William(my dad again insert your relative’s name),
Kate (Ivy’s mum but insert your relative’s name) and Ernestine (my mum but again insert your relative’s name).
Keep THEM IN YOUR PROTECTION (Ivy and I prefer to say Keep them in your protective chamber).
ENABLE them to LIVE THEIR LIVES IN FULL ON THIS EARTH, AND ALSO MAY THEY DO SO IN A THRIVING RELATIONSHIP WITH YOU UNTIL YOU
CALL THEM HOME. WHEN YOU CALL THEM, MAY IT BE TO AN ETERNITY IN YOUR PRESENCE. We pray for all the babies (we try to name them in our families
And always remember Sapphire too). LORD WE PRAY FOR EVERYONE CONNECTED TO KATE, ERNESTINE, CHARLES AND WILLIAM, our parents (we mention Jacques our son then
Siblings )other relatives (Ivy usually mentions mine and I mention hers). We pray by mentioning specific things we are aware of such as a well known health problem, a recent financial crises
But we pray along the same lines for relatives as we pray for our parents.
1. WE ENDEAVOUR TO ASK FOR EACH PERSON TO EXPERIENCE A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH
JESUS IN THEIR DAILY LIVES HERE ON EARTH,
2. THEN WE PRAY THAT THEY WILL LIVE THEIR FULL LIVES ON EARTH AND NOT DIE PREMATURELY. WE RECALL SOME
OF THE NATURAL CAUSES OF DEATH OR SOME OF THE PRECIPITATORS OF DEATH LIKE HEALTH PROBLEMS, PERHAPS AN ACCIDENT
AND WE BRING THIS UP TO THE LORD ASKING FOR SPECIFIC PROTECTION.
3. IF WE ARE AWARE OF A CAUSE OF STRESS IN A INDIVIDUAL FAMILY MEMBERS’ LIFE WE ASK GOD TO INTERVENE OR TO ENABLE US
TO BECOME AN INSTRUMENT OF BLESSING.
4.Depending on the needs we have already been informed about via internet etc we usually mention our friends and family in a general sense. If we know of a specific need we are able to specify.

The most remarkable thing about praying in a structured organised pattern is that we often do this in bed whilst the kids are tucked in bed. Often we are able to climb out of bed and kneel by the side of the bed. On Friday nights if we know we are not out early on a Saturday, we can pace to and from(one end of the room to the other)praying.There isn't pressure to keep awake especially if it has been a heavy day at work. If one of us falls asleep the other continues. If we both fall asleep God by His spirit often sees to it we are awake(atleast one of us)to continue when there is an urgent need.Sometimes through a dream or by a prompting of natural thirst.After the drink one gets the prompting to stay up a bit and pray for someone in need. Occassionally we are able to share this needs with others.
(to be continued in the new year)
God Bless you

John

Sharing in Each others suffering(pt 8)

In each of these reflections I have tried to present some principles about how to respond when it appears that God is silent to our pleas for His intervention. In previous reflections I asked some of the following questions:

Have you ever brought a situation before God in prayer? Did it involve a reasonable deadline which was missed? Does it appear that God has remained silent even though all your presumed deadlines had been exceeded?

My cherished friend,i want encourage you with statement.If your answer to any of the above questions is in the affirmative, perhaps a straightforward 'yes', then we have a common quest in these series of reflections on sharing in each others suffering: Our quest is to discover how to respond to our needs the way God will want us to respond.In order to do so our response must be in line with God's Word . When our response is in line with God's word,OUR LIFE OPENS UP! THEN WE BECOME BETTER ACQUAINTED WITH OUR PURPOSE FOR BEING HERE!

In a previous reflection i said that God has a specific response to each of our situations. But this is not necessarily our chosen method of delivery.Iam also recognising a pattern that God has used in scripture to illustrate how He touches our lives.
JESUS CHRIST SPEAKS TO US ABOUT OUR OWN NEED AND OUR OWN PAIN AS WE GET INVOLVED IN THE PAIN AND THE NEEDS OF OTHERS.IF THERE IS GOING TO BE A RESPONSE FROM GOD ABOUT HOW HE DEALS WITH OUR PARTICULAR NEED IT IS LINKED TO BEING INVOLVED IN THE NEEDS OF OTHERS.THE PROBLEMS OF MY NEIGHBOUR ARE DESIGNED BY GOD TO SERVE AS BRIDGE OVER MY OWN TROUBLES. IF I BECOME DETACHED AND INSENSITIVE TO THE NEEDS OF OTHERS THEN I AM GOING TO BE STARVED OF THE VERY ANSWERS I AM LOOKING FOR IN MY OWN SITUATION!

Beloved friends,how did Jesus Christ respond in His time of need.Please COME WITH ME ON A BRIEF JOURNEY TOWARDS HIS PASSION AND THE CROSSROADS OF OUR ETERNAL DESTINY. In Luke 22:41-45 'Jesus walked on a little way before He knelt down and prayed,v42 Father ,if you will, please don't make me suffer by having me drink from this cup.BUT DO WHAT YOU WANT,AND NOT WHAT I WANT.V43 THEN AN ANGEL FROM HEAVEN CAME TO HELP HIM.V44 JESUS WAS IN GREAT PAIN AND PRAYED SO SINCERELY THAT HIS SWEAT FELL TO THE GROUND LIKE DROPS OF BLOOD. V45 JESUS GOT UP FROM PRAYING AND WENT OVER TO HIS DISCIPLES. THEY WERE ASLEEP AND WORN OUT FROM BEING SO SAD. V46 HE SAID TO THEM, WHY ARE YOU ASLEEP?WAKE UP AND PRAY THAT YOU WON'T BE TESTED'

Beloved friends,In our 'journey towards the passion of Jesus Christ' we are first of all confronted with our own crossroads.It is the same crossroads that the disciples were confronted with two thousand years ago!Let me explain a bit more about the 'crossroads'. Well the disciples were left in no doubt that Jesus Christ was the jewish messiah, the Christ and in others words God's Annointed one. He was also God's beloved son. Which means He COULD OVERCOME ALL EARTHLY POWER ATLEAST! They knew this much!
When Jesus Christ was being arrested they expected Him to DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!As the 'son of David' they expected a 'Goliath slaying performance' to say the least.The lastt thing they were expecting was a SURRENDER! That was not in their theology.They had made no provision for 'arrest','imprisonment' and 'execution' in their theology.
Dear friend, DO YOU HAVE ANY PROVISION FOR SUFFERING IN YOUR THEOLOGY? EVEN IF YOU DON'T GOD STILL DOES!A human will that is totally and unreservedly surrended to God is the key that unlocks our eternal destiny in God. The individual who responds the way God wants him/her to a daily basis is in a nutshell sharing in the fellowship of Christ's suffering.The essence of the Christian faith is to identify with Jesus Christ in His moment of greatest need.In His moment of suffering.What was the response of the disciples? We needs to understand their response because that characterises the responses that are being given to Christ today. Today the suffering of Jesus Christ is still continuing. But this time He is wearing a disguise by not suffering in the physical form of a middle easterner from a place called Galilea. Jesus Christ HAS COME CLOSER HOME.His suffering is now being represented through the daily suffering and struggles of the vulnerable people we encounter in our life. In our families, in our Churches, and in our community. If we ignore the needs of those around us in a real sense we are ignoring the suffering of Jesus

In the process of responding to the needs of others in our family, in our church, in our communiy and in our world we uphold God's principles to the standard He has outlined in scripture.
In John 19:25 Jesus mother sood beside his cross wih her sister and Mary the wife of Clopas,Mary Magdalene was standing there too. v26 When Jesus saw his mother and his favourite disciple with her, he said to his mother,''This man is now your son.'' v27 Then he said to the disciple,''She is now your mother''.From then on, that disciple took her into his own home.
Jesus has given us the example to conduct our lives by. His situation then provides the guidelines to follow when we are confronted with adverse situations. In part 9 i would like o provide a few suggesions about how to be creative in siuations where relationships are dysfunctional. Because of this sometimes we suffer an element of rejection from those we try to reach out to. In other words how to respond when those in need do not see their need.(to be continued)


God bless you

John

Sharing in each others suffering(part 7)

Dear friends,

BACKGROUND:
Warm greetings to everyone reading this part of a series of reflections based on 1 Corinthians 12:26’. This verse says that 'if one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.' 1 Corinthians 12:26.In each of these reflections I have tried to present some principles about how to respond when it appears that God is silent to our pleas for His intervention. In the previous reflection I asked the following questions: Have you ever brought a situation before God in prayer? Secondly did that situation also involve a reasonable deadline which was missed? Thirdly does it appear that God remained silent even though all the deadlines had been exceeded?

In addition I made this affirmation: My cherished friend, if your answer to any of the above questions is in the affirmative, perhaps even a straightforward 'yes' then we have a common quest in this reflection: To discover how to respond in line with God's Word, and uphold His truthful principles when we are confronted with such a situation.
In part 6 i also began giving some examples from the Bible about how two individuals were under pressure to respond in very difficult circumstances: Ruth in the Old Testament and Peter in the New.

In conclusion to reflection part 6 I express some of my deepest convictions on the following issue: Friends, i personally believe God has a specific response to each of our situation. He will respond to us although HE MAY NOT CHOOSE TO COMMUNICATE IT THROUGH THE MEDIA WE CHOOSE.I BELIEVE JESUS CHRIST SPEAKS TO US ABOUT OUR OWN NEED, OUR OWN PAIN AS WE GET INVOLVED IN THE PAIN AND THE NEEDS OF OTHERS.I believe that if there is going to be a response from God about how He will deal with our particular need it is linked to being involved in the needs of others. I INTEND TO EXPLAIN THIS A BIT MORE IN THE NEXT REFLECTION.

Friends in line with the commitment I made i want to share about how Jesus Christ speaks to us about our own need and pain by becoming involved in the pain and the need of others.Today i want to give three examples from the Bible. Job, Daniel and the example of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In Job 42:10 it states that 'AND THE LORD TURNED THE CAPTIVITY OF JOB,WHEN HE PRAYED FOR HIS FRIENDS: ALSO THE LORD GAVE JOB TWICE AS MUCH AS HE HAD BEFORE.

Beloved friends, DID YOU NOTICE THE TIMING IN JOB'S RELEASE FROM CAPTIVITY? IT HAPPENED AFTER HE MOVED THE FOCUS AWAY FROM HIMSELF AND BECAME CONCERNED ABOUT THE NEEDS OF HIS FRIENDS. EVEN THOUGH THOSE WERE THE VERY FRIENDS WHO HAD BEEN CRITICAL ABOUT HIM AND BLAMED HIM FOR HIS MISFORTUNES. THEY HAD BURDENED HIM WITH ALL THE THEOLOGICALLY CORRECT REASONS WHY HIS SUFFERING MIGHT HAVE BEEN CAUSE BY A HIDDEN SIN AGAINST GOD.

Let me give you another example of this principle.Daniel 9:3-6 and with particular emphasis on v20-23'And WHILES i was speaking and praying, and confessing my sin AND THE SIN OF MY PEOPLE ISRAEL AND PRESENTING MY SUPPLICATION BEFORE THE LORD MY GOD FOR THE HOLY MOUNTAIN OF MY GOD
YES WHILES I WAS SPEAKING IN PRAYER, EVEN THE MAN GABRIEL, WHOM I HAD SEEN IN THE VISION AT THE BEGINNING, BEING CAUSED TO FLY SWIFTLY, TOUCHED ME AT THE TIME OF THE EVENING OBLATION.

AND HE INFORMED ME , AND TALKED WITH ME, AND SAID, O DANIEL, I AM NOW COME FORTH TO GIVE THEE SKILL AND UNDERSTANDING. AT THE BEGINNING OF THY SUPPLICATIONS THE COMMANDMENT CAME FORTH, AND I AM COME TO SHEW THEE; FOR THOU ART GREATLY BELOVED: THEREFORE UNDERSTAND THE MATTER, AND CONSIDER THE VISION. Then the Angel Gabriel God's messenger gave Daniel an interpretation or insight to the vision.

Dear friend, the above examples of Job and of Daniel illustrate a very important principle. The answer to the request they made to God is linked intricately to the needs of others.In subsequent reflections i intend to illustrate this principle by sharing example from both the Old and the New Testament of the Bible. In conclusion i want to share a very unique example in Luke 22:50,51 when Jesus was about to be arrested: And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, AND CUT OFF HIS RIGHT EAR. AND JESUS ANSWERED AND SAID, SUFFER YE THUS FAR. AND HE TOUCHED HIS EAR, AND HEALED HIM.

Friends, this is the ultimate demonstration of Victory. Jesus Christ in His moment of deep hurt, after being betrayed by someone He had ENTRUSTED things to care for REACHED OUT TO HEAL. NOTE THAT HE DID NOT RECOIL INTO HIS SHELL. HE DID NOT GET DEPRESSED BUT HE DEMONSTRATED THAT EVEN IN HIS HURT HE COULD HEAL THE HURTS OF OTHERS.BECAUSE OF THIS, HE RELEASED HIMSELF TO BE USED BY GOD'S HOLY SPIRIT. THEREFORE IN THE DARKEST HOUR OF HUMAN HISTORY THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD MOVED FREELY AND CONTINUED TO SET DIVINE TIMING IN FULFILLMENT OF GOD'S WILL IN SCRIPTURE.

Beloved, you will never access ther answers you are looking for in a lifestyle of self indulgence. No amount of self-centred giving to any organisation whether spiritual or secular would help you gain access to the answers you are looking for.We must give with the motive of helping someone. Never in the hope that the gift would take care of our responsibility towards others. Inspite of numerous attendances to spiritual convocations, inner life conferences some wonder why they haven't arrived at the answers you are seeking. Well you are not alone in the statistics of those who have tried a host of methods. But then the answer is not in more self indulgence.

FOR ONCE MOVE HE FOCUS AWAY FROM YOUR OWN NEEDS.DIE TO THIS DESIRE TO HAVE AN ANSWER AND REACH FOR GOD'S IDEAL.HIS IDEAL IS THAT AS YOU TOUCH SOMEONE WHO IS IN NEED AND HURTING HE WOULD TAKE CARE OF YOU(TO BE CONTINUED).

John

Sharing in each others suffering(part 6)

Dear friends,

Warm greetings in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I want to begin this reflection by asking you three specific questions.

Have you ever brought a situation before God in prayer? Secondly did that situation also involve a reasonable deadline which was missed? Thirdly does it appear that God remained silent even though all the deadlines had been exceeded?

My cherished friend, if your answer to any of the above questions is in the affirmative, perhaps even a straighforward 'yes' then we have a common quest in this reflection: To discover how to respond in line with God's Word, and uphold His truthful principles when we are confronted with such a situation.In this part i will give some examples from the Bible about how two individuals were under pressure to respond in very difficult circumstances: Ruth in the Old Testament and Peter in the New.

Because these series of reflections are really about 'Sharing in Each others suffering' i need to identify the meaning of suffering within this conext
Individuals, families and whole communites experience a degree of suffering when they ask for a Divine Intervention or for God's help in prayer but do not appear to receive any response.In such a situation we feel vulnerable. Then we are under pressure a)to give up b)to give in to a compromise or c)give in to values that are different from our own.

An example of how suffering placed pressure on an individual can be illustrated in the response Job's wife gave to his suffering.As she watched her husband's body ravaged with disease and boils she said to him '.....Are you still holding on to your intergrity?Curse God and die!''(Job 2:9).

Many individuals respond to suffering as Job's wife did.They build a lot of resentment against God over a period when no feedback is received from Him.

Others go quickly for a plan B rather than wait any further for God's help. They leave God out of the equation of their day to day decisions.There are examples in the Bible of individuals who appeared to leave God out of the picture for a while due to a temporal setback or hardship.

A lady called Naomi for example went to a land called Moab (Ruth 1:1-15). It is not clear how she could have practiced her faith in a land known for idolatory and promiscuity(Numbers 25:1-5). Something about the land of moab was associated with 'temptation' then compromise and 'premature death' as a result of God's judgement. However, it seems Naomi,and her husband with their two sons were under pressure to DO SOMETHING IN ORDER TO SURVIVE.SO THEY TOOK THE RISK AND WENT TO THE LAND OF MOAB(Ruth 1:1-2).

What was not surprising is that tragedy occurred in the land of Moab. Naomi lost all his family that she had arrived in Moab with. It was at that stage through some deep reflection, Naomi decided to return to her land where she could practice her faith.

It is not clear if Naomi , her late husband Elimelech and sons actually practiced idolatory or any of the sins prevalent in the land of Moab.But there is a good example about how an individual under tremendous pressure actually participated in the values of those around him.This is the story of Peter when he denied Jesus Christ (Matthew 26:69-75).

Perhaps each of us reading this have at one stage or the other struggled for meaning to our particular struggle. It becomes more difficult to cope if after a geninue effort to listen to God we still cannot identify His respone.

Friends, i personally believe God has a specific response to each of our situation. He will respond to us although HE MAY NOT CHOOSE TO COMMUNICATE IT THROUGH THE MEDIA WE CHOOSE.I BELIEVE JESUS CHRIST SPEAKS TO US ABOUT OUR OWN NEED, OUR OWN PAIN AS WE GET INVOLVED IN THE PAIN AND THE NEEDS OF OTHERS.I believe that if there is going to be a resonse from God about how He will deal with our particular need it is linked to being involved in the needs of ohers. I INTEND TO EXPLAIN THIS A BIT MORE IN THE NEXT REFLECTION. I want to share his scripture with you 'If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it.' 1 Corinthians 12:26(to be continued)

God bless you

John

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Dear friends, let us conduct a spiritual health check on ourselves.
Jesus Christ says in His word 'Behold I stand at the door and knock,
if anyone hears my voice and opens the door and lets me in, I will
come in and dine with him/her and him/her with me (Revelation 3:20
paraphrased). Anyone who accepts God's diagnosis of his/her
spiritually and morally bankrupt status and 'surrenders' every excuse
to God is opening the door to the PRINCE OF PEACE! The penalty for sin
is a life of disillusionment and an uncertain eternal destiny which is
'guaranteed' to include a sort of capital punishment for the human
soul. But eternal life or life that issues from God but continues in
His presence even after we depart this earth is guaranteed when we
surrender our lives to Him.
Please join me in prayer and let this be a sincere prayer from the heart too that you say audibly:


Dear Jesus, son of the living God, I recognise that I am a sinner. I
repent from my sin and surrender my life to you. Please forgive me of
and cleanse me with your precious blood. I invite you into my heart to
live in me and be my saviour and Lord. Thank you for saving me. Amen.



Thank you for praying and if you have received this e-mail because it
was forwarded to you by a friend or family do let me know by e-mailing
me at john@vocation4lifefoundation.org. Meanwhile, if you are praying
this prayer sincerely for the first time find a Bible or contact me to
send you one. In addition ask God to lead you to a church that
believes and teaches the truth of God's word, especially that Jesus
Christ is the only name given among men whereby men and women can be
saved(Acts 4:12).

Praying for others Anonymously (Part 1)

Dear friends,


Please join me in praying for a critical need/situation:

Heavenly Father, someone within a critical situation, or in a critical need is in desperate need of divine intervention. Dear father your word says that if one person is suffering that suffering is shared by other parts

Of the body. Please heal the part of the body, which is ‘my body’ represented by an individual with a desperate need. I may be a physical health problem, even close to the last breath. Please reverse the medical

Or surgical situation and bring about a miraculous intervention, bring about hope in tha particular situation, healing within that body, health and newlife within that family situation again. LORD INTERVENE EVEN IN THIS ELEVENTH HOUR, even do so in the mighty name of Jesus the Christ(or Anointed Messiah) Amen.

Thanks John.

Visit our website at www.vocation4lifefoundation.org

Praying for others Anonymously (Part 2)

Dear friends,

I listened to an audio tape on the remarkable result of a pastor praying anonymously for an individual he often saw walking on the pavement as he drove by. One day whilst leading a session in his church he noticed ushers escorting this particular individual to a sit. First there was anonymous prayer and an actual live experience of the answer to prayer. This preacher had the unique opportunity to share about how that individual could experience a personal relationship with Christ from his pulpit.

1. Anonymous prayer gives birth to favorable set of circumstances both in our family, society, our country, other nations of the world and our planet..
Version: KJV James 5:13

Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms v14Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him,
anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: 15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
16Confess [your] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

2. Individual prayer benefits ‘ANYONE’ who is suffering (NAS version) or ‘afflicted’. We are only A PRAYER AWAY FROM GOD’S HELP OR HIS INTERVENTION (DIVINE INERVENTION). When we come to God in prayer, we need not be elaborate. We can get straight to the point after a very brief acknowledgement of our Heavenly Father. We often need to come to God with questions and unresolved issues..
Version: RSVJames 1:5-8

5. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all men generously and without reproaching, and it will be given him. 6. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7. For that person must not suppose that a double-minded man, 8. unstable in all his ways, will receive anything from the Lord.
If our model of prayer is patterned after a kind of detached form of communication used in some religious meetings we would not come away from the prayer experience very confident. The experience can be likened to being in a press conference among hundreds of journalists trying to get the attention of a politician. As if that is not trying enough, we also have to persuade that politician to tell the truth or admit to some facts by our careful probing! Meanwhile the politician is skillfully avoiding all probing questions. Meanwhile it is obvious he/she is either lying or trying to hide something. After a while many of the journalists present no longer bother pursuing the ‘facts’ but simply report or publish their own ‘twist’ on events. THE GOODNEWS IS THAT GOD IS IN NO WAY LIKE OUR CONVENTIONAL POLITICIAN. INFACT HE WILL GRANT US AN AUDIENCE IN WHICH WE ARE THE ONLY ONE REPRESENTED. HE WILL ALSO ANSWER OUR MOST SEARCHING QUESTIONS DURING SUCH AN INTERVIEW
Version: RSV Matthew 6:5-8

5. "And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 7. "And in praying do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
3. Corporate prayer within a local church setting results in physical benefits which can be linked to the covenant between God and His people. But why do we not experience a lot of physical healings and answered prayer in a lot of our local churches today? My perspective is that a lot of our local churches are being built after an OLD COVENANT PROPHETIC MODEL INSTEAD OF CONTINUING WITH A NEW TESTAMENT APOSTOLIC MODEL AS SHOWN IN THE ACTS OF APOSTLES(to be continued)

Sharing in each others suffering

Dear friends,



I have got Jacques and Sapphire literally ‘mounted’ on my shoulder and singing out just to get my attention away from writing. Jacques has tried Cartwheels and Sapphire has been trying to

Stand on one leg on a chair. She knows she could tumble and fall…but also knows I am more scared of that happening than she is. Sorry I am sending this twice but I pressed the send button

Quickly before Sapphire could try the delete button and I had meant to say hello to all of you and ask for God to bless you too. Don’t quit but send your needs to the Lord in prayer. He can

Handle our frustrations. He won’t judge us for being honest. If in doubt check King David out in the psalms. It is okay to ask God ‘why He seems to have forsaken you’



Such honesty brings about deep revelation and greater understanding about the purposes of God in our lives. I remember in 1997 sometime before my thirtieth birthday, I asked God why He created

Me. I had been going through a deep sense of desolation, and on that particular occasion I sunk to the floor in such despair which probably explains why I asked God such a question. Well, God

Spoke to my heart and gave me direction in the form of a stern rebuke not to question His wisdom in creating me. I later understood that whereas I could seek understanding of the purpose of

My existence, I was not supposed to ask the other question.



Dear friend, is your suffering more than you can bear? Well, meet a fellow sufferer. My very life has been full of challenge after challenge which is not always obvious when you give accent only to

results of God intervening in my life. If only you knew that what you have gone through and are going through is second edition or perhaps third edition to what someone else has gone through

maybe you will exercise courage. I wish I could pour out my heart to you. But I cannot end this e-mail the way I would love to because my children are calling for attention. Why don’t you e-mail

me if you are suffering. Write to me because I am a fellow sufferer. God’s word says if one member of the body suffers all the other parts of the body are also affected by this(1 Corinthians 12:26)

and when one rejoices the joy is shared throughout the body. Only a fragmented body or dismembered parts would choose to ignore the pain others are experiencing. True Christlikeness means

getting involve4d in the pain and struggles of another person. James 1:27 ‘Religion that pleases God the father …..’



God bless



John

Sharing in each others suffering(part 2)

Dear friends,



Greetings. I am not sure how far I am going with this e-mail. My daughter is having some fun trying to distract me. She does not seem to like my devotion to typing….Quite a bit of wrestling going on!

Forgive me if this doesn’t make a lot of sense. I have attached a message that I hope is a blessing. Years ago, it must have been in 1987. A retired medical doctor, whose achievements are still world renowned gave me a copy of ‘Self Love’ a book by Robert Schuller. Because he said I could keep it I must have brought it with me to the UK in 1989.



The remarkable thing, I could not understand at the time was my Doctor friend’s motivation. He had suffered a stroke, lost some of his sight and required bedrest most of the day. I do not recall him upright in bed during any of my visits in 1987. However, he spent all the time of my visit talking about me and inspiring me. He did not refer to his ‘problems’ in a negative way. Friends, he appeared optimistic everytime….Each time I came away from visiting him I felt more positive and more inspired. He was older than my dad, had achieved significant things in medicine, research, in sculptor and yet did not seem to lament the loss of his health and opportunity to be ambivalent. I needed to add that among the significant things he achieved was the fact that someone from my family had married someone from his family (laugh)!So that is how we became acquainted. But we did not dwell on kinship ties in our conversation. It was kind of philosophical and theological. It was about self esteem and centred on the belief that Jesus Christ was real in the daily affairs of men.



Friend, how can one be optimistic when surrounded by temporal setbacks? That is a valid question we are constantly faced with. SETBACKS ARE TEMPORAL. The Bibile refers to ‘our light affliction’….Sapphire is falling asleep so I am going write a bit more.



Don’t quit just because of what you face today. Nothing is worth that kind of short-circuited response. But what about if GOD DOES NOT APPEAR TO CARE? Well, don’t quit even if this is how you feel. I admit that

Sometime it appears there is ‘overwhelming’ evidence to suggest that ‘GOD DOES NOT CARE’. I have faced situations again and again when I have literally cried screamed yelled fidgeted and begged even tried bribing God without apparent results. So what can we do when we are at the end of our EFFORTS and we have not had a RECOGNISABLE RESPONSE FROM GOD? Well T-R-U-S-T Him.

The contrast between trusting God and trying to get Him to do things is that, TRUST is Honest and real whereas many of the above are often insincere. What am I suggesting? I am suggesting that WE MAKE IT CLEAR TO GOD THAT AS MUCH AS WE WANT AND NEED HIM TO ANSWER OUR PRAYER, EVEN IF IT DOES NOT HAPPEN BEFORE A PARTICULAR DEADLINE WE ARE WILLING TO TRUST HIM.



When we are in a trusting relationship with God, we do not BEAR GRUDGES AGAINST GOD BECAUSE HE DID NOT COME THROUGH WITH AN ANSWER! If we are not bearing grudges against God, we do not

let the issue of unanswered prayer determine our attitude towards God. In other words there is more to our relationship with God than the gifts or presents He gives us. God is not our voluntary consultant. He is not our philanthropist. He is our creator and as creator He deserves to be worshipped.

Friends, this why a lot of Christian TV preaching I have watched recently concerns me. Invitation is given to give to God mainly because of something God will do. Now what happens to the other

Aspect which is the relationship aspect? I believe a lot of our TV preachers need to work closely with their editorial teams and work on the image being presented about God. God gives to us because His nature is kind loving and He loves giving. He gives to us to reward obedience to His principles. But all these need to be emphasized equally. It isn’t everyone that is going to get blessed by God because of what they offer. Usually God wants more than our ‘dime’. He often wants our will as well.



In conclusion dear friend, if you are not sure what your answer would be at Heaven’s gate, to the question ‘Give one reason why you should be admitted into heaven’? If you have never fully surrendered your heart to Jesus Christ; if you do not have a thriving or functional personal relationship with Him, then please join me in a prayer. Let THIS BE THE ESSENCE OF WHAT YOU TELL GOD RIGHT NOW:

Dear Jesus, son of the living God, I recognize that I am a sinner. I repent from my sin and surrender my life to you. Please

Forgive me of my wrongdoing, impure motives and cleanse me with your precious blood. I invite you into my heart to live in me and be

My savior and Lord. Thank you for saving me. Amen.



Thank you for praying and if you have received this e-mail because it was forwarded to you by a friend or family do let me

know by e-mailing me at john@vocation4lifefoundation.org. Meanwhile, if you are praying this prayer sincerely for the first time

find a Bible or contact me to send you one. In addition ask God to lead you to a church that believes and teaches the truth

of God's word, especially that Jesus Christ is the only name given among men whereby men and women can be saved(Acts 4:12).



God Bless you



John

Sharing in each others suffering(part 3)

Dear Friends,



Warm greetings, to everyone reading this e-mail.In my previous reflection, ‘pt 2’ of Sharing in each others suffering The contrast between trusting God and trying to get Him to do things is that, TRUST is Honest and real whereas many of the above are often insincere. What am I suggesting? I am suggesting that WE MAKE IT CLEAR TO GOD THAT AS MUCH AS WE WANT AND NEED HIM TO ANSWER OUR PRAYER, EVEN IF IT DOES NOT HAPPEN BEFORE A PARTICULAR DEADLINE WE ARE WILLING TO TRUST HIM.



When we are in a trusting relationship with God,

We do not BEAR GRUDGES AGAINST GOD BECAUSE HE DID NOT COME THROUGH WITH AN ANSWER!
If we are not bearing grudges against God, we do not let the issue of unanswered prayer determine our attitude towards God.


In other words there is more to our relationship with God than the, gifts or presents He gives us. God is not our voluntary consultant. He is not our philanthropist. He is our creator and as creator He deserves to be worshipped. Dear friends, I am learning the very hard way that our relationship with GOD MUST BE BASED ON REALITY. R-E-A-L-I-T-Y exists beyond our EMOTIONS or ‘the way we feel’. Which means although, we may sometimes feel DISAPPOINTMENT God for the manner in which He conducts our affairs we must remain consistent and committed in our relationship with Him.

Everyone who understands the frustrations of unanswered prayer can at one stage or the other appreciate that responding to God is not just hard but it is practically IMPOSSIBLE FOR HUMAN BEINGS TO DO! Except of course if we do so not in our strength but by becoming ‘empowered and energized’ by the living Grace of God imparted in us through His Holy Spirit.



This journey begins through a decision to surrender the direction of our lives to Jesus Christ. Everyone must be able to identify the beginning of such a journey in their individual life. It is compared to a Spiritual rebirth experience. In John chapter 3 Jesus Christ explained this process to a theologian by the name Nicodemus. He said to Nicodemus: Unless a person is reborn he can never enter into God’s eternal kingdom’. Yes there is suffering when mortal beings enter into the ‘rebirth ‘experience Jesus Christ mentions. However, the is a significant difference between how suffering is perceived in the natural experience of everyday living and the kingdom of Heaven.



Beloved Friend, the main difference is this:



In the natural affairs of human beings the suffering experienced is futile and without meaning. It can be described as purposeless suffering. However, within the life of a person who has become reborn or born again , the suffering he or she experiences is much like the various phases of a child’s suffering called ‘growing pains’. Such growing pains maybe suffering, but they can be more appropriately described as purposeful suffering. Because they result in numerous lifetime benefits, they are not viewed as suffering. Such suffering pales in comparison to the rewards and benefits to be reaped.
Whereas the discomfort they cause is short-term they bring about long-term and even lifelong rewards.
God intervenes readily to end meaningless or purposeless suffering but He waits for the natural process to end purposeful suffering.
Jesus Healed sicknesses and fed the hungry by responding immediately to ease the suffering of affliction(Matthew 4:23,24;Lk 4:39,40;Acts 10:38, Acts 1:6,7,8; Daniel 2:40-45). However when the Jews wanted Him to end their frustration with the Roman Government by instantly ending that political system He preferred to wait for that kingdom to last till the end of its period as prophesied in scriptures.


Dear friends, just like some discomfort is inevitable in order for life transition from one phase to the next, we may often encounter the pain barrier if we are to leave the old and give birth to the new.

In most cases the only way to avoid a certain amount of suffering is to remain in our comfort zone. When we do this we rust or decay in comfort and although this may be painless, it has lifelong consequences. What are these growing pains? Jesus Christ identifies these as ‘dying to self’ or to the old nature. He uses the illustration of a grain of wheat which is planted and buried underneath the soil. In order for new life to shoot out, it needs to be free of the old life that has just been planted. In other words, the new life is ‘hidden’ or disguised within the old life. The Old Nature is currently holding it captive but not for long. Ultimately, God has designed the new life to be given birth to by the Old when the New Life reaches full term like a new month old pregnancy.



Dear friends, I am going to share a few scripture verses with you. Please follow these up in order to appreciate this process which is being worked out in your life:

1. Romans 6:18 ‘For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us(italics mine…the word revealed suggests that this glory is now hidden or disguised but it will soon be on exhibition).v19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God v20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subject the same in hope(italics mine…in other words there is a purpose in this suffering)v21Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God(italics is mine…corruption is the best definition for anything that is temporal and our circumstances and present hardships are temporal so we will outgrow them).v22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now(italics is mine… creation refers to our surroundings and our circumstances are included in all the bad news and tragedy that happens) TO BE CONTD.

Sharing in each others suffering(part 4)

There is a process which can be defined as a process of Purposeful Suffering. This process takes us from our CRISIS to GROWTH. When we understand our CRISES in such a context the suffering we undergo can be brought to God through prayer for clarity. So here we go!:

1. Firstly, we encounter a problem that we are unable to solve using our own natural resources such as powers of reasoning, family/love relationship, social connections or business contact. This can also be a situation we can’t resolve no matter how hard we try. Very often the harder we try the worse it becomes.

2. Secondly, No one is immune from these everyday occurring crises, no matter how well disguised: The rich and famous, the powerful and influential, those who are confident and assertive, the shy and unassuming , the poor and needy, self employed people as well as employees! ALL OF THESE PEOPLE ARE VULNERABLE TO ENCOUNTERING THEIR PARTICULAR CRISES.NO ONE IS IMMUNE TO CRISES.

3. Thirdly, we have a better chance of surviving our crises if our diagnosis of that crisis is based on TRUTH. Not simply what is FACTUAL but the TRUTH! When we are relying on a FACTUAL ANALYSIS of our problem, we employ a scientific process of eliminating the least likely POSSIBILITIES to help point to a diagnosis. Although this method can help resolve a lot of natural problems it is limited when it comes to addressing some of the CRISES we face.

.

Dear friends, each person is going to find themselves in one of two categories before taking their last breath on this side of time! We are either in a relationship with God or we are not! Whereas people MAY ENTERTAIN different concepts about God, very few can GENUINELY FAIL TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE OBVIOUS REALITY THAT A TRUE GOD EXISTS WHO IS THE CREATOR OF MANKIND,THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE , TIME AND ETERNITY. The concept of God declared in the Old and New Testament of the Bible underlines the truth principle that, this same God came down in the disguise of a human being to redeem mankind from a fallen state. This Bible also declares another concept about humankind. It differs from a lot of the theories from humanistic psychology which are based on the premise that a human person is ethically neutral or basically noble. This theory also states that the actions of a person are then shaped or influenced by his environment! Psychology may emphasize the influence factor and explain that the main reason someone commits a crime is because he lived in an environment where there were no role models. FACT! But the Biblical concept of mankind transcends the flaws in psychoanalysis. Logical reasoning has its part but it is limited in explaining why individuals who have been in an ‘ideal’ environment exhibit such moral failings. Why such a high incidence of substance misuse, cocaine use, alcohol dependency and social crimes among this group.



The TRUTH according to the Bible is that each of us is influenced by an Evil spiritual plague that is hereditary. This plague has been contagious since the first human parents contracted the disease. It has spread since then through their genes to us all and has a tendency for REBELLION AGAINST OUR CREATOR. This rebellion is exhibited primarily if a human person refuses or fails to acknowledge God in worship!



Friends, in case you are wondering what the subject ‘suffering’ has to do with the concept of God and of Humankind let me reintroduce the verses that I shared with you in Part 3 of this reflection

Romans 6:18 ‘For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us(italics mine…the word revealed suggests that this glory is now hidden or disguised but it will soon be on exhibition).v19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God v20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subject the same in hope(italics mine…in other words there is a purpose in this suffering)v21Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God(italics is mine…corruption is the best definition for anything that is temporal and our circumstances and present hardships are temporal so we will outgrow them).v22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now(italics is mine… creation refers to our surroundings and our circumstances are included in all the bad news and tragedy that happens)



According to the Bible, dear friends God is dealing with an outbreak of a spiritual PLAGUE. Our crises are a reflection of the fact that we are suffering from the impact of a sin plagued existence! Romans 6v22 provides an illustration ‘For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now (italics is mine… creation refers to our surroundings and our circumstances are included in all the bad news and tragedy that happens).

Although we are mainly concerned about how to rid ourselves of some of the effects of this plague God is interested in preventing re-infection after we make a recovery from our crises.



Am I suggesting that all suffering is purposeful or meaningful? ‘No’! ‘Non’! ‘Nyet’! Purpose begins with entering into a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. This does not mean simply joining a church group or having a conversion experience some years ago(These have their place in a relationship with God)! But it means that after having been convicted about the reality of our spiritual state, which is that WE TESTED POSITIVE FOR THE SIN VIRUS FOR WHICH WE REALISE THERE IS NO HUMAN CURE! THEN WE ACCEPT THE ANTIDOTE (THE CURE )WHICH IS FORGIVENESS AND CLEANSING THROUGH THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST. IT IS LIKE JESUS BECOMES A DONOR OF A NEW LIFE. WE ARE IN ‘LIFE FAILURE’ ‘MORAL FAILURE’ A BIT LIKE ONE WHO HAS SUFFERED AN ORGAN FAILURE. JESUS DONATED HIS LIFE WHICH IS A PERFECT SUBSTITUTE THAT GOD WOULD NOT REJECT.



What about our suffering? The life of Jesus Christ is has immunity against the effects of the crises of Sin. The Human nature crumbles under pressure. Crises release the worse in us. But when we are in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ we have an opportunity to TRUST HIM ON A DAILY BASIS INSPITE OF OUR PAIN AND SUFFERING.



TRUST IN GOD BRINGS US INTO THE EXPERIENCE OF THE R-E-A-L-I-T-Y OF GOD, WHEREAS CORRESPONDING ACTIONS OF TRUST HELP BRING ABOUT A LIVE EXPERIENCE OR OUTWARD MANIFESTATION OF WHAT WE ARE RELYING ON GOD FOR.



So when do we SEE the actual changes to our circumstances? It always happens after we hear from God. This is why we need to have a personal relationship with God. A true relationship involves dialogue. If our dealings with God involves Appeals which are never acknowledged it is likely we aren’t getting any feedback about the timings involved in our circumstances. This is not something we must rely on a specialist to do for us…..although that can be a stimulus to our faith. We will never have the kind of result that endures if we continue to rely on professional clergymen and ministers to do our praying for us. Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead so that He can establish the priesthood of the believer.



We are urged to come BOLDLY TO THE THRONE OF GRACE IN OUR TIME OF NEED

Hebrews 4:15,16 ‘We need to hold on to our declaration of faith: We have a Chief High Priest who is able to sympathize with our weaknesses.

He was tempted in every way that we are, but he didn’t sin(my paraphrase….Jesus Christ is immune to the plague of sin). V16 So we can go

Confidently to the throne of God’s kindness to receive mercy and find kindness, which will help us at the right time.



In our next reflection, I intend to share a bit more on how our ‘Crises’ can be an experience of purposeful suffering that leads to ‘Growth’. When we understand this process we are ‘Motivated’ to trust God. The experience of prayer becomes a real one in which we develop the spiritual hearing to receive guidance from the Lord about our individual situation. We may receive from other ministers who have a prophetic utterance or insight to encourage us. But this confirms what we are experiencing and practising in our own relationship with God. It does not become a substitute of have a real relationship with God(to be continued).



In conclusion dear friend, if you are not sure what your answer would be at Heaven’s gate, to the question ‘Give one reason why you should be admitted into heaven’? If you have never fully surrendered your heart to Jesus Christ; if you do not have a thriving or functional personal relationship with Him, then please join me in a prayer. Let THIS BE THE ESSENCE OF WHAT YOU TELL GOD RIGHT NOW:

Dear Jesus, son of the living God, I recognize that I am a sinner. I repent from my sin and surrender my life to you. Please

Forgive me of my wrongdoing, impure motives and cleanse me with your precious blood. I invite you into my heart to live in me and be

My savior and Lord. Thank you for saving me. Amen.



Thank you for praying and if you have received this e-mail because it was forwarded to you by a friend or family do let me

know by e-mailing me at john@vocation4lifefoundation.org. Meanwhile, if you are praying this prayer sincerely for the first time

find a Bible or contact me to send you one. In addition ask God to lead you to a church that believes and teaches the truth

of God's word, especially that Jesus Christ is the only name given among men whereby men and women can be saved(Acts 4:12).



God Bless you



John

Sharing in each others suffering(part 5)

Question: How can our ‘Crises’ be an experience of PURPOSEFUL SUFFERING THAT LEADS TO GROWTH?

Answer: First of all we can use the James clue which says in James 1 v 2, 3 ‘my friends, be glad even if you have a lot of trouble. You know that you learn to endure by having your faith tested.

Dear friends, our trials are ‘faith examiners’ to assess our readiness to attain the next phase of growth in our lives. Therefore they provide an initial indication that the time has come for us to move on to another degree of trust in the Lord.



What are the characteristics of this phase of our lives? In some cases if we are considering the pattern of response to our prayer, we do not seem to get the same kind of feedback when we make requests to the Lord our God in prayer. The Bible is full of illustrations to this factor. When God is working in our lives He often appears MORE ANNONYMOUS IN HIS RESPONSES TO OUR PRAYERS. When someone is anonymous they want to protect their identity for a reason. I guess for lack of a better definition I will identify God in certain situations as our anonymous respondent. The problem then occurs whilst we attempt to follow-up on his responses. This is at the stage when we have numerous questions to ask, each one emerging out of attempting to unravel the mystery in our particular situation or circumstance. Dear friend, may be like me you have encountered a problem or a situation which you have brought to God in prayer. To begin with you may have presented Him with specific requests which involved what you considered a reasonable deadline and yet after missing all your deadlines it appears God has remained anonymous. The situation has probably led to an initial state of disappointment. When your circumstances seemed gradually changing to a worse stage an element of resentment seemed to develop in you. Of course we do not disbelieve in God’s ability to change situations, but then WE DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY HE WOULDN’T HURRY UP AND ANSWER PRAYER IN MORE OBVIOUS WAYS.



Friends, we wonder why God chooses to remain anonymous when we are becoming so desperate in a particular situation? I can identify with this state in which He does not appear to pay as much attention to our petitions and pleas for intervention. Our response is very important in determining whether we grow or wither as a result of such critical experiences. What does it mean to ‘grow’ in response to trials and testing times? The New International Version of James 1 v 2-4 helps us picture this process of trials leading to growth: Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, v3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.



Friends, ‘maturity’, ‘becoming fulfilled’ and ‘independent’ are all characteristics of growth. Growth is not necessarily success, which is the attainment of our goals! Growth is the result of giving an appropriate response during a period of ‘tension’ or perhaps ‘intense pressure’. In these series of reflections a crises is highlighted as a catalyst which can result in a growth inducing response from us. On the other hand it could be the reason for failure to grow. The Bible, the word of God admonishes us to maintain a godly attitude whenever we are faced with difficulty or with problems. Well, after identifying what growth means we should also look at the opposite, which is to wither. This opposite occurs when we ‘give in to compromise’ or ‘crumble’ because we are under pressure. Hebrews 12 v 3 asks us to emulate the example of Jesus Christ. Being Christ like is synonymous with maturity (something I learnt from listening to the late Ed Cole). The verse reads, ‘consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and loose heart.