Windows On The Soul

From now on, Australians will have more reason than ever before to associate the month of April with grief and suffering. With ANZAC day, the anniversary of the Port Arthur tragedy, and overseas, Dunblaine and Okalahoma City, the fact and impact of evil in the world are very much to the fore in our minds and hearts. Yet April is usually also the month of Easter. In the crucifixion, God is telling us that evil, pain and suffering are the reality and result of a world in rebellion with God. Then in the next breath of life after death, we are shown that evil is not ultimately omnipotent, but rather impotent, for through His resurrection, Christ has over-come sin and death. ( Mt.26:28 , Jn.16:33 ) “That’s all very well on the spiritual battleground” you might say, “but what about those of us grieving or suffering here and now?” Jesus had two things to say to all of us. Firstly, that He has come to bring good news, comfort and healing to the poor, destitute, homeless, sick and...

In Paul’s letter of guidance to the young new minister, Timothy, he warns him of what sort of things he can expect to see happening in his congregation in “later times” ( 1 Tim.4 ). Apart from some things we normally see as being evil, such as people being led astray by “ lying spirits ” and the “ teachings of demons ” ( v.1 ), Paul also mentions some things that we might not normally consider as being wrong. He warns against various obsessions, such as physical exercise ( v.8 ) - we saw the newspaper article just last week about people becoming “hooked” on work-outs. He warns about an obsession of celibacy ( v.3 ), and obsessions of what to eat or not to eat ( v.3 ). Whilst we don’t see much of the former (although the opposite addiction to sex is now recognised), the later obsessions about foods, diets and ‘health’ regimes are rampant. Whilst our physical ‘needs’ are important, it is more important that our spiritual needs are nurtured. The spiritual ‘food’ to take in ...

The year is 1981. The place, a lounge-room somewhere in Mitcham. The occasion, the weekly prayer meeting of the team running the Drop-Inn outreach in the old Forest Hills shopping centre. An air of depression had hung over the team for weeks. We didn't seem to be "getting through" any more. Discipline in and around the shop had deteriorated. Then to top it all off, an occult bookshop had opened up next door. We were under attack. Then in the middle of our prayer, the Lord spoke to us through a "word of prophecy" saying " Why are you afraid? I have not given you the spirit of timidity. I have given you my spirit of Power , and of Love , and of Self-control . I am with you and for you. Who can stand against you? " ( II Tim.1:7 )  Immediately, the veil of oppression lifted. We were revived. The following weeks proved the Lord. Opportunities for witness opened up. Discipline problems diminished, and within a month or two, we had prayed that book-...

Lord, what a relief when I discovered that temptation is not a sin! To know that I am in the company of the highest (and lowest) when tempted, even you yourself Jesus, I gain strength and encouragement. Thank-you Lord for your protection in not allowing me to be tempted beyond my means - help me Lord to realise the full capacity of the armoury at my disposal. Lord help me to realise that every temptation over-come is a cause for joy, of building up my character, a step along the path of obedience. Let me be "tempted" instead, by your grace, your love, your holiness, your beauty." ---===X===--- Eph.6:10-13 "Be strong in the Lord...stand against the wiles of the devil...resist the enemy" Eph.6:14-18 "...with truth...righteousness...peace..." Rom.6:13 "Don't yield to sin...give yourself to God...an instrument of righteousness" 1 Cor.10:13 "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to all people. God will not...

Acceptable offerings - by faith Heb.11:4 Access to grace - by faith Rom.5:2 , Eph.3:12 Assurance - by faith Heb.10:22 Bold witness - by faith 1 Tim.3:13 Christ indwells - by faith Eph.3:17 Healed - by faith Acts 14:9 , Jas.5:15 Hearing - by faith Rom.10:17 Inherit God's promises - by faith Heb.6:12 Justified - by faith Rom.3:28 , 5:1 , Gal.2:16 Live - by faith Hab.2:4 , Rom.1:17 , Gal.2:20 , Heb.10:38 Made whole - by faith Mt.9:22 , Mk.5:34 , Lk.8:48 , 18:42 , 17:19 Overcome the world - by faith 1 Jhn.5:4 Patience in persecution - by faith 2 Thes.1:4 Pleasing God - by faith Heb.11:6 Prophesy - by faith Rom.12:6 Purifying hearts - by faith Acts 15:9 Receive the Spirit - by faith Gal.3:14 Righteousness - by faith Rom.3:22 , 4:5 , 9:30 , 10:6 , Phil.3:9 Sanctified - by faith Acts 26:18 Saved - by faith Lk.7:50 , Eph.2:8 , 1 Pet.1:9 Shielded from Satan - by faith Eph.6:16 , 1 Th...