Extracts from Life afforded by Rev. E. Anderson

July 31, 2008 at 8:33 pm (Extracts from Life)

                                                      

Rev. & Mrs. E. Anderson

A GODLY INFLUENCE

 

One of the great joys in life is to encounter new people and to experience the blessing of a rich relationship that is unforgettable. The meeting may be only short in duration but something of worth of a divine quality has been transmitted that is not likely to be forgotten. When it happens one may not always be prepared for it. The actual event and occurrence actually takes you by surprise but the impact is long lasting.

 

Over the years one has been asked to host a number of preachers in the pulpit and sometimes they have required hospitality. Many have left a spiritual legacy of value in our lives and home that we have deeply appreciated. They have contributed to our faith and added something at an appropriate time.

 

It was in the 1990s that I was asked if we would have Mark Buntain from the Calcutta Mission and arranged a few meetings for him. I had served on a Missions Board in the UK raising finances for this outstanding work headed by this choice brother and his wife. Although I had heard much about him and his wife and their exceptional ministry and service in this Indian capital, I had never met or heard the man. It was to be our privilege and pleasure to have him in our church and our home. Whilst being with us I would have the task of transporting him around and caring for him.

 

We were asked to supply hotel accommodation for him and Mark explained the reason for this. He invariably was up in the night season with God in prayer and he was so conscious of this that he did not want to disturb his hosts. He’d rather forego any creature comforts to maintain this spiritual discipline.

 

Never will it be erased from my mind the godly influence that this distinguished servant of God carried around. Without outward shown and ado he exuded a marvellous sense of God’s presence. As I sat at the table with him for tea I shall ever remember the sense of holiness and awesomeness that simply poured forth so silently from him. I was profoundly moved as I imbibed from him the preciousness of God. That day he left a remarkable legacy in my life that I will ever testify too.

 

Chauffeuring him around from place was a distinct honour and to listen to his unassuming but powerful ministry was an immense treat. Wherever I took him to minister God’s Word, the people were wondrously inspired and sat spell-bound as he share God’s Word and all the tremendous things that had been accomplished in Calcutta. It was not difficult for me to believe that he and his wife had been so signally blessed by the Lord. He had gone big trials but such had left him a sweet man with much to pass on to others.

 

Another thing that I learned from him was his enormous appetite for God’s Word. Of all the people I have met in life I have never discovered anyone like this great man of God who was full of faith and good works. It seems that he never wasted a moment throughout each day. Whenever there appeared to be a slack moment when he was waiting, out would come his New Testament from his back trouser pocket and he could be seen avidly devouring the book of life. It seemed that His whole mind and heart was soaked and saturated in the Scriptures and they conditioned him in everyway. No wonder the Word of God flowed so inspiritingly, readily and authoritatively from his lips. What a great student and messenger of the truth!

 

He returned to the place of his labours, Calcutta, and within a fortnight he went to be with His Lord and Master who he greatly loved. His death made an impact on me at the time and I was conscious of the fact that God had favoured me with this servant of God’s presence and ministry at a vital point in my life. What a delight to be singled out to have this choice person come and spiritually contribute so much of a dynamic order.

 

We do well to make the most of every person and event that God providentially arranges for our good and progress. When we are singled out for some unique experience, be aware of it, benefit from it and make sure you treasure it. We could do with all the godly influence to input and inspire our lives.

 

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Word for the Week composed by Rev. E. Anderson

July 31, 2008 at 8:29 pm (Word for the Week)

                                                       

Rev. E. Anderson

CONSEQUENCE

 

This is a word that is very much a part of the procedure of life. It is an inescapable factor that is closely connected with a person’s thinking, feeling and action. It is simply defined as ‘that which follows as a natural and logical result’. What has gone before has a direct impact and bearing upon that which follows after. So it is important in the working of life that everything that we think, feel and do is good and right so that which comes inevitably after is also good.

 

There is a phrase so often used that kind of sums up this, it is, ‘you have to live with the consequences’. Registered deep within the mind of each person is the intuitive knowledge that if a certain thing is done then there are sure to be a definite, direct end result. For instance the Bible expresses a true law that is operative in the realm of nature that is also applicable to man in his procedure and process of life. It is that of sowing seed and reaping a harvest. What is reaped is a natural consequence of what is sown. The message to man is clear: ‘God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap’ – Galatians 6: 7. People only have to look into the natural world to discover vital truth that is important to life and conduct.

 

The consequences therefore are the result of what has gone before so it is absolutely necessary that a tremendous amount of care and attention is paid to the before part. This is where we require a great amount of true wisdom so that no mistakes are made and that we reap the best of results in all our relationships and in all that we do.

 

In studying and looking at the many people that are within the Scriptures and others too, it is possible to discern and trace this feature and so be educated in making sure we get the consequences flowing in the right direction in our lives.  Many men and women got the ‘before’ wrong and so the ‘after’ factor became a sad story. Adam and Eve had to live with their sinful disobedience, and so did many others like Cain, Saul, Rehoboam etc. If only they had given more forethought to their thinking, feeling and doing they would have reaped better consequences. In contrast, there were those who did get the before correct and so benefited enormously by the consequences – eg – Abraham, Joseph and so on.

 

We live with our consequences in relation to God.

 

A great deal of thought must be given to this: if little regard is paid to God then inevitably life is disastrously affected. One cannot ignore and act ignorantly towards one’s Creator and Maker without tragic results. Priority must be to come to know, believe, revere and obey Him so that the follow through is tremendously advantageous. People should not think that this is mere option: it is a necessity because if God does not play in sovereign role in faith and conduct the loss is immense. God’s Word makes it plain from His standpoint and should be known and hearkened to – ‘for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed’ – 1 Samuel 3: 30. If you want to know God and receive His backing and blessing then He must hold first place in your life and affairs.

 

We live with our consequences in relation to others.

 

It is absolutely essential that in dealings with all those around you that due care and attention be paid to doing what is right and good to them. Because Jacob failed to perform justly with regard to his twin brother, Esau, he had to face and live with the awful consequences – see Genesis 27: 41-42. He had to flee and was plagued for years with the fear and threat of reprisal. When Amnon committed immorality, Absalom held it against him and was determined to deal judgment out to him – 2 Samuel 13: 22, 28, 29.  Even he had to live with the consequences of taking the law into his own hands! – see 2 Samuel 18. Treating other people in right manner is vital to wholesome living. Paul makes the point in Romans 12: 14-21 how essential it is to overcome all evil with good and so the consequences will be the best.

 

We live with our consequences in relation to ourselves.

 

At the end of the day, consequences affect the individual. To save finishing up pained, remorseful and full of regrets, it is vital that personal attention is paid to all that is done before. Many people would like to turn the clock back with the wisdom they now possess and the situations they are in to amend what has preceded. Instead of knowing blessed consequences they are plunged into untold sorrow. One cannot live any old how now and expect the end result to be the best.

 

Realise that you have only one life to live. What you do today affects greatly your tomorrow(s). In linking up with a genuine accord with God, he will enable you to keep up a wholesome behaviour that He approves of and will bless, will cause you to act properly to other people and make possible for you to live with yourself and with all the decisions you will make.

 

 

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A Time to Laugh served by Rev. E. Anderson

July 31, 2008 at 8:25 pm (A Time to Laugh)

                                                

Rev. E. Anderson

CHURCH BULLETIN BLOOPERS

 

Bertha Belch, a missionary from Africa will be speaking tonight at Calvary Memorial Church in Racine. Come tonight and hear Bertha Belch all the way from Africa.

 

Miss Charlene Mason sang “I will not pass this way again” giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.

 

“Ladies, don’t forget the rummage sale. It’s a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Don’t forget your husbands”.

 

Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get.

Barbara remains in the hospital and needs blood donors for more transfusions. She is also having trouble sleeping and requests tapes of Pastor Jack’s sermons.

 

Next weeks Sunday evening speaker, Missionary to Greece, Alan Brown, will be presenting his ministry and progress of his work among the geeks.

 

In the Church Notices: “At the last Church Council meeting, it was decided that from this week on the freewill offering will be compulsory”

 

The parish magazine: “We are pleased to note that there has been a change of mind by the Housing Department regarding the name for the new housing complex for the elderly. “St Peter’s Close” did seem somewhat inappropriate.

 

Sign-up sheet for anyone wishing to be water-baptized on the table in the foyer.

 

Newsletters are not being sent to absentees because of their weight.

 

 

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Leadership Factors adapted by Rev. E. Anderson

July 30, 2008 at 9:19 pm (Leadership Factors)

                                          

Rev. E. Anderson

Presented to you is a Christian Leadership Course that is purposed to provoke many to embrace the call of Christ to leadership within His Church. The series will come in the form of a study each week, which will be in two parts thus covering two weeks over the site. My prayer and desire is that such will help many in the summons of Christ to serve Him in these tremendous days.

 

CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP COURSE

 

Study 10    THE PRIORITIES OF CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP      (Part 2)

 

 

There is a need to consider some the priorities that ought to be firmly established in our thinking and procedure of life and work.

 

1/. THE PRIORITY OF SITUATION ACCORDED TO GOD

 

It has been spelled out for all Christendom by Christian theologians, in a simple but true declaration, that “Man’s chief aim is to glorify God.” This would indicate and imply the paramount position that He should hold in relation to everything and what should be the prime impulse of one’s being. It is known for certain that the Lord will not take second place and neither will He brook any rival to the throne in any of His creatures, especially His new creation. Israel had to learn that they were to have ‘no other God before Him’ – Exodus 20: 3. He demands exclusive right in and over life.

 

There is a wise saying in the book of Proverbs that should be accepted as a command and directive for all who are in Christian leadership. Proverbs 3: 6 Liv. Bible “In everything you do, put God first, and He will direct you and crown your efforts with success.” If we expect to lead people into a real and vibrant relationship with God then it must be evident that He holds supreme place and role in all our living and affairs. This ensures that other priorities are properly birthed and realized.

 

2/. THE PRIORITY OF THE FAMILY IN OUR AFFAIRS

 

The Lord never belittles or downgrades the family factor but it figures much in the successful outworking of life. Without question, it is His plan that families should know Him and be governed and blessed by Him. Leaders should give great time and attention to the building and blessing of the home. It must never be thought of as a secondary matter and detail. The marriage relationship is most important and the birthing and development of the household a crucial issue with God. It must not be relegated in the agenda to be fulfilled.

 

God was pleased because the household unit figured much with regard to father Abraham. He could foresee and testify to the worth of His servant and friend in this connection – “For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment . . . .” – Genesis 18:19.  See Job and his procedure – Job 1:5. One of the qualifications of becoming a bishop – 1Timothy 1: 5,5. Home government and management is the training ground for spiritual leaders. How a man treats his wife and children is of utmost note.

 

3/. THE PRIORITY OF LOVE WITHIN THE MOTIVATION OF LIFE AND SERVICE

 

The secret inward impulses of being are of primary concern in the evaluation of priorities. Right in the centre of life and service must be the dynamic of divine love and it must be viewed as a top priority. Without this divine compulsion, all that a leader is and does is worthless. It is imperative that this precedes and pervades all in person and ministry.

 

1 Corinthians 13 puts the focus on this factor and highlights at the outset that it is agape love that puts the worth and significance in all utterance, expression of faith, in sacrificial and charitable deeds and in all graces. Christ placed an emphasis on divine love prior to the display of His own passion on the Cross – John 13: 34, 35; 15: 9, 10,17. Even Peter had to be challenged three times on this issue to get this issue sorted out – John 21: 15-17. Paul evidently had this as a priority in his life and labours – 2 Corinthians 5:14.  

 

4/. THE PRIORITY OF BEING RATHER THAN SIMPLY DOING

 

The danger is an ever-present factor of assuming that industry is to be the all-important consideration. This is not so. Activity, essential as it is, must not have first claim on our time and thought. Busyness is not to be the thing that holds domination but it must emerge from the right sort of condition from within.

 

Christ sought to teach not only Martha but the rest of Christendom the necessity of the spiritual part being at rest and receiving that which will enable the activity to be right, blessed and effective – Luke 10: 38-42. Much work and activity can arise from restlessness and not restfulness. It is a significant feature in all the supreme activity of God springs from His what He is in being and this is always a state of rest. What we are comes out in what we do and determines the real worth and reward of service.

 

5/. THE PRIORITY OF SECRECY IN SERVICE TO PUBLICITY

 

In a world of publicity that craves for popularity and publicity it is easy to be carried along in the desire to be known and for one’s deeds and accomplishments to be known. The problem is that this leads to egotism and pride and possible destruction. Christ sought to teach and show that there needs to be a great deal of commitment to doing things that are not really known to the public but to God alone.  This pointed out in the realm of giving, praying and fasting. Leadership is an area of activity that can be beset with creating a good public image.

 

“Do you wish men to speak well of you? Then never speak well of yourself. “    Pascal

 

Of course balance must be seen in this connection.

 

“The Christian is to live in such a way that men looking at him, and seeing the quality of his life, will glorify God. He must always remember that he is not to do things in order he may attract attention to himself. He must not desire to be seen of men, he is never to be self-conscious. But, clearly, this balance is a fine and delicate one; so often we tend to go to one extreme or the other. Christian people tend either to be guilty of great ostentation or else to become monks and hermits. They have been either ostentatious, or else they have been so afraid of self and self-glorification that they have segregated themselves from the world.”                                      Martin Lloyd Jones

 

6/. THE PRIORITY OF GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHERS TO DIVINE GIVING

 

Whilst it is important to be able to give to God Christ taught that in terms of priority it is more essential to be in accord with other people, this is as far as God is concerned – Matthew 5: 23,24. He is not impressed or moved by any act of seeming generosity with Himself unless there is a spirit of grace and generosity towards others in forgiveness and fellowship. Reconciliation takes precedence over the giving. We cannot buy God off with our presents if there is no grace in the heart to deal with family reconciliation and accord.

 

It would seem that Christ sought to get this matter of forgiveness over to His first leaders because it would be a vital factor if relationships were to be good and for success to be known Matthew 18:21-35.

 

It seems that Joseph had to learn to forgive as he moved to fulfill great leadership over and within a nation and the household of God. The Lord had to teach him this priority at a successful moment of his career.

 

“Greatness is graciousness; here are six proofs that Joseph had totally forgiven his brothers; how we are to know we have so done:

 

1. We let nobody know ‘what they did to us’ – Genesis 45:1

a.      Joseph did not want anybody in Egypt to know what his brothers had done; he wanted them to be loved.

b.      This is the way God forgives us – Ephesians 4: 32

2.        We will not let those who hurt us be afraid of us  - Genesis 45: 4.

3.      We do not want them to feel guilty over what they did – “And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you” – Genesis 45: 5.

4.      We let them save face. “So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt ” – Genesis 45: 8.

5.        We protect them from their greatest fear.

a.      The brothers’ greatest fear: that Jacob would know what they themselves had readily done when they laid that blood stained robe before him.

b.      Joseph knew that; he ordered that they say certain things that precluded telling their father what they did – Genesis 45: 9-13.

6.        You keep it up; total forgiveness is a life sentence.

a.        Seventeen years later Jacob died; the brothers feared that Joseph would now punish them.

      b.    No, he said; God meant it for good.”                      R. T. Kendall

 

One of the priorities needed in Christian leadership is this priority grace and it is to be revealed at the highest level in the leadership and become prevalent as a priority in the whole body of Christendom.

 

“Every person should have a special cemetery lot in which to bury the faults of friends and loved ones.”               Anonymous

 

 

 

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News and Views edited by Rev. E. Anderson

July 30, 2008 at 9:15 pm (News and Views)

                                                   

Evangelist Roy Todd

TODD BENTLEY ‘HEALING OUTPOURING’

Evangelist Roy Todd

I’ve had numerous emails and phone calls from various people asking my thoughts on the Todd Bentley ‘healing outpouring’ in Florida. I thought some might find it helpful if I post a few brief thoughts here.

So what’s going on then? Some think the events at Lakeland (broadcast nightly on God TV) are signs of a major revival while others believe there’s something more sinister behind it all. I think caution needs to be applied with both views. So ok…there’s clearly some very dodgy stuff being talked about (i.e. Todd’s apparent regular visits to the 3rd heaven and dramatic story’s about his many encounters with an Angel called ‘Emma’). But frankly, I feel this is just immature nonsense rather than some demonically inspired plot.

 

You see…I think there’s genuine hunger among Todd and his ‘Fresh Fire’ associates which is just a reflection of what’s going on in the hearts of many Christians. But I’ve always felt a responsibility in teaching that whilst spiritual hunger can be a positive thing – it can also be very dangerous too. When people are desperately hungry, they can make the mistake of eating just about anything. And we do well to remember that not everything is good for us.

 

It seems to me that the Florida ‘outpouring’ is heavily dependant on experience alone – but lacks a foundational biblical emphasis. Scriptural authority is what faith ought to be intrinsically rooted in – not in mere experientialism. Of course, experience is important – but it always needs to match up to the word of God.

 

I’ve also detected a great lack of wisdom in the unsubstantiated claims of ‘resurrections’ and ‘healings’. Over the past decade of travelling as an evangelist and praying for many thousands of people to be healed – I’ve learned that patience is highly important. In other words, instead of just announcing specific ‘miracles’ briskly, it’s best to allow time for verification. I watched one night as Todd was spontaneously handed a copy of an email – and he simply read it to the crowd as fact without any evidence to back it up. It was about someone who’d apparently been ‘resurrected’ just the day before. I cringed when I saw this. I can see what Todd is trying to do. He wants to ride on the momentum of the current phenomenon. But whilst he undoubtedly get a loud cheer from hysterical crowds in Lakeland – in the long term, it’s his personal credibility that will suffer. I’m puzzled that there aren’t people around him mentioning these things. A huge dose of wisdom certainly wouldn’t go amiss.

 

Having said all that, I’ve observed something else. There are lots of vociferous and passionate rejections of the ‘outpouring’ that are being widely publicised both on the internet and in various public meetings. But the old saying, ‘don’t throw the baby out with the bath water’ comes to mind when I hear some of the responses to what’s currently happening. Whilst I dislike much of the hype of the Florida ‘outpouring’, I’m not going to be side-tracked in my own quest to see more of the miraculous. And I’m concerned that some are being put off from seeing the real thing just because they’ve witnessed something that’s a very immature example.

 

Despite what’s happening in Florida, I really do believe that the greatest miracles are yet to come. Far from dissuading me in my desire to see genuine signs and wonders accompanying the message of God’s good news – I am more committed than ever to seeing the relevance of God’s power today. Miracles really are an intrinsic part of the Gospel. No miracles – no Jesus. 

 

The Florida ‘outpouring’ will eventually fade and what’s left at the end will be the fruit of what’s really been achieved. But the words of Jesus’ great commission still stand when he said ‘Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation’ and one of the accompanying signs that can be expected is that ‘they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.’

 

The mission goes on.

Check out Roy Todd’s new healing event at www.healing4life.org

 

 

 

 

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Children’s Page collated by Rev. E. Anderson

July 30, 2008 at 9:06 pm (Kids Stories)

                                                       

Rev. E. Anderson

SIN IS AN 0CT0PUS

 

Text: “The god of this World hath. b1inded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them” – 2. Corinthians. 4.4.

 

Pa1mer was a bulky, clumsy looking sight in his diving suit but ‘he knew his business.’   There was no better diver in all Cape Town, and when he was hired to go down to inspect the sunken “S.’S’ DUNVEGAN CASTLE no one was the least bit surprised.  Rev. E. Anderson

 

Neither was there any doubt as to where the DUNVEGAN CASTLES lay, for she sank in full view of the crowd of relatives and friends who awaited her arrival that stormy night. The Old ship with her load of passengers had made it to the mouth of Cape Town Harbour all right, but just before she hit calm water she had been tossed against a pier.

 

The crowd had seen the gaping hole torn in the side of the ship and the point was well marked due to the fact that large blocks of masonry had been torn loose from the pier by the collision.

 

Palmer examined his diving equipment to be sure all was in order before he went down to determine how badly the ship was damaged.

 

Then he turned, to the young man in the little boat and said, “Be on your toes, Jack. Keep your eye on the signal cord and be ready to act on a moment’s notice.  IT COULD MEAN MY LIFE.”

 

A few minutes later, Palmer was down on the Ocean bed. He soon located the wrecked ship and began his his examination  . . . . . .SUDDENLY SOMETHING DARTED OUT FROM A CREVICE IN THE ROCKS. IT GRIPPED HIS ARM AS IN A VICE. IN A MOMENT A=OF CHILLING TERROR PALMER REALISED HE WAS IN grip of an Octopus . . . . .

 

In a matter of seconds, another tentacle was wrapped around his leg – - – and another around his chest — and he was held in a deadly embrace!!!! The Diver was helpless. He could not free himself. What could he do ???????    He realised there was only one means  ” of escape, and that was TO GET HELP FROM ABOVE . . . . . .

 

He knew that UP THERE WAS HIS ONLY HOPE . . . . . .

 

HELP FROM ABOVE . . . . .OR CERTAIN DEATH . . . . .

 

IT WAS AS SIMPLE AS THAT . . . . And the next few moments would be decisive.

 

In spite of his years of experience, Palmer was nearly frozen with fear, but somehow he managed to pull the signal cord . . . . . THEN HE WAITED . . . . . . .

 

Would Jack be ‘on his toes’, as he had cautioned????????? Would he get the signal and act in time??????

 

In the torturing suspense that followed, with the diabolical eyes of the Octopus glaring at him, the moment of awful stillness that ensued seemed to Palmer an eternity crammed with horrors.

 

But, Thank God  . . . . Jack’s eye was alert and his hand was on the lifter.    Palmer soon found that he was rising.

 

So far so good but the fierce EIGHT ARMED CREATURE WAS RISING WITH HIM . . . . Those glue-like tentacles would not loosen.   The weight of the heavy Octopus added to the problem.   But Palmer now had hope.   HELP WAS COMING FROM ABOVE. . . . . . Every moment it seemed his heart beat a bit faster.

 

UP.  UP  HE WENT, the visibility growing greater and the pressure less.  Finally they were on the surface and the sun was shining on Palmer’s dripping helmet.

 

“Wow.’ Look at that ugly thing.”, shouted Jack, “No wonder you signalled for help.”     He took a knife to that denizen of the deep.    Then he used an axe, hacking at the twelve-foot-long tentacles.   Those long, clinging arms had to be cut away piecemeal.   It was a difficult task, for the tentacles were lined with hundreds of “suction-cups.1‘

 

At last Palmer was a free man.  A few minutes earlier he had been locked in a grip of iron, unable to free himself, NOW HE WAS LOOSE . . . .  He had been nearly “buried alive” in a watery grave: now he was basking in God’s bright sunshine, alive and well.   HE HAD BEEN SAVED FROM AN AWFUL DEATH.

 

Sin, like an OCTOPUS, has a deadly grip on the souls of men and women, and boys and girls.   There are many evil habits which defy human help.  Men are utterly unable to free themselves from the ‘tentacles’ of unbelief.   Do not try to save yourself.. You just can’t do it by your own efforts.   But you can do as Palmer did~—–YOU CAN SIGNAL BY PRAYER TO THE ONE ABOVE, AND HE WILL DELIVER YOU

YOU’LL BE GLAD YOU’VE FOUND A FRIEND ABOVE . . . . .

                                                                                             Pentecostal Evangel.

I

 

 

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Prayer Dynamics collated by Rev. E. Anderson

July 29, 2008 at 7:52 pm (Prayer Dynamics)

                                                  

Rev. E. Anderson

A NEEDFUL PRAYER

 

Reading    Job 42

 

Text          vv8, 10

 

Introduction

 

There are some prayers that are needful, urgent and must be carried out because so much is dependent upon them. Job’s three professed friends never thought after this extraordinary experience they would be in the situation where they would have to go to Job and ask for prayer. Never did it ever cross their minds that this whole, demanding event would end up like this, having to request Job to pray for them.  So much for them hinged upon his praying!

 

God directed this action thus showing the premium that he placed on this ministry and upon His servant. It underlines the respect that God has for those who engage in this role and so should encourage its employment. At the conclusion of this well-known trial, it is evident that prayer was to play a key role.

 

There is little doubt that this choice man of God must have prayed numerous times through this protracted ordeal. He must have wondered when it was all going to end! He must have inquired and requested of the Lord the reason for it all but he is kept somewhat in the dark and has to learn to trust amidst the seeming inexplicable happenings. In the summons of the Lord as matters are brought to a head and solution, he is to discover that prayer is to play a dynamic role.

 

How needful was this prayer?

 

1/. IT WAS ESSENTIAL TO THE THREE MEN CONCERNED

 

       They are seen to be in a very exposed and vulnerable position deserving divine judgment because of the misrepresentations they had been guilty of. It is apparent that the Lord was greatly displeased with them because they had failed to declare that which was true and right regarding Job – ‘My wrath is aroused against you and your two friends, for you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job’ – v7. If they were to be spared judgment and further embarrassment they must humble themselves and seek the intercession of this God-fearing man. With such a threat in the air it was not only needful that they pray, an answer was needed, too.

 

2/. IT WAS ESSSENTIAL TO GOD’S SERVANT

 

       Job still had a real physical problem that had to be sorted out. He had had to put up with this terrible ailment and pain over a long passage of time and how he must have yearned not only for respite and relief but total deliverance. It had been a real endurance test that had thoroughly tested his patience and faith. But somehow he had won through and come to this point of breakthrough. Never did he think that in the finality of the crisis that prayer would come to the fore and he would be the key and king player. God must have communicated with him and let him know that this would resolve everything.

 

      It would be a tremendous test for Job because he had not only been tried by his sickness but by his so-called friends. He could have built up a great deal of bad feeling towards them especially in the light of his circumstances and their words and attitudes. He could have alienated himself from them and felt he would have no truck with them in the future. Praying for them in the truest sense would mean he would have to let go of any bitterness, resentment or revenge. Only as he prayed with a spirit of grace and forgiveness would his praying be meaningful and profitable – see Matthew 6: 14, 15; 18: 21-35. Forgiveness paves the way for answer to prayer and for the experience of many divine blessings.

 

3/. IT WAS ESSENTIAL TO GOD

 

      God was affirming to these four men that through prayer and the answers would come His vindication. The three would be spared from judgment and Job would be healed and justified before all. It highlighted the fact that prayer was to be the means by which all this would be brought to pass. He regarded prayer as a spiritual dynamic by which things are wrought out and so must be resorted to. If God is running the universe, this planet and the affairs of men and so places prayer in such a notable position, then it must be so respected.

 

4/. IT WAS ESSENTIAL TO THE REST OF POSTERITY

 

     The historic account and incident of this great man of God is for all posterity to read and take note of. Much is to be gathered and gleaned from the forty two chapters but the ultimate appears to be the crowning feature. Prayer is seen to be priority in the outworking of God’s purpose and power. It is to be realised that prayer still must operate if God’s hand is to be manifest in grace.

 

CONCLUSION

 

For all who have a definite, close relationship with God, they must be aware of the prayers that need to be praye

 

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Illustrations that Light up Life by Rev. E. Anderson

July 29, 2008 at 7:47 pm (Illustrations)

                                               

Rev. E. Anderson

I SHALL RETURN

 

This was what David said as he was called up to serve His Majesty’s forces during the last World War, prior to leaving his family and neighbourhood in the 1940s.

 

He was a Lincolnshire lad, the son of Arthur and Mary Pacey of Ludborough, situated near Louth and he was summoned to join the army at a critical time in the nation’s history. Like many other of the young men and women of that time, there was a serious conflict on and all the able bodied people were required in order to bring about the downfall of the evil regimes that threatened humanity.

 

My wife, Joan, shared this with me as she was the brother of David and so can vouch for authenticity of this incident.

 

As the sad good-byes and well wishes were being expressed, David said assuredly to his mother in her feelings of sorrow at his going: “I shall return again but not as you see me now.” Little did she realize at the time the significant of those prophetic words and what they would mean to her in the forthcoming days?

 

David was called upon to serve in the Medical Corps in the Middle East where there was intense conflict with the Japanese. It was not an easy situation to go into because of the intensity of the conflict and because of the great success of the opposition forces as it steam-rolled forth against whoever and whatever stood in its way. They were fully prepared and armed and were used to the conditions and so were victorious.

 

One day the Pacey’s received a telegram from the War Office to say that David was missing and presumed dead. It was quite a negative message to receive especially in the light of ‘the promised return’. The force of it could have destroyed the assurance and hope that had been planted in the heart of that dear mum at that time. But Mary Pacey was not the kind of person in to give in to that news and so began to stand in faith that one day she would see her son once again.

 

David was taken as a prisoner of war and was subjected to imprisonment which meant him existing in the worst of circumstances over the next years. He was amongst the men that had to go through intensive ordeals in terms of labour, punishment and the lack of food. During that period countless numbers perished because of the mercilessness of this evil regime. But in some wonderful way, David was wonderfully preserved. He managed to live through the whole period.

 

The day came, of course, when the war was over and he along with others were released and were able to make their return journey back to their loved ones.  It seemed impossible that he could have come through this whole era still intact with his life.

 

One can imagine the intense jubilation of the family and neighbourhood when they heard the news of his homecoming. The buntings were out and the message clear for all to see –‘Welcome Home.’  David did return as he had said but he was changed in every way. He had been physically reduced to a bag of bones but also his attitude to life also had been completely altered. All can appreciate the thrill of the moment when the promise that had been made was brought to pass. Although it did not seem likely, yet the miracle happened.

 

Jesus Christ has gone on record that one day He will return. The promise and prophecy was made to His disciples long ago and there is little doubt about it. He said: “I will come again and receive you unto myself  . . . .” – John 14: 1-3. He intends to keep it and nothing will prevent it happening. He is coming not as a helpless babe but as sovereign King of kings and in power and glory. We, the Church of Christ, live in expectation of it knowing that we shall have the joy of meeting and greeting Him and it will be our home-call to heaven to live and reign with Him forevermore.

 

 

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Contemporary Considerations compiled by Rev. E. Anderson

July 29, 2008 at 7:42 pm (Contemporary Considerations)

                                       

Rev. E. Anderson

GOD SMILES WHEN WE PRAISE
by Rick Warren

“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise – the fruit of lips that confess his name” – Hebrews 13:15 (NIV)

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Few things feel better than receiving heartfelt praise and appreciation from someone else. God loves it too. He smiles when we express our adoration and gratitude to him.

Noah’s life brought pleasure to God because he lived with a heart of praise and thanksgiving. Noah’s first act after surviving the flood was to express his thanks to God by offering a sacrifice (Genesis 8:20).

We praise God for who he is and we thank God for what he has done (Hebrews 13:15; Psalm 116:17). David said, “I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. This will please the Lord” (Psalm 69:30-31 NIV).

An amazing thing happens when we offer praise and thanksgiving to God. When we give God enjoyment, our own hearts are filled with joy!

My mother loved to cook for me. Even after I married Kay, when we would visit my parents, Mom prepared incredible home-cooked feasts. One of her great pleasures in life was watching us kids eat and enjoy what she prepared. The more we enjoyed eating it, the more enjoyment it gave her.

But we also enjoyed pleasing Mom by expressing our enjoyment of her meal. It worked both ways. As I would eat the great meal, I would rave about it and praise my mother. I intended not only to enjoy the food but to please my mother. Everyone was happy.

Worship works both ways too. We enjoy what God has done for us, and when we express that enjoyment to God, it brings him joy—but it also increases our joy. The book of Psalms says, “The righteous are glad and rejoice in his presence; they are happy and shout for joy” (Psalm 68:3 TEV).

 

 

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Christian Advancement collated by Rev. E. Anderson

July 28, 2008 at 8:23 pm (Advancement)

                                                         

Rev. E. Anderson

One of the things in Christian life and experience is to make progress and advance with God into the things He has planned and prepared. We are not to be static but ever moving ahead to achieve all that He has promised. Paul affirmed for himself: ‘that I may apprehend that for which I am apprehended of Christ Jesus’ – Philippians 3: 12. The theme of ‘advancement’ will be presented on this site for Christians to consider and be provoked into belief, action and progress.

 

ADVANCEMENT BY THE RIGHT MEASURES

 

Genesis 11 –15

 

In Abram we observe a man who made great progress with God. Even though he was 75, the next 100 years would become historical, meaningful and memorable. It is impossible to note the measures and the process by which this individual made great strides with God and become a person of spiritual renown.

 

1/. ADVANCEMENT CAME THROUGH HEARING FROM GOD – GENESIS 12:1

 

God had revealed Himself and spoken into this man’s life and a relationship was born and forged that brought about forward movement and development. He was shown that there was a divine destiny to be fulfilled if he went with God but he would always have to have his up and switched antenna on to God.

 

2/. ADVANCEMENT CAME THROUGH BELIEVING THE PROMISES OF GOD  –  GENESIS 12:1-3

 

See other confirmatory verses and experiences. Time and again God would iterate and re-iterate assurances and he had to learn to believe and act upon those guarantees. He became a man full of promise and prospect. He had everything to live for and go for in God.

 

3/. ADVANCEMENT CAME THROUGH OBEDIENCE – GENESIS 12: 4

 

He acted upon the summons immediately and this was to be a characteristic of his life. It is seen so much in Genesis 22 when he was called to sacrifice his son, Isaac. There is no progress without obedience.

 

4/. ADVANCEMENT CAME THROUGH SEPARATION – GENESIS 13

 

The parting from Lot was essential. It was not an easy matter but it had to be and the patriarch acted with grace. It is noteworthy that the Lord has something of importance to say following the parting.

 

5/. ADVANCEMENT CAME THROUGH THE RAISING OF ALTARS – GENESIS 12:7

 

A blessed feature was his expression of gratitude and appreciation to God seen in the building of these altars. So often the Lord met him when he did so and revealed and established things of an important nature.

 

CONCLUSION

 

Abram was the person who really went places with God and laid a foundation and pattern for others to emulate, and all because he adopted the right measures.

 

 

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