SHARE Magazine July 2019 by The SHARE Magazine

MyDevotion.today Sound Mind 2 Timothy 1:7. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind”. Since we have received Jesus into our hearts He has given us the authority to speak His word because He is authority. He has given us the Holy Spirit who, through Jesus, the word of God is manifested. When we pray we must expect that God has heard us and with thanksgiving wait for the answer. Sometimes prayers are not answered how we would expect them to be. God in His wisdom knows how to answer prayer because He knows what is best for us. His timing is always perfect. Remember all the blessings we have received because of what our wonderful Saviour did for us on the cross. Prayers may go unanswered for days, weeks and years. Trusting Him in these circumstances will strengthen our faith in Him. Be strong and of good courage. Let not your heart be troubled. Allow the peace of God to rule in your heart. Doubting will cause trust to fly away losing our peace and joy. Did not God create the whole entire universe? Don’t let the fiery darts of the enemy in. A sound mind is at rest, fear, panic, anxiety and stress cannot reside along side a sound mind. Allow those things no entry. Read the word of God; keep close to Him all times in prayer. Be a warrior for Jesus carry high the banner of faith. Remember who is in control. He will never leave us of forsake us. Hebrews 13:6 “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” Devotion For July 1st 2019 By Lynda Smith

inside 6 EDITORIAL 4

TESTIMONY 18 How God found me... .

FEATURE ARTICLES Mirror Mirror on the Wall Living with and accepting the person in the mirror….

How did Israel lose its way? 8 Lessons from the Old Testament. Overcoming Life’s Hurdles 10 How to deal with setbacks and keep motivated towards your goal. Building God’s House Pt 2 12 The 5 Fold Ministry at work in the Church. Why Me? 14 Questioning why some are born with disabilities. The Cage is Empty! 15 Reflecting on the liberty we have in God. Searching For Me Who am I and Why am I Here?

REFLECTIONS #YouthSHARE 20 YOUNG, gifted and STUCK! Why Weeping Warriors? The call to prayer and the challenge of intercession

Storyteller 24 Going Nowhere? Think Theatre 26 A review of ‘War Horse’ at the Regent Theatre in Hanley. In Praise Of Hymn I’m So Glad I’m A Part Of The Family Of God.

Poem: Caged Bird By Sharon Bett

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EDITORIAL IN SEARCH OF ME

Are you confident you are a child of God? Are you joyfully growing up in God’s household with a secure knowledge that you are being mentored and discipled into WHO God intended you to be? Are you looking into the mirror and noting your, “progress of becoming” with awe and excitement? Are you experiencing the power of God’s nature at work in you daily, transforming you from your old self/ way of thinking and reacting to the things around you? Have you found the real you? Not the physical form or reflection in the mirror, the real you, the spiritual you, that will enter eternity and meet God face to face, when you have laid aside and left this physical form behind? If you have answered affirmatively TO ALL THE ABOVE questions then let me tell you, YOU are an extraordinary being, a sample for billions to follow because unfortunately; too many millions of Christians would have lived their whole life and not fulfilled their purpose. Too many died prematurely. You say to me, “how can this be?” Well, we will explore this in this issue. How come we live our lives way below par? Often because of sheer ignorance, (none taught us) or neglect (we wanted it but no one mentored us or took the time get us unstuck and going in the right direction). We were derailed by abuse (this is becoming more rampant in the Church). 4

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Also, there is deception (we veer off the path following, teachings, philosophies, practices, that replace God in our lives) that robs us of our ability to hear God’s voice, obey His instructions. Finally, we become so rebellious that we just do our own thing, whatever seems right in our own eyes becomes out manta and we miss the calling and purposes of God for us.

Wilderness Wanderings Thus, began years of wandering aimlessly through life, always doing but never achieving, (2 Timothy 3), believing but never having faith, walking but never arriving at the destination determined for us. So, we are unfulfilled and we feel empty. Israel experienced 40 years in the desert when they could have arrived in 2 weeks. They were so rebellious they missed out on what God intended. Out of 3 million only 2 made it into the Promised land. We fail to understand that God gave us free will and He’s not going to ever force even blessings on us. He says clearly, this is the benefit of the good and these are the consequences of the bad, choose! He says,” I’m willing to walk with you through it all, if you will allow Me to lead the way. We say. “no I want to do what the rest of the world does, I want a democratically elected king/ queen, not a personal God.”

The Tyranny of Kings We choose fallible humanism over God’s just governance. History has shown us that the reign of human kings/queens has been filled with anguish for the governed subjects. Just count the bloody revolutions, uprisings, insurrections, civil protests in

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Volume 7 - Issue 3

About Us

SHARE MAGAZINE is a FREE Christian quarterly that deals with challenging Christian topics that have been mostly ignored or left unanswered. The magazine includes written articles, poems and thoughts etc. Read our online version at www. TheShareMagazine.com where you can go to our blog to discuss articles or order a printed version. If you would like to submit articles, join our writers group, or to get involved in any other way kindly email us. SHARE MAGAZINE is produced by Select Arrow, the publishing arm of United In Christ charity number 1140448.

Disclaimer

Throughout this magazine the editor & contributors seek to present a balanced and accurate view of Scripture’s teaching. We are all on a journey of studying and understanding God’s Word. Because of this, all we can offer is as balanced an understanding as the Holy Spirit has offered us at this time. The views or opinions represented in this publication are personal to each of our contributors and may not fully represent those of any other contributor or editor. Some writers may use UK spelling while others may use US spelling as our writers are from different regions.

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one week’s news; never mind, the total of history. The case of Israel in Egypt was no exception. God raised up a deliverer in answer to their cry for freedom. They abused Moses, yet knowing the plans God had for His people, he forbear with them. Still, they cursed and grumbled against God; He was still patient. Food was provided daily without delay or decay, yet some still chose to go in pursuit of what was already provided others hoarded today’s provision for tomorrow even though God said, fresh bread for each day they would rather have it stale. They returned to idol worship and all

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manner of provocation against God and so in the end they perished in the dessert because God could not justifiably reward them for rebellion. Are we any different? Was the purpose of God for them not wonderful, of self determination in a land of freedom, flowing with milk and honey?

The Prodigal’s Return Let’s come to our senses, just like The Prodigal, turn away from the garbage of pigs slop. Return to our Father’s House, confident that His heart is waiting and His arms are outstretched and He will

accept us gladly and re-establish us as a Royal priesthood, a HOLY NATION unto Himself. Find your spiritual address, locate your spiritual pedigree, have some spiritual ambition, don’t live less than who you are! Never accept the burden of being ordinary, remember you are created and called to be God’s glory in the earth. YOU are GOD’s child! p

Angela Slack

Editor and Co-founder

You have questions we’ve got answers

SHOULD CHRISTIANS BELIEVE IN BAD LUCK OR COINCIDENCES ETC?

Demons of fear and superstition

One Sunday morning after church a mother picked up her son, Timothy, from a soccer game. Parked in the driveway at home she stood waiting on him to help her with groceries she had bought at the supermarket. She patiently watched as he led his bicycle around to the back of the yard. Suddenly, she noticed that he walked under a ladder by the side of the house.

afternoon rain she again screamed, “Bad luck! Bad luck!”

What would Paul, the Apostle say about such superstitions? Would he approve of the bad luck associated with Friday the 13th, or the fact that there can be no thirteenth floor in a high-rise building. Or what if you spilled salt, would he agree that you should throw some over your left shoulder “Timmy! No!” she screamed and the egg box she to avoid bad luck? was carrying crashed to the ground. “Bad luck! Amazingly, research into such superstitions reveal Bad luck!” their origin came from way back in the history of Later that day, when her husband opened an heathen nations who worshipped their idols and umbrella in the front room before going out in the their many gods and who had Continued on pg 34 July - September 2019

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MIRRORRORRIM On the wall who is the fairest of them all?

“Mirror mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?” Do you ever wonder why this wicked queen of a stepmother asked this question of her magic mirror daily? She possessed, I am sure, what many women then AND today, would want. Beauty, royal status and all that comes with it. It was not enough. She had to get daily affirmation from a mirror everyday to confirm she was very beautiful and more beautiful than every other woman in the land. Sounds like an insecure woman. Low

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self esteem is a lack of belief in yourself, and that can be for one aspect of your life or all. Self-esteem is the respect or pride one feels for themselves. It’s your overall

opinion of yourself – how you feel about your abilities and limitations. (Conqueryourconfidence.com) When self-esteem is low, you put little value on your opinions and ideas. You might constantly worry that you aren’t good enough or have nothing of importance to give. It can have serious effects on our lives and bodies such as: Create anxiety, stress, loneliness, and increased likelihood of depression. It can lead to problems with friendships and romantic relationships, seriously impair academic and job performance and result in increased vulnerability to drug and alcohol abuse. What is more is, these negative consequences can reinforce a negative self-image and take you into a downward spiral of lower and lower confidence and potentially unproductive or selfdestructive behaviour.

“You are the one who put me together inside my mother’s body, and I praise you because of the wonderful way you created me. Everything you do is marvellous! Of this I have no doubt.” Psalms 139:13-14 (CEV) It is clear then, that you are marvellous. God only does marvellous. Stop making other people “better” than you: Believe me when I say that there is absolutely no one “better” than you. He has made you the way you are to suit your purpose. Everything about you is designed to accomplish what He had in mind from the beginning of time. He told the boy, Jeremiah “before he was born, He chose him to speak for Him to the nations.” As Jeremiah started to compare himself to others, “I’m not a good speaker, Lord, and I’m too young.” Jeremiah 1:6 CEV, the Lord taps into the fear that fuelled Jeremiah’s statement assures him that he will be with him and keep him safe. He also encourages him to be obedient. Jeremiah 1:7-8 CEV

So Stop comparing: You will not gain anything by comparing your weaknesses to someone else’s strengths. We are different with different talents, looks, behaviours, and everything in between. Admire another’s characteristics, but never at the expense of your own. Step out even if you are afraid: You are equipped for what God put in your heart, and He wants you to look to Him, not yourself. Without Him you can do nothing. (John 14) “God planned for [you] to do good things and to live as he has always wanted [you]to live. This is why he sent Christ to make us [you] what we are.” Ephesians 2:10 CEV

“Mirror Mirror on the wall. Do you really think you know it all? I don’t care what you conceive of me. This low self image gets in the way of the reality of who we are. Like the evil queen There is much more to this world our preoccupation is with ourselves. We than you can ever see. are looking in the mirror of the media, Now just in case you think that this is So mirror it’s time to say our the internet, magazines, at the brightest only true for Old Testament characters, goodbyes girl or boy in the class and wanting to not in Ephesians it states that “Before the Cause I am stepping out to touch just measure up but be better than them. world was created, God had Christ the skies The truth is you can never measure up. choose us to live with him and to be his Scientifically, it is proven that there is Living the same day over and over holy and innocent and loving people.” no one on earth like you. No one has Ephesians 1:4 CEV. You are that holy again is not what God wanted me the same fingerprints as you, not even to do. innocent loving person. your parents. To write the information contained in one strand of your DNA “God has also given each of us different Almighty God has believed in me would take 40 books, each with 600 gifts to use. If we can prophesy, we and now, I believe in myself too. pages!!! You are too unique to measure should do it according to the amount of Yes, it’s a scary place out there, that up to anyone else. Oscar Wilde said, “Be faith we have. If we can serve others, we I know. yourself; everyone else is already taken.” should serve. If we can teach, we should But I want to test my limits and see teach. If we can encourage others, we how far I can go.” Let us change the mirrors that we look into daily for affirmation. These mirrors are setting us up to look like others! Let us look begin to look into the mirror of the Word of God to see what we really look like.

should encourage them. If we can give, we should be generous. If we are leaders, we should do our best. If we are good to others, we should do it cheerfully.” Romans 12:6-8 CEV

https://medium.com/@poonamsahasrabuddhe By Lorraine Rainford Women’s Pastor and Integrative Nutrition Health and Lifestyle Coach.

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There are many lessons for us today in the Old Testament. Exodus, reads mostly like a good action film, there is oppression, danger, action, loss of hope, along comes a hero and the people were released from their slavery: hallelujah, God is good!! However, were the Israelites released from their bondage? No they weren’t. The story of elephant training springs to mind; that young elephants are chained up on a light leash so they cannot get away, they are conditioned in their mind to believe they cannot get away even when fully grown adults. The truth is that the adults could easily break free, it’s all in their minds. The Israelites moved away from the area and started looking for their promised land. Genesis 15: 1821; 28:13; and finally mentioned in Exodus 23:31. Did they go straight there? After leaving the land and entering

the river that they had to cross, the people looked up and saw Pharaoh and his men coming (14:10) They were terrified and cried out, “What have you done by bringing us up out of Egypt?” If you read on you will see that they were told to stand firm, the Egyptians with hearts hardened by the Lord, were bold enough or foolish enough to enter the water where the people were crossing. When they got there they got confused and the chariots got stuck. Then the waters were released when Moses stretched out his hand and all the Egyptians were drowned but the Israelites were unharmed! After seeing this mighty miracle the Israelites pushed on expecting to go to the promised land, 3 days later they were back to their grumbling and groaning. There was no apparent clean water until they got to the springs of Elim. Next was no food, so God provided them

with manna, cereal from heaven, which they soon got fed up with so God provided them with meat. On and on moaning and groaning, not trusting God to provide for them despite seeing miracle after miracle. What should have taken 40 days took 40 years. All those that left Egypt died even Moses, except Caleb and Joshua.

What Has Happened? How did the Israelites lose their way? God had promised them victory, He had given them the land, it was theirs for the taking all they had to do is trust and obey, but they couldn’t. We don’t see the evidence that they saw with the miracles and wonderful answers to prayer. They knew nothing about Jesus and His wonderful redemptive work. Noone had laid down their lives as an atonement for their sins but we today know of the atonement of Christ and yet we can still lose our way. I remember when I was first a

How did Israel lose its way? Lessons from the Old Testament

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Christian reading through these accounts, in the Old Testament, of the people not trusting and obeying God and suffering the consequences. I thought they must be really flaky people and I was never going to be like that! Oh boy, did I mess up time and time again after that. Please never promise God you won’t be like them, it hurts as you more than likely will. Learning to trust God is a hard lesson that we all have to learn and continue to learn even when we become mature Christians.

God Will Never Fail You You may be a new Christian and seeing something of your past that now terrifies you, what should you do? Just like the Israelites did, stand firm, give it to God and watch Him deal with it. Get into your Bible, it is God’s love letter to us, for all times. All the answers are there, you just have to read. There are many things we have to overcome on our journey with Jesus, some people unfortunately end up wandering

off into other things, New Age practices, disillusionment and misunderstandings. Maybe some have placed their relationship with man higher than God and man has let them down; man will always eventually let you down but God never will, He is always faithful. Some people are being enticed away from the faith by strange theologies that are taught us from preachers that are also presumably wandering away. Be careful what you watch or read, even seemingly harmless things can draw us away from Christ. Does the Bible not tell us, “For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” (Matthew 24:24) Don’t let us be deceived brothers and sisters, you can only recognise it, if you are drifting or being led away, only by having a close relationship with God, praying constantly as well as reading His word.

God will never lead us to a place where His grace cannot provide for us or His power cannot protect us. As we have seen the Israelites had seen the powerful hand of God at work during the plagues and miracles of the Exodus. Yet, like many of us today, they walked by sight and not by faith, and their unbelief displeased God. “Without faith it is impossible to please God” Hebrews 11:6. Their failure to believe in God’s word kept them from entering the Promised Land. This truth has never changed, don’t let it slip from your fingers. Our hope is a heavenly hope where all tears and pain will be washed away and forgotten, as we run into His arms when He welcomes us home with the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:23) p

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By Teresa L. Randle Missionary, Preacher and Bible Teacher

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OVERCOMING LIFE’S HURDLES L

Let us first get into the meaning of the word hurdle: One of a series of upright frames over which athletes in a race must jump - ‘a hurdle race.’ A problem or difficulty that must be overcome. Life is full of hurdles, we may call it difficulties, trials, challenges and more. Let us renew our minds first of all. I for many years walked with the condemnation of the enemy, thinking that for the intensity and frequency of these fiery trials that I was walking through that something was wrong with me or that I had some open door so that the enemy could pursue me, he was always hot on my heels. Then I began to understand the Father’s

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ways and the Father’s heart. There is a price to pay for the anointing, it cannot be taught or caught, the anointing only comes AFTER one goes through fire and overcomes hurdles. Let us lay hold of something greater before we even take each hurdle in life’s journey. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. We have already overcome, there is a finished work at Calvary’s cross that speaks VICTORY. You see if we can have a different mind-set to “hurdles” we have already won. Hurdles are allowed by God because He wants us to grow. Rain falls on the just and the

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unjust. Time and chance happens to all BUT GOD CAN turn all our situations around IN HIS TIMING and use these situations for His glory. They become testimonies, messages and stepping points for spiritual promotion All things really do work for our good and God’s glory (Romans 8:28) You see our attitude most times is the reason we don’t overcome or walk in Victory. We give up...we think its too hard. We become wounded and stay in that place, if we stay in the place of the wound, then life has overtaken us and the enemy has won.

As I said at the beginning the “woe is me” attitude can really cause us to remain stuck. We lose focus like Peter walking on water, the moment he took his eyes off Jesus he began to sink. (Matthew 14:29) We need to understand great purpose can be birthed out of our pain but only if we let go and let God. So how do we actually overcome? “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all— how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died— more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the

present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:31-39 God has already spoken His will in every situation. In all this we are more than conquerors, the most important part of this verse though is – through Him who loved us. We are quite ineffective in our own strength but through Christ we can overcome, in God we can do valiantly. When David faced Goliath his words were I come in the name of the lord. Be assured God is with you and He is for you. He is the all seeing, all knowing, ever present God. The all powerful almighty God. While you are waiting in God, worship. He knows exactly where you are today, this very moment and while you are waiting to cross that hurdle, overcome that problem, garner grace, encouragement, strength and all you need from him. THEN, and only when God says leap. You take that jump over that hurdle. Psalm 18:28-30, comes to mind28 For it is you who light my lamp; the Lord my God lightens my darkness. 29 For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap

over a wall. 30 This God—his way is perfect;[d] the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him Rest assured that in God there is no failure. It is His will for us to overcome and He has given us all to equip us to overcome. The finished work at Calvary’s cross means we have... • Resurrection power indwelling us. • The Holy Spirit to comfort, teach and help us. • His word with His promises. Those promises speak to hurdles. • His abiding presence. • Spiritual weapons for warfare. Please be assured we WILL overcome in His time. He has your set appointed time of favour. The waiting time is preparation time, building up the spiritual muscles, strengthening you. I find that for the length of time that we wait there is a proportionate blessing. So the issue is not whether we will overcome. The answer is in WAITING ON GOD’S TIMING. In Christ your new name is overcomer, Amen! p

By Jacqueline Chin-Depass Leadership team member at Lifespring Church, broadcaster UKCC radio

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GOD’S HOUSE

Building

Part 2

Last issue in Part 1, we discussed that In the context of building God’s spiritual house ‘Foremen’ are: Elders, Deacons, Bishops or Overseers. In Part 1 of this series ‘God’s House’ we began the journey of looking at the Spiritual house God was building. Jesus spoke of this house in John 14:2 referring to it as His Father’s house. We explored 12

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God’s approach towards building this house and realised it was the same as when He gave Moses the mandate to build the tabernacle in the wilderness. We saw that the mandate to build His Spiritual house was given to the apostles by Jesus. We will pick up right where we left off. Site Workers As God put His Spirit into Bezalel

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and Aholiab giving them the ability to be highly skilled craftsmen so too has He put His Spirit in us today for the building of His Church. The Holy Spirit was given in these last days to enable us to build or, better yet, to allow God to build through us. Paul speaking of those who minister to God’s people said, “For we are God’s fellow workers…” 1 Corinthians 3:9. Let us now investigate the structure and see

how God’s house rises as its being built and finished as a habitable place for God to live in. The Foundations God’s house like any other must rise from its foundations. The foundation for God’s house has already been laid. Let us again visit 1 Corinthians 3 to learn more. “For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” Jesus is the foundation and His death and burial symbolises the laying of it. He was long predicted to be the foundation. Isaiah prophecies it, “Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, A tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; Whoever believes will not act hastily.” Isaiah 28:16. Note that Jesus is referred to as a stone/rock and not as soil or sand. This metaphor is used to indicate the stability, assurance and permanence that characterises faith in Christ. Jesus is dependable and sure. Those of us who have faith in Christ will be established forever. “Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever.” Psalms 125:1 Jesus our solid foundation has been mentioned all over Scriptures as the Stone/Rock. Any faith, doctrine or behaviour that is not firmly founded in Christ will fade and fail. “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7:26 Jesus is described as the cornerstone a metaphor that also carries significant symbolism. The foundation of a building… “The cornerstone (or foundation stone or setting stone) is the first stone set in the construction of a

masonry foundation, important since all other stones will be set in reference to this stone, thus determining the position of the entire structure.” en.m.wikipedia. org/wiki/Cornerstone. Both symbolisms indicate how crucial Jesus is to the building of the Church. It’s all founded upon, held together and supported by Him. The apostles are also described as foundations. They are the foundation that is set in Jesus the rock. Imagine a literal building and see how cavities are created in the rock to pour the concrete. The symbolism of a foundation used to describe the apostles also indicates how firmly and solidly they are set in Christ. They do not, by themselves, support the building as Christ does. They are firmly founded in the one who personally chose them, taught, trained and sent them. As Israel grew out of the twelve sons of Jacob so the Church, Spiritual Israel, grew out of the twelve apostles of Christ. Building on the Foundations Let us first re-establish what it is God is building. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 3:9 “For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building…” Here Paul refers to the general body of believers as God’s building. Peter agrees when he said, “...you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house…” God is building a house to live in. Like the tabernacle, this house will be the place of God’s earthly presence. After the foundations are laid the building then begins to rise, brick by brick. Paul continues, “According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on

it.” 1 Corinthians 3:10 As we have discovered, this building is made of people. The irony is that we are both builders and the building that’s being built. “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up…” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 We all, as we are being built up must also be actively building others up. Every ‘brick’ in this building is giving support as it is being supported. We stand on the shoulders of others while others stand on our shoulders. We will discover in this next scripture verse that a key building tool is our words, read Ephesians 4:29. Holding the Bricks Together Where bricks are used in a building some kind of bonding element needs to be used to hold them firmly together. In natural building cement or some kind of tree gum would be used. God’s building is not without this very important bonding element. “But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.” Love as well as peace are our bonding material. Colossians 3:14 “...endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3 Know that strife, envy and competition etc. result in loose bricks that will not stick together under the battering of storm winds. God’s house will not be as those built on sand or those with loose bricks that are not firmly bound together. Look out for Part 3 as we continue to look at the building of God’s house. p

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By Homer Slack author, preacher, Bible teacher, IT tutor, programmer & graphic designer

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Why Me? A mother’s reflections on dealing with her child’s disability One day, as I argued with God, I heard, ‘you want the instantaneous expression of my power in a miraculous healing, but you don’t want the daily expression of my power in sustaining you as you walk through this.’ I quickly admitted, NO. Give me quick healing and be done with it. Yet God’s agenda is my agenda raised to infinity. God is about healing my every part and I knew that Jaedon would be a catalyst for that healing.

Jaedon’s name means God has heard. So I was sure He had heard our prayers, and that our beautiful boy would look ‘normal’ and act ‘normal’ in no time. I didn’t need it to be instantaneous. It was ok if I had to research a bit and pray for many nights for him to get the right supplements and stay up late with a screaming child. Instead this turned into years and years to decades. My son is now 20 years old and he struggles so deeply it’s hard for this mother’s heart to take in. One day when he was about 4 and I was trying to figure out what our autism healing strategy would be, I heard the question, ‘whose prayer do you think I heard?’ My quip was, 14

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‘it better be mine’. But over the years, I’ve had to accept a sneaking suspicion: it wasn’t only my prayer that God was answering; and it wouldn’t take the form that I had been trying to dictate. Jaedon’s disability forced me to wrestle with how I treated people whose body did not cooperate with society’s, or even the person’s own standards. How do I respect and love the human profoundly no matter what I see in the body? I had to wrestle with that. I had to wrestle with what it meant to believe in a God who heals when my kids seemed to be left out of the miracle wave. I had to redefine the word miracle.

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So today, when I think about disability and the struggle we have in bodies that do not cooperate, I humbly acknowledge the heart tending pain of it all, while I embrace the healing power that comes from loving someone with a disability, and the transformational power he has had in all our lives. Interestingly, Simonne said a few years ago, in response to a question about what she learned from having a brother with autism: (photo). This is the gift. Jaedon says I must tell others that people with autism are thinking people too. This is the gift. I had to learn what it really meant to be at brace even when things were spinning into panic, flavored insanity. This is the gift. ‘You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good, and for the saving of many lives’ Gen. 50:20 p By Faith Clarke Author, consultant & manager of Melody of Autism helping parents run family centered ventures while supporting special needs children.

The Cage is Empty!

By God’s Grace... The Cage IS “How much do you want for those Satan replied, “Oh, I’m gonna have Empty! birds, son?” fun! I’m gonna teach them how to marry and divorce each other, how There once was a man named “Huh? Why, you don’t want the to hate and abuse each other, how George Thomas, a pastor in a small birds, mister?” to drink and smoke and curse. I’m New England town. One Easter gonna teach them how to invent Sunday morning he came to the “They’re just plain old field birds. guns and bombs and kill each other. Church carrying a rusty, bent, old They don’t sing. They ain’t even I’m really gonna have fun!” bird cage and set it by the pulpit. pretty!” Eyebrows were raised and, as if in “How much?” The pastor asked “And what will you do when you are response, Pastor Thomas began to again. done with them?” Jesus asked. speak... The boy sized up the pastor as if he “Oh, I’ll kill ‘em,” Satan glared “I was walking through town were crazy and said, “$10?” proudly. yesterday when I saw a young boy coming toward me swinging this The pastor reached in his pocket and “How much do you want for them?” bird cage. On the bottom of the took out a ten dollar bill. He placed Jesus asked. cage were three little wild birds, it in the boy’s hand. In a flash, the “Oh, you don’t want those people. shivering with cold and fright. I boy was gone. The pastor picked They ain’t no good. Why, you’ll stopped the lad and asked, “What up the cage and gently carried it to take them and they’ll just hate you. the end of the alley where there was They’ll spit on you, curse you and kill do you have there, son?” a tree and a grassy spot. Setting the “Just some old birds,” came the cage down, he opened the door you. You don’t want those people!” reply. and by softly, tapping the bars “How much?” He asked again. “What are you going to do with persuaded the birds out, setting Satan looked at Jesus and sneered, them free. them?” I asked. “All your blood, tears and your life.” “Take ‘em home and have fun with Well, that explained the empty bird Jesus said, “DONE!” Then He paid ‘em,” he answered. “I’m gonna cage on the pulpit and then the the price. tease ‘em and pull out their feathers pastor began to tell this story: to make ‘em fight. I’m gonna have a One day satan and Jesus were real good time.” having a conversation. Satan had “But you’ll get tired of those birds just come from the Garden of Eden sooner or later. What will you do and he was gloating and boasting. “Yes, sir, I just caught a world full of then?” people down there. Set me a trap, “Oh, I got some cats,” said the little used bait I knew they couldn’t resist. boy. “They like birds. I’ll take ‘em to Got ‘em all!” them.” “What are you going to do with The pastor was silent for a moment. them?” Jesus asked.

The pastor picked up the cage and walked from the pulpit… The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10, (KJV). p

Author Anonymous

July - September 2019

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Searching For Me D

In exploring this topic, I would like us to examine the earthworm. Quite a lot of people are disgusted by the sight of earthworms. They think that they are dirty, nasty and even dangerous. They are repulsed by the idea of holding them in their hands. The earthworm however is one of nature’s top “soil scientists.”

Who am I

and

Why am I Here?

Finding God’s will and purpose for your life.

The earthworm is responsible for a lot of the things that help make our soil good enough to grow healthy plants and provide us food. Worms help to increase the amount of air and water that gets into the soil. They break down organic matter like leaves and grass into things that plants can use. When they eat, they leave behind castings that are a very valuable type of fertilizer. Earthworms are like free farm help. They help to “turn” the soil—bringing down organic matter from the top and mixing it with the soil below. Another interesting job that the worm has is that of making fertilizer. If there are 500,000 worms living in an acre of soil, they could make 50 tons of castings. That’s like lining up 100,000 one pound coffee cans filled with castings. These same 500,000 worms burrowing into an acre of soil can create a drainage system equal to 2,000 feet of 6-inch pipe. Pretty amazing for just a little old worm, don’t you think? Having worms around in your garden is a real good sign that you have a healthy soil. https://extension.illinois.edu/worms/live/

How does this relate to and explain the topic of, “Who am I and why am I here?” or

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July - September 2019

“Finding God’s will and purpose for your life.” Let us look at a few things that you have in common with the earthworm: Not everyone will appreciate or value your call from God, only those who understand it and others who may benefit from it. You are uniquely equipped, gifted and talented to fulfil your purpose. You are either born with those qualities or you will acquire them in life. You are very necessary and creation will be better for you being here when you find and fulfil your purpose. Ps. 23:3 (KJV) says, “He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” It brings out the point that God leads us, “for His name’s sake.” Other meanings of the Hebrew word for “name” include honour, authority, character, renown and fame. That means it is in God’s interest to guide us accurately and His reputation/honour is in danger when we are not properly led or when we do not “get it right.” God would normally lead us through our “righteous” desires. In Ps. 37:4 the NASV says, “Delight yourself in the LORD; and He will give you the desires of your heart.” As you spend quality time enjoying (delighting yourself) in God, your heart (motives and attitudes) is transformed and God will give you the (righteous) desires of your heart. In one of the many encounters the prophet Isaiah had with God, his lips are cleansed with burning coal from the altar by an

angel. God then asks the question, “Whom shall I send and who will go for us?” Isaiah responded, “Here am I. Send me.” God then sends him to prophesy to Israel. God confirmed Isaiah’s call after he yielded to Him. Only as we yield ourselves to God and we continue to delight in Him will we know for sure what His plans are for our lives. One of the reasons that God gave us His Holy Spirit is to reveal His plan, will and purpose for our lives to us. The Bible records in, 1 Cor. 2:9 – 12 (NKJV), “But as it is written: ‘Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.’ God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.” The Holy Spirit is in our lives to show us the plans which God already has for us. I would recommend the following actions and practices to find out the answers to the questions, “Who am I and why am I here?” These recommended practices will also help you to find out God’s will and purpose for your life. They include: Regularly spend time in prayer, worship, meditating and studying the Scriptures (delight yourself in

the Lord). Ask God to show you His purpose, plan and will for your life and expect Him to do so. The Scripture reminds us in, Jm. 4:2 (NLT), “…you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it.” It also tells us in, Lk. 11:10 (NASV), “For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened.” Pay attention to your desires, dreams, aspirations, etc. God could be using them to communicate His plans to you. Is there a recurring thoughts, ideas or desires? God could be trying to get your attention. Consider your gifts, talents and abilities. Ask godly family members, friends and your leaders to tell you what gifts, talents and abilities they see in you. Ask responsible persons for advice; if God is leading you down a certain path, He normally confirms it through other persons. Do not be afraid to take calculated risks based on any route/actions you might feel impressed to pursue. There are times God will only lead us as we take steps of faith. I have found that I needed those lessons I learned as I took those steps of faith. Jesus had this to say about his sheep: - “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (Jn. 10:27, NIV). Never forget you are His sheep. p By David Ferguson Bible teacher, Pastor of Restoration Family Church Int.

July - September 2019

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TESTIMONY By Julie Johnson

I was born and raised in a small mining village in Nottinghamshire. Though my parents did not attend any church their ethics were biblically based and they did believe in God. Unfortunately God was usually used as a threat to make me be obedient, so I was only aware of an all seeing and punishing God. At school we had assembly every morning were we sang hymns had a Bible reading and prayer. I only understood a few of the Bible readings because nothing was explained yet I enjoyed the stories of Jesus. After leaving school I never even thought of going to church except for weddings, christenings and funerals. At 18 I married a lovely man and had our first child when I was 21. We moved to Lincolnshire when he was 6 months old and 2 years later we had another son. It was while my sons were still small that I got fed up of my conscience and deliberately began to ignore it. 18

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That was a turning point in my life and not for the better. Over the next few years I began to only to care for my family and friends, my goal was to enjoy my life. Gradually, I became more and more selďŹ sh and would say things that would hurt others just to sound modern and cool. God was nowhere in my life and I would deny His existence if it suited me. When things went wrong I would ask God to help me and He would, I even made promises to Him which I never kept because when I got what I wanted I would go back to denying His existence.

Mum was with us when I became very ill and was taken to hospital in Lincoln. My condition just got worse and worse and I was operated on after a few days. The operation was successful though I was still poorly and recovery was slow. It was a wake up call to me as I was very aware that I could have died and I felt that I had been saved from death not only by the hospital staff but by something more.

When I was at home recovering the knowledge that I had been saved grew even stronger. So I sat and thought about what could have kept me alive and why. The only logical answer was God. So wanting to make sure it was God I That was my life for many years, thought, if He saved me once has my family grew up and left He done it before? So, I wrote down home, my husband and I had a all the times in my life that I could comfortable life. My father died remember when I could have been and my mum came to live with us, killed or in grave danger. I started she would stay a few weeks then go and live with my sister for a few at the beginning of my life, I weeks. I found having mum around remembered falling out of a moving car in the middle of Nottingham, I very hard and was pleased when she would go to stay with my sister. was about 5 at the time.

July - September 2019

The list grew and grew when I finally finished there were 26 things on the list. I could hardly believe it but it was true and I knew for certain God had taken care of me. I didn’t even know God so I knew I had to find Him and asked my husband to take me to church.

understand. I put on the T.V. and tuned in to Revelation T.V. and there was Dr Grady explaining all about the beginning of the earth in a Christian yet scientiﬁc way. I was able to understand so much from his teaching. God answered my question through the T.V.

immediately the thing that was growing inside me shot out the top of my head, ﬁngers and toes. I was ﬁlled with the Holy Spirit. Weeping, I asked God to explain more to me and I had a vision of galaxies upon galaxies, my God is enormous, nothing is greater than my God.

It was about 4 weeks later when my husband realised that I really did need to go to church. He took me to the local Christian fellowship. I was still very worldly and cautious of these people though they seemed friendly enough. The following week I went again and began to understand who God was. He was not this guy in the sky with a stick to prod me when I did anything wrong. He loved me and cared for me and He knew me through and through. During this time I was totally aware of Jesus being with me and could see Him out the corner of my eye He was smiling. It was wonderful but a bit unnerving.

My mind and heart were so full of what our Saviour did and who He was that I was finding it hard to sleep. There was something inside me that was growing rather large, it began the size of a tennis ball and had now grown to the size of a beach ball. Not knowing what to do about it, I decided it was not a good idea to go to the doctors so I went to see the lady who ran our house group.

In ﬂoods of tears I told my husband and my mum that I had given my life to Jesus. They were both shocked, they have both now given their lives to God as well. The years that have followed God has been faithful to me and to this day He has led me and my husband to help other people and to be a blessing to others. My spiritual needs have always been met leading us to different people and to live in a different town.

I was confused sometimes, so I asked God about evolution. I had read Genesis and wanted to

Telling her of my problems, she was so calm and said this is typical. I remember thinking what have other people felt like this. She gave me a booklet to read with a prayer at the end of it, that I could give my life to Jesus if I wanted to. Going into the bedroom I read the booklet and I gave my life to the Lord,

Our journey is still full of excitement and challenges, we are still learning more of our tremendous, excellent Heavenly Father and of our precious Saviour Jesus Christ. We have a greater understanding of the Holy Spirit and the way He helps us live our Christian lives. p

July - September 2019

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# youth

YOUNG, Gifted and STUCK!

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July - September 2019

How do the Gifted and Talented Youth Overcome Circumstantial Disadvantages?

It is not an uncommon thing for youth to express themselves through the form of art, it provides an outlet for them to make their thoughts and ideas known. Many churches provide a space for young people to share their giftings and talents by getting youth involved in different ministry. The expression of thought and ideas aren’t only through the arts but can also be seen through the inherent abilities that young people have; to lead, pray, organise, plan and even preach the gospel. Many young people find their solace in artistic expression and often feel appreciated when they are allowed to use their gifting’s and artistic abilities. Inevitably living in this world is a struggle and the expression of gifts and abilities are not exempt from challenges. Survey Question The #YouthSHARE team asked youth across the world: What are some challenges that they face in developing their gifts and talents? Some external challenges they expressed include lack of mentorship, lack of training and resources and the lack of opportunity to collaborate. A few also expressed that their challenge lies internally where they feel that they don’t believe in themselves

enough they lack discipline and focus required; also laziness and complacency were expressed. These are not uncommon challenges throughout life but the team also wanted to know how all these young people have been overcoming their challenges in regards to their natural gifting and abilities. Some expressed that they are receiving training and using online resources like YouTube , others were committing their gifting‘s to prayer, or taking the plunge and trying different things that have been asked of them and also pushing themselves beyond laziness and complacency. We also wanted to give encouragement to those who might be stuck in the pursuit of the development of their giftings and talents so we asked respondents, if they could help, what would they do to get youth unstuck and motivated to pursue their goals? Here were the responses: • Praying for and with other youth • Skills workshops • Mentorship that would help youth to pursue their dreams • Surveys asking what their interests are • Programs and projects to facilitate youth leadership

• Funding and resources to augment programs • Performance spaces and opportunities to collaborate, create and develop gifts. Limitations: The survey also revealed that there might be some gaps in the allowance for youth expression. We pray that churches will be intentional about creating spaces for their young people to use their gifts. This can enhance worship experiences and also provide the development of young people’s natural abilities and can also be used as a tool for evangelism and missions. Conclusion: We are encouraged to see that many churches represented through our respondents saw dance, drama, mime, visual and arts multimedia as appropriate for worship and that there was a 0% of respondents to say that their church does not recognize art forms. This was encouraging for the #YouthSAHRE team as it means that young people are being given out lets for their gifting’s and abilities. p

July - September 2019

By Jhonelle Grant Youth Leader and Freelance Writer

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Why

Weeping Warriors?

We need a heart of compassion to pray. We must be moved to our core by the Holy Spirit, to resist the indifference and decadence around us. We mustn't just cry like petulant children who are upset when things go wrong, we must be internally affected and broken in Spirit by the compassion of God to want to make a difference. Our lives must count for something in God's agenda and only when we yield in total submission can He use us! “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” Psalm 51:17 God Is Recruiting, Weeping Warriors It sounds like an oxymoron, like, Servant - King, Very God - Fully Man, doesn't it? Jesus was the prototype and model of humility in service to God. We are called to follow the order of Christ as Weeping Warriors. He was the epitome of a weeping warrior in the garden of Gethsemane when His tears were like droplets of blood; so intense were his groans and so excruciating the burden of our sins, He bore. Yet, He endured, He persevered until His flesh yielded, “not my will father but thine be done,” Luke 22:42. Why? “for the Joy set before Him,” Heb 12:2; that was the joy of receiving us unto Himself in Glory. A bride, fully emancipated of every stain of sin, fully restored, glorified and in full fellowship with Him and His Father as joint heirs to the Celestial Majesty. He loves us that much! Who Are Warriors? Warriors are disciplined, resolute, militant, courageous, highly skilled fighters whose lives belong to their master. They do not fight for vainglory but for the glory of the Master who raised them up and trained them. Having come to the required standard they are installed and commissioned by the master. They cannot be bought they are loyal unto death. We endure the rigorous training and discipline as Jesus did in His time, “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;” Heb 5:8. Our “weeping is for a night but out Joy comes in the morning,” Psalm 30:5.

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July - September 2019

God Calls and Qualifies Unlikely Warriors. Gideon lacked courage but had compassion. He was from the least household and small tribe of Benjamin. He was not a fighter like his brethren but he saw the imminent starvation of his people who were cowering in caves reluctant to face the enemy. He took the last wheat that needed threshing, to the exposed area of the elevated wine press to separate the grain from the trash to make flour for food. He responded to the need of his brethren. “The angel appeared and spoke to Gideon, ‘The Lord is helping you, and you are a strong warrior.’ Gideon answered, ‘Please don’t take this wrong, but if the Lord is helping us, then why have all of these awful things happened? We’ve heard how the Lord performed miracles and rescued our ancestors from Egypt. But those things happened long ago. Now the Lord has abandoned us to the Midianites.’ Then the Lord himself said, ‘Gideon, you will be strong, because I am giving you the power to rescue Israel from the Midianites.’”Judges 6:12-14 (CEV) The Gideon principle is pivotal in our prayer training. If you read the whole story, note God only selected 300 warriors who come to the waters and drank like a dog laps, this showed the meekness and servant heart of the warriors. God resists the proud. Will we become a miracle 300 for God? Or will we be disqualified by pride, murmuring, greed, fear and the like? God found him in his faithfulness and gave Him the courage he needed to not just provide one meal but to demolish the enemy! What about us?

How God Uses Us No experience in God is wasted. He uses everything about us when He calls us. Our natural talents will work with our spiritual gifts, our training and personality; every aspect of our life is used by the Holy Spirit. You will be used in as much as you yield to God. The full counsel of God is available to whosoever will ask and believe and receive it by faith. Many don't want it, they are comfortable to let others get on with it. Moses went to seek God, the others stayed at the foot of the mountain, we read of their rebellion and their judgement later on. Joshua, remained in God’s presence long after everyone else, you see his reward he was chosen by God to lead Israel into the Promised Land. We can choose to be a Mary, 'choosing the better part,’ which Jesus promised He will not take away from us; or a Martha busy doing ‘good’ and missing time with Jesus. The Courts Of Heaven There Is a deeper level of prayer called intercession. Putting yourself in the place of others and bargaining their case before God in Heaven’s Courts. Satan is a knowledgeable, skilled, relentless and scheming enemy who will use any trick to win, who knows the law of God and will twist it to serve his own ends. You need legal counsel from the Holy Spirit, Wisdom, Revelation, Courage and Compassion, to stand and fight to the end and win! Courage will start you off but compassion will keep you in that fight to the end. Your battlefield is in the Spiritual realms and you must be prepared to stand there. “Having done ALL stand.” Have you done your all? Have you been spending time in the word, crucifying the flesh, living in obedience? Preserving the

unity of the faith and honouring the brethren? You will be accused sorely by the enemy for your ‘topsy turvy’ life, so get your act together and give Him no room. So you can confidently rebuke Him and plead the blood in the courtroom of heaven. There is an apostolic Intercessory anointing pouring out of heaven for those who have persevered, who have not defiled themselves, who have resisted the enemy to the end. Will you receive it? It is a finishing anointing for those who desire to demonstrate the mighty works of God, as prophesied in Joel. Why not you? Apostolic means, God gives us the blueprints, He shares His secrets with us, so we pray with affect, our plans are in line with Heaven, we strike and accomplish our task. Do you want it? My prayer is that you will answer a resounding, “Yes Lord! I desperately want it.” Finally, My Closing Prayer “My response is to get down on my knees before the Father, this magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth. I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit—not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength—that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you’ll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:17-19 (MSG) p

July - September 2019

By Angela Slack educator, curriculum/literacy specialist, technical author, editor and publisher

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The

STORY TELLER To book the story teller email: editor@thesharemagazine.com

Going Nowhere?

Once, on a cold winter’s night, on my way back from London, I came upon roadworks that totally cut off the route I would normally take home. There were diversion signs but they were all ‘French’ to me, I couldn’t make ‘heads or tails’ of them. I had left London at about 9:30 pm the evening and would normally be home for about midnight, but tonight was going to be quite a different story. I had a sat nav so was confident that as soon as I turned off it would find a new route to get me home but it seemed confused itself. I thought all I needed to do was to find a side road that would take me a few miles off the motorway where I could then re-enter just above the roadworks. I am not exaggerating when I say I was going around in circles for hours. At least 3 times I discovered I was actually heading back down to London. At least twice I came right back to the point where I started.

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The problem I find with the authorities in the UK is that they decide to do all their roadworks at the same time. I was driving from one roadworks diversion to another. By this time I had a friend on the phone trying to find a route home for me on their computer. At least he helped me get out of the proverbial loop that I was caught in. I now found myself in a small town where I could top up my petrol that was now running low. After travelling through a few small towns the route home on my sat nav was finally taking me away from the same loop I was caught in earlier. I could now allow my friend to go get his precious night sleep and to be extra sure, on my second petrol stop, I spoke to a taxi driver who confirmed that the new route would take me home. The stress and anxiety melted away as I began to have new hope of getting home before daylight. I had been trying to find my way

July - September 2019

for about four hours by this time. I began the journey along the narrow country roads and was, for the first time, beginning to make gains towards home when I started to see signs warning of road works up ahead. I couldn’t believe my eyes. Hope went as anxiety came rushing back again. These signs were sending me right back to the very same circle I had just escaped. I was not going back there. I was determined that I would drive right up to where they were working and sleep right there under their watchful eyes until morning. I pulled right up to the barriers where some men were just putting down equipment so I spoke to one of them and told them my predicament how I have been trying to get home from about 9:30 pm the night before. God moved on this man’s heart and he told me of a much easier route that would

“When we are lost we use up a lot of resources going nowhere.”

take me around the roadworks and back onto the road that led home instead of following the signs that were leading away from home and back into trouble. I was able to follow his instructions that took me back on the road home. I was still hours away from home and totally exhausted so decided to pull into a truckers lay-by and get some sleep before starting the long trek home. I was able to finally get home and into my warm bed just before daybreak. When we are lost we use up a lot of resources going nowhere. The hours wasted going around in circles that night is nothing to be compared with the years I wasted when I went away from the call of God. When we go off the path on life’s journey, we end up wasting resources that are much more precious than petrol. We lose things that can never be regained like the

vigour of our youth, for example. Jesus’ instructions in Matthew 7:13-14, will save us from great distress if headed. “Enter by the narrow gate…” He says. Luke’s version of this warning puts it this way, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate…” Entering through any other gate aside from this gate will lead us into unthinkable catastrophe. Following on from His instructions to enter the narrow gate in Matthew 7, was His warning to look out for false prophets. Why? Because false prophets are agents of the devil sent to lead us down the wrong path to get us lost. It was a false prophet who led my wife and I down the broad road away from God and seeking the things of this world. We lost many precious years down this futile path. I thank God that my shepherd is the one who will leave the 99 to rescue the one lost sheep. By God’s grace we soon discovered that the way we

were going was not God’s way. The things we were taught looked and felt wrong. Jesus’ teachings says the believers journey is one of self sacrifice yet we were led down a path of self indulgence. Leonard Ravenhill in his book Revival God’s Way says this, “The New Testament Church was identified with persecutions, prisons, and poverty; today many of us are identified with prosperity, popularity, and personalities.” pg. 57 Some heading down the broad road that leads to destruction are there because they are lost. Unfortunately there are others on this road because it was their route of choice. If you feel uncomfortable about the doctrines, spirit and attitudes you are presently following don’t just keep going! Stop and check the scriptures it is your road map to ensure you are heading down the right path wich is the narrow way. p

July - September 2019

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A review of ‘War Horse’ at the Regent Theatre in Hanley

Think Theatre

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July - September 2019

On Saturday afternoon, my wife and I went to see ‘War Horse’ at the Regent Theatre in Hanley. It was quite an experience with great drama, amazing sound effects and graphics. There were up to 1,500 folks enjoying this National Theatre production. The story began during the time of The First World War on a farm in rural Devon when Ted Narracott bought a young horse at auction. He was supposed to buy a horse suitable for pulling a plough but in his drunkenness bought a more refined foal for 39 guineas with money which was for the mortgage. Needless to say, Ted’s wife wasn’t too pleased when he took the horse home! However, Ted’s son, Albert, came to love the horse and named him Joey. It became necessary to train Joey to take on a harness and plough the fields so that the Narracotts could earn their living. Only Albert could get Joey to wear the harness and pull the plough. It wasn’t natural for Joey and he wasn’t very happy about doing this, but it was necessary. Then the day arrived when the British Army came and pressured Ted into selling the horse. Ted made a handsome profit but it broke Albert’s heart. Joey was taken to war in France to take part in the bloody cavalry charges which

either killed millions of men and horses in the conflict or were captured by the Germans. The troop of German soldiers needed horses for their own cavalry charges, but as it happened a more urgent need arose where they required horses to pull their ambulance carts to hospital. Most cavalry horses would not submit to a harness, but when one was offered to Joey he took it readily. The German officer said, “Whoever taught him that saved his life.’’ In other words, if Joey hadn’t accepted the harness he would have been sent to a certain death on the front line. In doing this work, Joey saved the lives of many. The story moved on rapidly with many twists and turns but in the end Albert and Joey are reunited and live happily ever after! The show ended with a beautifully rendered song, ‘You’ll only be remembered for what you’ve done’. I was very moved by the love, the human tragedy and heartache throughout the performance. It was all about relationships. On the same morning, my wife and I plus a small team of Christians met in Hanley and went out on the streets to share the Gospel and love of Jesus. We met people with heartache and tragedy in their lives and some who were happy and joyful. Many accepted prayer and listened to what we had

to say. Some rejected our message but a number of folks made commitments to believe in and follow Jesus. This, again, was about relationships. Jesus said to the crowds, “Come to Me all you who are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:29. I was prompted to think about some of the people on the streets of our city who have got so much on their minds that making a commitment to Jesus was the last thing they thought of doing. They wouldn’t want to do that, would they? Then the words of the German officer in ‘War Horse’ came to me, “Whoever taught him that saved his life.’’ Only Albert with love and tenderness could teach Joey to wear that harness. Being ‘yoked to Jesus’ doesn’t sound like freedom. In Jesus’ ‘Sermon on the Mount’ He said that not being yoked to Him leads many down the broad road that leads to destruction and there are many who go there.” Jesus calls us with love and tenderness to come to Him and let Him save our life for all eternity. p

July - September 2019

By Cedric Barber Co-founder of ‘Unite’ – ‘Connecting and Encouraging Christians and Introducing people to Jesus’

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I’m So Glad I’m A Part Of The Family Of God Chorus I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God I’m a part of the family The family of God I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God I’ve been washed in the fountain And cleansed by His blood Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod For I’m a part of the family The family of God.

And cleansed by His blood Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod For I’m part of the family The family of God

You will notice we say “brother and sister” around here It’s because we’re a family and these folks are so near When one has a heartache we all share the tears We rejoice in each victory in this family so dear

Chorus I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God I’ve been washed in the fountain And cleansed by His blood Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod For I’m a part of the family The family of God Yes, I’m a part of His family The family of God

Chorus I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God I’ve been washed in the fountain

2From the door of an orphanage to the house of the King No longer an outcast, a new song I can sing From rags to riches, from the weak to the strong I’m not worthy to be here but thank God I belong

In Praise of Hymn

Reviewing Great Christian Hymns

Lyrics and music by William J and Gloria Gaither This beloved modern hymn tells us that no matter where we are in the world we always come home to The Family of God wherever we fellowship with other Christians. We do not need to go to Church we are the church going and we go we take our family in our heart and we meet new siblings along our journey. We are never alone!

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April - June 2019

Caged Bird Hey little caged bird why won’t you fly? Hey little caged bird why won’t you dance? I can’t, says the caged bird, But why can’t you? No answer. Hey little caged bird have you ever tried? Hey little caged bird get up and fly! “But I can’t,” says the caged bird. Who told you you can’t? No answer. Do you want to learn how to fly? No answer. “No one has ever taught me how to fly”, says the caged bird. I was taken from a young age and I was enslaved, looking for someone to teach me how to be the magnificent creature I was designed to be. I’m caged, a bird who wants to be free, but doesn’t know how to be. Come out little caged bird come out and sing, Come out little caged bird come out and dance, With every step taken suddenly the caged bird realised that he can actually fly. Don’t cry but get up and fly. I have given you power, Sing my caged bird; Dance my caged bird, Fly my caged bird, I’m waiting for you to discover you. I can fly says the caged bird, I can fly, my feet are not bound I can fly. © Sharon Bett 2019

April - June 2019

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Continued from pg 5 been governed by demons of fear. One thing John, the apostle, made clear in one of his letters was that “perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18). Governed by love, every believer has the authority to cast out demons of fear. The other thing that should govern the thinking of those who profess faith in Christ, Paul, the apostle, revealed in his letter to Roman believers. “God works all things together for good to them that love God, who are the called-out ones, according to His purpose (Rom 8:28, Greek Interlinear). The believer’s birth into the kingdom and the sovereign control of God was not an accident or good luck, but a definite choice by an all-wise Creator. Believers are described as, “those who are CHOSEN IN HIM BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD! (Eph 1:4)” If a believer falls, he has the confidence that the Lord will pick him up (Psalm 37:24). He also has the blessed assurance and promise of Jesus, the Son of God, that once he is a genuine believer he will NEVER perish (John 10:27,28). Moreover, once he has experienced the second birth, the spiritual connection to God, the Father, through the merits of Christ’s death on the cross, his eyes are open and he can see spiritual things (John 3:3). And what he sees is not magic, or things governed by the demonic world, but as Jesus told Nathanael he would see, “heaven open and angels ascending and descending on the Son of Man” (John 1:51). That means that God sets up a 30

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spiritual ladder or connection between the newborn believer and the God of the universe. And that link is Jesus Christ! For that reason every believer can have confidence in the promise of God, “I will never leave you or forsake you!” (Heb 13:5), and that means he need not be bound by fear, for God does not give the believer, “a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind”. (2 Tim 1:7). Every experience of the believer is not an occurrence of chance, whether bad luck or good luck, but the direct working of God as He leads His children in paths of righteousness. As David, the psalmist confessed, “The Lord is my Shepherd (not good luck), I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for You are with me, Your rod and Your staff they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil. My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Ps 23). When the apostles returned to the assembly of believers after being chastised by the ultrareligious people of their time, they prayed, “Against Your holy child Jesus, Whom You have anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate with the Gentiles and the people of Israel were gathered together to do whatever Your hand and your counsel determined to be

July - September 2019

done.” At no time did the early apostles or believers ever attribute any circumstance to good or bad luck. They confessed that God was sovereign Lord over every situation. He had always been in complete control and would always be Lord over all things. He either causes or allows everything in keeping with His divine plan (Acts 4:28; Eph 1:10). It is clear that Scripture condemns those who practice astrology (Deuteronomy 4:19), magic, divination and sorcery (2 Kings 21:6, Isaiah 2:6). Idolatry is also forbidden, and no one who practices it will enter the Kingdom of God (Revelation 21:27). These types of practices are extremely dangerous because they open the minds of the practitioners to the influence of the devil. Scripture definitely warns us to “be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8).” Throughout the recorded instances of Jesus and his disciples, He was always assuring them with words of quiet comfort and peace. “It is I, be not afraid!” (Matt 14:27) or “Peace be unto you!” (John 20:19). The words God inspired Moses to say as he blessed Israel echo throughout the centuries, “The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace (Num 6:24-26). p By C Richard McCaw author, music teacher and many years as a Bible teacher

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