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What a strange remark-a woman will be saved through childbearing! What was on Paul’s mind when he said that? Salvation is one of the greatest gifts God has given to mankind. Apostle Paul made it clear that one can be saved by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ, and not through their works (Eph 2:8-9). However, in one of his letters to Timothy, his beloved mentee, the apostle stated that a woman would be saved through childbearing. This statement baffles many believers, old and new alike. 1 Tim 2:15 - Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control. Paul wrote this letter to a young Timothy, his protégé who was overseeing the church in Ephesus. He was faced with difficult issues in the congregation, many of which were shaped by the socio-cultural environment of the city. In order to get a good grasp of these verses, we therefore need to understand the context of the Ephesian church. Located at a prime spot on the West coast of the modern-day Turkey, Ephesus became one of the prominent commercial centres of the region and one of the largest and most important cities in the Roman Empire. The city was dominated by the great Temple of Artemis which housed the statue of the goddess Artemis, a powerful female deity who was a symbol of women’s liberation and matriarchy. She is said to have elevated the female status. As a consequence, certain women enjoyed honours and privileges, as well as religious functions under the oversight of the municipal authorities and within the Roman sets of rules. Set in this socio-religious climate, the Christian community in Ephesus was plagued by false doctrine, some aspects of which were related to the status given to women in this city. And that was one main reason why Paul urged Timothy to remain there, to resolve the issue (1 Tim 1:3). In fact, a substantial portion of this letter is devoted to tackling this issue in the congregation (1 Tim 1:3-7; 4:1-5; 6:3-5, 20-21). Some other parts might also be alluding to this problem. For example, Paul encouraged Timothy to hold fast to the true faith and not to depart from the right doctrine as what had happened to Hymenaeus and Alexander (1 Tim 1:18-20). One possible cause of their shipwreck of faith was their decision to follow false teaching. One of the qualifications of a deacon is to be confident in the faith that is in Jesus (1 Tim 3:13). It is in this context that 1 Tim 2:11-15 is set. Not permitted to teach or to exercise authority over a man 1 Tim 2:11-12 - Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. At first glance, it may appear that Paul did not allow any woman to teach or exercise authority over a man. Did he always forbid a woman to teach? No. He encouraged older women to teach what was excellent (Tit 2:3). How about teaching a man? Did he always keep a woman from teaching a man? No. When Priscilla and her husband, Aquilla, met Apollos and saw great potential in this man, they took him along and trained him (Ac 18:24-26). Then why did Paul forbid some women to teach? One possible reason was that they espoused some false doctrine. What was it? Did he always keep a woman from teaching a man? No. When Priscilla and her husband, Aquilla, met Apollos and saw great potential in this man, they took him along and trained him (Ac 18:24-26). Deception of Eve One of the major Greek philosophies that found its way into the church and fused with Christian faith was Gnosticism. Gnosticism is a collection of ancient Greek philosophies with central teaching that the material world is evil but the spiritual world is to be sought. Salvation can be gained through hidden knowledge, or gnosis in Greek, obtainable through certain practices, including asceticism and self-denial. There are many varieties of Gnosticism, most of which present an explanation of the beginning of the world which features a supreme being far higher than Yahweh of the Hebrew Bible. Sometimes the supreme figure is female rather than male. There is also a Gnostic account of Eve as the creator of Adam, which is part of the secret knowledge only made known to the adherents. That might explain why Paul asserted that Adam was created before Eve. 1 Tim 2:13-14 - For Adam was formed first, then Eve; 14 and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. Gnosticism relates that the God of Gen 1-3 was one of the lower powers. He made a tragic mistake by creating the physical universe, as matter is associated with evil. God was so blind that He was not even aware of the existence of the supreme power. Satan came to reveal this knowledge to Eve by telling her to eat the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge. As Eve shared the fruit with Adam, they both could now seek the supreme being who was far above the material reality. Therefore Eve was often seen as the principle of spiritual awakening who brought enlightenment to the soul. Some Gnostic teachers possibly held that Eve was not deceived by the serpent. She rather possessed the full truth from the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge (gnosis in Greek). However, Paul held the opposite view that Eve was completely deceived whereas Adam clearly knew the truth. He was not deceived but wilfully chose to disobey God. Paul then laid the full responsibility on Adam and not Eve. Within this context, it seems almost certain that Paul’s intention was not to make any statement regarding hierarchy of men and women, but to refute the doctrine of certain Gnostic teachers. Salvation through childbearing Then comes a peculiar notion of Paul about woman being saved by childbearing. 1 Tim 2:15 - Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control. Paul made it clear in his other epistles that salvation is by God’s grace and not by our deeds. How come he says that woman will be saved through childbearing? Gnostics held that material is evil but spirit is good. Gnostics held that material is evil but spirit is good. One must therefore deny any physical pleasures, including sexual activities. However, for Paul, marriage neither qualifies or disqualifies anyone from salvation. In order to refute their teaching, he affirmed that a woman could be saved even if she was married and bore a child. Childbearing is neither a condition for nor a hindrance of salvation. In order to refute their teaching, he affirmed that a woman could be saved even if she was married and bore a child. Childbearing is neither a condition for nor a hindrance of salvation. CONCLUSION Due to the prominent city goddess Artemis, women in Ephesus received certain status of privilege. Some women in the church might take this as a licence to do what seemed right to them, including teaching or dominating men or their husbands, which caused distraction and also offence to the congregation as this was against the culture. Some of these women also espoused certain false doctrine, especially Gnosticism. Certain Gnostic followers held that Eve was not deceived to eat the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Instead by eating the fruit, she acquired the hidden knowledge. Certain Gnostics taught that the supreme being of the universe was female. Hence Adam was created by a female being, i.e., Eve. Therefore Paul argued that Adam was created before Eve. Gnostics taught that materials were evil but spirit was good. Humans could gain hidden knowledge through denying physical desires including sexual activities. Paul argued that salvation had nothing to do with marriage. One could be saved even if they were married and had children. Paul therefore stopped these women from spreading these false teaching and not every woman from the ministry of teaching. He also stopped them from dominating men, thinking that they had a higher status. He did not forbid women to teach or exercise authority over men as a general principle. Bible quotations are from the English Standard Version References Kroeger, Richard Clark et al; I Suffer Not a Woman: Rethinking I Timothy 2:11-15 in Light of Ancient Evidence; Grand Rapid: Baker Books; 1998 Bristow, John T.; What Paul Really Said About Women: The Apostle's Liberating Views on Equality in Marriage, Leadership, and Love; New York: Harper One; 1991 Copyright©️2021 by Prakich Treetasayuth. All rights reserved. Materials are free to be distributed in whole or part as long as proper acknowledgement is given to the author and not sold for profit.

Enhanced performance is a great need today. As mentioned in my first article on this topic performance review and appraisal is a part f daily life. Whether in schools, even from the age of kindergarten or in the advanced stages of career it is continually measured and assessed. Mentoring and having mentors are vital for enhanced performance as they invest in our lives, but why does God insist on having spiritual parents also. The apostle Paul alluded to the difference and value in 1 Corinthians Chapter 4 Verse 4. What are the qualities of spiritual parents that enable Radical Performance Enhancement and how does it differ from mentoring generally? Firstly, I would define radical or remarkable performance improvement as arriving at an unprecedented level of success, influence and significance in life that leaves a powerful legacy and establishes God’s kingdom dominion, trends and reform in an area in society. Here are 5 things that enable radical performance enhancement through divinely appointed spiritual mums and dads, as compared to mentoring alone: 1. Human mentors, give out and love on their mentees to a measure. And there is a special bond that empowers development and performance. But, spiritual parents like natural parents stop at nothing to see their spiritual offspring empowered and cared for. There is a wonderful sense of belonging and love that feeds the deepest needs of the growing son or daughter and establishes their maturity in Christ, our ultimate spiritual parent. (See 1 Thessalonians Chapter 2 Verses 7 - 12) Spiritual parents like natural parents stop at nothing to see their spiritual offspring empowered and cared for. 2. Human mentors share what they know but, sometimes mainly as concept they are coming to terms with. Spiritual parents understand God's heart and can model the faith, and especially the character of God in a way that is compelling, especially due to their authenticity. (See 1 Thessalonians chapter 2 Verses 1- 6) Spiritual parents understand God's heart and can model the faith, and especially the character of God in a way that is compelling, especially due to their authenticity. 3. Human mentors are very helpful, but can hold back and become insecure and competitive to give their all, especially if their mentee performs better than themselves. However, spiritual parents are not afraid to release their God-appointed mantle and office, seeing the importance of successors and succession for the Lord. Like a good parent in the natural, they long to see the next generation do greater things than themselves. (See 1 Kings Chapter 19 Verse 19) Spiritual parents are not afraid to release their God-appointed mantle and office, seeing the importance of successors and succession for the Lord. 4. Mentors can give great counsel and provide a good, if not a great example in modelling performance and its enhancement. But, spiritual fathers model and impart a spirit of legacy and excellence just as an adult is superior to an adolescent in their capacity and maturity. Spiritual adolescence are compelled to follow their spirit parent to learn and receive an impartation, as compared to following a peer. Elisha followed and asked for a double portion of the anointing. (See 2 Kings Chapter 2 Verses 1-10) Spiritual fathers model and impart a spirit of legacy and excellence just as an adult is superior to an adolescent in their capacity and maturity. 5. Human mentors teach what they know and are also learning themselves. However, spiritual parents don’t just teach, but are enabled by God to train and equip in powerfully out of experience and anointing, but also reproduce after their own kind. (2 Kings Chapter 2 Verse 13 - 15) God can provide a spiritual parent for you? Seek God for them and they will show up and knit their hearts with you in a gentle and uncontrived, all in God’s time. Elisha simply did what he did, all for Jesus and one day Elijah showed up with a direct commission from heaven to raise him up as a son in the faith. Elijah made himself available and even burned his oxen, which was his work gear, to be able to go! We need to be ready to follow Jesus. As we step out in faith and He reveals His goodness of the father, we are made ready. This week I went to a meeting and my spiritual daughter came along. On this occasion she asked if I could be in a picture with her and other pastor, and then posted it on the internet proudly declaring myself as her spiritual father on social media. I felt proud to see it; even awesome! She came to my church about eight years before. Through thick and thin I have stood by her and watched her get married, raise her family, grow into a preacher and now an author, and she has seen many sisters come to Christ, which she mentors and parents. When I first met her, I could connect as she shared her dreams and I could readily believe in her and felt it my mission to help her get there. God did something to knit our hearts and her husband, my spiritual son. (Malachi Chapter 4 Verse 6). As a television producer I believe she will one day, and not too far off, rock our nation with a new breed of material she is developing. It’s nothing short of radical performance enhancement which largely comes about because spiritual sons and daughters ride on the back of their parents and grow to excel. That’s God’s normal way of performance enhancement, which many spectators call radical. Take Heart, God wants to send a spiritual father or mother your way and he will knit your hearts; here is God’s promise to claim in prayer: 5 “See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. 6 He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents; or else I will come and strike the land with total destruction.” (First published by Mark Rusic in Christian Today Australia) Copyright©️2021 by Mark Rusic. All rights reserved. Materials are free to be distributed in whole or part as long as proper acknowledgement is given to the author and not sold for profit.

Jesus called all his disciples to be the light of the world. These disciples walk in God's kingdom authority and obey the great commission. This also can lead to having powerful cultural relevance so more see and are saved. Are you positioned in your lamp stand to shine in this hour?  This article inspires us to release the unprecedented things to glorify God. Past believers made unprecedented contributions to society. The western nations were strongly founded upon Judeo-Christian foundations and with God’s blessing immensely prospered. You see all manner of unprecedented break throughs in human endeavour, through people’s faith in God and due to their own diligence. You see all manner of unprecedented break throughs in human endeavour, through people’s faith in God and due to their own diligence. For example, Sir Isaac Newton revolutionized science and is seen as a greatest scientific mind of all time, William Wilberforce abolished child slavery as a politician, Johann Sebastian Bach is still called the greatest composer of all time, to name but a few. It is fascinating and inspiring to see how their faith influence their life mission and journey! Believers had unprecedented foundations We also see that believers of all ages had this grace to rise to their fullest potential and take charge (see Genesis 1:26 - 28). There was a godly foundation, with God, church and community central, and the family unit was firmly intact and became a powerhouse to nurture the next generation strong. Interestingly, in the early 1900’s it was not uncommon that kids as young as five that could readily comprehend weighty literature, such as the old American constitution. This is a task that even an MBa student would struggle with today! Why are we seeing a general absence of the unprecedented move of God, which hinders the Christian witness and influence in society today? We see a massive curve in this trend in today’s secularised world. We must revisit the word foundations for the unprecedented things. Only the word of God is a plumb line for what is right (See Amos 7:7-8). We must return to the words of our covenant and to our father in heaven. Jesus told us plainly he wants us to do unprecedented things. We are commanded to “let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew chapter 5 verse 16). In other words the unprecedented things God enables us to do in Christ are so extraordinary, people will attribute to them a divine favour and will look to God and praise Him. The unprecedented things God enables us to do in Christ are so extraordinary, people will attribute to them a divine favour and will look to God and praise Him. God has destined to equip us to do unprecedented things in Christ. Jesus spoke of unprecedented life and energy that would be made available, during the ceremony of the Feast of Tabernacles, recalling the desert wanderings of his people. He made an impassioned plea, crying out to all believers in a loud voice saying, “Whoever thirsts let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me as the scripture says, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” (John 7:37 - 38). Friends, Jesus is that rock. He is the source of the living water and all that we need to be fully equipped for service! (See 1 Corinthians 10:3). Moses struck the rock as they journeyed through the wilderness and water came forth, so too Jesus was smote at the cross for our sake, so the spirit could be poured forth! Are you weary and tired of mere ceremonies and religion alone, without seeing the power of God to make a difference in the world around you? As we drink of Jesus’ spirit he will enable us to be awakened to our sonship and God’s unique purpose for us all. We will sense God’s great love for us and have self-belief to get moving and set life goals to make a difference, and with unprecedented release of our potential. God wants to give you testimonies of unprecedented break-through! By the grace of God, we can all be overcomers in our sphere of our calling and do unprecedented things for God’s glory. Last year around February I felt the Lord say “Concentrate on your art for my glory.” As I was praying I saw a vision of the van Gogh like iris petal curl and become like a hand summoning me to come and I heard the voice say “come” and he gave me Isaiah chapter 48:18- 19. So, I stepped out and started painting in oils for the first time, experimented, had a few lessons from a tutor, and painted some really gory and horrible images at first! Last week, about a year on, I got accepted into one of the leading and biggest art shows in my country, with several gorgeous pieces of my art! The advertisement for the art show states that the “cream of the nation’s leading and emerging artists will all be there.” I am also using poetry with all my paintings and in an effort to communicate hope, meaning and purpose, not just a pretty picture. I sense so strongly the river of God is flowing in me to do what is unprecedented to be a light to the lost. The holy spirit wants to flow in your life mission too. Unprecedented things are released by taking to heart the word of kingdom of God. Every day in the life of Jesus he modelled the release of unprecedented things by the power of God’s word, being himself, the word made flesh. We too have been entrusted the word of the kingdom as believers (Luke 8:4-15) and Jesus promised as we steward it faithfully, we would become a lamp lit which cannot be hid (Luke 8:15-16)! As we apply our artistic ability according to God’s word or whatever gift we have, we too release the kingdom of God on earth. Then, we are lit up by God’s spirit like a lamp, to be put on display to the world as we are enabled to the unprecedented! Will you dare to step out and live out the unprecedented life mission and miracles he wants to work through you? To conclude, will we take up the challenge to shine as ambassadors for his kingdom? To do so Jesus insisted on doing one thing: “Therefore, consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they think they have will be taken from them.” (Luke 8:18). May God prosper you! (First published by Mark Rusic in Christian Today Australia) Copyright©️2021 by Mark Rusic. All rights reserved. Materials are free to be distributed in whole or part as long as proper acknowledgement is given to the author and not sold for profit.

Secular organizations have long recognized the importance of mentoring and pump big money into it. While secular mentoring has real value, in what way does mentoring done in the spirit of God's kingdom surpass what the world does? Why do we invest in the kingdom of God? This is a need-to-know revelation about mentoring God's way! Enhanced performance is a great need today. Performance review and appraisal is a part of daily life. Whether in schools, even from the age of kindergarten or in the advanced stages of career it is continually measured and assessed. We may be told to establish SMART goals or to work through a personal improvement plan by HR or we may have to undertake a course to upgrade our skills. All of these things are helpful, but what enables radical enhancement of our work performance or in the area we desire to flourish? Highly successful individuals on the world stage we admire, whether past or present, all have mentoring in common. These people needed other people to invest into their lives. They had people who coached them and shared their life and professional experience for a season, especially in the formative period of their lives. Or they saw these role models from afar and observed their life and qualities. Interestingly, globally, online education success rates are still not high, because education through good video content alone is limited. Human interaction and mentors can never be overlooked. Importantly, the God-ordained way for Radical Performance Enhancement is through mentoring. I would define radical or remarkable performance improvement as arriving at an unprecedented level of success, influence and significance in life that leaves a powerful legacy. For example, after Elisha was mentored by Elijah he emerged in a radically enhanced performance capability that enabled him to be a father to his nation. I believe the following principles of mentoring also apply to believers in the marketplace also. 7 Things that enable radical performance enhancement through divinely appointed mentors, as compared to the limits of human mentoring alone: 1. Human mentors, who rely on their self-belief and will alone can tire, become discouraged and lose their passion to serve others. Divinely appointed mentors will have a revelation of God’s grace and sovereignty to bring renewal, out the cave experience, to a greater stature. They are empowered to complete their mission to pass on what they have to others. (See 1 Kings Chapter 19 Verses 9 - 18.) 2. Human mentors may carry out their mentoring as another task. Divinely appointed mentors are specifically sent by God on a mentoring mission, so they carry God’s heart, presence and power through them to equip people remarkably. (See 1 Kings Chapter 19 Verse 16) 3. Human mentors can give others good counsel, hone our skills and encourage us which is all very helpful. However, divinely chosen mentors can also pass on the God-appointed mantle and office that God has for others. (See 1 Kings Chapter 19 Verse 19.) 4. Human mentors apply natural reason and ability to solve every problem. Divinely appointed mentors can also help us receive the spiritual wisdom and a supernatural inheritance to equip others to get the job done. (See 2 Kings Chapter 2 Verses 9-10) 5. Human mentors can be swayed by their own desires and profiteer. Divinely chosen mentors are enabled by God to walk in God’s holiness and overcome the desires of the old sinful nature by the spirit, which was crucified in Christ. (See Galatians chapter 5) 6. Human mentors can encourage us by saying good luck! Divinely appointed mentors can help release us into a lifetime assurance of God’s destiny and presence, with a double portion of God’s specific anointing, so people continue the legacy of others and do even greater things! (see John chapter14 verse 12) 7. Human mentoring is very helpful and can help to raise people up to a great stature. Divinely appointed mentors can help others experience radical performance enhancement that is readily observed by everyone. (See 2 Kings Chapter 2 Verse 14-15) God has a mantle for you too. Seek for your divinely appointed mentor. What area of society stirs your passion and you desire to see his kingdom come? Did you know he has a mantle for you and has a divinely appointed mentor for you? God has a heavenly mantle for us all. I know through experience. For example, I had been mentoring a businessman for several years, when the spirit of God told me he was to carry the anointing of God’s general and businessman of the past R T LeTourneau. He was to carry on God’s legacy in business. I told him: “Get a book about this man and know all about his heart for God, his character, attitudes, business dealings and passion etc…” Interestingly, a prophetic intercessor had sent him a book about that very man a few months before and had called the night before to say to start reading it. God’s Kairos time had come. When I prophesied to him about the man he was on the couch and the book was on his lap! He is presently doing radical business; with the alignment comes the assignment! God has a mantle for you to enhance your performance so it’s radical and compelling to those around you. Take Heart, our mantle is by grace alone and through faith and not of works. Friends, we see that Jesus has been taken up into the heavens after Calvary. There is no point searching for his physical body on earth or trying to hold on to him through tradition and religion. Like Elijah Jesus has been taken up to the heavens. But, this is so we can all receive the gift of the very spirit of Jesus upon us; the Elijah - Elisha story is a prophetic type. My prayer like the apostle Paul is that eyes be opened (See Ephesians Chapter 1 Verses 16-21). Be filled and enhanced! (First published by Mark Rusic in Christian Today Australia) Copyright©️2021 by Mark Rusic. All rights reserved. Materials are free to be distributed in whole or part as long as proper acknowledgement is given to the author and not sold for profit.

Tackling drought and climate change increasingly dominates political agenda across the globe. Jesus promised that natural disasters would escalate prior to his return, as warning signs to turn to him. However, the good news is that we have all authority in heaven and earth through Christ to release reconciliation and healing in our land. In the spirit, I hear spiritual rains falling, souls saved, disciples made, droughts ending and fertility abounding in the natural. The whole of creation is in pains waiting for us, the sons, and daughters of God to be revealed! Read this blog to gain kingdom keys to transform your nation! Decades of drought has left many Australian farmers in a dire situation. With large numbers of Australian farmers and cattlemen on the brink of losing their livelihood after decades of drought the situation this year is more desperate than ever. And what is even more concerning for many is that weather experts say that relief is nowhere in sight. How long before substantial numbers of owners have to let go of their business and thus forfeit generations of expertise, and most heart breaking is, will the hopelessness and suicide rate among communities continue to rise? And of course, the economic flow on affects in cities across the nation will bite hard. Why is global warming a global warning? Jesus warned his disciples and believers that before he returns and establishes his kingdom that many disasters would occur. He also spoke of the effects of global warming albeit indirectly. Jesus warned his disciples and believers that before he returns and establishes his kingdom that many disasters would occur. In Matthew chapter 24 verses 6 - 8 it records our Messiah’s warning for the end times, “...There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains.” Famine suggests drought, and also did Jesus make another explicit and startling reference to global warming? (see Luke 21:25-27.) But, take heart God longs to show His compassion and revive the hopes of those experiencing drought by bringing rain! It may seem incredible and defy all human rationale and science to say this but, it is absolutely consistent with God’s nature and his ways. God desires to lift and break every drought and hindrance to crops growing and cattle thriving. I do not take the view that God hates people and is waiting for judgment to fall like Jonah did; Jonah focussed on how bad people are, rather than on how good God is! We must understand that all of creation eagerly awaits the manifestation of the sons of God as it is in bondage and decay. (See Romans 8:19-20). Drought is a part of the curse on men through Adam, and a bondage that God wants to remove because he loves humanity despite the rebellion and indifference to God. God co-labours with His Sons and daughter to intercede for the peoples and drought-stricken areas. God co-labours with His Sons and daughter to intercede for the peoples and drought-stricken areas. In 1 Kings 18:41- 42 says, “Then Elijah said to Ahab, “Go get something to eat and drink, for I hear a mighty rainstorm coming!” 42 So Ahab went to eat and drink. But Elijah climbed to the top of Mount Carmel and bowed low to the ground and prayed with his face between his knees.” Elijah prayed for rain after several years of famine due to drought. This miracle shows God is in control of the heavens and of warming, and that God ceased further judgement and released his mercy and rain, as Elijah prayed. The law of entropy shows that things are naturally going from order to chaos, which began since the fall of man. And the judgement of God is landing on places ripe with sins as listed in Isaiah chapter 59. But, God in his love can remove the curse of sin and drought and show mercy. God in his love can remove the curse of sin and drought and show mercy. He looks for ones to stand in the gap; will it be you? Isaiah chapter 59 verse 15-16 God was appalled that there was no one to intervene, no intercessor. Jesus said: “Will he find faith on the earth?” However, hear me I am not saying people simply do nothing and pray alone. I am saying a wise farmer in drought, with faith would make preparations for rain to come, and seek the aid of neighbours and others as needed, while pressing into God as the highest priority! In faith Elijah said he heard the rain though he didn’t see it, so I say rains are coming for Australians and all places on earth with drought as his church rises up! I hear mighty, supernatural rains coming to your town! And not just physical rains of abundance, but the pouring forth of rains of revival and the spirit of God. Will we give up due to warming or rise up due to God’s warning? Take heart all our Father has ‘good plans not to harm, but to prosper people.’ I especially appeal to those in drought-stricken communities, and where famine is breaking out to turn to God. And I call for those sent among us to start interceding for rural communities and farmers. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. James 5:16.” Those God sends must also make haste to preach the gospel of peace in these locations, as God opens his door of faith. I have not time to share my testimony, but the Lord is summoning myself and my church to enter a door. There shall not just be a harvest of crops, but also of righteousness and souls. Let us take heed of Jesus final words in his sermon for the end times. Be not insensitive and critical, but instead knowing that God desires mercy over judgment. As we seek him he desires we administer his grace and are also preserved from what is coming: “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. 35 For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:34-36. (First published by Mark Rusic in Christian Today Australia) Copyright©️2021 by Mark Rusic. All rights reserved. Materials are free to be distributed in whole or part as long as proper acknowledgement is given to the author and not sold for profit.

Must women be silent in the church? What did Paul mean when he gave this instruction? Not permitted to speak One of the puzzling instructions Paul gave in the Bible was for women to keep silent in the churches. This can be found in His first epistle to the church in Corinth. 1 Cor 14:34 the women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says. Why did he say that? Does it apply universally to all women in all churches through all ages? One thing we need to understand is most of Pauline epistles were occasional. In other words, the apostle wrote those letters to tackle certain issues that arose in certain congregations. 1 Corinthians is no exception. Since Paul wrote this message primarily not for us but for the Corinthian Christians, in order to understand these verses correctly, we need to take into account their literary context. 1 Cor 14:33-35 is nestled in the context of the operation in the gifts of prophesying and tongues. That Paul says in 1 Cor 14:33 that God is not a God of confusion but of peace gives us an implication that there was a confusion in the church, which was caused by 1) people speaking in tongues without interpretation (1 Cor 14:5, 13, 23) 2) more than one person delivering messages from God simultaneously (1 Cor 14:27-31). In this context, some women in the congregation engendered chaos by their speaking. When the word church is mentioned, many of us in the 21st century would think of a formal church service in a church building. However, in the first century church meetings were run in people’s houses (Rom 16:5; 1 Cor 16:19; Col 4:15; Phm 2). In view of persecution from the authorities, it makes all sense that believers gathered in houses rather than public places. One of the main reasons believers gathered was for each individual to bring something, e.g., a song, a lesson, revelation, a tongue or an interpretation, to edify the congregation (1 Cor 14:16). When any revelation, or prophecy, was delivered, it must be weighed. Paul’s mention in verse 34 suggests that some women asked questions seemingly when a prophecy was evaluated, thus disrupting the meeting. In Ancient Greece, people visited a place called Delphi to seek advice from the oracle known as Pythia. Her mysterious words would be given in the form of answers to the seeker’s questions such as whether a war should be undertaken, whether some land should be purchased, or questions about one’s birth or origin, marriage. It is probable that some women in the Corinthian church, being familiar with the Delphi oracle, followed its way by asking questions to prophets in order to induce prophecy. However, to Paul Christian prophecies are prompted by the Holy Spirit and not pushed by humans. Actually the main point Paul is making here is not whether women could speak in the church in a generic sense but rather that they must not disrupt the meeting with their speech. He discouraged them from keeping questioning during the worship service, as that would disturb others. His prohibition is not universally on women’s public speech but particularly on the disruption of the meeting regardless of the perpetrator’s gender. In this case, the chaos was caused by some women and they should rather be submissive in silence to preserve the order of the meeting. His prohibition is not universally on women’s public speech but particularly on the disruption of the meeting regardless of the perpetrator’s gender. The Greek word for should be in submission in 1 Cor 14:34 means be subjected. The phrase silence and submission is used by people in the Near East to imply willingness to heed and obey instruction. Ask their husbands at home 1 Cor 14:35 If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church. One of the objectives of prophecy was for the hearers to learn and be encouraged (1 Cor 14:31). The Greek word for learn in verse 31 means gain knowledge or be educated. However, some of the women did not fully grasp it and they noisily asked their husbands about it while the meeting was in progress. In the Jewish culture, formal education was for men and not women. Unless they were from a wealthy family, women on average would be less educated than men. Women were neither used to listening to lectures nor engaging in theological debate. In the ancient times, it was quite common that students interrupted the teachers with questions, be it to ask them to elaborate or challenge their teaching. This was also common among the Jews. However, only those who learned sufficiently were allowed to ask questions. The rest must remain quiet. Women’s outspokenness could also deem offensive to Roman and Greek men, especially in the house church setting of Corinth. In addition, it was socially unacceptable for a woman to have a conversation in public with any man other than her husband unless they gave a formal talk or a speech believed to be divinely inspired. Speaking to a male stranger would be considered immoral and therefore shameful. Paul did not stop women to speak, teach or preach. He simply stopped them from disturbing the meeting. And this was due to their insufficient education at home. In other words, they did not study enough before they came to the meeting and they asked questions they should not have asked. Conclusion In Paul’s time, believers gathered for worship and Bible studies at individual’s houses and not in public places due to the extensive persecution. In those meetings in Corinth, some women asked questions that disrupted the meetings. Some of them were influenced by pagan oracle at Delphi and questioned prophets, in order to induce prophecies. Some women who generally were not very educated asked simple questions as they wanted to learn something. Paul therefore stated that God is not a God of confusion but orderliness. As a consequence, he encouraged those women to ask their husbands at home, as their men would be able to educate them. Paul did not forbid women to speak at all in the congregation. He rather stopped them from disrupting the meeting by asking questions. Therefore one cannot use this scripture as a basis to prevent women from any public speaking in the church. Paul did not forbid women to speak at all in the congregation. He rather stopped them from disrupting the meeting by asking questions. Bible quotations are from the English Standard Version Copyright©️2021 by Prakich Treetasayuth. All rights reserved. Materials are free to be distributed in whole or part as long as proper acknowledgement is given to the author and not sold for profit.

Is anger sin? Can you be angry without sinning? Why do people get angry? How to deal with our anger? We will find out in this article. Mechanism of anger Anger is a burning feeling that is triggered when a person is frustrated, hurt, or feels treated unfairly. When someone is angry, they can turn into a different person and their behaviour becomes erratic. No one likes to be near angry people. It destroys relationships. It is one of the leading causes of divorce. It splits a team. It can even lead to murder. Anger does not only affect other people; it also affects the person who is angry. It can cause adverse physical conditions including high blood pressure, headaches, stomach ulcers and more. People who are angry find it hard to think clearly and objectively. They can easily end up making foolish decisions or doing something stupid they never imagined they were capable of. Anger is often associated with violence. Although anger is just a feeling, it can lead to sinful behaviour. However, if you are aware that you are angry and deal with it instantly, your anger will not culminate in ungodly action. The longer you dwell on your anger, the higher the chances you will engage in sinful behaviour. The longer you dwell on your anger, the higher the chances you will engage in sinful behaviour. Cain and Abel were the sons of the first two humans, Adam and Eve. One day, they brought offerings to God. Cain offered fruit, while Abel offered the firstborn of his flock and their fat portions. God was pleased with Abel’s offering but not Cain’s. Cain was not only unhappy, he was furious. The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.” (Gen 4:6-7) God urged Cain to subdue his anger, or it would lead to destruction. The fact that the Lord advised him to deal with his anger and the potential sin implies that he had a choice over his actions. Sin could not rule over him without his permission. Sadly, Cain chose to do what was wrong. He gave in to his infuriated urge and killed his brother, making him the first murderer on earth. Holy anger People tend to categorise anger as sin because of the many sinful acts that arise from it. But anger is not necessarily a sin. While it can lead to sinful behaviour, anger in itself is not a sin. While it can lead to sinful behaviour, anger in itself is not a sin. The Old Testament clearly depicts God as a Holy God who was angry when His righteous principles were compromised. He was indignant when His people turned away from Him to worship idols. To Him, they were committing spiritual adultery as they lusted after false gods. In wrath, He disciplined His people again and again. God’s holy nation was repeatedly attacked by their pagan neighbours. Israel was eventually destroyed by the Assyrians; Judah was crushed by the Babylonians and her people taken into exile. Jesus is always portrayed as a kind, gentle man. Yet, in reality He was not without a temper. In Jerusalem He entered the Temple and drove out all who used the premises as a marketplace (Matt 21:12-13; Mk 11:15-18; Jn 2:13-22). Though the Bible does not specify that the Son of God acted out of anger, one could hardly imagine that He chased the people away gently and turned over tables without fury. In fact, John said the disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” (Jn 2:17). It is clear that Jesus was consumed with emotion at that moment. Once, upon entering a synagogue, Jesus found a man with a withered hand. The Pharisees watched carefully to see if He would violate their manmade Sabbatical law. To them, the rules took precedence over people’s welfare. But for Jesus, the law should be created to bless people. Knowing their evil hearts, Jesus looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored. (Mk 3:1-6) In these events Jesus was angry, yet He did not sin. His anger or subsequent actions were not regarded as sins. Self-centredness What was the difference between Cain’s and Jesus’ anger? Why was Cain’s anger ungodly while Jesus’ was holy? It is the reason for anger that determines whether it is holy or sinful. Cain was angry because he was jealous. His anger was kindled by self-centredness. In contrast, Jesus was angry when the Father in heaven was dishonoured and the disabled man was not cared for. Anger that is rooted in self-centredness is wrong and may lead to sin. Righteous anger stems from the fact that a godly principle is violated and a person mistreated. Anger that is rooted in self-centredness is wrong and may lead to sin. Righteous anger stems from the fact that a godly principle is violated and a person mistreated. In fact, in certain situations, staying calm and not being angry could be considered a sin. If you witness a woman being harassed and you are indifferent to it, there is something wrong within you. If you see a person being treated with injustice and you are not bothered, there is something not right in your heart. A righteous person will be irritated and try to do something when someone is mistreated. Self-control Though anger is not intrinsically a sin, controlling your temper is the best way to go. When you get angry, do everything you can to control yourself. This requires self-discipline, as with any temptations that arise in our lives. Though anger is not intrinsically a sin, controlling your temper is the best way to go. Anger is an emotional reaction to something that irritates you. You may not have a button you can push to freeze or kill that feeling. But what you can do is resist the urge to react when you are fuming. It is difficult but doable, because it is a biblical instruction. If you keep practising self-control, you will find it easier to manage your anger. Paul says, “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.” (Eph 4:26-27). You can be angry. But you must not sin. More importantly, when you are angry, settle it as soon as possible, or you may fall prey to the enemy who would incite you to sin. Anger is not always wrong. As a feeling you may not be able to kill it, but you can manage it. It is not a sin in itself. Rather, how you respond to it determines whether you will sin. Bible quotations are from the English Standard Version Copyright©️2021 by Prakich Treetasayuth. All rights reserved. Materials are free to be distributed in whole or part as long as proper acknowledgement is given to the author and not sold for profit.

Fear can grip our hearts and steal peace from our hearts. Yet as believers we need not fear anymore because God is the Good Shepherd who leads us to safety. In Part 1 [click] we started examining Ps 23:1-4 to discover why we should fear no more. The first key we discover is because God is there for us, He guides us through even the valley of death. In Part 2 we discover more key reasons from the psalms why we need not be gripped by fear any longer. 2. GOD JOURNEYS WITH ME (v4b) "for you are with me". In biblical times, the good shepherd always journeys with his sheep to ensure their safety. Another reason why we should not fear is because God assures us that He journeys with us. Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. God journeys with us and will be there to help us, to strengthen us, to uphold us. God does not give us a roadmap and leave us to our own devices. He actually is with us. Though the entire journey. Imagine travelling through a jungle full of dangerous animals. The tour guide says, “Here, I will draw you a map. Now you can go through it yourself!” How much more assuring when the guide says he will take us through it as well as fend off the animals. What is the extent that God travels with us? God does not give us a roadmap and leave us to our own devices. He actually is with us One night I dreamed a dream. As I was walking along the beach with my Lord. Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, One belonging to me and one to my Lord. After the last scene of my life flashed before me, I looked back at the footprints in the sand. I noticed that at many times along the path of my life, especially at the very lowest and saddest times, there was only one set of footprints. This really troubled me, so I asked the Lord about it. "Lord, you said once I decided to follow you, You'd walk with me all the way. But I noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life, there was only one set of footprints. I don't understand why, when I needed You the most, You would leave me." He whispered, "My precious child, I love you and will never leave you Never, ever, during your trials and testings. When you saw only one set of footprints, It was then that I carried you." Poem “Footprints” Once, I was very sick with Legionnaire’s disease. My temperature was persistently very high. When I was admitted to the hospital the doctor told me he had never seen such a bad case of pneumonia as my lungs were half full of fluid. When a medical friend visited, he helpfully informed me that people die from this disease. Thanks very much. Yet I was not afraid because deep in my heart, I knew God was with me. The peace of God guarded my heart. God journeys with us all the way. 3. GOD COVERS OVER ME (v4c) “… your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” As God journeys with us, He spreads His wings over us to cover over us. We need not be fearful because of several things that God provides as the good shepherd. God’s protection “your rod”. The rod is a tool that a shepherd uses for protecting the sheep. The rod is a club that is often thrown at intruders. A good shepherd can throw his club with accuracy and force. In the same way, God protect us against enemies with His rod, to strike them. The psalmist was declaring about the fact that God is our protector against our enemies. Isaiah 35:4 (NIV) say to those with fearful hearts, "Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you." God can protect us with His holy angels. At one time, King of Aram wanted to capture the prophet Elisha. So he sent an army to Dothan and surrounded the city. Elisha’s servant panicked when he saw the army surrounding the city. But Elisha knew God had provided protection. 2 Kings 6:16-18 (NIV) 16 "Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them." 17 And Elisha prayed, "O LORD, open his eyes so he may see." Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 18 As the enemy came down toward him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, "Strike these people with blindness." So he struck them with blindness, as Elisha had asked. God can also strike down our enemies, as in Elisha’s case. Bill Bright shared a story that occurred in 1960, when the Mau Mau uprising gripped Kenya. During that time, missionaries Matt and Lora Higgens had to drive through hostile territory on their way to Nairobi, well aware that many had met violent deaths at the hands of Mau Mau terrorists in that area. After dark, about 17 miles from Nairobi, the Land Rover they were driving failed. Matt tried in vain to repair the vehicle. The couple was forced to lock the doors and pray for safety. They awoke safely, repaired the car, and traveled on to Nairobi. Some days later, they heard an interesting story from an individual who was in contact with terrorist groups: As Matt and Lora had slept that night; three terrorists had come upon them and intended to kill them. Suddenly, though, the terrorists had seen 16 strongmen surrounding the car, and fled in fear! Matt and Lora were puzzled about the identity of the 16 men. Until they returned to America several weeks later and heard the thrilling testimony of a friend: “On March 23, God burdened my heart for you. I called the men at our church, and 16 of us met together for emergency prayer on your behalf!” There have probably been many situations where our angels had protected us. One day when we see them in heaven, we might discover some of them were probably badly bruised. So if we can trust in God’s protection, we will not overcome by fear. God’s discipline “your staff”. The staff was the instrument the shepherd used to deal with his sheep. It was not a weapon but a tool. Most staffs had a hooked end that the shepherd used to catch a sheep’s leg or neck to pull it out of a hole or back into the fold. The shepherd would nudge a sheep with his staff when it began to stray or when it was hesitant to move along with the flock. Sometimes we are a danger to ourselves. So God covers us by prodding us out of danger. Sometimes due to our foolishness, ignorance or stubbornness, we get ourselves into trouble. God is there to help us through it. I am not saying God will wave a wand and the problem disappears. But God is there to help us out of it. If we would turn to Him in humility. If God simply removes the trouble, we would not learn the lesson from it. Sometimes we need a few scars to remind us of our foolishness. At times God disciplines us when necessary so that we may grow up. Hebrews 12:10-11 (NIV) 10 Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. So we can trust in God’s discipline, it is meant to protect us. That is why we need not be fearful. We can trust in God’s discipline, it is meant to protect us. That is why we need not be fearful. God’s comfort “…they comfort me”. David was fearless in the valley because he knew his Shepherd would protect him from all deadly threats, including his own waywardness. His Shepherd would keep him close to His side in the darkness and would be with him through every step until he passed safely through to the light on the other side. One great comfort to us is surely in knowing that our Shepherd's hand covers over us. To bring us through even the darkest hours of our life into the light at the other end. One great comfort to us is surely in knowing that our Shepherd's hand covers over us. To bring us through even the darkest hours of our life into the light at the other end. CONCLUSION Are you struggling with fears in your life? Perhaps it is time to go to the Great Shepherd. To allow Him to guide us rather than to do things our way. Let Him guide us to paths of righteousness. Let Him protect and even discipline us. That we may experience a deep comfort in our hearts and not be gripped by fears. Copyright©️2021 by Wilson Lim & Lai Ling Lim. All rights reserved. Materials are free to be distributed in whole or part as long as proper acknowledgement is given to the author and not sold for profit.

Have we had to deal with fearful situations in our lives? Maybe because we have come to a totally new place and we do not know if we can cope? Maybe new responsibilities stirred up fears that we will fail? Maybe we are having relationship problems and we fear it will break up? Or maybe health issues cropped up and we are fearful of what might happen? There are so many things in life that cause fear to grip us. How do we come to grips with such fears? To the believer, the Bible provides us great assurances that we need not live in fear. Psalm 23:1-4 (NIV) 1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Even 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. King David who wrote this psalm was expressing the fact that he feared no more because of God the Good Shepherd. When David wrote this, it was not out of some naïve, idealistic romantic feelings that he had of God who would somehow help him not to be fearful. Rather, it was a song written out of a depth of experience. For David and his man has had to face many life and death situations. David knew what it was like to be a man hunted, with a bounty on his head. For years he had to run for his life. David knew what it was like to be fighting in the heat of battles and wars against enemies. Where a single arrow or sword could spell the end of his life. David knew what it was like to be threatened, betrayed, at the mercy of others. This psalm expressed the sentiments of someone who learnt how he could fear no more when he was in the Good Shepherd’s hands. Here are 3 key thoughts on why we should fear no more. 1. GOD GUIDES ME (v3b-4a) We need not fear because God is available to guide us. The fact that God is available to guide us should be reassuring, because He does so…. For His name sake (v3c) “…for his name's sake.” What it means is that God has staked His honour on it. Isaiah 48:9 (NIV) For my own name's sake I delay my wrath; for the sake of my praise I hold it back from you, so as not to cut you off. When God puts His Name unto something, He is basically staking His honour, His glory on keeping His promise. The Bible declares that God is a good, loving and faithful God. God is a faithful God, whose faithfulness is everlasting. It is who He is. Because God is faithful, He cannot be unfaithful to us. Hence, God is guaranteeing that he will guide us into good paths. Paths that are right before God. God will never lead us into bad or sinful paths. It will be… God is guaranteeing that he will guide us into good paths. Paths that are right before God. In paths of righteousness (v3b) “He guides me in paths of righteousness". What could these paths of righteousness mean? I believe these mean paths of righteous living. It is about our daily living. These paths of righteousness are not referring to imputed righteousness, or right standing before God. Let me explain the difference between imputed righteousness and righteous living. Now this is what imputed righteousness is. In a legal sense, God places the righteousness of Christ on our account. He stamps the file of our life as “righteous in Christ”. Because now God looks at the righteousness of Jesus Christ and places it upon us. Let’s say I adopted a child from overseas legally into Australia. It means this child becomes a Lim and an Australian because the Lim family are Australians. This child is not an illegal immigrant. Hence, this child has a right standing in the eyes of the Australian government. Similarly, when we accept Jesus as our personal Saviour, we gain a legal right standing before God. Now this child may not behave like a Lim. He may misbehave. He may even do wrong things and commit crimes. But he will always be a Lim and an Australian in the eyes of the law. But he will break our hearts. In the same way, as a follower of Christ, we may have right standing before God legally as a child of God and as a citizen of heaven. Yet we can break the heart of God when we live unrighteously. Because righteous living is about our day-to-day living. That is the difference between imputed righteousness and righteous living. When we come to Christ, we do not immediately live righteously. We have a journey of spiritually growth to make. We need to walk along the paths that develop our righteousness. God’s intent is to guide us into paths of righteous living. That we may live rightly before God. Psalm 32:8 (NIV) I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Further, I believe that these paths are also intended to develop righteousness in our lives. The more we choose to walk in righteous living, it develops our convictions for righteousness. For we see more the benefits, the joy, the peace, the blessings that comes with righteous living. Did you realise that there are paths of righteousness? It is in the plural? There is not just one path, but many. There are many ways of doing the right thing normally in all kinds of situations. It is not some kind of rigid, legalistic way of living at all. So, we need not fear about the nature of the paths God will guide us to. It is always paths of righteousness. Paths of right living designed to develop our righteousness. In other words, if we trust God and keep to the principles of God’s Word in the way we live, we can be assured to be on the right paths. For God will guide us unto it and along it. We need not fear about the nature of the paths God will guide us to. It is always paths of righteousness. Paths of right living designed to develop our righteousness. Even through the valley of death (v4a) “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” What is this valley of the shadow of death? Its deeply troubling situations, maybe even potentially dangerous to our lives. The psalmist is speaking of all kinds of trouble, even to the point of facing death. As I mentioned earlier, David faced many life-threatening situations. There can be several reasons why we end up in the valley of death. We could wander into the valley of death. Perhaps our poor decisions cause us to end up in a valley of death. Yet we need not fear. For God is available to help us find a righteous path through it. No matter how bad, how close to death we may find ourselves, there is always a way of righteousness that God will lead us to. As long as we are willing to listen to God. He will lead us back to paths of righteousness. Others could push us into the valley of death. We could find ourselves in the valley of death because of the actions of others. Ps. Mapya, our key pastor in the Democratic Republic of Congo was once threatened by a soldier with a gun. As the soldier wanted their money and phones. Unfortunately, it is very much like the wild, wild west in DRC. Instead of giving in to fear, he preached the Gospel to the soldier instead. God moved upon the soldier’s heart and he repented. God can lead us unto paths of righteousness and leads us out of such valleys. God is saying to us, “Look here is the path of righteousness, walk in it and I will take care of you.” If we trust God and do what is right! Lastly, God Himself may lead us through the valley of death. Is that too hard to accept? Consider the journey of Jesus on earth, it required Him to go through the cross. To face persecution and finally crucifixion. Jesus went into the valley of death. It was the chosen path that Jesus had to walk. Apostle Paul also had to walk in the valley of death at certain points of his ministry too. If God leads us through the valley of death, it is always for a greater good. It is intended to produce godly character in us. If God leads us through the valley of death, it is always for a greater good. It is intended to produce godly character in us. Romans 5:3-5 (NIV) 3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not disappoint us…” Consider shepherds bringing sheep to another green pasture but must go through the valley of death to get there. The last thing any sheep should do is panic in the valley and run from shepherd. They will surely be exposed to the dangers there. But if the sheep followed the shepherd, they will be kept safe. The key assurance is that God is always there to guide us along paths of righteousness even through the valley of death. The key perspective is that we need not fear. There is always a way out, God's way, a righteous path. The key assurance is that God is always there to guide us along paths of righteousness even through the valley of death. Continued in Part 2 [click] Copyright©️2021 by Wilson Lim & Lai Ling Lim. All rights reserved. Materials are free to be distributed in whole or part as long as proper acknowledgement is given to the author and not sold for profit.

In Part 1 we noted the increasingly higher-pressure cooker we seem to live in today. It seems like our world is determined to grill us alive. We began to examine how select men of God handled such pressure in their lives. The first key was to pursue the higher promises of God for our lives. We continue the topic here. SOAR ABOVE OUR SITUATIONS (v9-11) Stephen recounted Joseph’s story. Acts 7:9-10 (NIV) “9“Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him 10 and rescued him from all his troubles. He gave Joseph wisdom and enabled him to gain the goodwill of Pharaoh king of Egypt; so he made him ruler over Egypt and all his palace.” Here we find a teenager who was so despised by his own brothers that they kidnapped him and sold him as a slave into a foreign land. Most would have acquired a rejection syndrome. Imagine the trauma of a favoured son who suddenly was forced into slavery in a foreign land, utterly alone. Then as a foreign slave, his master’s wife tried to seduce him and because he tried to avoid adultery, was wrongly accused and thrown into prison. Imagine the stress of being accused of a crime you never committed and thrown into prison, a rotting hell-hole. As a foreign slave turned criminal, he would have been literally treated as a non-person. How would you have responded to devastating situations like that? Yet in each and every case, Joseph soared above his situation. As a foreign slave, he became the best and most trusted chief slave in his master’s house. Even as prisoner, he became the most trusted prisoner – given opportunity to manage the insides of the entire prison. Eventually, he was vindicated and appointed by pharaoh to be the Prime Minister. The foreign slave and prisoner rose to be Prime Minister! He made it a habit to turn life’s lemons into lemonade. He soared above his situations. God did not abandon Joseph even when his family did. God saw that Joseph had the qualities that enabled him to soar high. For Joseph was a man who responded out of who he was in God instead of giving in to the pressure of the situation. Gen 39:9 (NIV) No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” He did not allow situations to become his excuses. Don’t allow your challenges to become excuses. This reflected Stephen’s attitude as well. He did not bow to the pressure but focussed on who he was in God. All of us face personal challenges. But will we choose to be like Joseph and turn life’s lemons into lemonades? People can say unkind or critical things about you or about your group or even about church. Do we let that unsettle us? Or do we challenge ourselves to improve instead? As a church leader, I had to face criticisms of various kinds, some very unfair. Some rather personally directed at me. But instead of getting hurt and wounded or giving up, I chose each time to improve, to learn from it. I stand upon who I am in God and press on. Your lecturer may inform you that you failed your assignment or test. Your boss may inform you that your project failed. Do you sink through the floor and quietly die, give up? Or do you resolve to soar above the situation, looking to God for His grace? God promises to be there for us. Isa 43:2 (NLT) 2 When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. Psa 34:9 - 10 (NLT) 9 Let the LORD’S people show him reverence, for those who honor him will have all they need. 10 Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the LORD will never lack any good thing. So look to God for strength and determine to soar! RESPOND RATHER THAN REACT (v23-29) Stephen then recounted about Moses. Acts 7:23-29 (NIV) “23 “When Moses was forty years old, he decided to visit his fellow Israelites. 24 He saw one of them being mistreated by an Egyptian, so he went to his defense and avenged him by killing the Egyptian. 25 Moses thought that his own people would realize that God was using him to rescue them, but they did not. 26 The next day Moses came upon two Israelites who were fighting. He tried to reconcile them by saying, ‘Men, you are brothers; why do you want to hurt each other?’ 27 “But the man who was mistreating the other pushed Moses aside and said, ‘Who made you ruler and judge over us? 28 Do you want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?’ 29 When Moses heard this, he fled to Midian…” How on the spur of the moment Moses killed a slave master out of anger. How he reacted instead of responding to the situation. What is the difference between responding and reacting? To respond is to rationally reflect through a situation before taking action. This reflection can take 5 seconds, an hour. A day or longer. It is not the timeframe but the fact that there was a weighing up of the situation to find the best possible solution. Responding is guided more by objectivity than by emotion. To react is a spontaneous action usually based upon emotion rather than intellect. Usually, we react when we are unprepared or overwhelmed in feelings such as anger, frustration, lust, etc. Moses had a bit of history of reacting in anger. Ex 32:19 - 20 (NIV) 19 When Moses approached the camp and saw the calf and the dancing, his anger burned and he threw the tablets out of his hands, breaking them to pieces at the foot of the mountain. 20 And he took the calf they had made and burned it in the fire; then he ground it to powder, scattered it on the water and made the Israelites drink it. Num 20:10 - 12 (NLT) 10 Then he and Aaron summoned the people to come and gather at the rock. “Listen, you rebels!” he shouted. “Must we bring you water from this rock?” 11 Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with the staff, and water gushed out. So all the people and their livestock drank their fill. 12 But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust me enough to demonstrate my holiness to the people of Israel, you will not lead them into the land I am giving them!” Moses sometimes made the mistake of reacting rather than responding. Reacting under pressure often makes matters worse. I heard there was once an argument that developed between a husband and wife. The husband came home after a tough day at work. As a result, he was less than attentive to his wife. Upset, the wife accused him, “You never give me the same attention anymore!” Frustrated, the husband reacted, “Well, you are not the same girl I married.” You can imagine more fireworks after such a statement. Often, we react the most to those closest to us. This often hurts the relationship and cause even more stress to the people closest to us. A few simple tips to move from reacting to responding: Know when to shut your mouth. Better to say nothing than to regret it. Better to have a bit of thought about how to have something constructive to say. Know when to walk away and come back when you have cooled down and have had some time to think things over. Know when not to make decisions. When your blood is boiling. When your frustration level is too high. When your emotions are running hot. Those are not good times for decision-making. CONCLUSION We all face pressure of different kinds. Let’s learn to deal with pressures by God’s grace. Learn to pursue higher promises from God in the face of our challenges. To soar above your situations by choosing to turn life’s lemons into lemonade. To respond rather than to react during times of pressure. Copyright©️2021 by Wilson Lim & Lai Ling Lim. All rights reserved. Materials are free to be distributed in whole or part as long as proper acknowledgement is given to the author and not sold for profit.