Job 5:1-27 Do you know people you find wearying?   They incessantly 'share' stories of the personal wrongs done to them with anyone who will listen, and frankly, they become a burden. These people weary you, so you avoid them. Yes, I know that's not what Jesus would do. However, if we are truthful, it is what we do.   We all know others in far worse circumstances than these people - yet they who endure such circumstances are often the ones we delight to be around. Why?   Their lives exude joy! They encourage you, and you come away with a renewed sense of purpose, an uplifted spirit, and a smile.   Certainly, they're wounded, and they know it. But those who are a delight to be around even in the midst of their difficulties, don't bathe in that woundedness and others are drawn to them because of their joy. We cringe from the attitude of those who weary us and we're attracted to the attitude of those whom even in the trials of their own lives, encourage u

One goal of each minister (that's every believer) is to build each other up, not pull one another down.  We do this so that each of God's people can reach their full potential.  Jesus doesn't tell us to conform to the standards of this world.  We do need to be upstanding citizens whilst here on earth, but we do what God wants us to do in the world.  That is to encourage and use our gifts and talents to help God's people (the Church) to grow and be all that God intended them to be. A pure bride to the bridegroom. 1 Thess. 3:1 4:18 Colossians 1:28-29 2 Corinthians 1:24 2 Corinthians 5:14 2 Corinthians 11:3

This week Ps Phyllis shared with us on "Where do we find Encouragement and Strength in our lives?" Ps Phyllis shared with us some of the story of Captain Charles Sturt who discovered the Murray River (ref:page 51 Australia's Christian Heritage) Winston Churchill said: "Never, never, never, never give up." What encourages you? Checklist of an encourager: 1 Thessalonians 5:11-23  Build each other up - point out a good quality in them 1 Thessalonians 5:12  Respect leaders - look for ways to cooperate 1Thessalonians 5:13  Live in peace - search for ways to get along with others.  Don't get offended by their behaviour.  Give it to the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 5:14  Warn the idle - challenge someone to join you in a project or ministry 1 Thessalonians 5:14 Help the weak - support those who are weak by loving and praying for them 1 Thessalonians 5:14  Be patient - plan ahead by praying and listening to the Lord when you know of a situation coming up s

Jeremiah 1:14-19                               You are not an accident. Your birth was no mistake, no mishap and your life is no fluke of nature.   Even if your parents didn’t plan you – God did. (PDL Day2)   Before we take our first breath, God knows how long we’ll live.   He knows our name.   He made you for a purpose. Jeremiah was concerned because he was a youth when God called him and he didn’t think those older than himself would listen or take notice of what God wanted Jeremiah to say.   God reassures Jeremiah that He will be present, he will always be with the young prophet.   Lord assures him in v19 “I am with you”. Jeremiah would have to go and speak God’s word to a nation that didn’t want to hear or respond in repentance.   He was also named the “weeping prophet” and spent more than 40 years declaring God’s Word to an unrepented nation.   Though he was rejected, put in a well, despised and persecuted, he persistently declares the uncomprising message God wants to tell the pe