When you know you have done everything you are supposed to do and the way ahead is blocked what do you do?  Consider more closely the place these 4 men found themselves in. They had stirred their faith, were fired up for a miracle, had faced down the disapproving looks, ran the gauntlet of sarcastic comments and had not let anybody or anything disuade or distract them. Yet at the very last hurdle they literally cannot get near Christ. At this point many would have simply turned back murmuring that God works in mysterious ways trying desperately to make excuses for their Saviour. Others would have turned back angry at God and the Lord Jesus Christ for not making room for them or hearing their prayers. Still others would have blamed the crowd and over time transformed their faith into contempt for the church. But these 4 men realised that when the expected has let you down and the unexpected has left you dead in your tracks it’s time to get Pentecostal.

With a faith that simply would not let them stop these men remained totally convinced that Jesus Christ was all the answer their sick friend would ever need. No matter what obstacle had stubbornly got in their way giving up was not an option. No matter how far they had come, no matter how difficult the last few steps might be, no matter what they looked like with no obvious way forward and with many obstacles in the way they believed that Christ would not disappoint their faith. Its time to get Pentecosal and refuse to accept or allow failure, people, disappointment or second best to dictate the final outcome. If you haven’t met Christ in your situation yet look again for He is in there waiting for you (Mathew 7:7-12).

When these men tore the roof off dust and dirt filled the air, debri fell on those below, the crowd pulled back and swayed but Christ saw nothing but the faith in their hearts (v20).  Keep coming to Christ no matter what state your are in and He will not only accept you He will only see your faith, love and trust in Him. Friend, do not worry about being perfect just keep turning up, just refuse to give up and you will find Christ waiting on you and focused on you everytime.   

One last thought. The temptation for these men was to get angry at and fight with the crowd holding them back. Their refusal to get distracted or disallusioned by obstacles including people was determined by their total focus on Christ.  In Revelation 12:7-9 every angel that followed the devil into a fight they should never have got involved with lost their place in Heaven and condemned themsleves to eternal judgement.  Sometimes the greatest victory you will have is the fight that you refuse to get involved in. Selah!

QUOTE:  I did everything I knew to do and knew it wasn’t enough. Then I remembered that He did everything He knew to do and it was more than enough. See Romans 6:10-11; Romans 8: 31 & 37; Hebrews 13:6 (v5-6).

Correctly taken as a general encouragement that God has a plan for our lives a second and equally powerful meaning to this scripture is often overlooked. As each step is planned, ordered and set in place by a sovereign God they are not to be side stepped, skipped over or ignored. Each step is filled with obedience, faith, trust and servanthood essential to fulfilling a call of God.  Anyone who manages to get a head of themselves does not shorten the journey they lengthen it as each step takes into account some part of their personality, preparation and empowerment.

At this point it is important to define what a “step” actually is.  It is not a fleeting moment, emotion or circumstance.  A step is a clear and distinct action, responsibility or period in your life.  A good example is found in the season of David’s life when he watched a few sheep on some lonely hills. It was here that this king in waiting learned how to care, protect and be faithful when all the time looking neglected, vulnerable and sidelined.

Every believer and particularly those aspiring to leadership must realise that God deals in details. For when you are faithful in things that seem small and insignificant Christ promises that the commitment and faithfulness you demonstrate will guide and empower you in the great things planned for you (Luke 16:10).

You will never complete the call of God in your life unless your character can stand the test of time, men and the devil.  When David was accused of evil motives and willful neglect by Eliab (1st Samuel 17:28) he was able to stand firm. His conscience was clear, his integrity was intact and his testimony was untarnished. The “step” in David’s life in which he did a great job with an honest heart taking care of a few sheep in the middle of nowhere, was the reason that Eliab’s railing accusation couldn’t interfere with the next “step” in his life… killing a giant called Goliath.  One step really does follow on from the other.

Don’t despise the “step” you are in right now. Do everything that you can and do it to the best of your ability.  David learnt that each step you take is part of the same journey and as such they must not be ignored, neglected or left out.  Keep close to Christ for in Him your miracle is only a “step” away.  Don’t be discouraged or distracted for the Lord Jesus Christ is not just with you but is busy ordering events and circumstances around you. The Amplified Bible renders our text perfectly, “The steps of a [good] man are directed and established by the Lord when He delights in his way [and He busies Himself wih his every step]”.

Cruise control is a perfect example of faith in operation:

FAITH keeps you going forward at the speed God has set for you not allowing the discouragement of others going faster or the disillusionment of some falling behind to affect or derail you.

FAITH automatically kicks in and increases when the going gets tough or the mountain before you gets too steep.  It does not ignore the gradient rather it tackles it head on and instantly ups the pace so that there are no delays or mistakes in your walk and call.

FAITH is just as powerful in enabling a believer to slow down when things start moving too fast.  It gives the Christian the ability not to get carried away and stay within the “law” of God not compromising God’s plan or ignoring the limits or standards He has set.  

When you have faith that God is your source you can afford to be generous in forgiving and blessing others (Mathew 7:11-12).

When you have faith you wont allow the highs and lows of daily life to rule your emotions or dictate your trust in God (Proverbs 3:5-6; Psalm 31:32).

When you have faith you wont compromise your walk or testimony just to get an opportunity or improve your prospects (Psalm 37:23).

Sometimes it’s just best to let the scriptures speak for themselves:

“Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things unseen”. Hebrews 11:1.

“…all things are possible to him that believeth”. Mark 9:23.

“Great peace have they that love thy law [believing it applies to every area of their life]: and nothing shall offend them [distract them from or interfere with their relationship with Christ]”. Psalm 119:165.

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in Thee”.  Isaiah 26:3

“Therefore I say unto you what things soever you desire when you pray believe that you receive them and you shall have them”. Mark 11:24.

“Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanks giving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”. Philippians 4:6-7.

Faith is the cruise control in all of our lives. When you pace your life on the constant of faith your life will constantly fall into place.  Faith does not ignore the mountains it accelerates into them.  Faith does not allow itself to get carried away by success or opportunities and isn’t afraid to do a self check. After all nothing good can pass you by when your trust is in your heavenly Father (Matthew 7: 9-11; Psalm 31:23). 

Faith keeps you steady when everyone else is shaking, it keeps you going when everyone else is wavering and keeps you on course when everyone else is loosing their focus and sense of direction.  Faith is the greatest equalizer known to man for it is not based on anything other than an unbroken, unbreakable love and trust in a Saviour that will “…never leave you or forsake you you.  That you may boldly say, The Lord is my helper what can man do unto me”  Hebrews 13:5-6.

No matter what lane you are in, what speed you are going at or how congested the way ahead put your cruise control on TODAY!

Don’t be deceived and don’t make God out to be a liar: “If [you] say that [you] have no sin [you] deceive [yourself] and the truth is not in [you]…If [you] say that [you] have not sinned, [you] make Him a liar, and His word is not in [you]” (1st John 1:8 & 10).  However, “If [you] confess [your] sins, He is faithfull and just to forgive [you your] sins, and to cleanse [you] from ALL unrighteousness” (1st John1: 9).

Step One: Confess your sin and declare your guilt to the Lord Jesus Christ and from that moment Christ will forgive your sin and declare that you are innocent. 

Step Two: Continuing to follow the apostle John’s inspired advice the next step is to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as Lord of your heart and life, “[For] as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons [and daughters] of God, even to them that believe in His name”, John 1:12.  See also Romans 10:13.

Step Three: Tell people that you have been saved by Jesus Christ and live your life giving Him His place as Lord of our life. Romans 10:9.

Step Four: You can now truly declare with Paul that you are, “…dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord”, Romans 6:10 – 11. In short you can reject the sins and mistakes of your past (present and future) when they raise their ugly head and claim through Christ a perfect unbroken relationship with almighty God. See: Hebrews 13:5-6; Romans 8: 35 – 39; Psalm 129: 3-4; Psalm 31:22.

A prayer to help should you be stuck for words: Lord Jesus Christ I come to you as a sinner and ask you to forgive me of all my sins. I invite you to be Lord of my life and ask you to come into my heart to live and reign there forever. Thank you for your sacrifice on the cross. Thank you for your unconditional love for me then and now. Thank you for giving me the power to become your child.  Amen!

If you have prayed that prayer, tell some one, pray daily (talk to God), read the Bible daily (start with the Gospels and Psalms, use daily reading booklets) and find a local church to attend (Hebrews 10:25). Remember there is nothing wrong with asking for advice on all three from a Christian you know and can trust. 

Foot Note: Forgiveness is a two way street – 1st John 2:9; Mark 11:24. You can’t hold unto God and hold unto a grudge at the same time for you will tighten your grip on one and loosen your grip on the other.  Sometimes your biggest gains come from what you are prepared to let go!  Selah.

To show David the next step in His plan of deliverance God uses the sick slave of an enemy. God even turns the cold hearted act of leaving a servant to die as the perfect way to bring David and the slave together.  So if you look across your circumstances and there seems to be very little or nothing that God can use look again.  Whatever and whoever surrounds you good or bad seen or unseen it is God’s for the taking and His for the using.

 The scripture tells us that God will make all things work together for good (Romans 8:28). The Bible also teaches that what people may intend for evil He can cause nothing but good to come out of it (Genesis 50:19 – 20).  These are not just thoughts of encouragement for the few they are promises for every believer.  Qualifying for Christ’s mighty hand to make everything work together perfectly does not involve a special call or standing in God’s eyes.  All you have to do is love your Saviour and know that you are already called by Him (Romans 8:28 – 29).  God has set His heart to save His people and that includes you (Psalm 20:6; Isaiah 40: 27 – 31).

Your week may not have been perfect but always trust God that He is.  The story of how David encounters the Egyptian slave who just happens to have all the information he needs is unusual for a reason.  It demonstrates our Saviour’s total control over every situation, personality, motive and facet of life.  Remember, God did not send an angel to guide David, or a prophet, or even a sign for the heavens. Rather He chose to use the evil heart of an enemy, a bout of sickness and an insignificant slave. Halleluiah, God really does know the end from the beginning (Revelation 22:13) and He really is in control of everything (Psalm 18:32 – 36).  Don’t look down your long dark tunnel in despair. Look again and you will find that the Lord Jesus Christ is right there backing you all the way and ahead of your enemy every step of the way (Psalm 37:23).  It might be a surprise as to how He will deliver you but have faith so that you are not surprised when He does (Psalm 31:22).  The secret to David’s success was that he kept moving forward convinced that God was preparing and leading the way.

• Understand the fundamentals.
• How was the Baptism in the Holy Ghost administered / received?
• What were the key outward signs that the Baptism of the Holy Ghost had taken place?
• Who can receive and how to receive?
• Conclusion!

Understand the fundamentals.

First and foremost lets establish that the phrase, Baptised in the Holy Ghost, is a biblical one – see Mark 1:8 and Acts 1:5.  Another commonly used phrase is to be “filled” with the Holy Ghost. Again this has its foundation in scripture – Acts 2:4.

In Mark’s account (1:4-8) he refers to John the Baptist’s preaching template. This includes underlining the importance of the Baptism in the Holy Ghost to John and of course to the Lord Jesus Christ.  The Saviour Himself reinforces the absolute necessity for this second baptism when He speaks to the disciples in Acts 1:4-9.  Jesus Christ tells them it is going to happen as an experience that is distinct and separate from water baptism leaving no room for choice or debate (v5). Christ relates this Holy Ghost Baptism to the outpouring of power which will fully equip the church to reach the whole earth with the Good News of the Gospel (v7-8). 

The fundamental question is whether or not this second baptism was only for the 120 in the upper room or was it for all men, women and children throughout the ages that turn to Christ as their Lord and Saviour?

To answer this and several others questions we will refer to three of the main references to the Baptism in the Holy Ghost in the book of Acts: Acts 2:1 – 8; 10: 44-48; 19: 1-6.   

How was the Baptism in the Holy Ghost administered / received?

Acts 2: 2-4.   In an environment of unity, worship, remembrance and obedience the most dramatic of all the accounts concerning the filling of the Holy Ghost takes place.  The mighty sound from heaven, the tongues of fire and how they sat on all in attendance was not dramatic just for the sake of it.  This first Baptism was deliberately played out by God as a mighty spectacle. It was designed to reinforce the importance of this promise being fulfilled and to mark it as the birth of the New Testament church empowered to save the world. Read again the words of our Lord Jesus Christ in Acts 1:4-8.

N.B. The evidence was that they spoke with other tongues proclaiming Christ and His resurrection power – remember the words of Jesus, “…ye shall be baptised with the Holy Ghost…and ye shall be witnesses unto Me …in Jerusalem…” (Acts 1:5&8).

Acts 10:44-48.  The environment was one of prayer, generosity, love and an unashamed witness and hunger for the things of God with fasting (i.e. Cornelius’ house Acts 10:1-2; v22; v30). It was in this environment that the word was preached and Gentiles were filled with the Holy Ghost without anyone touching them.  The method was different from that in Acts Ch.2 but the result was the same. The underpinning thought weaved throughout the whole of Ch.10 is that the filling of the Holy Ghost is for everyone whose heart is sold out to God…not just the Apostles, not just the 120 in Acts Ch.2 and certainly not just for the converted Jews.

N.B. The evidence was that they spoke, “…with tongues and [magnified] God” (Acts 10:46).

Acts19:1- 6.  The environment was one of faithfulness to what little revelation had been received, coupled with a hunger and willingness to embrace truth that would change their lives forever.  Again the method was different but the result was the same – Paul laid his hands on the church at Ephesus and they were filled with the Holy Ghost. 

N.B. The evidence was that they spoke with other tongues and prophesied. 

What were the key outward signs that the Baptism of the Holy Ghost had taken place?

From the above passages there are several outward confirmations indicating that the filling of the Holy Ghost had taken place…speaking with other tongues; a powerful bold witness and testimony; worship / magnifying God; and prophecy. 

Of all these signs there are two common denominators:

(1) Speaking with other tongues – manifested in all three of our examples.

(2) Boldness and power – manifested in unreserved witnessing, unrestrained worship and the gifts of the Spirit in operation.

Who can receive and how to receive?

In Acts 2 the select 120 are baptised. In Acts 10 a Roman convert and his Gentile friends were baptised.  In Acts 19 a group of disciples living in complete ignorance of the Holy Ghost never mind being filled with His power and presence are duly baptised.

It is important to emphasis that the church at Ephesus (Acts 19) did not even know that the Holy Ghost existed.  This means, for example, that a traditional background where the filling of the Holy Ghost has played no part cannot hinder a believer in any way.  Please be warned that this also means it cannot be used as an excuse not to be baptised in the Holy Ghost either.

It is crucial to note that the Ephesians were born again believers who had not been filled with the Holy Ghost.  Salvation (including the baptism with water) and the Baptism in the Holy Ghost are two separate experiences.  That said, ideally they should happen at the same time but this is in turn dependent on the knowledge and experience of those involved.

Concluding thoughts!   

To be filled with the Holy Ghost you will have to be lead and instructed by those who believe it and preach it.  To be filled with the Holy Ghost follow the pattern of those early believers.  They were faithful and obedient with what they knew, worshiped with all their might, sought God with earnest hearts and were open to the changes God’s gift would bring.  They got caught up with the person of Christ and found themselves on a collision course with the promise of Christ.  Whilst you are no less saved if you are not filled with the Holy Ghost you will be lacking in Christ’s best for you in terms of intimacy, power and authority.  This may seem harsh but the Baptism of the Holy Ghost is God’s plan with no back up in place. God’s response to Cornelius demonstrates that He will supernaturally respond to the earnest prayer of any believer. However, it is God’s singular purpose to lead all His children to the point where they will be filled with His Spirit as at the day of Pentecost, Cornelius’ house and the church at Ephesus.

Don’t reject this wonderful promise rather purpose your heart and God will lead you to it. Don’t be discouraged, for if our Lord and Saviour can guide a group of men at Ephesus (Acts19) to be filled who did not even know that the Holy Ghost existed then He will surely guide you. 

If you are baptised but waning in your authority and the anointing you once knew waste no time with regret or self-condemnation.  Rather, stir up the gift that is within you (1st Timothy 1:6).  Speak with other tongues (1 Corinthians 14:18), worship the Lord Jesus Christ, be obedient in what you do know and find something to do that will serve Him and honour Him.  Remember that the original Greek for the word “filled” means to be continually filled.  Pursue the gift of the Baptism in the Holy Ghost for it will empower you afresh day and daily.

Some people may think that this type of teaching is unnecessary and even offensive.  However, Peter presents it in the context of being well balanced, temperate and sober minded.  You have a vicious enemy but Christ has given you authority to pray against him.  To ignore either is at best irresponsible and in reality very dangerous. Follow Peter’s advice be sensible and learn how to pray against the devil and his demoniac forces as part of your overall prayer life.

 There is a great revelation and stark warning in Psalm 17:4.  In this verse “men” (people and the efforts they make to grievously hurt you) present themselves as the source of your problems. However, the end of verse 4 reveals that having set your faith to believe and apply the Word it is from the “destroyer” that you are delivered.  Paul underlines the reality of your battle when he declares, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities…powers…rulers of the darkness of this world…spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12).  When you don’t rebuke the “evil one”, the powers of darkness and demoniac forces from your family and your circumstances they will devour and destroy laying all the blame at another’s feet. 

It is important to note from Ephesians 6:12 that when a circumstance becomes a wrestling match (something that drags on and drains you relentlessly) this is often a sign that the demoniac is involved.  People may still need to be dealt with, decisions may still need to be made and work may still need to be done.  However, in this scenario nothing will work out as it should until, through prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, devils and demons are commanded to get out of your situation and interfere no more.  Don’t be too quick to blame them but neither too slow to deal with them. If in doubt you have a mandate from Christ to pray against them (Mathew 6:13) so don’t hesitate trusting your Saviour to do whatever is needed.

It is time to be “sober” and “vigilant” (1 Peter 5:8). It is time to understand that it is not just people but the “destroyer” that you have to contend with (Psalm 17:4). It is time to realize that your enemy is organsied and has a command chain of demoniac forces which devour and destroy (Ephesians 6:12).  That said, if you are a born again believer by simply, faithfully and repeatedly using the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to rebuke these forces you will remove them from your situation.  Can you really have this level confidence?  The immediate answer is, yes! For it was our Saviour that instructed us to pray for deliverance from the “evil one” and as such this prayer is in perfect zinc with the will of God and will be answered (1 John 5:14-15).  Remember, as it was the Lord Jesus Christ who made this part of our frame work for prayer frown upon it and / or ignore it at your peril. 

Prayer template: Like Christ’s example throughout the Gospels deal with the demoniac in a direct and uncomplicated way.  Simply rebuke them off your situation or from a person specifically using the name of Jesus Christ. If you are a novice in these matters do not prolong your prayer with complicated sentences or uncertain repetition.  Like the strike of any warrior against his enemy do so quickly and move on. This is after all, only one aspect of God’s pattern for prayer.  Be aware if the devil cannot defeat you he will try to preoccupy you. Selah!

Even before conception and certainly during fetal development every human being has the full attention of an almighty God (Psalm 139:15-18). God can see the substance of, has recorded all the members of and has nothing but precious thoughts toward the unborn. Selah! (Psalm 139:16).

As Psalm139 reveals the unborn child is a fully formed individual in the heart, mind and plans of an omniscient God.  John the Baptist jumped in his mother’s womb at the salutation of a heavily pregnant Mary charged with the anointing of the unborn Christ in her womb. Here in is a clear lesson to all the church namely, that the unborn child is directly affected by the environment that his mother (and father) live in and create (Luke 1:41).  This includes the company they keep, what is said song and done. The reaction of a baby to “familiar” sounds such as the title music of regularly watched soap operas, or even the washing machine demands the attention of all expectant parents.  Pray for your unborn child close to the mother’s belly, play Christian music full of the anointing of the Holy Ghost, quote the word of God while you pray and in your general conversation and, when tiredness allows, be in the fellowship of God’s people worshiping the Lord Jesus Christ under the sound of the preached word. 

In the midst of God’s rebuke to Jonah (Jonah 3:11) He refers to, “…sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left”.  God chose His words carefully and deliberately. He thinks on the little child, what they are and who He intends them to be, just as if they were fully grown. He cherishes them no less for their stature and childishness. Little ones are masterpieces of God’s creation in small packages and should be handled with the greatest of care and respect.

 Let’s lay down the law:

When it comes to those who hurt and abuse children, unless they repent and are delivered from their depravity, the Lord Jesus Christ has only one message for them, “But whoso shall offend one of these little ones…it where better for him that a milestone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea (Matthew 18:6; Mark 9:42; Luke 17:2).  It must be carefully noted that Christ judges sin not sickness and that He identifies the abuse of children as sin carrying particularly harsh judgment from a holy and righteous God.  Children need parents who not only do what they can to protect them in the normal ebb and  flow of life but parents who protect their children with the power of prayer (faith filled, daily and without ceasing). Children need parents to teach them scriptures that will answer life’s questions and guide them through life’s decisions and difficulties. When a child remembers a verse from the Bible amidst a troublesome and even dangerous situation it has the power of a risen Saviour in it to give them the strength and wisdom to say the right things, do what is right, get clear and keep safe (Psalm 119: 97-105).  

 Let’s set the standard:

Proverbs 22:6 states that if you, “Train up a child in the way he should go …when he is old, he will not depart from it”. See 2 Timothy 3:15. Children are bombarded with rude and depraved images and standards on a daily basis.  Dear parent, never be hesitant to talk about sensitive issues with of course an approach geared to the age of the child you are trying to help. Never be hesitant to teach clear, strong and powerful Christian truth at any age.  The statistics show that well before your child gets through school they will be offered drugs, alcohol and sex in one form or another.  Christian parents should never hesitate to teach their children about the power of God, the delivering power of angels, the power of righteousness and righteous living, the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives not to mention the power of God’s truth to guide them perfectly through every area, stage and facet of life.

Please note that the process of training up a child does not mean they won’t make mistakes and some bad choices.  It means that these will be minimized and that their training will kick in no matter what area of their young lives seem to shake or crumble.  Training is what enables a pilot to successfully fly a plane at night or through a storm or thick fog.  Children need to be taught how to “instrument fly” through the difficult times i.e. faith and scripture first, circumstance second.  

As the head of the home Christian fathers need to step up to the plate. The author not only prayed for his son in the womb but has never missed a day to pray regarding some part of his school career, university career, the call of God, relationships etc.  When you draw near to God on any issue or concerning any one person He will draw near to you (James 5:8).  Your child could be many miles away on a school trip and you will know what to pray and even when to pray it. God will give you a sensitivity and awareness that is quite literally supernatural.  If you have any doubt Paul had this experience with his spiritual children, “For though I be absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith” (Colossians 2:5; 1 Corinthians 5:4; 1 Thessalonians 2:17)

 Let’s blow the myth:

There are those who hold the position that children find their own way in life no matter what you do as a parent.  This is a cop out from those parents that are too selfish or lazy to make the effort required. Ignorance is no excuse for I have never met one person who does not know about the things that really matter to them. Selah!  If you put enough time into your child in later life they will bless you with the lives they live and the time they give back to you.  Should you feel that you have missed this opportunity with your children don’t waste their time struggling with regret.  Pray for forgiveness if need be but then pray unrelentingly for your sons and daughters and watch a faithful God move in their lives and make up for lost time. It is in the place of prayer and faith that you will find the answers they are looking for and the peace you are looking for (Philippians 4:5-6).

 Let’s establish the grounds rules:

To the Christian leader – if the call of God is not big enough to include a blessed wife and happy children then it’s either not of God or you are not in tune with God.

To the parent who learnt through the school of hard knocks – use the experience gained to love were you were not, to guide where you were left to flounder, to encourage where you were left to wallow in self doubt and insecurity, to teach where you were left to blunder and trip over problems and fears.  What you learn, teach! What you get, give! Selah.

To the man or the woman who finds it hard to express their feelings – news flash, if that is you then you are hard to live with.  Whoever cares for children should tell them that they are loved on a daily basis especially when there is no reason to say it other than the fact that you mean it.

To the struggling disciplinarian – love does what is right not what is easiest. Your child loves you but they will not respect you if you do not make them toe the line in meeting their responsibilities, their treatment of others and in the honour of their Lord and Saviour. Dear parent, would you like your child to be “…perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works”?   If so, then adopt a life style of using scripture “…for reproof, for correction, [and] for instruction in righteous” (2 Timothy 3:16 – 17).

Foot note: don’t belittle the value of saying you’re sorry when you have made a mistake.  Remember children will learn from everything you do and everything you don’t do. So speak, “…the truth in love [that they] may grow up into all things, which is the head, even Christ” (Ephesians 4:15).

 A final thought:

The hidden struggle in devoted parenting is the danger of giving too much time to your children i.e. neglecting your partner and other genuine responsibilities.  The child that watches his father give time to and express his love for his wife is marked for life not scarred for life. They are market with the balance and wisdom that true unselfish Christ like love brings.  The child that watches his parents live up to and meet their responsibilities are being moulded for success instead of being set up for failure.  Successful parenting is not about being perfect just committed, unselfish, loving and honest.  If your child learns these things they will be well trained for life.

David decided not to let his loss steal the love of God in his heart.  David decided not to let the hurt caused by his friends turning against him dictate his actions.  David decided to put his own weakness to one side (often a very difficult thing to do) and put his future in the hands of an almighty God.  Several life changing truths were in operation: know what and who to ignore including your own emotions; know that God is NOT your enemy and make the decision to seek Him no matter how hard the blow or tough the loss; and simply do what you know to do until you know what to do next.   

Do exactly what God tells you even if it is a step-by-step process.  In 1st Samuel 30:8-9 whilst David gets a clear instruction to pursue he does not get a detailed description of where he should go never mind how he and his men are to have victory.  He went on the strength of God’s first command trusting that the rest would follow.    

You might complain that God hasn’t told you to do anything but in fact you couldn’t be further from the truth.  You have been told to pray, read the Bible, go to church, worship, love God and, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart…lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him [with the promise that] He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).  Doing what you know to do puts you on a collision course with God’s perfect purposes and plans.

Jesus is calling on all His children to PURSUE, find their real enemies, defeat them and take back all that has been stolen unharmed and in perfect condition (1 Samuel 30:18-19).  Decide today not to let your loss, hurt, isolation or weaknesses get between you and God and you will find that there is nothing that can get between you and your miracle (Matthew 7:7-12).  Your real enemy is to forget that the Lord Jesus Christ is your Friend, Comforter, Guide and Saviour (Psalm 103:2-5; Hebrews 13: 5-6).

 Must reads:  Psalm 55:12-17; Psalm 56:5-9; Psalm 57:4-7.

Samuel had to learn not to be discouraged or distracted when he did not know all the details.  Abraham was prepared to start his journey even though he did not have any idea where the final destination would be.  Paul kept going forward even though he didn’t know where to start.  Trusting and obeying God with what you know will make you grow into the answer you are looking for.  There is only one thing worse than not getting the right result and that is someone who is not ready to handle it.  If you are experiencing a delay then think again, for often God is actually laying the foundation in your heart and mind to receive the “good things” He has for you (Mathew 7:11). These are the good things that come to you through asking, seeking and knocking (Matthew 7:7-8).

We should all draw courage from the fact that these men of faith did not falter even though they didn’t understand everything all of the time.  They simply remained faithful to what they did know and acted on it.  Should you not understand everything put your trust in the God who does (Hebrews 12:2; Revelation 21:6).  Turn your frustration into faithfulness, uncertainty into confidence and impatience into earnest prayer (1 John 5:14-15). 

When you don’t know everything but are prepared to move on what you do then you truly are in prestigious company putting yourself on a collision course with God’s very best.  God will fill in the gaps as He did with Samuel, lead you perfectly through the wilderness as He did with Abraham and reveal His perfect plan as He did with Paul.