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Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah, Pilgrim through this barren land; I am weak, but Thou art mighty, Hold me with Thy pow’rful hand. Bread of heaven, Bread of heaven, Feed me till I want no more; Feed me till I want no more. Open now the crystal fountain, Whence the healing stream doth flow; Let the fire and cloudy pillar Lead me all my journey through. Strong Deliv’rer, strong Deliv’rer, Be Thou still my Strength and Shield; Be Thou still my Strength and Shield. When I tread the verge of Jordan, Bid my anxious fears subside; Death of death and hell’s Destruction, Land me safe on Canaan’s side. Songs of praises, songs of praises, I will ever give to Thee; I will ever give to Thee.

1 “THERE shall be showers of blessing”: This is the promise of love; There shall be seasons refreshing, Sent from the Saviour above. Show … ers of blessing, Showers of blessing we need; Mercy drops round us are falling, But for the showers we plead. 2 “There shall be showers of blessing"— Precious reviving again; Over the hills and the valleys, Sound of abundance of rain. 3 “There shall be showers of blessing:” Send them upon us, O Lord! Grant to us now a refreshing; Come, and now honour Thy Word. 4 “There shall be showers of blessing,” Oh, that to-day they might fall, Now, as to God, we’re confessing. Now as on Jesus we call! 5 “There shall be showers of blessing,” If we but trust and obey; There shall be seasons refreshing, If we let God have His way.

1 To the regions beyond I must go, I must go Where the story has never been told; To the millions that never have heard of His love, I must tell the sweet story of old. Chorus: To the regions beyond I must go, I must go, Till the world, all the world, His salvation shall know. 2 To the hardest of places He calls me to go, Never thinking of comfort or ease; The world may pronounce me a dreamer, a fool, Enough if the Master I please. (Chorus) 3 Oh, you that are spending your leisure and pow'rs In those pleasures so foolish and fond; Awake from your selfishness, folly and sin, And go to the regions beyond. (Chorus) 4 There are other “lost sheep” that the Master must bring, And to them must the message be told; He sends me to gather them out of all lands, And welcome them back to His fold. (Chorus)

Funeral service for our sister, Jenny Anderson.

We praise God. It's so wonderful to see people trusting the Lord and witnessing their faith publicly by baptism.

Praise the Lord for believers being baptised!

A plea to be unfeigned in our faith. God does a real work in human souls, as we humble ourselves before Him, and be real. As we see in the genuine, humble work of Paul. Bro Jesse Trumble ministers on Acts 17 and 1 Thessalonians 2. It's a plea - to be genuine before God, and to please God. As God used Paul, to bring people to Christ, and to minister to them, so too, he can use every yielded vessel. You and me. Acts 17:1-10 ...they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews: 2 And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, 3 Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ. 4 And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few. 5 But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people. 6 And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also; 7 Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus. 8 And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things... Just before this, in chapter 16, Paul had been in Philippi where he had cast out the demon from a woman who was being used to predict the future. Her masters who had made money from her had gone to the the rulers and put Paul in jail. Yet Paul did not stay in jail - the walls came a' tumbling down, just like at Jericho. The the whole jail shook, the chains fell off, the prison bars were opened, and people fled. The jailer there was going to kill himself, but Paul brought to him Christ. Also he reached Lydia there. Paul was persecuted and imprisoned - yet we see God's miraculous intervention and the power of God, to deliver his people, not only from jail, but from sin. God had prepared Paul - as he came to know Christ in his miraculous salvation on the road to Damascus. He tells of his ministry: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-20 For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain: 2 But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention. 3 For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: 4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. 5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: 6 Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. 7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: 8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. 9 For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. 10 Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: 11 As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, 12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. 13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe... 19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? 20 For ye are our glory and joy. We see the genuine heart of Paul at work. He was real. He showed the fruit of an unfeigned life. He was humble, gentle. There was no guile. We're all as broken vessels, and can be used of God. May we likewise humble ourselves and seek to glorify God in our daily walk. Be truthful before others. I am nothing without God. The heart of Paul is the heart of someone who is given over to God - a heart of someone who is genuine. Don't be fake. God seeks The Humble Heart. The Humble man. Christ in you. Be genuine. Yield yourself to God. As with Paul, God will use you to reach and minister to others.

His Name is Jesus — Part 2 Matthew 1: 18 - 21 Outline In Part 1 we looked at: • Mary's Pregnancy v. 18 • Joseph's Predicament v.19 —20 And now, for Part 2... • The Angel's Proclamation v. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. o A Reminder of Joseph's Lineage • Reminder first of his royal line. • Reminder secondly of God's resolute promise o A Reassuring Message • God comforts his people through his word • God comforts his people even though the struggle is private or internal • God comforts and reassures his people even when we sleep o A Rationale for Mary's Pregnancy • It is a Spiritual act — work of the Spirit • It is a mysterious act • It is a marvellous act • The Saviour's Purpose v. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. o The Saviour's Name • Jesus, an exclusive name for salvation • Jesus, an effectual name to call • Jesus, an affectionate name fOr the saved. o The Saviour's Mission • We can note the objective of his mission • We can note the recipients of his mission

Aussie pastor takes the raw egg challenge... Best with sound ON. He answers the perennial question: "Which came first?" Get your daily multivitamins fast. Slam dunk some raw eggs! Can you accept the challenge? Eggs are packed full of goodness - rich in high-quality protein, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants (that protect your eyes, brain, and heart) and nutrients. They contain all 9 essential amino acids. (Note: refrigeration is recommended to minimise risk of salmonella if eating them raw.)

Aussie Pastor having his daily multivitamins. Slam dunking raw eggs! Can you accept the challenge? Eggs are packed full of goodness - rich in high-quality protein, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants (that protect your eyes, brain, and heart) and nutrients. They contain all 9 essential amino acids. (Note: refrigeration is recommended to minimise risk of salmonella if eating them raw.)

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How do I find God’s will for my life? We should want to UNDERSTAND – and actually DO the will of God. Ephesians 5:17, Psalms 40:8. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. One of the greatest promises on God’s guidance is: Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Who are you going to trust in? Some people rely on themselves – in their own wisdom and strength. Yet, Proverbs 28:26 says, He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool… Do you trust God with your life? Is there an area of your life where you aren’t trusting God? Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Faith affects our heart. The heart is the centre of our being. It is the centre of the mind, will and emotions. Christ dwells in our heart by faith… Ephesians 3:17. Trust in Christ alone. Nothing else. No one else. He is faithful. Trust His promises. Trust that God is with you. Know that He cares for you. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart. It’s all encompassing. Our heart includes our emotions, thoughts and will. Find in Him your joy. We just have to trust Him. Lean not unto thine own understanding. When we lean on something, we rest on it. We rest our weight on it. Our own understanding is limited. Human wisdom can be deceptive. Rather, let us lean on God’s unlimited understanding… Psalm 147:5 Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite. God has promised to guide us. We can find God’s wisdom through prayer and study of His Word. The book of Proverbs has much to say about understanding, often contrasted with foolishness… Proverbs 28:5 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things. Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. Is God in our thinking? How is our God consciousness? May we be willing to seek out God’s divine purpose. We can have sanctified thinking. Our thoughts can be godly. Our mind can be renewed. Faith impacts our thoughts. Our own understanding, where God is not in our thoughts, can be limited. But God’s wisdom is infinite. We can seek counsel from God’s Word, and rely on His truth. Our own understanding can be prideful, faulty, fleshly, carnal… Human reasoning can hinder faith. We need God’s guidance for our life choices. There’s peace there. Let us be sensitive to when God closes a door, or opens a door. Let’s take the God-given opportunities that He sends our way. Let us follow His leading. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Guidance from God comes as we submit our walk to God… Proverbs 16:25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. It is really important to know that we are on the right track. There are two ways to live. Psalms 1:6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish. The Bible talks much about the way… The Book of Haggai says, Consider your ways. We read about the way of folly. The way of a fool. Ways of darkness. The way of the wicked. The way to hell. But we also read of the way of life. The good way. The way of righteousness. The way of truth. We can find God’s way to live… It is possible. It matters what way we are going. The Bible talks of the way of the wicked, and of the path of life. And we can ask God to show us the right way. Psalm 86:11 Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth… Psalm 25:4 Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. Psalm 37:5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. The Christian life is called a walk. Every step that we take we can know God is with us… In all thy ways acknowledge Him. The best way to walk is to know that God is steering our course. May He hold the rudder of our ship, and turn us His way. May we be sensitive to His leading. Do we acknowledge Him? Trust Him. Praise Him. Glorify Him. In all thy ways acknowledge Him… Every step of the journey. Be aware of His presence. Acknowledge Him. May we acknowledge God as the source of our blessings. May we lean on Him for strength and guidance. Do we look to God for His direction in all of our ways? Seek God’s direction. His will. Make it deliberate. He knows the best path. The right path. It may not be the easiest path. He shall direct thy paths. We can expect direction from God for every path of our life. Trust in the Lord wholeheartedly. Trust His plan.

Preacher Peter Gregoric tells of the cross of Christ, and the two thieves either side - one man condemned, and the other man converted. A communion message that directs our thoughts to Calvary and the wonder of the saving work of the Lord Jesus Christ. The three crosses of Calvary. THE FIRST CROSS is the Cross of Christ – this Man died FOR SIN. Crucifixion was a very cruel way to die – our Lord went through immense pain and shame. It was a painful, drawn-out death. The people mocked him, the chief priests, the religious leaders, they were all mocking him. Matthew 27:44 tells how the thieves also which were crucified with him mocked him. THE SECOND CROSS. One of the men died mocking him. This man, on the second cross, died IN his sin, in condemnation. The Word says that the wrath of God abideth on him - on people who don't believe on Christ. In John 8:24 Jesus said, I said therefore unto you that you shall die in your sins for if you believe not that I am he. THE THIRD CROSS. The man on the third cross found conversion. This man died WITHOUT sin. This man looked to Christ. He called upon the Lord, and he was saved. Luke 23:42-43 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. 43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. What side of the Cross are you on? Just like the thief on the cross we can be saved - just by looking to Christ and believing on him.

Doug Carragher from Wounded Spirits Ministries talks about PTSD. PTSD Conference: Chapters 16 & 18 in the workbook. You can download the workbook and follow the accompanying notes at: tinyurl.com/StudyPTSD Dealing with Physical Abuse/Rape. Physical abuse is any intentional act causing injury or trauma to another person or animal, by way of bodily contact. In most cases, children are the victims of physical abuse, but adults can also be victims, as in cases of domestic violence or workplace aggression. Physical abuse may involve more than one abuser, and more than one victim. Physical abuse is always wrong. Physical abuse must be reported to the authorities. 31% of women raped will experience PTSD for the rest of their lives. 13% of American women have been raped and 31% of rape victims have developed PTSD. At least 1 out of every 10 (10%) of men in our country have suffered trauma as a result of sexual assault. People who experience sexual assault may suffer from depression, PTSD, and other emotional problems as a result. In the US, rape and sexual assault are categorized as follows: “It is an act in which a person sexually touches another person without that person's consent or coerces or physically forces a person to engage in a sexual act against their will. The Effects of Rape and Physical Abuse. The effects of child sexual abuse can be long-lasting and affect the victim's mental health. Victims are more likely than non-victims to experience the following mental health challenges: About 4 times more likely to develop symptoms of drug abuse About 4 times more likely to experience PTSD as adults About 3 times more likely to experience a major depressive episode as adults. The Bible on Rape. When the Bible mentions the crime of rape, it is represented as an extreme violation of God’s design for the treatment of another human being (Genesis 34). God’s word condemns rape. For example, there is a passage in the laws given to Israel, Deut 22:13–29 spoke directly against forcing a woman into a sexual encounter against her will, or what we call rape today. The command is to protect women, weak and to protect the nation of Israel from committing sinful actions. The Bible accounts of sexual assault against women are heartbreaking. But they are not brushed under a rug or hushed up. In fact, of the three accounts describing a woman who was sexually assaulted, each of them caused a civil war. Dinah (Genesis 34), Unnamed Concubine (Judges 19-21), Tamar (II Samuel 13). Rape was neither covered up nor ignored. Instead, it was answered and avenged. It was such a cultural convulsion that it was answered with outrage and further violence. Victims must be heard and must be protected. In the New Testament, rape is not mentioned directly, but it would have been considered sexual immorality. Jesus and the apostles spoke against sexual immorality (Matthew 5:32). Christians are to obey the laws of their governing authorities (Romans 13). Not only is rape morally wrong; it is also wrong according to the laws of the land. As such, anyone who commits this crime should expect to pay the consequences, including arrest and imprisonment. To the victims of rape, we must offer much care, counsel and compassion. Churches should be aid stations reaching out to the broken. God’s Word often speaks about helping those in need and the vulnerable. As Christians we should do everything possible to model the love and compassion of Christ to assist victims of rape in any way possible. Ultimately, people are responsible for the sins they commit, including rape. However, no one is beyond the grace of God. Even to those who have committed the vilest of sins, God can extend forgiveness if they repent and turn from their evil ways (1 John 1:9). This does not remove the need for punishment according to the law, but it can offer hope and the way to a new life. As a rape survivor you are not guilty and should seek the Lord with all your being. The Lord can and will guide you through recovery. Moral Injury is the damage done to one’s conscience or moral compass when that person perpetrates, witnesses, or fails to prevent acts that transgress one’s own moral beliefs, values, or ethical codes of conduct. Moral injury is a normal human response to an abnormal event. Those who have seen and experienced death, mayhem, destruction, and violence have had their worldviews shattered - the sanctity of life, safety, love, health, peace, etc. -can suffer moral injury as well. Self-harming refers to a person harming his/her own body on purpose. Other terms for self-harm are "self-abuse" or "cutting." Overall, a person who self-harms does not mean to kill himself or herself. Definition of Self-handicapping behaviors (impulsive behavior) refers to a self -sabotaging behavior that will cripple one’s ability the opportunity to recover from moral injury. It is estimated that in the public, 2% to 6% engage in self-harm at some point in their lives.

Doug Carragher from Wounded Spirits Ministries talks about PTSD. PTSD Conference: Chapters 13 through 15 in the workbook. You can download the workbook and follow the accompanying notes at: tinyurl.com/StudyPTSD Avoidance: Avoidance/avoidant coping or escape coping is a maladaptive coping mechanism characterized by the effort to avoid dealing with a stressor. Coping refers to behaviors that attempt to protect oneself from perceived damage. A person who suffers from PTSD is more than twice as likely to divorce or separate from their spouse. The inability to handle conflicts is a major cause of divorce. God created us for relationships. Unresolved conflict robs us of the joy that healthy Christian relationships bring. Conflict is inevitable. No relationship of any type is immune. But when we deal with conflict biblically, it can serve as the catalyst that fixes the relationship. The Lord dealt with conflicts head-on and immediately. “Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.” ~Matthew 5:23–24. The Lord deals with conflict as a sin and points out that a gift to Him, from someone who is avoiding conflict, is unacceptable. We need to deal with conflict immediately in order to remain in fellowship with our Lord. The Lord looks at conflict and hates it; He wants it resolved, for the sake of fellowship with His people. In most cases, going to a person with whom you have a conflict and talking it over with love will resolve it. If we submit to the Lord’s plan, we will receive His blessings. There is no excuse to live with unresolved conflict. He gives a way out. Follow your orders and move out smartly. Trust Him and implement His plan. Matthew 18:15–17. First, if there is a person you’re having a conflict with, go to them as soon as possible and address the issues face to face. Avoid involving anyone else. Next, if you cannot resolve the disagreement, grab a couple of folks from church and try to resolve the problem. If the person still does not respond, give it to the Lord. In the Lord’s eyes you are free of the conflict. Apathy. The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns…” ~Proverbs 15:19. Many people with PTSD have the symptom of apathy. Apathy is: “Want of feeling; an utter privation of passion, or insensibility to pain; applied either to the body or the mind.” Apathy - laziness, slothfulness, or indifference - is the opposite of God’s design for our lives. Apathy is giving up, and that never is acceptable. SELF-HARM/SELF HANDICAPPING Definition of Self-harming refers to a person harming his/her own body on purpose. Other terms for self-harm are "self-abuse" or "cutting." Overall, a person who self-harms does not mean to kill himself or herself. Self-handicapping behaviors (impulsive behavior) refers to a self - sabotaging behavior. 1 Corinthians 6:19 - 20 - “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 2 Corinthians 6:16 - …ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Mark 5:5 - And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones. Leviticus 19:28 - Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD. About 2% to 6% engage in self-harm some point in their lives. Rates of self-harm are higher among those in treatment for mental health problems. Often those who self-harm have low self-esteem, and they do not tend to express their feelings. Self-harmers, as compared to others, have more frequent and more negative feelings such as fear or worry, depression, and aggressive impulses. The most common reasons people do self-harm are to distract themselves from painful feelings or to punish themselves. Cutting, skin-carving, severe scratching, head-banging, and punching oneself are some of the most common methods of self-injury. Self-handicapping behaviors: Impulsive behaviors are those that occur quickly without control, planning, or consideration of the consequences of that behavior. Impulsive behaviors tend to relate to immediate positive consequences (for example, relief from emotional pain). Bible Answers - Verses on help and healing: “He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” ~147:3. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” ~Proverbs 3:5-6. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” ~Philippians 4:13.

Doug Carragher from Wounded Spirits Ministries talks about PTSD. PTSD Conference: Biblical Healing: From Chapter 10 in the workbook. You can download the workbook and follow the accompanying notes at: tinyurl.com/StudyPTSD Biblical Healing. You are never alone in times of darkness or grief! In Psalm 34:18, the Bible teaches that “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” The Lord’s promise of being with the broken hearted is a comfort that those without the Lord will ever know. After the loss of a loved one, the suicide rate goes from 13 out of 100,000 to 40 of 100,000. For someone dealing with a lost loved one who commits suicide, the rate goes up by 65%. The Lord uses trials to bring us closer to Him! Prolonged dying is terrible and having to go through it with a loved one is unimaginable. In Acts 2:23, “Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:” From God’s own Son’s death, we now have eternal life. In the book of Job, we see a man who has lost his possessions, his family, his health, and even his will to live (Job 1–3). His friends came to him in the midst of tragedy. Yet through these tragedies, the Lord blessed Job immeasurably. Thorough searching the following verses, which have helped me through trials, are: But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” ~I Peter 5:10. “Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;” ~Romans 12:12. Life is going on and you need to be part of it! When you feel like giving up, you are missing out on what God has to offer. “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” ~Isaiah 41:10. “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” ~Galatians 6:9 “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” ~Joshua 1:9. “And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” ~Mark 10:27. You have hope! “Blessed [is] the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.” ~Jeremiah 17:7. Hope brings security: “And thou shalt be secure, because there is hope; yea, thou shalt dig about thee, and thou shalt take thy rest in safety.” ~Job 11:18. Hope brings confidence: “For the LORD shall be thy confidence and shall keep thy foot from being taken.” ~Proverbs 3:26. Hope brings praise to God: “But I will hope continually and will yet praise thee more and more.” ~Psalm 71:14. Hope brings eternal value: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” ~John 5:24. Hope brings strength: “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” ~Isaiah 40:31. Our Orders Be Strong: When we are dependent upon God, when we surrender to him, when we rely on him and ask Jesus to live his life through us, we’re living by his power and strength. You see, if we try to be strong in our own might, we don’t give God the opportunity to use his strength as he lives through us. (Ephesians 6:10) Fulfill the Mission: “Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” (II Corinthians 12:4).

Doug Carragher from Wounded Spirits Ministries talks about PTSD. PTSD Conference: Chapters 12 in the workbook. You can download the workbook and follow the accompanying notes at: tinyurl.com/StudyPTSD What is a narcissist? It is a type of personality disorder — a mental condition in which people have an inflated sense of their own importance, a deep need for excessive attention and admiration, troubled relationships, and a lack of empathy for others. Behind this mask of extreme confidence, lies a fragile self-esteem that's vulnerable to the slightest criticism. A narcissistic personality disorder causes problems in many areas of life, such as relationships, work, school or financial affairs. People with the narcissistic personality disorder may be generally unhappy and disappointed when they're not given the special favors or admiration, they believe they deserve. They may find their relationships unfulfilling, and others may not enjoy being around them. Narcissistic Personality Disorder Have an exaggerated sense of self-importance. Have a sense of entitlement and require constant, excessive admiration. Recognition as superior, even without achievements that warrant it. Exaggerate achievements and talents. Preoccupied with fantasies about success, power, brilliance, beauty or the perfect mate. Believe they are superior and can only associate with equally special people. Monopolize conversations and belittle or look down on people they perceive as inferior. Expect special favors and unquestioning compliance with their expectations. Take advantage of others to get what they want. Unable or unwilling to recognize the needs and feelings of others. Envious of others and believe others envy them. Behave in an arrogant or haughty manner, coming across as conceited, boastful and pretentious. Insist on having the best of everything — for instance, the best car or office. Narcissistic Personality Disorder Symptoms People with narcissistic personality disorder have trouble handling anything they perceive as criticism, and they can: Become impatient or angry when they don't receive special treatment. Have significant interpersonal problems and easily feel slighted. React with rage or contempt and try to belittle the other person to make themselves appear superior. Have difficulty regulating emotions and behavior. Experience major problems dealing with stress and adapting to change. Feel depressed and moody because they fall short of perfection. Have secret feelings of insecurity, shame, vulnerability and humiliation. Narcissistic Personality Disorder’s Major Flaw People shall be lovers of their own selves. Narcissism is addressed in Paul’s letter to Timothy. Paul seems to be concerned about the character and behavior of leaders within the church, so he warns Timothy to beware of those who act out of a self-love attitude. Paul names many of the attributes associated today with the narcissistic personality. 2 Timothy 3:1-7: Perilous (dangerous/unsafe) times shall come. Last days began with the coming of Christ. People will be lovers of their selves. The opposite of humility. People will be lovers of money. People will be boasters, proud (high-minded) and blasphemers. People will be disobedient to parents. People will be unthankful, unholy, unloving and unforgiving. People will be slanderers. People will be without self-control. People will be brutal, despisers of good. People will be traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. These characteristics point to one thing, ’SELF’. We can become traitors, because of self. We are headstrong, because of self. We are haughty, because of self, and we are lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, because of self (Proverbs 18:16-17). 2023 This attitude marks our current age. Make your own rules and answer to no one. You are the one that matters. Your universe revolves around you. Having a form of godliness but denying its power: In our self-obsessed world, people feel very free to have a “buffet” religion – they pick and choose what they want. They feel free to be very “spiritual,” but sense no obligation to be Biblical. When we talk about the power of godliness, we often mean it in the sense of “power to give me what I want.” But this is exactly opposite of what Paul meant here. The power of godliness, that men will despise in the last days, is the power it should have to guide their lives; power in the sense of rightful authority – and many, many, today deny that God has the power to tell them what to do through His Word. From such people turn away! The command to turn away from people described by the characteristics in this list is especially difficult in our present day.

Reaching out in Adelaide South Australia. A young woman trusted the Lord Jesus as her Saviour.

His Name is Jesus — Part 1. Matthew 1: 18 - 21 Outline: 1. Mary's Pregnancy v. 18 2. Joseph's Predicament v.19 - 20 3. The Angel's Proclamation v. 20 - 21 4. The Saviour's Purpose v. 21 Mary's Pregnancy 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. • The Significance of the Betrothal • The Seeming Betrayal • The Supernatural Birth The preciousness of this truth The profunditity of this truth The power in this truth Joseph's Predicament 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost • His Character • His Care Note his willingness/unwillingness Note his plan Note his care for Mary's reputation Note his care for Mary's physical safety • His Commitment Committed to the Word of God Committed to Mary Committed to Jesus

Society is more and more fatherless. Fatherlessness is behind many of the woes of our world. The Bible tells of God as Our Father… The heart of Christianity is “knowing God as Father.” God is our Father by choice. Not everyone knows God as Father. We can enter His family by “adoption” – He grants us all the rights and privileges of being His child. Christ, in addressing God the Father, used the Aramaic word, “Abba” – a term of security and intimacy. It’s literally, daddy or papa. We are chosen – adopted – into a wonderful relationship – we can have intimacy and closeness. Our Father cares for us. Matthew 7:11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? When a newborn baby is born into the world, he is totally dependent and helpless. We see God’s gracious tenderness and His warmth towards us. He is tender, and caring. He deserves our love, and trust. He guides and provides. God our Father is the source of every blessing. James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights… The blessing of salvation comes to us from the Father, the one whose plan was carried out at the cross. Our Father is generous in His supply. God gives us His protection. Psalms 68:5 A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation. Psalms 34:7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. 1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. You can depend on Him and His care. He’s always got time to be with you. God, as Father, provides us with His direction. Some families are like rudderless ships. Hebrews 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. It’s the ones who the Lord loves that He chastens… Ephesians 6:4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. The Father corrects and trains His children. God loves you. You are worth something to Him. It is wonderful to know that God is our Father, now and forever. He is a Father who loves us and delights in us! Psalm 103:13 says, Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. God has compassion on those who fear Him, as a father has compassion on his children. God is full of compassion for us. 1 John 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God… How great is God's love! How did God demonstrate that love? At the cross. In Romans 8:32 we read, He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? This is love - immeasurable - and beyond all comprehension. God is a loving and forgiving Father. He is gentle and patient. Luke 15:20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. He is rich in His mercy and His great kindness toward us. He sets His affection upon us. Prayer is talking to daddy. It is talking and listening to God, our Heavenly Father, our Daddy in Heaven. Our Father wants to keep contact with us. He shows His love as He protects and comforts us. God’s love is unconditional, undeserved. As an extra blessing, we are a family of brothers and sisters. We are called to show brotherly love to each other – to accept and support each other. It takes God to make a home. We can trust Him. Isaiah 64:8 But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand. The Father wants fellowship with you. He wants you to be with Him. It’s a close relationship. He wants to communicate with you, by His Word, and for you to communicate with Him, by prayer. We are meant to honour our father… Malachi 1:6 A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the LORD of hosts… As the saying goes, “Like father, like (what?)” The Bible says we should clothe ourselves with Christ. We should have a striking family resemblance to our Father. Do we make our “Dad” proud? Are we acting like we’re a son or daughter of God? Our Lord said, Luke 2:49 “…I must be about my Father's business…” What is the Father’s business today? It could include helping the helpless, being peacemakers, soul-winning, keeping unspotted from the world. Are you about the Father’s business? How can we live in alignment to His will?

A young man spent his days in a filthy pig pen. He was hungry. Far from home. Memories flooded his mind and he remembered home. He decided, I will arise and go to my father. He had sunk so low. How did he get to such a place? This man had rashly demanded his share of the family's estate before his father had passed on. He cashed it all in, and before long it was all gone. He had wasted his substance with riotous living. He hit rock bottom. Truly, a Christless life is a wasted life. The boy headed back to the father. He headed back home. Perhaps he feared rejection. Certainly he deserved nothing. Nothing but condemnation. Yet he turned his face homewards. He arose and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion. His father ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. This man had been a rebel. Now he was clothed in smelly rags. Look at the Father's Heart here. The repentant waster saw his father running towards him. He saw the outstretched arms. And his fears were stilled. The father's heart was filled with love and joy. For this my son was dead, and he is alive again. He was lost, and is found. We see in this story the wonderful Grace of God the Father. The father says, give him the best robe …He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation. They had stripped our Lord of His robe before He bore our sins on the cross. Put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. That foolish young man had known the pains of hunger and remorse – he’d sat in the company of the grunting pigs. Now he sat in the bright banqueting hall of home, the place filled with joy and music. He was welcomed, embraced, kissed by the father, clothed, and honoured. The father is looking out for you. He's watching for you. He wants for you just to turn your face towards him. The feet of the father ran, and the arms of the father reached out to receive. The big heart of the father gives and gives, and keeps on giving. Then he dances with joy, at the feasting, at the return of one sinner. This is our God. Our Father. He offers to us the fullest fellowship - we think of the great grace of God - He still extends it. What a reception you can know! He takes us out of the pig-pen, and He takes us to the banqueting house. He takes us from our poverty of spirit, from our hunger, and He gives us so much providence and supply. He takes us out of a condemnation, and He gives us such freedom and forgiveness. We're no longer in the pig pen. We're seated in heavenly places. We're seated around the father's banqueting table. We are no longer weighed down by guilt and condemnation. We are the objects of our father's love and joy. We are no longer rebels and wasters - we're glad Sons and Daughters by our Father's Grace. That's the the joy of our Salvation - that we can know Him. Our human fathers might have limitations and failings, yet Our Father God is truly gracious that He would extend such love, as pictured in the prodigal story. I will arise and go to my father. Can you go to the father today? Come, run to the Father - He'll surely run to you. The Father sees the humble heart. He sees that heart broken up. He sees the the guilt acknowledged. And He gives Grace to such a one. No matter your guilt and shame, no matter the wasting, the wasted years. Turn your face homewards. He offers you the garment of salvation. He'll get the best robe, the very best. The robe of His righteousness. As we come unto him, what a joy. What rejoicing! The father's house is filled with joy and gladness.

Peter Gregoric exhorts on faith - and some practical ways you can increase your faith. …And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith… Luke 17:5. Faith is very important. The Christian life begins with faith - and our walk with God requires faith. Like the apostles we can say Lord, increase our faith. What is faith? “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1. “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6. Everyone has faith in something. But what is the object of your faith? What are you trusting in? Faith also means to trust - “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise,” Ephesians 1:13. The Bible plainly says that we’re justified by faith. We’re saved by putting our trust in the death, burial. and resurrection of Christ. 1 John 5:13, we can know for sure that we are saved. Most of the world don’t know that. It’s a sad truth that most people don’t have that assurance that they know they’re saved. We have a great truth to tell them about, so let’s not hide that under a bushel! Faith comes from God. They came to Jesus and asked him to increase their faith in Luke 17. “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Heb 12:2. He is the one that starts and ends our faith. We’re saved by believing on him and he is able to see us through until we die. Faith can grow. It is possible to increase your faith. The Bible tells us that our faith can grow. “We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;” 2 Thess 1:3. It’s exciting to see a Christian’s faith grow, and see them grow spiritually and get more involved with ministries in church. I thank God for people like that, wherever they’re at spiritually, they’re going forward, and growing. “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:” 1 Peter 2:2. When my faith grows then that helps in all other areas of life. The more you grow in faith, the more godly you will become, and it will help you in every area of life. How can we increase our faith? Pray for more faith. “And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.” Luke 17:5. Pray for increased faith. Make this request part of your daily prayers. Pray for help with unbelief. “And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” Mark 9:24. The Word of God increases our faith. “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17. Hearing the Bible and reading the Bible is so important to our Christian life. When I give someone a Bible, I tell them to start reading the book of John. It is targeted to getting people to put their faith in Christ. “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” John 20:31. Understand how faith works. “And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.” Luke 17:6. Even a little bit of faith, when it’s placed on God, can do great things. We’re saved by faith and God wants us to continue to walk by faith and please him. The Christian life isn’t easy, and God expects us to do things that are difficult by faith. A lack of faith is evidenced by the absence of action. The presence of faith is proven by acts of faith. Do you have even a small amount of faith? Then see what God can do with that as you pray for more. Fasting can help us grow our faith. The disciples couldn’t cast out this devil and asked Jesus why. Fasting is something that is quite special because it affects your body, spirit and soul. It’s something extra you can do to increase your prayer life. Fasting can humble us and this can help us to increase our faith. “…I humbled my soul with fasting...” Psalm 35:13.