Many years ago when I was a youngster our family visited Cable Ski World on the Gold Coast of Australia. They had this bungy jumping tower there and I watched as a young man climbed but was a bit too nervous to go through with the jump. Its funny what sticks in your mind because I remember my uncle who was there at the time making a great joke about the whole thing. In the end the young man climbed back down the tower. I can't blame him because I know that I could never do anything like that myself.

The other thing was that at the top of the tower was this instructor or motivator. He was trying to convince the man to jump, saying "common, you can do it," or something like that. He tried to talk this nervous young man into actually taking the leap. Obviously it didn't work, but in any case, that was part of his job.

The whole purpose of this weekly letter is to try and do something similar for you. It is called "encouragement" because hopefully each week you get something out of it..............but it is supposed to be a lot more than that. Actually it is supposed to be a bit like the guy at the top of the bungy tower. There are times in your walk with God that it feels like God is asking you to take a huge big leap of faith. Naturally that isn't easy to do, and hopefully these letters will actually help you take any leaps you need to take.

Some people think that encouragement is only saying nice things, but that is not true. Encouragement is the way you push someone towards a certain goal. This can include saying nice things but sometimes includes saying things that are hard to hear. Sometimes I am going to say things you will find difficult to hear, but don't worry, this is another way of encouraging you to do what God wants.

Obeying God in some of the things He asks can be the hardest thing on earth to do. But of course, when we finally give in and obey, we wonder why we had never done it sooner. Like the bungy jumper who finally leaps, and then enjoys themselves, we also are filled with peace and happiness at finally having done what God wanted. God does know us better than we know ourselves and only ever has the best in mind for us. When we are able to submit to God, it always brings the best.

And of course, the bible is full of promises for us, but upon closer inspection, some of them are more than just promises. For example, in Matthew 29:20 in what is known as the great commission, Jesus says "Lo, I am with you even until the end of the world." Some people take that as a promise to us.................but the truth...........it is a statement. Jesus isn't promising it to us..........it is a fact.

As you spend time with God and are encouraged, and then as you go into your workplace or out and about.........no matter what problems you face, Jesus is with you. So when the time comes that God asks you to do something that is challenging and you are not sure you can go through with it, just remember that God has your best interests in mind.........AND, Jesus is there with you too. So is there something God is asking of you...........relax, you can obey Him, and good will come of it.

I hope you are having a good week and that this weekend you are truly blessed in all that happens. We still keep you in our prayers and God is after all the Almighty One, He is able to deliver you from all your struggles. (although sometimes you need your struggles to become a better
person)

Peace be to you,
Cheers in Christ
David