The day with dianne Louise

“But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress. “O my Strength, to you I sing praises, for you, O God, are my refuge, the God who shows me unfailing love.”  Psalms‬ ‭59‬:‭16, 17‬ ‭NLT‬‬ When I read this, I am reminded of a chorus learned long ago: I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever, I will sing, I will sing, I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever, I will sing, I will sing. With my mouth will I make known, Your faithfulness, Your faithfulness, With my mouth will I make known, Your faithfulness to all generations. Each morning I make it a practice to sing a worship song before I pray. I just read an article about the effect of worship on the vagus nerve. worship affects the heart and brings a sense of wellbeing. This news encourages me to sing more. Amen!

“Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Yesterday afternoon I met a lady who has come to Cairns Australia for the winter. She has many health issues. I wanted to pray for her but realised she was stuck in her belief as to where she was. It was sad.  I came away and realised I am stuck in where I am. Sure I might be very  adventurous but when I look at my confession I am not pleased. I want to change it.  How do Indo that? When I consider the pieces of armour that Paul talk about I realise the helmet of salvation must be called that for a reason. Paul also tells us we have the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16). As I examine this I realise I can dwell on Him and what He has done in and for me. Paul also tells us to think about what is good and lovely(Philippians 4:8). Jesus said,  “This is the only work God wants from you: Be...

“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We, God’s people cannot run in impatience and attempt to bully our way through problems we face. Anxiety causes us to bully others to obtain the outcome we desire. Have we ever stopped to think, ‘perhaps God has a better plan?’ Anxiety causes us to be fearful and bully. If me times are in His hands then surely I can leave them there and not push people around for what I want or what I perceive is the right solution for a problem? Today I must talk with my bank again. I have been trying to obtain statements from a closed credit card for weeks now. My accountant is waiting on them. Yesterday a young man from the bank called whilst I was on a boat cruise. It was very noisy and he offered to call back this morning. I pray we are able to sort this problem out without impatience and aggression. Father I ask for ...

““Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” Revelation‬ ‭3‬:‭20‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This was written to the church at Laodicia. This church believed it was rich, it was self-content. Yet, Jesus told it it was poor, it lacked spiritual richness. It had lost awareness of Jesus’ presence. Jesus above is calling on the church to listen and hear His knock. We should take this to heart in the west. We can be content with knowing about the Lord and not knowing His presence. We can enjoy good singing and preaching but forgo His vital presence. He warns that the church is lukewarm and that it is in danger of being spewed from His mouth. Lots make me mindful that Your presence is what I seek and need. Not just Your hand. Amen!

“Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous? Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies! Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.” Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭12‬-‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬ These verses come from a psalm that is indicated to be written when David, in fear for his life, pretended to be insane in front of Abimelech king of the Philistine city of Gath. Daud was running from Saul who is attempting to kill him and finds himself in Gath. If we remember David had killed Goliath the Philistine champion. He was probably none too popular here either. There are times when we must go from a place where we are not welcome, but find ourselves in another dangerous place. What to do? David sought the Lord for safety and freigned insanity so as to escape. He ended up in a cave where others joined him. He was not alone in being unpopular with Saul. David became their leader. David sought peace with Saul and he would have a difficult t...

“He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.” Ephesians‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Long ago, God had a plan. He foresaw Lucifer’s fall and the consequent hatred Satan would have for all God’s creation and purpose. The Father loves us and has always wanted to share His life and beauty with His creation. The plan was to send Jesus, the perfect man. Jesus would redeem us all back to the Father. As we trust our lives to Jesus and walk in His ways He unites us once again with the Father. Satan does all he can to separate us from the Father. He cannot win if we keep ourselves in Christ. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. There is no real life outside of Him. This world has no life that is eternal in it. It will all pass away. Only Jesus is eternal. As I become His He keeps me from the world and its influences. The world is an artificial entity and I cannot be convinced of its strength to provide for me all God has intended. I ...