The day with dianne Louise

“¶Search me [thoroughly], O God, and know my heart; Test me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way.” Psalms‬ ‭139‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭AMP‬‬ I am so grateful that the Lord sees all: hidden thoughts; anxious thoughts; troubled thoughts; vengeful thoughts; judgmental thoughts. He knows me intimately.  He tests me so I can also see. When I think my heart is empty of resentment He gives me an opportunity to speak about a person and suddenly I also see my rotten heart. Yesterday I received communication from a friend. This friend carries a bitter spirit. Every time she communicates out of that spirit I taste bitterness. It is repulsive. This is the same when we do it with others. We cannot pour out acid on others, we must pour out life. I can hear my father saying: “if you have nothing good to say, don’t say it at all!” I hear Paul telling us: ‘Whatever is good and clean and lovely, think on these things!’ (Philippian...

“For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son,” ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭1‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I have read so many testimonies of people who have been saved out of the floods in Nepal and had a divine encounter with Jesus. They were not only physically rescued but spiritually rescued. They had literally been transferred from darkness to light, by God’s grace. In every instance there had been someone praying for their souls. This highlights to me the importance of prayer. I undertake daily to pray for those facing death, that they would have a divine encounter, be aware of their sin and be given the gift of repentance. Repentance is a gracious gift from our God. Without it we do not change. I find with every non-believer I have ever spoken to about Jesus, they have someone in their lives praying for them. Two such cases were, within weeks of experiencing an earthquake. God knows what is ahead of people. He knows their need better than we do. Jesu...

“Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.”  Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I find praying in the Spirit easy. I am grateful for this wonderful gift. I received it when I was 19 at a youth camp. During the services worship would invariably end in singing in the Spirit. I naturally went there with everyone else. I did not know what it was but it was beautiful. When an elder asked me if I had been baptised in the Spirit I asked what that was. When he explained it to me I said, “I think so”. I told him what was happening when we worshipped. He agreed. There are times when I know I must wait on the Lord. During these times I do art and pray in the Spirit. I allow Him to pray through me. Right now is one of those times. He has burdens that I do not know about. However, I have the time and have told Him I am willing to pray and I do. It is holiday season here in Nepal. My commitments are on hold. Therefor...

“God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.”  James‬ ‭1‬:‭12‬-‭15‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The crown of life is the prize. God does not tempt but uses what we go through to refine us, make us aware what is within us, and bring us through. Scripture tells us:  “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬ If we ask how did He show me the way out? We need ...

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”  Isaiah‬ ‭41‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This scripture is a word given to Israel, the whole chapter is about how God will defend them. However, us Christians take courage from these words of promise from the Lord. Right now there are 40 plus Christians in hospital in Jordan, having been attacked by terrorists. The king of Jordan vows a response and have his intelligence workers seeking the perpetrators. Those attacked were Greek Orthodox in faith. May those injured take hope in God’s promises and seek Him in faith for their healing. I pray they see their God and His hand moving forward. We, Christians, can take for granted our God’s protection and not seek it actively in faith. We are called to live by faith. I know that yesterday as I attended church here in Nepal I took for granted that I could attend unopposed. I know Christians i...

“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.”  Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This command is a challenge especially when we ourselves suffer. At present my large bowel is giving me curry and I am having to stay on a liquid diet.  Last year one of my friends had a young charge who was experiencing bowel problems. I was not as compassionate as I could have been. It turned out that he had an allergy to certain foods, one of which I had encourages him to eat, dairy. I attempted to encourage yoghurt into his diet. I was wrong on many counts. He had a colonoscopy, which I paid for but then again this year his doctor wanted to do another. I was not willing to pay for it as I had other commitments and reasoned he was not my charge, but my friend’s. My constant challenge is to discern what is my responsibility and what belongs to others. I have ...