The day with dianne Louise

“You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.” Proverbs‬ ‭19‬:‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We become excited about many ideas and feel they are God inspired but they fail. The test of them are: were they from the Lord? No! Excitement and feeling good about an idea is not God’s approval. Our role, then, is to seek Him , diligently, to find His ways and purposes. His yoke is easy, His burden is light. Today I embark on my journey out of Australia. Today I fly back to Sydney. Tomorrow I fly to Dubai and then on to London. The following day to Denmark. I am going to a friends wedding in Denmark. For the longest time I was unsure that the flight through Dubai would take place, but it is. The only notice I’ve received from Emirates is a revision of flight time, by twenty minutes. The Lord assured me it would and that I would go to the wedding. I have not been able to go to Fitzroy Island due to high seas. However, God has a plan! He wanted me at rest. I can trust the Lord’s plans and purpose...

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Yesterday, my new friend Lynne and I travelled by bus to the botanical gardens in Cairns, Australia . What glory! My God is a wonderful creator. We saw natural rainforests with a few introduced species. We climbed mountains to look over the coastlands, dined in a restaurant that out looked on the rainforest and met delightful people along the way. I returned to my digs and did some washing and then sat and painted, listening to Christian radio. My flesh wanted company but I stilled myself and asked the Lord to join me. He whispered, “I am here!” Today I am on my own as my friend has to work. I am praying for directions to people the Lord would have me meet. I plan to walk and find ...

“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!