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Humility

“God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.” Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We in the west do not understand the full meaning of humility (meekness). The original meaning is full and not shallow. It has ‘ the idea of the proper balance between anger and indifference, of a powerful personality properly controlled, and of humility’ (Enduring Word commentary). Moses was considered the most humble man on the earth. How did the hothead who killed an Egyptian overlord become this person. By the hand of God. Moses spent forty years in the backside of the desert, tending sheep. When God called him from the burning bush he was reluctant to be the man God would use to set His people free from the Egyptian system that had them bound as slaves. How does a strong personality become humble? By submitting to God’s hand. He is the only one who can teach humility. Yet, walking humbly before our God has benefits, the whole world is ours, as it belongs to our God. Allowing God to m...
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Mourning

“God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬ As I write this there are many in our world who mourn the needless deaths of friends and family. There are wars and terrorise attacks constantly. Nigeria has suffered greatly as have the people in Ukraine. There are 70-80,000 Christian’s in prisons in North Korea, theri children sent to retraining camps. These are typical of the onslaught of Satan and his troops. Here in Nepal there are families still mourning the death of their young people who dared to protest agains the last wicked government. Mourning does not go away because the news headlines change, or the focus of the media changes. Mourning is a process. It is painful but a necessary part of loss. I’ve been there several times now, and am sure I will be there in the future. Jesus is telling the disciples and the crowds that those who mourn will be comforted. I lost my mum during the beginning of COVID and had to mourn alone, but He was there. Hi...
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Poor in spirit

““God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬ What does poor in spirit mean? It means I am aware of how spiritually I am bankrupt and in need of salvation. This was the first beatitude from Jesus’ sermon on the mount. It was His introduction to the Kingdom of God. The realisation of sinfulness is the first step. It was for me and would be for many. It caused me to cry out to God for mercy and salvation. It brought me to Him. The beauty of this verse is the promise. Upon recognition of sinfulness I am given eternal life and the knowledge that the Kingdom of Heaven is mine. What a promise! https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=is_ccOVNOgU&si=q6ZDrthbwBbnvZQC
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My hope

“Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God!” Psalms‬ ‭42‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This psalm was written by the sons of Korah. Korah was a clan of God’s people who rebelled against Moses. The earth opened up under them and swallowed them up. However, a remnant were left, the sons. These were Levites and they served in the house of God. This psalm depicts a separation from the house of God. It starts with: ‘as a deer pants for water so my soul longs after thee’. It is a beautiful phrase. For some reason the sons of Korah were unable to be in the house of God. They may have gone with David when his son was attempting to usurp the throne. In their day they believed God’s presence was in His temple. We who have accepted Jesus as saviour have His indwelling Holy Spirit. We are now God’s temple. He never leaves. Yet, there are times when we long to feel His presence. He places that hunger there. The psalmist reminds himself, af...
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His grace

“Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Paul had sought the Lord for healing/deliverance from what he called ‘a thorn in the flesh’ three times. However above was God’s reply. I have sought the Lord for healing of my ears again and again but still they ring and block my ability to hear people. I must admit that my faith is getting a good work out. They have not stopped me from attending college, going out and learning to communicate to people.  “This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength. But you would have none of it.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭30‬:‭15‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The scripture in Isaiah reminds me to trust in the Lord only! He is my refuge and strength. He is my provider. He is the way! Judah was wanting to ...
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Justice

“Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.” Isaiah‬ ‭1‬:‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The Lord was reproving His people in Judah with these words. Sacrifices without heart He despised. He wanted their hearts for what matters. Where are our hearts? Do we think if we come to church, sing a few songs and put a bit of money in the offering we have completed our duty? My church back in Australia doe not take an offering. It relies on the hearts of the people being honest. They either pay online or put it in the box at the back of the sanctuary. I wonder how that works? However, what God is saying: care for orphans and widows first! Help those wrongly oppressed. Is that being done? I have attended a church here in Kathmandu that has homes for orphan children and widows. I was impressed! It seems God cares for such as these. Amen!
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Removing and pruning

“He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.” ‭‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I understand this principle but then I am not always sure what He, God, thinks is a non-viable branch. When I think a branch just needs pruning it is cut off. In all our lives we constantly need pruning. Whilst it is painful, He sees it as necessary. Even though I do not understand I must submit to His ways. He sees the fruit He wants on His vine, He is the gardener, I am not. Jesus told His disciples that the Father is the gardener. It is interesting that the Father is typified by being a gardener. I love gardening. I do not have a plot of soil but I do have a balcony and pots. My flatmates and I are now growing coriander, chillies and hope to source some mint. We have attempted to grow things in the past with a modicum of success. When things fail they are dug up and removed. I love bonsais and have created several. These...
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