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More than…

““That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?” Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭25‬ ‭NLT‬‬ On my journey to Denmark I have left behind things, intentionally but also not intentionally. At my sons house in Brisbane I left winter clothes. In Cairns I left my neck pillow that I used on the planes. In Dubai I left my toiletries. Today as ai fly to Denmark I am considering leaving art supplies which kept me occupied in Cairns. I am only allowed 7kg of onboard luggage and I have 13. I am praying for a miracle. I am not sure what will unfold. We will see. Suffice to say I am having to not worry about what I will wear to the wedding and how I will present myself without toiletries. My God has gone beofre me and gave me a safe pass through the Strait of Hormuz. It was so interesting to be only 36km from Iran and the distress it is causing in the region. To an Australian 36km ...
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Rest

“For I have given rest to the weary and joy to the sorrowing.”” Jeremiah‬ ‭31‬:‭25‬ ‭NLT‬‬ In this chapter God is speaking about His people coming back from captivity. We, Hai people, can also say, ‘God has turned my mourning into dancing!’ I have Him in my life. He is my strength and my song. Having the Lord in my life is knowing ‘God is with me’! Last night I arrived in Singapore. I have arranged to collect my luggage so that I could go to a motel, as I had 12 hours before my next flight. It did not work out the way I planned. To be able to access said motel I had to go through customs again and deposit my bag with the flight provider. My motel turned out to be a small room without a bathroom for which I had to pay $303AU. You might say I was not impressed. We can make what appears good plans but find they are not so clever. However, the Holy Spirit whispered, ‘I will provide!’ Today ai fly through Dubai. There are wars and rumours of war right across the Homuz Straight, a narrow ban...
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The gateway

“But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The prior verse must also be seen: ““You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬ An easy life is provided by a large gate. A hard life is enetered by a narrow gate. What attracts us? Im inclined to the narrow gate because it intrigues me. I wonder what is through there? Large gates are obvious. Jesus was indicating that the Kingdom of God is found, only, through the narrow gate. It is not all gloss and attraction. Living to be rich and famous are boasted through the large gate. However, there is no adventure there, no presence of God there.  I love the narrow way. It is filled with challenges and intrigue, and with the presence of God. He is here with me! Amen! This afternoon I fly to Singapore. Another adventure! I stay the night then f...
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Plans and purposes

“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...
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Peace

“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 ...
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I will sing

“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!
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The helmet

“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...
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