The day with dianne Louise

“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!

“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...

“Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.” Proverbs‬ ‭9‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Jesus said, “ Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭33‬ ‭NLT‬‬ There is a lot of worldly wisdom floating around. It deals with finance, health and fitness and relationships. However, it does not give the life that is available in God’s kingsom. Wanting Him and His ways of doing and being right brings life and godly wisdom. If we want good judgement seek the Lord! If we want eternal life, seek the Lord! He is the source of all that lasts, fulfills and makes rich. Rich is relationships, rich in doing good to others and rich in our relationship with Him!   https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=dQdfs5S6jyA&si=i1ZijSys3UGBb4cq

“You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This was a special offering for the poor in Jerusalem during a drought. Paul was collecting throughout the area he had ministered in to bring aid. This request comes with a promise of God’s provision. Prior to these scriptures Paul said: “Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Generosity produces a harvest, an abundant harvest. God will provide back in response to our giving:  “Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. T...

“You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭5‬-‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Whilst ever I see myself holding the Lord’s hand, I know I am in Christ and allowing Him to steer my life. When I sense I am surrounded by a destructive attitude, I must repent and go back to the Lord. He is my solace and safety. Sunday night I did not sleep well and woke with a foggy head and sinus pain. I was determined...

“He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.” Psalms‬ ‭23‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I am at a place of needing the renewal of my strength. I am watching those I love be taken away to new ventures, my need is to keep going as I have exams coming up, my head hurts, I have a friend facing possible jail time for telling the good news, and have other friends suffering because they defended me to those greedy for easy gain. All that can be shredded is being shredded. But, my God is ever present and faithful! He is my strength and song. Although I do not know, fully, the path ahead, He goes before me! He is my solace! 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 of the mercies of the Lord! With my mouth will I make know, His faithfulness, His faithfulness! With my mouth will I make know His faithfulness to all generations! (Chorus) I am grateful I have those who love me. My flatma...