The day with dianne Louise

So Jesus has also become the guarantee of a better covenant. Now many have become Levitical priests, since they are prevented by death from remaining in office. But because He remains forever, He holds His priesthood permanently. Therefore, He is always able to save those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them. For this is the kind of high priest we need: holy, innocent, undefined, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He doesn't need to offer sacrifices everyday, as high priests do- first for their own sins, then for those of the people. He did this once for all when He offered Himself. Hebrews 7:22-28 I am so grateful that when I confess my sin to God, immediately I am forgiven. No longer do I need to do penance and remember my sin, God forgets it and I am free to as well. I am grateful that Jesus stayed pure and undefined. I see various programms based on a hidden, secret life of Christ in which He had Mary Magdalene as a lover....

If then, perfection came through the Levitical priesthood ( for under it the people received the law), what further need was there for another priest to appear, said to be in the order of Melchizedek and not if the order of Aaron? For when there is a change of the priesthood, there must be a change of law as well. For the One these things are spoken about belonged to a different tribe. No one from it has served at the altar. Now it is evident that our Lord came from Judah, and Moses said nothing about that tribe concerning priests. And this becomes clearer if another priest like Melchizedek appears, who did not become a priest based on a legal command concerning physical descent but based on the power of an indestructible life. For it has been written: You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek. (Ps 110:4) Hebrews 7:11-17 If attending church and believing in God were enough Jesus did not need to change things, but they are not enough. They are devoid of life unless a...

For this Melchizedek- King of Salem, priest of the Most High God, Who met Abraham and blessed him as he returned from defeating the kings, and Abraham have Him a tenth if everything; First His name means righteous, then also, king of Salem, meaning king of peace; without father, mother, or genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God- Remains a priest forever. Hebrews 7:1-3 What manner of God is this? He appears in Genesis 14 and is recognised by Abraham as a priest of the high God because he voluntarily gave Him a tithe, a 1/10 of the spoils of war. Jesus was a priest of the order of Melchizedek, who was outside law, in a era of grace. He is far superior therefore and He is our high priest. He intercedes for us. He is above the law, yet fulfilled the law. Amen! We are blessed to have such a high priest. What love is this? What love our God extends to us, while we are in sin, drawing us to His grace that liberates us amen! We are not alone!...

For men swear by something greater than themselves, and for them a confirming oath ends every dispute. Because God wanted to show His in unchanging purpose even more clearly to the heirs of promise, He guaranteed it with an oath, so that through two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to seize the hope set before us. We have this hope as an anchor for our lives, safe and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain. Jesus has entered there on our behalf as a forerunner, because He has become a high priest forever in the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 6:16-20 Gid's promises beg proving and this won't happen unless we choose to believe and stand in them until they come to pass. Abraham was tested in His faith. Would God provide an heir? God had said He would, but why the delay? What was the purpose of delay? Just as after Issac was born and a young man God tested Abraham again by ask...

For when God made a promise to Abraham, since He has no one greater to swear by, He swore by Himself: I will indeed bless you, and I will greatly multiply you. And so, after waiting pairently, Abraham obtained the promise. Hebrews 6:13-15 As a parent with small children, years ago now, and a grandmother now, I know that little children are impatient. They want now! We seem to have an epidemic nowadays with people acting like little children wanting now but are unwilling to wait. Therefore we have credit card debt mounting to the sky. We have broken families, societies addicted to stuff. On the other hand we have a Heavenly Father trying to teach us that true character comes from patiently waiting. God' sword is full of promises of blessing, There is just a matter of 'interval' that we have to consider. The more we fuss, the longer the interval. We need to wise up and settle! Amen!

For God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and your love you showed for His name when you served the saints- and you continue to serve them. Now we want each of you to demonstrate the same diligence for the final realisation of your hope, so that you won't become lazy but will be imitators of those who inherit the promises through faith and perseverance. Hebrews 6:10-12 Starting is the first step, the start begins with salvation and inviting the Holy Spirit to reside within. The second step is inviting the Holy Spirit to lead and guide into all truth. The third and longest step is more a journey of faith, continuing to step out into God's word and His promises. Completion of the faith journey is imperative. We need to end well. A part of the journey involves others, are we aware of them? How do we treat them? Do we see their need? Do we merely say 'bless you' and not be a part of that blessing, even though we have the time and the resources? My greatest heartac...

For it is impossible to renew to repentance those who were once enlightened, who tasted the heavenly gift, became companions with the Holy Spirit, tasted God's good word and the powers of the coming age, and who have fallen away, because, to their own harm, they are re crucifying the Son of God and hold Him up to contempt.  For ground that has drunk the rain that has often fallen on it and that produces vegetation useful to those it is cultivated for receives a blessing from God. But if it produces thorns and thistles, it is worthless and about to be cursed, and it will be burned in the end. Hebrews 6:4-8 Tough words! Yet Jesus Himself warned about this in His parables and teachings. Many times He talked about the unbelieving and the false being cut off, cast out and burned. So then what does this mean? It means that the Kingdom of God is a serious matter for serious believers, not drifters. To accept Christ and then turn away and curse Him or despise His Holy Spirit is hard to com...

Now everyone who lives on milk us inexperienced with the message about righteousness, because he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature-for those whose senses have been trained to distinguish between good and evil.  Therefore, leaving the elementary message about the Messiah, let us go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, faith in God, teaching about ritual washings, laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgement. And we will do this if God permits. Hebrews 5:13-6:3 It is interesting what the author calls elementary teachings and how much is still being preached out of this area. Ritual washings refers to baptism, just in case you were wondering. There are 6 elements listed and they fall into three groups: Repentance and faith Baptism and laying on of hands The good news of resurrection and eternal judgement. I am still discovering more about faith, I continually press into God for more, yet what is referred...

During His earthly life (Jesus), He offered prayers and appeals with loud cries and tears to the One who was able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverence. Though He was God's Son, He learned obedience through what He suffered. After He was perfected, He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him, and He was declared by God a high priest in the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 5:7-10  Do you see what I see? Do you hear what I hear? Jesus' prayer was heard, because of His reverence BUT the plan was the plan was the plan was the plan!!!!  What does this mean to me? If Christ could not change the plan, can I? Well, I could refuse, Jesus could have refused, but He loved the Father and us so much, He would not, His only recourse was to change the plan. Did He succeed? NO! Why not? Because the Father loved us more! The Father knew there was no other way, the Son knew, in His heart, there was no other way. I, in my heart of hearts know there is ...

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens- Jesus The Son of God- let us hold fast to the confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses, but One who has been tested in every way as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time. Hebrews 4:14-16 Did you notice the above scripture speaks about a throne of grace. A throne speaks of kingship, rulership, authority. Our Lord's throne is established in grace. Grace is His almighty favour towards us but more it is power to be and do. A throne carries power and authority over something. Let's examine what that might be. What are the things that Jesus had to struggle with and that we still struggle with? Anger, revenge, hatred, lust, a crooked tongue, arrogance, pride, self-righteousness, self-pity, laziness, addictions, to name a few. His thro...

For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the ideas and thoughts of the heart. No creature is hidden from Him, but all things are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give an account. Hebrews 4:12,13 If we think of a sword being plunged into the chest of a warrior it would cut through bone, fat, muscle, sinew, tendons. It may pierce the heart and render it useless, pierce the lungs and collapse them, it would probably sever the aorta or the pulmonary artery and in all make a right mess and kill him who he pierced. Well now! The word of God is not a destroyer but is likened to a sword, it has the ability to pierce through all matter of tissue and find its mark. The result is truth in the inner man. Truth accepted bring freedom, liberty and empowerment to act, it is mighty. Best of all it is living and active. It is not cold and cruel....

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens-Jesus the Son of God - let us hold fast to the confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses, but One who has been tested in every way as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time. Hebrews 4:14-16 Praise God! We have a saviour who totally understands: rejection, temptation, hardship, desire and more. Being totally human He would have experienced anger, resentment, jealousy and refused to be mastered by them. Yet He would know exactly what each felt like. Having had to grow up and obey His parents He would have understood desire to rebel and chosen not to. Just because He chose not to sin does not make Him any less human, to suffer temptation and walk away, enables Him to come beside and strengthen us. Just like us He had to depend on the Father ...

Therefore, a sabbath rest remains for God's people. For the person who has entered His rest has rested from his own works, just as God did from His. Let us then make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall into the same pattern of disobedience. Hebrews 4:9-11 God rested on the seventh day after He had created the universe, the earth, plants, animals, birds and fish and man and had said: 'it is good!' He rested after labour but then to top this all off He sent His Son to repair the broken relationship caused by the entrance of sin. He did this by dying and giving His life as the perfect sacrifice. We have been given rest, freely. The God who worked, died and rose again so that we, His creation could come in faith and enjoy the benefits. We do not have to work for our relationship, we do not have to sacrifice for our sin, we merely have to accept forgiveness, freely given, in faith. Rest is for those who choose the walk of faith. It is not for t...

Therefore, while the promise to enter His rest remains, let us fear that none of you should miss it. For we also have received the good news just as the Jews did, but the message they heard did not benefit them, since they were not united with those who heard it in faith (for we who have believed enter the rest). Hebrews 4;1,2 God had a place of rest planned. Jesus did the work and won the prize, rest from striving to be good enough with God, rest in being right with the Father, rest taken by faith. When I miss the mark and sin I can go to The Lord and be cleansed, not because I am good, but because He is good. At repentance all my sin is washed away. The stain is cleansed and there is no room for guilt. Especially when I miss the mark I must have faith that Jesus' sacrifice was enough to cleanse me from all my sin. Apart from sin I can easily think I am being good. No! He keeps me, He sustains me and covers me by His grace which empowers me. Yesterday was one if those days, I said...

Watch out, brothers, so that there won't be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart that departs from the living God. But encourage each other daily, whilst it is still called today, so that none of you is hardened by sin's deception. For we have become companions of the Messiah if we hold firmly until the end the reality that we had at the start. Hebrews 3:12-14 Rather than posting what we eat for dinner or what we buy out shopping on Facebook, perhaps we should be more aware of the spiritual state of our family and friends and neighbors, in other words being 'other focused' instead of self-focused. It is important that we all finish the race set before us. Deception will skew us sideways if it claws us. James tells us why and how we are deceived: 'each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil flesh.' James 1:14. We all have a flesh nature that needs to stay dead. Every now and then we will rise it rise it's ugly head and the ste...

Then while it is still called 'Today,' if you would hear His voice and when you hear it, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion (in the desert, when the people provoked and irritated and embittered God against them). Hebrews 3:15 The Israelites rebelled against God and had real attitude problems because God did not do what they wanted. He performed in a new way, a way they had not known and they did not like it and so developed attitude. God has a plan for each of our lives. When we have heart ache and look at our emptiness we become angry. Yet, right there is an opportunity to be still and wait for the wind of God, He has a new thing, it is not the same, it is better and more fulfilling. Let it come! Keep heart! Stay pure! Amen! Staying still is the only way we can find the new. Activity might appease our minds but it will cause us to lose the very best thing God has for us. Amen!

For we have become fellows with Christ and share in all He has for us, if only we hold our first newborn confidence and original assured expectation firm and unshaken to the end. Hebrews 3:14 I remember the day I became born again. My life came alive and I began a new life.  I am ever mindful if Jesus' words to the church in Laodicea: 'I know your works and what you are doing; you are neither hot nor cold. Would that you were hot or cold!  So, because you are lukewarm and neither hot or cold, I will spew you out of my mouth!' Revelation 3:15,16 Yuck! What an indictment! I don't want this fate. I cannot deceive myself that these words do not apply to churches today, they do! We are called to stay faithful (that means full of faith) to the end. It does not mean compromise until you are barely recognizable as a Christian. Come on church, wake up, shake up, break up the fallow ground.

So it is evident that it was essential that He be made like His brethren in every respect, in order that He might become a merciful and faithful High Priest in the things related to God, to make atonement and propitiation for the people's sins. For because He Himself has suffered in being tempted, He is able to run to the cry of those who are being tempted and to those who are therefore exposed to suffering. Hebrews 2:17,18 I am grateful, so grateful that Jesus is not set apart from me, that having been human He knew exactly what I went through. This means I can relate, He can relate and interceded for me. Today I awoke tired, yet I had to rouse myself as I have hydrotherapy at 8am and work at 9.30. Today is one of those days I'd rather stay in bed but when I am weak He is strong. I comfort myself with the knowledge that tomorrow is Saturday and then I can rest. Today I can go in His strength, I must lean into Him and allow Him to carry me. In all life when I am spent He is not...

We ought to pay much closer attention than ever to the truths that we have heard, lest in any way we drift past them and slip away. Hebrews 2:1 The truth we have heard are given in chapter 1 and refer to the way OT scripture showed the way of Christ and how He was the fulfillment if all that was written. Neglecting truth is one of the worst things we do to ourselves because truth apprehended sets us free. Failure to embrace truth finds us wallowing in bondage. If we do not love and seek after truth then we are blinded by our sin and are safely caged and bound, effectually this disables our witness. Now we could look at our lives and say: 'it's not too bad,' ha! Since when is living in bondage life? And when is sin paving the way to a successful eternity. What we do now prepares us for eternity. If we hold back and fail to live as Christ intends us to they we doom ourselves to a forever knowing we could have done things differently. Don't be deceived! God is not mocked! ...

Long ago God spoke to the fathers by the prophets at different times and in different ways. In these last days, He has spoken to us by His Son. God has appointed Him heir of all things and made the universe through Him. The Son is the radiance of His glory and the exact expression of His nature, sustaining all things by His powerful word. After making purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. So He became higher in rank than the angels, just as the name He inherited is superior to theirs. Hebrews 1:1-4 Having just completed Romans and previous to that the Pentateuch (first 5 books of the bible), it is only fitting that I now study Hebrews, another favourite and one that ties the Old and New Testament together perfectly. The author is considered to be writing a sermon, probably one he preached, hopefully, often. Although I like to think the Apostle Paul wrote it there are indications that he didn't, as little things, such as referring to Timoth...

Now to Him who is able to strengthen you in the faith which is in accordance with my Gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ the Messiah, according to the revelation of the mystery of the plan of redemption which was kept in silence and secret for long ages, but now is disclosed and through the prophetic scriptures is made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, (to win them to obedience) to the faith. To the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen! Romans 16:25-27 Once again I am at the end of the mighty Epistle to the Romans. What a book! What truth, What life! Jesus strengthens us in the faith according to the Gospel. At times I am wrung out, I was there again this week. It seems when you are stretched someone else will jump on your taunt frame with rugby boots on and start bouncing. It never fails to occur but last night I went to my room and said to the Lord: "I will still praise You, I will still worship You, I will not s...

The report of your obedience has reached everyone. I rejoice over you. But I want you to be wise about what is good, yet innocent about what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Saran under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. Romans 16:19,20 What a testimony! Fancy being remembered forever for your obedience! May I be remembered for this and more. Wisdom in regard to what is good is important. It is so easy to have a surface grasp that something is good and then rush on in ignorance and fritter it away, destroy it's delicate nature, or treat it as unimportant when it was a key to greater things in God. Being innocent about what is evil is life. Why look at evil or fellowship evil? Why pollute the pure stream with filth? The treasure we have inside is a treasure worth protecting. Best of all: 'the God of peace will soon crush Satan under my feet!' YES! Note: 'the God of peace', not the God of power and might or the God of vengeance. Selah! (Think...

Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause dissensions and obstacles contrary to the doctrine you have just learned. Avoid them, for such people do not serve our Lord Christ but their own appetites. They deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting with smooth talk and flattering words. Romans 16:17,18 In other words trouble. We come up will all sorts of silly ideas when we don't know truth but more importantly when we don't love truth. If we are a seeker after truth then we will not follow empty doctrines and 'off the wall' ideas. A good protection for our hearts is to love truth. Jesus said: 'Thy Word is truth!' A love for the word of God, for good Godly fellowship and teaching in sound doctrine will never disappoint. Jesus told a parable about a man who built his house on a good, rock solid foundation. When the winds and rains came his house stood resolute. However, a second man built his house on shifting sand and when the wind and rains came his h...

Remember me to Rufus, eminent in The Lord, also to his mother (who has been) a mother to me as well. Romans 16:13 Rufus is a Roman name and although we have no further detail about him, he had an impact on Paul. As a woman and a mother I am drawn to what Paul says about Rufus' mother. He does not name her, as he has other women, perhaps he forgot her name or did not think it prudent to name her. Whatever the reason he metions her. On Sunday at church we had visiting missionaries from Compassion. The man who spoke talked of the blessed woman who financially supported he, his brother and their friend through school. The woman was being honored for her faithfulness. As a supporter of children myself this blessed me. After church a youngm an, whom I have known for many years came up to talk. He said how upset he was when he heard of my injury, this young man had lived in my family home as a young teenager and ha enjoyed family life with my family. Unfortunately when my husband had a he...

I appeal to you brethren, for the sake of or Lord Jesus Cjrist and by the love given by the Spirt, to unite with me in earnest wrestling in prayer to God in my behalf. Pray that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Kudea and that my mission of relief to Jerusalem may be acceptable and graciously received by the saints. Romans 15:30,31 Paul was asking for intercession from the Roman believers and they may well have done as asked however Paul was not delivered from the unbelievers in Judae, in fact they imprisoned him and he ended up going to Rome in chains. Paul had a plan and he thought he knew how best to bring it about, yet it came to pass differently to that expected or wanted. God always has a plan and yes He wanted Paul in Rome but he went a very long way around, he was in the governor Felix's home in Caesarea, under guard, for about 2 years, shipped to Roman under guard, shipwrecked and delivered under guard to Rome. He would not make it to Spain for some time and then ...

For I tell you that Christ became a servant and a minister to the Jews in order to show God's truthfulness and honesty by confirming the promises given to our fathers, and also in order that the Gentile nations might glorify God for His mercy not covenanted to them. As it is written, 'Therefore I will praise You among the Gentiles and sing praises to Your name. (Psalm 18:49)Romans 15:8,9 Jesus, the Son of God, knew why He came to earth and kept His focus. He was treated ashamedly, yet he did not waver. He did not feel sorry for Himself, become waylaid with selfish pursuits, distracted with fleshly lusts or doubt why he was here. He knew He had come to save all mankind. He had a noble pursuit. Up to the age of 30 he went to school, behaved like a son, worked in the family business. He did what He had to do. For three years He preached the Kingdom of God, knowing full well that He was approaching His used by date. Each of us is here for a purpose. We are saved for a purpos...

Now, may the God who gives the power of patient endurance and who supplies encouragement, grant you to live in such mutual harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with united hearts and one voice praise and glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:5,6 Jesus came to bring harmony not discord. We have an enemy who sows discord. You find this guy sowing seeds of doubt, discontent and criticism in our minds about those in church with whom we do life. The noise will be: 'see she doesn't care for you, why she hasn't even called you once and she knows what you are going through,' 'why he doesn't give a fig about your life, he is too involved in his own world, why would you want to be friends with him?'   These whispering are subtle but they are lies all the same, as are all of his whispering thoughts of condemnation. Trash them! your enemy seeks to isolate you, don't listen to him!   Put on t...

Now we who are strong have an obligation to bear the weaknesses of those without strength, and not to please ourselves. Each one must please his neighbour for his good, to build him up. For even the Messiah did not please Himself. Romans 15:1-3 Without love it is impossible to be tolerant, gracious and humble. We are more inclined to anger, frustration, impatience and judgement. Therefore, today I seek mercy and grace so that I might give mercy and grace to those who need it. Amen! I know I need it, how about you? Lord today I ask for your grace, that I might love the unlovely and be gracious to the ungrateful and merciful to the unmerciful. Amen!

For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. If we live, we live for The Lord; and if we die we die for The Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we belong to The Lord. Christ died and came to life for this: that He might rule over both the dead and the living. But you, why do you criticize your brother? Or you, why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before the tribunal of God. Romans 14:7-10 It is so easy yo ex offended or criticize another because they are, in our opinion, immature, silly, naive, or foolish. I don't think I have taken out the patent on clever, smart or suave. The truth is, just when I think I am clever, I am foolish because I have accept the lie: 'you are gods just like He is.' Sound familiar? This liar and cheat has been around from the dawn of time. He still preys on the unsuspecting and guilible. There is one judge, and that is not me. I will, along with everyone else, have to stand before this judge at the end o...

Accept anyone who is weak in faith, but don't argue about doubtful issues. Romans 14:1 Depending on our background, as a new believer we may be struggling with years of religious traditions, which stifle faith. I came outoif the Catholic faith and had been an ardent follower of Christ, religiously. The church I came from had, like Judaism, created a lot if 'how tos' in approaching my faith. In the absence of relationship we have legalism. Over the years my Lord has washed these ingrained practices from out of the clay of my life, enabling Him to reshape me. As a new Christian I had a constant struggle between the legal life I left and the free life I came into. This is the same for those who come to Christ today from Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and I notice the Japanese really struggle to give up the worship of family idols. What binds us is the fears associated with the law. Yet, praise God, Jesus came to deliver us from all fear. His freedom is a life of grace, there is now...

Beside this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone, the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armour of light. Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarrelling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. Romans 13: 11-14 What can I say? Ditto Paul! Preach it Paul! Jesus said: 'if you love Me, you will keep my commands.' John 14;15 Guys, it is down to this: Do we love our own life more than our Lord? If we do then we pander to our sensual appetites. Yet, if we are sold out to Him, then there is nowhere we will go and nothing we will not do. Even if it means, stay in your marriage and be faithful and go to work at the same job you have had for 20 years. We have to face our fru...

Pay your obligations to everyone: taxes to those you owe taxes, tolls to those you owe tolls, respect to those you owe respect, honour to those you owe honour. Do not owe anyone anything, except to love one another, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments: do not commit murder; do not steal; do not covet ; and whatever other commandment- all are summed up by this: love your neighbour as yourself. Love does no wrong to a neighbour. Love therefore, is the fulfilment of the law. Romans 13:7-10 These verse hem us in to righteous behaviour. We cannot excuse ourselves and make exceptions to the rules. They all apply to us. Therefore learning to love with agape love ( God's kind of love, merciful, gracious love) seems a given imperative, we have no option. Modern man looks to feather his own jest and build protections around it. The: 'If it feels good, do it code' does not fit In the Kingdom of God where sacrifice and service are the codes of conduct....

Let everyone be loyally subject to governing (civil) authorities. For there is no authority except from God and those who exist do so by His appointment. Therefore he who resists and sets himself up against the authorities resist what God has appointed and those who resist will bring down judgement upon themselves. For civil authorities are not a terror to people of good conduct, but to bad behaviour Romans 13:1-3 Paul wrote this to Roman citizens who lived under a Caesar and depending on which one was in power, they would have been faced with persecution, deportation or tolerance. Yet, I am sure, there would have been outspoken, disruptive Christians who attracted the Caesar's wrath. The zeal for martyrdom was so strong among these people that they may well have called attention to themselves just by there outspoken behaviour. We were not there, but as I watch the civil unrest in many countries of the world I see people taking matters into their own hands, causing mass ...

Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for His wrath. For it is written:!'vengeance belongs to Me; I will repay,' says The Lord. Romans 12:19,20 There are certain things that God says are His: glory is His and vengeance is His. God will not share His glory with another, He will have no gods before Him. He has said He is a jealous God, jealous of His name, station and glory. Isn't it interesting that He also sad that vengeance belong to Him. I know that wen we are angry we want this role and sometimes we may be preoccupied with thoughts as to how we might inflict 'justice' on our own behalf or on behalf of those we love. Yet Jesus taught quite heavily as to how God wanted us to deal with those who abuse and hurt us. I wonder why? We would always agree that He, being God, had more resources than we ever could have, but why does He want the job? Does He get off on vengeance or does He love us to distraction and want the job because of His passion? We co...

Love must be without hypocrisy. Detest evil; cling to what is good. Show family affection to one another with brotherly love. Outdo one another in showing honour. Do not lack diligence; be fervent in spirit; serve The Lord. Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer. Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. Be in agreement with one another. Do not be proud; instead associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Try to do what is honour able in everyone's eyes. If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:9-18 Well now, if we all did this there would be harmony. I think if we are just fervent in spirit and serving The Lord, accurately and with an open heart we will do the rest. It is only when we pick and chose as to how God will lead us do we run foul. Allo...

Now we all have many parts in one body, and all te parts do not have the same function, in the same way we who are any are one body in Christ and individually members of one another. According to the grace given to us, we have different gifts. If prophesy, use it according to the standard of one's faith; If service, in service; If teaching, in teaching; If exhortation, in exhortation; Giving, with generosity, Leading, with diligence; Showing sexy with cheerfulness. Romans 12:4-8 Now, it seems, it is very important that we know what our gift is and not make an assumption that we know. When we do what we were made to do, harmony and rhapsody exist, we are in tune and those who come in contact go away blessed. When we try to copy others, because they look good and it appeals, if it is not us, discord results. Have you ever listened to a tone deaf person sing? It is shocking? It is worth seeking out our own unique fit!

For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one. Romans 12:3 What does Paul mean by 'the grace given to me'? Romans 1:5 tells us: 'we have received grace and apostleship through Him to bring about the obedience of faith among the nations.' Grace calls us to Christ, grace covers us, we are no longer viewed as sinners and aliens but sons and daughters. Yet grace calls us. Each of us is called to function in the body of Christ. We are each endowed with a gift to give. Ever gone to a birthday party without taking a gift? It is a bit rude unless there is a plan. We, each, have been invited to function as the body of Christ, we each have a gift. On Sunday I went and had lunch with a group of people from church. When I walked in they all looked at me with vacant, empty stares. I volunteered information and tried to help them come aliv...

Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. Romans 12:1,2 Of late I have watch a show my mum loves: Who wants to be a millionaire? It is a quiz show. I struggle to watch it because it has a lot of ads, which I detest. I make a point of watching ABC mostly and that for no more than 1-2 hours a day. TV to me is a brainless exercise, I would rather do something constructive. The reason I mention the show and ads is to highlight the world's mindset. A very basic wants based world that is full if reaction, emotion and raw carnal appetites. It is scary! There is no depth. Satan has successfully created a world of  activity, pleasures and collection of stuff to distract human beings from a deeper need. A need for an ete...

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God!  How unsearchable His judgements and untraceable His ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counsellor? Or who has ever first given to Him, and has to be repaid? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen. Romans 11:33-36 Paul pulls these verses together from Job, Isaiah and Jeremiah. At times our hearts become so full and needing to describe God can be a significant challenge. In our day I remember a reading of a work that Pastor Phil Pringle wrote about God and His attitude towards us. It was phenomenal. I attempt at times but the words are not there. However, it is worth a try by all of us, He loves it. 'As I sit at table today and read Your holy word I sense You near. You love toward me is clean and pure. I can trust it, no shadows are there. As I respond to You I see Your smile, open and free, no judgement there. You attempt to open...

 I ask, then, have they (the Jews) stumbled in order to fall? Absolutely not! On the contrary, by their stumbling, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel jealous. Now if their stumbling brings riches for the world, and their failure riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full number bring! Romans 11:11,12 We Gentiles are blessed by Israel's rejection. We are now grafted into the family by faith in Jesus Christ. He is our connection, the doorway. When the Jews do finally accept Christ then they bring a blessing to Christendom that belongs to their heritage, a rich flavour that only they can bring. This full flavour blesses all. I know Jewish people who believe and others who do not believe in Christ. They carry something I do not have. I am honoured to know them. I in turn carry something they do not have. I am a gentile who chose to believe. I carry freshness, freedom and hope. Gentiles carry the grace of God. Grace is unique and stands out. It is a blessed pr...

How beautiful are the feet of those who announce the gospel of good things! Romans 10:15 Today is mother's day and it is fitting for me to honor a dear girlfriend who have her life for the gospel and in 1989 moved to Japan where she knew no one to preach the gospel. My friend Glynis Osborne gave up an 'ordinary' life in Australia so that she could birth many new souls and raise them to maturity in Christ. Well done Glyn! There are women who have remained single and those who were unable to have children but who, in Christ, have brought many sons and daughters to Christ. I honour you! I am grateful to the woman who led me to Christ, she is still single. Thank you Annie! Rejoice oh barren ones for many will be your children. Amen!

This is the message that we proclaim: 'if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, resulting in salvation. Now the scripture says, 'Everyone who believes on Him will not be put to shame', for there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, since the same Lord of all is rich to all who call on Him. For 'everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.' Romans 10:8-13 What good news! When I heard the call, I believed and the very next day went to work speaking of my experience. When we have a great experience, be it: a holiday; a significant purchase; a new love, we want to talk about it to others. Believing results in righteousness and confession results in salvation. Now, I wonder, can someone believe and not confess? Yes there are those that do this. Does it mean they are un...

Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God concerning them is for their salvation! I can testify about them that they have zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. Because they disregarded the righteousness from God and attempted to establish their own righteousness, they have not submitted themselves to God's righteousness. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. Romans 10:1-4 This scripture applies to many church goers and non-church goers as well, who seek to justify themselves apart from Christ. However, Jesus said: 'I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to God but by Me.' John 14:6 He is the door, the only door. God the Father paid the price to allow His Son to be treated abominably by the creatures He created so that in His death and resurrection we might have life and forgiveness of sins. Why then would he allow His creatures to change the rules to suit themselves? Our God is an awesome God and deserves to...

As it is written: 'Look! I am putting a stone in Zion to stumble over and a rock to trip over, yet the one who believes on Him will not be put to shame.' Romans 9:33 This text is from Isaiah 8:14. Jesus also quotes this I Matthew 21:42. He was the stumbling stone. He stood in the way of the Israelites way of being and doing. He was their Saviour yet they relied on self-effort instead of turning to Him and being saved. It is so easy to slip into self-effort. 'Why I will just do this and it will all be right!' 'This' is our idea not God's idea. We can go through life with this methodology and be continually missing the mark (sin). Ouch! Heavy stuff! As a Christian we can continually sow to the flesh by self-effort and miss it. We will have built a house on shifting sand and not a solid foundation. Keep looking for the wind, where the wind is (the Spirit of God) that is where life is. Today I went to Scone and met with my lovely clients. By the time I came home...

I will call Not My People, My People, and she who is Unloved, Beloved. And it will be in the place where they are told, 'you are not my people, there they will be called sons of the living God. Romans 9:26 Chapter 9 is dealing with who are the true sons and daughters of God. Paul explains that since Christ, any who are not of the Jewish faith and those who are, who all accept Christ, by faith, are the true sons and daughters of God. Just as a true Christian is one who lives by faith not by being born to parents who believe. It is faith that moves our God, nothing more nothing less. We can love God but for some reason believe ourselves unworthy and not apply faith. This is a true tragedy! I am a child of the living God because I have taken the seed of faith He gave me, planted it in the soil of the word and speak its truth over my life. This is where I live, must live! As a result I am a blessed child of God. Amen!

Who can separate us from the love of Christ? Can affliction or anguish or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? Romans 8:35 Well! That about covers it! The answer is:  'No!  in all these things we are more than victorious through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that not even death or life, angels or rulers, things present or things to come, hostile powers height or depth, or any other create thing will have the power to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord! Romans 8:37-39 So then, not the opinion of others, doctors, quacks, health professionals, diet fanatics, family, friends, foes can separate us from the love of Christ. No accident, no greedy businessmen, no abusive parents or spouse can separate us. No crazed fanatics nor violent religious maniacs can separate us from the love of Christ. If He loves us then He loves us, He loves us, He loves me!!! If He loves me then He empowers me to be all He sees me to be. Tonight I had ...

Who can bring an accusation against God's elect? God is the one who justifies. Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is the One who died, but even more, has been raised; He is also at the right hand of God and interceded for us. Romans 8:33,34 If the one go buys a thing owns it, is it not his to deal with and judge? Jesus paid for our lives with His own blood, that makes us precious to Him. He is our owner, He sets the rules and no one else. It is His opinion that is important, not our own. We do not pay such a price for our own children, let alone our families or friends. We therefore have no comparison. We must leave the judgement to Him. His love continues toward us, Whilst in heaven before the throne of God, He makes intercession for us. What love is this? I am blessed to be so loved. Amen! I must release others to be so loved and not get in the way. Amen!

What then are we to say about these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He did not even spare His own Son but offered Him up for us all; how will He not also with Him grant us everything? Romans 8: 31, 32 'These things', mentioned in verse 1 are all the things said about us in verses: 29,30 We are called and predestined, justified and glorified. The upshot of it all is: 'if God be for us, who can be against us?' The most powerful being in all the universe likes us. If we are favoured and liked by the great man then no one else matters. Today I stepped out to walk the walk I am called to walk, against popular opinion. I told my staff I am working my way back to full-time starting now. On Friday I am traveling to Scone for an appointment. Why? Because it needs doing and because I can. Two staff objected, one straddled the fence and one, a girl just like me said: ' I have a problem with being told what to do so I won't tell you what to do.' Now I l...

For those He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. And those He predestined, he also called; and those He called, He also justified; and those He justified, He also glorified. Romans 8:29,30 I am grateful He knew me, predestined me, called me, justified me and I  will be glorified. In my youth I search in darkness for Him, but He was there leading me to Himself. Without the hunger and desperation before finding Him I would not experience the joy of finding Him. Every time I remember His coming I rejoice. He was, all the while, joyfully leading me to Himself. I am grateful! He could see and He still can see the end. I long for the completion, the glorification. As Paul said, I am in a temporal tent, this body which will decay, but when I see Him face to face I will have a new body. Ah! One that will last for an eternity, without wearing out. No more pain! Today is a new day. Each day is a step clo...

We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 When I was Alton on the ground last Thursday I wondered where me being hit by a car came into perspective. Today I see my attitude being sifted by this experience. Today I was told by the policeman that, technically, because I was riding on the shoulder of the roadway(even though the road was in bad shape), technically, as a vehicle travelling on a shoulder of the road, I should have looked to the right, prepared to give way to any on-coming vehicle. The policeman was a bike rider but had been impressed upon by his sergeant that this was the 'law,' mmmm! The law is stupid at times. Anyway my insides raged at this stupidity and quite frankly my attitude lost, a round. I can say, my attitude needs to repent and trust God. He is God! Yesterday my attitude was challenged by the selfishness of another. If it was just this in isolation, no problem. Add ...

But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with patience. Romans 8:25 The fulfillment of being a son or daughter of God begs us to hope. If we are seated in heavenly places with Christ, what does that look like? Equality? Brother to brother, brother to sister? I have won the battle but share the victory and prize with you! Come take the spoils! Being the eldest I have been the one bringing in the spoils, or saw myself as needing to do so. I am the one who knows The Lord and His benefits, His love, His promises. Yesterday my youngest sister called me. This sister had been injured badly by a motor vehicle. She was telling me how to look after myself but that 'someone' was looking after me as my injury could have been so much worse. I agreed with her. I had said to The Lord that very morning , " I am ready to go home whenever You want me." He chose to leave me here for a while longer. I had sent this sister the biggest flower arrangement when I discove...

For creation eagerly waits with longing for God's sons and daughters to be revealed. For creation was subjected to futility-not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it-in the hope that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage of corruption into the glorious freedom of God's children. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together with labour pains until now. And not only that, but we ourselves who have the Spirit as the first fruits- we also groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. Romans 8:19-23 After the fall creation was plunged into futility but when Christ came the hope came alive. He was the first of many 'sons of God.' As we, those who came after, submit to sonship, then creation is liberated, inch by inch, from the bondage of sin. Creation know there is a hope, the spirit of God is in all creation. The trees clap their hands, the brooks bubble their praises, the newborn exult in ...

So then, brothers, we are not obligated to the flesh to live according to the flesh, for if you live according to the flesh, you are going to die. But if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. All those led by God's Spirit are God's sons. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father!" The Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God's children, and if children, also heirs- heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ-seeing that we suffer with Him so that we may be glorified with Him. For I consider the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us. Romans 8:12-18 Today, I am seeking wisdom. My faith would rise up and leave my sick bed. Yet all are opposed to me going back to work this week. I am mindful that I, as the boss, need to keep the team focused and not lose ...

You, however, are not of the flesh but of the Spirit if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the spirit of Christ does not belong to Him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead  will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. Romans 8: 9-11 If I am of the Spirit then He, the Holy Spirit, must be able to guide. When I yield to Him I experience peace and joy. When I yield to the flesh that is dead, I experience a horrible stench because I am empowering something dead and as I am not God, or acting as His emissary in this matter, my resurrection powers are not His. Today, being Sunday, I wanted to go to church, but because of my recent accident( being hit by a car) I allowed myself to be overruled by my mother an daughter and then I felt like I had missed out. ...

For I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh. For the desire to do what is good is within me, but there is no ability to do it. For I do not do the good that I want to do, but practice the evil that I do not want to do. Now if I do what I do not want, I  am no longer the one doing it, but it is sin that lives in me. So I discover this principle: when I want to do what is good, evil is within me. For in my inner self I  joyfully agree with God's law. But I see a different law in the parts of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and taking me prisoner to the law of sin in the parts of my body. What a wretched woman I am! Who will rescue me from this dying body? I thank God through Jesus Christ my Lord! So then, with my mind I  myself am slave to the law of God , but with my flesh, To the law of sin. Therefore, there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, for the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus has set me free from the law of sin ...

Likewise, my brothers, you have also died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to Him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God. For while we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work in our members to bear fruit for death. But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of written code. Romans7:4-6 We are dead to the law and alive to Christ. What does that look like? The law demands you say the Rosary, go to confession, not eat meat on Friday. It is definitely not about enjoying yourself, your relationship with God is a legal one. What does being alive to Christ mean? Trusting Him to have paid my entrance fee; enjoying the ride; enjoying His company; partaking in a relationship with Him; getting to know Him and what He is about; communicating with Him; dealing with issues; liste...

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans6:23 Everything costs something! I might think that because I am getting away with downloading movies for free, when I should pay for them, I am getting away with my sin. However, there will come a day when something that is precious to me will be stolen, just as those that take for free, what they should pay for will face the consequence. The sad truth is that most people don't recognise the principle at work when all they do produces death, instead of life. Then these same people will become angry and rail against the unfairness. As I respect Godly principles, yesterday when offered the website details for such transactions, I declined. Sure doing things the right way cost something but I prefer the clean results that go with it. Having to pay my way ensures that I am only where I should be at the time I should be there. I respect Godly boundaries. I want life to be attac...

Therefore do not let sin rein in your mortal body so that you obey its desires. And do not offer any parts of it to sin as weapons for unrighteousness. But as those who are alive from the dead, offer yourselves to God, and all the parts if yourself to God as weapons for righteousness. For sin will not rule over you, because you are not under law but grace. Romans 6:12-14 This is called 'turning the tables' on our enemy. Taking back territory, creating holy boundaries are others. Last night I shared a room with an 83 year old woman who had broken her hip. She called out throughout the night and my sleep was disturbed. Apart from pray for her I put my headphones on and listened the Bless the Lord all night. Did me good. Today I was becoming frustrated seeing the inactivity in hospital staff, being a nurse myself, who loves order. I pulled it back and put on grace. I felt better. I am home now in my own bed and happy with my environment. A day does not cost too much. ...

For we know that our old self was crucified with Him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For the one who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with Him. Romans 6:6-8 What does death feel like? I almost found out yesterday. I decided to ride my bike to work and was hit by a car. Fortunately I only have a fractured pelvis. My ex-husband's new wife lost her ex-husband to the same fate, yesterday. He was killed riding a bike. So back to death. If I die to sin's enslavement, I am totally turning away from it. Being dead means you are now going into eternity and away from this mortal coil, never to return, never ever to return. Eternity has totally different parameters than life on Earth. This helps with perspective. Dead is dead! Just as we will pass into eternity, where there is no sin, no pain, no striving, all over and it lasts forever and ever, ...

Therefore, since have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We have also obtained access through Him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know our afflictions produce endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:1-5 Finally, when Christ came into my heart to live I experienced joy unspeakable. With joy came peace, with peace came the knowledge that I finally had found the relationship I had searched for all my young life. I knew I has access to the Father, I was home. In my relationship with Him I stand in a sea of grace, His grace. It is His grace that makes me right with Him, striving is no longer needed.  Grace enables me to rejoi...