The day with dianne Louise

Who can find a capable wife? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will not lack for anything good. She rewards him with good, not evil, all the days of her life. Proverbs 31:10-12 My Lord is my husband and therefore I am His wife. How good to hear Him speak these words over me. "Well done good and faithful wife." What a pleasure it will be to meet face to face. At last being able to see Him as He is. Awesome! When I walk through a difficult day and keep the faith, I treasure Him more, I treasure eternity more. Today was a challenge and after work I went grocery shopping and came home to kick off my shoes and make a home- made pizza and have a glass of my favorite wine. I received an urgent phone call. My mother had fallen and was injured, could I please come quickly.  This morning before work I went into intercession prayer and wonder what was happening. When the burden left I thought nothing of it until I saw my mother's sw...

Speak up for those who have no voice, for the justice of all who are dispossessed. Speak up, judge righteously, defend the cause of the oppressed and needy. Proverbs 31:8,9 Psalm 82 says: God has taken His place in the divine assembly; He judges among the gods; "How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked?" Provide justice for the needy and the fatherless; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute. Rescue the poor and needy from the power of the wicked." They do not know or understand; they wander in darkness. All the foundations of the earth are shaken. I said, " You are gods; you are sons of the Most High. However, you will die like men and fall like any other ruler." Rise up God, judge the earth, For all the nations belong to You." Today, through social media and television we see the injustice that the poor are subjected to. We are called to do justice to these. How can we do that? If a woman such as Christine Caine ca...

The fear of a man is a snare, but the one who trusts in The Lord is protected. Many seek a ruler's favour, But a man receives justice from The Lord. Proverbs 29:26,27 Being frightened of what others think can lead us to hold back or miss opportunities. Why not speak and find out what others actually say and be surprised. Favour, favor without strings, comes from the Lord. Real favour once tasted cannot be invented. The Lord's favour is the best by far. Amen! We create all sorts of scenarios in our mind, most of which are wrong. It is better not to surmise and speak than to stay away supposing you are not wanted. Bad move! Go for relationship! Amen!

Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Proverbs 30:5 God's word is true! What He says about me is truer than how I feel or what circumstances say about me. My God never fails me, I fail, but He, never. He sustains me, lifts me up, honours me, blesses me, fills my world with good things. He brings me into open places, gives me peace and rest. He says,"Let me do it." And I wonder at His words. Today is a new day in Him. He will show Himself new today, triumphant over all my enemies. He is my defence and shield. He is my crown, my victory wreath, my exceedingly great reward. He is my all in all. Amen! He tells me not to fear, He calms the storm, He brings the boat to land. He is my safety. Amen! I am blessed and highly favoured of the Lord. Amen!

An angry man stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered man increases rebellion. A person's pride will humble him, but a humble spirit will gain honour. Proverbs 29:22,23 Today I had an opportunity to speak to the three women who work for me about self-control in conflict. They listened. Praise God! One of my girls is Spanish and she said she struggled with the Australian way of avoiding conflict. We then talked about how to deal with conflict correctly. I love my girls!  I want to open the doors to a long and healthy success for the girls. I am stepping out constantly and pray I do not jeopardise their futures. Every time we have our weekly meeting I use a video clip of 'A minute with Maxwell.' John Maxwell has been a real blessing to our business and especially myself. We then discuss around the topic. If I can teach the team how to walk humbly, with justice and mercy, then I will have succeeded. Self-control is one of the best assets a man or woman can have. Amen!

Do you see a man who speaks too soon? There is more hope for a fool than for him. Proverbs 29:20 This proverbs constantly rebukes me because I can jump in too quick, especially when excited. My prayer is that the Holy Spirit will work self-control in my mouth. The times I stop and listen and do less talking I benefit most. It is not nice to know we are being foolish my talking, but there's the rub. I pray I am a source of blessing to staff and those at Rotary today as I am the welcomer. The times I have my sight turned on is the times I am a blessing and if I speak what the Lord sees then I am a double blessing. Jesus told us to have ears to hear, He didn't tell us to have mouths to speak. In fact James tells us that the mouth is a forest set on fire. May the Holy Spirit be the bit in my mouth. May my mouth utter wisdom and blessing. Amen!

The one who trusts in himself is a fool, but the one who walks in wisdom will be safe. Proverbs 28:26 It is so easy to trust in ourselves and when we do that we step back from the Lord because we have walked towards idolatry, and we are the God in the making. Satan tempted Eve with: 'you can be like God.' He failed to mention that they would lose their relationship with their God and that knowing evil would enslave them to being 'in sin.' His tactics have not changed. We were made to rule over what God gives us to rule over, no more, no less. His word tells us He is our provider, healer, comfort, guide, lover and friend. The trick is knowing what is ours and what is His. The world has loud opinions over what is our responsibility. Most of it is His. Our walk with Him is a learning process in which we discover our freedom, our responsibility is to love and obey, much like our little children, respond and obey. I have, for a long time now, had a hearing problem. I have no...

When the righteous triumph, there is great rejoicing, but when the wicked come to power, people hide themselves. proverbs 28:12 Ther have been changes in government of late. One I note was in Indonesia. I was impressed to see how president Widodo was sworn in on 20 October and yesterday presented his cabinet. He had all his cabinet pray to God to lead them and swore to uphold truth and justice. It looked impressive and I pray there will walk in an honourable way for their people and the people of Asia. As the government moves forward they will be tested. Evil will be presented in all sorts of disguises. Will integrity rule? I pray it does. Brazil voted it's incumbent president back into office, she promised change. Can a leopard change it's spots? Only with God's empowering grace can anyone change. I pray for other countries that are in ruin because a good leader cannot be found. I pray that righteousness will rise up. Amen!

As water reflects the face, so the heart reflects the person. Proverbs 27:19 The trick is to get to the heart of a matter or  of a person. We are good at deceiving ourselves and others. Oh how we believe we have done right and that rascal, that other person, has done wrong. We wear blinkers, we only see what we want to see, what doesn't trouble us too much. Yesterday I had a discussion with an old lady about a woman who sat in the front row in church and breast fed her child without covering up. The lady was offended. I was asked was it right or wrong. I could see where this was going and said, " each of us have prejudices and ways we believe people should behave. I explained that as we settle for our own opinions because we are offended we separate ourselves from the person we are judging." I know when I am offended I criticise. Full stop' I create the problem through lack of grace. By lacking grace I create an atmosphere of offense and the potential for a fight loom...

Oil and incense bring joy to the heart, and the sweetness of a friend is better than self-counsel. Proverbs 27:9 Whilst oil and incense do not much for me, these were ancient delights. A spa bath, a massage, these would not go astray. However, friends have always been the best. A good friend who has your interest at heart is sweet indeed. A friend who prays for you is a real blessing as you are uplifted and to know you have this up-lift encourages the heart. I know when I am prayed for, I sense it in the spirit. If a person walks away from me and says to the Lord, "bless her Lord," the Spirit whispers to me, "You will be blessed." Prayer is so important for breakthrough, for refreshing, strength and encouragement. Amen' Do yourself and your friends a favour and pray for them. Amen!

A person who is passing by and meddles in a quarrel that is not his is like one who grabs a dog by the ears. Proverbs 26:17 I have been in situations where my two small doge were being attacked by bigger dogs, once I was surrounded by three huge huskies who wanted my two little Maltese dogs as rabbit food. I went into defence mode and fortunately God sent a man along to help. I was bitten as I picked up one of my dogs. Another time a Rottweiler attacked my smallest dog and had her in his mouth, I took to his head with my fists. The owner had to help me make the animal let her go. Another time I was walking my dogs through a park and a big dog, off its leash came at us. I went into attack mode and yelled at it, it backed off. I took an aggressive stance. My son was savaged by a dog when he was about 10, fortunately our God was good. He made us tough. Although the dog ripped holes in him, my son did not become infected nor did he become fearful of dogs. Why do I tell these stories? There...

Without wood, a fire goes out; without a gossip, conflict dies down. As charcoal for embers and wood for fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife. A gossips words are like choice food that goes down to one's innermost being. Smooth lips with an evil heart are like glaze on an earthen vessel. A hateful person disguises himself with speech and harbours deceit within. When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for there are seven abominations in his heart. Though his hatred is concealed by deception, his evil will be revealed in the assembly. Proverbs 26:20-26 When I find myself talking about instances in which others have hurt or forsaken me I have a problem. If my God casts my sins into the sea of forgetfulness, why do I hold on to the memories. I could say, but 'they' are unrepentant. So am I if I still hold a grudge. There is one who hates me and hates mankind, Satan. He holds grudges, firstly against the Father, then the Son who he envied and the Holy Spirit ...

To those who send him, A trustworthy messenger is like coolness of snow on a day of harvest; he refreshes the life of his masters. Proverbs 15:13 There is one thing I love, God sending me people to work with. Today I had a prospective employee come with me to investigate Hot Air Ballooning, as a potential business venture. This venture is a means of advertising my company and providing another income stream. The young man I took with me shone, he was taking pictures, making observations and generally doing what he was taken to do. On the way home we discussed all we saw and I found that God had given me a problem solver, like me, but a practical one who thought of the nuts and bolts and left me to think about financial matters. This is a blessing as it is rare. Most people are happy to work but are not creative, they go blank when you share dreams and visions, or thy smile sweetly but do not contribute. I am blessed because my God sends me the people. Now I can trust Him, absolutely. W...

It is the glory of God to conceal things but the glory of kings to search things out. Proverbs 25:2 This proverb is from a selection of proverbs of Solomon which the men of Judah copied under Hezekiah. It would be easy to pass over this and assume it is not for you because you assume you are not a king. Yet in the New Testament we are called 'kings and priests' to our God. If then I am a ruler, what do I rule? I rule in the spirit over all my God has given me. If I rule then I have responsibility to rule well an to rule well I need insight, thus proverbs. So what is the proverb saying? How is it that it is 'glory' for God to conceal a thing? I find myself constantly seeking God's way and understanding. I do not see clearly and must stay close to Him, He does. Perhaps this is why He conceals a thing, He is into relationship above self satisfaction. That would be so like Him. Today I know I am where I am for a purpose but although I think I know why I am here I am ver...

A wise man is full of strength, a man of knowledge enhances his might, for by wise guidance you can wage war, and in an abundance of counsellors there is victory. Proverbs 24:4-6 I definitely feel safer around a wise and knowledgeable man or woman. Around the not so wise I am scared of what they will bring to pass. You do not need to march up to a group and ask for counsel, you can pick people's brains quietly.  The woman with the issue of blood quietly came up to the source of her healing. Jesus, the healer, chose to make the noise. I can follow wisdom from afar as long as I have trained my ears to hear. Tomorrow I intend to pick brains quietly. That way I may not stimulate an inflated reply. I might just hear the truth.

A house is built by wisdom, And it is established by understanding; By knowledge the rooms are filled with every precious and beautiful treasure. Proverbs 24:3,4 My attitude to gathering can be a c arnal appetite or a sound, wise application of knowledge. There is a big difference. Defying drought I have planted a garden. I chose natives that can handle the Australian climate. I know how to conserve water and how to care for my garden. The plants will thrive. It all areas of life, if I do not waste my money on useless pursuits, then I will do well. I treasure all that I have fought for. I treasure all that has been given to me. I am grateful. I made sure my garage was available for my car. It deserves to be housed. My garage does not need to be full of junk. Junk belongs at the rubbish dump. Collecting for collecting's sake is not me. I don't like dust collecting junk. Everything must have a purpose (even ornaments). Don't worry I won't put this upon you, however I lear...

Don't let your heart envy sinners; instead, always fear the Lord. For then you will have a future, and your hope will never fade. Proverbs 23:17,18 It is so important what you allow your eyes to feast on. It is so important what you give your heart to. Do you constantly think about possessions or progression?  Jesus said, "seek first the kingdom of God." Seeking the kingdom of God is different for all of us. What is God doing in and through me? What is He doing in my world? For me seeking the kingdom starts with me seeking God first. He puts vision in my heart and I then work towards its fulfillment by doing what is before me. I have study, compliance, management, training of staff, appointments with clients, family relationships, gardening, neighbours, church, community engagements to name a few. This is what God has given me to do and in the midst He is there, if I expect Him. If I allow my mind to be consumed with discontent and thoughts of wanting to be elsewhere then...

My son, if your heart is wise, My heart will indeed rejoice. My innermost beings will cheer when your lips say what is right. Proverbs 23:15,16 If our own heart is wise it is good but when we find we have lacked insight in an area it is important that we learn and never go back. At times we can place faith in our limited understanding of a matter, until we discover it was flawed and then it is a time of reality. Even though I try with all my might to do what is right and in my limited understanding as a woman who seeks God, I still do not have all wisdom and am learning it as I go. I have to accept that I do not have all wisdom but my God does and at the right time He will give it to me. Being a Christian does not guarantee wisdom, lovin The Lord does not guarantee wisdom but knows where to find it and seeking it does.

Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand in the presence of kings. He will not stand in the presence of unknown men. Proverbs 22:29 God told Moses he had skilled men set apart to make the Tent of Meeting. God knew why He had skilled them. Each of us have been skilled by God for a purpose. If we listen to His word instead of the negative noise in our heads we will find what He has for each one of us. The skilled workman stood before God, Moses and all the children of Israel. The noise in our head, which is negative and condemnatory in nature (out of the pit) tells us we are sick, broke and a hopeless failure. What does the word of God say? I am a child of God, joint heirs with Christ, seated in heavenly places, right now. If I am what He says I am then I can do what He says I can so. Life and death are before us today, what will we believe? Amen! I remember The Lord have me a dream and then proceeded to tell me what He saw me as. For years I doubted Him but He is faithful and...

A good name is to be chosen over great wealth; favour is better than silver and gold. Proverbs 22:1 You can chase wealth for wealth's sake and find an empty pit or you can treat others with respect and be blessed with favour from man and God. Jesus taught is to love our neighbours as we love ourselves and to love our God above all. This is all about respect and relationship.  I am grateful for those God has put in my world. My neighbours are a blessing to me at home and at work and in community. If I put money first then I trample on others seeing them as pawns to achieve my quest. My name becomes mud. Relationships are more important than any treasure for they are the real treasure. Amen!

Precious treasure and oil are in the dwelling of the wise person, but a foolish man consumes them. Proverbs 21:20 A wise person knows what is really treasure. What many consider treasure is useless collections which can be gone in a bush fire, a flood or a storm. What is treasure to you? Could insurance cover return it to you? I find myself treasuring people and memories, the little things, a sunset, a sunrise, an ancient tree, a steadfast friend, a well behaved neighbour, faithful dogs, my old mum and my aunts, my little grandchildren. I cannot replace these without considerable pain, and many not at all. I know people who collect houses, gold bars, coins, jewellery, cars etc but all of these thieves can steal, fires can burn. Jesus told us to store up treasure in heaven when moths cannot destroy. I treasure what my God gives me. The wonderful people who impact my life with their faithfulness to their God. I love the client's God gives me, the staff He gives me, the speci...

The one who loves pleasure will become a poor man; whoever loves wine and oil will not get rich. Proverbs 21:17 Loving pleasure causes us to spend into a black hole, it bears no fruit and gives no return, only emptiness and shame. As we focus on our own pleasure we are enticed by the latest gadgets, tools, equipment we do not need. If, however, our eyes are on the Lord and allow Him to guide our hearts we become givers, savers, investors. Our money is used to create wealth for others and ourselves. Money is not for buying stuff but for sowing and creating. When we cannot afford things that others might buy we can tend to feel sorry for ourselves but perhaps God is training us in what is a 'need' rather than what is a 'want.' When we have plenty it is not a time to be caught up in wants. There is an enemy who is devising all the wants he can imagine so that we spend all we have and find ourselves in need. The rich know how to control their appetites. Amen!   ...

Counsel in a man's heart is deep water; but a man of understanding draws it out. Proverbs 20:5 Water in a deep well is useful but hard to draw out. Wise is the man or woman who can reach down inside another and draw out a truth, understanding, facts, past memories. I know that sometimes, especially when impacted by an assault, a hurt, a truth, I have to allow the facts to settle down into my inner parts and hit my spirit. I now know that my spirit is way down there, not a surface response like emotions. I want to respond out of my spirit because then I know I am walking in truth and not emotion and then also will others benefit, as I do. If I am like that then others will probably be like that. The truth about a matter rarely sees the light of day because people are too quick to react and never bother to find out what the spirit says. I can say it is painful, very painful to wait and not lash out. But when the truth comes I am free. However, if I lash out I create a mess an...

A king sitting on a throne to judge sifts out all evil with his eyes. Proverbs 20:8 This scripture assumes you have a good king. There is only one 'good' ruler and that is God but an earthly ruler who depends on God is wise. Sifting out chaff was something done in the fields, the grain was thrown up with a winnowing fork so that the wind would scatter the chaff. How does a good leader do this? A good leader sees and discerns and gives room for a person's ways to declare their heart, the wind of time with expose their heart much better than direct confrontation at times. Confronting a mocker or a fool is a waste of time. I have learned to pray about the behaviour of my staff and give God room. His dealings are much better than my judgement, annoyance or anger. I can reveal truth and give direction but some will stubbornly follow their own path to their own detriment, especially Christian staff. Handling staff God's way can cause me pain because my flesh would love a braw...

The one who acquires good sense loves himself; one who safeguards understanding finds success. Proverbs 19:8 I love talking to a sensible person, but I must say the best is a man or woman of faith who has sense as well. There are people of good sense but lack courage to step out. These people eventually become sad and disillusioned. Often visionary people are considered senseless dreamers, but I know if a dreamer tests their dream and does the research then decides, against the tide of opinion to proceed, they will undoubtedly succeed. Whereas sensible, bean counters, will discourage them because they see the problems. Understanding vision and process is valuable. Vision without process is dreaming without the next step. Earlier this year I saw a garden in my yard that was, at that time void of anything but grass. I saw it, spoke it out and planned on the spend. I did the research and bought a wheelbarrow, my first, dirt and plants. All winter I had cultivated compost of the highest od...

Even zeal is not good without knowledge, and the one who acts hastily sins. A man' sown foolishness leads him astray, yet his heart rages against The Lord. Proverbs 19:2,3 The apostle Paul referred to this in Romans 10:2 when he talked about those Jews who refused Christ as their saviour but were still ardent for the law. They were zealous for religion but not a relationship with the One who came to restore a friendship with God. I must constantly be aware: is my zeal for Christ or am I playing the religion game? In all I do and say, is it about relationship with the giver of freedom or am I putting myself and others into bondage? Being religious and pious is so unattractive to the lost. I am here as a torchbearer for the lost. Is my behaviour speaking freedom or bondage? 'Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Chtist has made you free and do not again be entangled in yoke of bondage.' I am entangle in bondage every time religion creeps into my behaviour.  Am I relig...

A gift opens doors for a man and brings him before the great. Proverbs 18:16 I know that this text is supposed to be referring to use of bribery but I would like to consider another thought. Having a generous heart to those above you, not in a false or corrupt way, but in a humble grateful way, makes room for you. Conversely those who fail to see how important this principle is miss something very important. Being honourable and grateful carries a scent which is pleasing. A gift from a truly humble person blesses the receiver as it is pure and undefiled. Great people do not like others fawning over them or spitting at them. I notice on Facebook, our prime minister receives a lot of hate mail. It is disgusting. We have an opportunity to bless and lift up. Let's use what we have and do it well. This will in turn bless us. Amen!

One who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; He rebels against all sound judgement. A fool does not delight in understanding, But only wants to show off his opinion. Proverbs 18:1,2 What sort of isolation is this referring to? I was invited to a party at my hairdressers last night but declined to go, does that mean I isolated myself?  For the purpose of this scripture I don't think it is talking about parties. I think it is referring to belonging to God's house. I can't imagine there was much wisdom at a godless party, whilst relationship building is good, drink driving is not. I isolate myself from God and man through offense. When I try to control either, for an outcome I expect them I fail miserably and can become offended. I listened to two good podcast messages last night. One from an Aussie preacher, the other an American. The American was extremely funny and he talked about how, through prayer, we attempt to put God in a box but the only one in the box is us, is...

Whoever conceals an offense promotes love, but whoever gossips about it separates friends. Proverbs 17:7 As time goes by I am becoming better at not retaining offence, praise God. When hurt I go to The Lord with my pain and lay before Him and wait to be healed instead of calling everyone I know and talking about it. Now, if I do talk about it I sense an uncleaness and be quiet and ask forgiveness. Love covers a multitude of sin. Learning to want to love like that is the first step. Walking in love is the next step. I am sure Abraham was a little hurt when he offered Lot the first choice of land and Lot took all the lush land. We don't see Abraham getting offended, he let it go and let God be God. Jesus had good reason to be hurt by all those who turned away from Him. Yet he did not show it, but, hanging on the cross asked the Father to 'forgive them for they know not what they do.' Gossip is nasty and assumes the gossip is so righteous. The only righteousness around is self...

Grandchildren are the crown of the elderly, and pride of sons is their fathers. Proverbs 17:6 I am a grandmother who delights in her grandchildren. My grandchildren love me and appreciate that I will do things with them that their parents will not do or other grandparents will not do. My life is purposefully lived so that it will pave the way for my grandchildren. I store up blessing for them. Another proverb says: a wise woman builds her house and a foolish one tears it down. I build my life with intention. I build grace, mercy, love, justice, generosity, fun, favour into my house so that it will be a house that remains as the storms of life batter it. I am blessed that I can relate to any age and almost any personality (almost), even the petulant child I understand. I I live out of patience then I can see the God path to their heart and endeavour to live patience so that I can keep my vision on. Today, as I plan a future of fun for Tamworth, the city I live in, I know my grandchildre...

Patience is better than power, and controlling one's temper, than capturing a city. Proverbs 16:32 Well now! Did you ever think being patient was better than power? I would like to propose that patience is power, in fact very strong power, it involves self-control, calm measured steps, listening intently and waiting. Did you ever consider that controlling one's temper is better than taking a city? At present America, Australia and Britain, to name a few, are attempting to remove IS from Karbul and on the news in Australia, which is impatient for results, our government is made look foolish because they are slow. Who is right? I imagine that the media is chaffing at the new anti-terrorist laws that are prohibiting certain reporting by the same media. However, I find that the media is generally very caustic about government, indicating they could do a better job.  It is so easy to criticise and find fault but not at all easy to do the work and be watched by critical minds. Yet th...

The reflections of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from The Lord. All a man's ways seem right to him, but The Lord evaluates the motives. Commit your activities to the Lord, and your plans will be achieved. The Lord has prepared everything for a purpose- even the wicked for the day of disaster. Proverbs 16:1-4 For a man or woman of God who trust The Lord for the final outcome, excitement about a new project can consume the heart and mind, but The Lord has the final say. I have a few new projects on the drawing board and whilst they are exciting I am constantly looking to The Lord for His thoughts and purposes. There is a delicate balance of stepping out whilst prayerful pursuit of the goal. I know that my plans will be His whilst ever I trust Him and had all over to Him. Yet I am not sitting doing nothing. Research has to be done, questions need to be answered. A plan needs to be formulated. Even evil men have a purpose. I have always viewed them as God...

The tongue that heals is a tree of life, but a devious tongue breaks the spirit. Proverbs 15:4 Oh how good it is to have people in your world that will use their tongue (voice) to speak life and healing! What a blessing that person is! I see in my own world the effect I have on life speak and the stark difference when I allow frustration to speak death. Ugg! My life speak from two days ago brought a different person into my office than the one that left. An energy charged young man with vision and life in him came back. Love it!!!  I love to feast on life! How about you? So much more fun than a grouchy, cranky old bird. Amen! Devious people are scary. Avoid their space. Lies an death are there!

Discipline is harsh for the one who leaves the path; the one who hates correction will die. Proverbs 15:10 As a chrisitian I have the Holy Spirit who works to bring me to the path of life. When I refuse He is not harsh with me but my circumstances can trap me and have harsh plans for me. We have an enemy who is constantly setting traps for us. We can choose a nice looking trap but once in it we are caught unless we humble ourselves and seek the Lord's assistance. I see many caught in the trap of possessions, wanting an easy life. This is a trap of soul destroying numbness. I am not saying possessions are wrong but the life of pursuit of possessions as a god is wrong. This god has a cost and his payment will be required and when it is it will be a shock.  I would rather seeking the Kingdom of God and allowing Him to lead and direct my paths. Amen! His cost I know, die to self and live for His plans and purposes and then all these things will be added, but there are no traps. Amen!

Fools mock at making restitution, but there is goodwill among the upright. Proverbs 14:9   The thought of even giving back that which is borrowed would rankle the foolish, let alone replacing that which has been stolen or destroyed.   In 2012 I was boarding with a couple whilst awaiting for my accommodation to be available. One day the woman came to me and told me I had ruined her wok by using olive oil instead of another oil. I had not seen a difference in her wok, it seemed not to have changed to me, but then I was not the owner.   I had noticed how this woman watched me constantly whilst in her kitchen and knew she had precious attitudes to her possessions. At the time I could ill afford to buy her a new pan but I immediately offered and went on-line and found her make of wok and bought a new one. I was fortunate to find a bargain. Her pan was normally around $150.00, I bought it for around $60.   Replacing the wok gave the woman satisfaction and ...

A mocker seeks wisdom and does not find it, but knowledge comes easily to the perceptive. Stay away from a foolish man; you will gain no knowledge from his speech. The sensible man's wisdom is to consider his way, but the stupidity of fools deceives them. Fools mock at making restitution, but there is goodwill among the upright. Proverbs 14:6-9   We see a proliferation of those who profess they can lead us to wisdom, movies are made of them and suddenly Buddas begin appearing and fools buy them. If we are determined to find wisdom on our own terms, to be Lord of our own lives, then we will make some foolish choices when the best choice we can ever make is Christ.   Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, the life, no man comes to the Father but by Me." John 14:6   We hear it, but do we believe it? In all things He is Lord, all things. I can trust Him for all things, all things!!   The sensible man's wisdom is to consider his way. I must consider ...

A wise man's instruction is a fountain of life, turning people away from the snares of death. Proverbs 13:14 Seeking and wanting instruction is important. We may need instruction on many things but only see our need in the area of getting and be blind to the important areas of character.   Today I talked to two young men, both were blind to more than what appeared on the surface. one saw no need for relationship and worked on what mattered to him, he has problems in the area of relationship but still des all he knows and does not realise that by asking questions he would find answers.   The other young man carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. I told him I saw this and that to overcome he first had to kill self-pity. He left felling sorry for himself.   Oh the need for insight and understanding. Our God has both stored up for us, waiting for us to ask and ever ready to give them to us.   I knew what I was speaking about to the second y...

Arrogance leads to nothing but strife, but wisdom is gained by those who take advice. Wealth obtained by fraud will dwindle, but whoever earns it through labour will multiply. Proverbs 13: 10,11   Why are people arrogant? Often with a false sense of self-importance, we can be deceived to thinking we are awesome when we are blessed. Humility leads to life, pride to a fall. It is said that someone who has been treated badly as a child, or perceived that this was the case, with try and dominate through arrogance to maintain the 'me first' syndrome.   I know the times that I am nervous I am louder and speak out of turn. I am also loud when excited. The rest of the time I maintain respect for others. However, arrogance is cruel to others, puts them down and firmly in their places, underneath the arrogant.   How does God view things? If we saw as He sees there would be no need for arrogance, we would be quietly confident that He is doing a good thing in us. ...

There is life in the path of righteousness, but another path leads to death. Proverbs 12:28 What is righteousness? It sure isn't something that comes from my flesh but lives in my spirit. If I abide in Christ, and He abides in me, He tells me I can ask whatever I wish and it will be done. 'Life' is more than breathing in out, in out. Life is being alive as God intended for us to be alive. We do not realise we have been shadows until we see ourselves in the light. We are told to 'walk in the light as He is in the light,' by John, in 1 John 7. What does walking in the 'light' look like? Bright! Brilliant! Alive, living! He made us alive when we were dead in our sin (Ephesians 2:5). Being a Christian is living, not existing and hanging on to the bitter end. We are exhorted to choose life, it doesn't just happen, it is a daily choice. Seek Him until you find this life and then live! Amen!

A lazy man doesn't roast his game, but to a diligent man, his wealth is precious. Proverbs 12:27 Fully appreciating what blessing you receive and seeing it as it is, seed, is important. I cannot waste my seed on foolish pursuits, I cannot consume it all myself but conversely I must know what proportion to sow. Any funds that come in are not mine to spend on whatever I want. I cannot allow my mind to be trapped by the lusts of this world. I must understand what my God sees as enough and not lust for what my neighbour has. I have seed to sow so that more may come. Knowing what is seed and what is mine is important. If I sow everything then I starve, yet if I eat everything now I starve tomorrow. Where do I sow? I sow in giving and I sow in business or investment. Just because you are a wage earner don't assume you do not need to sow. Your Heavenly Father is not on a wage but He sows, constantly. Another thing, you need to know tht your Father has an abundance, a lotto may offer $...

A city is built up by the blessing of the upright, but it is torn down by the mouth of the wicked. Proverbs 11:11 I see myself as an integral part of the protection and blessing on my city. I love my city.  Whilst away and visiting friends they invited me to move to be where they are. When I returned from my trip my mother informed me that she, my brother and sister-in-law were moving. My mother said, "I believe you will move to Brisbane." I replied, "No, I have no desire to move to Brisbane." When I arrived back at my home, went for a walk with my dogs and talked to my neighbors I knew I loved this place and I will stay. I love my country clients, I love the plains surrounded by hills and until God moves me, I stay. My attitude for staying is rooted in many things, first and foremost God. I love my church, the people of Tamworth, the people who work for me and my clients. I am committed to loving Tamworth and doing all I can for it's blessing and future. I pray...

When the whirlwind passes, the wicked are no more, but the righteous are secure forever. Proverbs 10:25 There are times when the earthquakes strike, the typhoon threatens and the house is challenged. What have I built upon? Is the house secure? The house is my life. What has been the foundation of my life? If I build upon anything but Christ, them I build on sand. Daily I am coerced, brow-beaten to succumb to anything but Christ. Do I listen or do I turn my face and set it like a flint to where I am going?  We are deceived if we accept the counterfeit. Anything but Christ is the counterfeit. Learning to walk with an ear to Christ is the challenge. Amen. However, it is doable. Just seek Him first! Amen!

The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. Proverbs 10:11 I have within me the storehouse of righteousness in the Holy Spirit who lives within. As I live, in Christ, I have access to his life-giving words. I can choose to speak those words and see life come into my world. Living out of te flesh is living out of wickedness. Wickedness involves taking not giving. Taking is violent and it hurts those it touches. We see acts of extreme violence in the brutal slayings in Iraq and Syria by the IS proponents, yet if I live in the flesh I inflict violence even on my children and grandchildren. It is easy to do. It is the selfish, lazy thing to do. I must choose life, daily. Amen!

The woman Folly is rowdy; she is gullible and knows nothing. She sits by the doorway of her house, on a seat at the highest point of the city, calling out to those who pass by, who go straight ahead on their paths; "whoever is inexperienced enter here!" To the one who lacks sense, she says, "Stolen water is sweet and bread eaten secretly is tasty!" But he doesn't know that the departed spirits are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol. Proverbs 9:13-18 Folly is everywhere! You see it a lot on Facebook. Some things that never should be made public are made public and one day the people who share it will regret it. Folly is impetuous, emotional and irrational. The young are particularly susceptible. I see my role as a stable friend who gently steers the course, in the lives of the young. If I react and shout, I lose. I can, as an older person, lovingly guide, rather than complain. I have grace a plenty given to me. I am sure I can lavish it around some...

The fear of The Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For by wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. If you are wise, you are wise for your own benefit, if you mock, you alone will bear the consequences. Proverbs 9:10-12 Being a Christian in name only is not wise, living with a healthy fear of The Lord, is wise. What is a fear of The Lord? Is God all about being a big ogre? No! Our God is all about love and relationship. The word fear here has to do with respect and honour. Let me give an example. Last night I met with a family to help the daughter, the apple of her parent's eye, take out superannuation. This girl is 19, and her mother wants her to have her own financial planner and save responsibly. As I sat talking to this family and questioning the daughter I recognized the best of both parents in the girl. She had a clear head, wisdom was already growing inside her. The girl's father walked in, afte...

Doesn't wisdom call out? Doesn't understanding make her voice heard? at the heights overlooking the road, at the crossroads, she takes her stand. Beside the gates at the entry to the city, at the main entrance, she cries out: "People, I call out to you; my cry is to mankind. Learn to be shrewd, you who are inexperienced; develop common sense, you who are foolish. Listen, I speak of noble things, and what my lips say is right. For my mouth tells the truth, and wickedness is detestable to my lips. all the words of my mouth are righteous; none of them are deceptive or perverse, and right to those who discover knowledge. Proverbs 8:18   Wisdom is a person. All wisdom can be found in Christ not in a philosophy or teaching of man. Men can help but ultimate knowledge comes from God. James tells us: 'if anyone lacks wisdom let him ask God who gives to all generously and without criticising, and it will be given to him.' (James 1:5) I do not need to sit on a mountain i...

Now my sons, listen to me, and pay attention to the words of my mouth. Don't let your heart turn aside to her (the loose woman) ways; don't stray onto her paths. For she has brought many down to death; her victims are countless, her house is the road to Sheol, descending to the chambers of death. Proverbs 7:24-27   The earlier passages in this chapter talk of an adulteress whose husband is away and she is out on the street luring young men into her bed. The young man foolishly strays into her path.   There are many traps for the gullible and foolish, the adulteress is but one. However, sex is a huge motivator, especially for young men (or should I say, all men).   If we could but see into the spirit realm, spirits, evil spirits, control certain addictions and it is they who are setting the traps, the woman is just the meat. I have sensed, in the spirit, an evil spirit at work, in this exact area.   I remember once a woman came into a church we w...

My son, obey my words, and treasure my commands. Keep my commands and live; Protect my teachings as the pupil of your eye. Tie them to your fingers; write them on the tablets of your heart. Say to wisdom, "You are my sister," and call understanding your relative. she will keep you from a forbidden woman, a stranger with her flattering talk. Proverbs 7: 1-5   We know from scripture Solomon's sons did not take his teaching to heart, I wonder who did? It is rare to find someone who wants to know truth, without the Holy Spirit being involved, in fact, unless He calls, no one listens.   So then who can benefit from the wisdom in this book? A person who has a heart for truth. I know there was a time that I did not have such a heart and had to pray that the Lord would give me a heart for truth.   I can choose my own way or seek the Lord for His way. His way is not easier, in fact it is full of challenges, but it changes me. I am going to a future of His making. My t...

For a command is a lamp, teaching is a light, and corrective discipline is the way to life. Proverbs 6:23   Many young people would tell you that rules and regulations are painful and they glaze over when someone tries to instruct them. However, to obtain a drivers licence the young person needs to learn the road handbook and pass a test. If they are caught speeding, the law allows the police to remove their licence to drive and if necessary put them in jail.   Today I travelled on the Bruce Highway to visit friends in Maroochydore. along the way there were signs that indicated the legal speed. However, many went at a speed they chose, in other words they were a law unto themselves. At least twice I saw a policeman pull over people who decided to create their own law. Their law did not stand up to the law the policeman was upholding because the policeman had authority, the driver did not.   The above scripture calls upon a young person to accept the law as gi...

My son, if you have put up security for your neighbour or entered into an agreement with a stranger, you have been trapped by the words of your lips- ensnared by the words of your mouth. Do this, then, my son, and free yourself, for you have put yourself in your neighbour's power: go humble yourself, and plead with your neighbour. Don't give sleep to your eyes or slumber to you eyelids. Escape like a gazelle from a hunter, like a bird from a fowler's trap. Proverbs 6:1-5   As a mortgage broker I understand that what the son has done is go guarantor for a neighbour or a stranger. Going guarantor is inadvisable even in close family relationships unless there are strict guidelines in place. Assets that parents have scrimped and saved for can quickly be wasted on a child with slack standards let alone a neighbour.   This is a difficult situation. As a parent of a young adult you will want to help them get started in life, the first purchase is usually a car. I know bo...

My son, pay attention to my wisdom; listen closely to my understanding so that you may maintain discretion and your lips safeguard knowledge. Proverbs 5:1,2 Every parent hopes that by raising children in 'the way they should go', would ensure that their values become the values of their children. Unfortunately this is not so. For whatever reason, children form their own frame of reference. If they rebel against parental influence they will adopt peer values. When children grow and are married they merge with their spouse's values. Parents will look at their adult children and see a composite of all that went into moulding their children's characters. As a parent with adult children I have had to step back and allow for the merging and not give advice, unsolicited. My opinion is only valuable is sought. I also have to be careful that unspoken opinions are not evident as, daughter-in-laws that were not raised in my home will take offense, when none is intended. I watch th...

Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flows the springs of life. Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you. Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or the left; Turn your foot away from evil. Proverbs 4:23-24 When treated badly this is the time to keep your heart; your heart wants to lash out in self-defence; it cries unfair, whilst it bleeds; this is the very time to restrain it, remind it, your God is bigger and His plan is better. It is pain there is a seed of hope, of light, of future, if you will look. Look into the pool, look deeply and see the seed, what does it look like? What does it represent? Rejection can be a blessing. Are you needing to be somewhere else? Is God directing you further afield? Trust Him! He alone is God. Wait for Him! Amen!

When I was a son with my father, tender and precious to my mother, he taught me and said: "Your heart must hold on to my words. Keep my commands and live. Get wisdom, get understanding; don't forget or turn away from the words of my mouth. Don't abandon wisdom, and she will watch over you; love her and she will guard you. Wisdom is supreme-so get wisdom. and whatever else you get, get understanding. Cherish her and she will exalt you; if you embrace her she will honour you. She will place a garland of grace on your head; she will give you a crown of beauty. Proverbs 4:3-9 In 1 Kings 3 we see Solomon we see in verse 5 God come to Solomon in a dream and ask him what he wanted God to do for him. Solomon asks: ' give your servant an obedient heart to judge your and to discern between good and evil.' In other words Solomon asked for wisdom. He had heeded King David when he was told to seek wisdom and understanding. Solomon was the wisest man that ever lived in all ...

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide your paths. Don't consider yourself to be wise; fear the Lord and turn away from evil. This will be healing to your body and strengthening to your bones. Honour the Lord with your possessions and with the first produce of your entire harvest; then your barns will be completely filled, and your vats will overflow with new wine. Proverbs 3:5-10   What promises! By trusting in the Lord and honouring Him with the first produce, I will receive: Guidance on my path Healing for my body Strengthening for my bones Completely filled barns Overflowing vats Trusting the Lord means screening out the noise. The noise that tells me how I should live and what's in it for me. The noise I have to deal with is: judgement, condemnation, criticism and all of this goes on in my head.   The better at screening out the noise I get, the more ...

Never let loyalty am faithfulness leave you. Tie them around your neck; Write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will find favour and high regard in the sight of God and man. Proverbs 3:3,4 This is how to win friends and influence people. Much as been written about this subject. People will go to all lengths to win friends without changing themselves, they will attempt flattery, bribery, manipulation and control but all that is required is loyalty and faithfulness. Loyalty and faithfulness need writing on our hearts and tying around our necks because they are so easily lost or dispensed wirh. Retention of these two don't just happen they are worked at, kept sacred in relationship. The accuser will attempt to separate us, the condemner will make us feel unworthy but we have to ride out that storm and believe in those we are in relationship with, we need to trust God for His hand in their lives and His outcome. Amen!

He is a shield to those who live with integrity so that He may guard the paths of justice and protect the way of His loyal followers. Then you will understand righteousness, justice, and integrity-every good path. For wisdom will enter your mind, and knowledge will delight your heart. Discretion will watch over you, and understanding will guard you, rescuing you from the way of evil- from the one who says perverse things, from those who abandon the right paths to walk in the ways of darkness, from those who enjoy doing evil and celebrate perversion, whose paths are crooked, and whose ways are devious. Proverbs 2:7-15 Last night I listened to a message by Kris Vallotton from Bethel Church in Redding, USA. Kris was talking about the scripture in Matthew 7:23 in which Jesus tells a group of people, 'begone from me for I never knew you.' The point being that God knows everything and is everywhere but is not invited to know a person who acts independently of Him.  In the ...

My son if you accept my words and store up commands within you, listening closely to wisdom and directing your heart to understanding; furthermore if you call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it like hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and discover knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:1-5 As I read this I am fully aware that without a God encounter men will not seek this, they will be content with what they know, their own strength and their own way. What makes someone desire God's way? I ran in my own strength and understanding for 19 years before God came to me and led me to Himself and more than I could have possibly imagine. It was this God encounter that started me on the path of hunger for more of Him and His wisdom. Although I had had a God encounter at age 4 this led me on the path to search for Him, the next encounter led me to Him and a relationship with Him. Out of the relationshi...

It foolish to spread a net where any bird can see it, but they set an ambush to kill themselves; they attack their own lives. Such is the path of all those who make profit dishonestly; it takes the lives of those who receive it. Proverbs 1:17-19 An animal who sees a net, knows to avoid it, unless very young, very old or ill. A wicked person, caught in self-destruction, do not have the ability to turn away. People caught in dishonesty need a divine encounter for them to change, they are trapped like a bird in the snare of the fowler, but praise God we have a redeemer who breaks all chains. Our God is good! His love endures forever! All men can know and be free, no one is too wicked or beyond redemption. Amen!

Wisdom calls out in the street; she raises her voice in the public squares. She cries out above the commotion; She speaks at the entrance of the city gates: How long, foolish ones, will you love ignorance? How long will you mockers enjoy mocking and fools hate knowledge? If you respond to my warning, Then I will pour my spirit out on you and teach you my words. Proverbs 1:20-23 It is intere sting  that wisdom is found in ordinary places, in the street, public squares, in the din and commotion, but who would think to look for it there. Wisdom is commonly associated with teachers, gurus, priests who hide themselves away from the din and commotion, being above it, somehow. We do not think to look for wisdom in the noise, but it is there. In our lives the noise and commotion seems to dominate and say, "No wisdom found here, just drudgery, work, work, work." Yet it is there and we can seek it. In the family noise, the dramas, the misunderstandings, it can be foun...