The day with dianne Louise

Immediately He made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side, while He dismissed the crowds. After dismissing the crowds, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening came He was there alone. But the boat was already over a mile from land, battered by the waves, because the wind was against them. Around three in the morning, He came towards them walkin on the sea. Matthew 14:22-25 Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and leave. He was left to dismiss the crowd. Have you ever dismissed a crowd? They find all sorts of reasons to talk to you, it can take quite a while. Yet Jesus chose to do this alone. Why? Perhaps it was how He liked it or perhaps He was giving the disciples a break. Some break. There were only a mile from land when Jesus went up the mountain to pray. Many hours later, at 3am whilst they were still struggling to made headway, He came walking on the water. Now why didn't they try that! Today I was training a new recrui...

When evening came, the disciples approached Him and said, "This place is a wilderness, and it is already late. Send the crowds away so they can go into the village and buy food for themselves." "They don't need to go away," Jesus told them, "You give them something to eat." "But we only have five loaves and two fish here, " they said to Him. "Bring them here to Me," He said. Then He commanded the crowd to sit down on the grass, He took the five loaves and two fish, and looking to heaven, He blessed them. He broke the loaves and gave the to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. Everyone ate and was filled. Then they picked up 12 baskets full of leftover pieces! Now thiose who ate were about 5,000 men, beside women and children. Matthew 14:15-21 I have had times of very little and were expecting guests but rather than panick I looked for what I had and prepared it. What amazed me it became much and there was an abu...

"You, then, listen to the parable of the sower: when anyone hears the word about the kingdom and doesn't understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is down in his heart. This is the one sown along the path.  And the one sown on rocky ground- this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy. Yet he has no root in himself, but is short- lived. When pressure or persecution comes because of the word, immediately he stumbles. Now the one who is sown among the thorns- this is the one who hears the word, but the worries of this age and the seduction of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.  But the one sown on good ground- this is the one who hears and understands the word, who does bear fruit and yields: some 100, some 60, some 30 times what was sown." Matthew 13:18-23 Like me you may have heard this parable many, many times. But are you also like me and ask: "What new can you show me Lord?" I hope so, for here it is: W...

Then the disciples came up and asked Him, "why do you speak to them in parables?" He answered them, "Because the secrets of the Kingdom of heaven have been given to you to know, but it has not been given to them. For the reason I speak to them in parables, because looking they do not see, and hearing they do not listen or understand. Isaiah's prophesy was fulfilled in them, which says: You will listen and listen, And never understand; And you will look and look, yet never perceive.  For this people's heart has grown callous; Their ears hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes; Otherwise they might see with their eyes and hear with their ears, Understand with their hearts and turn back- And I would cure them. Matthew 13:10,11;13-15 I am praying for such people. That they might hear and see. Lord give them ears to hear, eyes to see and hearts to respond. I see many in my world who are like these. I know it took people praying for me to bring me to Christ. I a...

Anyone who is not with Me is against Me, and anyone who does not gather with Me scatters. Matthew 12:30,31 The first part of this I get. People who don't accept Jesus are against Him, even the passive who like to do their own thing. The second I must take to heart. If I am not consciously gathering, then I am scattering. This part applies to the passive, just for me, Christian. I can't allow society to intimidate me. I was invited to dinner by a neighbour in Friday night and as natural as eating and drinking I spoke about my faith.  Last night I had neighbours over and somehow church came up and I spoke about where I go and what I do. One of my guests had visited my church but did not like it, he was a catholic. I explained that I was raised a catholic. At the early stage of the night there were just three of us. Later my Indian friends came. My guests enjoyed the night. I am looking to consolidate our friendships over time. All I did was be friendly. I am gathering. There was ...

 Moving on from there, He entered their synagogue. Then He saw a man who had a paralysed hand. And in order to accuse Him they asked Him, "is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?" But He said to them, "what man among you, if he had a sheep that fell into a pit on the Sabbath, wouldn't take hold of it and lift it out?" A man is worth far more than a sheep, so it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath." Then He told the man, "stretch out your hand. So he stretched it out, and it was restored, as good as the other. But the Pharisees went out and plotted against Him, how they might destroy Him. Matthew 12:9-14 We have just had a state election here in NSW, Australia. The opposition parties to the one that had held office resorted to stretching the truth to gain attention. They were happy to bend truth to get a result. Jesus represented heart and the Pharisees represented law. In the face of their saviour, they chose the lie to retain their opinions about how thi...

At that time Jesus passed through the grain fields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick and eat some heads of grain. But when the Pharisees saw it, they said to Him, "Look, Your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath!" He said to them, "haven't you read what David did when he and those who were with him were hungry- how he entered the house of God, and they ate the sacred bread, which is not lawful for him or those with Him to eat, but only for the priests? Or haven't you read in the Law that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple violate the Sabbath and are innocent? But I tell you that something greater than the temple is here! If you had known what this means: I desire mercy and not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the innocent. For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath." Matthew 121-8 Are you precious about how you do church? Do you become offended when the homosexuals come in? Do you treat them l...

Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. All of you, take Up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30 Now I know I am weary and burdened at times and to me the simple act of coming to the Lord is a means of obtaining rest. I know I come to the Lord but do not always obtain rest. Why not? I would say the problem must be mine, because I know the Lord intends me to have rest. My challenge then is to unload all my current understanding and delve into His so that I can shed all wrong thinking, permanently. Jesus then says: "take up My yoke and learn from Me." There you have it. This seems to indicate we need to learn right processing. He then says His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Let's let go of all we currently believe and try something new! Amen! It might prove to be an enjoyable adventure. 

"Are You the One who is to come, or should we expect someone else?" Matthew 11:3 This question is one that a lot of people would be asking. When we expect Jesus to act and behave a certain way and are disappointed we begin to re-evaluate Him. This past week I had someone tell me that they had believed God would protect them from bankruptcy because they had been good tithers. Keeping the tithe but breaking other principles can find us in a mess. Many who have given their lives for the church find their children walking away. Many who started in youthful exuberance find they are spending their days in sad reflection. John the Baptist had started well and was now in jail. Why did not Jesus rescue him? John was in jail because he dared to confront Herod. He was trapped by a consequence he did not see coming or did not believe possible and now he was re-evaluating. We must find our saviour again, in our mess and disappointment. What does He want to do in us? Where is He taking us?...

The one who welcomes you welcomes Me, and the one who welcomes Me welcomes Him who sent Me. Anyone who welcomes a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward. And anyone who welcomes a righteous person because he's righteous will receive a righteous person's reward. And whoever gives just a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is a disciple- I assure you: he will never lose his reward. Matthew 10:40-42 You never know when you are receiving a reward for something you have done. Yet give recognition, honour people for who they are, give when it is in your power to do so, smile and speak well to others.there are times I sense a God moment, He wants me to love, to share, to give, to honour. It is important that I understand I need to honour people God is honouring. I cannot be so preoccupied with me that I miss opportunities. This week, as last week, the front of my office has been crowded with politicians and their assistants. Some I wou...

Look, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as serpents and harmless as doves. Matthew 10:16 The challenge is being able to see inside a person. What does God see? There are people I meet that I see the hurt and pain, there are others I see villainy and avoid them. A suave looking man or woman means nothing, what is in their heart, where are they positioned in regards to things of God. A person may say they want nothing to do with God, but sometimes there is grace there for them and they have an opportunity. I remember nursing such a woman. She was rich and a toff but I loved her because God loved her. She did not frighten me, in fact I laughed at her. I saw a different person to most. Most did not like her or tried to impress her. For a period of about two years God gave her time to come to Him but she refused. She died blind in a nursing home, all her spoils meant nothing, she was despised and unloved. When I sense God's grace toward a person, I pre...

Summoning the twelve disciples, He gave them authority over unclean spirits, to drive them out and to heal every disease and sickness. As you go, announce this, 'The Kingdom of heaven has come near.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, and cleanse those with skin diseases, drive out demons, you hav received free of charge: give free of charge. Don't take along gold, silver or copper for your money belts. Don't take a travelling bag for the road, or an extra shirt, sandals, or walking stick, for the worker is worthy of his food. When you enter a town or village, find out who is worthy, and stay there until you leave. Greet ahousehold when you enter it, and if the household is worthy, let your peace be upon it. But if the household is worthy let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you and listen to you shake the dust off your feet when you leave that house or town. Matthew 10:1;7-14 This would require faith. Not taking along money, food or clothing, expecting ...

Then Jesus went to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness. When He saw the crowds, He felt compassion for them, because they were weary and worn out, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to the disciples, "The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. Therefore pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into the harvest. Matthew 9:35-38 The harvest is plentiful but we don't see it. Why is that? Perhaps we are looking out through the wrong window. Perhaps we have crafted a mindset on what that should look like and when we don't see it, we say, it isn't there. Yet, if we walk in our calling, get into His heart and slow down and walk into our community, with eyes wide open, we see them. They are there. Lost!!! I am surrounded with divorcees. As I walk my dogs they come out of the woodwork. Because I am friendly I am striking up conversation I am find...

As Jesus went out from there, two blind men followed Him, shouting, "Have mercy on us Son of David!" When He entered the house, the blind men approached Him, and Jesus said to them, "Do you believe I can do this?" "Yes, Lord," they answered Him. Then He touched their eyes, saying, "Let it be done for you according to your faith!" And their eyes were opened. Matthew 9:27-30 Opening blind eyes and unstopping deaf ears is all what Jesus is about. My prayer is that the deaf will hear and the blind will see. For this to happen they have to be apprehended, stopped in their tracks and made aware of their plight. I am talking about spiritual blindness and spiritual deafness.  We have an enemy who keeps us so busy we cannot see our plight but an act of God stops time and allows us to understand our need. This is a time of revelation. I am praying for souls, that the time of peace will come, the time of revelation. The time when the grace of God comes into...

As He was telling them these things, suddenly one of the leaders, came and knelt down before ahim saying, "My daughter is near death, but come lay Your hands on her and she will live." So Jesus and His disciples got up and followed him. Matthew 9:18,19 Jesus had just been teaching about the new wine needing new wine skins, not old, when up comes a man who represents the old and he kneels before Him. This was a new thing. The man recognised Jesus as having authority to heal and by kneeling he was making Him a Lord. Men and women in ministry cannot hang on to the old. When God moves in a new way they must embrace the new and flow with Him. It is important to recognise what is new in God and not try and install what is new in man's thinking. There is a constant tension to secularise the church, to water down standards given us by the bible. The bible is the word of God, no compromise. But what can be new is how the Lord chooses to reach out. When He brings freedom, we are tr...

But Jesus turned and saw her, "Have courage daughter," He said, "Your faith has made you well." And the woman was made well from that moment. Matthew 9:22 This woman had been suffering with blood loss for 12 years. She has spent all she had on doctors and still had bled. Because the law stated that such a woman was unclean she was not supposed to be in the crowd and so took a risk. But she had seen Jesus, heard Him and knew, this was her chance to be whole. Jesus' response was beautiful. "Take courage daughter, your faith has made you well!" When determined and desperate He is our answer, He is our provider. Amen! This woman may have stepped out to trust many times and failed but now Jesus tells her to take courage, this time her answer has comes. We need to take courage to step out again and receive what has been promised. Amen!

Then John's disciples came to Him and said, "Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast? Matthew 9:14 John had blasted the Pharisees because they were a 'brood of vipers.' Yet they had continued to practice fasting that the Pharisees gloried in. Did John's disciples also glory in fasting? Were they proud that they fasted? We're they then envious that the disciples did not fast, were they judgemental or inquisitive? In walking into salvation we can still retain old religious ways. I grew up a catholic and learned a lot of religious ways. There were some things I liked, like holy cards, these carried images of Jesus, Mary and the so called saints. I don't know why I liked them but I did. Yet I was happy to drop rosary beads because I have found non-ritualistic prayer and loved it. I was never fond of praying to Mary anyway. The rosary consists of mostly praying to Mary and an 'Our Father,' thrown in every set. Oh how glad I...

As Jesus went out from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office, and He said to him, "Follow Me!" So he got up and followed Him. While He was reclining at the table in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came as guests to eat with Jesus and His disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" Matthew 9:9-11 Matthew is writing this about himself. This is a first hand account. It is not an emotive account but I wonder what was going on in his heart. The Pharisees saw him as a 'sinner', but Jesus, the light of the world came by and called him, a sinner, to follow Him. What a lightness of spirit Matthew would have experienced, what joy, what unbelievable joy! The natural thing to do in such a situation is to have a party. He invites all his colleagues to come and dine with his new found Lord. I remember the day I found Christ and invited Him into my heart, I d...

At that, the whole town went out to meet Jesus. When they saw Him, they begged Him to leave their region. Matthew 8:34 Jesus had just set the two demoniac free form all the demons that troubled them. The demons went into a herd of pigs and went into the sea. Why did they ask Jesus to leave? Here was the greatest thing to come their way, salvation was here yet they ask Him to leave. Perhaps they were frightened, perhaps content with the way things were. When freedom comes our way we are challenged with it. What will we do? Are we hungry for truth, hungry for change? Or are we too threatened by the truth and run away? Today we start DivorceCare and I am going to present truth to the group.  What will they do with It? Will they receive it with open arms or run? Or perhaps stand and fight for their opinion? I pray for truth to penetrate all who hear it. Amen!

So he got into a boat, crossed over, and came to His own home town. Just then some men brought to ahim a paralytic lying on a mat. Seeing their faith, Jesus told the paralytic, "Have courage son, your sins are forgiven." Matthew 9:1,2 Why did Jesus say this? I wonder if the ill man was concerned about his sinful state. Perhaps he thought his sins would preclude him from healing. Jesus always addresses the main thing. To this man sin was an issue. Matthew indicated that he and his friends had faith, yet, he must have doubted. Do you doubt your healing? Have you waited a long time to be healed? Because you are still ill do you create reasons in your mind why God has not healed you? Easy to do, isn't it? I've done it. Yet there are times for every thing and in the right time your answer will come. Hang in there! Press in! Amen!

When Jesus saw large crowds around He gave the order to go to the other side of the sea. Matthew 8:18,19 Jesus had preached to thousands, healed the leper, Simon Peter's mother-in-law, the demon possessed and the sick. Now He needed time out. The disciples needed time out. Jesus was not bothered by the storm, in fact He went to sleep in the storm. The storms do not bother Jesus, they bother us. Perhaps we need to take a leaf out of His book and look for storms to sleep through. I know I love the sound of rain on the roof. I am part way there. I was just handed a storm in a teacup. Here is a good place to start rather than be angry with the person who was creating it.

When He entered Capernaum, a Centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, "Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, in terrible agony!" "I will come and heal him," He told him. " Lord," he replied, "I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. But only say the word, and my servant will be cured." Matthew 8:5-8 Here was a heathen with more faith that the Israelites. Jesus later commended him saying, " I assure you: I have not found anyone in Israel with so great a faith!" Jesus goes on the say that the people who ahe came for, because of their unbelief, would be cast into outer darkness but many such as the Centurion would be welcomed in. In my work I am constantly looking for those who believe I will add value to their lives. The same applies in the kingdom. Only those who recognise their need will open up and receive the best gift of all, eternal life and friendship with a loving God. Amen!

When Jesus went into Peter's house, He saw his mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. So He touched her hand, and the fever left her. Then she got up and began to serve Him. Matthew 8:14,15 Compassion and genuine love compelled our saviour. This is His desire for us, that we would forget ourselves, walking other people's situations and bring hope. In a small way I am experiencing this. I am not praying for the sick but in a way I am mistering to them. My community is sick with the malaise of self-centerdness. Me, me, me is their cry. On the 28th of the month we go to the polls to elect out next state government. This last week we have had a pre-poll office set up beside our office. The candidates and their representative stand right out the front of our office. Staff were complaining but I said, "No we will minister to them!" These people stand all day in the sun. It is tiring and having to be nice to people who don't necessarily like you is draining. Each day I...

When He came down from the mountain, large crowds followed Him. Right away a man with a serious skin disease came up and knelt before Him, saying, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." Reaching out His hand He touched him, saying, "I am willing; be made clean." Matthew 8:1-3 Jesus had just preached to the crowd. There was no indication that He intended to heal, or could heal. This man, desperate to be clean, as he probably was a leper, reached out to Jesus in faith. He allowed that Jesus could refuse. He had probably collected a line of so called healers who would not or could not heal him but here was a man he knew could heal him. I find that when I am most desperate I am healed. When I am most hungry for God, I am filled. Jesus is the same today. If you are desperate and are focussed on Jesus, you will be healed. Amen! Jesus did not need to touch the leper, but in an act of compassion He reached out and touched him and then said, "I am willing, b...

Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on the rock. The rain fell, the river rose, and the winds blew and pounded that house. Yet it did not collapse, because it's foundation was on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and doesn't act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rains fell, the rivers rose, the winds blew and pounded that house, and it collapsed. And it's collapse was great!" Matthew 7:24-27 All over the world we see natural disasters strike. Where houses are not built well and on good foundations they collapse and they then need to be rebuilt. In some cases, no matter what they are built of, they collapse because of the mangitude of the storm, earthquake or fire. However, we understand this word picture. Now let's apply it to our lives. If I constantly hear the message about Christ and refuse to yield, there will come a day when a...

Beware of false prophets who come in sheep clothing but inwardly are ravaging wolves. You'll recognise them by their fruit. Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? In the same way every good tree produces good fruit, but a bad tree produces bad fruit. A good tree doesn't produce bad fruit; neither can a bad tree produce good fruit. Every tree that doesn't produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. So you'll recognise them by their fruit. Not everyone who says to Me, "Lord, Lord! Will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of My Father in heaven. On that day many will say to Me, "Lord, Lord, didn't we prophesy in Your name, drive out demons in Your name?" Then I will announce to them, "I never knew you! depart from Me, you lawbreakers!" Matthew 7:15-23 In verse 13 Jesus was telling us that we have to seek the narrow way, for it leads to life and the broad way to destruction. Now...

"Enter through the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the road is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who go through it. How narrow the road that leads to life, and few find it." Matthew 7:13,14 Ready to give up childish demands? I want to be happy! I want to enjoy life! I want plenty of money! I want to be fit and able to eat what I want! And the list goes on and on. Do you realise there is no accountability here? There is a gross lack of maturity. Jesus told His disciples to 'take up their cross, and follow Him.' Take up your cross and obey. Doesn't sound like a fun trip does it? Ever watched adventurers climb through narrow passes, up almost vertical mountains and wish you had their glory? To get the prize you have to endure something. What are you going to endure? Ah! So now you don't really want the prize you would rather be a couch potatoe? The truth is, we will never find the life Jesus speaks about unless we endure something, follow ...

Keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who searches finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7,8 Wisdom, provision and all of Gods presence await us. We can choose to stumble along in ourselves or seek Him. Do you know the joy of finding Him? I remember the first day I found Him. What joy! Now as I seek for more of Him I find more. The book of James tells us to ask for wisdom. I don't know about you but I sure need it. I find that He does not dispense it like a flood, but little by little. I am constantly hungry for more. My God"s provision comes with Him. If He comes, He brings it. Revelation comes with His presence. New paths come with His presence. Don't seek the provision without the provider, you will miss out. By the way if you are wanting to experience God's presence there is a Presence Conference here i...

Don't give what is holy to dogs or toss your pearls before pigs, or they will trample them under their feet, turn and tear you to pieces. Matthew 7:6 Do you know who the dogs are, or the pigs, for that matter? A pack of dogs behave differently to a pet. They hunt, and they kill. They are not seeking friendship, companionship, just food. Have you ever exposed you heart to a pack of dogs only to have them ridicule you and tear your precious faith to pieces? What are you doing with wild dogs? Wild pigs are big, ugly brutes that eat everything, and are very aggressive. They kill easily. They know how to play dead and lull you into a false sense of security and just when you are taken by the lie they jump up and run at you with their tusks. Too close, you will be badly injured. What are you doing hanging out with wild pigs? Wild animals want food, you might be it, so might your pearls. Wisdom dictates: stay away! If wolves come dressed in sheeps clothing, what do pigs and dogs do? I hav...

Do not judge, so that you won't be judged. For wih the judgement you use, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye but don't notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, "Let me take the speck out of your eye, and look, there's a log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First take the log out of your eye, then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. Matthew 7:1-5 Ah! Judgement again! And again I need to hear it. How subtle it is when wronged. I have been challenged lately about this. If God puts my sins in the sea of forgetfulness, why do I put the sins of others in the sea of remberance? May there be no more rubbish come out of my mouth. I am about to conduct a new DivorceCare course and I am convicted to not rubbish my ex-husband. Last week I had a cousin visit who was recently separated from her husband and, as you do, we got to tal...

This is why I tell you: Don't worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn't life more than food and the body more than clothing? Matthew 6:25 This verse follows on from Jesus telling his disciples that they could not serve God and money. Why do we serve money? To get stuff. If we are therefore, not worried about food, clothing and drink, then we will not be so concerned about money. The more we yield these things to God, the more peace we have, the more freedom we experience and the more joy, because our worlds are in order, His order. When we have fondness for particular foods and drinks and cannot get them we feel sorry for ourselves. Conversely, when we are not given to having a set coffee, from a set coffee shop, then we are free. If we are free to drink water, for instance, then we really appreciate cool, clear water and are grateful. Gratitude is tied up in freedom. The freer we are from bondange to food and...

No one can be a slave to two masters, since either he will hate one and love the other or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot be a slave of God and money. Matthew 6:24 How does this equate for the Christian? We alll work at some stage and for that work receive money. How can someone 'love money'? Growing up in the 60's I love to read comic books. One of these was Richie Rich. Richie was very rich and very humble with it. One could say he did not love money. But then the next question arises, who is the person who loves money? I also remember another comic character, Scrooge McDuck. Scrooge had family and one of these was Donald. Donald would ask for money from Scrooge and always be refused. Scrooge hoarded the money into his big money vault where he loved to dive. He loved money. Money possesses the many who would be rich. The desire to become rich can overtake us. Yet Jesus was saying that the desire for God was more important. Jesus goes on to teach that G...

The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. So if the light within you is darkness- how deep is that darkness! Matthew 6:22,23 How do I see? Through the eye of scripture or through my emotions? So often if something makes us feel good, we say the experience is good. What makes this statement true? Our feelings or scripture? In our society what is right? Law or our emotions about our behaviour? If I judge I am doing ok and do not need to keep the speed limit, who is right? The law is because a policeman has the power to disagree with my decision and book me. If I see something or someone I want and it belongs to another, does my intense desire validate my taking that person or thing? If I am my own god, the answer is yes. However, what does scripture say? Scripture would disagree. So then what has happened to my eye? Is it full of light or has it become darkened?  I can...

Don't collect for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But collect for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don't break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there you heart will be also. Matthew 6:19,29 Again Jesus brings home he importance of seeking first God and his kingdom. His kingdom's treasures on earth are people, in heaven is the stuff waiting plus more of Him than you could ever dream. Why spend our lives in the pursuit of what He does for us if we get things right. If we put people first and draw as many as possible to Him and His kingdom, He will provide for our eternity. Jesus, Himself, said, "I go to prepare a place for you." He did not need to say this if it were not true. So, I do not need to worry about this life, about my needs, because He provides. As I put Him first, then everything else falls into place. My future with Him will b...

When you fast don't be sad faced like the hypocrites. For they make their faces unattractive so their fasting is obvious to people. I assure you they got their reward! Matthew 6:16 Fasting is beneficial to come aside with the Lord and give Him the time we would be eating and preparing food. I think a good modern day fast would be to go without social media for a month, go without movies and games for a month and spend the time in the Lord's presence. The Lord is interested in us wanting Him and His presence, not impressing others. Wanting to impress others is tied to works of the flesh as is appetites and addictions. We can fast our need for distraction and entertainment. When we really love we keep what is happening between us and the one we love private, it is between us, no one else. This is how the Lord wants us to be with Him. Amen! When we separate ourselves for Him and it is a private affair He is impressed and we receive a God type reward. What would you rather? Attenti...

Therefore you should pray like this: Our Father in heaven, Your name is to be honoured as holy Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us into temptation But deliver us from the evil one. For yous is the kingdom, and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Praise you Father, You are worthy of all honour and praise. Thank You for being my Father. Thank You for loving me and wanting to spend time with me. May Your Kingdom come, may Your ways be honoured on this earth. May I honour You in all I do and say today, may I may room for Your presence in my life and allow others to experience You. May my world know You exist because I bring You into it. Lord I ask for You abundant provision today as I face the needs for this day. I thanks you that You give me all I need. Lord forgive me when I speak wrongly about my world, about You and others. Wash me clean. L...

Whenever you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites, because they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by the people. I assure you they got their reward! But when you pray, go into your private room, shut the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your father who sees in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:5,6 You know I sense the Spirit saying: "I long to spend intimate time with you, make it about you and I and don't try to impress the faceless crowd." Words such as: 'go into your private room,' 'shut the door,' 'pray in secret,' all talk of a love affair. Pour out your love to Him, get intimate with Him. Amen! Tonight I had another cousin visiting. I made sure we had a lovely dinner and we talked, and talked, and talked. We had intimate conversation about us and our lives. We would not shout out this conversation from the street corners. I am grateful my cousin came, honoured in fact. I am grateful ...

Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of people, to be seen by them. Otherwise, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So whatever you give to the poor, don't sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrite do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be applauded by people. I assure you: they got their reward! But when you give to the poor don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:1-4 We love glory don't we! We love others to think well of us. How hard is this. Yet God"s righteousness is that practiced without seeking glory or attention.  I love most, when God motivates me to give and watching the recipient be blessed, it makes me dance. I love when God motivates me to be a blessing and at first glance I have nothing but I find I do have and then watch it grow to meet the need. Now that is special! It is special because it di...

You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbour and hate your enemy. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. For He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward will you have? Don't even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing out of the ordinary? Don't even the Gentiles so the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your Heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:43-48 We are called to see mankind through God's eyes. He wants all men to come to know Him and He is patient and long suffering in His pursuit of us. When we were lost and evil He still loved us and drew us to Himself. To able to love the evil I need such grace. Lord I ask for Your grace and mercy! Amen! May this be the righteousness we seek, walking in His grace and mercy! Amen! We se...

Don't assume that I came to destroy the Law of the Phophets. I did not come to destroy but fulfill. For I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees you will never enter the kingdom of heaven, Matthew 5:17;20 Jesus was the One spoken about throughout the Old Testament, He was the lamb to be slain, the perfect sacrifice. He completed all the just requirements of the Law. He was accused of breaking the Law, however, here He was saying He came to fulfill the Law. Anyone who thinks they can be justified by upholding the Law is told that unless their righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, they would fail to enter the kingdom of heaven. The scribes and Pharisees where thought to be the epitome of the Law, but here Jesus challenges that. If Jesus fulfills the law then I need a connection with Him. Fortunately we learn that He is our sacrifice, He is our righteousness. We no longer have to live in fear of judgement. We no longer need...

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled on by men. You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:13-16 Tonight the setting sky is permeated with molten iron, yet to try and capture it, I fail. A beautiful sunrise or sunset fills the heart with wonder but as soon as the sun sets, the world is dull grey. This is how things should be because of the Christian. When the Christian is around light is supposed to suffuse the atmosphere. We are to carry a scent, a flavour.  Have you ever tasted stale chips? Th opposite is fresh salty chips. What would you prefer? It behoves us then ...

When He saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain, and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. The He began to teach them, saying: The poor in spirit are blessed, for the Kingdom of heaven is theirs. Those who mourn are blessed, for they will be comforted. The gentle are blessed for they will inherit the earth. Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are blessed, for they will be filled. The merciful are blessed, for they will be shown mercy. The pure in heart are blessed, for they will see Godthe peacemakers are blessed, for they will be called sons of God. Those who are persecuted for righteousness are blessed, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. You are blessed when they insult you and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of Me. Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven, for that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:1-12 In Isaiah 61:[ the Messiah brings good news to the poor. Jesus, here, ...

As He walked along the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon, who was called Peter, and his brother Andrew. They were casting their net into the sea since they were fishermen. " Folkow Me," He told them, "and I will make you fish for people!" Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. Matthew 4:18-20 How glorious to finally hear the call. How marvelous to have all their longings answered. What a joy to know they had found 'the One!' I am about to run another DivorceCare course and the opposition has been fierce. But tonight I found some more souls, they are divorcees. Friday night I am having one over to dinner. I am thinking of inviting all 4 that I have found so far. I am told there are more. Woo hoo!!! Have you ever thought of the boldness on Jesus to walk up to strange young men and command them to follow. I want that! It is coming! I have been squeezed and after Saturday a deep well had been dug when I thought I could lose my youngest grand...

Jesus was going all over Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. Then news about Him spread throughout Syria. So they brought to Him all those who were afflicted, those suffering from various diseases and intense pains, the demon possessed, the epileptics, the paralytics, and He healed them. Matthew 4:23,24 Syria has a heritage, a connection with Jesus. Yet Syria today is torn apart by conflict. I pray God's mercy and grace upon this nation, that they would come back to the Godly signature in their past and live out of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus rather than the law of sin and death. Wash this land Lord, rid them of the evil invader and deliver them from this conflict. When Jesus arrived on the scene hope came, healing came, deliverance came. Amen! So much of Syria is now displaced into neabouring countries, living in tent communes. I read an article recently where the king of Jor...

When He heard that John had been arrested, He withdrew into Galilee. He left Narareth behind and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. This is to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: 'Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, along the sea road, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles! The people who live in darkness have seen a great light, and for those living in the shadowland of death, light has dawned.' From the Jesus began to preach, "Repent, because the Kingdom of heaven has come near!" Matthew 4:12-17 Matthew's quotation of Isaiah 9:1,2 highlights the international focus of Jesus' ministry by describing Galilee as 'Galilee of the Gentiles.' 2Kings 15:29; 2Kings 17:24-27 show that after the Jews were deported from the northern kingdom of Israel, foreigners flooded into Galilee. Jesus' move into Galilee and the strategically located city of Capernnaum shows His intention to save Gentiles as wel...

Again, the Devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendour. And he said to Him, "I will give you all these things if You will fall down and worship me." Then Jesus told him, "Go away Satan, for it is written: 'Worship the Lord your Gkd, and serve Him only.' Then the Devil left Him, and immediately Angels came and began to serve Him. Matthew 4:8-11 My commentary notes: although Satan exercises some control over the world, the kingdoms of the world belong to God, and He promised to give them to the a Messiah in Psalm 2:8. I can't but wonder why Satan would try such a manoeuvre? Why did he think this would appeal to Christ? Perhaps it was his know.edge that the Messiah had come to save all men. He definitely was not interested in there salvation, but merely domination. Jesus rebukes Satan with  scriptures from Deuteronomy: 6:14 and 10:20.  In all the temptations Satan was attempting to divert Jesus from the...

Then the devil took Him to the holy city, had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, "If you are the Son Of God, throw yourself down. For it is written: 'He will give the Angels orders concerning You, and thye will support a you with their hands so that you will not strike Your foot against a stone.' Jesus to,d him, "It is all written: 'Do not test the Lord your God.'" Matthew 4:5-7 Satan misquoted Psalm 91:11,12 inferring that God would rescue Him even if He gambled with His own life. Jesus' response came from Deuteronomy 6:16 when the children of Israel tested God in the wilderness. Had Jesus succumbed to Satan's temptation it would have indicated that His faith was frail and depended on God to save Him. Satan was implying that God is trustworthy only when He rescues from suffering and danger, yet Jesus knew that God was trustworthy even when He did not rescue and seemingly allowed us or caused us to suffer. Today I saw how tr...

After He had fasted 40 days and 40 nights, He was hungry. Then the tempter approached Him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread." But Jesus answered, "It is written: ' aman shall not live by bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.' Matthew 4:2-4 Who agrees that Jesus would have been hungry? Are you weaker when you are hungry? Yet this is when the tempter came, knowing Jesus would be at His weakest. Jesus was the new Israel. The first, the tribe of Israel, who as led by Moses, constantly complained about the lack of food and water. Yet Jesus did not complain or resort to supernatural power to break his fast. It would be over when the Spirit said it was over.  When I am the tiredest and hungriest I am tempted. This is when I must rely on my God to be my strength. Two nights ago I was awake in the night and the enemy was tempting me and I refused to resort to my own provision, God would supply. Amen! By refus...

"This is My beloved Son, I take delight in Him." Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil." Matthew 3:17- 4:1 Are you complaining about the wilderness? Perhaps you wonder why things are so hot and dry when only yesterday you received a glowing word of encouragement about how much the Lord delighted in you? Why the wilderness? The children of Israel were tested by God in the wilderness for 40 years, Jesus was tested by God for 40 days. The first failed the second succeeded. Our High Priest goes before us, having faced the challenge and not backed down. He did not water down his morals or ethics, He did not give ground, He took ground. He did not yield to sin, He overcame it. He applied the Law of the Spirit of Life and set us free from the Law of Sin and Death. He faced the cross and did not run, He took the cross and made us one with Him. We are seated with Him in heavenly places, far above all rule and authority. NOTE: above all au...

Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptised by him. But John tried to stop Him saying, "I need to be baptised by You, yet You come to me?" Jesus answered him, "Allow it for now because this is the way for us to fulfil all righteousness." Then he allowed Him to be baptised. After Jesus was baptised, He went up immediately out of the water. The heavens suddenly opened for Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on Him. And there came a voice from heaven: "this is My beloved Son, I take delight in Him!" Matthew 3/13-17 John recognised his need for the Baptism Jesus would give and was greatly humbled by Jesus, who humbled himself to be baptised. Jesus was fulfilling the law of the prophets, John was the last great prophet and Jesus was honouring him. He was also obeying his Father. Jesus, who would baptise His followers wih the Holy Spirt and Fire, saw it right to obey and 'fulfill righteousness.'...

When he(John the Baptist) saw many of the Pharisees and Saducees coming to the place of his baptism, he said to them, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you t.o flee from the coming wrath therefore produce fruit consistent with repentance. And don't presume to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I tell you God is able to raise up children for Abraham from these stones! Even now the axe is ready to strike the root of the trees! Therefore every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. I baptise you with water for repentance, but the One who is coming after me is more powerful than I. I am not worthy to remove His sandals. He Himself will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing shovel is in His hand, and He will clear His threshing floor and gather His wheat into the barn. But the chaff He will burn up with fire that never goes out." Matthew 3:7-12 The Scribes and Pharisees had known about the...

In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the Wilderness of Judea and saying, "Repent, because the Kingdom of heaven has come near! For he is the one spoken of through the prophet Isaiah, who said, 'A voice of one crying in the wilderness: prepare the way of the Lord; make His paths straight!" John himself had a camel-hair garment with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then people from Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the vicinity of the Jordan were flocking to him, and they were baptised by him in the Jordan River as they confessed their sins. Matthew 3:1-6 Matthew's gospel started with the early account of Jesus and the dangers associated with being born a king and then leaves all the intervening years to speculation and now we see John the Baptist on the scene to prepare the people for Jesus' ministry. In every way John was a type of Elijah the prophet. This was a fulfillment of scripture. What is amazing is that the ...

After they were gone, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, "Get up! Take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. For Herod is about to search for the child to destroy Him." Matthew 2:13 Praise for godly men who respnd to angelic visitations. This is the second time Jospeh was visited by the angel, that we know. The Lord directed Jospeh explicitly, and Joseph responded. Good dad, great husband! Yet he was an ordinary guy, no special education, not rich, or from an influential family, ordinary but faithful. Amen! God chooses what the world considers as foolish to confound the wise. Praise God! I am in! When the Lord calls you, respond with all you have. Let Him be God and you be His servant. Simple! Amen!

When King Herod heard this he was deeply disturbed, and all of Jerusalem with him. So he assembled all the chief priests and scribes of the people and asked them where the Messiah would be born. "in Bethlehem Of Judea, " they told him, "because this is what was written by the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the leaders of Judah: because out of you will come a leader who will shepherd My people Israel. Then Herod, when he saw that he was outwitted by the wise men, flew into a rage. He gave orders to massacre all the male children in and around Bethlehem who were 2 years old and younger, in keeping with the time he learned from the wise men. Matthew 2:3,4;16 Here was the promise of the Messiah, the legitimate king and here was an illegitimate king wanting to kill the one the whole of Israel had waited. What were the leaders thinking to allow this crazy man his way? What were the soldiers thinking to obey such an order in an ef...

"Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?" For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him." Matthew 2:2 Have you ever pondered why astrologers? What did those who practised astrogy have to do with God's Son? The Jews were a pure race and did not have anything to do with heathens and these men were heathens. What was the significance of Gentiles worshipping Jesus? Perhaps the fact that they were Gentiles indicates God's divine intention to offer the Gentiles salvation? The fact that astrologers, who were not accepted by God in the OId Testament, in fact were to be stoned, were now one of the first to worship and seek Him out, seems to indicate a new day. How good is God? He puts His Son inside a humble woman, married to a carpenter; has Him born in a stable; worshipped by shepherds and heathens. His plan is definitely to upset the apple cart, wouldn't you say? Trust Him to do a new thing! Amen!