The day with dianne Louise

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, and look, new things have come. 2 Corinthians 5:17 HCSB We have another 'therefore.' Why is it there? Verse 15 tells us: And He died for all so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for the One who died for them and was raised. 2 Corinthians 5:15 HCSB I live for Christ, not myself. Yesterday I went to spend time with a delightful couple I met through astronomy. I sensed God's love on this couple. The woman is delightful but the husband can be overbearing when on his pet topic and will not give room for others to speak. I had to confront him because he was not allowing for conversation. In his working life he had been a teacher. Now retired he fills his time with pet hobbies, of which there are many. I was there because of the Lord. What did He have me do? We talked about the Lord and their experiences with Him, which were varied but needful of rest. Whils...

Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time. Hebrews 4:16 HCSB It is always good to read the whole chapter from which an individual scripture is taken. As I have said before: "When you see a therefore, find out why it is There. What is it referring to." Having just read the whole of the chapter 4 I again visited some of my favourite verses and found more. Probably one of my most favourite is: for the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. Its is able to judge the ideas and thoughts of.the heart.verse 12. Perhaps because I love the word of God and because I first discovered this verse as a young Christian. I wrote a song about it and performed it in the church where I began the journey in Wollongong NSW. The word of God does indeed penetrate my very being and I deli...

but those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 HCSB Yesterday we were admonished with: fear not. Today we are given a reason to not fear. When we are in control and we either make a mistake or think we may have, fear is present. Fear and self-effort go together. Yet trusting in the Lord and His efforts have nothing to fear because He never fails. It is our ability to trust that fails. Yesterday I discovered I had left myself quite a bit short in my business bank account, by paying tax early and giving as planned. I had forgotten a business loan payment due. So, I contrived to correct the mistake. My efforts failed. A payment that was due to me and promised to come in, did not materialise. As I read this verse I was reminded of the many times I threw myself into God's care and seen a miracle. When I trust him, all is well. When I endeavour to control, ...

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 HCSB Have you even woken up with a start and realised you have forgotten something? Suddenly fear grips you. I have experienced this. Yet in it my God whispers to me spirit, "I was there when you did that mistake and allowed you to do it just so I could reveal my goodness to you." When God whispers these types of messages I still struggle with them. In my mind when I stuff up i bear the consequences. Yet my God is offering grace and mercy once again. You have to know that even in these times God wants to reveal Himself to you, He is so good, all the time, and He wants you to know that. We expect the stick and reprimand, or is that just me? I suppose it depends on your upbringing. God is offering to strengthen us with His righteousness. How does that work? He is righteous through and through. There...

Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Matthew 28:19 HCSB We have just celebrated the birth of Christ, the good news. This is what we must share. The fact that God came to earth in the form of a baby, grew up, as we do, and then chose to step into His purpose- to show us the Father's heart for us, die for our sins, rise again on thr third day triumphant, this was His purpose. What is my purpose? To accept Christ as the Way to the Father, die to self, live for Him and others. How this living for others works out will be displayed in my ordinary life; being switched on to others, not indifferent to others and self-indulgent. This life is not about me, but my God and my neighbour. In the process He brings delight into my life; He opens doors for me and fills me with all His abundance. His blessing is better than any I could contrive. Amen!

The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had seen and heard, just as they had been told. Luke 2:20 HCSB Perhaps the first to witness about the coming of the Messiah in the New Testament were these humble shepherds. In their simplicity they heard the call of the angels and went and saw. They then returned glorifying God and giving Him praise. Who did they tell? Who were they meant to tell? Who was waiting to hear such good news? Who had hungry hearts? We can never tell if who God sends us to have hungry hearts or not, until we see them respond to the good news. I am currently reading 'Pure Gold,' a book about Eric Lidell, the Scottish Olympic champion who had a heart for China and cut short an athletics career to become a missionary. Eric had a heart of an overcoming champion. When an obstacle was found he saw it as a God given challenge and overcame it. Eric was a man of faith and fortitude. Even though China was being overrun by the Japanese, he s...

For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 HCSB Today Christians celebrate this wonder. His name is Jesus! We honour Him for He came and revealed the Father's heart toward us. For God so loved the world that He sent His only Son. He came as a baby, grew up like us all. Went to work and went into ministry at 30. His ministry lasted for about three years then evil men plotted to destroy this beautiful One. He was nailed to a cross, not because He was evil, we were amd are. He bought us back, He paid the price of our redemption. He is worthy of all glory and honour. Amen! He is Wonderful. Thank You Jesus for coming! Amen! Those who know Him, know Him as Prince of Peace. Amen. Happy Christmas!

Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people He favors! Luke 2:13‭-‬14 HCSB This scripture comes from the chapter in Luke where he describes the angelic visitation to shepherds in the fields near Bethlehem, announcing the birth of Jesus. Imagine it. You are at work doing what you have done since your youth, caring for sheep in the field. When in the Nepali highlands I saw such shepherds. These were young lads and they were playing volley ball whilst overlooking the sheep. These were the simple and lowest of low dressed poorly living in tents. Why an angelic visitation to shepherds? What was the point? Eere these godly shepherds like David had been? Were they seeking Him? Were they discussing Him? Yet, like the choice of the mother Mary, simple folk were chosen to be involved in this monument out occasion. God was showing His love to these shepherds. Was He honouring ...

God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent His One and Only Son into the world so that we might live through Him. 1 John 4:9 HCSB Finally, a world that was used to sacrifice and law met freedom. God had never intended for us to be bound in rules and regulations. He intended purpose at creation was relationship, a relationship of love and respect. How good would that be? Christ came that we could be restored to that relationship. As a Christian follower I am to live through Him, not through me and knowing Him. I must lay down self and serve Him. This is the new sacrifice. As I lay down my carnal appetites, selfish motives and arrogant opinions, I live through Him, out of Spirit, not flesh. My fleshly nature has no real good in it. The good flesh does is to be seen by others. The good motivated by the Spirit does not need to be seen by men, only by God. Why would I not choose to live in the Spirit? The result is God's love and it reveals itself in abundant provisi...

She will give birth to a son, and you are to name Him Jesus,because He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 HCSB This scripture was a part of the word spoken to Joseph in a dream. Joseph had just found out Mary, his betrothed was pregnant. He was considering divorcing her quietly so that she would not be stoned for adultery. Now, he is being told that the illegitimate child is the Son of God. I imagine this would be hard for a man to take. His virgin bride was soiled by God and not another man. Joseph did marry Mary and honoured the child within her by not having sexual relations with her, until after Jesus was born. If God impregnated Mary, she was His until she bore His Son. What a righteous man! God spoke to Joseph in dreams. He was to take his new family to Egypt on God's command, as Herod was seeking to kill Him. Even as a little, defenseless child, Satan used a jealous king to try and kill Him. However, God was a good Father and worked with Joseph, Jesu...

For God did not send His Son into the world that He might condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. John 3:17 HCSB There are so many harsh religions but only one saviour bring freedom- Christ. The Jews looked forward to a saviour but when he came they rejected Him. We must be careful not to reject our hope because He is not packaged how we think He should be. I am reading a book written by a young Muslim woman who became a Christian. The Muslim world is an oppressive and heartless world. In Nepal, a country I love, the majority of the people are Hindu. This religion dies not give a saviour, only a way to perform. Christ came ro bring freedom from oppression. Over the centuries there are those who say they represent Him and have created an oppressive regime, one He does not endorse. Scripture tells us: He who the Son sets free is free indeed. If you read the first four books in the New Testament you see Jesus and get to know what He was like. He opposed rel...

Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 HCSB This scripture was a part of a prophesy given to King Ahaz by Isaiah. Whilst it applied to then it also applied to Jesus who would be born hundreds of years later. King Ahaz was fearing two armies who were coming against him and God had told him not to fear for it was not going to happen. Isaiah then went on to say: ask the Lord for a sign!" However when Ahaz refused that was the sign that he was given. Have you ever read scripture and it spoke to you, right where you were at and it was speaking to another, totally different situation? Hebrews tells us that God's word is living and active. Because it is living and active, it speaks into you current experience with life. Immanuel means: God with us. As we approach Christmas we enter a time of remberance of when the Son of God came and dwelt with us and redeemed us from our broken relationship...

Doing what is righteous and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. Proverbs 21:1 All sorts of religions have their own sacrifices. As a Christian we are asked to die to self and put on Christ. I am buried in Him. I grew up in Catholicism which had its own requirements, none of which brought me life. Life is found in a living relationship with Christ alone. As I live out of that fountain I am blessed. In Christ is freedom, purpose, justice and mercy. In 1 Cor 13 the apostle Paul challenges sacrifice without love. Without a love relationship ship with my God and my fellow man I am a noisy gong and a clanging cymbal. I may call out:" Look at Me, look at me!" But it is all of self. Me trying to be righteous will fail. I can give all my possessions away and fail. If I am not following my good shepherd but rather my own voice, I have failed and am nothing. No amount of self-goodness will earn me heaven. Jesus is the doorway, the only way. Amen!

I have sought You with all my heart; don’t let me wander from Your commands. Psalms 119:10 HCSB Praise God! He is faithful and just. When we seek Him with all our hearts He is very present and keeps us centered. As I ask for His assistance to break through a problem, He is there. As I discover sinful ways in my life and ask for overcoming power and deliverance, I receive. My God is wanting me to be transformed into the likeness of His Son, more so because He knows it will be good for me. It is a stance that asks ans knows the prayer is heard. As I change I become freer and do not stumble. I do not harm myself or others. In fact I am a blessing and a source of comfort. In the book of Matthew Jesus tells his disciples: seek first the kingdom and all these earthly thongs will be yours also. Seeking God first brings a promise. Amen! Yesterday I arrived in Glen Innes to bring Christmas cheer to a friend and discovered she so needed it. This woman has been through so much and was f...

Love finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 1 Corinthians 13:6‭-‬7 HCSB Rejoicing in truth is a choice. Daily I am bombarded with lies about people. These lies attempt to control our interactions with others. I can believe the lies and distance myself from others or choose what God says about them as truth, next I can interact with them and discover who they are. This is love! Bearing all things, is an act of love. That difficult person, that annoying person needs love. There is a lot put out about permanently distancing yourself from negative people on Facebook. I don't agree. If I distance myself permanantly from those who behave badly and not hang in there with grace, they may never change. I have a friend who has been downright self-centered and difficult in the last few years. There are times when I have given myself space from her but been faithful as a friend. She is now...

Every sea creature, reptile, bird, or animal is tamed and has been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. We praise our Lord and Father with it, and we curse men who are made in God’s likeness with it. Praising and cursing come out of the same mouth. My brothers, these things should not be this way. Does a spring pour out sweet and bitter water from the same opening? Can a fig tree produce olives, my brothers, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a saltwater spring yield fresh water. James 3:7‭-‬12 HCSB Facebook shows us photos of all sorts of animals being tamed and getting along together, even with their known enemies. Some of these relationship downright surprise us. Facebook also shows us thr ugly side of mankind. How quickly we are inflamed to vilify others! Petitions are thick and fast standing up to and for others we do not know. If they should reasonable we are apt to sign the petition. There is a lot of noise, a...

Now this is the confidence we have before Him: Whenever we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears whatever we ask, we know that we have what we have asked Him for. 1 John 5:14‭-‬15 In this chapter John is discussing the fact that as a born again believer our prayers are heard. He talks about what our behaviour should be like as a born again believer. Are you confident you prayers are being heard? Scripture tells us to come boldly before the throne of God. A bold person knows their sins are forgiven and that they have access to the Father. When you know you have access to the Father you can be bold in prayer. There are times when I know how to pray about a matter; there are times when I am at a loss. In these times I go to the Father and ask Him, How do You want me to pray about this? Give me Your prayer about this? Often, the first thing I do is go to Him and say, "Pappa". Before I say another word He is present and I know He ...

But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 HCSB Paul was troubled with "a thorn in the flesh.' Some form of imperfection that he sought deliverance from. We could suppose it was not always there but had arrived in recent times. I was recently reading a book called: The Circle Maker by a Mark Badderson (I hope I spent.that right Mark) he had been seeking the Lord for healing from asthma, to no avail. Myself, I have been seeking healing for hearing loss to no avail. I can fast and pray and God says nothing. He has said nothing for 21 years. The closest I came was in Pensacola. I was visiting a church that was experiencing revival. I went out for prayer and experienced hearing for the briefest moment. My difficulty is tinnitus and over the years this has been compounded with natural hearing loss. ...

But I count my life of no value to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God’s grace. Acts 20:24 HCSB Paul had been on a missionary journey and was returning to Jerusalem. Yet the Holy Spirit forewarned him of what awaited him: chains and imprisonment. Why did he still want to go there? He knew it was all a part of God's plan for him to go to Rome. Paul's eye was fixed on where God was taking him. Have you ever experienced his position of being fixed in vision? I have. Even though I knew that the next step would hurt I had to take it. Standing up to a bully cost me everything and my world changed in an instant. Yet the time had come to stand up and confront the bully. Today I live a different life but a life where I choose not to be bullied. Paul on the other hand was freely giving up his freedom and willingly going to prison and chains for the sake of the gospel. However, Paul was empowered b...

Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen. For our ancestors won God’s approval by it. Hebrews 11:1‭-‬2 HCSB The writer of Hebrews then goes on to list off the saints of old and what they did to be included in the list. The very first man to die, Abel, came first. Abel died because his brother was jealous of God's favour on Him when Abel's sacrifice pleased God more than Cabin's. The next man, Enoch, did not experience death, God took him away. Enoch was taken because he pleased God. Pleasing God comes as we use our faith. Next comes Noah who took 100 years to build a huge boat. He would have been laughed out of town, it had not rained amd there were no oceans or large rivers nearby. Because Noah faithfully obeyed God he became an heir of righteousness. Next came Abraham who went on a long journey because God called he out from his home to a land He, God, would show him. Abraham went so that he could receive an inheritance. Sarah, ...

There was a man named John who was sent from God. He came as a witness to testify about the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but he came to testify about the light. John 1:5-8 John was called 'not the light', but his disciples were called: ' you are the light of the world.' John's sole purpose was to shake up the status quo amd bring conviction of sin. When he saw Jesus he said: "Behold the lamb of God." John was never a disciple of Jesus. Once Jesus came on the scene his time was over, yet he continued for a time, until Herod put him in jail and ultimately beheaded him. Did John not know his limitations? John was offended that Jesus did not rescue him from jail, yet he maintained his independence. If I had had John's brief, once Jesus was baptised I would have asked to follow Him. Did God prevent him or did he prevent himself? Did he still have work to do? Or did he imagine he did? We must know ourselves. ...

Therefore, dear friends, since we have such promises, let us cleanse ourselves from every impurity of the flesh and spirit, completing our sanctification in the fear of God. 2 Corinthians 7:1 HCSB There is a saying in Christendom, whenever you see a 'therefore', find out what it is there for. So, following this edict I looked back at the previous chapter and there was the answer. Do not be mismatched with unbelievers. For what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? What agreement does Christ have with Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? And what agreement does God’s sanctuary have with idols? For we are the sanctuary of the living God, as God said: I will dwell among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people. Therefore, come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord; do not touch any unclean thing, and I will welcome you. I ...

so also the Messiah, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him. Hebrews 9:28 HCSB This morning as I came to read my bible there was a favourite song going through my head: Bless the Lord oh My Soul. As I read the above verse, in fact the whole of the chapter, I heard another song: Jesus, Lover of My Soul. It was an old Hillsong song. if you want you can Google it and you will provide a Utne clip. The writer of the book of Hebrews is presenting Jesus as the perfect sacrifice and an end to the slaughter of animals who were imperfect. In this chapter he describes the function of the then present temple in Jerusalem and the inefficiency of it. He then goes on to reveal Jesus as the perfect lamb. Jesus not only died for my sins but He is coming again in glory. Now, whether this.is in my lifetime or not, He is coming to either take all His people home or just me, because my ti...

The Word became flesh and took up residence among us. We observed His glory, the glory as the One and Only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 HCSB Wow! How good it would have been to live next door to Joseph and Mary and watch Jesus grow. I meet many special children but to know the Son of God would have been awesome. To have walked with Him in His ministry would have been mind blowing. To watch Jesus reveal the glory of God would have been amazing. Yet, us who did not see and yet still believe are called blessed by Him. There is coming a day when I will know Him forever, that will be the day that I die, in the flesh. As I read John I read the presence of God. John captured the Spirit of our God come to earth. He does it so well. The book for John is anointed. We have now entered the Christmas season. This is the time we celebrate the beginning of Christ's coming. I've noticed that Christmas decorations are being done towards the end of November ...

Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2‭-‬4 HCSB Arghhhhh! Trials! Anyone like trials? No! I am none too fussed myself but I endure them because I know God is at work in me. I am in a trail at present. God is wanting to refine me. He is polishing out nasty reactions to people who bring bad stuff or who turn up at inappropriate moments. You might say my choleric nature is being purified. Yet, in the midst of this period I am having some of the best experiences. Saturday I had the best birthday ever, all because I have come to really love the ordinary and appreciate people. Last night I was responsible for coordinating the Astronomy Club's Christmas party. I loved and appreciated everyone who came. Their contributions were the icing on the cake so to speak. I decorated and pr...

Send your bread on the surface of the waters, for after many days you may find it. Give a portion to seven or even to eight, for you don’t know what disaster may happen on earth. If the clouds are full, they will pour out rain on the earth; whether a tree falls to the south or the north, the place where the tree falls, there it will lie. One who watches the wind will not sow, and the one who looks at the clouds will not reap. Just as you don’t know the path of the wind, or how bones develop in the womb of a pregnant woman, so you don’t know the work of God who makes everything. In the morning sow your seed, and at evening do not let your hand rest, because you don’t know which will succeed, whether one or the other, or if both of them will be equally good. Ecclesiastes 11:1‭-‬6 HCSB Do you want sound financial advice? Then here it is. These verses are to.do with sound financial investments, not giving. In a modern diversified portfolio in Australia there are 6 to 8 catgories: cash;...

Take delight in the Lord , and He will give you your heart’s desires. Psalms 37:4 HCSB Well I just proved this verse to be true yesterday I awoke alone to my 63rd birthday and did not wonder what the day might bring, I decided to enjoy it anyway. I did I my bible reading and went for my walk as usually and determined to fast until midday as I knew something needed breaking. To all intents and purposes is was a normal Saturday. I did the washing and.cleaned the house however throughout the morning messages kept coming in wishing me a happy birthday. I had a potato salad to make to take to a Christmas party later in the afternoon. However the party proved to be more than expected. The venue, an old 1887 home, was delightful. Owned by a local doctor and his wife, both church goers. They have a lovely old pool, built the same year I was born, 1953. As a swimmer I had to try it out. Nice! There were tennis courts, however I did not have a racquet and it rained for a short time any...

The blessing of the Lord makes you rich, and He adds no.sorrow to it. Proverbs 10:22 Today I had my 63rd birthday. What a day! This morning I felt led to fast until midday. I sensed evil was afoot. I went walking and praying, did my washing and cleaned the house. I had delightful phone calls, messages on Messenger, messages on Facebook and sms messages. My neighbour stopped me on my walk home and gave me a present. My mum who isn85 sent me a lovely card and my matured aged churxh members had their Christmas party this afternoon. I went along as I am now mature aged. We had fun. We chatted, nibbled, went for a swim, ate dinner had music that took as back to our Era. We tapped along, sang and some danced. They had a birthday cake for a few of us and generally celebrated. I was asked to do a short talk and the Lord reminded me of the book I jad started writing yesterday. I have called it AQ. Now, there is a mystery in itself. In my talk I shared about AQ- Adaptability Quotient (I di...

The one who walks with the wise will become wise, but a companion of fools will suffer harm. Proverbs 13:20 HCSB I would have to disagree with this saying in one small way: I know fools who hand around wise people who are still fools. The wisdom of the wise rebukes them like a rod but they shake themselves off and are unchanged. However, if a child who has a right heart within, a desire for righteousness, they will shake off foolishness and live. It is the subtle foolishness that is hardest to discern. If I am raised in plenty and my parents turn to mammoth and not God, this is harder to discern and without God I will remain blind. Foolishness is now an epidemic in our world. The worship of things that emotionally stir us satisfy. Idolatry is rampant. The king idol is self and anything that make self feel good is good. The religion is feelgoodism. Yes I know I made that up but it captures the problem. So, how do I become wise? The apostle James tells us: if any of you lack wi...

For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift — not from works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8‭-‬9 HCSB Ah! Grace, wonderful grace! When I consider how I came to Christ, it was Him pursuing me, weaving His arms around my life and Him drawing me. He finally spoke to me, in my spirit, and said:" Go to Anne!" Now Anne was a born again Christian and fellow nurse who had shared the gospel with me. It was God orchestrating the whole process and carrying me forward.(now there is another whole story) Where did faith come into it? It was just an act of obedience. I went, I listened, I prayed. My faith was a grain of sand, a mustard seed. If you are sitting waiting for great faith, forget it! Start with the small grain. That is all you need! Respond and obey! Remember it is not up to You. Forget the saying: if it is to be it is up to me. Fooey! God is in charge. Allow Him to be in charge and respond, just respond. Lay down ...

Why am I so depressed? Why this turmoil within me? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him, my Savior and my God. Psalms 42:11 HCSB Depression is a horrible black fog. It consumes all hope and vision of the future. So many are depressed. If you read the whole Psalm, the writer is feeling far from God. The obvious reason we feel far from God is sin but there is also trauma. After separation from my husband I went through depression, in fact it tried to swallow me up. However I pressed into God because I knew He would be my salvation, and He was. Whilst depression dogged my for many years, I can now recognise what depressed me, loss and failure. Depression tries to obliterate the hope of salvation. I have friends who are medicated because of depression. Unless they take the medication they are overcome by blackness. They have not found their hope. If you read the whole of Psalm 42 you will see the writer is, as he says, depressed. Uet, he recognises that his hope is in ...