The day with dianne Louise

The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my mountain where I seek refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalms 18:2 HCSB I remember when the Lord led me onto the path I am now on. I was lost and so fearful. I was living in Sydeny and knew only a few people. Stepping into the role of mortgage broker without support was daunting. Through a process of me forcing myself to connect with others I won and advertisement, an interview and discovered my path. On that path I made friends. The Lord sent a young woman all the way from New Zealand to help me present myself. Although I felt helpless and alone He provided. Little did I know then that my battles today would be bigger, and though I still struggle I sleep better knowing my God and His ways.This past week I faced my biggest challenges so far and am still alive to tell the tale. My God is indeed my rock and fortress. He is my deliverer, my God, my mountain where I seek refuge. This pass...

For God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you showed for His name when you served the saints — and you continue to serve them. Hebrews 6:10 HCSB In this chapter of Hebrews the author is addressing the wavering between an old, pre-salvatuon mindset and a born again mindset. Those to whom it was written loved the old, but in the process failed to use their faith to live in Christ. In the above verse the author is saying God is not unjust. He appreciates the service given to the saints. I travelled to some remote places i Nepal and saw amazing things. Faithful men served God, even if there congregation were segregated. Families did not sit together. The men sat on the right and the women on the left along with the children. In Nepal there are many organisation that have been in place for many years. They have become traditional in their ways. Yet they serve diligently. I grew up in the Catholic church and it is full of traditional ways. However, it introd...

But if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:7 HCSB Last night I attended my home church fellowship. We did a study in the book of Daniel. Daniel was a man who walked in the light and God was with Him. Daniel was able to interpret dreams and give sound advice. He saw visions from God and had divine encounters. I love the book of Daniel because of the man and his character portrayed in it. If someone was writing our story what would they say? Would they show a man or woman walking in divine encounters with their God? Walking in the light is allowing everything to be exposed to our God, nothing hidden. As the light shines in all areas what is seen? Am I cutting corners to divine blessing through self-effort? I find I am enjoying the fellowship at Connect group. A good group is forming. I need fellowship and friendship. How about you? Most of all I need the friend...

I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” John 16:33 HCSB Jesus had been telling His disciples He was going away and would return. He also told them He would send the Holy Spirit to be their comforter and guide. Because Jesus paid the price for our victory we can rest secure in Him. He.is.our peace who has broken down every wall. He overcame. Through His death and resurrection we overcome. Yes we suffer all manner of things because we have an enemy who hates us. You can focus on the suffering and become a victim or on Jesus and become the victor. We are invited to rule and reign with Him. Amen! Today I choose to stamp over the works of the evil one, tear up his contracts against me and rub his face in the ashes. My Jesus is greater. I win! Amen!

I love the Lord because He has heard my appeal for mercy. Because He has turned His ear to me, I will call out to Him as long as I live. Psalms 116:1‭-‬2 HCSB Where are we without the Lord? Who can save us? Who protects and counsels us? The ropes of death were wrapped around me, and the torments of Sheol overcame me; I encountered trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of Yahweh: “Yahweh, save me! ” Psalms 116:3‭-‬4 HCSB There comes a time when all our efforts fail and the enemy of our souls appears to be winning. Then, in that moment, our hero emerges from the gloom and rescues us from the clutches of death. He is our Superman! I am facing such a storm and walking towards the Lord: "You alone are my Saviour!" I must find Him in the storm, see Him on the water, hear Him through the howling wind. Only He is God! Only He can save! Amen! The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is compassionate. The Lord guards the inexperienced; I was helpless, and He sav...

“I am the bread of life,” Jesus told them. “No one who comes to Me will ever be hungry, and no one who believes in Me will ever be thirsty again. John 6:35 HCSB Jesus used bread many times to describe his role and who He was. For the bread of God is the One who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” John 6:33 HCSB This morning my mother and I are in Uralla. A small town in the north west of NSW Australia. We came up from Tamworth yesterday to see a Lantern festival and go into the countryside to search for the graves of my father's family, the Little clan. We found them in an even small place called Bundarra. We brought our own food provisions and part of that is bread. Mum loves her bread. This morning I will toast that bread for her breakfast. Using bread was clever. The day before Jesus fed the 5,000 with 5 small loves and a few fish. Physical bread has small value when we consider what Jesus was teaching: He alone was the bread of life. He still is t...

I will keep watch for You, my strength, because God is my stronghold. But I will sing of Your strength and will joyfully proclaim Your faithful love in the morning. For You have been a stronghold for me, a refuge in my day of trouble. To You, my strength, I sing praises, because God is my stronghold — my faithful God. Psalms 59:9;16,17 HCSB David is crying out to God because of his enemies. He calls them snarling dogs. I can relate to this description, I have a few of those. However, in verse 9 David says he is on watch, looking for His God to save him. No man can save like He can. We can be brought to a place when only God can save. We can exhaust our supporters and contacts by frantically running around seeking someone, anyone to save us. We can become offended because none of them lifted a hand to save us. However, if God's hand is on them to stop their efforts why become upset when they fail? Divine intervention is what I seek. Divine, abundant intervention is what I seek...

Christ has liberated us to be free. Stand firm then and don’t submit again to a yoke of slavery. null In the previous chapter Paul was dealing with Christians thinking they had to submit to circumcision. He reminded them that they were children of promise, as Isaac was. Religion binds, Christ sets us free. Religion has a lot of taboos, doos and donts, ascetic practices that are attractive but do not bring life I came up against religious tradition in Nepal. The culture surrounding the Christians is Hindu and one of the Hindu practices is cremation the dead. In a country where land is expensive, the Christians wanted burial plots so they did not cremate but rather bury their dead. I spoke to them about this. I told them the bible has nothing to say about whether we should be buried or cremated, it is a matter of choice. I told them I have given my children the freedom to choose. I live in a different city to them. If they want me cremated and have my ashes put somewhere near th...

The one who believes in the Son has eternal life, but the one who refuses to believe in the Son will not see life; instead, the wrath of God remains on him. John 3:36 HCSB Eternal life is dependant on what we believe. The above verse was spoken by John the Baptist. John was saying that eternal life was a present experience, not a future one. I can have eternal life right here, right now. The alternative to eteenal life is God's wrath. What do I choose? Eternal life bring a promise of freedom from fear, of relationship with God the Father. This I choose. Amen! Along with eternal life is access to God. I am seated with Christ in heavenly places, this speaks of authority. There is more to eternal life the more we investigate. Together with Christ Jesus He also raised us up and seated us in the heavens, so that in the coming ages He might display the immeasurable riches of His grace through His kindness to us in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:6‭-‬7 HCSB Along with eternal li...

Brothers, if someone is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual should restore such a person with a gentle spirit, watching out for yourselves so you also won’t be tempted. Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone considers himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But each person should examine his own work, and then he will have a reason for boasting in himself alone, and not in respect to someone else. For each person will have to carry his own load. The one who is taught the message must share all his good things with the teacher. Don’t be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows he will also reap, because the one who sows to his flesh will reap corruption from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit. So we must not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, we must work...

There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people, and we must be saved by it.” Acts 4:12 HCSB We must first recognise the need for salvation and to do that know what purity and perfection is outside of ourselves. We can then see we have missed the mark. God is perfect and in Him is no darkness at all. Coming to the point of knowing my own need, I was being prayed for and was invited to attend a nurse's Christian fellowship. They read scripture and prayed. Although I desired to understand my mind was darkened and did not. It took an awareness of sin and missing the mark to bring me to truth. I needed saving from my sin. The bible told me that Jesus was the only way. In the passage above the apostle Peter is saying there is no other name that can save us. He is right. Jesus Himself told us in the gospels: " I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father but by me." We are foolish to shout back: "I ...

Therefore, dont worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough troubles of its own. Matthew 6:34 I am a planner and plan the events of the day and week. Finaces are budgetted. Yet when the events that flood in in a day can overwhelm, knowing I have more than one day to solve them gives me peace. When finance is lacking for the remaining time, when it comes in, my anxious mind determines: 'there is not enough to cover the next two weeks!'  The challenge is to focus on the needs of today and trust for the two weeks. What more should I do? What does God want to do in the midst of this? Allow Him room! Having a responsible nature I am always looking at what I must do: should I be still and wait on God? Should I rise up like  warrior and act. The answer is to wait on God and allow Him to guide. He is the answer! 'Tomorrow will worry about itself!' There is an answer here: allow tomorrow to worry about itself! Let tomorrow work itsel...

Better an open reprimand than concealed love. The wounds of a friend are trustworthy, but the kisses of an enemy are excessive. Proverbs 27:5‭-‬6 HCSB Discipline has always been a difficult subject, yet it was one I had a handle on when raising my children. Discipline has to be embraced so that there is no fear or faithheartedness. Although I discipline with the wooden spoon, my son now disciplines with time out and in worst case the strap. Both work. He is grateful for the discipline he received. It was done in love. He is now a good dad. His wife had a similar upbringing and is awesome. As an adult I prefer an open reprimand, I hear truth and am saved by it. Whilst it hurts the wound cleanses out the filth in my soul. As I listen to the preached word and read my bible I listen for truth. If I am in error I fix it not resent it. I wasn't always so. There have been times when I wanted to pursue the path I was on, even though the Lord showed up to stop me. It took me a few ...

A fool’s way is right in his own eyes, but whoever listens to counsel is wise. Proverbs 12:15 HCSB If we take away the words 'fool' and 'wise' and just listen to the content of this verse there is treasure. Choosing not to do what is right in my own eyes is a challenge at times. When finance is restricted our mind goes to how we can manipulate what we have to have the best result; where we can get more; how we can get more etc. Yet going to the Lord for His  counsel is best. God's kingdom runs on different principles to earthly kingdoms.  We belong to the kingdom of God. Therefore it would be smart to seek His principles. First we need to ask, then we need to lksten. Listening requires us to firstly hear and secondly chew it over, meditate on it and  thirdly apply it.  Then, we will be wise. It is foolish not to go to the Lord for insight and understanding. His ways are best. Amen!

The peacemakers are blessed, for they will be called sons of God. Matthew 5:9 HCSB What do we need? What do we want? Peace! Note this does not say: peacekeepers, it says peacemakers. What is the difference? Peacemakers go where there is no peace and bring it. How do they do that? They carry the presence of God. He is peace. Amen! Only God can give real peace. When I carry His presence I carry His peace. He wants to give peace, He is full of peace. Allow Him in. Allow Him to rule. Amen! Being silent can keep peace and prevent a war or a fight, but bringing peace to a warfare zone takes a miracle and God is the master of miracles. Let Him loose. Let Him in and let Him win. 'Ve is our peace He has broken down every wall, He is our peace, He is our peace.....So fast your cares on Him for He cares for you, He is our peace, He is our peace."(Old song) Amen

The one who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, will have streams of living water flow from deep within him.” John 7:38 HCSB http://bible.com/72/jhn.7.38.HCSB To have streams of living water flow out from me requires more than a mental assent that Jesus is my Saviour, I must be in a living relationship with Him as my Lord. I must be in vital union with Him, enjoying close communion with Him. Jesus Himself told me what this looks like: abiding in the vine. I am grafted in to a vine. I am not wafting around free to do my own thing; I am connected to a woody vine, it's life blood flows to me and through me. This gives an image of being stuck and caught somewhere I May feel uncomfortable. Yet, as I submit to the connection and experience the flow of life coming to me, what joy! This life is not bad, in fact it is intoxicating. I am filled with joy bubbling up in my soul, and look, rivers of life are flowing out from me. Wow! I am now a source of blessing and life, hea...

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart, my portion forever. Psalms 73:26 HCSB This Psalm was written by Asap, a Levite appointed by king David. Asap starts the Psalm talking about those who appear fat and proud and getting away with arrogance before God. It is not until Asap goes into the house of God and understands the final outcome of all flesh. Asap ends the Psalm with: But as for me, God’s presence is my good. I have made the Lord God my refuge, so I can tell about all You do. Psalms 73:28 HCSB Eternity is forever and ever. I am here on this earth to be made ready for eternity. What I do here sets me up for ever and ever. Being envious or jealous of the proud and arrogant man here is a waste of space. My eternal home is where I should concentrate. My God is preparing my home for me there. My home there He gives me. On this earth men strive for gain, there it is given. I will live on streets of gold there, the walls of the city of God are pearl...

Who is wise and has understanding among you? He should show his works by good conduct with wisdom’s gentleness. But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t brag and deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where envy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every kind of evil. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without favoritism and hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who cultivate peace. James 3:13‭-‬18 HCSB I think we are being challenged to discern what godly wisdom is actually about. Are we starting to think we are wise? Then we probably are deceived and the fruit of this is envy and selfish ambition. True wisdom is gentle and content with God being ALL. It is generous, patient, forgiving and free. Worldly wisdom is grasping, selfish and egotistical. Ha! Envy is bitter. It res...

Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil. For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. This is why you must take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. In every situation take the shield of faith, and with it you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s word. Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert in this with all perseverance and intercession for all...

Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God — God remains in him and he in God. 1 John 4:15 HCSB The word for confession here is a public confession as opposed to a private confession. For me confession involves everything and every time. Do I believe Jesus is Lord of sickness for me? What will I say about my circumstances? Will I confess failure or Christ? Is my belief alive and active right now? I have been challenged on what to say publically on say Facebook. I try to be positive and upbeat but there are times I have to confess Christ and His power and goodness. Being politically correct might keep the wolves at bay but not expose them to the truth that will set them free. Not being over the top but remaining relevant is important. Has Jesus really set me free? Is she really relevant to me? Then why not say so? There are times that we feel defeated and drivel comes out of our mouth. Everything we say is creative. Are we creating a refuse heap or and open door? We need ...

I keep the Lord in mind always. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalms 16:8 HCSB Keeping the Lord in mind always is a choice. I can choose to be anxious and fear my circumstances or look at Him. He has to be my anchor, my rock, my all. The alternative comes from anxious toil and the thought: 'I must fix this!' No! I must take my hands off and allow God to fix this. He must be God, ruler, supreme counsellor, the ultimate authority. Amen! How good is our God? He is at my right hand.....I will not be shaken. He is my life and my energy. On Thursday night I went star gazing with a few astronomy buddies. I happen to love the nebulae, these are the places stars are being formed, thy are beautiful places. When you look into the night sky with the naked eye you see cloudy little sections but when you magnify them you see beautiful colours. One of the men had his camera attached to the telescope and then to a projector onto the side of the huge shed we we...

Taste and see that the Lord is good. How happy is the man who takes refuge in Him! Psalms 34:8 HCSB Our world is full of taste. We are beckoned to try out cars, clothes and food. Advertisers promise all sorts of rewards attached to the taste experience. In the dark recesses Satan lures those caught there with all sorts of evil: drugs, prostitution, all manners of uncleanness. But there is One who also invites us to a life of complete freedom and joy- a relationship with the living God. I have just returned from Nepal and had the joy of preaching the word of God. In one place I had asked for souls. I was told that this generally does not happen-it did. I had an unsaved Hindu walk in and my message was just for her. In other places I invited the sick to taste His healing. One lady crippled and bent in two received her healing. That was awesome to see. In another place I prayed for a young man lying on the floor- crippled and very sick. I asked him if he knew Jesus, he said no. I in...

You will keep the mind that is dependent on You in perfect peace, for it is trusting in You. Trust in the Lord forever, because in Yah, the Lord , is an everlasting rock! Isaiah 26:3‭-‬4 HCSB It is so fitting that I receive these scriptures to read today. The stress levels are high as compliance surrounding the writing of business in the financial sector in Australia is becoming so prohibitive, making money is challenged. I have a commitment to fund an orphanage in Nepal and also run a business. I am stepping right out on the water here. I want to see God's greatness and allow Him to move. I need Him like never before. Yet as I read scripture the One in whom I trust never fails. He loves big odds. In me there is nothing that can make this all happen but in Him nothing is impossible. I am having to bring a logical mind along with the walk of faith and encourage it to look at Him, He alone is the provider. Amen! I want to break open the fountains of the deep, to pull down the...

The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous. Proverbs 15:29 HCSB Knowing your prayers are heard is good. The time spent praying for salvation and deliverance for loved ones pays dividends. The amount of prayers poured out sometimes seems disproportionate but God knows the why. The prayers for breakthrough appear to go unheard, but their not. Perhaps praise for answered prayers would be better. As I know I am righteous through Christ I must assume my prayers are heard. Amen! Jesus taught us how to pray in the gospels: ask and keep on asking; knock and keep on knocking; never give up, nevet! amen!

May the Lord direct your hearts to God’s love and Christ’s endurance. 2 Thessalonians 3:5 HCSB A heart filled with God's love has no time to hate. Christ had many enemies, even his family were against Him, but still He went to the Father and loved. He endured the shame heaped upon Him for you and I. What shame you are experiencing? Is as much as the shame He endured? If your shame is for sin, repent and be made whole. He cleanses us from all sin and shame. If your shame is the lies, sins and resentment of others, endure. You will win! I am awake hearing a very old chorus I sang when first saved: ' Give me oil in my lamp keep me burning, give me oil in my lamp I pray. Give me oil in my lamp keep me burning, burning, burning. Keep me burning till the break of day. Sing Hosanna, sing Hosanna, sing Hosanna to the King of Kings, sing Hosanna sing Hosanna, sing Hosanna the king." Someone, somewhere is rejoicing! Why not join in? Set your spirit free to worship God and ...

I will praise You with a sincere heart when I learn Your righteous judgments. Psalms 119:7 HCSB Yesterday I went to church seeking with a committed and sincere heart. I was wanting to hear from the Lord. Whilst the morning service was good it did not touch the spot. I returned home alone seeking God. Why am I still alone? Why have I not broken through yet? What was I missing? I had fasted until lunch and was wanting something from God. Although I still was not satisfied I settled my heart and took myself in hand and focussed on housework and gardening. I was determined to go back to church again last night. The music started and I was drawn in. The Spirit of God fell and with it fresh vision for Nepal. I knew I was going back. Hopefully this time with a team of worshipers. I had casually said something whilst there only weeks ago: " Nepal is ready for a Hillsong like conference." What I meant is: many young people know English and could handle worship in English. It...

“Now learn this parable from the fig tree: As soon as its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near — at the door! I assure you: This generation will certainly not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away. Matthew 24:32‭-‬35 HCSB Chapter 24 of Matthew deals with the second coming of Christ. It is a sobering read. In the middle of all things is a verse that says: many will be offended. I see this. Many Christians are jaded as things don't work out how they believe they should. All I can pray is: Lord have mercy. Offense happens when others and even God disappoints. Friday night I watched a programme on the recovery of people after bush fires. The interviewer spoke to a man who's wife wad experiencing a long illness, then his house was burnt down. He railed against God and accused Him of being t...

Jesus answered, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. John 14:23 HCSB Jesus answered, “This is so much more than a mere casual, suspicious or indifferent observation, whoever loves me will treasure my words and know my Father’s love and we will come face to face with this one and make our abode with [para] each one individually.” (We will make our abode, 1, the same Greek word that is rendered mansions in the KJV in the former part of this chapter. God doesn’t dwell in buildings made by human hands - God has no other address but ‘you’-man life!) [John 14:23] by Mirror Bible What does keeping His word look like? The Mirror bible says it is treasuring His word. When we meet someone special amd they say something to us that so impacts us, we keep it in our hearts, we treasure it. I think back and remember it as a part of being a teenager. This was when I remember being impactable (new word folks!) I...

Love must be without hypocrisy. Detest evil; cling to what is good. Show family affection to one another with brotherly love. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lack diligence; be fervent in spirit; serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer. Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. Be in agreement with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Try to do what is honorable in everyone’s eyes. If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone. Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for His wrath. For it is written: Vengeance belongs to Me; I will repay, says the Lord. But If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him something to drink. For in so doing you will be heaping ...

 When I came to you, brothers, announcing the testimony of God to you, I did not come with brilliance of speech or wisdom. For I didn’t think it was a good idea to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:1‭-‬2 HCSB Throughout my time in Nepal, God has used me in preaching his word; giving words of knowledge; words of wisdom and healing. In all these times I sought Him. What was ahead saying? Surprisingly, in some of the poorest places He was saying: "You have all that you need," to the people I was with. I could see an anointing to entrepreneurship. Whilst the hearers were disappointed, my knowing Christ and Him crucified contained me. I could not say or do anything that would rail against this knowledge. One man was offended. He thought I had come, loaded with money just for him. I had received a word from God for him. Thr Lord was addressing issues in his life: greed and self-interest. God was calling him to be accountable and...

Now I urge you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree in what you say, that there be no divisions among you, and that you be united with the same understanding and the same conviction. For it has been reported to me about you, my brothers, by members of Chloe’s household, that there is rivalry among you. 1 Corinthians 1:10‭-‬11 HCSB Is anything different today? What makes us fight and bicker among ourselves? Selfish ambition does. What can be done? We need to repent our our hard hearts and turn back to the cross and ask forgiveness. When rivalry arises in me I need to seek the Lord. He constantly admonishes me to seek Him in all things this is nondifferent. All my life must come out of Him. All my life must be centered in Him. John 15 tells me to abide in the vine. How can rivalry exist if I am abiding? There is no rivalry in Christ. I must seek Him and Him crucified. If I seek Him who lay down all rights to the throne for me then I lay down al...