The day with dianne Louise

Everything is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: That is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed the message of reconciliation to us. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, certain that God is appealing through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:18‭-‬20 HCSB Jesus came to reconcile us back to the Father. We are estranged from Him when we live for ourselves or another god. However, when we accept His offer of reconciliation and repent of our old way of doing things we are brought into His divine family. We have just celebrated Christmas when many who are estranged from those who once loved them, suffer alone. Reconciliation is needed. However, without the right mediator this will never happen. This is how we are outside of Christ. We are one side of a gulf and the Father is on the other. JESUS cam...

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. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, and look, new things have come. 2 Corinthians 5:15‭,17 We have a reason to not live for ourselves, His supreme sacrifice of His own life. He gave it all for us so that those of us who choose to follow Him will live for Him and through Him. His sacrifice provides us with all the power to live successfully for Him. Flesh and Spirit war with one another. I saw this so plainly in the series The Crown. Royalty required the Royal family to not live for themselves but for the crown, and ultimately for the Lord. We saw played out the battle to give into the flesh, which they called individualism. When a person says 'Lord I want You in my life' they are brought into royalty and start royal training school. Prince Phillip was determined that Prince Charles went to a sc...

Sustain me as You promised, and I will live; do not let me be ashamed of my hope. Sustain me so that I can be safe and always be concerned about Your statutes. Psalms 119:‬116‭-‬117 HCSB God has promised to sustain me, and He does. Whilst things get awfully scary at times, He is still there. He will not let me be ashamed of my hope, which is in Him. As He keeps me safe I can concentrate on Him and His word. Man without God is dead in their trespasses and sin. Again, today I watched the last part of The Crown series. I was horrified to see the type of man the Princess Margaret married. She was wayway and determined to do things her way and so took a man given to loose morals. When I am determined to do things my way, things go horribly wrong. If I am not living with Him as Lord I am destined for a mess. Conversely, when I do things His way, it all works out for good. He is faithful and as I am faithful, we work in harmony together. He is to be trusted! Amen!

I hate those who are double-minded, but I love Your instruction. You are my shelter and my shield; I put my hope in Your word. Psalms 119:113‭-‬114 HCSB Only God's word is true. However many have been crushed by picking a random scripture to justify a wayward heart. If I am lazy and expect God to provide, I may be disappointed as the whole counsel of scritpure must be taken. The above scripture may be taken to believe I will not experience bad things, I do. However they don't destroy me, unless I let them. My attitude is very important. I cannot behave as a spoilt child and expect things to work out. Mankind, on the other hand are inclined to be double minded, especially if they give their 'yes' before considering all the facts and then having to say 'no'. As a young leader, Queen Elizabeth had this problem. She did not know that there was not only protocol, that the government had a say, the church had a say and ancient law also had a say. At one time sh...

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, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19‭-‬20 HCSB How are we taught? By information received, by example and how we are treated. How can we teach others? By example, by information, by being kind and treating others with respect.People respond to the kindness of others. Today I spent some time watching the new season episodes of The Crown. In one episode the Queen was criticised in the papers, quite severely. The Queen invited the writer to the palace. One of the criticisms was that she was too remote. Although the criticism offended her she took it to heart and became more approachable. If people do not experience kindness then they think we are hard. Why not pray for opportunities to be kind. Amen!

Then Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 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, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18‭-‬20 HCSB I am captivated by the correlation between 'all authority has been given to Me' and 'go therefore.' The disciples had been with Jesus over three years and had already been sent out under authority to minister. Jesus is extending the first training to all nations here. Yet, they had to wait for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit some 7-10 days later. When the Holy Spirit came they owned the authority themselves. We have come to believe in Jesus but not the authority to pick up the mandate to go, well not many have. Perhaps what is required is a Holy Spirit encounter. After the Holy Spirit came...

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens — Jesus the Son of God — let us hold fast to the confession. Hebrews 4:14‭ David said: let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to You, oh Lord. There are times when my confession sucks! I might get caught up in negative piteous dialogue. Then I am ashamed and go to the Lord in repentance. The reason this happens is the company I find myself in at times. In such times I go for a walk and listen to a podcast and clear out the rubbish. Today I took down the Christmas decorations. As I like as little clutter as possible, I was starting to feel overwhelmed. Just the same we need to keep our hearts free from clutter. Vermin love clutter. Today I caught a mouse. It's the same in our hearts and minds. I need to hold fast to sound doctrine, good language and confession and a tender heart. I must manage myself and not allow others to dump. Amen!

Therefore, a Sabbath rest remains for God’s people. For the person who has entered His rest has rested from his own works, just as God did from His. Let us then make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall into the same pattern of disobedience. 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 4:9‭-‬11‭, ‬16 HCSB I have awoken after having a 'result of Sabbath rest dream'. I have a close family relationship breakdown. I have been asked to give space and so there has been no contact throughout Christmas. My dream could not have been better. It was a healing dream for that relationship. I sure did not manufacture it, God did. In the above passage I have the understanding that we must enter rest so as to not fall into disobedience. In fact we must strive to enter this rest. In other words let go of every effort of mine. Anxiety and fear cause us to strive, in t...

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 Today I found myself unwell and pondering this scripture as my flesh was giving me good cause to be anxious. I thought to myself: now, walking on water here requires me to pick up this bag of bones, fat and muscle and step out into divine health. We had visitors and I had to go to the post as well. Whilst out I reasoned with myself as to why I was feeling palpitations and chest pain. I remembered I have been taking a brand of multi-vitamins that had done this to me before. I seem to be very susceptible to certain minerals. I had bought these supplements when under stress at year end with work. It is amazing how thoughts of asking my visiting brother to take me to outpatients turned aside to more productive endeavours, namely hemming up his new jeans. I figured that God has me against the wall in every ot...

He gives strength to the weary and strengthens the powerless. Youths may faint and grow weary, and young men stumble and fall, 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 40:29‭-‬31 HCSB All over the world there are the weary: weary in well-doing; weary in work; weary in life; weary in soul; weary in war. Yet this scripture comes against all weariness. Our God is our source of strength, He is our song. You would do well to read the whole chapter, it is full of life and promise. Our God is above all, He is above and outside all drama; all pain; all trauma; all threats and intimidation. He is the God who created the starry host, who holds them in place. He is God, a force we cannot dissect or fathom. We cannot conquer Him with knowledge and look and say: " See! We have determined your measure and You have been found wanting!" He is outside of measure,...

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. Be sure that all who are enraged against you will be ashamed and disgraced; those who contend with you will become as nothing and will perish. You will look for those who contend with you, but you will not find them. Those who war against you will become absolutely nothing. For I, Yahweh your God, hold your right hand and say to you: Do not fear, I will help you. Isaiah 41:10‭-‬13 HCSB It appears we need to be told not to fear. The reason we need to be told is we do fear. In the process of growing in Christ we encounter difficulties and challenges. No-one will save us, there is no fairy godmother. Bad stuff happens to good people. In this holiday season we are seeing normal people on the way to family gatherings killed by selfish speeding drivers. This is just one of the things normal people will have to face. Fires, hurr...

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 Various craft have to pass the test in storms. There are pilots that fly into the eye of storms to assess the storm. There are actually folk who chase tornados. Crazy folk! Wild adventuring folk! Our God is one such being. He is to be found in all things that life throws at us yet He walks on the water in the midst of the storm and beckons us come. The apostle Peter was brave enough to get out of the boat but displayed what a lot of us do, He looked at the waves and panicked. Panicking causes us to sink. Just think with me for a while, what would it be like to be a storm chaser, a storm rider? How thrilling that would be! Our God has always promised to be there for us. What does that look like? Awesome! Let's step out of comfort and what we know and chase after Him!

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.” Matthew 2:6 HCSB Bethlehem was nothing great, except scripture foretold the king of the Jews would come from there. Nazareth was not great either and although Jesus grew up there it was rejected by the religious leaders as 'not relevant.' You may believe you live in the back end of nowhere and are a nobody. You Are in good company. God did not choose big name places or people to do His bidding. Small and insignificant were good then and nothing has changed, they are still his choice. Rejoice! God has a plan! Amen!

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 Into a hopeless situation God speaks this promise. Israel has been harassed and plundered by Assyria. Isaiah was giving hope. The prophesy is about a future child who would be called Wonderful, counsellor, mighty God. Into our world of devastation, sin and disease, the Son of God came, precisely whwn the Father decreed He would. Now, us who love Him wait in hope for His prophesied return. Yet today we remember the day He came to earth as an innocent child, humble, very vulnerable and totally dependant. In every way He was like us, except He knew no sin. How wonderful! This same Jesus grew to be a man, learned obedience through what He suffered and went to the cross for us who were born into sin and paid our debt so that we could live as He lived, in fellowship with the Father. ...

They hurried off and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the feeding trough. After seeing them, they reported the message they were told about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. Luke 2:16‭-‬18 HCSB The shepherds had just had an encounter with a heavenly host praising God for the promised saviour who had just been born in Bethlehem. They were quick to believe, unlike the Pharisees, the so called learned men. Also they were quick to tell the good news to others and they were believed. So, basically they were good witnesses. Jesus Himself chose unlearned men, who, bar one, were good witnesses and also believed. These three criteria are all that are required. No wonder Jesus said we need to be as little children. Little children are beautiful in their innocence, trust and reporting. Whilst all their gusto is in the reporting it is somewhat mixed in the delivery, yet God loves them for their innocence and lack of comp...

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 I've seen single angels but not a host. A host is a multitude, as in a large number, maybe a football stadium crowd on a good day. That is an overpowering lot of powerful, glorious beings. All for a few shepherds. Verse 9 tells us they were terrified. Why did God choose shepherds? He had a thing about shepherds: Abraham was a shepherd, in an ownership way; Moses minded sheep on the backside of the desert; King David was a shepherd. Was it an honour thing? Scripture tells us He chooses what is lowly to confound the wise. God chose a lowly virgin to bear His Son; He chose Jospeh a carpenter to father His Son, He chose fishermen and a tax collector to be His disciples. He did not choose the righteous, but the unrighteous. What does this show us? We are acceptable whomever we are in whatever c...

Now listen: You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will call His name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. Luke 1:31‭-‬32 HCSB These words were spoken to Mary before she became pregnant. Her worst nightmare was about to begin, she was to be a part of God's plan of redemption, yet many sorrows would pierce her heart. We are told in scripture that Jesus learned obedience through what He suffered. Did Mary watch Him suffer as He grew up through childhood; puberty; adulthood? Learning to obey to the point of death takes training and God trained His Son. What did He use to train Him? Mary now has the glory of being the mother of God; Jesus now has the glory of being the Saviour of mankind but suffering was a big part of that. What are you suffering today? Is Christmas as a season troubling you? I can assure you it is the expectation that you place on it that troubles yo...

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 small verse occurs in a chapter when Isaiah is remonstrating with King Ahaz for not asking the Lord for a sign that the word just given to Him will come to pass. King Ahaz refuses, acting pious. Isaiah says: “Listen, house of David! Is it not enough for you to try the patience of men? Will you also try the patience of my God? Isaiah 7:13 Then suddenly Isaiah brings the word about Immanuel. Have you ever talked to a prophetic person and they say something that is supposed to answer a now question but you sense they are also referring to another time. This is exactly what happens here. He is mentioned in Matthew 1:23 and this time we take notice. Our turn has come. Jesus is our Immanuel. He did come and dwell among us. The only son of God made His abode with us. Christmas is about this. Remembering why He came into a legalistic world. He brought f...

Anyone who believes in Him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the One and Only Son of God. John 3:18 HCSB Are you feeling condemned? Do you believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God and have you welcomed Him in as saviour and Lord? Then tell condemnation goodbye! The apostle Paul tells us in Romans 8:1 for there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. If we feel condemned we are being lied to or manipulated by our enemy. If we confess our sins then He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins. 1 John 1:9 Our God is good and does not condemn. We can trust Him! Amen! Yet, if we refuse Him our actions condemn us. Make it right!

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 Jesus spoke these words to Nicodemus, the Pharisee who came to visit Him in the night. Nicodemus wanted truth and He was hearing the gospel. Nicodemus was used to religion and judgement. Here was a good man claiming to be the prophesied Christ and offering freedom from judgement and law. This was very new indeed! Nicodemus came to believe. His hunger was satisfied. Now all that He knew would be sifted by this experience. How does a Pharisee, the upholder of the law progress. Like the apostle Paul he would need time out to come to terms with the salvation offered him. Hunger for truth drove me, a religious zealot, to salvation. Religion did not give me the relationship I desperately desired, being born again did. Like Nicodemus I had to learn that I needed two births: natural and spiritual. Spiritual birth comes when you ask Jesus into your ...

Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 1 John 4:10 HCSB Propitiation is a huge word. It basically means payment. He came from heaven to pay a debt we could not pay, once and for all. We are permanently set free from the cost of sin. However, this gift must be accepted by faith for it to be accounted to us as paid. Most of us have some sort of debt. Some carry larger debt than others. If a stranger turned up and paid all our debt, that would be awesome but for it to be credited to us we would have to accept it. Accept the payment and the freedom it brings today, with joy! Amen!

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 Why did God send His Son? To forgive us for our sins? Yes! But here John tells us: that we might live through Him. I recently went and saw the new Star Wars movie: The Last Jedi. In the movie Luke Skywalker said: "The force belongs to everyone, not just the Jedi." Christ and living through Him belongs to everyone, not just priests. I grew up in the Catholic faith where the priests had the edge on the rest, so it seemed. In the Old Testament this was the case. However Jesus came that 'all men might come to a knowledge: 'and so that all the peoples of the earth may know that Yahweh is God. There is no other!' 1 Kings 8:60 Jesus is the only way for all men, women and children. He is the fabric, the glue that holds all things together. He is the Alpha andn Omega. The beginning and end of it all! He is the only song! He...

When Joseph got up from sleeping, he did as the Lord’s angel had commanded him. He married her. Matthew 1:24 Aren't we grateful for Joseph's obedience? You might say: " But anyone would!" No! They would not! Fear of man, fear of the future, the ridicule would make many turn away. Obedience in fire is precious. It is easier to obey when all things are good, not so easy when things are bad or challenging. However, just as I am grateful for Joseph's obedience others now will be grateful for our obedience. Amen!

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 verse is a portion of that given to Joseph by an angel in a dream. Joseph was thinking of divorcing Mary for being pregnant, however God intervened. Jesus is the Greek form of Joshua which means ' the Lord saves.' In Isaiah 7:14 He is called Immanuel, which translated is God with us. Prophesy foretold that Jesus would come and that He would save His people. Unfortunately they saw the salvation as that required from Roman rule not their sins. This misinterpretation caused them to miss His beautiful manifestation of the Godhead. If we assign the role of: deliverer from a difficult life, we will miss His glorious deliverance from our sin and sin we do. I know we struggle to acknowledge our sin, especially if we retain the Lordship of our lives, but sin is prevalent in the way we treat each other. Let us remember why He came and embrace ...

For in it God’s righteousness is revealed from faith to faith, just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith. Romans 1:17 HCSB Habakkuk 2:4 says ' the righteous one shall live by faith.' God spoke this to the prophet after he had waited to see what God would say. He is troubled by the wickedness in the land and God gives him a vision for the future. When God gives us a prophesy, a vision, a dream for the future we need to walk in faith to see it come to pass. It is not an emotional thing but rather a faith thing. The Christian is called to walk by faith, not by sight or feeling. We are faith beings. We need to run on the fuel in our tanks-faith! Amen!

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is God’s power for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek. For in it God’s righteousness is revealed from faith to faith, just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith. Romans 1:16‭-‬17 HCSB The gospel is good and bring light into darkness. In the gospels we meet Jesus, the Son of God, the great I AM who came to earth. Jesus was a man above all men, perfect in every way. He was not a ruthless legalist, that title was reserved for men. He spoke and lived the truth. That truth set captives free. All the power of the Godhead dwelt in Him. He raised people from the dead but more importantly came to give eternal life. By faith I must receive Him, by faith I must believe Him. He is good and perfect all together. He calmed the storms, He healed those sick from childhood and He taught the ways of the kingdom. He was leading people to the Father, the Father who wanted them with Him in eternity...

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments and untraceable His ways! Romans 11:33 HCSB We serve the creator of the universe; the One who causes planets and stars to continue to be born and die; the One who said: "Let there be!" And the was, and there continues to be. This God who created the vast beauty and the infinitismal cell structure and yet smaller than this, all the wonderful components of life. He is living and active. His life is the light of men. The mind, the wisdom, the understanding cannot be bottled and contained for He is everywhere and in all things, He holds all things together. Yet, this God wants to spend time with me, just hanging out. How good is that! What love is this! I am loved by God! Awesome!

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments and untraceable His ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor? Or who has ever first given to Him, and has to be repaid? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen. Romans 11:33‭-‬36 HCSB This psalm, written by Paul the apostle, busts forth at the end of a chapter, which was talking about the fact that Israel, who had rejected Christ was no longer the only race that God was reaching out to. Paul had been sent to the Gentiles, that is everybody else. Christ, through the cross made a way for all to come. There was no longer a single focus to God's attention. This book was to the Romans. Romans were Gentiles. I am a Gentile and along with Paul praise my God for including me. When I look at all who do not believe and refuse to come, I am grateful! Yet, this does not mean Israel is excluded, fa...

Oh, Lord God ! You Yourself made the heavens and earth by Your great power and with Your outstretched arm. Nothing is too difficult for You! “Look, I am Yahweh, the God of all flesh. Is anything too difficult for Me? Jeremiah 32:17‭, ‬27 HCSB What is there that seems difficult for you? Mending of relationships? Finances? Health? In the passage above God was speaking to His man Jeremiah. All seemed hopeless: the people had turned from God; the king was against Jeremiah; Jeremiah was in prison; the enemy was at the gates. What could go right? As the Lord turned up for Jeremiah God continues to turn up for those who cling to Him in faith. He does not fail, it is us who give up and yield to hopelessness. Let's determine to find what God has in store beyond the grave, the wall, the fire!

Oh, Lord God ! You Yourself made the heavens and earth by Your great power and with Your outstretched arm. Nothing is too difficult for You! Jeremiah 32:17 HCSB Jeremiah is locked up by the king for prophesying destruction. The people in Jerusalem are into Baal worship and God is not happy. In the midst of all this God tells Jeremiah:"Your cousin is going to come to you and ask you to buy a piece of land, but it!" Jeremiah asks why and the Lord tells him He will scatter the people and send them into captivity but after a time He would restore them and establish them in the land. At this Jeremiah says the above prayer. Remember Jeremiah is locked up, yet He has enough silver to buy land. He was financially ok. However, his priesthood was not accepted because he spoke truth instead of the lies the people wanted. Jeremiah is faithful to the Lord. He is the Lord's man. As we face whatever is besetting us today we too can pray this prayer: "nothing is too difficul...

My dearly loved brothers, understand this: Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man’s anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness. James 1:19‭-‬20 HCSB How can I be quick to hear? What does that mean? If I am quick to hear, my ears will be trained to listen for what is really being said and what is not said. What is going on in the speakers life? What is their concern? As someone who carries the HOLY Spirit, I am a carrier of peace and answers. This same HOLY Spirit wants to reach out to the speaker. He has all they need and we are privileged to carry Him around. If I am slow to speak and quick to listen, then I will definitely hear more. If I am slow to speak then I will probably not get angry as often. It is important we hear what God hears. Amen!

Don’t be deceived, my dearly loved brothers. Every generous act and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights; with Him there is no variation or shadow cast by turning. By His own choice, He gave us a new birth by the message of truth so that we would be the firstfruits of His creatures. James 1:16‭-‬18 HCSB We can be so in love with our own actions that when inspired by God to be generous we can claim the glory and sit back with a satisfied, smug look on our faces. Yet James, the brother of Jesus, tells us the truth: it wasn't you, God inspired you to be generous for your flesh is not that generous. I know when asked by man, I can easily decline, but what does God say? When I sow where He does, He sees me as His daughter doing His work. When I merely wait to feel emotional I will find Him absent. Not a good place! He is about His kingdom, not mine. Amen!

So if you have been raised with the Messiah, seek what is above, where the Messiah is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on what is above, not on what is on the earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with the Messiah in God. Colossians 3:1‭-‬3 HCSB In New life I have been given an inheritance. On this earth many are told they will receive an inheritance from a loved one. When they are told this news they know what to expect and live with that expectation in mind. This is especially true of children of elderly parents. These children are often in their 50s or 60s and are themselves planning their retirement. The facy that they will receive an inheritance in the forseeable future gives ease to the need to accumulate themselves. Just the same we have been given an inheritance and the seal of this inheritance is the Holy Spirit, He is the down payment, if you like. The more we know Him the more we know what to expect in eternity. To understand our inherit...

Therefore, God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, accepting one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive. Above all, put on love — the perfect bond of unity. Colossians 3:12‭-‬14 HCSB Have you got a complaint? First put on love's glasses and look again. What do you see now? Ask the Lord's help. We live in an age of opinion. We are quick to give an opinion. We value our opinion, often More than love's edict. Our teachers are now subject to our opinions. We, the unenlightened, judge the enlightened, all because we can. We now have a tool to do this called social media. Having an opinion does not make us right and the teacher wrong. Yes it is good to enter the fray but it is also dangerous. Do we write with love for one another or our opinion? How about talking over your opinion with the Lord or a...

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 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 do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:44‭, ‬46‭-‬48 HCSB Ouch! Now, the challenge is to do different to what we see and are used to. How do we love our enemies? Forgive them, heap grace on them and pray for them. Speak well of them, now, there's the rub! Speaking well of our enemies is probably the biggest challenge. Lord have mercy! I am sitting outside in the yard waiting for meteors to arrive and so far all I can see are satellites. Sometimes all we see is junk when we are looking for God's best. Sometimes it takes determined effort to see Him. Keep trying! Amen!

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 do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:44‭-‬48 HCSB I wonder how the disciples felt being told to love their enemies when their whole culture hated their enemies? These words would have been hard to hear then just as they are now. Our enemies get a social media lashing and verbal abuse at gatherings. When someone you have not seen for a while asks: " How are you going?" Why this is the perfect opportunity to unload! Yet in unloading you further cement the problem, confirms you are a ...

Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We have also obtained access through Him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:1‭-‬2 HCSB I want to focus on the verse: 'this grace in which we stand.' We have access to this grace by faith. Yet knowing I stand in grace is awesome. It is like standing in a field of swaying red poppies. I can walk through fields without cost, in many places, some I may pay. We enter the field of grace because someone else paid the entry fee. Jesus Himself paid the fee with His own life. The image of standing is an act of involvement. Whereas sitting implies rest and inactivity. In this field of grace I stand, actively appropriating my inheritance. Grace is mine by faith. Yet it is not mine unless I step into it. A field of grace is a field of forgiveness and strength. Amen

And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:3‭-‬5 HCSB Are you rejoicing in affliction? We tend to complain don't we? Yet Jesus endured the cross for the joy that was set before Him. You see, having us in relationship with Him was a joy to Him. I am sure not having all the sheep and cows slaughtered would also be a joy to Him. Therefore, finding joy beyond affliction is important. I cannot find vision or hope for the future without Christ. What is He saying about my future? What does He see? Where is that path of life going before me? As I seek Him vision flows. With vision comes hope and hope does not disappoint. With hope I can endure. With hope all is well with my soul. Amen!

If we say, “We don’t have any sin,” we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. 1 John 1:10 HCSB As I said this morning: without divine revelation we can think we are sinless, especially if we live in a world of do-goodism. I have been here. I have assumed that feeling good about 'doing good works' was a sign of perfection or sinlessness. No! Good Works must come out of my relationship with Christ not instead of. What is important is what He wants done, not what my emotions feel like doing. My emotions cannot be my God centre, that is His place. Our conscious awareness of God is supposed to show us our sin. However, if we have seared this centre of influence by trading its true centre for feeling good, then we will struggle to be aware of sin. If we say:"I feel good, therefore I am good!" We call God a Liar. Scripture tells us in Romans 3:23: all have sinned and fallen short of God's glory.' I think ALL means ALL.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 HCSB An awareness of sin is a gift from God. Until I knew my sin I could not come to Him. Without an awareness of sin we are content to stumble along in the dark doing things our own way. Yet when the Spirit of God comes, light and life come, all we have to do then is welcome Him in and forgiveness like a waterfall in flood cleanses our soul. How good it is! My prayer for out nation is that the gift of repentance is poured out. Amen! God's love and forgiveness are real. However they are an affront to one who does not recognise their sin. It takes a personal encounter with the redeemer to break a hardened heart.

and you will be established on a foundation of righteousness. You will be far from oppression, you will certainly not be afraid; you will be far from terror, it will certainly not come near you. If anyone attacks you, it is not from Me; whoever attacks you will fall before you. Isaiah 54:14‭-‬15 HCS Ever had one of those days when you thought: 'nothing worse could befall me' and it does? Well today was one such day. To be a financial planner in 2017 is painful. We have mountains of compliance; reduction in commissions; and an expectation to pay registration and insurance for a growing number of reasons. So, less pay, more costs, greater expectation in education and accreditation. You think you have finally nailed it only to discover, no there's more. I am glad I am female. I had a cry and recovered. I am glad my mum lives with me, she understood and gave me a hug. I am grateful. After I recovered I decided that this will make me a hum- dinger planner. I am worth more!...

No weapon formed against you will succeed, and you will refute any accusation raised against you in court. This is the heritage of the Lord ’s servants, and their righteousness is from Me.” This is the Lord ’s declaration. Isaiah 54:17 HCSB This is a good promise to the faithful. All hell can be breaking loose but none will come near enough to destroy. I see this with Israel. All the nations are in opposition to Jerusalem becoming Israel's capital, well almost all America has made its stand and now the Czech republic has raised its voice and condemned Europe for not standing with Israel. At the end of the day, it matters little who supports Israel, because if God be for her, who can stand against her? This is the same for me. As I stand for right what does it matter who stands against me? For God is for me! What God says will come to pass. Man can think he knows but God is ultimately in charge. His word prevails against many other words. His will is far greater. Amen!

Because you are precious in My sight and honored, and I love you, I will give people in exchange for you and nations instead of your life. Do not fear, for I am with you; I will bring your descendants from the east, and gather you from the west. Isaiah 43:4‭-‬5 HCSB Believing we are precious to the Lord and loved, takes some doing. Especially when we are aware of our own frailty and humaneness. Even though I know I am precious, I am honour bound to act like royalty. I cannot be impulsive and react. I must act as a queen would. For this reason I love watching shows about royalty, especially good royalty. Currently I am working my way through the Victoria series. I watched the first when they were available, as well as those about Queen Elizabeth. I love the way these queens were trained to behave with dignity. It blesses me because we are called Kings and Queens of the most High. Dignity is sadly missing and greatly prized. Jesus had dignity. He was the King of Kings come to ear...

Now this is what the Lord says — the One who created you, Jacob, and the One who formed you, Israel — “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. I will be with you when you pass through the waters, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. You will not be scorched when you walk through the fire, and the flame will not burn you. Isaiah 43:1‭-‬2 HCSB Note: God does not promise to deliver you out of trials and trouble, but to be with you in trials and trouble, so much so that although you go through disaster, it will not destroy you. The child in us wants protecting, the gift, the sleep-in. However it is not always to be. We may attempt to pamper and spoil our children but He does not. He prunes and waters, fertilized and stakes us. We are meant to produce fruit that others can eat; fruits of righteousness. Amen! Where is your vineyard? Where has God planted you? Be what He has made you in the place He has planted...

For the creation was subjected to futility — not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it — in the hope that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage of corruption into the glorious freedom of God’s children. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together with labor pains until now. Romans 8:20‭-‬22 HCSB If creation is waiting for the revealing of the son's of God, what do we look for? What do we want to do to bring this about? Was Jesus driven by a need to be comfortable, respected, loved? Or was His food to do the will of the Father? Is our role to be served or to serve? Be blessed or be blessing? What is my focus? What is important to me? What is the work my God has for me? I know I am driven to love. Tonight I conducted a street Christmas party. I saw Indians and Caucasians talking to one another. The children all played together. I love to watch memories being created. On January 26th, Australia Day, we have agreed to have ...

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us. Romans 8:18 HCSB Glory is from God and to God. God places His glory inside of us when we become His born again creatures. We give glory back to God in our praise, worship and service. We honour Him as we handle suffering as His Son did, humbly trusting the Fsther. Glory is shown in acts of grace and mercy as they are acts of God. Revenge and anger are acts of the flesh. One brings life one brings death. The next verse says: For the creation eagerly waits with anticipation for God’s sons to be revealed. Romans 8:19 HCSB Imagine creation waiting eagerly for God's sons and daughters to be revealed. All of God's creation is a vast area. Imagine being in that world waiting for a revealing of God's glory through the sons and daughters of men. I could almost write a book. In fact Narnia was about this subject. A brilliant series by CS Lewi...

So don’t worry, saying, ‘What will we eat? ’ or ‘What will we drink? ’ or ‘What will we wear? ’ For the idolaters eagerly seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. Matthew 6:31‭-‬33 HCSB We may or may not worry about what we will eat, maybe we worry about the mortgage or the bills. The Lord provides exactly what we need. If we have less than we think we need, we are wrong. In times of plenty, save so that you have enough for times of lack. Joseph taught us this thousands of years ago. Plenty is not to waste on foolishness but rather to save for the lean times. The trick is knowing the parameters. Trial and error will show you these. Amen!

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. Therefore don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:33‭-‬34 HCSB My first response will be: what does God's response look like. When you have extended grace and extended grace to another and again are taken for granted, what do you do? Seek the Lord! No matter what I feel or what I want, what does He want? In wanting a good life we must realise it is not about the money, possessions or position but rather the presence. Will what I do hurt the Holy Spirit? If so, I can't do it! You know how, when your shirt is thoroughly soaked and you wring it out, tight, well life can be like that. When wrung out with nothing more to give, what can you do? Give praise! Yesterday, when wrung out, I gave praise and also shared my testimony with a Muslim neighbour. We also made a gingerbread house. That w...

The Lord looks down from heaven; He observes everyone. He gazes on all the inhabitants of the earth from His dwelling place. He alone shapes their hearts; He considers all their works. Psalms 33:13‭-‬15 HCSB For the eyes of Yahweh roam throughout the earth to show Himself strong for those whose hearts are completely His. You have been foolish in this matter. Therefore, you will have wars from now on.” 2 Chronicles 16:9 HCSB Now, did you know that verse came after what we Christians often repeat? These verses are from a chapter that dealt with king Asa. Asa had sent silver and gold from the treasury in the temple and sent it to king Ben-hadad, who lived in Damascus to bribe him to break his treaty with King Basha of Israel so he would stop attacking Asa. Complicated! However, the thrust of the matter is: ' why did you not seek the Lord?' Victory with the Lord is far better than any we can decide. It is more permanent and is blessed. The outcome for Asa was continual w...

Now the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him — those who depend on His faithful love to deliver them from death and to keep them alive in famine. Psalms 33:18‭-‬19 HCSB When I dare to step out in God to reach the lost famine and turmoil comes. Yet I am reminded of how God kept His prophets and those who trusted in Him, in the Psalm above, the author who may well have been David. He knew what it was like to be without but trusted in God. The key thing is to not go to self-pity, blame, mourning or anything emotional, but to walk with eyes fixed, through the furnace and come out the other side without smoke on your clothes. (This is a favourite saying of my pastor Darren Bonnell). As we allow God to be good and use us to touch lives we live in joy. Joy unspeakable! The main thing is souls. However, keeping our eyes on the Lord keeps us pure in intent and not side tracked with their issues. Stay focussed.

All bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander must be removed from you, along with all malice. And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ. Ephesians 4:31‭-‬32 HCSB Wow! Bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander all comes from disagreement, hate and a failure to love. How does it get to that? Rumor, innuendo, gossip, critical thinking. Personally I recognise the enemy of my soul troubling me with critical thoughts about others. He also has a habit of attempting to ambush me with demands left, right and centre. It is as if I am in a squash court with balls coming from several fronts. The attempt is to harass me and unsettle me, causing me to snap. If we are prepared for battle and when it comes slow it down and know what is going on. Today I had a call from a little Indian man in a call centre trying to convince me he was calling me from Microsoft. He then proceeded to tell me I had a lot of problems o...

No foul language is to come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear. And don’t grieve God’s Holy Spirit. You were sealed by Him for the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:29‭-‬30 HCSB Our culture swears in many ways. Recently a series of adds in Australia, with the catch phrase of "bugger" was run. They showed all manner of slips and spills and at the end of each, which were funny, the word 'bugger' was said. It is and Australianism that has been around for a long time. My dad, in fact, when showing his displeasure would say: "Go to buggery!" Now, outside of Australia these saying would be seen for what they are: foul language. Of recent times I've noticed the millenials adopting another word 'frigging'. This word is too close to another word which pervades the movie theaters and social media. I can see the dangers but they don't seem to mind. Why? Our culture can de...

There is no one holy like the Lord . There is no one besides You! And there is no rock like our God. Do not boast so proudly, or let arrogant words come out of your mouth, for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and actions are weighed by Him. 1 Samuel 2:2‭-‬3 HCSB Hands up anyone who has never boasted! We are inclined to be proud of our achievements and before we know it we boast. Arrogance is when we see our own opinions as more important and ride roughshod over others. Arrogant people are insensitive to how rude and arrogant they really are. They have been deceived into believing their own boast. Arrogant people are not sensitive to community, they are too busy being themselves, consumed with their own business and agendas. The Lord does not like arrogance and when it rears it head in His children He fixes things so they fall and have a lesson in humity. The humble are more in tune with His heart for others. It is always best to humble ourselves or He will do it for us. Ever he...

Hannah prayed: My heart rejoices in the Lord ; my horn is lifted up by the Lord . My mouth boasts over my enemies, because I rejoice in Your salvation. There is no one holy like the Lord . There is no one besides You! And there is no rock like our God. 1 Samuel 2:1‭-‬2 HCSB Hannah had been in a humble place. She was childless, with a husband she loved. Her husband had a second wife who produced many children and made fun of her, as she was jealous of the love their husband had for Hannah. Living with constant put down and being made fun of would not have been good. Yet each of us can find this in life. We have an enemy who wants to hold us back from our destiny. Hannah was the mother of the prophet Samuel, a great man of God. Samuel is still remembered, as is Hannah. We do not know the other wife's name or that of her children. She boasted in her ability to produce many children but Hannah produced a mighty man of God. It is the Lord who vindicates. He restores those who a...

For I, Yahweh your God, hold your right hand and say to you: Do not fear, I will help you. See, I will make you into a sharp threshing board, new, with many teeth. You will thresh mountains and pulverize them and make hills into chaff. You will winnow them and a wind will carry them away, a gale will scatter them. But you will rejoice in the Lord ; you will boast in the Holy One of Israel. Isaiah 41:13‭, ‬15‭-‬16 HCSB I follow several Israeli publications and receive regular updates on the threats that Israel is constantly having to deal with. And we think Our life is tough if we experience a difficult patch. Oh dear! In the above passage God promises Israel it will be a threshing board to the nations. Only last week the U.N. passed a resolution against Israel saying that Jerusalem did not belong to them. How dare they! How can a bunch of self-interested nations tell Israel what does and does not belong to their history. Lord protect your people as use them as the threshing boar...

Be sure that all who are enraged against you will be ashamed and disgraced; those who contend with you will become as nothing and will perish. You will look for those who contend with you, but you will not find them. Those who war against you will become absolutely nothing. For I, Yahweh your God, hold your right hand and say to you: Do not fear, I will help you. Isaiah 41:11‭-‬13 HCSB Do you have enemies who criticise you, think little of you, publically defame you? In their microcosm their opinions are important. Let them have their opinions as at the end of the day, it may only be noise. Their is One who's opinions matter most. It is Him we should fear. If God be for me, who can be against me? Paul said it right in Romans 8. Who can bring an accusation against God’s elect? God is the One who justifies. Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is the One who died, but even more, has been raised; He also is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us. Who can separate ...

But who can endure the day of His coming? And who will be able to stand when He appears? For He will be like a refiner’s fire and like cleansing lye. He will be like a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver. Then they will present offerings to the Lord in righteousness. Malachi 3:2‭-‬3 HCSB Standing before the Son of God, it would have been daunting the first time when He came as man, how will it be when He comes as Son of God? I think even the greatest crim recognised he has met One with greater power. Even the biggest bully slinks away from true power. The Son of God is pure and free from evil. Looking at purity, what will that be like? We see purity in babies but we do not see purity and power in many men or women. None (in mankind) is righteous, no not one! Romans 3:10,11 Our Lord's goal is to refine us like pure gold and silver. How does He do this? He applies the heat!

“See, I am going to send My messenger, and he will clear the way before Me. Then the Lord you seek will suddenly come to His temple, the Messenger of the covenant you desire — see, He is coming,” says the Lord of Hosts. Malachi 3:1 HCSB I love prophesy and yet it frustrates. It frustrates but also provides the glue during difficult times. In 1995 I had a prophetic dream and it has carried me through many difficult years. In 2004 I was prophesied over and that prophesy sustains me. For the hope set before me I endure. Why does prophesy frustrate, it does so because by its very presence you know there is a 'wait' factor contained in it. Us humans like to know 'how long?' However prophesy does not say. Thus the frustration. Malachi was written hundreds of years before the promised messenger and Messiah would come. Yet when Jesus did come, He came quickly and to them He was sent, they did not recognise Him. Last night I went to a Christmas party. Christmas partie...

For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 HCSB God has a plan and in that plan He knows the good works He wants me to do. They don't fill me with euphoria but rather grounded humility knowing I am serving Him. Tonight I cooked for my astronomy club's Christmas party. To be honest there are easily lots of things I'd rather do but I do this because I know this is where I am needed. The club is blessed for the work I do. More importantly the Lord wants me to do this. Now, because of my business, the club continually tries to get me to be treasurer or secretary. No way Hosea! That would not bless the club or me. After cooking I made a point of circulating and chatting. I would rather be at home resting but this was right to do. These people are precious. I am blessed to know them. Amen!

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 There is an euphoria that comes with good works, a 'look want I have done!' It is like a drug. The sense of wellbeing is what many settle with, thinking it is more than enough. I know! I have done it even as a Christian. However, no amount of works done out of self, even of it is 'good works' are the way to heaven. Many 'do gooders' will find themselves on the wide road that leads to destruction, along with the murderers and those who tear down the sanctity of the church. Jesus said: 'many will say to me, on that final day: " but we cast out devils in your name!" And He will say: " begone from Me, you who practice lawlessness."' If I am a law unto myself, if I choose to live for the drug euphoria instead of faithful obedience, then I will hear those words: "Bego...

The Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the Israelites to break camp. As for you, lift up your staff, stretch out your hand over the sea, and divide it so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground. Exodus 14:15‭-‬16 HCSB Faith is quiet at times. It has ears to hear the Lord's footfall. Today I had a call from my manager telling me there was a problem with an employee of mine. He wanted to know what I was going to do. I told him: " I will pray, then talk and see what comes." This man is getting an education. I would rather have the Lord's solutions than a million others. I would rather His smile than a million others. He is totally trustworthy, others (including me) are not always. Where the Lord goes I will follow. That is the safest place to be. Amen!

The Lord will fight for you; you must be quiet.” Exodus 14:14 HCSB Growing up in the country we had chickens to lay eggs and occasionally kill to eat. The catch of a chicken was a family affair. Us 6 kids would run with our father in the hunt. The chickens would squark and flap their wings and we would laugh and become excited. In the adult world we have stuff happen to us, much like it always has, but now we must handle the stuff ourselves. It can be frightening at first. We feel like the hunted chicken and begin to squark. The above passage is a part of Moses' speech to the children of Israel as they left Egypt and were then chased by pharaoh. Pharoah had been forced to let the Israelites go through a process in which God eventually took his son. Pharoah was who he was for a reason and this was displayed in His pursuit of the now fleeing Israelites. Moses had been the man who stood up to Pharaoh. Now they were all out before the Red Sea and vulnerable, with nowhere to g...