The day with dianne Louise

I called to the Lord in distress; the Lord answered me and put me in a spacious place. Psalms 118:5 HCSB On the weekend I prayed and asked the Lord for help with my studies. My head needed to expand. He answered me. On Monday morning I thought I might be in for a struggle, but I finished the day knowing I had turned the corner. Today I started studying again around 12 and studied until 4.30pm ending with a trial quiz. I passed and saw how I had worried about nothing. Now I can study for the next two days for my quiz which counts for 20%, on Saturday. I know I will be ok. The study is becoming easier. On Monday morning I felt like I did not have what it takes, but with God I am able. How good is He? I listened to a podcast by Bill Johnson yesterday and he alluded to the fact that no matter how many times God takes us, successfully, through something, each time the immensity of the task overwhelms us. He used the example of the apostles in the boat when Jesus was telling the dis...

The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This came from the Lord ; it is wonderful in our eyes. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalms 118:22‭-‬24 HCSB Jesus is the cornerstone, the very stone that the builders (religious leaders) rejected. Even though man rejected their saviour, He became the cornerstone. Cornerstones were important as they held the buildings together. This stone bears the weight of the building and provides the level. Jesus took the weight of our sin upon Himself and provided us with the standard by which we should live. Yet God had a plan. The rejection and crucifixion of Jesus paid the ransom for our souls. We can trust Him, He is reliable and will not fail. Today is a significant day. Today is the day of the blood moon. It is also the first day of the Jewish new year. Today is also the beginning of a new period of time. We are closer to the end. Jesus, the one who mankind rejects is coming. Today...

First, be aware of this: Scoffers will come in the last days to scoff, living according to their own desires, saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? Ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they have been since the beginning of creation.” They willfully ignore this: Long ago the heavens and the earth were brought about from water and through water by the word of God. Through these waters the world of that time perished when it was flooded. But by the same word, the present heavens and earth are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. 2 Peter 3:3‭-‬7 HCSB The Book of Revelation tells us how Jesus will return and what will happen to the earth, it will burn with fire from heaven. We will experience meteors of some sort large enough to kill 1/3 of the sea life; 1/3 of the trees and if I remember right a lot of people will die. The apostle Peter knew this fact when he wrote the scripture above. Jesus is coming ba...

The Lord does not delay His promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance. But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief; on that day the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, the elements will burn and be dissolved, and the earth and the works on it will be disclosed. 2 Peter 3:9‭-‬10 HCSB God's people eagerly await His coming. He is coming soon. Jesus said: “Now concerning that day and hour no one knows — neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son — except the Father only. As the days of Noah were, so the coming of the Son of Man will be. For in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah boarded the ark. They didn’t know until the flood came and swept them all away. So this is the way the coming of the Son of Man will be: Matthew 24:36‭-‬39 There has been a delay. Why does Jesus tarry? For those who are yet to believe. Perh...

Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me? The words I speak to you I do not speak on My own. The Father who lives in Me does His works. Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me. Otherwise, believe because of the works themselves. John 14:10‭-‬11 HCSB Jesus now has Phillip asking to see the Father, after Jesus had just told the disciples that He and the Father were one. We can be so frustrating, us who have never seen Him, but here were those who walked with Him for three years getting it all wrong. I am sure the record is there to encourage us. I awoke in the wee hours fretting about all the study I have to do and not being quick on the uptake. I managed to calm myself (in my imagination I get on a bus and go fishing). I have practised controlled imagination for a long time now, however there are still times it takes all my strength to hold my emotions in check. This morning the Lord whispered: " remember when you faced your f...

“Your heart must not be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. John 14:1 HCSB When stress mounts we are troubled. However our God is comforting us and saying: " I have this!" I have many stressful times and now, in the midst of Uni study, is one of them. The amount of work to accomplish in a little time is overwhelming. However, this morning as I awoke God reminded me of a time long ago when I was facing stress at this level for the second time, the first was my high school finals: I was 20 and studying for my final nursing exam. I was working and studying at the same time and having to cover three years work and study for one exam. The Lord reminded me that He brought me through that and He will bring me through this, one step at a time. In John 14 Jesus was telling the disciples He must die on the cross and soon leave them. Thomas was struggling emotionally with the news and wanting more detail. When we struggle emotionally we want to know: how, when and w...

Indeed, we have all received grace after grace from His fullness, for the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. John 1:16‭-‬17 HCSB We have all received 'grace after grace'. Peter puts it this way: But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18 HCSB Grace abounds like a deep clear pool on a hot day, a refreshing shower of rain to the parched earth, a warm fire in the freezing cold. Grace is eternal, it never runs out. Grace is abundantly available to us who believe. He is full of grace, He never runs dry. As we grow in the knowledge of this abundant grace we are renewed, refreshed, made clean. His grace sustains us, lifts us, keeps us. Grace, amazing grace, how sweet the sound! Amen!

But to all who did receive Him, He gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood, or of the will of the flesh, or of the will of man, but of God. John 1:12‭-‬13 HCSB Jesus brought grace and a new way to know God. Recently another Deep Sea Scrolls had been found and discyphered and it had evidence that the writers of the text were a breakaway group from Jewish law, they believed in celibacy, much as our modern day Catholic priests do, but they also locked themselves away. We do not have to lock ourselves away to be children of God. When we become children of God He imparts His Holy Spirit to be our indwelling guide, counsellor and strength. As we rely on the Holy Spirit we are able to walk the path God has for us. We are reborn in a new Spirit. This Spirit is our strength and song. As children of God we are urged to walk in His ways, not the ways of the world. As Pastor Steve Furtick said in a sermon recently: " we ...

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 spent some time colouring in a picture with pencils. In the light I had it looked good. However, this morning I could see errors and I proceeded to fix them. Yet, when I picked up the book and looked again there were still errors but this time I fixed them in full light. Jesus is the light of my life. When I am in good fellowship with Him, I don't want to err. However, the further away I am from Him the easier it is to assume I have things right and it is not until I come back into good fellowship do I realise my mistakes. We need to stay in good fellowship and we are safe. Amen!

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. All things were created through Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created that has been created. Life was in Him, and that life was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness, yet the darkness did not overcome it. John 1:1‭-‬5 HCSB Jesus was called the 'word' of God because He came and spoke the words of God. The book of Revelation calls Him 'the word of God:' He wore a robe stained with blood, and His name is the Word of God. Revelation 19:13 HCSB In the above scripture John 1, John is saying Jesus was always there with God the Father. If He was with God in the beginning of creation then it stands to reason He was involved in that creation: 'and God said let there be...' We are not expressly told why Jesus is called 'the word', however we can look at what He displayed and what He said. Jesus said He came to reve...

Now I want you to know, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, all passed through the sea, and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from a spiritual rock that followed them, and that rock was Christ. 1 Corinthians 10:1‭-‬2‭ What I love about the above passage is Paul's connection of Jesus to the Old Testament. Already He was there in essence, if they had only known, the more they needed was there in the natural provisions that symbolised Him. Now, let's consider us: Christ is there, hidden in the natural provisions that speak to a greater presence, our spiritual fulfillment in Him. So often the natural circumstances harass us mentally and in our emotional turmoil we cannot see Him. He is There! Slow down the business, breathe Him in and trust. His peace is there for the taking. Amen!

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful, and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape so that you are able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 HCSB I have heard it said: " I was tempted to tell him where to go!" This is common. Another is: " I was tempted to speak my mind!" In relationships we don't have to speak our mind, always, especially if it is in a hurtful way. I have a friend who annoys my chronically at times. My solution is to pray until my tongue is civil and then see what needs to be said, often nothing. Our lusts tempt us. If we have confessed ourselves into a hole with chocolate, we will struggle with it. If we have said:" I can't live without coffee!" We can't! I remember a time when cheescake had me. Yet I found a way of escape. I thought icecream had me, but a substitute works fine. Fasting has a way o...

If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me, and the light around me will be night” — even the darkness is not dark to You. The night shines like the day; darkness and light are alike to You. Psalms 139:11‭-‬12‭, HCSB I love the discoveries in space. I was just reading that this year we will get our first sight of a black hole. A black hole is darkness itself, yet God created it. He amazes me! Why did He create black holes? Perhaps it is just a part of His wonder that keeps men seeking. The brightest sun does not compare to a star that is caught in a black hole and exploding. Yet God created them all. His thoughts amaze me! Why is Neptune like it is? Or Uranus? What is the big dot on Jupiter? Why did God create them thus? How did He create them? He tells me how I was created. Before I was formed in my mother's womb He knew me. I imagine that He loves creating. I love creating art and gardens. We are indeed formed in His image.

God, how difficult Your thoughts are for me to comprehend; how vast their sum is! If I counted them, they would outnumber the grains of sand; when I wake up, I am still with You. God, if only You would kill the wicked — you bloodthirsty men, stay away from me — who invoke You deceitfully. Your enemies swear by You falsely. Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way. Psalms 139:17‭-‬20‭, ‬23‭-‬24 HCSB It is amazing that David thought it ok to write a Psalm to the Lord and close on the heals of his praise for God he was lamenting the presence of evil, bloodthirsty men, asking God to destroy them. How would David handle Jesus' teaching about loving his enemy?“You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. For He causes His sun to ...

For you were called to be free, brothers; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. Galatians 5:13 HCSB If we are selfish in our pursuit for freedom then we will be inclined to abuse those who appear to get in our way or take up our time. However, if we sow time in love we will slow ourselves down in the race for gratification. Freedom is found in Christ. If I abide in Him then I am freed to love as He loves. What is He loving and who is He loving today?

For the entire law is fulfilled in one statement: Love your neighbor as yourself. But if you bite and devour one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another. Galatians 5:14‭-‬15 HCSB I have a small dog called Oscar. Oscar's greatest delight is to run along the fence and bark at the dogs next door. They have only met once and I am sure, if allowed, they would have had a dust up (fight). Oscar doesn't know why he likes to bark at the neighbours, He just does. Dogs are not endowed with insight and understanding, however we have these through our relationship with our God. Biting and devouring happen when we foolishly allow thought to be planted about others, annoyance to build and before long we are speaking those annoyances to others and soon when we meet the one we are annoyed with, we are unkind. We see constant devouring of others in the media. It should not be so with us. Pray for those who annoy you, bless them, intercede for them. Pull down those t...

Now God has revealed these things to us by the Spirit, for the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man that is in him? In the same way, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 1 Corinthians 2:10‭-‬11 HCSB The Holy Spirit is better than Google. He searches the depth of God, Google knows it not. What mankind knows is a lot but what God knows is deeper, wider and fuller. Life is in this knowledge. Man's knowledge puffs us, heavenly knowledge lifts up. When we need to understand ourselves the Holy Spirit has the answers. When we need to understand others, the Holy Spirit has the answers. Amen! Perhaps we should get to know the Holy Spirit! Now, there's a thought!

But as it is written: What eye did not see and ear did not hear, and what never entered the human mind — God prepared this for those who love Him. 1 Corinthians 2:9 HCSB Does this sounds fanciful, unreal? Yes it does! However, His love for me is worth pursuing. If I can't imagine how good it is then isn't it worth pursuing? In the Song of Solomon we see a love story and a yearing for this love. Solomon paints a picture of a lover coming for His maid and her response to Him. As she responds she knows her own beauty. As we respond to our God we come to know how loved we are and we blossom in that love. His love enables us to lay aside things that we have followed or held on to, His love sets us free. Amen!

How happy is the man who does not follow the advice of the wicked or take the path of sinners or join a group of mockers! Instead, his delight is in the Lord ’s instruction, and he meditates on it day and night. He is like a tree planted beside streams of water that bears its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. Psalms 1:1‭-‬3 HCSB Mockers abound! They speak what the Prince of darkness speaks: criticism, condemnation ; judgement and hate. We would only listen to them when our hearts are corrupted by deception. I sense the tug at times. My flesh loves to spew forth angst. Yuck! What starts as annoying thoughts about someone can turn out nasty comments. I hate it when I am deceived into being the devil's mouthpiece. It is better to ask the Lord how He sees someone and for the love he has for them than be lazy and critical. Let's delight in Him and seek His opinion! Amen!

The man who trusts in the Lord , whose confidence indeed is the Lord , is blessed. He will be like a tree planted by water: it sends its roots out toward a stream, it doesn’t fear when heat comes, and its foliage remains green. It will not worry in a year of drought or cease producing fruit. Jeremiah 17:7‭-‬8 HCSB In a year of drought this scripture rings true. Currently my land is burnt and dry. Yet there are trees that survive. Their roots go deep to the water table. Our land is in spiritual drought. At church, We are about to enter a time of fasting and prayer. Our land needs this as do our people. Personally as I humble myself and trust the Lord He is blessing me. Only He can sustain me and bring me through. He is my sword and shield. Amen!

Give, and it will be given to you; a good measure — pressed down, shaken together, and running over — will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38 HCSB The message here is: what do you want? Then give it! How much do you want to be given to you? Then give it in that measure. Simple!!!

Bring the full tenth into the storehouse so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this way,” says the Lord of Hosts. “See if I will not open the floodgates of heaven and pour out a blessing for you without measure. I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not ruin the produce of your land and your vine in your field will not fail to produce fruit,” says the Lord of Hosts. “Then all the nations will consider you fortunate, for you will be a delightful land,” says the Lord of Hosts. Malachi 3:10‭-‬12 HCSB So often in church we hear this scripture preached. If we look it is an Old Testament scripture given to those under the law. Where does that put me? Jesus said He came to fulfill the Law. Jesus summed up the 10 commandments with two: love God and love your fellow man and if you do these you will fulfill the whole law. If I love God with my whole heart do I give to Him? Do I want to honour Him with my wealth? Yes! How much should I give Him? The tithe is a goo...

And if I donate all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body in order to boast but do not have love, I gain nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:3 HCSB Great sacrifice is nothing without the love of God! I can love naturally and so do good deeds but without Christ I am nothing. Jesus said He only did what He saw His Father do, His heavenly Father, that is. His focus was God the Father. As He focussed on God the Father He did mighty works. If mankind creates a statue to me, it is worthless unless My God motivates me. Seeking power is worthless. Only God is good!.Amen!

If I have the gift of prophecy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith so that I can move mountains but do not have love, I am nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:2 HCSB No gift or talent is so important that love becomes as nothing. There is no excuse for not showing love. Love is more important than anything else. No problem can be so pressing that abuse of others is allowed. Yesterday I had driven for three hours in searing heat and stopped on the way home to buy my dog some bones. ( i felt like Mrs Hubbard).When I returned to my car, it would not start. Having just had major work done on the car I called the service centre but was told it was probably a battery. I was connected to road side assistance and told they would be there in the hour. As it was 40c I removed myself and my dog bones into the nearest store. They were kind enough to house my meat in their cool room. It took the help around 30 minutes to come. When the man came he started the car a...

Now to the one who works, pay is not considered as a gift, but as something owed. But to the one who does not work, but believes on Him who declares the ungodly to be righteous, his faith is credited for righteousness. Romans 4:4‭-‬5 Working for salvation and justification is so draining yet faith is so liberating. When the Father sent His Son He was doing away with self-effort. Now, we are justified by faith. God is so good! His ways are perfect. The grace I receive I did not deserve through works but rather it is the result of faith. Faith is so much more alive than works. Faith is made alive by the living word of God. Amen!

How joyful are those whose lawless acts are forgiven and whose sins are covered! How joyful is the man the Lord will never charge with sin! Romans 4:7‭-‬8 HCSB The above words were spoken by King David. He was a man who had sinned but found forgiveness. David not only took another man's wife but had her husband killed to cover his sin. God sent Nathaniel the prophet to tell him his wrongdoing and that He would lose the first child born to that woman. David prayed: ' create in me a clean heart oh God, and renew a right spirit within me.'(Psalm 51:10) As a man who knew forgiveness he cherished it. I have known forgiveness and constantly cherish my God's grace and mercy. He is ever willing to forgive. Not only that, He is willing to give us His Spirit as a confirmation of that forgiveness and His Spirit empowers us to live. What joy! Amen!

Since we live by the Spirit, we must also follow the Spirit. We must not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. Envy is a nasty spirit. Why do we fall prey to it? We perceive our world to be lacking and that we are missing out. This is especially true when we lose something we had of value and see others with it. This could be a spouse, a home or a way of life. Yet, if we stop long enough and ponder what God is doing now we will discover a new treasure we had not considered before. For He is good and has a good plan for our lives and we can trust Him. Amen! Today I struggled to study as I am behind with my Uni as I did not have my text books until 2 days ago. I am desperate to learn how to read all the numbers and symbols in the references and in the midst of this my phone keeps ringing. To top it off I had to travel 3 hours to an appointment. I have downloaded the bible onto my phone and listened to it all the way. I had the best appointment and came aw...

Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, we must also follow the Spirit. We must not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. Galatians 5:24‭-‬26 HCSB The flesh thinks of itself, it demands, squarks, struts, pouts and rages. But the ways of the Spirit are love, joy and peace. At present I am waging war with a thrip infestation of my hybiscus bushes. I am applying all manner of remedies starting from oil and dish liquid to the hard stuff. Finally in desperation I have excised the affected parts. In my life I have to handle my body and it's lusts. Food is always a big one, however fasting fixes the lust. We have a penchant for spoiling our flesh but discipline helps that; laziness towards exercise can be dealt with by a 'Go' mentality; handling money is another biggie, tithing fixes that. Attitudes and giving ourselves permission to react is wrong. 'I can'...

The hearing ear and the seeing eye — the Lord made them both. Proverbs 20:‬12 HCSB To be able to hear, really hear, is a choice; to be able to see, really see, is a choice. Scripture tells us that God sees the heart. We can too if we look with seeing eyes. Scripture also tells us that God hears our cries. We don't always hear people's cries, unless we are tuned in, headphones off. We can be the light as we use these two senses, God given. When we connect with another we allow our spirit to come alive, we let the Holy Spirit move and speak. Now, that is fun! Try it!

The one who lives with integrity is righteous; his children who come after him will be happy. Proverbs 20:7 HCSB Walking in integrity, for the Christian, is walking in faith. Jesus told a parable of the talents. To the first man was given 5, the second 2 and the third 1. The man who was given 1 buried it in the ground, as he feared losing it and he also feared disappointing his master. Yet when his master returned he was rebuked, what he had was taken from him and given to someone else. The third man did not walk in faith, rather fear. He drew back. Integrity demanded he honour his master's trust. His master did not expect as much from him as from the first and second, yet he only expected him to use the ability he had given him. Integrity is first before God and second before man. God trusts us with His Spirit. We are given His power within to do what He has called us to do. Integrity demands we find that purpose and do it.

A man takes joy in giving an answer; and a timely word — how good that is! Proverbs 15:23 HCSB Ah! A good godly answer, how refreshing it is to the soul! I like it best when I can give the good answer and bring life. Jesus said:" life and death are in the power of the tongue." Words can be hot, lukewarm rubbish or cold. Jesus said: " I prefer you to be hot or cold but not lukewarm." So... get passionate about something worthwhile. Giving a good answer must be the preference. A good answer does not show off and take glory but encourages and builds up. Look for that answer. Be an encourager! Amen!

Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure with turmoil. Proverbs 15:16 HCSB You can have a fortune and live in fear of losing it. You can be wealthy and not know the Lord as a friend. It is better to know the Lord. The apostle Paul said he had known both but was able to be content wherever he was. Why was he content? He had found the Lord as friend. I remember growing up thinking we were rich yet we, by the standards of wealth, were not wealthy. My mum and dad always provided for all our needs and occasionally our wants. As the eldest child I always received new clothes as I was bigger. If I asked my second sister or third sister the story may be different. So, I have a memory to draw on. I do not need many new clothes to make me happy. When I need them I buy them. I do not like too many bags, where would I put them. I have enough shoes and tend to wear one pair, generally, anyway. I an rich because I have the Lord. He is my portion. Yesterday He visited se...

The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it. Proverbs 18:15 HCSB God gives us understanding, if we seek it; knowledge if we are discerning. Difficulties present us with opportunities to gain knowledge and understanding. Today I began university. It is a different world to the one I have known thus far. Technology I have never used and methods that were daunting. I am studying tax law. What a beast, but oh to conquer that beast, what knowledge I will have amd how much better my understanding! I did not allow for time differences and so did not finish until 9.30pm. After working most of the day I am a tired bunny. I must care for myself as I proceed. May God be my strength and shield. Amen!

The name of Yahweh is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are protected. Proverbs 18:10 HCSB The first time we see God called Yahweh was when Moses asked God:" who will I say sent me?": God said; " I am!" Yahweh is the Hebrew for Yahweh. Imagine how this stacked up against all other gods. There was the god of this and that, but here was the God who said He was. This takes away all competition. How do you measure a god who 'is' against the sun god or the earth god or the god of fertility? 'I am' is above and beyond all others. God goes on to prove He is greater than any god of the Egyptians and any nation the Israelites passed through on their way to the promises land. Soon all the known peoples come to fear the God of the Israelites. Soon God's own people come to know His greatness. When Jesus came God became personal. With Christ came the knowledge that Yahweh was indeed Father. Knowing God was Father changed the dynamics. A fath...

Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 HCSB Carry rocks all day is heavy. Yet a burden shared is a burden halved. Putting ourselves out for a brother or sister requires us to be ready to do weights. How can I help carry burdens? Kindness, compassion, patience and time to listen, perhaps. If I am so consumed with me and mine then I will not give time. My personality tends to be tough on repeat offenders, that is those who keep going around the same problem, again and again and again and again. Aaaaah! Now it is time to dig deep and find grace and mercy. Ah! We can say: " but I have too many problems of my own!!!!" Giving outward tends to help us with reality, God's reality! Jesus said: " give and you shall receive, pressed down and running over!" So, that sounds inviting. It is investing in my future when I will need to make a withdrawal. Sound thinking, yes?

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. Galatians 6:1‭-‬3 HCSB I don't see this much. It is more: if anyone is caught in wrongdoing crucify them. Our world's system is not so tolerant, should it dislike you. If it likes you, you may escape for a while until someone they like better dislikes you and is determined to pull you down. In the church the above scripture should apply. Can I forgive and give grace? I must remember if I forgive and give grace I am sowing into how I want to be treated. I follow Kris Valloten from Bethel on Facebook. He is judged constantly for what he says. Bethel church is judged and maligned constantly. Why is this? I had a friend send me su...

The plans of the diligent certainly lead to profit, but anyone who is reckless certainly becomes poor. Proverbs 21:5 HCSB Learning to be diligent and not reckless is harder for some and not for others. I am a giver but notice that when I have something I am innundated with calls and emails asking for money. I have had to learn to discern where is best to give and where God wants me to give. Every time I sign a petition I get a thank you and a request for money. Signing a petition is one thing but giving to every cause is not good for me or them. I read a very good book recently called Asset based community development and also another called: When giving hurts. Last time I visited Nepal and I went out into the poorer areas they all looked to me to give them something and I felt restrained to encourage them to use the assets God had given them. The saying: what do you have in your hand is actually from scripture. Exodus 4:2. Moses had to go before Pharaoh and he was anxious....

Doing what is righteous and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. The lamp that guides the wicked — haughty eyes and an arrogant heart — is sin. Proverbs 21:3‭-‬4 HCSB Doing good needs to come from a heart towards God or we claim the glory. If it is God iniated and God motivated then I am good with that. If it is emotionally manipulated or driven I want out. Doing good apart from God allows us to elevate ourselves and rail against His ways. So many who do not know Christ do good but when they stand before the Father, all that matters will be: "What did you do with MY Son?" They will be horrified to find all they have done is worthless in eternity if not done through Christ. Paul says it Well in 1 Corinthian 13:3: And if I donate all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body in order to boast but do not have love, I gain nothing. The love Paul speaks about is the God kind of love, agape love, not emotional love. Whilst emotional love is better t...

This is how you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit who confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God. But every spirit who does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist; you have heard that he is coming, and he is already in the world now. 1 John 4:2‭-‬3 HCSB Discerning what is God and what is not needs the above criteria applied. Does it confess Jesus Christ as Lord? If no, then it is of the devil. Do we want to be uplifted or brought down? Then apply the filter. Don't accept things that do not pass the filter into your life. We need to be real about what is God and what is of the devil, and then we meed to choose. Amen

Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to determine if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1 HCSB Everything is said to come from one spirit or another: a spirit of grace, a spirit of anger, a spirit of hatred, a spirit of love. Of late there have been vast changes in the Western world around same-sex marriage. It is touted in the Spirit of love, things are done in the Spirit of friendship as well. However not all are rightly named. Often the 'spirit of love' is the Spirit of lust in disguise and the 'spirit of friendship' is a cover for a more devious motive where friendship does not abide. As Christians we cannot get caught up in the emotional frenzy of the world but rather stay true to the Lord. What matters to Him? Would He make a fuss about this? Christ was passionate about the cross, single minded. He loved the disciples, He loved His family, He loved His friends yet none could dissu...

The thief must no longer steal. Instead, he must do honest work with his own hands, so that he has something to share with anyone in need. Ephesians 4:28 HCSB Stealing is offensive to God and man. We need to allow God to speak to us about areas we may think is ok. Our culture or environment may think a thing is ok, but what does God say? From the above passage we would gather that stealing in any form is not ok. Charging fees for a service we do not give is not ok. A term deposit has the fees there but they are hidden and many people think that they have no fees, they do. They are accounted for before an interest rate is declared. Fees for financial services are now under scrutiny. No longer can large fees and payments be made to financial managers or planners. In Australia the government is changing the playing field. I notice that in the entertainment industry sexual harassment is being taken to task because this also is a form of stealing. It is wrong. I applaud regulator...

Be angry and do not sin. Don’t let the sun go down on your anger, and don’t give the Devil an opportunity. Ephesians 4:26‭-‬27 HCSB Yes it is ok to be angry. There are many things we should be angry about: abuse of children; exploitation of the poor; unrighteous and unfair judgements and the list goes on. Jesus was angered by religion and religious leaders. However He did not sit plotting their demise. They were quite capable of destroying themselves. Even though these very people were the ones to crucify Him, He still forgave them. What do I do with my anger? Pray! Seek God for a solution. At present we are having a spate of break-ins in my city. I am praying they are caught by the police. Thievery is invasion and wrong, it has to stop. The elderly and vulnerable are targeted. Staying angry about this will not bring power into the equation, but prayer will. Last year I was involved with helping two cancer patients get pay outs. The insurers we very difficult. I got angry on ...

Open my eyes so that I may contemplate wonderful things from Your instruction. Psalms 119:18 HCSB Have you ever tried to find Wally in a Where's Wally book? I can usually find Wally and most everything else but I struggle to find the scroll or the key. What about you? God's word is hidden so we will seek it out. It is the ultimate treasure hunt. There are masses of truths and laws about our planet, our Solar System and even the galaxy and beyond. I watch various professors postulate theories continually but God has hidden things for them to discover. What they don't know is the trail leads to Him. God's word is full of treasure for us to discover about our God. Keep up the hunt! Lord open our eyes!

Happy are those who keep His decrees and seek Him with all their heart. They do nothing wrong; they follow His ways. Psalms 119:2‭-‬3 HCSB When I enter and address in my GPS and allow it to guide me to my destination without deviations I will usually arrive at my destination on time. The error happen when I do not trust the GPS or have put in a wrong address. It is similar with God. I might think I know a shorter route and fail to listen to His directions, that is when I can fail and miss the mark; however if I listen I will not miss the mark. For the Christian it is a matter of walking in fellowship with Him and trusting Him. The sense of fellowship and communion holds us.

All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the Lord evaluates the motives. Proverbs 16:2 There are many factors that influence our wanting to do a certain thing: fear, hate, revenge, besotted emotional entanglement, to name a few. So, when we want to do something God sees what we are blind to. He sees what the driver is. As His goal is to bring us to maturity, we may not always get to do things the way we want. At the end of the day, will it bring glory to God? Will it transform us into His Son? If yes, it might get an amber or even a green light, if not probably a red light. No matter what, He is still God and still good! Amen!

Commit your activities to the Lord , and your plans will be achieved. Proverbs 16:3 HCSB The word commit is usually used in the negative, as in commit sin or commit an offence. However here it carries the meaning of committment: dedicated to a cause. If I am committed to the cause of say fund raising or raising the awareness of the exploitation of children in third world countries, I live and breathe the cause. If I am committed to Christ, I live and breathe Him. Therefore, if I commit my activities to the Lord, I do so intentionally, leaving them with Him. It's like leaving the clothes with the dry cleaner. They are the ones who have the skill and ability to clean the clothes. Our God is the One who has the skill and ability to bring things to pass. Our job is to trust Him. Amen!

Therefore, because we know the fear of the Lord, we seek to persuade people.2 Corinthians 5:11‭a It is amazing what fear of the Lord does in a believer! Paul says that because he fears the Lord, He seeks to persuade people about God. Why else would he have suffered as he did? What does fear of the Lord look like? I'd say it looks like reverent respect. Probably something that is lost on modern man. May holy fear take hold of us! Amen!

For Christ’s love compels us, since we have reached this conclusion: If One died for all, then all died. 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 5:14‭-‬15 HCSB Christ's love draws us and Christ's love then compels us to give His love to others. His love does not come with handles. In other words:'I will love you if you do ......'.p I have lovely Indian neighbours, most are hopeless gardeners. Over time as they adapt to our country their yards and lawn improves. Many come from Balgladesh and are Muslims. One young couple came to my street Christmas party. This couple have a very large, noisy dog and have a very unkempt front lawn. However these people are good at watering their grass, they just don't cut it. I am a keen gardener and my grass and plants always look fine even in extremes of weather. I would love a tidy neighbourhood but have to opt for love ...

I assure you: Whatever you bind on earth is already bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth is already loosed in heaven. Matthew 18:18 HCSB Do we really understand authority? As a child of God I am God's delegated authority on earth in my little part of the team. If Jesus said: "all authority has been given to me and now I give it to you..." all is All. When we watch people of authority we see the parameters of that authority. I have mentioned before the series 'The Crown.' In this series we watch a young sovereign learn the parameters of her role. Many times she thought she could sanction something only to find that her role as head of the church precluded it, the laws made many centuries earlier govern her or the government overruled her. We are not dissimilar. All authority has been given to me but I have parameters. Another point is: if I have such authority then I should be careful not to lose it or give it away and I should use it wisely...

Again, I assure you: If two of you on earth agree about any matter that you pray for, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there among them.” Matthew 18:19‭-‬20 HCSB Do not underestimate the prayer of agreement! When we agree about a matter in prayer we see miracles. Each Sunday my church brings prayer requests before the church and we pray as a group. We see miracles because we agree on the outcome in prayer. Many years ago my mother was facing an operation for cancer. The doctors thought it was a return of a melanoma she had had previously, they also believed it had gone to her pancreas. I asked my mother what she believed and she said:."I don't believe it is the melanoma or that it is in my pancreas, if I am right I believe I will come through the operation and any chemo I have to experience." I said to her: "Let's pray and agree that this is so!" We prayed in faith believi...

I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 HCSB In myself I am limited, in Him limitless. Through Him I can run when weary; forgive when hurt; rise again when crushed. He is my strength and song. I do not need to determine how I can do a thing, if He says it, I can do it! Amen! All things, all things I can do through Him. There is not a 'No not me'. If He says it, I can do it! All I need is a will to try and a mind to determine the how.

I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content — whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:12‭-‬13 HCSB Ah! Sweet contentment! As my mum was unable to travel over Christmas I stayed at home. We have contented ourselves with gardening and games. I also bought myself a small tent and the last two nights have camped in my back garden. I love the starry sky and camping out allows me to see it in all its glory. Being content is better than complaining. There is joy to be found if we just look for it. Have the right mindset and anything can be a pleasure. Amen!

A throne of glory on high from the beginning is the place of our sanctuary. Jeremiah 17:12 HCSB All who know Him have a right to come into His presence, unto the throne of glory. We, His people have access to this! Why believe the feelings of unworthiness? His word is to be believed above all feelings. Feelings are deceptive and betray us. He dwells in our sanctuary! He is our sanctuary! Amen!

The heart is more deceitful than anything else, and incurable — who can understand it? I, Yahweh, examine the mind, I test the heart to give to each according to his way, according to what his actions deserve. Jeremiah 17:9‭-‬10 HCSB Do we Christians understand our own hearts? Do we see when our hearts deceive us? If we struggle it is easy to see ourselves laying the blame for our struggle on another when it could be our own wrong thinking and actions causing the struggle. What corners will you cut? What deviations will you make? It may seem prudent to us but not to God. When we make deviations and cut corners to lessen pain we may be just as guilty of not trusting God as those who will not come to Him. Is God just my ticket to heaven? If so we may hear: 'begone from me you who practice lawlessness.' God sees and deals in real time and real actions. He is not deceived, He is not mocked. Amen!

But I enter Your house by the abundance of Your faithful love; I bow down toward Your holy temple in reverential awe of You. Lord , lead me in Your righteousness because of my adversaries; make Your way straight before me. But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them shout for joy forever. May You shelter them, and may those who love Your name boast about You. Psalms 5:7‭-‬8‭, ‬11 HCSB God's faithful love leads me to repentance, again and again. He leads me by still waters, there is rest there. Learning to rest in Him while all hell is breaking loose brings reward. Today I had a reward. I have a VW car that had a clutch problem in 2013. While travelling at 100kms/hour the car stopped. I was very fortunate, blessed, as there were no large trucks following me on a road that has a lot. Also a second lane had just opened up so that I could pull over to the side of the road. The clutch has gone again: this time slowly and with warning. 'VW have agreed to replace it with...

But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them shout for joy forever. May You shelter them, and may those who love Your name boast about You. Psalms 5:11 HCSB As I read the Psalms I see that at times things were tough, there would be lament and complaint but then the psalm would turn to rejoicing or praise. The Psalmists knew what we Christians should know: life is tough sometimes but God is still good. Selfishness in me would rail at God with the 'why me?' But hey, seriously, I know the answer. God is creating character in me. In The Crown Series, it was interesting to see that Princess Margaret accused her sister, the queen, of having no character and claiming it all for herself. This was wrong! The Queen has a very strong, moral character. Unfortunately Princess Margaret was confusing character with personality. Personality the Queen did not display, she yielded that to the higher cause. Even personality must be trained by God so that true character, that re...

For everything that belongs to the world — the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride in one’s lifestyle — is not from the Father, but is from the world. And the world with its lust is passing away, but the one who does God’s will remains forever. 1 John 2:16‭-‬17 HCSB I have been watching some science shows in the last few days. The 'Big Bang' has now been axed as the theory as to how our universe began. There will be many more theories in time but the bible tells me how it began and how it will end. The world is driven by lust and greed. Even good exploration can be hijacked by lust for fame and with it is the abuse of others and the world we live in. Whilst I am an environmentalist, to a point, I know it will all end soon. If I care more for the world than people, then I have lost my way. My goal is to do God's will and follow Him. His road is best. Amen!

Do not love the world or the things that belong to the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. For everything that belongs to the world — the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride in one’s lifestyle — is not from the Father, but is from the world. 1 John 2:15‭-‬16 HCSB Living to gain possessions and accumulate wealth are an empty end in themselves yet when God gives them they are a blessing. People are more important than possessions and God is most important. If I love Him with my whole heart then I love His people and all that He is involved in. Living to give is what the kingdom of God is about. For God so loved the world that He sent His Son. JESUS came to seek and save the lost. These is so much heat being poured on the church and Christians that confusion is the aim. Staying true to God's kingdom is the only way. It is as if our world is caught in a huge storm and everything is being challenged. What isn't built upon t...

Therefore, we may boldly say: The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? Hebrews 13:6 HCSB The love of money and trusting the Lord are diametrically opposed. Trusting God has Him at the centre amd not finance. Therefore, those who trust in God can say: the Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. Those who trust in money look to money to satisfy and care for them. The problem the Christian has is: God will not share your affection with Mammon. He is a jealous God; all in or all out; lukewarm does not cut it!

Your life should be free from the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have, for He Himself has said, I will never leave you or forsake you. Hebrews 13:5 HCSB As a financial planner I see the disasters people get into without good money management and failure to cover debt with adequate insurance. Scripture also addresses wise stewardship yet loving money as opposed to God is also wrong. Who do we go to for an example? Jesus comes to mind. He and 11 of his disciples did not love money yet there was one who did, he betrayed His Lord for 30 pieces of silver. I am meaning Judas. He fell out with Jesus over the lavish waste (to him) of the costly and fragrant oils the woman anointed Jesus' head with. The oils were very expensive and Judas' cry was : 'why they could have been sold and the money given to the poor.'(Mark 14:6) Judas did not care for the poor, but loved money. This then poses the question: what will I do to gain money? Will I be dishonest? Will I c...

The people I formed for Myself will declare My praise. Isaiah 43:21 HCSB The Lord formed us. While we may argue and claim our mum and dad did, God created the ability of a tiny sperm to fertilize an egg. What happens is truly remarkable, because God is involved. His breath gives us life. His hand holds us back from danger, His Spirit comforts us and guides us. The more I look and see the more I am amazed at my creator God. He is good. He walks though everything He creates, His presence is in the trees, on the sea. He is everywhere if we are sensitive to notice. When we do notice and in turn see we can't help but give praise. Amen!

“Do not remember the past events, pay no attention to things of old. Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:18‭-‬19 HCSB Remembering the past is often filled either with pain, regret or longing. All different and all painful. If we are to embrace the 'new thing' God is planning, letting go is a prerequisite. The benefit of letting go will not be known until we do 'let go!' In letting go of pain inflicted by others, often those we have loved, forgiveness is involved. I must forgive so that I will be forgiven. Bitterness hold me fast to a bad memory, in chains. Bitter people are ugly people. Bitterness comforts faces that are meant to smile into demonic snarls. The joy of having a clean heart, one full of forgiveness is paramount. The freer I am the more God can use me for His glory and the more joy I bring to others. A free heart stands on the...