The day with dianne Louise

Leave inexperience behind, and you will live; pursue the way of understanding. Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will learn more. Proverbs 9:6‭, ‬9 HCSB Some people keep having the same experience, round and round, like Groundhog Day; yet some see and know the experience is an opportunity to learn. Learning bring life. Learning unties the knots of pain in our lives. Understanding comes as we realise: this has a purpose. Then we understand all the more, we see the big picture. A godly man or woman will learn more from the events in life than those given to self-indulgence. Deny self, get to know your purpose and live! Amen!

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10 HCSB Fearing the Lord is not like fearing cancer ie hoping you never get it or fearing bankruptcy. Fear here is deep respect. It is knowing that God, the One who holds the universe together, is capable of holding your world together. Please note: it is the beginning of wisdom. Someone who holds God in His rightful place is wise. Someone who seeks God's presence above all others is wise. Someone who seeks His word above all others is wise. When you know God you understand a lot more than when you operate out of your own limited knowledge. Amen! You start to understand His ways, His thoughts and attitudes and if you are really smart, begin to adopt these ways. Knowing God is the best thing you can do for yourself. Amen!

Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2 HCSB Devote, have you devoted yourself to anything? Ever? Devote means to give yourself to, totally! Mr Google says: give all or most of one's time or resources to (A person or activity). We see sportsmen and women devote themselves to win gold. It requires discipline, singleness of focus and sacrifice. This scripture tells us to stay alert, in prayer, with thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is good for our souls. Thanksgiving in prayer keeps our heart from selfishness and grumbling. It is hard to be thankful and complain at the same time. We cannot afford to be slack in prayer. Be diligent and see answers! Amen!

Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. Your speech should always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person. Colossians 4:5‭-‬6 HCSB I find it humorous that Paul writes this in jail. He obviously is not meaning: be wise with what you say to avoid jail. Outsiders are non-believers. I could imagine the struggle if you were in a country that did not allow Christianity but rather oppressed it and those who believed. Wisdom comes from God. Perhaps we should ask for it as James tells us in His epistle; Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him. James 1:5 Wisdom gives us the right answer at the right time. Wisdom knows the need of the one to whom we speak and will touch their innermost parts with the life-giving gospel. Amen!

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you. James 4:10 HCSB Humility is good medicine. If we do it ourselves it is stringent but if we refuse we get an enema. (Sorry nurse Di speaking). I am always grateful when I remember to swallow my pride. It bring good fruit. The Lord respects the effort and blesses. When God exalts you and honours you, no-one can complain as they know it is divine. Opt for a divine appointment. You will not be disappointed. Amen!

Therefore, submit to God. But resist the Devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, double-minded people! James 4:7‭-‬8 HCSB James, the brother of Jesus, is one choleric dude. When they speak you can feel a sword in their mouths. They don't mince words and unless bathed in grace, can feel rather harsh. Jesus was elder brother to this guy. I am elder sister to such a sister. I have a choleric nature tempered by a melancholic nature so I usually let her win, unless it is important. This same James was one of Jesus' biggest critics. Scripture tells us that Jesus' family did not believe in Him, until He rose from the dead. I would have loved to have been in the room. Back to the text. If I am fully submitted to God, abiding in Him, I can resist the devil, and He will flee. There is no sin or temptation too great for God. Amen!

God in His holy dwelling is a father of the fatherless and a champion of widows. Psalms 68:5 HCSB Giving mental assent that something is so and experiencing it are very different and the key ingredient is Faith. Faith is active not passive. For me to know my God as my father I have to change my view, my attitude and my confession. Self-pity does not reside in the heart of a daughter of God. Faith leaves no room for 'poor me.' If I am who He says I am then I must act like He says I am and get my armour on, pick up the sword of faith and fight for my right as a daughter. My enemies are laziness, self-pity, indulgence and willingness to comply with abuse or neglect. These all must be driven out of my life. I am a child of God. Jesus is my example. He came to seek and save the lost and did not compromise. I cannot compromise. Amen!

May the Lord be praised! Day after day He bears our burdens; God is our salvation. Selah Psalms 68:19 HCSB This Psalm was written thousands of years ago by King David. The whole Psalm is poetic and full of history. As I read it I see pictures. His words come alive to me. Hebrews tells me: God's word is living and active (Hebrews 4:12). It discerns the heart and mind. As an active entitity it brings to life history and lessons in it. Jesus told us how to pray in the Lord's prayer. God wants to know our burdens and delights in helping us solve, carry and dispense with them. If we are burdened by lack, ask; if we are burdened by sin, ask forgiveness or give it: if we need help with temptation, ask and help will be there. Amen! David tells us, in psalm 68, how indeed God answered prayer. Try Him!

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Philippians 4:4‭-‬5 HCSB In verse 2 Paul says: I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to agree in the Lord. In verse 3 : Yes, I also ask you, true partner, to help these women who have contended for the gospel at my side, along with Clement and the rest of my coworkers whose names are in the book of life. Paul is teaching on getting on together, working together for the spreading of the gospel. We must get on together and work out our differences. I am having to work things out continually as God gives me new projects with new people. We must manage ourselves and deal with differences well so that God receives the glory. Amen!

Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6‭-‬7 HCSB What wakes you in the night? If it is not God it is my failings or shortcomings. My mind whirrs away trying to solves every problem. I have to allow Him room to hear my request and give the answer. At present He is in answering mode. I had liked a particular style of telescope and asked Him for one. Last night I was offered a telescope. Some things I merely mention to Him, some I petition Him in anguish and travail. However He answers. When the problem wakes me I go to my Father God and ask Him to show me the answer. Then I leave it with Him and go fishing. (This is my controlled reliving of a fond memory). I say to Him:" I don't understand this Lord, I don't have a solution, so please help me?" Amen ...

The one who guards his mouth protects his life; the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin. Proverbs 13:3 HCSB Some people have the ministry of sandpaper. They challenge everything and have opinions about everything. I have been here and now I have a friend who is like that. How annoying! I must have been dreadful! I know what I need from this person and am not getting. How difficult it must have been to be around me. Lord have mercy! God's grace and mercy are ours, if we choose to invite them in. We need them ourselves but so do others. Treat others as you want to be treated! Amen!

The one who guards his mouth protects his life; the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin. Proverbs 13:3 HCSB Being careful with what we speak is important. Not only can we injure ourselves but more importantly we injure others. I have noticed this more when someone like me comes along and in fun I say too much, go too far with the fun or perhaps they do. We can hurt others with loose lips, by divulging too much about them to others. They may like to keep private about themselves and because we are with another feeling close we talk about friends in ways we shouldn't, in other words, gossip. Gossip is tasty to the ones involved but can destroy reputations. I have recently made a new friend who is like me in many ways. I am having a revelation about myself. Now I understand a whole lot more. God is good to show us ourselves in others, we can look and learn. Amen!

Surely You desire integrity in the inner self, and You teach me wisdom deep within. Psalms 51:6 HCSB Having integrity in the innermost parts is a result of a yielded life. As we humble ourselves and yield and yield and yield He begins to shape us within. Wisdom is gained through yielding to the Lord. No longer are we reactionary but rather we know what is right to do. If we insist on having our way, instead of yielding, we stay the same spoiled brats we have developed into by demanding our own way. Being unyielded bring pain and anguish, leads to anger and frustration and then we lash out at others. Not pretty! Self-control and self-discipline is important if we are to display Christ. Amen!

God, create a clean heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalms 51:10 HCSB I am so grateful that Jesus does this. His grace and mercy came to me by way of being 'born again.' When I was born again all my sins were washed away. However, this gift keeps flowing, like a river. As I abide in Him He forgives all my inquiries and makes me new. I have stepped into His river of love and as I seek Him, no good thing He withholds for me. I am now in a season of favour in my life. Favour beyond my wildest imaginings. Favour does not make me brash but rather it humbles me, it contains me, restrains me. I have no fear of failure as He is here for me. He is all around me. Amen! As I allow Jesus to contain me, I am at Peace. His joy is mine. His life is Mine. Amen!

And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then He who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through His Spirit who lives in you. Romans 8:11 HCSB Living in the reality of the replenishing, refreshing spirit of God beats doctors surgeries and lots of medication. If we run to doctors every time something is wrong we are at the mercy of frail human being. However, if we can live in faith towards God and trust Him to be our life then this is best. I fully appreciate there are times we must go to the doctor. I am talking about first instincts, habits. If we put God first we will be blessed beyond measure. He has abundant life waiting for us! Amen!

What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? Romans 8:31 HCSB Last night I participated in a Guiness World record attempt for continuous stargazing. The man from our Astronomy Club did a presentation as a prelude. We also connected with the ABC channel live. The presentation brought home the magnitude of God's creation. The same creator of the universe created me and sent His Son to pay the redemption price for my eternal soul. This same God is for me and wants to bless me. I look to Him for a close relationship. I might be small but my God cares for me and wants me in His world. How good is that? You are also important! Amen!

Your message is to be sound beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be ashamed, having nothing bad to say about us. Titus 2:8 HCSB Sound beyond reproach, sound beyond reproach, sound beyond reproach, sound! Mmm! Solid and sound Christians, not tainted by the world, sound. I love it when I find people who are sound and dependable. The Queen Elizabeth of England, has been such a person. It gives stability. I am grateful! How much more can I do good to my community by being sound? Yesterday I had the doorbell ring and when I opened the door here were my three nephews from across the road. Their adoptive Nan was not home. I welcomed them in and fed and watered them. Not long after they arrived their Nan arrived. They were not where they were supposed to be. However, I was delighted as I watched these youngsters playing solitare with their great Nan, my mum. I am grateful that my nephews feel welcome in my home. I count myself blessed for living where I do with the people aroun...

For the grace of God has appeared with salvation for all people, instructing us to deny godlessness and worldly lusts and to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly way in the present age, while we wait for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Titus 2:11‭-‬13 HCSB We were given salvation for a reason: to deny godless lusts and ways and live as an example showing how to be content, righteous and holy before God. Our world longs for good and pure and in fact feasts on it hungrily. This has been shown in the attention given to the recent wedding of Prince Harry and Megan Markle. The media was full of 'did you know they gave gifts to their guests?' 'Did you know that Harry picked flowers from the garden for Megan's bouquet?' 'Did you know Harry brought a young African boy he had known for many years to his wedding?' And it goes on. We want people to be good and a blessing to others. We want to see Chris...

For if anyone considers himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But each person should examine his own work, and then he will have a reason for boasting in himself alone, and not in respect to someone else. For each person will have to carry his own load. Galatians 6:3‭-‬5 HCSB This passage highlights that the reason we boast is to show ourselves better than our counterparts, mostly. Yet Paul is telling us that if we want to boast then compare ourselves to when we were perhaps not engaged or performing to our optimum. Carrying our own load means being totally responsible for our own performance or behaviour. Therefore we cannot blame others as this displays a victim mentality and we have every reason to succeed, because Christ won us the victory, after all. I have come to notice how hard I actually have to work to be a winner. If I have a negative mindset I must first overcome and confess to myself: " I have the mind of Christ, I am blessed, I am l...

Don’t be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows he will also reap, because the one who sows to his flesh will reap corruption from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit. So we must not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, we must work for the good of all, especially for those who belong to the household of faith. Galatians 6:7‭-‬10 HCSB Jesus Himself said; as you do to others, so will it be done unto you. Luke 6:31. If we want to receive good things then we should sow these into the lives of others. If all we do is freshly things, for selfish motives, then this is how we will be treated in return. Paul tells us to not get tired of doing good. Are you weary in well-doing? Rather than giving up, why not lean into God for His refreshment and go again. We will eventually reap a good harvest, at the right time. Amen! Working for the good of all...

For All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like a flower of the grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, 1 Peter 1:24 HCSB It is so overpowering when, if we stop to think, we realise how transient life here on earth is. Compared to eternity here is but a drop in a bucket. Yet here we earn our stripes for eternity. I know that I want to go through the One who called Himself the door, Jesus. He Himself said He was the only way. If I live my life here in that way then it will take me to an eternity with Him. I have the heart of an explorer and know I want to explore the vast universe in eternity. When I see prominent men and women die, I realise how they are no longer a part of 'now'. They have gone to forever. What will their forever look like? What will yours look like? Make sure you know!

By obedience to the truth, having purified yourselves for sincere love of the brothers, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you have been born again — not of perishable seed but of imperishable — through the living and enduring word of God. 1 Peter 1:22‭-‬23 HCSB Obedience to the truth purified us. The reason we need to be purified is so we can love one another with a pure heart. Last night at church we were instructed to pray for one another. I prayed in earnest. I had one man, a long time friend, on my right and another man, a new friend on my left. The old friend was immovable like a block of wood and seemed like a block of ice. The other man was being affected by the prayer and was touched by the Holy Spirit. I have been a block of wood to others at times. What makes me a block of wood? Usually offense with God or people. On the surface I would not have recognised this but deep down I was unhappy. The word of God purified my attitudes and actions to othe...

So when they had come together, they asked Him, “Lord, are You restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time? ” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or periods that the Father has set by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:6-8 That apostles were still on about their agenda, restoring Israel. It is almost as if they are saying: "Ok! We get that you had to go and die on a cross and that we must be born again, but how about getting rid of the Romans now?" We can be so caught up in our agenda we can miss the heart of God. Jesus answers them, not with a slap on the face, but gracuously: "No! I want you to be my witnesses and to help you I will send My Holy Spirit." A witness must have seen something. What had they seen, if these scriptures are still true today, what have we seen? We must also be ...

Therefore, since we have this ministry because we were shown mercy, we do not give up. Instead, we have renounced shameful secret things, not walking in deceit or distorting God’s message, but commending ourselves to every person’s conscience in God’s sight by an open display of the truth. 2 Corinthians 4:1‭-‬2 HCSB Being shown mercy is a good reason to keep going. So many things will happen to attempt to dissuade us from keeping the faith and staying the distance. What takes us out? Offence and shameful secret things. Just because we hide our sin from the church, our family or friends does not mean it is ok. We are seeing men in their 80 go to jail for sexual misconduct when they were younger and thought they would not be caught. There is a payday for everything. Remember that! Jesus despised the shame of not having His family's support or His community's support and the fact that He was being crucified on a cross. A cross was a shameful way to die. He did not spit t...

Therefore we do not give up. Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day. For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory. So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16‭-‬18 HCSB As we age, the biggest disappointment can be our bodies. They wear out. My knees are not what I would like them to be, neither are my shoulders and looking at photos of 40 odd years ago things have definitely aged. However, my inner me is much more mature. For some of us those body parts are no longer there due to war or illness. However looking at the Paralympics I can see many who have not taken their loss as the end. It is up to us to defeat self-pity and take what we have and mould a better life. Paul tells us to not focus on what we see. What we see is limited and can be full of disappointment. Ho...

I assure you: Whoever receives anyone I send receives Me, and the one who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.” John 13:20 HCSB Isn't this a gorgeous principal. Jesus was sent by the Father and He in turn sends us. He also sends others to us. If we fail to discern that someone is sent by Jesus, we may treat them as unimportant or trivial, to our own loss. In the Old Testament God used a donkey to speak to Baalam. Baalam failed to see his donkey's movements were to save him from the angel sent to stop him. Baalam had in his heart to make money from some heathen kings who wanted the children of Israel destroyed. God definitely did not want them destroyed, they were His people. The donkey was being beaten by Baalam for its strange behaviour when God opened the donkey's mouth. Scripture does not tell us Baalam was surprised by the donkey's behaviour. I know I would have been and also been very embarassed. What does God's messengers look like? From the above y...

“I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34‭-‬35 HCSB Jesus is about to go to the cross and He has just washed the disciples feet. He told them: “Do you know what I have done for you? You call Me Teacher and Lord. This is well said, for I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example that you also should do just as I have done for you. John 13:12‭-‬15 Foot washing was a servant's job. Yet Jesus did this to show that He came to serve and lay down His life for us. We cant afford to love as the world does, with fleshly motives but rather as He did, with eternal motives. Amen! What is the reason for the way we are to love? So that the world would know and be drawn. Amen!

The plans of the diligent certainly lead to profit, but anyone who is reckless certainly becomes poor. Proverbs 21:5 HCSB Diligent plans need to be more than how to make money. The euphoria from having a win, if allowed, can lead to wasteful usage. Planning needs to be in place for usage. Budgets, forecasts and self-control must reign. Just as eating chocolate when down is not clever, so is shopping for non-essentials when either euphoric or depressed. Both lead to a waste of a valuable asset that could have been used for a need of someone else. When I have surplus I know that lean times can be coming and so I save the surplus for that eventuality, unless God inspires me to give it away. Diligence in relationships is also important. Never take someone for granted. Be ever aware of them as a person and allow God to show you how you can bless them. Don't be reckless with anything God gives you! Amen!

The one who pursues righteousness and faithful love will find life, righteousness, and honor. Proverbs 21:21 HCSB There is a good reason to pursue righteousness and faithful love, which are found in God. In pursuing God you find life, righteousness and honour. It is always good to seek God than say love. God is about relationship. He wants to make a friend out of you. A friend reveals more of themselves to you than to a stranger, unless you are being a lousy friend in the first place. Living this life and making it about you is very empty. Try living as if it is all about Father God, try being innocent and trusting like a child. You will draw out His love. You don't pick one aspect of a friend and only deal with that. You will miss out on the whole or even parts they have not yet revealed. The hidden parts of God are the best parts. Love Him and get to know Him! Amen!

The priests were not able to enter the Lord ’s temple because the glory of the Lord filled the temple of the Lord . 2 Chronicles 7:2 HCSB I have been chatting to the Lord about His glory. This is what I have surmised: God's Spirit is everywhere and when He reveals Himself as something like human form He condenses His everywhere presence and this creates dynamic fusions, like that which we see in the sun. It is so bright because there is so much energy coming together in one place. When I walk I sense the presence of God all around me, that is, the times I focus wholly on Him. He likes me to seek Him out and find Him. I sense His delight. I have been trying to convince the Lord to take me on an astronomy expedition. I have so many 'whys' I need to ask. I am in awe of His mind and His ways, they fascinate me. Our God is a very clever, loving, fun to be with God. I want to know if the universe goes on and on or if it is a ball. If it is a ball, what is outside it, b...

If I close the sky so there is no rain, or if I command the grasshopper to consume the land, or if I send pestilence on My people, and My people who are called by My name humble themselves, pray and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:13‭-‬14 HCSB The words above were spoken by God to King Solomon after the dedication of the temple he had built. God had been pleased with the temple and the offerings Solomon gave. He was in fact telling Solomon the way back to Him was repentance. It is a pity Solomon forgot this at the end of his days. These words ring true today. God's people are the keepers of the land. As they humble themselves and pray, God is attracted to their prayers and comes. When God comes healing flows. Parts of our land, Australia, are in drought, parts in flood. We Christians can pray our country through the famine and storm. More than ease in our corporate sin is forg...

But you have followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, and endurance, along with the persecutions and sufferings that came to me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. What persecutions I endured! Yet the Lord rescued me from them all. In fact, all those who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 2 Timothy 3:10‭-‬12 HCSB Paul is writing to his protigee Timothy. He is encouraging Timothy to follow his example and we could well imagine Timothy is facing persecution. Yet it may not have been as bad as that faced by Paul. However, he rejoiced because the Lord delivered him out of them all. In Australia we see some of our sportsmen and women facing media persecution for standing up for the truth of God's word. The same sex marriage movement demand the ability to speak and act freely about their lifestyle choice but Christians are not allowed to voice their opinions without being slandered as bigots. A bit one sided. To the north of Australi...

All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16‭-‬17 HCSB Timothy, the young pastor is being taught by his mentor Paul. The whole chapter deals with the reality of godlessness in those who refuse Christ and the deceit in those who claim Him but are deceivers. I could imagine this could be a response from a letter from Timothy decrying the awful realities of the task at hand. Few people will walk in the whole truth of scripture. Yet Paul is encouraging Timothy to rely on the inspired word of God. We must remember Timothy only had the Old Testament. How blessed are we to be able to feast on all of the New Testament. When we choose to believe scripture and walk in it we find its power. It has power to save, to heal and to make whole. Amen!

Not to us, Yahweh, not to us, but to Your name give glory because of Your faithful love, because of Your truth. Psalms 115:1 HCSB This verse is part of a new song we sing at church. It is good to know where it comes from. One thing the song does not mention is the last few words: ' because of Your truth.' The Lord is faithful and truthful. He is to be trusted. When all around us is found to be false, He is truthful, His word can be trusted. Many people have endeavoured to disprove the bible but at each new archeological dig, they just go on to prove the written word as true. I am grateful that I can trust the bible as the written word of God. It brings me life and challenges me to do greater things. Because God's word tells me He loves me and wants to bless me I am expecting His blessings every day. Today was filled with blessings, some in disguise, but nonetheless, a blessing. My challenge is to keep calm and watch for His revealing of the blessing. Trust Him ...

May the Lord add to your numbers, both yours and your children’s. May you be blessed by the Lord , the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalms 115:14‭-‬15 HCSB Yesterday my mother referred to how many children had come from my father and her union. They had 6 children who all produced children who peoduced children and some of whom have produced children. At any point in time a couple could imagine the line started with them. Perhaps the living line may have begun with them, but on both sides there is history. For the Christians, perhaps they believe the faith line started with them. I did! However two years ago I found out my great grandparents were believers. Over this past week I discovered my mother's family line went back to 1290 AD. That is so far. Each of us carry history in our loins. Foolishly we can think we are alone in our quest. There has always been someone. God called Abraham out from a heathen land. He began a walk of faith. However he sent back to his homeland ...

Give her the reward of her labor, and let her works praise her at the city gates. Proverbs 31:31 HCSB Reward for Labour. That is what happened today, for many women in our nation as we celebrated Mother's Day. I had a good day, mainly because it was unexpected. That is always the best! Surprises can be good. At church we had a bit of fun and I volunteered. I then found myself given a seat of honour on a couch above the crowd along with two other women. We were showered with all manner of foods and given a free pass to our women's conference and a lovely sweater. All the women were given bracelets as well. I put on lunch for my mum and had a sister and brother visit as well as a neice and a few nephews. My son called twice and we had a good chat. Throw in an afternoon nap and the day was sealed. A lot of women do not receive honour for all they have done in raising their children and this is sad. However, our God notices all we do and His rewards are worth waiting for...

Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised. Proverbs 31:30 HCSB Today is Mother's Day. Today women are celebrated in some way. It could be jist a loving hug and childish drawing from a little 3 or 4 year old or time for an 86 year old. Yet, one cherishes more a Godly mother who knows her God and follows His ways. The love of a small child is a blessing. Little tots do it best. As we age we learn about us and become selfish and forget to cherish our patents. Cherishing parents is important. My mum who is 86 is blessed that all her children are alive and love her. So many mother's have lost their children and today will be painful for them. No matter where we find ourselves, we need to rejoice that God has a family for us in His church and more importantly eternity. Feeling sorry for ourselves because we don't have the ideal is a waste of space. Don't conform to a world ideal, keep your eyes on Jesus. Amen!

know that no one is justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ. And we have believed in Christ Jesus so that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no human being will be justified. Galatians 2:16 HCSB The law is so exhausting! Trying to comply and earn acceptance by keeping the law robs us of life. However, walking with Christ in faith, trusting Him to be our freedom is where it is at. IN Australia, tomorrow is Mother's Day. Some are under a huge burden to show themselves approved: those who have mothers and the mothers themselves. The burden needs to be lifted. Expectation is horrible and bleached our lives of colour. Our God does not want a compelled love, and neither do I. We all will enter eternity and face our God. He is not looking for a 'deeds log.' Rather He will be looking for our relationship with Him. Relationship counts for more than anything with Him. He longs for re...

and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing. Galatians 2:20‭-‬21 HCSB This whole chapter is dealing with living in the grace of the gospel and not law. In it Paul condemns Peter and other apostles who were duplicitous. This means two faced. With one group, the circumcised Jews they behaved one way and with the uncircumcised Gentiles another. Paul hates this and speaks out loudly about the wrong in this behaviour. We Christians quote this verse often. We need to know the spirit and mindset of Paul ad he writes it. Jesus had so set him, a Pharisee above all Pharisee, free that Paul stands against all religious hypocrisy. He lived by faith in the freedom Christ won for him. I must live out of this freedom and nothing else. Nothing I can do will make me more accepta...

Therefore strengthen your tired hands and weakened knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated but healed instead. Hebrews 12:12‭-‬13 HCSB Today is Friday. Anyone tired out there? Usually Friday finds me tired. I can be physically exhausted, mentally exhausted or emotionally wrung out. Sometimes all three. This week I had a virus to battle as well. I find when I am unwell I am more emotionally friable. This is when I have to remind myself: if God be for me and wants to bless me, who or what can stand against me? Scripture calls this: encouraging ourselves in the Lord. "Be of good cheer", said Jesus, "I have overcome the world!" At times we have to dig deep to find the precious promises and stand on them. God loves us and is not our enemy but we need to grow strong in standing against the tides of life. He wants adult children not babies. Come on!!!

Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne. Hebrews 12:1‭-‬2 HCSB Have you ever run in a race? I did a couple of triathlons once. I had to stay focused on the path ahead. The first time I came to do the last leg, the run, and as I dismounted my bike my legs felt like jelly and I knew I had to run. I kept saying to myself:"But what if I can!" I put on my running shoes and stepped out and kept focus. I finished the race. Finishing the race brings its own joy and exaltation. I did not care that I was at the back of the pack. I cared that I finished. In life it is the same. We have a crown awaiting us, if we just don't qui...

Together they were discussing everything that had taken place. And while they were discussing and arguing, Jesus Himself came near and began to walk along with them. Luke 24:14‭-‬15 HCSB We have all participated in these. When confused at an outcome we discuss possibilities and then argue out of frustration. I am here at present. Wondering why God? Why did you bring me to such a horrible situation? No matter how much you discuss at times there are still no answers. Then what? Trust! I have to trust my God as He comes alongside me and reveals all....in His time. At times I feel as though I will burst with frustration but to act out of frustration destroys. I am constantly having to draw back, recoup, be still and trust. No amount of analysing will answer. This is one with a hidden meaning that will be revealed...in time. Trusting is not easy, but then Jesus had to do it and so do I. Jesus had to trust the Father for the cross. It hurt, it hurt bad and it took His Father's...

And while He was blessing them, He left them and was carried up into heaven. Luke 24:51 HCSB Reading this last chapter of Luke you feel as though Jesus was running a marathon. In this Chapter Luke covers the disciples finding the tomb empty, Jesus appearing to disciples on road to Emaus, Jesus appearing to disciples in Jerusalem and the He's gone. It actually went a lot slower and was more relational. Jesus had done all He could to prepare the disciples for His death and resurrection and eventual ascension into heaven. After He rose from the dead He appeared to the disciples many times. He told them to wait for the Holy Spirit who would empower them. The above scripture is a finale, of sorts. The following passage says: they worshipped Him then went back to Jerusalem rejoicing daily in the Temple. The apostles finally 'Got it!' Jesus was God and the plan was to save mankind from their sins all along and not defeat the Romans. Jesus comes into our lives to redee...

Surely You desire integrity in the inner self, and You teach me wisdom deep within. Psalms 51:6 HCSB The inner self is hidden from view, from all but God. We may fool others and even ourselves, but God is never fooled. David had committed such a sin. He was deceived in himself. He took another man's wife but didn't stop there, he then had the husband killed, all because he was unwilling to face and confess his sin. Nathan the prophet had to go front David. David then repented but the child who would come from that liaison, he pleaded for for 10 days with prayer and fasting. The child died and David went on to father another child with Bathsheba, Solomon who was the wisest man ever to live, but not wise enough to avoid similar sin. Solomon married 700 foreign women and had 300 concubines. You might say he took his father's sin to infinity and back. He died away from God. Our inner self is what God is interested in. He wants to live there and will not share it with lus...

Be gracious to me, God, according to Your faithful love; according to Your abundant compassion, blot out my rebellion. Wash away my guilt and cleanse me from my sin. Psalms 51:1‭-‬2 HCSB This is a Psalm of David. It was written after David sinned with Bathsheba and Nathan the prophet had confronted him. The Psalm reveals that David fully realises the consequence of sin and how gracious God is to restore a repentant heart. David goes on the say that when he has been cleansed from sin he will minister to others. This is the Christian life. As we come to Christ and are aware of our sin and made clean we can then go and minister to others. The greatest joy I experience is seeing a repentant sinner come to the Lord. Being restored to the Father is a cause for rejoicing in heaven. The angels rejoice. I am praying for souls, specific souls, to come to know Jesus. I am also present in their lives. Presenting Christ is as simple as living for Him, loving Him and sharing how good He is....

I — I have spoken; yes, I have called him; I have brought him, and he will succeed in his mission. Isaiah 48:15 HCSB This reference is to Cyrus of Persia who God would use to defeat Babylon and set His people free. Isn't it interesting that God says He has loved Cyrus(v 14) a pagan king. God's favour was on Cyrus and He in turn poured favour on God's people. God will use people we would not vote for, people we would not employ. Yes He is God and He turns the hearts of Kings. We are seeing how God has turned the heart of the North Korean leader Kim for His good purpose. Much prayer bathed this move. The people of South Korea have prayed and fasted, along with the ruler's own people. What a joy to watch this change of heart. Praise God! Now.... If God can do this what is there He wants to do in your world? What miracle are you willing to persevere in prayer for? Never...never...never give up! Amen!

This is what the Lord , your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel says: I am Yahweh your God, who teaches you for your benefit, who leads you in the way you should go. If only you had paid attention to My commands. Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea. Isaiah 48:17‭-‬18 HCSB The Lord is at work in our lives leading us to His planned fulfillment. As we yeild we are blessed. If we stubbornly resist we lose the joy and peace that could be ours. Listening instead to fear, anxiety or even arrogance we destroy our chances of living in the river of God. Only in His river is peace and contentment. Fear of the unknown causes us to balk and resist. Yet Jesus Himself said: "take My yoke upon You, learn from Me. I am meek and humble, and you will find rest for your soul". Matthew 11.29 Yeilding and submitting in faith to peace, how bad could that be? Why choose fear and anxiety? What horrible taskmasters! Choose Life. Choose ...

“This, then, is the judgment: The light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. For everyone who practices wicked things hates the light and avoids it, so that his deeds may not be exposed. But anyone who lives by the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be shown to be accomplished by God.” John 3:19‭-‬21 HCSB Living by truth not only brings you into the Light, so anyone can see your deeds but also it lifts you and makes your burdens light. Abiding in Christ is living in the Light. Living in the Light is having no dark corners where your enemy can hide and plot your downfall. The joy of living in the Light and knowing all your sins are forgiven is freeing. It is like a breeze lifts you up and carries you along. However, living in darkness is heavy as you drag your unresolved issues around. You are constantly battling spot fires that spontaneously ignite when you least expect them to. Abiding in Ch...

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. 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 3:17‭-‬18 HCSB Condemnation! We have an enemy who is quick to condemn us. Jesus did not come to condemn us. Yet we gave Him plenty of opportunity. Our failure to believe automatically condemns us. Before I came to Christ I was unhappy and knew I was unclean. When I came to Christ I knew His forgiveness and that I was made clean. I am watching those who Christ is drawing going through this same process. In the times of drawing I did not know what was happening and neither do these folk. My role is to continue to pray and be ready to share the truth of the gospel at the right time. Have Your way Lord! Be God! Amen!

I sought the Lord , and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant with joy; their faces will never be ashamed. Psalms 34:4‭-‬5 HCSB The Lord answers, we must be listening. Pain can take away our focus but it does not mean God is gone or not talking. He listens, comforts and is near. David was able to say: 'God delivered me from my fear,' because he knew God listened and He trusted him to come through. David them goes on to say: ' those who look to Him are radiant with joy.' Knowing God's presence, that He hears is comforting and brings joy. However we need to position our hearts to receive and remove self-pity from our lives. Self-pity interferes with truth. Amen!

The Lord is near the brokenhearted; He saves those crushed in spirit. Many adversities come to the one who is righteous, but the Lord delivers him from them all. Psalms 34:18‭-‬19 HCSB Do you have a broken heart? God is there for you. The pain of brokenness blurrs the eyes and dulls the senses, but He is there. We don't like to suffer such pain but even He went through the pain of the scouring and the cross. He prayed that He might be spared but was not. His pain was our release. Our pain has a purpose. I know you could accuse me of glibness and I would agree, except I have had 15 years of pain. Rather than resent it I have asked God for glory in it. My pain has made me a nicer person, a more useful to the Kingdom of God person. I now am not beaten up by the adversities that come. Rather I trust my God to take me through, and He does. He is faithful and true. Amen!

No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the fruit of peace and righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11 HCSB I want to address this scripture again in light of being 'trained by discipline.' As long as there is submission to discipline we will be trained by it. If we don't submit and instead rebel, we will miss the opportunity to find peace. Peace is not found in rebellion. Peace is found in submission to Godly discipline. This morning I spoke about my grandson being disciplined in not interrupting in adult conversation. I know my grandson is being moulded I to a young man I am proud of. Therefore I approve of his discipline. I remember when he was 3 and told to go and sit facing the wall with his hands together, he had misbehaved. My heart bled for him. However, I knew I could not interfere. I am glad I didn't. I like the 12 year old I know now. He has learned to control his emotions. Our ...

No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the fruit of peace and righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore strengthen your tired hands and weakened knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated but healed instead. Hebrews 12:11‭-‬13 HCSB Discipline speaks of family. Each family disciplines differently. Some give more leeway than others. Some believe in smacking, some don't. However, the end result reveals the worth of the style chosen. I am watching this in my grandchildren. Being able to speak on speaker phone allows all in the car to hear. Last night I was speaking to my son and my grandson interrupted to say 'Hi'. His father then said "Myer is learning not to interrupt." I feel for Myer. We have a relationship also and I am glad he interrupted, this time. I am sure my grandson is not enjoying his discipline. However, he is learning respect. God wi...

Fight the good fight for the faith; take hold of eternal life that you were called to and have made a good confession about in the presence of many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:12 HCSB The Christian walk is a fight of faith. Paul tells us in Ephesians 6: In every situation take the shield of faith, and with it you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s word. Ephesians 6:16‭-‬17 HCSB Faith shield us against deception; spiritual attacks; lies and deceit. The sword, God's word is used to attack this mob. The word of God is sharper than any two edged sword. Use it! We must know our God and His word and know our faith and use it!

But you, man of God, run from these things, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the faith; take hold of eternal life that you were called to and have made a good confession about in the presence of many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:11‭-‬12 HCSB 'These things' mentioned here are the love of money and rich possessions. Young Timothy could not serve God and money. Mammon is the spirit behind money and its desire is our destruction and eternal death. Timothy was a pastor in a prosperous heathen city, Ephesus. He would be challenged with all the glitter and opulence. Paul is encouraging him to keep his eyes on Jesus and the task of running a church free from error. As a Christian I am called to do the work God has given me. I work in an industry that deals with money and have prosperous clients. I do not desire their blessing but rather desire God's plan and purpose. This, I have discovered, is far better for m...

Rejoice always! Pray constantly. Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16‭-‬18 HCSB Rejoice always! You must be joking! Rejoicing is not always an easy feat. In fact it is mostly a difficult feat. However, if we are praying constantly, even little "help me Jesus!" prayers then our focus is on Him and much easier to rejoice. Give thanks in everything! Nah! Not possible! Why did Paul the apostle say this? Perhaps He had experience. After all He was shipwrecked a few times, flogged a few more and stoned to death plus much more. What did He know that we don't? Focus! Focus! Focus! What am I thinking about? How am I thinking it? Am I allowing God's perspective in? Do I dwell on God's word or the negative media and other people's opinions? Time for check up from the neck up!

Rejoice always! Pray constantly. Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Don’t stifle the Spirit. Don’t despise prophecies, but test all things. Hold on to what is good. Stay away from every kind of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:16‭-‬22 HCSB Don't stifle the Spirit! This stands out to me. Yesterday I discovered more about my mother's family, the Campbell clan. I heard the roar of battle and sensed the conquering spirit. In my day I had much stupidity and foolish brutality come against me and I picked up my sword. I had had enough. The trouble was I felt like a young inexperienced dragon. I let out fire when I sneezed. Well almost! There were times grace and gentleness was required. I had been waiting on a garden shed. It had been almost two weeks in arriving. I had tracked it down, it was actually in a local depot. I organised for the back fence to be opened so it could be slipped on the ground near the concrete slab. I had called several time...

But have nothing to do with irreverent and silly myths. Rather, train yourself in godliness, for the training of the body has a limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:7‭-‬8 HCSB Jesus came to set us free. This freedom is not just from our sins, but also from habits, warped thinking, religious ideas etc. Being a Christian is being totally free from all that binds us. If we, instead, think we can serve God by imposing upon ourselves restrictions that appear Godly, we are in fact boxing ourselves into another jail. True godliness is found in freely loving our God and seeking Him for His ways and giving Him free reign in our lives. Many of us are into looking good physically as Christians but this, whilst of some good, ultimately cannot save us. I love the discipline of exercise and diet control. However it does not rule. It is a part. I cannot claim glory for what I do, for ...

Let no one despise your youth; instead, you should be an example to the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Pay close attention to your life and your teaching; persevere in these things, for by doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers. 1 Timothy 4:12‭, ‬16 HCSB I can imagine a young, inexperienced but zealous for God, man. This young man was well known and loved by Paul. Timothy's faithfulness, willingness and love for God made him endearing. People are drawn to Christ in us not our expertise. Knowledge without love or joy is dry and crisp. Timothy would have had to lean heavily on God as he learned life and grew. Submitting to the despising of others is not faith, no matter what age we are. If anything I am at the other end of the scale but having to walk in faith in what God has given me. Faith is where we are meant to dwell. Amen!

Then Jesus replied, “I assure you: The Son is not able to do anything on His own, but only what He sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, the Son also does these things in the same way. For the Father loves the Son and shows Him everything He is doing, and He will show Him greater works than these so that you will be amazed. John 5:19‭-‬20 HCSB I think it is amazing that Jesus would say this: He only did what He saw the Father doing. Of all people I would have thought Jesus could act in Himself, after all He was God in the flesh. What can I learn from this? What could I possibly do that would pass as ok for an individual to do apart from what I saw God doing? I, like most people would say: "How do I see what the Father is doing?" My quest is to see, actually see, what the Father is doing! I think that is an adventure all in itself! Amen!

“I assure you: Anyone who hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgment but has passed from death to life. John 5:24 HCSB Hear and believe! How do you hear? Be in a place where this scripture is spoken, as in church, have someone speak it to you, read the scripture and internally hear what the Spirit is saying. Paul the apostle speaks about this in Romans: But how can they call on Him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about Him? And how can they hear without a preacher? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who announce the gospel of good things! Romans 10:14‭-‬15 HCSB Where there is no knowledge about God, God usually sends evangelists. Daniel Kolenda and Reinhardt Bonke are two such men and there are many others. When the gospel is preached and people respond, many come to Christ. Amen! How glorious! How wonderful! Souls in the ki...