The day with dianne Louise

Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable — if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise — dwell on these things. Philippians 4:8 Dwelling on things! Be honest and say what you dwell on most. The negatives push forward and attempt to dominate: negatives about self; negatives about others. If we allow these negatives to dominate we become obsessed with ourselves and others. This is definitely not clean, good or lovely. What then is good, clean and lovely? If I am bombarded with negative thoughts about others I sense a heaviness in my mind and determine to rid myself of it. I pray mercy and grace on that 'other.' Before long the heaviness lifts. It is similar if it is shame or guilt thoughts about me. I start to speak scripture over myself: 'I am the righteousness of God in Christ!' The negatives leave. The big challenge is when you have done something...

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 Today there are things I could worry about but as the scripture tells me what to do, I will pray. I hear people say: "I am really worried about ......" this should be their answer. It is God who orders our paths and shepherds us on our way. He is the one to talk to. IN Australia, where I live, there are lots of farms and farm animals. If I see a sheep in danger I can go to the farmer and tell him. He has the power to bring the sheep safely home. It would be pointless me going up to the sheep of the fold and talking to them, they would not understand me and think me weird. Talking to the lost sheep is also futile. Yet in chuch we talk to other people about one that is lost, but not to God. Why not pray for th...

The path of the righteous is level; You clear a straight path for the righteous. Yes, Yahweh, we wait for You in the path of Your judgments. Our desire is for Your name and renown. I long for You in the night; yes, my spirit within me diligently seeks You, for when Your judgments are in the land, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness. Isaiah 26:7‭-‬9 HCSB The path is level. Our God clears a way. If we just rest, take a breath and wait for Him and not react. Oh dear! I do that at times. Today I was very tired and emotionally drained. I needed time with the Lord, more than usual to gain his perspective. Yet I didn't get it. As a result I was a tad crabby and impatient. Oh how I need to spend time with the Lord! I am sure we are the ones who make the path difficult because we are so prickly and agitated. I definitely need more time with my Lord. He levels my perspective and keeps me sane. I long for the Lord and His presence. He satisfies all my needs. He soot...

You will keep the mind that is dependent on You in perfect peace, for it is trusting in You. Trust in the Lord forever, because in Yah, the Lord , is an everlasting rock! Isaiah 26:3‭-‬4 HCSB I am reminded of a little child with a good Father that has never caused them to fear. Although there may be trouble all around, the child is secure in his father's love because this is what he knows. Our God is faithful and true. We need to stay in His love and trust Him for the outcome. A child does not have an expected outcome other than 'daddy will take care of it.' So today, no matter what is happening around you, your heavenly Father will take care of it as you trust in Him. You moght need to repent from striving and self but now rest in trust and only do what He shows you to do. Amen!

You, however, are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God lives in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. Romans 8:9 HCSB A Christian has the Spirit of Christ and should live out of that source. If we quench the Spirit and continue to live out of the flesh we fail to use a precious gift, the gift of life in Christ. The power of God dwells in us bodily. We have no excuse to say we are powerless when we have such a powerhouse inside. Through Him we are free. Amen.

For the mind-set of the flesh is death, but the mind-set of the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind-set of the flesh is hostile to God because it does not submit itself to God’s law, for it is unable to do so. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. Romans 8:6‭-‬8 HCSB What is a freshly mindset? Me, me, me, mine; I want;I can't get; poor me; how can I get etc!! What is a mind set on the Spirit like? What can I do for You today Lord? How do you want me you treat this situation? How can I be a blessing today Lord? I worship you Lord, You are good, so good! As I worship the Lord knots untie, doors open, answers come and more importantly peace comes. Here I am looking up! With a freshly mindset I am anxious, fretting, abusive, angry and in trouble. Angry people commit road rage, they kill people and reputations. As the scripture tells us the flesh cannot submit to God. It lives for itself and despises God. I have choice which God I will serve. If it is the Lord al...

“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. John 3:19 HCSB What does one who practices evil deeds look like? I assure you they don't all wear hoods, shoot down airplanes amd slaughter the helpless. Yes these things are evil but so are the deeds of self-reliance, the flirtimg with any other god but the Lord God Almighty. Thinking that you are safe if you wear certain medals or necklaces; thinking you are safe because you dont slaughter the weak are not what thr Lord requires. Evil is any practice that does not place the Lord at the centre. Pure water and dirty water cannot cohabit. The impure will infect the pure. A little bit of evil is not good either. It is not about do's and don'ts but where is your heart? Is it based in you with the Lord on the periphery? A selfish person justifies their own decisions and makes right what they deem to be right. But what does the w...

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 3:20‭-‬21 HCSB These are Jesus's words to Nicodemus and the previous verse says: “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. John 3:19 Jesus was telling Nicodemus why the Pharisees rejected Him, their deeds were evil. Now, as the Pharisees were the religious leaders, this is a sad indictment. Unfortunately religious leaders are the main ones opposing a new move of God. They oppose men but they are actually resisting the Holy Spirit, not a good look! What bad deeds can religious leaders hide? Unfortunately everybody is capable of sin and sin unrepented of is hidden sin, which God will expose Himself. Power, money or sex are the usual baits and ma...

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 HCSB What do you do when you dont know what to do? Fret? Go to negative or whiney conversation? Go into hyperactive activity? Sound familiar? How about rest and time with God? He is good and has the best answers. I was in 'I don't know territory ' regarding my mother's health, my business and a charity I was working on. I stayed away from negative self pity. I confessed I will wait on God and where I could see what to do, I did. I went to the hospital and met with the medical team, I loved and encouraged my Mum, I applied for the charity status with the government and loved and serviced my clients. Oh! And I prayed. Mum has NO damage! Yes! Praise God!my clients are loving the service and the government is helping

If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You’ll get his help, and won’t be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who “worry their prayers” are like wind-whipped waves. Don’t think you’re going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open. James 1:5‭-‬8 MSG God's wisdom is best! Always always it is best. He solves the problems of life in a way that life comes out. We cannot create the same outcomes unless we are at rest and flowing with Him. I am facing a few problems at present but my God has the best solutions. I will wait for His outcomes and for His mind because then I know I can't lose. I was walking down a path I thought He ordained but a few things have happened with a business colleague and my Mum having a stroke and I know I must wait for God. What is His path? His path is best as it leads where He is-by still waters. Amen!

Be serious! Be alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. Resist him and be firm in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world. 1 Peter 5:8‭-‬9 HCSB We do have an adversary who waits to see what our reactions will be. Give him an inch and he will take a mile. Give him a sniff of a fresh reaction and he will go into overdrive. When tired, unwell and pushed we can easily slip into self-pity, anger or resentment. Don't go there and grace will be yours instead. Then you will be surprised at the outcome. When tired stop and rest, when unwell, stop and rest, when pushed, stop and rest. Rest is the antidote. In rest you can wait on God and be refreshed. Scripture itself tells us: those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength. Resist all that pushes you for a now answer. Resist and be blessed by rest. Amen!

Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does. 1 Peter 5:8‭-‬11 MSG God is still good when testing comes. The key thing is to remain in trusting mode. Where else do you have to go? How can you change things by one small space. You cant! So burrow into God and wait and see what He will do. The big picture is not one we have privy to. That is God's domain. Mine is to run the race before me. He reveals sections of the big plan to me, piece by piece. I would never have expected my mother to have a stroke yesterday. ...

God is a safe place to hide, ready to help when we need him. We stand fearless at the cliff-edge of doom, courageous in seastorm and earthquake, Before the rush and roar of oceans, the tremors that shift mountains. Jacob-wrestling God fights for us, God -of-Angel-Armies protects us. Psalm 46:1‭-‬3 MSG This morning I had the presence of God invade my home. As I sat on the couch to pray I sensed Him right beside me. I had a glorious time. I had great plans to enjoy church and a prayer meeting tonight. However, I went to have shower and as I came out I heard my Mum calling me. I found her on the cold tiles in the bathroom. I could not get mum up and ran to get neighbour's to help. No-one was around. I began to become anxious and then thought: call an ambulance Di. I did. I spent all day at the hospital and discovered mum had had a stroke with her left side affected. We will see how this plays out in the coming days. My Lord was preparing me for what was to come. I am gratef...

I write this, dear children, to guide you out of sin. But if anyone does sin, we have a Priest-Friend in the presence of the Father: Jesus Christ, righteous Jesus. When he served as a sacrifice for our sins, he solved the sin problem for good—not only ours, but the whole world’s. Here’s how we can be sure that we know God in the right way: Keep his commandments. 1 John 2:1‭-‬2 MSG The apostle John is in His 90s when he writes his version of the gospel of John and the subsequent epistles. He may even be in exile on Patmos by this time. When you are alone in exile what can you do but write? I have a dear friend who recently turned 90. I imagine John's reference to us, His readers, as little children, comes from the many years of serving and loving Christ. John was the disciple who loved most and was closest to Jesus. What better man to tell it like it is. In chapter 1 John tells us: if we believe we have no sin we deceive ourselves. Therefore, accepting that we do sin, let...

I say then, walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Galatians 5:16‭-‬18 HCSB Walking in the Spirit requires faith. Yet this faith is rewarded. We can trust the Lord to deal with those who treat us unfairly. When He is our source and supply He gives justice. However, if we oscillate between fear and faith; controlling things ourselves or trusting Him with hands off; keeping our confession about Him and not talking about the problem, then He moves. Walking in the Spirit is walking in the new life Christ gives us. Walking in the flesh resorts to law and trying to win favour by what we do. There is nothing that we can do to win favour through religious ritual. However, by delighting in Him and allowing Him to be our all relea...

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. 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. I say then, walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. Galatians 5:13‭-‬16 HCSB I cannot be free and write hateful things on Facebook. There is so much written that can anger us but what would Christ do? Pray! Pray for mercy, salvation, grace and a miracle. Hate is an tool of the flesh. By sowing to the Spirit instead, the Spirit will reward you: 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. Galatians 6:8 The fruit of hate is violence. We see so many murders. They come out of this spirit of hate However the fruit of the Spirit is life ...

Sustain me as You promised, and I will live; do not let me be ashamed of my hope. Psalms 119:116 HCSB I have being praying this a bit lately. I had stepped out in faith into something new. I had to trust it would come to pass. The Lord instructed me to take steps as if it was all in, so I did. I have enjoyed working on a new project as if it is already running, as I have my faith has grown. In the process He has brought blessing from unexpected places. When I step out in faith I am aware that those who know me are watching, mainly because, selectively, I have shared the plan with others. They are also watching and waiting for the revealing of the promise. As I take each step I grow stronger in faith and the vision becomes clearer. It is important that I don't sit and wait for God to do all the work. There are some tasks that are mine. I must act in faith! Amen!

You are my shelter and my shield; I put my hope in Your word. Psalms 119:114 HCSB It one thing to say:"You are my shelter and shield" but it is another to avail ourselves of that protection. When I think of shelter I think of being caught in a severe storm and not having an umbrella or raincoat. You Are soaked through and cold. What do you look for? Shelter! We are currently in a storm and our world's foundations are fragmenting, the world's systems are failing and people are killing themselves and others. What is the answer? Where is there shelter in the storm? Where is there stability? In God alone! He is our safety! He is our shield! We can trust Him. Amen! Now, if I am caught unprepared in a storm and I see shelter nearby, do I stand in the rain? No! If I know the place is safe I go in. Our God is the safest place and we can come to Him. Trust Him! Amen!

Just then Jesus met them and said, “Good morning! ” They came up, took hold of His feet, and worshiped Him. Matthew 28:9 HCSB Don't you love the simple comment: "Good morning!" He said this to the women at the tomb. You would be freaked out at seeing a dead man living and knowing He was indeed the risen saviour. The women clung to His feet. I would also. Our Lord comes to us with simple comments that encourage us to believe and fall in adoration. He has it all together. We can trust Him! Amen! Over the past week my faith has been challenged but He has come through. He is good. We can trust Him!

Then Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18‭-‬20 HCSB All nations are waiting to hear the good news. It is amazing that the year is still 2018 and some people are still waiting to hear. Are there not many Christians? Statistics tell us that as of 2010 there were 2.2 billion about 1/3 of the world's population. (Pew report) So, we are a majority! At my Connect group we were studying evangelism and key questions to ask people. One was: what would it take for you to believe in Jesus? I don't know if I have asked this exact question. The challenge was to have meaniful questions to ask people. Being ready to give an account is something we should do. but ...

For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the ideas and thoughts of the heart. No creature is hidden from Him, but all things are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give an account. Hebrews 4:12‭-‬13 HCSB Ever heard a message and it went right in? That is what this scripture is about. We may not even think about our intentions when we speak but are actually having a 'flesh ' moment. Afterwards the word of God comes to us and convicts us of our sin. This is an opportunity to repent. Repentance does not require penance. Genuine repentance receives forgiveness. We need the word of God for without it we go unchecked. It can come out of the mouths of the most unlikely people but it is still effective. Don't reject it! Receive it and allow it to work in you cleansing away sin. Feeling clean within is the best feeling...

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tested in every way as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time. Hebrews 4:15‭-‬16 HCSB We must behave as little children, loved by our heavenly Father and Jesus Christ our older brother. We are not expected to be perfect to come. Little children are not born perfect, with their lives together, however as they obey their parents, they mature into sons and daughtets of renown. Yesterday one of my grandsons had a birthday. his mum had been in the US on a course and came home in time for his birthday. His older brother cooked his birthday dinner. That brother is 12 and He cooked home made pizza and pavlova. Quite a feat for a young man. I was impressed. I am sure it was a real birthday treat. I am watching my grandsons and granddaughters being trained in good b...

“Who will you compare Me to, or who is My equal? ” asks the Holy One. Look up and see: who created these? He brings out the starry host by number; He calls all of them by name. Because of His great power and strength, not one of them is missing. Isaiah 40:25‭-‬26 When we become anxious or troubled; arrogant and prideful, there is still one who is outside our machinations and He is not troubled, nor is He arrogant but loving towards us. We become so focused on small things, we are made afraid by mere mortals but He is bigger and stronger. We could say: "My Dad is stronger than you!" To all the bullies of life, they are nothing when compared with our God! He is the best! I am jubilant as finally I have passed my audit and can move on. What a release and now I can joyfully sing thanks to my God. I prepared well and worked hard and now it is done. Praise God! Now I can enjoy Him, unhindered by challenging thoughts. The burden is gone! Yes!

Do you not know? Have you not heard? Yahweh is the everlasting God, the Creator of the whole earth. He never grows faint or weary; there is no limit to His understanding. He gives strength to the weary and strengthens the powerless. Youths may faint and grow weary, and young men stumble and fall, but those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:28‭-‬31 HCSB We grow weary, but our God does not. He is an eternal source of Life and strength for us. All we need to do is come to Him and ask and we will mount up like eagles. I have done some paragliding in my time, twice here in Australia and once in Nepal. Here is Australia we have the best conditions and you can climb high up in the thermals. There you meet the eagles. I had been warned that they can attack as they see us invade their territory. However, they were beautiful to behold and the experience was awesome....

I brought you from the ends of the earth and called you from its farthest corners. I said to you: You are My servant; I have chosen you and not rejected you. Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:9‭-‬10 HCSB The Lord brings us from one place to another. He took me 668 kms to go nursing but ultimately become a Christian. Then a few years later, when married, He took my husband and I to another city to raise our children and next to another to begin a church. In each place I made friends and grew up to the daughter He wanted me to become. Now I travel to Nepal to preach the gospel and help the helpless. I love it! I am looking forward to my next trip. God took Nehemiah from Babylon to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls. He takes me to places and people who need His healing and His words of encouragement. He calls us His servants, we better behave li...

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand. Be sure that all who are enraged against you will be ashamed and disgraced; those who contend with you will become as nothing and will perish. You will look for those who contend with you, but you will not find them. Those who war against you will become absolutely nothing. Isaiah 41:10‭-‬12 HCSB In this Chapter in Isaiah the writer is prophesying about Cyrus of Persia, who would defeat the Babylonians and set God's people free. God had a plan and He would work that plan. This chapter is one of an abundant turn around of fortune by God's people and the destruction of their enemies. If God be for me, who can be against me! When God is on the case, things change quickly and for the best. Amen! I love the language and conversational tone. It is like: "come, let's talk about what I will do!" God is a...

You, God, showered abundant rain; You revived Your inheritance when it languished. Psalms 68:9 HCSB Have you ever been told you would receive an inheritance and yet when the time came it was delayed and delayed and you began to wonder if indeed it was a true inheritance? Perhaps not but I am sure you have been promised something and it to a long time to come. Time challenges all promises. The one who promised may not be challenged, I am sure God does not become anxious but I know we do. God allows time delay to test our resolve and commitment. Do we really want what we ask for? In the test we discover ourselves. How determined are we to see people saved and healed? How determined are we to see God's provision? The test shows us. We have all experienced tests at school. The test shows us if we know our work. We need to know our God and ourselves. Tests are good! Amen!

God in His holy dwelling is a father of the fatherless and a champion of widows. God provides homes for those who are deserted. He leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious live in a scorched land. Your God has decreed your strength. Show Your strength, God, You who have acted on our behalf. Psalms 68:5‭-‬6‭, ‬28 HCSB We must trust what scriptures says about God and us. Scripture must be the foundation of all we believe. For us who believe in prophesy we must watch for these to be fulfilled. Our confession must be aligned with who God says He is and who He says we are. Grumbling about our circumstances is none of these. Where is God taking us? Where is He calling us? David was a man who continually had to encourage himself in who He believed God to be, especially when he was in hiding from king Saul. David was Saul's future replacement and Saul was jealous. Being chased by a madman, living in caves would not be fun. What was David's confession? God is go...

Therefore, consider God’s kindness and severity: severity toward those who have fallen but God’s kindness toward you — if you remain in His kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off. And even they, if they do not remain in unbelief, will be grafted in, because God has the power to graft them in again. Romans 11:22‭-‬23 HCSB As any good father, our father God disciplines. Discipline can make Him seem severe. Yet our earthly fathers were severe for a time. I remember the times I received the strap. I did not like the strap and at the time I received it I considered my father severe. However, it lasted but for a time. I also remember times of fun with my dad. The beautiful thing about the above scripture is that God can graft those who walk away, back in again, when they turn in repentance. Nothing can separate us permanently from His grace. Amen! However, we must realise, and accept, that God is not just a sugar daddy. Holiness is important to Him, as is obedience.

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments and untraceable His ways! Romans 11:33 HCSB IN this chapter Paul is speaking about the blessing of been given that which the sons of Israel rejected, salvation. He warns the Romans not to become conceited in their election but rather to have holy fear. If God did not spare those who failed to enter into this glorious inheritance because of lack of faith, we, the Gentiles, could also do the same. In other words there is no room for pride. The verse above is at the end of the chapter praising God for His wisdom in allowing salvation to be available for all: Jews and Gentiles. What one fails to take by faith, others will accept. This is still true today: we fail to enter because of unbelief. If we are being brought to a time where God wants to bless us, we must stay firm in faith and not waver in unbelief. Everything is tested by time, God's delay. Do you really want what yo...

Oh, Lord God ! You Yourself made the heavens and earth by Your great power and with Your outstretched arm. Nothing is too difficult for You! Then the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah: “Look, I am Yahweh, the God of all flesh. Is anything too difficult for Me? Jeremiah 32:17‭, ‬26‭-‬27 HCSB IN between verses 17 and 26 God had told Jeremiah to go and buy a field yet He was inspiring him to prophesy about the destruction of the land. Jeremiah was feeling the tension between the soon to happen and future 'will happen.' Being caught in the soon and future can be confusing and we can often second guess ourselves and God. Yet it did come to pass. 12 months ago God gave me a vision of a yet to occur event. Then I was plunged into a period of great challenge. The challenge challenged the vision. However, the vision is coming to pass. You could say I was challenged to believe. The challenge almost crushed me yet I chose to believe. What would have happened if I opted for my own...

Oh, Lord God ! You Yourself made the heavens and earth by Your great power and with Your outstretched arm. Nothing is too difficult for You! Jeremiah 32:17 HCSB Being in an astronomy club and studying galaxys far away from ours, I am amazed at the glory beyond and the creator's mind and magnificence, what majesty! This same creator made me and loves me and wants a relationship with me. He is so good! Whatever troubles me or challenges me, He is interested in. Just as a child can take their troubles to their earthly father, I can take mine to my heavenly Father. I love to take my delights as well. He is interested in my joys as well as my tears. As good earthly fathers love to mend what is broken, so does our heavenly Father. I need to come in trust. Amen!

But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:4 HCSB Endurance seems to be like anti-biotics. As an ex-nurse, I know that a course of anti-biotics must be completed to ensure you are completely well. Endurance must be maintained to the end so that you completely own the victory. There can be no prizes for laziness. An athlete must complete the course and endure under pain, fatigue and dehydration, at times to complete the race. I have enter two triathlons over the years and quitting was not an option. Quitting in life is not an option. We must complete the race, in faith. Amen Never give up! Never! Never give up!

Every generous act and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights; with Him there is no variation or shadow cast by turning. By His own choice, He gave us a new birth by the message of truth so that we would be the firstfruits of His creatures. James 1:17‭-‬18 HCSB God does not change His mind, unlike us. If He says a matter, it is so and He sets out to deliver. We mail derail our blessing by a bad confession but the gift is there waiting to be collected. The following verse, verse 18, is given as a reminder. God promised to send His Son, at the right time He came, promise fulfilled. A good confession is a magnet, it draws the blessing to us. Keep up the good confession. Amen

So if you have been raised with the Messiah, seek what is above, where the Messiah is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on what is above, not on what is on the earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with the Messiah in God. Colossians 3:1‭-‬3 HCSB I know every time I change my focus up- upgraded vision, things happen for the good. When I keep focused on the problem things get worse and I feel bad. We are raised with Christ as we fellowship and study the word of God. I like to listen to podcasts, they supplement my week, I love them. If we don't fellowship, to keep our focus on Him , we behave like the world, except we might go to church or pray occasionally. Keep focus!

Therefore, God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, accepting one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive. Above all, put on love — the perfect bond of unity. Colossians 3:12‭-‬14 HCSB First, as God's people we must accept we are holy and loved. Holy means set apart, lifted up for a special purpose. When invite Christ into our lives He fills us with His Holy Spirit and makes us holy. We may not feel holy, this does not mean we are not, all we are doing is sensing our flesh. We need to re-tune to our spirits where God dwells. If we live out of this well we perform differently. A good example is petrol(for the Americans-gas). If we buy a new car, we need to read the manual and discover what type of petrol is required. If our old car ran on cheaper fuel with more impurities, we cannot assume our new car is the sa...

For if you love those who love you, what reward will you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? Matthew 5:46 I am reminded of the Father of the prodigal son. The father gave His son his inheritance, even though he knew it would be squandered. The interesting thing is: he didn't go looking for his son but waited and watched for his return. He allowed his son to go through a rough time, so that he would come to his senses, and He did. This would have required strength, faith and prayer. The father was willing to forgive his repentant son. Anyone who is truly repentant should be welcomed home. The second son did not appreciate the father's behaviour but he was jealous and not at all forgiving or loving. Always, we are faced with a decision on how to treat the one who returns. May it be filled with grace. Amen!

“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 rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward will you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? Matthew 5:43-47 This is taken from The Sermon on the Mount. Jesus is teaching the crowd. They were used to one line of teaching, of which : 'love your neighbour and hate your enemy' was a part. Yet here Jesus refutes this teaching as unloving and challenges the people to go an extra mile. Today we have many people who are unlovely or in some way challenge us to even be civil with them. Yet Jesus came from a different place, a different plane. We love the lovely, He loves the unlikely. How does this change us? We can hear His command and go away unchanged o...

And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. Romans 5:3‭-‬4 If afflictions carried no benefit then they would be harder to bear and a gross injustice. However, afflictions come to us all, at some time. I was sent a very good illustration of this only yesterday. It was a story about a young wife who felt let down by her husband. She went to her grandmother and complained. The grandmother took her into the kitchen and put three pots on the stove. In one she put a whole carrot, the second an uncooked egg and the third coffee beans. She said nothing until the cooking was done. She said: "the carrot though firm before the heat became limp after the heat, the egg became hard inside and the coffee became a beautiful aroma". The grandmother asked the girl "what can you see?" The girl was confused and just said: " a cooked car...

Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We have also obtained access through Him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:1‭-‬2 HCSB We are declared right with God as we put our faith in Jesus. Jesus is the door to the Father. As we pass through the door we are made clean. Not only are we made clean but we now stand in His grace, we are no longer under judgement. I love God's grace. It is precious to me as it reminds me of His goodness, forgiveness, mercy and love. Grace for me is His abundant, never-ending love. I will work to be the best in what He has given me, and as I do He empowers me. He is my strength and song. When I fail, He does not withdraw. He lifts me up to try again. He will bring me through. Amen!

What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have observed and have touched with our hands, concerning the Word of life — that life was revealed, and we have seen it and we testify and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us — what we have seen and heard we also declare to you, so that you may have fellowship along with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. 1 John 1:1‭-‬3 HCSB I love John. His heart towards Jesus resonates with me. He was a disciple and loved by Jesus for His recognition and love for the truth about who He was, 'the word of Life.' Jesus came from the Father. He was the visible likeness of the Father. He embodied all the Father was. He bore the Life of the Father. I catch this truth. I love this truth. Our Father's love is so great towards us. I am blessed by this truth. How good is He. We have a God who reached out throu...

If we say, “We have no sin,” we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say, “We don’t have any sin,” we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. 1 John 1:8‭-‬10 HCSB Sin is simply missing the mark. If I am an archer and shoot arrows toward a bulls eye and continually miss it, I am missing the mark. So, as a Christian, how do I miss the mark? IN the previous verses John tells us: Now this is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light, and there is absolutely no darkness in Him. If we say, “We have fellowship with Him,” yet we walk in darkness, we are lying and are not practicing the truth. 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 1:5‭-‬7 HCSB So, how do I walk in the Light? In close communi...

“Do not be afraid, for you will not be put to shame; don’t be humiliated, for you will not be disgraced. For you will forget the shame of your youth, and you will no longer remember the disgrace of your widowhood. Isaiah 54:4 HCSB Different things happen to us as we grow up that cause us to feel shame: an abusive parent who constantly puts you down or physically abuses you; a bully at school; being poor and not having enough clothes or food. Being divorced more so than widowed came be shameful. Why did my spouse divorce me? Was I a failure as a wife/husband? Was I a bad mother? Family breakdown and violence is on the rise. Parents are killing themselves and their children or in a rage killing their children; young people are losing the plot and killing their school mates or families. The result of all these things is shame and disgrace. These are burdens too great to bear. Who Can save us? Fortunately our Jesus can and has. We can come to Him and ask for His help. He is not fa...

No weapon formed against you will succeed, and you will refute any accusation raised against you in court. This is the heritage of the Lord ’s servants, and their righteousness is from Me.” This is the Lord ’s declaration. Isaiah 54:17 HCSB This whole chapter is one of protection, blessing and enlargement. Those who trust in the Lord are safe with Him. Are you going to court? Are you facing off your accusers? Don't be afraid! Trust the Lord and He will give the victory. When you stand for what is right and what you believe, all hell will be enraged. The spoilt and indulgent will rant and want your life. They did this to Jesus. He paid the highest price and His enemies thought they had done away with Him, but He rose again. You will rise again. If we listen to the world it says it is tough and in charge. God laughs! He rules! Amen!

Now this is what the Lord says — the One who created you, Jacob, and the One who formed you, Israel — “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. I will be with you when you pass through the waters, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. You will not be scorched when you walk through the fire, and the flame will not burn you. Isaiah 43:1‭-‬2 HCSB How cool is it to know we are called by name. As I look back on my life I can see God was with me all the way. The times I thought I knew what I was called to do and went wrong were all working to bring me to a place, a place I am now coming to. Water and fire test us and refine us, bringing us ready to do His will. His will is best. Amen! Be patient and don't try to stamp your own plans in place as the process will take longer. Wait!

I will be with you when you pass through the waters, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. You will not be scorched when you walk through the fire, and the flame will not burn you. Isaiah 43:2 HCSB Note: we will pass through the waters and the fire for that is where the path leads. I imagine that walking through the Red Sea, whilst it was walled up on either side would have been a scarry deal. The wind had blown all night before the path was clear and the Pharoah and his men were breathing down their necks. We, in hindsight, think "Wow! What a miracle!" Yet these people had known nothing but slavery. They were already reeling from God's display of power to set them free. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego went into a firery furnace and came out not even smelling of smoke. Fire is there in our lives but as these boys found out, so is Jesus. We can trust our God. Amen We have an enemy who hates us and is breathing fire in an attempt to cons...

Now if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 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 8:10‭-‬11 HCSB Although the body is dead, as in spiritually dead, it sure can be a hassle sometimes. Today has been a stressful day. I have found myself quite cross and iirritable at times and having to go back and apologise for my sharpness. Yes this dead body is a pest, it stinks. However, I had a win this morning. In a difficult relationship with family I succeeded in blessing. Then I entered a fight in a business relationship, where I am fighting for my integrity. I am fighting for what is right and in the process stressing a relationship. Oh bother! I took my mum grocery shopping over lunch and had an altercation with a man at Coles and then realised I was wrong. I apologise...

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us. Romans 8:18 HCSB In the previous verse Paul is taking about suffering as Christ suffered. What did He suffer: laying down His comfort and glory to be born into a humble family as an earthling; disbelieve by the Jewish leaders and His own family; flogged; nailed to a cross to save humanity. What suffering do we endure? Difficulties in life; some are beaten and tortured for their faith; deprivation; ostricization; for some we just to die to our flesh and stop being selfish. No matter how we suffer we are not alone and more than conquerors through Christ who loves us. He is our glory and the lifter of our heads. Amen!

When you pray, don’t babble like the idolaters, since they imagine they’ll be heard for their many words. Matthew 6:7 HCSB Simple prayers are best. Jesus help! Father I love You! For those of us who have been fortunate to be parents when our children were very little and began to notice us and smile, our hearts melted. When our children said: "mum" or "dad" well, that was the best day ever. Our heavenly Father wants that kind of relationship with us, loving, fun and close. We all love it when others ask after our day or week. He loves it when we ask Him what He thinks about a matter, what is important to Him. Thinking we must come to God with noise is crazy. Ritual and religiosity is crazy. Try relationship. Amen!

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. Matthew 6:33 HCSB This verse comes directly after being told not to worry about food, drink and clothing. I have never worried about these. In a land where tap water is available I always have had something to drink. Also I have had something to eat. I may have lacked money to buy food but I always managed, God provided. I remember one Christmas having only $34 to buy groceries, so I prayed and went and bought what I could. It was amazing how much I was able to buy. I was invited to my son's house Christmas Day and He asked me if I needed money and I said it would be helpful. He gave me $700. At no time have I gone without clothes. My cupboard is full. My mother keeps trying to give me more and so I have to refuse. There was a time when I loved to shop. I don't now. I buy what I need. We can have a mindset of lack, of self-pity or greed for more when we don'...

The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart from generation to generation. Psalms 33:11 HCSB What a beautiful verse! The Lord is steadfast and reliable. His word abides forever! How good is He! I can trust the word of God! He is reliable in a world that fails me constantly. The plans of His heart were towards me from when I was a small child, I knew this. Yet His plans were for me in my mother's womb. What love is that? He was planning me way back. In scripture we see Ruth, a Moabitess marry a Jew and she begins the line that gave us King David and eventually Jesus. God plans way ahead. He is looking down my line to a man or woman of God. His plans are good. He plucks us up from the waste heaps of life and says: "I want you in my house, join my family." We do this through Christ, He is the door. Ask Him into your life! Be blessed! Amen!

Now the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him — those who depend on His faithful love to deliver them from death and to keep them alive in famine. Psalms 33:18‭-‬19 HCSB I can attest to this. I have been through some very dry times and God has provided. He sent just what I needed when I needed it. Going to fear and flapping my arms, running around squarking like a chicken was not the answer. Trusting the Lord was. Over the years the Lord had taught me to be silent and allow Him to move. He alone has my very best interest at heart. He alone looked at ways to love me, others were blind to my need. Rather than be upset with God's people, I have to know He hid me. I could see them but they could not really see me. The Lord wants our love and total dependence on Him. He really is jealous for our love. When we give ourselves to people, projects and things He is jealous and waits for us to realise He alone is good. He never fails. Amen!

Therefore I, the prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, accepting one another in love, diligently keeping the unity of the Spirit with the peace that binds us. Ephesians 4:1‭-‬3 HCSB Walking worthy of the calling is important. Having a calling is an honour. If the King or Queen bestows on a person a knighthood then that person would be wise to honour the knighthood by not bringing disrepute on the station by bad behaviour. God's words tells us we are a royal race of kings and priests. If the God of the universe deems to give us honour, wouldn't it be wise to walk worthy of that honour? How can we walk in a worthy manner? With respect for the giver and following His ways! Yes? Amen!

No foul language is to come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear. And don’t grieve God’s Holy Spirit. You were sealed by Him for the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:29‭-‬30 HCSB In each of our cultures we might hear words, as we grown up from childhood and see them to be acceptable, perhaps because mum and dad used them or our friends used them. However, does the Holy spirit use them? In Australia I will hear a lot of: bloody, bugger and of late the younger generation uses friggin. There is of course the F word, however I have not heard that in church. It is not what the people around us use, it is what God uses. We are from the family of God. The whole of this chapter is dealing with Christian behaviour. Paul is giving is a blue print on Christian life. Our language is supposed to build up and not tear down and to give grace to those who hear. Grace sets free, it liberates. Does my language liberate peo...

Hannah prayed: My heart rejoices in the Lord ; my horn is lifted up by the Lord . My mouth boasts over my enemies, because I rejoice in Your salvation. There is no one holy like the Lord . There is no one besides You! And there is no rock like our God. 1 Samuel 2:1‭-‬2 HCSB Hannah had just taken her only child to live in the Temple with the priest Eli and his family. Leaving your child to be raised by another must have been so hard. Especially a man who did not father his own sons well. Hannah was the second wife of her husband Elkhanah. His other wife had many children and made fun of Hannah who had been childless until she had Samuel. Hannah was stepping out in faith to give her little one to Eli. She would have to have stepped out in faith to give him up. God honoured Hannah as Samuel grew to be one of the most honorable and effective man of God. Samuel anointed Saul and also David to be king. Hannah's prayer, above, shows her character. She was definitely a woman o...

There is no one holy like the Lord . There is no one besides You! And there is no rock like our God. 1 Samuel 2:2 HCSB Hannah, the prophet Samuel's mother prayed this prayer. She had been unable to bear children and she went to the Lord and He heard her and gave her Samuel. Hannah had promised to give Samuel back to the Lord and when He was weaned she took him to the temple and gave him to Eli. This must have been the hardest thing to do. Hannah had been childless until Samuel came along and now Hannah gave up her only child. Yet God was not finished with Hannah, she went on to have many more children, five in fact. Yet at this point, the point of prayer, she did not know the future. What a brave lady! I saw an interview done with one of Australia's more prominent artists yesterday. He said he grew up in the Catholic system but did not believe the bible stories to be true, yet He envied those who did. His only sense of spirituality came from sitting in a cemetery. How ...

I brought you from the ends of the earth and called you from its farthest corners. I said to you: You are My servant; I have chosen you and not rejected you. Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:9‭-‬10 HCSB We might come from places not considered important by world leaders, we might be a race looked down upon, but the one God favours will be lifted up, not the one the world necessarily favours. God's favour is immediate and without reproach. When God moves men are amazed. I love it when He moves, His moves are best. God's favour hold support, protection and blessing. Seek Him! He is asking for your eyes, your heart and absolute attention. Amen!

For I, Yahweh your God, hold your right hand and say to you: Do not fear, I will help you. Isaiah 41:13 HCSB When I was a little girl my dad would walk me to school and hold my hand. It was comforting and secure. A little older my granddad would hold my hand and walk down to the shops and we would look at toys and treats. Later on in life I married and my husband would hold my hand. No matter what sort of person holds you hand, whether faithful or unfaithful, whether they are dead and gone, we have One who promises to hold our hand and get us through difficult places; places that make us tremble, places that challenge us or even just restful places. My grandfather seemed the most restful of all. My dad was training me, my husband not always good to me but my granddad was very good to me. We sense we need God to hold our hands when we struggle. However, I know for sure He wants to hold our hand just because He loves us. He loves our company. He delights in us wanting to spend...

Then the Angel of God, who was going in front of the Israelite forces, moved and went behind them. The pillar of cloud moved from in front of them and stood behind them. It came between the Egyptian and Israelite forces. The cloud was there in the darkness, yet it lit up the night. So neither group came near the other all night long. Exodus 14:19‭-‬20 HCSB God moved mightily on behalf of a grumbling rabble, not because they deserved it, not because they had faith, but because He is good and loved His people. If God will have angels in front and behind His people, how much more will He do for me? I must trust Him and be quiet. He has great plans and if I will just bide my time and keep my mouth, I will see His glory. How good is that? I can't go around faithlessly sputtering fear or disbelief. Disbelief is a big blockage to seeing the absolute goodness of God. The first generation of this tribe of people did not enter into the promised land because of unbelief. Those who w...

But Moses said to the people, “Don’t be afraid. Stand firm and see the Lord ’s salvation He will provide for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you must be quiet.” Exodus 14:13‭-‬14 HCSB This ancient text is from the scene where Moses finally makes the Pharaoh agree to let the Israelites go only to have the Pharaoh again change his mind and chase them, only to find them camped by the Red Sea, vulnerable. The people had complained that God and Moses had placed them in this position to kill them, but Moses tells them to be quiet as God has a plan. God indeed had a plan. He sent a wind to blow all night on the sea and it the morning the water was piled up on either side of a pathway. When the people entered the sea the Egyptians followed only to have the water swallow them up, a permanent reminder to Pharoah that God was indeed God. This same God comes to us today and says: "I will show your enemy that I am God!...