The day with dianne Louise

Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus , who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there , in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls! Hebrews 12:1‭-‬3 MSG I love this version of today's scripture. It makes what we are about so real. No room for quitting, were on a team and we are being watched. Live like the whole world is watching! Be an example and shine your light! Amen!

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, Hebrews 12:1 HCSB We can easily lose sight of the fact that we are surrounded by such a sight. All heaven can see us as if we are an Olympic runner in a marathon. Footballers have this experience. Do they play for themselves or their team and the fans watching? Would they do something to cause their team to be disqualified or their fans to be disappointed? Each of us are a part of the kingdom of God and each affects the whole. How I live affects my church, Christianity's name and my Gods name. Yesterday I had a chance to witness to a client. This is always a delicate matter as my rule is to care for my clients. However, we were having a heart to heart conversation about the meaning of life and why things happened the way they did. I knew my God wanted me to speak and I did. ...

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 I love the word pictures here! Standing fearless at the cliff-edge of doom. It makes me want to put on wings and rise up as an eagle and glide down into the valley below. Having done paragliding I can say it feels like that. Ahhhhhh! Just as the eagle soars above the terrain we can soar above the storms of life. Whilst up on my hill today I saw a falcon gliding around looking for prey. I wanted to be that bird. I love the sensation of gliding with the breeze. This is us, Christian! Our God is in control and He lifts us up to soar. He is the wind beneath our wings. Amen!

God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble. God is within her; she will not be toppled. God will help her when the morning dawns. Psalms 46:1‭, ‬5 HCSB For me, I struggle to embrace the real or existing as opposed to ideal. This morning I was praying about this in regard to what I expect of authorities. We live in a world where authorities are attacked and any flaw is flaunted, making the individual appear worthless. In business the harsh reality of the treatment by those in authority and how God deals with us are vastly different. Yet as i read my bible today I find my God giving me a promise: 'you will not be toppled'. In this I must trust! I was praying: 'help me Lord to embrace the reality and not be so, idealistic. I am too hurt by ruthlessness and want grace but this is only found in my God. He alone is good. Amen! I can only imagine what this world will be like when Jesus returns to rule. He will conflict with every fo...

Wait for the Lord ; be strong and courageous. Wait for the Lord . Psalms 27:14 HCSB Sometimes, in waiting, we are tempted to move, too soon. Waiting can be something we learn to gauge. What are we waiting for? Are we waiting with our eyes on provision or on God? God's solution is the most satisfying, ours will be momentary but there are addenums, caveats and clauses. His provision is without clauses, because He loves us. The effort we put in in waiting is rewarded in blessing. Amen!

I would have despaired had I not believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living. Wait for and confidently expect the Lord ; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for and confidently expect the Lord . PSALM 27:13‭-‬14 AMP Without a hope, despair awaits us. Yet in God we can hope in Him. I have an eternal future in Him and in my life on this earth, I can hope in Him. He is my rock and my salvation! Amen! The good news of the Lord is worth seeking. His courts are filled with His presence and delight is there for us. We can enjoy Him. The happenings of life are not all there is. Without Christ life is a series of events some good, some bad. Yet with God life is an adventure. From life to life in abundance. As a Christian, this present life is not all there is. Even in drought His beauty and presence are here. Because I have this confidence, I can trust Him to be in the dust with me. He is all I need and His glory surrounds me, I jus...

If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love. Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. Love doesn’t strut, Doesn’t have a swelled head, Doesn’t force itself on others, Isn’t always “me first,” Doesn’t fly off the handle, Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others, Doesn’t revel when others grovel, Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end. 1 Corinthians 13:3‭-‬7 MSG No matter what level of sacrifice, if not done for the right reasons, our efforts are wasted. Gods love never gives up, ours does but when we abide in Him, we have His love. I know I find being consistent, or continually locked in to Him is my challenge. Love does not force itself...

Love endures with patience and serenity, love is kind and thoughtful, and is not jealous or envious; love does not brag and is not proud or arrogant. It is not rude; it is not self-seeking, it is not provoked [nor overly sensitive and easily angered]; it does not take into account a wrong endured. 1 CORINTHIANS 13:4‭-‬5 AMP Lord, have mercy! I need Your kind of love! I confess I can be too sensitive about wrongs endured. The harsh realities of business hurt me and especially when Christians are involved. My clients I seek to protect and my associates I expect to have heart. I am sure little children struggle with harsh realities of life as well. Although Jesus told us to come as little children we are so bruised by harsh experiences we struggle with the protections we have in place as defences against cruel life experiences, and yet we must stay soft. There is the conundrum. Keeping love on through conflict is very difficult yet with Gods grace, possible. Amen!

Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord [always doing your best and doing more than is needed], being continually aware that your labor [even to the point of exhaustion] in the Lord is not futile nor wasted [it is never without purpose]. 1 CORINTHIANS 15:58 AMP Steadfast and immovable, now what does that look like? For me it is run to the Lord, first, not to others for a solution. Today I had to confront hard business attitudes and being a feeling female, it hurt, a lot. So, I got out my colour pencil and brought my emotions to heel whilst I prayed for help. It worked! Saturday I had a similar problem and I tried the human angle first, not as good. Whilst it is good to have loving friends and family, God is best at healing the emotional wounds. Humans are just not equipped to help a hurting heart, not to the depth we need healing first, maybe later. Humans struggle in knowing what to say and do, God doesn'...

Therefore, my dear brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 HCSB In this chapter Paul is debating the resurrection from the dead. A teaching had crept into the church about ' once your die that's it,' (my interpretation). Paul says some very interesting things, one I find facinating: people were being baptized on behalf of those who had died. How does that work? Paul does not decry the practise, neither does he condone it, but uses it to illustrate his point about eternity. If you want to understand the resurrection then this is the chapter for you as it gives the most comprehensive discourse in the whole bible to the subject. Paul states that he was the lowest of the low, because of the persecution he inflicted on the early believers. Yet He proclaims that Christ did indeed rise from the dead as the firstfruits of all who believe. Being steadfast in our faith requ...

Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother’s womb. I thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration—what a creation! You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something. Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you, The days of my life all prepared before I’d even lived one day. Psalm 139:13‭-‬16 MSG I love this version of this scripture, it becomes so personal. It paints a picture of a loving dad watching the development of each of us from a few cells. Such love was poured into us. How good is that! Like an open book, each of us are before our God. We may feel alone, rejected and a failure but we are a loved child of God and He sees us as a success as soon as we invite Him into our lives. We now have His Holy Spirit and are ...

For it was You who created my inward parts; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I will praise You because I have been remarkably and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful, and I know this very well. Psalms 139:13‭-‬14 HCSB Having studied anatomy I am awe-inspired, when I consider the human body and how it is made. I have all my parts but for those who do not, I am sure this verse could have offend until terms with the 'why' has been arrived at. All I can say is, God had a purpose. When I see para-olympians and others who bring God glory through their disability, I know it can be done. The world is full of pain, most is disappointment or grieving. Some of us are more idealistic than others, some more physolophical. Where is God in this? For myself I must press into God, willfully, and wait for Him. He is my answer. He is capable of holding my pain and showing me why and what to do with it. My Gods touch on my life is more important than any other. Amen!

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 SAMUEL 16:7 AMP The heart is where motives are made. What elements go into that making? Hurt, offence, bitterness, rejection, grace, mercy, humility, self-control? The more impurities left in a product the weaker it is. The purer it is, the stronger it will be. What impurities will we allow to remain? Where is the line?

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or his stature, because I have rejected him. Man does not see what the Lord sees, for man sees what is visible, but the Lord sees the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 HCSB We can assess someone by their looks and accept or reject them too easily. We are all inclined to 'like' a certain look, manner or profile. We have preconceived ideas of what a fit for a relationship ship, a management position or leader will look like. Yesterday in Australia we were faced with the prospect of a change of leader in the government. I did not want the change and the man driving the change was not acceptable. However, out of left field came another alternative, a God alternative and I rejoiced. We now have a Christian PM. What a joy! It is important that any decision must be made with Gods influence. A business decision, a potential life partner, a business decision or partner all must be covered by Gods grace. When this is the case we wa...

We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but God ’s purpose prevails. Proverbs 19:21 MSG Well, well, well! Australia now has a Christian Prime Minister. Praise God! I will be praying for him. We had another guy, who scares me, try to take over the leading Liberal Party and he lost and Scott Morrison won. Yes! Now let's see what God can do with His man. Politics is obvious for self- promotion. However, its Gods promotion that stands. Bullies try to control outcomes but God moves in favour towards those who put their hopes in Him. Amen! Today I am faced with trusting God or doing what man wants. I will trust God and allow Him to rule. I like His outcomes best. Amen!

Many plans are in a man’s mind, But it is the Lord ’ s purpose for him that will stand (be carried out). PROVERBS 19:21 AMP I totally agree with this. I am capable of dreaming up amazing plans and yet God has another plan. I pray a lot of prayers but God answers only certain ones. Why is that? Because God knows which paths are best and which will bring Him greater glory. Amen! Certain paths require more faith but others are a surprise and a blessing.

Jerusalem will be told: “Don’t be afraid. Dear Zion, don’t despair. Your God is present among you, a strong Warrior there to save you. Happy to have you back, he’ll calm you with his love and delight you with his songs. Zephaniah 3:16‭-‬17 MSG Right now I am needing calming. I watch our federal government tear itself apart with infighting as to who is fit to lead and by their actions none seem fit. Oh Lord have mercy on us and our government. I cannot say that I want any of the possibilities to come to fruition. I found our Prime Minister adequate and more credible than the past three. However I have been praying for the government and I have to trust my God that He knows best and will continue to pray. I know we are not alone in leadership struggles and infighting. God's people had their share as well. David's own son tried to depose him. As a little child can be calmed with love and songs, bring it on Lord! Amen!

Yahweh your God is among you, a warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with gladness. He will bring you quietness with His love. He will delight in you with shouts of joy.” Zephaniah 3:17 HCSB If you are in desperate need and a warrior turns up to help, would you let them help? Of course! This warrior loves us and His love quieten our troubled souls. Love does that, it quieten us. We stop to fret. Think of a little baby crying in discomfort. As you pick up the baby and hold it close, eventually it quietens, in comfort. I remember when my eldest granddaughter was a few days old. She would wake crying in the night and my daughter became tired and ragged. I took Chloe from her one night and went to the lounge room and held her close and we both went to sleep on the couch. After this my daughter knew all would be well. Our God does this for us. We need to snuggle into Him and allow Him to comfort us, He is so good. He sings songs of comfort to us, rocks us and brings us peace....

You who sit down in the High God’s presence, spend the night in Shaddai’s shadow, Say this: “ God , you’re my refuge. I trust in you and I’m safe!” That’s right—he rescues you from hidden traps, shields you from deadly hazards. His huge outstretched arms protect you— under them you’re perfectly safe; his arms fend off all harm. Fear nothing—not wild wolves in the night, not flying arrows in the day, Not disease that prowls through the darkness, not disaster that erupts at high noon. Even though others succumb all around, drop like flies right and left, no harm will even graze you. You’ll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance, watch the wicked turn into corpses. Yes, because God ’s your refuge, the High God your very own home, Evil can’t get close to you, harm can’t get through the door. He ordered his angels to guard you wherever you go. If you stumble, they’ll catch you; their job is to keep you from falling. You’ll walk unharmed among lions and snakes, and kick young lions ...

I will say of the Lord , “He is my refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust [with great confidence, and on whom I rely]!” PSALM 91:2 AMP What do you say about the Lord? Do you say He is your refuge, or do you say "I will pray and see." We can have confidence in our God. He will not forsake us. Our foolish plans might forsake us, we might fall in a heap because of us, but He is still faithfully there, waiting for us to realise, our hope is in the Name of the Lord not just the knowledge about Him being a God. He is GOD! Our God IS GOD and also our Father. He is training us to be like His Son, by the indwelling work of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said:"I come to do the works of the Father." He also said, "I and the Father are One." Can we say that yet? Do people see Christ in us or a carnal replica? We are spirit, we have a soul and live in a body. We need to realise we are not a body who has a soul and a spirit. We represent God and should act lik...

Remember those early days after you first saw the light? Those were the hard times! Kicked around in public, targets of every kind of abuse—some days it was you, other days your friends. If some friends went to prison, you stuck by them. If some enemies broke in and seized your goods, you let them go with a smile, knowing they couldn’t touch your real treasure. Nothing they did bothered you, nothing set you back. So don’t throw it all away now. You were sure of yourselves then. It’s still a sure thing! But you need to stick it out, staying with God’s plan so you’ll be there for the promised completion. It won’t be long now, he’s on the way; he’ll show up most any minute. But anyone who is right with me thrives on loyal trust; if he cuts and runs, I won’t be very happy. But we’re not quitters who lose out. Oh, no! We’ll stay with it and survive, trusting all the way. Hebrews 10:32‭-‬39 MSG I come away with the question: what is my real treasure? We have so many ideals thrust upon us...

Do not, therefore, fling away your [fearless] confidence, for it has a glorious and great reward. HEBREWS 10:35 AMP I experience this and all hell comes against me to ditch my confidence claiming I am arrogant. Yet my God deserves my confidence, for it is in Him I trust! Faith in God carries a reward. Faith is productive, it takes our hopes and puts skin on them. This is the 'let there be'of God's creation. My God is able to traverse fire pits, quench the dragons breath, fly above the tumult and He defies the evil horde. My God is greater than 10000. He has armies that have been together since the dawn of time. The armies of this earth are a breath to them. My God deserves my trust! He is a worthy ally. With Him I can do all things! He is my strength and song. He is the answer, He is the word. His word prevails when all else fails. I can trust Him! Amen!

Even though I walk through the [sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort and console me. PSALM 23:4 AMP So many of Gods people are going through times of 'valley of the shadow of death' yet our God is with us. He is our protector and our guide. No matter what noise surrounds us: howling throngs threatening death or imprisonment; sickness and disease; financial devastation, as Roman's 8:35 says: Who shall ever separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? For I am convinced [and continue to be convinced--beyond any doubt] that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present and threatening, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the [unlimited] love of God, which is in Christ Jesus...

God , my shepherd! I don’t need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. Psalm 23:1‭-‬3 MSG Yesterday I had such an experience. My mum woke up unwell and I knew I could not go to church until the 5pm service. I spent time reading my bible like my innards longed for. It was good. I had a long nap in the middle of the day and was refreshed. At 3pm I conducted a prayer meeting for Nepal and then dashed off to church. So good to be in Gods presence with hundreds others. Today is my last uni exam. Praise God! The rest of the week will be given to my employment work and its studies. The end of August approaches. Gods refreshing is best. As we seek Him He refreshes our soul. My soul needed refreshing and now I am glad. To be refreshed we have to see God-given opportunities and not resent the interruption. Be grateful for the airfare payment that won't ...

But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, And don’t take yourself too seriously— take God seriously. Micah 6:8 MSG Do you know how to do what is fair and just to your neighbour? Live with your antaneas up. Be mindful of them and observant. Are they sick, are they struggling, be friendly! Make conversation, get to know the children's names, show interest in them. Making room for my neighbor is allowing them to take up parking space because they have work vehicles, be kind! No selfishness or complaining! Remember you are the light of the world! Amen!

Would the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams or with ten thousand streams of oil? Should I give my firstborn for my transgression, the child of my body for my own sin? Mankind, He has told you what is good and what it is the Lord requires of you: to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:7‭-‬8 HCSB The Lord does want sacrifice of the innocent but rather to repent of my sin, love justice and mercy and walk humbly with my God. We love justice as we have compassion on others, we love mercy as we are willing to be vessels of grace for others. We love faithfulness as we cherish it in others and give it as a gift to others and our God. Walking humbly with my God is giving deference to His will over my determination for satisfaction. This humility disallows judgement on my part and my desire for compensation or revenge. You will, not mine, be done oh Lord. May Your kingdom come, not mine. Amen!

Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good. Romans 8:26‭-‬28 MSG I am grateful for the Holy Spirit. When I lose patience and become cross with others, He goes into overdrive interceeding for me. Thanks HOLY Spirit! When I dont know what to pray I pray in the Spirit but He is ahead of me and already at work. I look at my state of NSW and there are 70 fires burning and winds gusting. There are brave men and women out there fighting these fires and one has already lost his life. The Rural Fire Service has its finger on the pulse and is in many ways ahead of the g...

In the same way the Spirit also joins to help in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with unspoken groanings. Romans 8:26 HCSB Not only do we have a heavenly intercessor but we also have One who indwells our hearts. We carry our intercessor with us. How good is that! So, so,so many times I can think I have a handle on my future or the outcome of a current set of circumstances and I am wrong. I am grateful I have two such intercessors, I need them! The desire of the Spirit is that we are transformed into the image of the Son. This is the ultimate goal, that I would be a walking Christ. Amen! The divine Holy Spirit, that hovered over the waters at the beginning of the earth abides in me, hovering over me to bring forth Gods plans and reveal His glory! Amazing! Thank You Holy Spirit for being willing to live in earthen vessels. Amen!

A man who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord . Proverbs 18:22 HCSB Not all men believe they have found a good thing (a treasure) when they find a wife from God and too easily give them up or leave them for what they think is a good thing. Often to their surprise their view of a good thing happens not to be as expected. Not all women want to be found as a 'good thing' especially if they have been married before and it ended in failure. Also, women can adapt much easier to being single than men and so prefer singlehood. However, there is a happy medium in the middle. I know many successful marriages with both parties happy with finding and being found. A good spouse is a gift from God and can bring much blessing. It is important that we treat others as if they were a most precious gift and value them highly. Highly valued others are great responders. Amen!

The name of Yahweh is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are protected. Proverbs 18:10 HCSB Learning that our God, indeed, is a strong tower is a learning in righteousness. As we are trained in righteousness we run, willingly to the Lord. He is good! We have no answers in our own hands, His alone provide. Noone but God provides best. Others may give for a while but God gives constantly and without demand for repayment. Banks want interest, governments give a handout but will not continue as it has others to give to. Our state of NSW is in drought and what that is not in drought is being burned by early bushfires. We are being stretched beyond ourselves. Out there we should find God, if we look. He will sustain us. Amen! The godly pursue their God and look to Him.

From the fruit of his mouth a man’s stomach is satisfied; he is filled with the product of his lips. Proverbs 18:20 HCSB Today I went shopping for an iron supplement for my mum. One product, the chemist said, was like drinking a rusty drainpipe liquid. This description evoke nasty images and I knew mum would not go along with that. Some people dont like brussel sprouts. I do, if cooked correctly. We all have aversions to eating certain foods. It is a pity we do not have an awareness of the impact of some of our spoken words. Bitter words actually hit out heart like a bitter tonic hits our stomachs. Pleasant words spoken from a genuine heart brings forth life and lift burdens. A simple decision to be a blessing instead of resenting intrusion brings such a different result. Try it!

Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21 HCSB We can speak life into any situation and cause a blessing or death and bring destruction. There are those who love to speak, to win friends and influence people by what they say. They love the fruit of their own tongue. In my younger years I was asked a question, as part of a personality profile: 'what do you do with people who don't like you?' I answered, "I would win them over." I had supreme confidence in my ability to win people with my voice. Time has shown that this has not been the case. Some I have not successfully won back and some I have chosen not to win back. As I have matured God has dealt with my tongue where I refrain from speaking more and more and try and wait for God's perspective. When I speak out of turn I am convicted of my sin and repent. The fruit of the tongue is not always pleasant, often we have a basket of lemons...

You will joyfully draw water from the springs of salvation, Isaiah 12:3 HCSB If I inherited a spring of water, I would delight in visiting it, swim in it, draw water from it and watch all I watered flourish. This would bring me joy. I have such a spring in salvation and it is all mine. I can water my world with hope and joy; thanksgiving and gratitude; faith and patience and best of all love and humility. The Holy Spirit is the well and He is all of these things combined. I need to keep my mind on Him instead of problems and negativity. If I, instead, water my world with His grace and mercy, what a good place it would be. Today I saw a photo with a motto on it: treat others not as bad as they are but as good as you are. I would like to change that to: treat others not as bad as they are but as good as God is. I know there are many times I am not good. Amen!

Indeed, God is my salvation; I will trust Him and not be afraid, for Yah, the Lord , is my strength and my song. He has become my salvation.” Isaiah 12:2 HCSB Salvation only comes from God! Mankind will fail us but God prevails. He alone has His eye constantly upon us. He is our advocate. We must choose to trust Him and keep our eyes on Him. There is no room for half-hearted measures, no trusting self and trusting God. As I trust Him, I need not be afraid. He never fails in His care for me. However, I must accept the fact that I do not know what is best for me. I cannot control God. His plans are way beyond mine. When Jesus told His disciples: seek first the kingdom of God, He did not say this tongue in cheek. The Old Testament tells us to love God with our heart, soul and strength and Jesus reiterated these words. So, I guess this is the key. Love God with all you have, put Him first and then trust Him. Amen!

Listen, my son. Accept my words, and you will live many years. I am teaching you the way of wisdom; I am guiding you on straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hindered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction; don’t let go. Guard it, for it is your life. Proverbs 4:10‭-‬13 HCSB Young men and women can fall for believing they know best and therefore rejecting instruction from older people. This is unwise as older people may not look like they have the goods but they do. Learning to discern wisdom when it is spoken is important and conversely learning to absorb wisdom and allowing it to direct you is crucial. Training you ears and eyes to hear and see truth couched in an older person is so important. You don't have to like the person or want their lifestyle but if they know what you need to know to navigate the path you are on, listen! David was Solomons teacher. He was a good teacher and fortunately Solomon listened. However there was one...

Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life. Proverbs 4:23 Our hearts are where we experience feelings. Our greatest delights are God orchestrated. Seeing a person come to Christ, experiencing a pink sky morning, an amazing and glorious sunset, a new born child or animal all fill us with with wonder and delight. Here we should worship! Injustice and abuse fill us with anger and disgust. Here we should pray and interceed for those being hurt and justice and salvation for the perpetrators. Sickness and disease striking the small and frail impact is, we should pray for them and give it to God. As I said our hearts are where we feel but this should become an incence of prayer to our God. Our greatest weapon is prayer. We need to know that and do it. Harbouring all these feelings will make us sick, we are meant to pass them on to our God. Let our hearts fill with praise to our God, this will sustain us. Amen!

The Lord is my light and my salvation — whom should I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life — of whom should I be afraid? Psalms 27:1 HCSB When it is very dark, you need a light or a guide, preferably both. Many tracks in Nepal are across dangerous rickety footbridges. I would not venture out there in the dark without a guide and a good torch. In life there are many dangerous situations around us, people are being murdered everywhere we turn. How can we be safe? Going out into dark places without a light or a guide is tantamount to committing suicide. Belonging to a club, an ideology, a team or an employer is not a guarantee of security. In Australia at present, we are seeing our banks and investment houses decimated in the high court for breach of a duty of care towards customers. Clients are reeling wondering if they have someone to stay by them through the storms of life and investment houses close down or are heavily fined. Our outback farms are dying in severe drou...

THE Lord is my Light and my Salvation–whom shall I fear or dread? The Lord is the Refuge and Stronghold of my life–of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 AMPC Oh Lord! Who is brighter than you? Who else loves me so much to shine the way on my path? Who stays by as a refuge but you? Should I fear when you are close by? Should I fear when you are more able than they? Should I fear their threats? Should I fear their noise? What do You say? "No weapon formed against you shall prosper' says the Lord. Is 54:17 If God be for me who can be against me. Romans 8:31 I must believe my God's word not my fear. He has a greater plan! Amen!

Thus my ambition has been to preach the Gospel, not where Christ's name has already been known, lest I build on another man's foundation; But [instead I would act on the principle] as it is written, They shall see who have never been told of Him, and they shall understand who have never heard [of Him]. [Isa. 52:15.] Romans 15:20‭-‬21 AMPC I think Paul had the heart of an evangelist. I long to see the lost saved and come to know Christ. Yet, how do I know if they have really heard of Christ, the Christ I know, before? If I see churches but no freedom, where is Christ? Has religion instead been sown? Paul went where no gospel had been preached, yet he always went to the Synagogues first. On my trips to Nepal I connect with unsaved but also go to visit small congregations out in the hills. As I do not speak Nepali I have an interpreter. The interpreter says I preach unlike any other, I lift people up. I want to see people free and healed in Christ, not bound low carrying bur...

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 HCSB Our source of hope is God. We can say: "I hope things will work out!" Yet if our hope is in God then we are secure. If we hope for others to fulfill us or complete us, we will be disappointed. God is hope. His hope does not disappoint us. His hope is the source of joy. His hope sustains us. Gods hope prevails when all other hope fails. Faith is the substance of things hoped for. For me hope is a pool of things before the Lord, faith is the line that pulls a hope out of that pool and says: " I can work with this!" Hope is the shadowy frame, faith breathes life into hope and causes it to stand. Faith and hope work together. Faith needs hope to begin with. Hope gives joy and peace as we trust in God, He is a worthy object of our hope. Hope is good but faith is substance. Let them both work togethe...

A crucible for silver, and a smelter for gold, and the Lord is the tester of hearts. Proverbs 17:3 HCSB A smelter is for precious metals. The metal is subjected to intense heat and all the impurities rise and can be scraped off. We are precious metals to our God. When we are under intense pressure, under heat, our impure reactions and actions become know to us and others, God already knows them. This can lead to repentance, forgiveness and healing. Moving forward we can choose a new path. David, the psalmist, prayed: purify my heart Lord. He knew he needed to be clean before God. I believe the greatest gift God can give us, after His Son, of course, is an awareness of sin. Refusing to acknowledge sin and fighting to BE right, can cause us to miss the mark and further follow the path of sin. Better to know I need purifying than to fight it. Yield! Amen!

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a difficult time. Proverbs 17:17 HCSB Some of my most difficult times have come from family. They know me more and therefore expect more as a right. Families know how to fight. Jesus had this problem. His brothers did not believe in Him until after the resurrection. In the gospels we see them cajoling Him. Was there jealousy there, resentment and offence? Probably! If the Son of God had this problem, we are not likely to escape. Last night I saw four sisters at a conference. Looking at them all I saw resemblance. They share common genes. I could see on their faces how this bond had affected them. Some looked worn and troubled. Two of these ladies are in my church and I already know some of what goes on between them. Even in families conflict happens and so do misunderstandings. My family is the same. Probably yours is as well. Friends have not lived so close. Friends are places we escape to, away from family. Friends a...

The one who lives with integrity lives securely, but whoever perverts his ways will be found out. A sly wink of the eye causes grief, and foolish lips will be destroyed. The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. Proverbs 10:9‭-‬11 HCSB I am the temple of the HOLY spirit. He embodies integrity, He lives in me but does He live with me? Treating Him like One who deserves respect, an opinion, room to act and move is wise. To not give Him room, an opinion or respect is downright foolish and arrogant. We are arrogant when we ignore the Holy Spirit, we are arrogant when we ignore others. Arrogance is rudeness and it is obnoxious. Arrogant people pervert their ways and are found out. When I 'live' with integrity, I live secure. He makes me secure. Sly people are greasy, they slip through the cracks. Sly people are not to be trusted. The mouth of the wicked, even trying to be nice are evil and plot destruction. The right...

The one who follows instruction is on the path to life, but the one who rejects correction goes astray. Proverbs 10:17 HCSB Stubborn and self-willed people refuse to take instruction and suffer the consequences, eventually. God is so good that He gives grace upon grace to these stubborn ones. Yet what a delight to find someone who has had their heart trained to love instruction. These people love God's way more than their own and have their ears trained to hear good instruction. Rather than resent instruction they welcome it. Can people change? Yes! I did! It was a process and a journey I went on, being trained by God to hear good, Godly counsel. The path to eternal life is full of instruction. It keeps me safe. Where do I find it? The word of God preached and read, messages listened to on podcast, the conversation with others. I have to not discriminate against those God might use to speak to me. God has used the most unlikely vessels and some of them I would not norm...

Again I will build you so that you will be rebuilt, Virgin Israel. You will take up your tambourines again and go out in joyful dancing. You will plant vineyards again on the mountains of Samaria; the planters will plant and will enjoy the fruit. Jeremiah 31:4‭-‬5 HCSB Times of devastation are followed by times of restoration and healing. We need to take scripture to heart and go to the Lord expectant of His restoration, rather than moaning and complaining about the devastation. I am in a time of rebuilding. The building is vastly different from the last time, it is full of God and I am much freer and know myself more. Rebuilding requires all the debris to be removed, new materials to be brought in, new designs to be made, designs relevant to the age the building takes place. Most people have seen building renovation shows or read books on the same. In the 70s and 80s there used to be a plethora of building books sold in the newsagents shop. I loved looking at these books. Occ...

This is what the Lord says: They found favor in the wilderness — the people who survived the sword. When Israel went to find rest, the Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, I have continued to extend faithful love to you. Jeremiah 31:2‭-‬3 HCSB For the Christian rest is found in Christ. He is our rest from all striving. Turmoil may surround us but He is with us Right in the middle of the storm He sustains us. For us, our God is not far away. He is close. As I worship Him I sense His presence and know He is near. When I am far away, caught in sin or wrong thinking I can move back as I humble myself and repent. At times I sense carnality around me. I have to seek the Lord and press into Him and be washed clean of worldly ways and thinking. He is always near and always faithful. Trust Him! Amen!

Lord , You are my portion and my cup of blessing; You hold my future. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. Psalms 16:5‭-‬6 HCSB When you cut up a roast of meat you divide out portions; when a father divided up his estate for his family, each receives a portion. Here the psalmist is saying his portion is his God. He has chosen his portion. David was the youngest son and as such did not receive an inheritance as we know it, yet he chose the best, his God. My future is in Gods hands. When I let go of manipulating I find my future was mapped out by God and that is best for me. In God there are boundary lines but they fall in the best places. As I yield to my God and follow after Him He gives me His best. Amen!

You reveal the path of life to me; in Your presence is abundant joy; in Your right hand are eternal pleasures. Psalms 16:11 HCSB Gods paths are best. No matter if we think we have found a better path, we must trust our God. Gods presence is better than abundant wealth. His pleasures are lasting when earthly pleasures are fleeting. Being on Gods path is life. Life is important because the opposite is death. Have you ever felt like death warmed up? This is an Aussie saying for not feeling well. Living one step away from hell must be like this and worse. I would not like to live without Christ in my heart. He makes all the difference. He is God alone and He is good. Having the Holy Spirit in my heart is the greatest treasure. He is treasure beyond all treasure. He is my counselor, guide, comforter and peace. Amen!

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 HCSB So often we are bombarded with nasty, critical thoughts about others. Dont dwell on them but rather pray for those being picked on. Bless them! Love them! As we take charge of our mind we have so much more joy. Take control of the eye gates and then there will be less evil to think on. A clean mind gives a clean heart. A clean heart rejoices over right and good things and prays about the bad. Keep it clean! Amen!

Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute! Philippians 4:4 MSG There is a difference in being a man pleaser and loving all mankind because of Christ. If He is the source then others are truly blessed. There is a selfish counterfeit that wishes to manipulate others for it's own end by appearing loving and kind. Paul is not speaking about this kind of fawning. Rather living in the love of God releases others from any payback. Being a blessing carries no strings or expectation of compensation. Jesus did not fake His love and neither should we. Fake love is shallow and receives no reward. As I fall in love with my God, His love fills all I do. When I really look for Him, I see Him everywhere. This causes me to rejoice. His love overflows in me and pours out to others. Amen!

But how can people call for help if they don’t know who to trust? And how can they know who to trust if they haven’t heard of the One who can be trusted? And how can they hear if nobody tells them? And how is anyone going to tell them, unless someone is sent to do it? That’s why Scripture exclaims, A sight to take your breath away! Grand processions of people telling all the good things of God! But not everybody is ready for this, ready to see and hear and act. Isaiah asked what we all ask at one time or another: “Does anyone care, God? Is anyone listening and believing a word of it?” The point is: Before you trust, you have to listen. But unless Christ’s Word is preached, there’s nothing to listen to. Romans 10:14‭-‬17 MSG Someone has to choose to go, and somebody has to send them. I am planning my next trip to Nepal and I have the people there in my heart. I love opportunities to share the good news. Salvation in Christ is such good news. Freedom from sin and the demands to perf...

So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the message about Christ. Romans 10:17 HCSB Hearing the word of God is the starting point. Often I go to church seeking God and when the preaching starts I hear from God. Coming to Christ may start with the prayers of others and a working in your heart by the Holy Spirit. What sealed salvation for me was my friend spoke the scripture and my eyes were opened. I am praying for others who do not know Him so that the Holy Spirit can move on their lives and convict them of a need for Christ. My prayer is also that they might hear Christ and come to believe. I am preparing to again visit Nepal. My prayers for souls preceded me. I ask for an opportunity to present the gospel and see souls saved. May the kingdom of God come. Amen!

“As the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you. Remain in My love. If you keep My commands you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commands and remain in His love. John 15:9‭-‬10 HCSB Jesus kept His Fathers commandments and therefore remained in His love. Now we know His secret. He lived out of the Fathers love. The Fathers love does not reject people because they differ to us or disagree with us. It is big and broad and accommodating and much better than our narrow view (mmm. Ok then. My narrow view). As I abide in Him I am bathed in His love. I prefer 'pickled in His love.' This is a good place to be. You will be a nice person and the light of the glory of God will shine! Amen! Abide!!!

This is My command: Love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, that someone would lay down his life for his friends. John 15:12‭-‬13 HCSB Laying down my life for my friends is the greatest act of love I can do. What does laying down my life look like? Giving up me, mine and my for you, yours and your. In my life that could equate to my opinion about you and what you should do. I can tend to think I know best at times. At times I do but you should be you. In my field of knowledge, finance, if someone complains about 'having' to give to others, I tend to challenge them. However, the problem is not what they give or who they give to. Why do they complain and act like a victim? If I am called to give my life for my mum, my neighbors and my city, then giving us a part of being in Christ. It is natural. Having mum live with me carries constraints but I love it. I am honoured to care for my mum, I enjoy what I do. We have fun together. I see her b...

I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content — whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me. Still, you did well by sharing with me in my hardship. Philippians 4:12‭-‬14 HCSB I believe I have also learned to be content in both abundance and in lack. My God is good and provides well for me. I have watched Gods pattern. In times of abundance He wants me to walk mindfully as times of lack can come and if I have not stored up what He has given me, then I suffer. Yet I do not go around fearing loss and withholding any good I can do. There is a balance in God and it is well to learn it. The focus has to be on the Lord not the things and when this is in order His provision flows. Amen!

And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 HCSB Paul has just been given a gift from the Philippians. They have been a most generous people towards him. His writing is full of gratitude. The verse above is written to a generous people. If you give generously God will supply all the more. Having a generous spirit blesses God, others and yourself. Blessing Gods heart is a delight. There is not better feeling than His smile being upon you. Yes others will be grateful but Gods smile is best. Lastly you are blessed as you inward parts rejoice at the joy you have created and then you smile. (A good look). The final thing that happens is, more will be supplied. In my garden I need to rely on my hoses. If my hose serves me well I care for it and give it more to do. If it fails, I replace it. I am God's hose and delight in watering His world. I bring life and joy, that is my job!

Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13‭-‬14 HCSB My life as a Christian is a journey. I am on the way to my eternal home. On the way there I have a commission: share the good news. There are times I look at my behaviour and am not too impressed. I stop and think how others would see what I have done and said. Tonight I took my mum grocery shopping. I had just finished uni and mum agreed to go, yet she was struggling. When we arrived at the checkout mum offered to go and collect a spare trolley and I was already concerned for her but I said:"no mum I just dont want to have to pick you up off the floor." I then realised that those around me might wonder at what I said. Mum has not long recovered from a stroke and she is still a little unsteady on her feet and we did not ta...

Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13‭-‬14 HCSB What is my goal? Paul urges me to look forward to heaven. All else will rot away. All else is fraught with difficulty. Earthly pursuits, unless they are God inspired and ordained are empty. As I obey my God and do what I am called to do, I can often misinterpret the why. The outcome of unfolding of the future I must trust my God for. Pursuing an easy life or possessions because they will make me feel good is not where it is at. What am I created for? What is my purpose? To spread the word of God. May His kingdom come, His will be done. Amen!

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 The large cloud of witnesses are those who have gone before, along with those in our world who are watching and waiting for the revealing of the sons and daughters of God. All creation waits for this revealing. Jesus, the Son of God sent His Holy spirit to empower us to bring forward the glory of God. The glory of God is revealed in us as we endure the race before us, keeping our eyes on the goal before us. Eternity awaits us but in the meantime a hungry world waits to see the true power of God, not how good we can dress or talk but how we demonstrate the goodness of G...

Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness — without it no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14 HCSB Pursuing peace, how is that done? In myself peace is only found in Christ as I take thoughts against others captive. Critical thoughts come often and if allowed to fester turns my heart against others with suspicion and evil intent. Therefore to maintain a holy attitude towards others I must pull down those thoughts and replace them with prayers of blessing. I have to recognize the nasty nature of critical thoughts and counter them with blessings. I well remember a prominent preacher once saying he had people who had hurt him and he dealt with the thoughts by going for walks and praying: bless, forgive, release over them until he had conquered. I am having to do the same. Continually we have others who hurt and malign us. We are given ample opportunities to heap coals of salvation on the heads of these. Try blessing today! After all we want to see the Lord!

But I call to God, and the Lord will save me. Cast your burden on the Lord , and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken. Psalms 55:16‭, ‬22 HCSB God is the only one capable of being God. When we expect others; family, friends, politicians, ministers etc they all disappoint at some stage because they are not the ones designed to be saviour. Yes, at times, God will use us to do His will and do acts of salvation, but just as long as we realise we are not 'The Saviour.' He will keep me in perfect peace. No one else has a handle on perfect peace. They may create a feel good period of time but will not always be available 24/7, He will. Nothing else: alcohol or pills, can give lasting peace. It is free and it is His. Amen!

Cast your burden on the Lord , and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken. Psalms 55:22 HCSB The Lord waits to sustain us yet who do we run to first? Disaster comes to shake and rattle us and threaten our trust in our God. Although we cannot see it He is there to sustain us and bring us through. You see the way out is always through. In this psalm David laments that the enemy who came against him was none other than a friend, one who was close and who turned against him. Jesus had the same problem, Judas, one of the 12 disciples, betrayed Him for money. What causes others to betray us? Jealousy, offence, greed and selfishness. They wonder why you were chosen and not them. Jesus knew what was in men's hearts and did not give Himself wholly to them. Jesus knew Judas' heart and therefore he was not one of the 3 innermost in His team. We cannot base our relationship with others on the gloss but know them in their storms and agrievment. Know t...