The day with dianne Louise

A real love for others will chase those worries away. The thought of being punished is what makes us afraid. It shows we have not really learned to love. 1 John 4:18 CEVDC I saw an ad with the above song playing. Yes we do need love, not lust. We need love that is genuine, not a feely, mushy thing that comes from a moment that sends us but is soon forgotten. Genuine love outlasts the moment. How do I determine to love you? Will my love last? Will it be consistent? Probably not, unless it is Gods love in me. Sinful mankind are prone to love self first, everything else fits around it. Love filtered by humanism is touchy feely, love that comes from God is full of compassion and works miracles. When I have genuine compassion for a person, I know I can ask whatever I want for them and it will be done. Genuine compassion is where God lives. Love is patient, love is kind, love does not think of itself. 1 Cor 13 tells us all the attributes of Gods love. It is good. Amen!

God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we’re free of worry on Judgment Day—our standing in the world is identical with Christ’s. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life—fear of death, fear of judgment—is one not yet fully formed in love. 1 John 4:18 MSG Living in love is abiding in the vine and walking in the Spirit. As we decide to abide we deal with fear. Will God, whose love I live in, provide for all my needs? Will He lead me, guide me? Will He solve all my relationship issues? How can I show love to my lost and dying world? The goal is not only to live in Christ but to share Him. Today, unfortunately, Australia jumps on the American bandwagon and is celebrating Halloween. How do I represent Christ? Last night a niece of mine knocked at the door, she was made up to ...

Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he’s thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don’t let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good. Romans 12:20‭-‬21 MSG Generosity, especially to enemies floors them. The ultimate goal is not revenge but the Kingdom of God. God is in charge of revenge and sometimes the best revenge is removing that person from the kingdom of darkness. Sweet revenge! Goodness surprises like nothing else. Our God is good and we are made in His image. Imagine that! Be good!

Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good. Romans 12:21 HCSB The whole chapter is on Christian living, a good read. The above verse is the finale. Whenever in doubt as to how to conquer evil, conquer it with good: good prayer, good actions, good talk, be good. Being good is only possible as we draw on Gods goodness. He is good to the core. As we abide in Him, we have His goodness, meekness, faith, love, joy, peace, self-control, gentleness, patience. Sounds like a basket of fruit and it is, the fruits of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22) Without the Holy Spirit's help I am cold and callous at times and gushy at others. Neither are good attributes and need trashing, however in The Spirit I am Gods representative. I am dependant on the Holy Spirit, I need Him to drive. Amen!

That’s why we live with such good cheer. You won’t see us drooping our heads or dragging our feet! Cramped conditions here don’t get us down. They only remind us of the spacious living conditions ahead. It’s what we trust in but don’t yet see that keeps us going. Do you suppose a few ruts in the road or rocks in the path are going to stop us? When the time comes, we’ll be plenty ready to exchange exile for homecoming. 2 Corinthians 5:6‭-‬8 MSG A few ruts in the road...ha! As I see what some people have to face, earthquakes that tear up a road completely, fire storms consuming their homes, entire families being slaughtered by wicked men, a few ruts are nothing and I am grateful. The ideal life is just that, ideal. If I should experience it for a moment or at all, I am grateful. As I read the New Testament I see Jesus say: foxes have holes, birds have nests but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.Matthew 8:20 Jesus did find places to rest but they were not His own property...

But we live by faith, not by what we see. 2 Corinthians 5:7 CEVDC Although we have eyes to see with what we see does not have to be all there is. The spiritual world is more real. As we lock into the spiritual world we see immense possibilities. God made us in His image and He is Spirit. Things came to pass as God said. What He said was created and came to pass. He believed and said and it was so. For us, we must believe and say it and it will be so. God our Father is watching over us to perform our word, this is why our words must be careful. We get what we say. Amen! Say well!

Most important of all, you must sincerely love each other, because love wipes away many sins. 1 Peter 4:8 CEVDC Love that forgives sin is full of grace. Love that is full of love is sincere. God in Christ is our exanple. Jesus took our sin on Himself. That form of love is wide and deep. That form of love sets captives free. Loving on purpose is focused love and is love indeed. Focused love works, because it is full of Gods grace. Amen!

Above all, maintain an intense love for each other, since love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8 HCSB Intense love, that sounds foreign. Our love has been watered down and even hidden, we give likes on Facebook and that's about it, an occasional comment. How do we do intense love? Jesus did intense love, He actually loved. He forgave, He spent time, He laid down His life for the unlovely, that is intense love. I know a very few people who do intense love. They are relentless and frightening with their intensity. What does this love require of me? To be more that a passing train? How do I do intense love? Intense love is not only for the lovely. How do I do it for all? Oh Lord have mercy! Forgive me my hardened heart! May you grace and mercy flow from me.

We, though, are going to love—love and be loved. First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first. 1 John 4:19 MSG Do we even deserve God's love? What made Him love us anyway? We were not His family when He first found us, we were going the way of the world. Yet His love brought us to Himself and made us aware of our need. Our need for His divine intervention. I am grateful for His love and His decision to woo me. I thought I had Him organized, but did not understand love. For His love set me free and His love keeps me. Gods love compels us to go in search of those who need His love. Through us His love can be found. Amen!

We love because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19 HCSB To examine what love is about, it would be good to read the whole chapter. John was a lover. He loved Christ with a passion and that love spilled over to his fellow man. He goes on to say that if we say we love God but do not love our brother in Christ then the love of God is not in us. I am challenged by those very loving individuals, the ones that smother me in love. At this time I must go to God and seek His thoughts and His ways. How would you have me love your church and your people? What do very loving individuals have that I don't have? Do they know something I don't? What would God have me know about love? Always, always I must start with Him but then it must flow out to my fellow man. Amen!

“To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer for that person. If someone slaps you in the face, stand there and take it. If someone grabs your shirt, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously. Luke 6:27‭-‬30 MSG Being generous with enemies and difficult people is hard. The challenge is always: how do I treat you and protect myself? There are 'in your face' people and they are draining. Was Jesus telling is to allow ourselves to be drained? No! I dont believe so. What is He telling us? For me, I go to God and seek Him for how to handle a difficult person, especially if they are Christian. They are God's child and He knows what He wants to do in them. I can't get in the way, solve al...

“But I say to you who listen: Love your enemies, do what is good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Luke 6:27‭-‬28 HCSB In this chapter we see the enemies of Jesus, the Pharisees. It is early days and yet, there they are hating Him already. We see Jesus go up on the mountain to pray all night and then choose His disciples and preach the beattitudes message. Jesus had no time to hate. To hate is to halt. Hate stops you from moving on in God, it dries up any ministry. Rather than join in on a fight with your haters, join Jesus in loving them instead. It takes effort to love enemies, determination and humility. Do it anyway! Hate comes with offence and disappointment. The Pharisees had a prescribed way Jesus was supposed to appear and act. Because He did not fit their model, they rejected Him. People will hate you for their own pain and disappointments, love them anyway. Heap grace upon them and see what it can do and be encoura...

As a prisoner of the Lord, I beg you to live in a way that is worthy of the people God has chosen to be his own. Always be humble and gentle. Patiently put up with each other and love each other. Try your best to let God's Spirit keep your hearts united. Do this by living at peace. Ephesians 4:1‭-‬3 CEVDC I am grateful that Paul says: 'try your best to let Gods Spirit unite you.' We dont always get it right. When tired, hungry or stressed we can be crotchety and grumpy. It is bad news when both parties are the same. No grace or mercy is present and fights ensue. Patiently put up with each other. Now, to do this we have to have a heart able and ready. To be able and ready we cannot be run ragged by circumstances. We must make space for peace to breed. I know I need to belong to a connect group and it is a struggle as I don't hear all that is said or the speakers are too loud and my ears ring. I think a certain way and don't like beating around the bush. Last n...

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 Walk worthy! There is nothing worse than seeing someone who has been decorated with a title or an award for service to a nation be put on trial for abuse towards children or their spouse. As a community we are ashamed as we gave that person glory and praise and love. I remember when Rolf Harris was put on trial for sexual misconduct I mourned as I had loved watching him perform when I was a child. Australia was proud of him as one of our own, yet sexual misconduct in his earlier years undid him and he is now an old man in jail. As God's representatives we are on show. Scripture tells us that the whole world waits in eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. Romans 8:19. Just as the whole world, ...

God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him. 1 Peter 5:7 CEVDC Jesus Himself said: dont worry. How can you add one cubit to your height by worrying. I have heard a saying: worry is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do but gets you nowhere! Jesus taught: seek, pray, knock. Dont give up! Amen!

So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you. 1 Peter 5:7 MSG The struggle between what you believe God called you to do and you experience can be frustrating leading to a resentment of where you are. Yet, where you are is important. What you are doing now is pivotal to where you are going. Although both seem worlds apart, they are divinely connected, you just cant see the connection yet. For me, all that I was training to be has come to a halt and now I am experiencing who God wants me to be now. Both do not seem to be connected, yet. In February last year I read a book called Asset Based Community Development and caught a vision for a way to knit my street as a caring community. It is happening and the children are flocking like bees. They are our future and if we can get it right with them, we will heal our land. I must trust God with the disco...

“Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you: A prophet to the nations— that’s what I had in mind for you.” Jeremiah 1:5 MSG What has God got in mind for you, for me? Can we trust Him with this? Or do we need to control the path? Are you afraid to let go? Are you willing to discover the best path, if it is different to your path? What if you were to be a minister to your neighborhood? What would that look like? For me this looks like a collection of kids on my front lawn playing with my dog and me chatting to the neighbouring women. Tonight I discovered a beautiful young woman had been a foster child all her life and went from home to home to home. To look at her, you would not know. A beautiful young mum, married and with two little girls. I spent an hour today making playdough for a little girl. I took my mum out shopping as she wanted to get out of the house. I am grateful that loving others is a part of ...

I chose you before I formed you in the womb; I set you apart before you were born. I appointed you a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah 1:5 HCSB Yesterday I saw a new born baby, she snuggled up in her daddies arms. She had a shock of black hair and was gorgeous. We have all been such a child, but even before we reached this stage, God was watching us wriggle and squirm in our mother's womb. He saw what we would be like when we finally came through the birth canal and He also knew what we would look like now. No matter how we assess ourselves, He sees differently. Each of us have a body, a soul (our mind, will and intellect) and a spirit. We are made in three parts because we are made in His image. We cannot only look on one part of us and reject ourselves. What does God see? My mum told me that when I was born I had an indentation across my forehead and I was ugly. However, the indentation caused through birth resolved and I became acceptable. In the past I did a midwifery co...

There are thorns and snares on the path of the crooked; the one who guards himself stays far from them. Proverbs 22:5 HCSB Crooked people are self-willed people. Self-willed people do not respect God and do not want a relationship with Him. Yet the wise know the dangers of the path of self and avoid it by devoting themselves to seeking God and His ways. Thorns and snares puncture tyres and injure the feet. I am culling Tiger Pear from my hill. Tiger Pear is nasty and if you tread on it, sit on it or walk through it you suffer. All sorts of people climb the hill and many do so without knowledge and run the risk of injury. Life is a journey and assuming it will be smooth all the way is foolish, as it is seldom so. Storms come to all of creation. The storm could be natural, emotional, relational or spiritual. They all affect us and all challenge us. However, the foolish take the path that is wide and easy, assuming it is safe. Not so, many traps are along the way. I have enough ...

Teach a youth about the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6 HCSB If we give our children loving, godly lessons and not abuse they will flourish. As we are seeing today, most publically, abuse begets abuse, lack of godly training and a diet of selfishness produces adults that care not for their elders, kill babies and do as they please. If we want a good life, respect in old age and care in old age then we need to teach our young the right way to go. The best lessons we can give them are following Christ and laying down their lives for their friends and families. Godliness is best. A heart for the Lord and His ways is tantamount to godliness. Godliness will save us. A people with a heart for their God and His word are the foundation to a good life. King David had a few failures, we may have failures. We can repent and do our best to heal the breach, and pray. Gods forgiveness is real and His enabling power will go with us. Amen!

Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don't ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8 CEVDC Keeping our minds on good things is a challenge when news feeds are negative. What to do? Do we isolate ourselves or insulate ourselves? Isolation puts the light under a bushel. Insulation allows us to be present but not impacted to uselessness and still available. How do we insulate ourselves? Put on the armour given: the belt of truth; the breastplate of righteousness; the helmet of salvation; shoes of the gospel; shield of faith and sword of the spirit. We need to understand our salvation as it will protect our minds and this is where the fiercest battle rages. As we understand the grace of God, the forgiveness of God and His rich love towards us then the scripture is our passion as it is here He talks to us. We must allow the word of God to dwell richly in us. As we know the...

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 When I see a word like 'finally', I realise the following comment is probably the last in a series of instructions, and it is: Verse 1 encourages us to stand firm Verse 4 tells us to rejoice in the Lord always Verse 5 tells us to let our graciousness to be known to everyone Verse 6 tells us not to worry about anything but with prayers and petitions let your requests known to God. 2 and 3 deal with two women who were not getting on. That's not us, why no never!! All these instructions are an attempt to anchor our very core in Christ. If we seek Him, keep our mind on Him then peace should be ours, should be. I know the challenge is keeping our eyes on Christ and not the struggle. The goal, after all is peace. Amen!

The light keeps shining in the dark, and darkness has never put it out. John 1:5 Darkness does not put out the light. Darkness is not stronger than the Light which consumes it. My experience with darkness is not greater than Christ, who is The Light. Jesus never gives up. His light is constant. It does not need topping up or recharging. Jesus is not like us. He does not fail. As we focus on and lock into the light the life flows. Keep your eyes on Jesus! Amen!

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. All things were created through Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created that has been created. Life was in Him, and that life was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness, yet the darkness did not overcome it. John 1:1‭-‬5 HCSB It is lovely to read the names given to Jesus here: the word, the life, the light. Jesus also called Himself: the way, the Son of Man, Son of God, the good Shepherd, the vine, the door. I am sure there are many more. You would be right in surmising that He was pivotal to all things. He is the glue, the beginning and end. Yet when we read the gospels we see a man who claimed to be God not taking any trapping of being a God but rather humbly walking in the earth. We see a man rejected by His family and those who should known better. He allowed Himself to be flogged and nailed to a cross because He believed that was what He...

When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is: fear God and keep His commands, because this is for all humanity. Ecclesiastes 12:13 HCSB When all you have done is not enough, you plans have failed and you sit in a heap. What do you do? Job was faced with this exact same scenario. To top it off, he lost all he had, his children, his cattle and his servants, except his nagging wife and his condemning friends. Isn't that poetic? The book of Job does not say that Job wishes to lose his wife, we can only look on in sympathy. King Solomon wrote the above scripture, a long, long,long time ago. Yet, as is most Godly principles, it is still relevant and applicable to our lives today. Fear, or respect God and obey His commands. When Jesus came He said: abide in me as you can do nothing apart from me. John 15. So, here it is again. Abide!

Everything you were taught can be put into a few words: Respect and obey God! This is what life is all about. Ecclesiastes 12:13 CEVDC We live in a day of little respect. We instantly see politicians behaving badly; we see ministers dragged before the courts for child abuse; we see people mocking Jesus at every turn and offended that Christians want to remain pure. Yet, for us who believe, we are called to respect and not denigrate. Respect means I will honour you for who you are and not reject your authority when it displeases me. I was taught to respect God, my parents, my teachers, ministers, in fact all who were older than me. I had no reason to doubt this. Therefore I can remember what I was taught. Disappointment can cause us to withdraw respect. I remember as a teenager I had disrespect for my dad for a time. He had hit me across the face for something I didn't do and when I protested he told me not to be a baby. When I became a Christian at 19 I went about forgiv...

I treasure your word above all else; it keeps me from sinning against you. Psalms 119:11 CEVDC What do you treasure? I treasure peace and quiet, the presence of God, His word, open spaces. However, I have to ask myself 'do I love Gods word about loving others to the point of loving in difficult situations?' Jesus tells us a lot about loving each other. We are to love others as we love ourselves. I endeavour to give myself the peace I desire. Others do not necessarily want peace but rather to talk and companionship. So, what do I need to do to make sure I can give others what they need? I need to spend time with the Lord and go into open spaces and pray. I need to top up before I give out. When I am problem solving mode I need quiet to think and wait for God. What is He saying? What is His solutions? At these times chatter annoys me. So how can I be accepting of others in this time? Without grace it is difficult. I need the Lord a lot, I need His word desperately. He i...

How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping Your word. I have sought You with all my heart; don’t let me wander from Your commands. I have treasured Your word in my heart so that I may not sin against You. Psalms 119:9‭-‬11 HCSB Not only young men need this, we all do. Love for God and His word protect our paths. Jesus told us in John 15: “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 Abiding in Christ and not allowing yourself to wander will be based on love: love for God and love for your fellow man. Jesus is our saviour, our light, our life and our strength. Amen! Jesus shows us how to abide, He did it first. He was quick to spend time with the Father, slow to act and speak as He waited on the Father. He said: "I only do what I see my Father doing." Abiding starts with aligning our treasure to God an...

This is how we have come to know love: He laid down His life for us. We should also lay down our lives for our brothers. 1 John 3:16 HCSB Jesus laid down His life for us. This was a supreme sacrifice, as we did not deserve His sacrifice. Why did He do it? Because He loved us and could not bear the separation, for all eternity, from His people who He created. We meet many heroes and love the MARVEL Comic Heroes. Jesus was not comic hero, He was real and much more powerful. As many heroes do, He covered His strength so He could spend time with us. All super heroes are fraught with human fragility. However, the Son for God, although in human flesh, was sinless and won the battle with death, disease and sin. Through our hero we are free before the Father. He has brought us home. Because of His sacrifice we can be His mini-heroes who walk by faith and not by sight. Amen!

We know what love is because Jesus gave his life for us. This is why we must give our lives for each other. 1 John 3:16 CEVDC We have been given a reference point for love: Jesus. The sacrifice Jesus made is the example. The king of heaven humbled Himself and came as a nobody to die on a cross for our sins and because of this God raised Him from the dead, completing the circle. The perfect gift gave all and in return received glory and honour and power. John goes on to talk about what giving looks like. If we see a church member in lack we need to give not just talk about it. Talk makes us feel righteous, I have compassion, therefore I must be good. No! Jesus didn't just talk about His sacrifice, He did it. True righteousness is sacrificial, it does stuff, it moves, it has genuine compassion. Fear and greed will hold us back. I praise God that Jesus had neither going on in His life. Love of the things of the world keeps us from being sacrificial. Jesus tells us: he who l...

We must hold tightly to the hope we say is ours. After all, we can trust the one who made the agreement with us. Hebrews 10:23 CEVDC What do you remember holding tight to? Now think about your faith. When did you become 'born again'? For me this is easy. For some not so. For me I had a revelation of my sin and through repentance found forgiveness and liberty. For some the experience is not so marked. Yet, there comes a day when I must decide to trust my God for salvation and life in Him. As a child I had to contend with 5 siblings and some of my toys I held on to, tightly. I remember one of my brothers painted my doll with hideous grey paint. My doll was sent away to the dolls hospital and came back without the paint but with a new head of hair, blue hair. I quite liked the transformation and protected her all the more. We have one nastier than a sibling or another child trying to rob us. Dont stand for it, dont let go. Stand you ground, rebuke him and take the high gro...

Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23 HCSB Hebrews is such a good book and the writer presents a compelling case for Christ In this chapter the author covers many topics: the Jewish faith, staying true to Christ, endurance of faith, growing in faith and much more. It is a veritable feast. Confession of faith is saying: "I am born again and trust my God for my life." Yet the out working of this confession comes down to experiences, challenges and circumstances. What will I say if such and such happens? Often, like Peter, we are sure we will never waver in our faith, only to find we do. Wavering in faith gives us a reality check and an opportunity to 'strengthen the limbs that hang down' as the author of the book puts it. The good thing to remember is repentance is never far away. If we fail and miss the mark, repent and move on in God's grace. Amen!

Dear friends, keep building on the foundation of your most holy faith, as the Holy Spirit helps you to pray. And keep in step with God's love, as you wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to show how kind he is by giving you eternal life. Jude 1:20‭-‬21 CEVDC Keeping in step. How do I do that? Have you ever been in a marching group? I remember marching every year in primary school on ANZAC Day. This is a day when we remember our fallen war heroes from past wars. Learning to keep in time was a matter of having a leader calling the beat: "left, left, left right left.." I had to concentrate as rhythm does not come naturally to me, it is work. So, in Christendom we have a leader, Christ, who calls the beat and us followers who must concentrate and consider those around us. I even watched the feet of those in front of me. Marching is not a solitary assignment but rather a team effort. We have a leader and team members. A good marching group can bring tears to the eyes and not ...

But you, dear friends, as you build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, expecting the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ for eternal life. Jude 1:20‭-‬21 HCSB This little book or letter from Jude mainly deals with a warning about ungodly people who had crept into the church and were trying to defile Gods people with unclean behaviour. Jude is encouraging the true believers to stay pure and build their faith. Jesus Himself told us that we all build, we build on foundation that is rock solid or sand. The storms of life prove our building and show us if our foundations are good: “Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on the rock. The rain fell, the rivers rose, and the winds blew and pounded that house. Yet it didn’t collapse, because its foundation was on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of Mine and doesn’t act on them will be l...

I will bless you with a future filled with hope—a future of success, not of suffering. Jeremiah 29:11 CEVDC The promise above was given to a nation in captivity and that captivity would last for 70 years. However, God was giving them hope in the future. In 2004 I received a prophesy over my life. The crux was this: you're in for the ride of your life. Now, I have been on roller coasters and know that to reach the 'wheeee!' I first had to sit tight whilst the engine puffed and strained to escalate our cart to a height from which such a ride would result. I did not receive a time frame but knew that God was, indeed, going to give me the ride. The chugging up the hill took 14 years and the downhill run has a few smaller rides before the larger one, but I am on the best part, the exhillarating downhill run. My natural circumstances are slowly changing but in my spirit I see the big change and am not phased by the turmoil around me. You see, God gave me a dream back in...

For I know the plans I have for you” — this is the Lord ’s declaration — “plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 HCSB This verse was a part of a word spoken through the prophet Jeremiah to the children of Israel who had been taken into Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar. God had told them to settle down, marry and have children as they would be there for 70 years. We must remember why the children of Israel went there in the first place. They had turned away from their God and were learning faithfulness in a heathen land and culture where idol worship was not something you played with, it was serious business. This was what God was looking for: You will call to Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:12‭-‬13 In the not so pleasant seasons of our lives God is there but we will also be there, in that place we dont particularly like, until...

No one undergoing a trial should say, “I am being tempted by God.” For God is not tempted by evil, and He Himself doesn’t tempt anyone. But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desires. James 1:13‭-‬14 HCSB If I asked you what was your greatest temptation, would you say chocolate, icecream or some other food item. Yet, in confrontation you are tempted to default to a fleshly reaction, when you have a decision between new habits, self-discipline what do you do? Go with the feel good outcome or the desired outcome. Our flesh tempts us continually. Laziness allows room for the temptation, lack of desire for a new way leads to default and default is always flesh unless we have put in some hard times to change it. I remember when cheesecake was a weakness, I had to put up a fight to change, same for chocolate, cake etc. I try to live a life of constructing good habits and pulling down bad. I know I can do it and this encourages me. How about you? ...

Don't blame God when you are tempted! God cannot be tempted by evil, and he doesn't use evil to tempt others. We are tempted by our own desires that drag us off and trap us. James 1:13‭-‬14 CEVDC Each of us have our own measure of poison within and in the right circumstances it rears it's head. We may be surprised by it as perhaps we have not seen it before. God is about revealing the hidden stuff so that we can repent and deal with it. He is the power to overcome. God does not tempt us but rather opens our eyes to what is present. He is in the market for holiness. As we seek Him we are changed from glory to glory. Nothing we face is too hard for God's Holy Spirit. We can go to Him for power to resist. James tells us: resist the devil and he will flee. So, asking Gods help at this time will enable us to resist and see change. How good is God! He will make all things new! Amen!

Your power is great, and your glory is seen everywhere in heaven and on earth. You are king of the entire world, 1 Chronicles 29:11 CEVDC Spending time outside, with the sky, the earth and water, if you are looking, can reinforce Gods glory. He created all of this, it is beautiful. Even in drought the land is beautiful. Of late we have been having good rain and when I am up on my hill I see breathtaking beauty. I love my life and my Lord. Both are very good. I am in an astronomy club and get to look beyond what the naked eye can see. The universe is amazing and my God created it for us and beckons us to investigate what He has made. Go outside and look and breathe in Gods glory, and remember to give Him praise. Amen!

Then David praised the Lord in the sight of all the assembly. David said, May You be praised, Lord God of our father Israel, from eternity to eternity. Yours, Lord , is the greatness and the power and the glory and the splendor and the majesty, for everything in the heavens and on earth belongs to You. Yours, Lord , is the kingdom, and You are exalted as head over all. Riches and honor come from You, and You are the ruler of everything. Power and might are in Your hand, and it is in Your hand to make great and to give strength to all. Now therefore, our God, we give You thanks and praise Your glorious name. 1 Chronicles 29:10‭-‬13 HCSB King David had set aside a portion of his wealth for the building of Gods temple, in his words: "because of my delight in the house of my God." David had wanted to build Gods house but God said, "No! Your son Solomon will build it." This did not stop David from contributing His wealth to the build. David gave: So to the best o...

You love Him, though you have not seen Him. And though not seeing Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy, because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:8‭-‬9 HCSB If joy is not present we need to examine ourselves and our focus. So easily we are distracted and encouraged to look at the negative and what is wrong with: ourselves, others, our world etc. Yet what is right with our world. As I write this I am grateful for a most spectacular sunset. The sky reminds me of my glorious Lord. How good is He. I play my mum cards a lot as she enjoys it and it stimulates her brain after a recent stroke. When I am playing, at times I sense my Gods favour and presence. Why would He bother to bless my cards? Perhaps just to show me He is thinking of me and loves me. Recently I have been challenged with the thought of writing a book called 'Old Farts.' Sorry if this offends you. I think I can say the words...

You have never seen Jesus, and you don't see him now. But still you love him and have faith in him, and no words can tell how glad and happy you are to be saved. This is why you have faith. 1 Peter 1:8‭-‬9 CEVDC Ever wondered why you have faith? Here it is! I know how grateful I am to have Jesus in my life and know I am forgiven. Gratitude produces faith and love. How good is God! Knowing that we are sinners in need of salvation results in gratitude for that salvation. Before I invited Jesus into my life at 19, He took me on a tour, the walk past the sinners wall of remembrance. By the time I prayed for forgiveness I knew how much I needed it, and oh the joy of forgiveness. I am grateful for every new day of forgiveness and the ability to know my sin and repent. I am so grateful for the cleansing flow. Thank You Lord! Amen!

You are free, but still you are God's servants, and you must not use your freedom as an excuse for doing wrong. 1 Peter 2:16 CEVDC When we are caught in a service and it becomes drudgery, is it because we need to be free or our attitude needs to be free? I find my spirit is free when my attitude is good rather than when I am resentful of the need. Christ Himself was the freest of men and yet He served tirelessly. Yes He did escape to the mountains to spend time alone with God but, otherwise, He served three years straight. I think the times we become resentful are the times our plans do not align with what befalls us. Feeling sorry for ourselves is not a part of service. Self-pity leads to resentment. Many people my age are finished with work and then do a lot for their families either through babysitting or elder care. Both are valid and can be used greatly by God for His glory. It is important that I seek Him and flow with Him, not against Him. Amen?

You are free, but still you are God's servants, and you must not use your freedom as an excuse for doing wrong. 1 Peter 2:16 CEVDC Jesus paid the price so that we could be free from sin. No longer do we need to walk afraid of sinning. If we do sin, we know it and can confess it and walk away. However, being made free is the first part, walking in forgiveness' freedom requires us to walk in the Spirit and not the flesh. Walking in the Spirit says to my flesh, "carnal appetite does not rule me, instinct does not rule me but rather the Spirit of God rules me." Paul puts it this way: People who are ruled by their desires think only of themselves. Everyone who is ruled by the Holy Spirit thinks about spiritual things. If our minds are ruled by our desires, we will die. But if our minds are ruled by the Spirit, we will have life and peace. Romans 8:5‭-‬6 CEVDC So, today, what is the Spirit saying? Where is He going and who does He want to reach? Amen!

Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family. Proverbs 18:24 It is important to allow friends to be friends and not demand they become a part of a co-dependant relationship. Christ is our peace, our guide and our friend who will never leave us. He also is God and therefore not manipulated by our neediness. If we find ourselves needy then to Him we must go. Allowing our friends to be friends frees them from expectations. This in turn allows our friends to be a blessing when God prompts them. I am very grateful for my friends. They bring light and freshness to my world. I seek God for my needs and allow Him to choose who to use. This way I receive surprises. I love surprises! Another important thing is not being too proud to receive. I am a giver but I also must be willing to receive. God uses people that I consider needing my support most often. Yet this is so like God. He sent his prophet to a widow in a drought to be housed and fed for three years...

A man with many friends may be harmed, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24 HCSB Special friends are treasures. No matter what you go through they are there. King David had such a friend in Jonathan. Jonathan was King Saul's son. He walked a difficult road as his father was constantly trying to kill David. Yet Jonathan did not resent David's many achievements or the fact that he was popular, rather he knew David would be king instead of himself. Jonathan was killed in battle when David was not around. David was on the run from Saul. Jesus had three close friends and one very close friend, the apostle John. What made John so special, he loved Jesus as a very dear friend. In return John called himself the apostle whom Jesus loved. We have such a friend in the Holy Spirit. He lives in us and is there for us when all else leave. Jesus had all His friends desert Him when he faced His darkest hour. Firstly they fell asleep when He was agonizin...

Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:3‭-‬4 HCSB Anyone who loves football know about rivalry. It is surprising how violent opposing teams can become over their individual judgment of a team or the referee. Fortunately modern technology helps solves disputes as video is taken from different angles. However, some even refuse such valid evidence and fights ensue. James addresses why disputes happen even in Christendom: What is the source of wars and fights among you? Don’t they come from the cravings that are at war within you? You desire and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and don’t receive because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your evil desires. James 4:1-3 We must be honest and face the f...

Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:3‭-‬4 HCSB Rivalry and conceit are fruits of the flesh. To be able to be humble we must be empowered by God. Selfishness is who we are without Christ or Christ in control. How do we look out for the interests of others? If we are carers of children or elderly parents we are baptized into activities that demand us 'do' for others. We can 'do' willingly or with complaint and resentment. There are always times of strain and in these times a requirement for us to 'die to self'. As we die to self we allow the HOLY spirit room to move. Compassion enables us to lay down our own agendas for others. Compassion that comes from the Holy Spirit sees others healed and restored, forgiven and cleansed. Compassion is powerful, when God oriented, not so when f...

He wants not only us but everyone saved, you know, everyone to get to know the truth we’ve learned: that there’s one God and only one, and one Priest-Mediator between God and us—Jesus, who offered himself in exchange for everyone held captive by sin, to set them all free. Eventually the news is going to get out. This and this only has been my appointed work: getting this news to those who have never heard of God, and explaining how it works by simple faith and plain truth. 1 Timothy 2:4‭-‬7 MSG Only one God! Praise Him! We may try an install others but that is like trying to open your front door with the wrong key and it is raining outside. You are going to get very wet and disappointed. Yet, using the right key opens the door to a welcoming fire and a warm bowl of soup. You are welcomed home. What a good day today has been! Trying to listen to God prompts. Managed to help neighbors pack to move away. A husband and a very pregnant wife were struggling. I called a friend and we ...

For there is one God and one mediator between God and humanity, Christ Jesus, Himself human, who gave Himself — a ransom for all, a testimony at the proper time. 1 Timothy 2:5‭-‬6 HCSB There is only One who can assist us. There is only One who can forgive us completely and make us clean. There is only One door to access eternal life and His name is Jesus. No matter how good we may feel about ourselves or others, all is not able to save when we stand before the perfect One. As a Christian good works for me must come out of a life with Him. What does He want to do today? Who is He reaching out to today? What does He want to say to them? How can I be His hands and feet today?

Listen to good advice if you want to live well, an honored guest among wise men and women. Proverbs 15:31 MSG First I must find good advice. Where do I find it? Godly advice is more precious than silver or gold and just as rare. I find, in myself, a battle against ungodly advice and a sense that Godly advice is missing. I have people who are quick to give advice but it is natural and not life-giving. Tonight I went to astronomy and listened to a talk by a woman who believed and who also encouraged women there to believe they could do great things. It was refreshing. Afterward she mentioned something and covered it with: if you believe in God. I said I did and she affirmed she did also. This women is a prominent australian astronomer and it was good to get to know her. A lot of astronomers in my club are Christian. It is so important to have godly advice. Amen!

Listen to good advice if you want to live well, an honored guest among wise men and women. An undisciplined, self-willed life is puny; an obedient, God-willed life is spacious. Proverbs 15:31‭-‬32 MSG Do you know good advice when you hear it? Good advice is Godly advice, not good human understanding. As a Christian we are called to walk in faith, 'fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the shame of the cross'. Hebrews 12:2 There are times of intense shame for us, should we allow ourselves to feel it. Shame is tied up with human expectation of ourselves and others. Yet, as far as the Father is concerned, it is not shameful. Shameful behaviour is when we act unbecoming as a child of God. If we allow our God to lead us and direct us then we will not behave shamefully but rather honoring Him. Amen!

Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless—that’s your job, to bless. You’ll be a blessing and also get a blessing. Whoever wants to embrace life and see the day fill up with good, Here’s what you do: Say nothing evil or hurtful; Snub evil and cultivate good; run after peace for all you’re worth. God looks on all this with approval, listening and responding well to what he’s asked; But he turns his back on those who do evil things. 1 Peter 3:8‭-‬12 MSG Do you know being all the above is impossible without the HOLY Spirit's help but very possible as we abide in Him. Life can be fun even in the rain: put on mud boots, a mackintosh(rain coat) and jump in the puddles. When nothing seems in order laugh and enjoy the little things, dont stress the small stuff. Sharp tongues are for when we are stressed because things aren't going as we think t...

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, you really are My disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31‭-‬32 HCSB Jesus was in the temple and the Jews were debating with Him. They rejected His claim to being the Son of God and were becoming quite offended with Him and His talk of deity. We become offended at Christ through lack of understanding. Yet if we are in relationship with Him, we get it. I remember when I first became a Christian I struggled with the apostle Paul. However, it has been a long time now since that day, and I love his writings. I have found Jesus' heart in scripture. The Jews who were offended did not know Him, or want to know Him. Jesus does indeed lead us into all truth. He is indeed the Way, the Truth and the Life. He has the answers and as I allow Him in He untied the knots in my heart. The truth of His word sets me free. Amen!

Am I now trying to win the favor and approval of men, or of God? Or am I seeking to please someone? If I were still trying to be popular with men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ. GALATIANS 1:10 AMP Really, what does a child of God want to curry favour with man for? Is it for promotion, favour, the hand of a woman or man? Know that noone is able to be totally faithful to you and you striving to earn their favour will not work, all you do is make yourself a doormat and they will wipe their feet on you. We dont have to crawl to our God either. He has lifted you up and called you son, daughter, friend. You are lifted up because of His Son. You do not need to strive. Relax in Him! Amen!

For am I now trying to win the favor of people, or God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a slave of Christ. Galatians 1:10 HCSB Are we people pleasers or God pleasers? When insecure in ourselves we bow to pleasing people but when we are secure in God we choose to please Him first. Is a person on the throne in our lives or is God? Are we guilty of idolatry, as in placing a person before God in all things or are we submitting to God first? Paul definitely was not preaching a man centered gospel but rather one that lifted up Christ. He would not bow to human tradition or ways if they were against Christ. We particularly see this in His opposition to the demand by judaists that Christians be circumcised. The gospel needs no human taint or tradition. It is powerful and mighty on its own. Let noone try and bind it in human boxes and ways. Stand firm for the pure gospel and so not demand that it bows to humanism. Humanism co...

So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, catastrophes, persecutions, and in pressures, because of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10 HCSB I would not say I take pleasure in weakness, but am getting there. Less precious with failure that is for sure. The less I am determined to be all together myself the more content I am to allow Jesus to reign. It sure takes the stress out of life. No longer do I have to prove something as in Him I am something. How good is that? Being strong in Christ takes all the worry out of losing what I have gained or fought for. What He gives me blesses me and I have no fear in losing. Amen!

But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me. So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, catastrophes, persecutions, and in pressures, because of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9‭-‬10 HCSB Paul had been telling his readers he had a 'thorn in the flesh' from Satan which he had begged God to remove but God told him his grace was sufficient. We may struggle with things that are not healed, removed from us or constantly dog us for a time or for always and we have to trust God through these experiences. His grace is indeed enough for us. Grace is more than forgiveness of sin, it is a gifting and enabling power when we have nothing in ourselves. The experience is humbling and stops us from arrogance. We need to investigate grace when in such times. What is in grace for us at these momen...

Worry weighs us down; a cheerful word picks us up. Proverbs 12:25 MSG Along with a cheerful word, such as, a smiley 'hello how are you?'all change the ambience in a place. We carry the Spirit of Christ and it has power to deliver, heal and restore. Worry rules until a greater spirit comes along and casts it out. What is greater? The power of Christ! Let Him out and let Him reign. Amen! We are given a portion of His Spirit to bring change. We are disruptors. Amen!

Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a good word cheers it up. Proverbs 12:25 HCSB I can attest to this. I have a good friend who constantly speaks good into my life. This person is a treasure to me. Yet my greatest treasure, Jesus, had a lot to say about anxiety. He said: So don’t worry, saying, ‘What will we eat? ’ or ‘What will we drink? ’ or ‘What will we wear? ’ For the idolaters eagerly seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. Therefore don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:31‭-‬34 HCSB Anxiety and worry are common to all men and women but the Christian has One to go to who is higher than all that would cause anxiety. He sees where the road leads and we become anxious about a change in the road. The change is for our good. So, what can we do...

Where can I go to escape Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I go up to heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, You are there. If I live at the eastern horizon or settle at the western limits, even there Your hand will lead me; Your right hand will hold on to me. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me, and the light around me will be night” — even the darkness is not dark to You. The night shines like the day; darkness and light are alike to You. Psalms 139:7‭-‬12 HCSB There is no place that God cannot penetrate. He is everywhere and sees all things. His love holds all things together. Darkness cannot hide me. No power is too great for Him. Nothing is stronger, nothing is bigger. He is good! We have heard countless stories of people dying and going to hell and crying out to the Lord for mercy, He comes and rescues them. He is ever ready to rescue, love motivates Him, not judgement. Our God is great and we need to let Him be. Call out to Him and...

The Lord is near all who call out to Him, all who call out to Him with integrity. He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cry for help and saves them. Psalms 145:18‭-‬19 HCSB I love the Lord because He heard my voice. Psalm 116:1 I can rest secure as 116:7 says: 'return to your rest, O my soul, for the Lord has dealt bountiful with me.' When feeling pressed and hemmed in by others and circumstances we need to come aside into a spacious place and find the Lord. Our problem is not the 'others' or our 'circumstances' but us needing God in the midst of it all. My mum is in hospital for a few days after a successful turnaround of her twisting bowel and I am grateful for space to spend with my God. He is the source of life for me, He is my strength and song when I am wrung out and dry. He alone has life that replenishes my soul. Rest O my soul in God alone He is good and His mercy is strong His places are pleasant and refresh me His ...