The day with dianne Louise

“In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can’t get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God’s part. Matthew 6:14‭-‬15 MSG We may not agree with this principle or in fact believe it to be true. However if we find ourselves struggling perhaps we have removed ourselves from grace. We do not have authority to call the tune when it comes to forgiveness. This is God's arena. As is the case with many God-designed and God-built principles, He controls them. It is nothing but supreme arrogance to believe we control that which we did not create. Perhaps this comes from the fact that we constantly challenge existing principles, e.g. gravity. Today I read that gravity in itself is not as strong as a fridge magnet. However, if I jump off a building, I will still hit the ground, unless of course I am superman. We need to respect that which we need...

“For if you forgive people their wrongdoing, your heavenly Father will forgive you as well. But if you don’t forgive people, your Father will not forgive your wrongdoing. Matthew 6:14‭-‬15 HCSB Forgiveness is a big deal. We cannot afford to hang on to our upsets with others. Jesus teaches this after teaching us the Lord's Prayer (which was not intended to be the sole prayer but rather a format). In the Lord's prayer we say: forgive us our trespasses as we forgive others their trespasses against us. Keeping a short account helps me first and releases others as well. The best way I can forgive is to pray for those who offend me. This is my opportunity to bring good change into the world. Yesterday I spent most of the day at the hospital with my frail mum. Her bowel had twisted on her for the 12th time. As I have been a registered nurse in my past I was watching the medical staff and some were not as good as others and I made sure mum received the best care even...

“You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased.” Revelation 4:11 NLT We like to create what we please. Yet, to have God say He created us as He did what He pleased offends us. Why? Perhaps it is because we want the God role and are not willing to yield it to the actual One who claims to be Lord over all. Unfortunately for us, He did create the whole world and the whole universe and we are a part of this. He also gave us His Son to be the perfect sacrifice so we could be reunited. Where does our ego come up with a God complex to defy such a God? We must come to terms with truth ultimately. If we refuse in this life we will face it in death and then realise the very One we rejected was the most attractive One after all. What a loss! Think again!

Our Lord and God, You are worthy to receive glory and honor and power, because You have created all things, and because of Your will they exist and were created. Revelation 4:11 HCSB This book was written by a much older apostle John. He was on the Isle of Patmos and was visited by the Lord and taken to heaven. What John saw was nothing like he had ever seen before. He would have been hard pressed to describe it all. However the above words were spoken by 24 elders who sat around the throne of God in response to the worship of other living creatures that were before them. The elders had crowns which they took off and put on the floor before them. They gave full honour to God seated in their midst. We do not know who these elders are, nor have we ever met the 'living creatures' that had six wings and eyes all around. Suffice to say they were heavenly. Yet they knew truth. The truth they proclaimed and no doubt still proclaim is the glory of God and the fact that He created al...

Our Lord and God, You are worthy to receive glory and honor and power, because You have created all things, and because of Your will they exist and were created. Revelation 4:11 HCSB This book was written by a much older apostle John. He was on the Isle of Patmos and was visited by the Lord and taken to heaven. What John saw was nothing like he had ever seen before. He would have been hard pressed to describe it all. However the above words were spoken by 24 elders who sat around the throne of God in response to the worship of other living creatures that were before them. The elders had crowns which they took off and put on the floor before them. They gave full honour to God seated in their midst. We do not know who these elders are, nor have we ever met the 'living creatures' that had six wings and eyes all around. Suffice to say they were heavenly. Yet they knew truth. The truth they proclaimed and no doubt still proclaim is the glory of God and the fact that He created al...

Jesus answered them, “Do you finally believe? In fact, you’re about to make a run for it—saving your own skins and abandoning me. But I’m not abandoned. The Father is with me. I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.” John 16:31‭-‬33 MSG The take out for me from this verse that so resonates with my soul is: "but I am not abandoned. The Father is with Me!" When lonely and rejected we decry our abandonment and are prone to criticism those who do not see. In the above passage Jesus stated the fact: you will abandon me BUT...God! People will not see and they will not respond as perhaps they could but our Father, our Saviour and our Comforter are there. They are faithful, reliable and always have time for us. That my friend is good news! Prayer: Father thank You that You ...

I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” John 16:33 HCSB There are different forms of suffering: ostracism; physical abuse; medical conditions; financial hardship; relational problems. Jesus suffered them all. Whilst He was never sick the suffering before and during the cross made Him so. When we suffer we see ourselves as alone. However if we have Jesus we are never alone. We can be surrounded by people but still alone in suffering. This was what happened to Jesus. Because Jesus endured suffering He can be our sympathetic high priest in suffering. Self-pity isolates us. We can't afford to go there as it pushes others away, even our Lord. We need Him! God's people are being slaughtered mercislessly. Yet in the suffering He is there! My pray is that He will cover them and keep them, comfort them and give them strength. Amen!

“You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you. Matthew 5:4 MSG It is important to mourn. Grief is inevitable at some point in our lives. The children of Israel mourned the death of Moses for 30 days. The Jews do mourning well, as do many cultures, except the west. We could learn from those who do. I remember being a nurse in an Australian city called Wollongong. In those days it was a steel city filled with many new Australians. I studied midwifery, after completing general nursing. Mediterrian women knew how to groan, wail and let the world knew they suffered. I believe that by letting out their pain they were better for it. Some grief is deeper than others amd takes longer to walk through. There is no easy fix. However I know whom I rather have with me, Jesus Christ. His presence in the valley makes it bearable. Take time to read Psalm 23 again, out loud, and let Him in. Amen!

Those who mourn are blessed, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4 HCSB If we look up instead of inward and trust, our God will make Himself known to us. He is our strength and song, a God to lean on. He is good and His answers are best! Amen!

“You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you. Matthew 5:4 MSG It is important to mourn. Grief is inevitable at some point in our lives. The children of Israel mourned the death of Moses for 30 days. The Jews do mourning well, as do many cultures, except the west. We could learn from those who do. I remember being a nurse in an Australian city called Wollongong. In those days it was a steel city filled with many new Australians. I studied midwifery, after completing general nursing. Mediterrian women knew how to groan, wail and let the world knew they suffered. I believe that by letting out their pain they were better for it. Some grief is deeper than others amd takes longer to walk through. There is no easy fix. However I know whom I rather have with me, Jesus Christ. His presence in the valley makes it bearable. Take time to read Psalm 23 again, out loud, and let Him in. Amen!

“I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd puts the sheep before himself, sacrifices himself if necessary. A hired man is not a real shepherd. The sheep mean nothing to him. He sees a wolf come and runs for it, leaving the sheep to be ravaged and scattered by the wolf. He’s only in it for the money. The sheep don’t matter to him. John 10:11‭-‬13 MSG I have seen many wage earners who attend their place of work to do the least amount of work possible, just to be paid an income to spend on themselves. I have also seen workers who go the extra mile because they genuinely care. If these workers were nurses in the emergency department, which one would you prefer to care for you? Now that you have made your decision, transplant this experience in to where you work and the people you serve. It makes a difference doesn't it! Jesus was the second one. Who are you?

“I am the good shepherd. I know My own sheep, and they know Me, as the Father knows Me, and I know the Father. I lay down My life for the sheep. But I have other sheep that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will listen to My voice. Then there will be one flock, one shepherd. This is why the Father loves Me, because I am laying down My life so I may take it up again. John 10:14‭-‬17 HCSB There is a resonance between the sheep and the shepherd. The sheep know the voice of the shepherd. They have ears to hear. Before I was born again I could hear the shepherd calling me. However, I was caught in the brambles and could not find a way to Him. He had to come a rescue me. I remember the day. I was in a state because of the brambles and so glad He had come. Jesus said that the Father loved Him because He lay down His life for the sheep. We have just celebrated Easter and this very fact. The Father loves those who are willing to lay down their lives for ...

But in our time something new has been added. What Moses and the prophets witnessed to all those years has happened. The God-setting-things-right that we read about has become Jesus-setting-things-right for us. And not only for us, but for everyone who believes in him. For there is no difference between us and them in this. Since we’ve compiled this long and sorry record as sinners (both us and them) and proved that we are utterly incapable of living the glorious lives God wills for us, God did it for us. Out of sheer generosity he put us in right standing with himself. A pure gift. He got us out of the mess we’re in and restored us to where he always wanted us to be. And he did it by means of Jesus Christ. Romans 3:21‭-‬24 MSG We all know it when things are out and we all rejoice when they are set right. So much is out of place today. The world has gone crazy and following emotive displays without much substance and truly believing they are so good, because of...

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. They are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Romans 3:23‭-‬24 None of us can claim to be righteous, apart from Jesus. No matter how 'good' we are in public we fail in some way, if not in deed, in thought. Sin is not an attractive topic these days. In fact telling someone they are a sinner will probably end in violence. Being aware of our sin is only possible through the working of the Holy Spirit and He does this brilliantly. My constant prayer is for the Holy Spirit to bring revelation of truth into hearts and lives. What joy comes at the confession of sin and request for forgiveness. The cleansing that God brings is beyond compare. Jesus knew this is what was needed and that He was that answer. He shed His blood to win us freedom from eternal guilt. What a gift! I am so grateful that I came to awareness of my sin and that I found Him, my saviour. Now I live by faith in Hi...

And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:17 HCSB Do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus. Everything! Wow! A tall order! Yet, in Christ, all things are possible. If I am continually in the Spirit it is possible. Yet I know I am not always in the Spirit. But I know I repent when wrong, so there is a start. I must believe forgiveness is mine immediately I ask for it and move on in faith, not feeling. Feelings of remorse can bind us into a negative mindset and lead to unbelief. Today has been a good day. I went out determined to bless, and was blessed in return. It flowed. Praise God! We must trust our God in all things! Amen!

And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. Colossians 3:17 NLT This chapter in Colossians is filled with lessons on godly behaviour. We need to let it sleep into our pores. After vigorous exercise I always found it helpful to have an Epsom salt bath and soak away any lactic acid buildup. It is the same with our spirits. We have conflict and have to go to the Lord for a bath in His divine word and allow it in. We need to get rid of all anger and malice and trust Him to go before us. After all, we are His representatives, His workmanship, created for good works. Let the peace of God dwell in your hearts! Prayer: Lord I come to you with many troubles. I give them up and ask for your cleansing of all anger, frustration and fear. Wash me and fill me with you again. Amen!

And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. Colossians 3:17 NLT This chapter in Colossians is filled with lessons on godly behaviour. We need to let it sleep into our pores. After vigorous exercise I always found it helpful to have an Epsom salt bath and soak away any lactic acid buildup. It is the same with our spirits. We have conflict and have to go to the Lord for a bath in His divine word and allow it in. We need to get rid of all anger and malice and trust Him to go before us. After all, we are His representatives, His workmanship, created for good works. Let the peace of God dwell in your hearts! Prayer: Lord I come to you with many troubles. I give them up and ask for your cleansing of all anger, frustration and fear. Wash me and fill me with you again. Amen!

Come, everyone! Clap your hands! Shout to God with joyful praise! Psalms 47:1 NLT Certain things cause us to stand to our feet in riotous applause: sports teams playing masterful shots; beautiful dance or song; amazing feats of bravery. However there is One who deserves much more. Beautiful scenery does this to me; amazing sunrises and sunsets; little children. My God made all of these and I rejoice. Allow yourself to be where praise is drawn up in you. Give yourself time to be quiet and observant. Start to thank and praise will come. He is our Keeper. He is best. The first and last. Amen!

Clap your hands, all you peoples; shout to God with a jubilant cry. Psalms 47:1 HCSB There is so much to praise God for: eternal life; His presence; His peace; answered prayer; His righteousness; that the sun still shines; that the universe stays fixed as He has ordered it. He is good! Even when bad things happen, I can still praise God in the storm and see Him bring the victory. He is master. He is God! Amen!

Our children and their children will get in on this As the word is passed along from parent to child. Babies not yet conceived will hear the good news— that God does what he says. Psalm 22:30‭-‬31 MSG The people of Israel had been instructed on how to remember God's word and how to teach it to their children. The Christian does well to teach his child the word of God; seeking God and putting godly wisdom above all else. Taking children to church is a part of this training, however teaching them to pray and read God's word is also important. Children who have God's truth in them will have a firmer foundation than those left to their own devices. We are watching an outplaying of the evil forces in this word determined to destroy their young lives. My grandson who was baptized yesterday is today in hospital after a fall whilst fishing with his dad. I watched this grandson be trained in righteousness and am delighted to say he is fun to hang out with. This morning we b...

Our children and their children will get in on this As the word is passed along from parent to child. Babies not yet conceived will hear the good news— that God does what he says. Psalm 22:30‭-‬31 MSG The people of Israel had been instructed on how to remember God's word and how to teach it to their children. The Christian does well to teach his child the word of God; seeking God and putting godly wisdom above all else. Taking children to church is a part of this training, however teaching them to pray and read God's word is also important. Children who have God's truth in them will have a firmer foundation than those left to their own devices. We are watching an outplaying of the evil forces in this word determined to destroy their young lives. My grandson who was baptized yesterday is today in hospital after a fall whilst fishing with his dad. I watched this grandson be trained in righteousness and am delighted to say he is fun to hang out with. This morning we b...

They will come and tell a people yet to be born about His righteousness — what He has done. Psalms 22:31 HCSB This Psalm is a prophetic Psalm about Jesus. In the beginning verses we see reference to His treatment on the cross and the scorn that was heaped upon Him. Yet we know He rose from the dead. The prayers He prayed both facing agony and in agony on the cross were heard. God raised Him up as the forerunner of a new life. I am raised to this new life and I rejoice in Him. He bore my shame. He went before me. I need not be ashamed. Amen! Today we live in the joy of His salvation. He is our redeemer and our life. Praise Him!

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me, even if he dies, will live. Everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die — ever. Do you believe this? ” John 11:25‭-‬26 HCSB What good news! Today we celebrate life. For us who believe this day represents the giving and receiving of eternal life. We know that when we die physically we enter eternity, alive in our spirits. I remember being dead in spirit. I would not go back there for anyone or anything. The One I chose as saviour released me from eternal death. My love for Him keeps me with Him amd alive in Him. Today I have the joy of watching my eldest grandson Myer be baptized. Myer is 13. He has gone from a boy who was unsure of Jesus to believing in Him and serving Him. I am sure that Myer will have many epiphanies as he grows up. Every time I think I know, I discover there is more. This is the joy of being a Christian. My pray for Myer is that he will grow...

For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Romans 10:13 HCSB If the promise is: will be saved, if I call on Him, it does not matter how I feel. Whilst my coming alive in Christ was a living experience, there have been times I have repented about something and felt nothing and had to trust. We have an accuser who loves to shout unforgiveness at us: "you are too far gone now; how can God forgive this?; you don't deserve forgiveness this time; God is over you!" You have two enemies of your soul: Satan and you. If you have been good at accusing yourself and telling yourself you are hopeless and even worse you listen to yourself, tune yourself out and tune into the truth of God's word. It alone can set you free. Confess it! Praise it! Speak it out, loud and clear! Things will begin to change. Remember! God's word is true, the voice in your head is a liar! Amen!

Scripture reassures us, “No one who trusts God like this—heart and soul—will ever regret it.” It’s exactly the same no matter what a person’s religious background may be: the same God for all of us, acting the same incredibly generous way to everyone who calls out for help. “Everyone who calls, ‘Help, God!’ gets help.” Romans 10:11‭-‬13 MSG Reaching out to God was the best thing I ever did. He is right there when I need Him! He is good! Jesus is the only one who was forsaken on the cross, when He became sin for us. We are not forsaken. Our God is always there for us! Amen! On the original Saturday, that first Saturday after Jeaus died on the cross, was a day of sorrow and grief for the disciples. However, Jesus was busy. He descended to Hell and preached salvation to the captives there and took those who believed to be with Him in heaven. Tomorrow is resurrection Sunday. Tomorrow we celebrate new life in Him. He...

For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Romans 10:13 HCSB If the promise is: will be saved, if I call on Him, it does not matter how I feel. Whilst my coming alive in Christ was a living experience, there have been times I have repented about something and felt nothing and had to trust. We have an accuser who loves to shout unforgiveness at us: "you are too far gone now; how can God forgive this?; you don't deserve forgiveness this time; God is over you!" You have two enemies of your soul: Satan and you. If you have been good at accusing yourself and telling yourself you are hopeless and even worse you listen to yourself, tune yourself out and tune into the truth of God's word. It alone can set you free. Confess it! Praise it! Speak it out, loud and clear! Things will begin to change. Remember! God's word is true, the voice in your head is a liar! Amen!

A jug of sour wine was standing by. Someone put a sponge soaked with the wine on a javelin and lifted it to his mouth. After he took the wine, Jesus said, “It’s done . . . complete.” Bowing his head, he offered up his spirit. John 19:29‭-‬30 MSG We all know what something 'incomplete' looks like: a project started with enthusiasm and left unfinished: new gym equipment purchased with glorious goals yet months ot weeks later lying idle. Yet imagine Jesus going to the cross half- hearted, we could have been left in our sin and sickness. Yet He pursued His goal, our freedom, to the end. 'Are you weary in well-doing, walking on the road to new Jerusalem, are you hoping and praying, looking any minute for the Lord to come, and do you see a lot of pleasant looking places, why you might lie down and take a rest, and if you do take a look at all the faces there, their faces will tell you that it's best, to keep on walking.' (Dogwood-song) I am grateful that Jesus...

After this, when Jesus knew that everything was now accomplished that the Scripture might be fulfilled, He said, “I’m thirsty! ” A jar full of sour wine was sitting there; so they fixed a sponge full of sour wine on hyssop and held it up to His mouth. When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished! ” Then bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. John 19:28‭-‬30 HCSB According to John, who was at the cross, the last thing Jesus did before He died was give His mother to John to be cared for. Jesus was the eldest son and as Jospeh was dead, Jesus was making provision for His mother. Jesus then said: "I thirst!" They have him a gall and wild herbs drink and then He said: "It is finished!" What was finished? He had paid the price for sin. As the perfect sacrifice, Son of God, Son of man, man without sin. The power of sin had been broken. Through Jesus we can now walk free from sin's stranglehold. If we believe we are caught we be...

Taking bread, he blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, given for you. Eat it in my memory.” Luke 22:19 MSG Each year we remember our fallen heroes from all the wars Australia has been involved with. Anzac day falls on the 25th of April. Not only are we celebrating Easter we are also gearing up to celebrate Anzac Day. We do many things to remember our fallen dead: we March and have street parades, we do speeches, show movies. For many this is a sad occasion. Celebrating Easter is similar, except our hero not only died, but He rose again, fulfilling His promise to be the final sacrifice for sin. God honoured Jesus by bringing Him back to life and seating Him on high at His right hand. No tears here, just intense and deep gratitude. Thank You Jesus! Tomorrow is  Good Friday. What a day! Tomorrow we remember the sacrifice, but Sunday is coming. Then we celebrate!

“Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.” John 13:34‭-‬35 MSG Something has to be evident to be seen. It won't be seen if it is not happening. However, if it is happening our God will make it seen. We dont need to turn it on but rather live it. Who should we love? Jesus was speaking to His disciples. Love one another. How should we love? One of the disciples asked Jesus: " how many times should I forgive my brother? Seven times? " Jesus answered: " 70 times 7." Forgiveness is a good sign that we love. Love covered a multitude of sins. Love is shown in the way we talk about others. Try love!

And He took bread, gave thanks, broke it, gave it to them, and said, “This is My body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.” Luke 22:19 HCSB Remember Me! These words are often spoken by lovers or 'don't forget me!" Or "I won't forget you!" Symbolism helps us remember. By using the bread and wine Jesus painted a picture amd we remember. Each time we break the bread to take a piece we remember His body was broken for us; each time we pour out a drink of wine we remember He was crushed for our sins and He poured out His life for us. We are encouraged to, at this time, when we partake of communion, take the opportunity to prepare our hearts. If we have unforgiveness towards others, now is the time to forgive. The apostle Paul tells us: the reason some of you are sick is because you do not discern the body of believers correctly. Communion is the time when we must come with a heart that appreciates not only our saviour but also our church famil...

“Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.” John 13:34‭-‬35 MSG Something has to be evident to be seen. It won't be seen if it is not happening. However, if it is happening our God will make it seen. We dont need to turn it on but rather live it. Who should we love? Jesus was speaking to His disciples. Love one another. How should we love? One of the disciples asked Jesus: " how many times should I forgive my brother? Seven times? " Jesus answered: " 70 times 7." Forgiveness is a good sign that we love. Love covered a multitude of sins. Love is shown in the way we talk about others. Try love!

“I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34‭-‬35 HCSB This command was for the followers of Christ. Love as He loved. What does that love look like? I suppose Paul, who was not one of the initial followers, got it right in 1 Cor 13: Love is patient and kind, love endures all things, love forgives, love never fails. (Summary) To know what this love looks like we need to read the gospels. We see that love is generous and giving, it lays down it's life for it's fellow man and it spends time with the Father. At Easter we consider the ultimate gift: Jesus gave His life for us, buying us restoration with the Father and an eternity with Him. He rose again in that life to show us the way. Dying to self and rising to life in Him. This is love! Amen!

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is God’s power for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16 Paul had seen this power in his own life. He had been transformed from a zealous Pharisee persecuting new believers in Christ to becoming one himself. It would have been like a zealous Muslim converting to christianity. What made him change? An unplanned meeting. He was on his way to Damascus when suddenly he was struck off his horse by a blinding light and the voice of the One he stood against. Immediately Paul repented and his heart opened to change. He was blind for two days until the Lord's servant came, in fear and trembling, to pray for him to receive back his sight. Paul was a transformed man. Paul then went away to spend time with the Lord to get to know this One. He was being called to use all his energy to preach the gospel to the Greek speaking world. This was an amazing turnaround. Jews did not associate with Gree...

It’s news I’m most proud to proclaim, this extraordinary Message of God’s powerful plan to rescue everyone who trusts him, starting with Jews and then right on to everyone else! God’s way of putting people right shows up in the acts of faith, confirming what Scripture has said all along: “The person in right standing before God by trusting him really lives.” Romans 1:16‭-‬17 Most news is bad and so it is good to receive 'good news.' Today I had good news.  I travelled several hundred kilometers to see an orthopaedic surgeon. I had been told I had a torn ligament in my shoulder, and several other problems that needed surgery. He told me my problem was minor and he could fix it. Rather than being in a sli g for weeks, I will only have one for 1 day. A much better prognosis and a very nice man. Now,  imagine you have been told you were going to not only live in hell but go there when you die. Imagine a man called Jesus comes along...

Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy. Though one goes along weeping, carrying the bag of seed, he will surely come back with shouts of joy, carrying his sheaves. Psalms 126:5‭-‬6 During times of suffering and sorrow we tend to withdraw. Yet if we continue to sow relationship, love amd finance in times of hardship and sorrow, we will reap. Self-pity must die. There is no room for this beast as it causes us to withdraw and curl up in a hole. It hurts to continue to love and give of self when in pain. Yet this is exactly what we need to do. It keeps us free. Amen! Scripture is full of promise. Let's stand on this promise. Amen!

And now, God , do it again— bring rains to our drought-stricken lives So those who planted their crops in despair will shout hurrahs at the harvest, So those who went off with heavy hearts will come home laughing, with armloads of blessing. Psalm 126:4‭-‬6 MSG Miracles are God's departments. Ours is to continue in faithfulness, giving and sowing seed. We cannot dictate to God our timescale. He tells us: My ways are not your ways. God knew His people would end up in bondage in Egypt. Yet it took 400 years for them to be set free. God told Moses: "I have heard the cries of My people." Thry were not, initially, slaves. The Pharoah who knew them and respected Joseph, welcomed them. Yet scripture tells us that after this Pharoah died the next one did not know Joseph or care for their relationship. I wonder how many years they were actually slaves? Nevertheless it was a while. We have to trust our God! Amen!

“Stop your fighting — and know that I am God, exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth.” Psalms 46:10 HCSB The apostle James tells us why we fight:  you want amd do not have and so you kill. 4:2 Greed and lust drives wars. One country wants what the other has and decides to take it. Lusts for oil amd various metals drive countries to rob and steal and cover it up. James goes on to say: you have not because you do not ask and when you ask you do not receive because you ask with wrong motives, you want to spend it on yourselves. Jealousy, greed and strife creates wars. We need to be honest with ourselves amd face the truth. God is not mocked. He can see and will not be bought. Jesus taught us to pray and ask for our daily needs. Lusts like to dress as needs. Not a good look! Let us come to God in truth and righteousness. Amen!

The King who comes in the name of the Lord is the blessed One. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest heaven! Luke 19:38 HCSB What the people are shouting comes from Psalm 118:26 with the word 'King' inserted for He. Lazarus had just been raised from the dead. This would have been a heady experience. Jesus, alone, knew His path. The disciples and the crowd wanted a king. They, along with most of Israel, saw prophesy fulfillment in Jesus being the 'king' not saviour from their sins. Jesus had a higher priority. He needed us to see the need for saviour from sin as our eternal relationship with Him was paramount. Today, we cannot tell Jesus how He should move in our lives. Learning to trust Him in all is what He is developing in our lives. Amen!

The King who comes in the name of the Lord is the blessed One. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest heaven! Luke 19:38 HCSB This is what the crowd and disciples were calling out about Jesus. Even though Jesus had told His disciples He was to die, they did not get it. This blessed One was about to be betrayed, handed over to His enemies and crucified. If this is how they treat the blessed One, I am happy to be unblessed by the crowd. I don't trust crowds. Herd mentality prevails in crowds. Still, I am grateful that Jesus went to Jerusalem anyway. By dying He cleansed me from my sins. If He had, instead, chosen to be made king we would still be lost in our muck. Thank You Jesus! Amen!

“I am the bread of life,” Jesus told them. “No one who comes to Me will ever be hungry, and no one who believes in Me will ever be thirsty again. John 6:35 HCSB The longing for more, I had that longing for 19 years. I was hungry for God, wanting to know Him. I was thirsty for His life and His living water. Jesus told the Samaratin woman at the well: 'he who drink from the water I will give will never thirst again'. She was intrigued as she went to the well every day to draw water and knew she needed to go, thirst drove her. A deeper thirst drives us on a search. We want to find the meaning of life, the source of eternal life. I found this in Jesus. He said: 'I am the way, the truth and the life.' I trusted Him then and still do over 46 years later. He brings this eternal life. He is the source and supply. Amen!

Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, Moses didn’t give you bread from heaven. My Father did. And now he offers you the true bread from heaven. The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” John 6:32‭-‬33 NLT The manna God fed to the children of Israel in the desert was a type of future provision that God would give, His own Son. How can Jesus be my bread? We are talking about spiritual food here and not burger buns. Jesus had already given the crowds bread that divided miraculously but above He is talking about Himself. His words, His example are my bread. As I take them in and digest them and assimilate them into my life, they bring me life. As we really listen to what He is saying and allow His words to change us we come alive. Amen!

Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human ! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion. Philippians 2:5‭-‬8 MSG Jesus Himself said He could claim special privileges, legions of angels, but He chose the cross, willingly, knowing the pain that awaited Him. Scripture says: He endured the cross for He looked beyond it, to us. (My paraphrase) Us humans do not understand such devotion to people He did not know. Yet He knew we were on the way and wanted us to choose Him. Why? He was confid...

He humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Philippians 2:8 NLT Jesus knew who He was-the Son of God. He even said to His disciples who rushed to defend Him in the garden of Gethsemane that He could command legions of angels but that He must face the cross. Jesus had prayed that God would release Him from the cross, three times. He prayed, "Is there no other way? Yet not My will but Your will be done." This shows He knew it would be hard. Making a stand for Christ is not easy in many areas of the world. In China persecution is rising, in Nigeria Christians are being slaughtered. Until now Christian's in the west were safe. Now the gloves are off. The extreme left are out for blood. Anyone who opposes abortion, same sex marriage, transgenderism, paedophilia are considered the enemy. One of our top footballers has losing his contract for a posting on social media. He was making a stand and spelled out what scripture said would happen t...

Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human ! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion. Philippians 2:5‭-‬8 MSG Jesus Himself said He could claim special privileges, legions of angels, but He chose the cross, willingly, knowing the pain that awaited Him. Scripture says: He endured the cross for He looked beyond it, to us. (My paraphrase) Us humans do not understand such devotion to people He did not know. Yet He knew we were on the way and wanted us to choose Him. Why? He was confid...

He humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Philippians 2:8 NLT Jesus knew who He was-the Son of God. He even said to His disciples who rushed to defend Him in the garden of Gethsemane that He could command legions of angels but that He must face the cross. Jesus had prayed that God would release Him from the cross, three times. He prayed, "Is there no other way? Yet not My will but Your will be done." This shows He knew it would be hard. Making a stand for Christ is not easy in many areas of the world. In China persecution is rising, in Nigeria Christians are being slaughtered. Until now Christian's in the west were safe. Now the gloves are off. The extreme left are out for blood. Anyone who opposes abortion, same sex marriage, transgenderism, paedophilia are considered the enemy. One of our top footballers has losing his contract for a posting on social media. He was making a stand and spelled out what scripture said would happen t...

Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, Moses didn’t give you bread from heaven. My Father did. And now he offers you the true bread from heaven. The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” John 6:32‭-‬33 NLT The manna God fed to the children of Israel in the desert was a type of future provision that God would give, His own Son. How can Jesus be my bread? We are talking about spiritual food here and not burger buns. Jesus had already given the crowds bread that divided miraculously but above He is talking about Himself. His words, His example are my bread. As I take them in and digest them and assimilate them into my life, they bring me life. As we really listen to what He is saying and allow His words to change us we come alive. Amen!

“I am the bread of life,” Jesus told them. “No one who comes to Me will ever be hungry, and no one who believes in Me will ever be thirsty again. John 6:35 HCSB The longing for more, I had that longing for 19 years. I was hungry for God, wanting to know Him. I was thirsty for His life and His living water. Jesus told the Samaratin woman at the well: 'he who drink from the water I will give will never thirst again'. She was intrigued as she went to the well every day to draw water and knew she needed to go, thirst drove her. A deeper thirst drives us on a search. We want to find the meaning of life, the source of eternal life. I found this in Jesus. He said: 'I am the way, the truth and the life.' I trusted Him then and still do over 46 years later. He brings this eternal life. He is the source and supply. Amen!

The King who comes in the name of the Lord is the blessed One. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest heaven! Luke 19:38 HCSB What the people are shouting comes from Psalm 118:26 with the word 'King' inserted for He. Lazarus had just been raised from the dead. This would have been a heady experience. Jesus, alone, knew His path. The disciples and the crowd wanted a king. They, along with most of Israel, saw prophesy fulfillment in Jesus being the 'king' not saviour from their sins. Jesus had a higher priority. He needed us to see the need for saviour from sin as our eternal relationship with Him was paramount. Today, we cannot tell Jesus how He should move in our lives. Learning to trust Him in all is what He is developing in our lives. Amen!

“Stop your fighting — and know that I am God, exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth.” Psalms 46:10 HCSB The apostle James tells us why we fight:  you want amd do not have and so you kill. 4:2 Greed and lust drives wars. One country wants what the other has and decides to take it. Lusts for oil amd various metals drive countries to rob and steal and cover it up. James goes on to say: you have not because you do not ask and when you ask you do not receive because you ask with wrong motives, you want to spend it on yourselves. Jealousy, greed and strife creates wars. We need to be honest with ourselves amd face the truth. God is not mocked. He can see and will not be bought. Jesus taught us to pray and ask for our daily needs. Lusts like to dress as needs. Not a good look! Let us come to God in truth and righteousness. Amen!

And now, God , do it again— bring rains to our drought-stricken lives So those who planted their crops in despair will shout hurrahs at the harvest, So those who went off with heavy hearts will come home laughing, with armloads of blessing. Psalm 126:4‭-‬6 MSG Miracles are God's departments. Ours is to continue in faithfulness, giving and sowing seed. We cannot dictate to God our timescale. He tells us: My ways are not your ways. God knew His people would end up in bondage in Egypt. Yet it took 400 years for them to be set free. God told Moses: "I have heard the cries of My people." Thry were not, initially, slaves. The Pharoah who knew them and respected Joseph, welcomed them. Yet scripture tells us that after this Pharoah died the next one did not know Joseph or care for their relationship. I wonder how many years they were actually slaves? Nevertheless it was a while. We have to trust our God! Amen!

Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy. Though one goes along weeping, carrying the bag of seed, he will surely come back with shouts of joy, carrying his sheaves. Psalms 126:5‭-‬6 During times of suffering and sorrow we tend to withdraw. Yet if we continue to sow relationship, love amd finance in times of hardship and sorrow, we will reap. Self-pity must die. There is no room for this beast as it causes us to withdraw and curl up in a hole. It hurts to continue to love and give of self when in pain. Yet this is exactly what we need to do. It keeps us free. Amen! Scripture is full of promise. Let's stand on this promise. Amen!

Generous in love—God, give grace! Huge in mercy—wipe out my bad record. Scrub away my guilt, soak out my sins in your laundry. I know how bad I’ve been; my sins are staring me down. Psalm 51:1‭-‬3 MSG Praise God we now have forgiveness for all we have done and will do, in Christ. He took out sins and wiped our slate clean. We are washed in His blood. He was the lamb slain for our sins. We are cleanses and made free. Amen! David longed for what we have. He lived in a time of continual sacrifice and slaughter of innocent lambs. Praise God the New Covenant came! Rejoice in your freedom. Many longed for what you have. Amen!

Be gracious to me, God, according to Your faithful love; according to Your abundant compassion, blot out my rebellion. Wash away my guilt and cleanse me from my sin. Psalms 51:1‭-‬2 HCSB This psalm is a Psalm of David written after the prophet Nathan confronted him with his sin in taking Bathsheba from her husband Uriah and having him killed because he tried to hide his sin, as she was pregnant.We read the full story in 2 Samuel 11 and 12. Nathan convicted David of His sin by telling him a parable about a rich man and a poor man. The rich man had a visitor and instead of killing one of his sheep to feed his visitor he took the only sheep of the poor man and killed it. David was furious on behalf of the poor man. Nathan then told Him He was the perpetrator. David was smitten amd the above Psalm comes out of his repentance. In our eyes David's sin was great and worthy of prison. The result of his sin was the death of the child he and Bathsheba conceived. David was heartbro...

Seek God , all you quietly disciplined people who live by God ’s justice. Seek God ’s right ways. Seek a quiet and disciplined life. Perhaps you’ll be hidden on the Day of God ’s anger. Zephaniah 2:3 MSG I have watched several clips about the possible demise of the earth: earth stops rotating; earth hit by giant asteroid; Earth gets too close to sun etc yet the bible, in the book of Revelation, tells us how it will end and it is not pretty. Currently we are watching the earth spin out with craziness. How people who make thare crazy laws were voted in in the first place is a real act of deception by the enemy of our souls. What seems quite evident is that babies and little children are the targets. There must be a coming group of young people who will change the world. When Jesus was born Herod was desperate to kill Him and so he killed all the children under a certain age. He failed then and he will fail now. His destroyer is coming! Amen!

Seek the Lord , all you humble of the earth, who carry out what He commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be concealed on the day of the Lord ’s anger. Zephaniah 2:3 HCSB This chapter is an interesting chapter. Zephaniah was a prophet in king Josiah's reign. Josiah's father amd grandfather were wicked kings who led the people into idolatry. Zephaniah's prophesy probably came before Josiah's reformation and the reading of the scriptures to the people, thus leading them into repentance. This book was, therefore, written around 640bc. What an old but pertinent exhortation. What a task Josiah would have had to bring His people to repentance and rid his people of idols that were firmly entrenched. The priests actually served God and Baal. I am sure God would not have been happy. In fact Zephaniah prophesied destruction amd only a remnant remaining. He talks about the 'Day of the Lord'. For God's people, they were used to battles that ...

For an answer Jesus called over a child, whom he stood in the middle of the room, and said, “I’m telling you, once and for all, that unless you return to square one and start over like children, you’re not even going to get a look at the kingdom, let alone get in. Whoever becomes simple and elemental again, like this child, will rank high in God’s kingdom. What’s more, when you receive the childlike on my account, it’s the same as receiving me. Matthew 18:2‭-‬5 MSG John wrote: Little children, let us not love in word or speech, but in action and in truth. 1 John 3:18 CSB The apostle John lived to a ripe old age and you could forgive him the fatherly tone. John was the closest to Jesus and knew how to love. So, we might forgive him for his address. Littele children know how to cling to their daddies. They are trusting, full of fun (and poop), joy and laughter (and tears). They know how to express themselves and love unconditionally. We can learn from them. Amen!

“I assure you,” He said, “unless you are converted and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child — this one is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one child like this in My name welcomes Me. Matthew 18:3‭-‬5 HCSB Jesus was not referring to all childish behaviours here, he was referring to simple trust that little children usually have. We can exemplify the selfish without being encouraged, quite well. I have little neices who live next door. Their little faces look up with open trust. My responsibility to them is to care for them, look out for them. I have older nephews who live across the street and the older they get the less trusting they become. We become less trusting and cynical as we age, unfortunately. When we must wait for a promise or persevere in faith we grow weary. Then what does Jesus's comment mean to us? Perhaps He is saying: "trust Me, one more time!...

God claims Earth and everything in it, God claims World and all who live on it. He built it on Ocean foundations, laid it out on River girders. Psalm 24:1‭-‬2 MSG So...we do not really own the land!! We are stewards! As stewards we must take good care of what we are entrusted with. Amen! The good steward is given more as they can be trusted. Jesus told parables along this line with the talents and also the parable of the vineyard entrusted to servants. God is looking for a return. We must not be lazy as we wait for His return. Amen!

The earth and everything in it, the world and its inhabitants, belong to the Lord ; for He laid its foundation on the seas and established it on the rivers. Psalms 24:1‭-‬2 HCSB In Isaiah God says: This is what the Lord says: Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. What house could you possibly build for Me? And what place could be My home? Isaiah 66:1 HCSB Well so much for theories which try to exclude a creator or deny the presence of God. Last night I joined a group of fellow astronomers to star gaze. I preferred to sit in my chair and look up at the milky way. We in the southern hemisphere are blessed with a phenomenal night sky. Last night I did what I have done since childhood, sit and look at God's glory. What a God! There is so much interest now in the planets and stars and I love it. The telescopes are getting better. Australia has contributed to the large telescope being built in Chile. May the wonder of God continue to amaze us! Today I am able to wor...

A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath. Proverbs 15:1 HCSB Were you tested today? I was! I had visitors from my astronomy club come to discuss, astronomy of course. However my lovely, gregarious mum entered into animated, loud, conversation with the woman and I struggled to communicate with the husband. He kept saying: "there should be only one conversation as this is hard," however my mum and his wife ignored him. I tried to quieten my mum to no avail. This is an ongoing problem I have. Praise God I did not become irritated and cross. It was close but I made it through. My brother came and took mum out but instead of apologising to me she apologised to my brother for commandeering him every week at church. Ah! Such is life! Tonight I had a reprieve as I went out alone to astronomy and did a talk on the equinox. It was fun and I had a good night. I wonder what it would have been like if I had a bad attitude? Mmm! Keep it sweet!

A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath. Proverbs 15:1 HCSB Ooh! Don't we know this is true! This is why having God as the third strand in a relationship is important, where it is personal or corporate. His advice always counts. There are times when a person can really irritate and get under our skin. It is best to take space and pray on our upset, seeking God for His answer. In the last few years of my working life I had someone who was a burr in my saddle. It kept me close to God. We have to wonder why. Why am I so annoyed? Why does this person irritate me? Is there something I need to change in myself? Sometimes there is. Sometimes we just need to resist the devil and his accusations against that person and start praying for them. I have heard a few preachers speak about this topic and how they personally deal with it. I think the best was Bill Johnson. He regularly takes communion amd prays God's blessing on his enemies. It keeps his heart...

And now, friends, we ask you to honor those leaders who work so hard for you, who have been given the responsibility of urging and guiding you along in your obedience. Overwhelm them with appreciation and love! Get along among yourselves, each of you doing your part. Our counsel is that you warn the freeloaders to get a move on. Gently encourage the stragglers, and reach out for the exhausted, pulling them to their feet. Be patient with each person, attentive to individual needs. And be careful that when you get on each other’s nerves you don’t snap at each other. Look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out. 1 Thessalonians 5:13‭-‬15 MSG I cannot say I never snap at people who get on my nerves. This is when I need more grace. If I take a breath, turn to the Lord and ask, it is there. We have just had a long hot summer and it tried me sorely. I had to go slower and stay cooler than ever. However, there are times we cannot control our environment and tha...

See to it that no one repays evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all. 1 Thessalonians 5:15 HCSB This is always a challenge. We are offended and rise up inside to lash out. Yet there is always, always, a better way. Keeping a cool spirit takes effort, it takes submission to the Holy Spirit. Several years ago there was a movement WWJD (what would Jesus do) it was good in that people had various bracelets with the initials on and they contemplated their mantra before acting out. At times I would like to buy a whole batch and hand them out to politicians and people on social media, they are vicious. As Christian's we are the light and need to shine in the darkness, not join it. How would God have us behave? Jesus told us to take His yoke upon ourselves and learn from Him for He is meek and humble and gentle of heart. So...yoke up! Amen!

But let justice flow like water, and righteousness, like an unfailing stream. Amos 5:24 HCSB Injustice is everywhere! As a Christian my role is to stand against it and bring change wherever and whenever I can. Being silent is not an option! Those who receive injustice would pray someone like you or someone like me would care and stand up for them. Evil prospers when good men and women do nothing! What can I do? I can pray, object and seek to be the voice of change in my community. Be the change! Amen!

But let justice flow like water, and righteousness, like an unfailing stream. Amos 5:24 HCSB God's people had maintained the sacrifices but worshipped foreign gods as well, they were oppressing the poor amd dealing unjustly with their neighbours and God said He was sick of their feasts and sacrifices and because of their sin would send them off to captivity again. In Roman's 12 Paul tells us: Love must be without hypocrisy. Detest evil; cling to what is good. Romans 12:9 If we love the poor, genuinely love them, we will do justice. What is justice? The concept of justice is based on numerous fields, and many differing viewpoints and perspectives including the concepts of moral correctness based on ethics, rationality, law, religion, equity and fairness. (Wikipedia) Justice is not just law or throwing money at people, it is more. Amen!

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 NLT Some of the burdens we carry are not ours to carry and we miss the guidance because we are anxious or troubled. It is only when we are at peace we can see clearly. Jesus only carried what He was meant to carry amd He spent a lot of time finding the mind of the Father so that He would get it right. Practice makes perfect! As we continue to seek Him our hearing improves. Don't give up yet!

“Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28‭-‬30 HCSB Compared to Jewish law Jesus was indeed light. He constantly ran into trouble with the Pharisees and Saducees for His 'light' interpretation of the law. He also ran into grief from His own cousin-John the Baptist who questioned why the disciples did not fast like his group did. We see in the early church new Gentile converts were constantly at risk from their Jewish brethren wanting to impose 'law' upon them, yet Paul, the pharisee of all pharisees defended their freedom against the exaction of the law. I suppose living so long under the law and knowing how keeping it pleased their God to suddenly be free in Christ and bringing other non-Jews in was fraught with difficulty. I know a little o...

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 NLT The Lord must love this mess an awful lot to be blind to the destruction and carnage and give it every opportunity to turn to Him and be set free by His Son's sacrifice. I struggle with the ugliness of killing babies, raping women and enslaving others. What evil designs this? What mentalities adapt to this? Yet Jesus came to give the most wicked every opportunity to repent and turn to Him for eternal life. What a crazy God! We do not understand this love but there it is and it is available to all. Take it and be whole! Amen!

“For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 HCSB What does it mean to perish? If you are left in the desert without food and water, you die naturally; if you spirit never tasted new birth life, it dies forever. I lived 19 years with a dead spirit and was very unhappy. I had tried to find the fullness of God that had been promised, and failed. Yet in this failed state, God came to me and spoke to me and opened my eyes. We are told an allegorical story in Genesis of Hagar and Ishmael being cast out by Sarah and they wandered, forlorn in the desert but God heard there cries and opened Hagar's eyes to water. Jesus told His followers He had come to give living water: On the last and most important day of the festival, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone is thirsty, he should come to Me and drink! The one who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, will have str...

The Message that points to Christ on the Cross seems like sheer silliness to those hellbent on destruction, but for those on the way of salvation it makes perfect sense. This is the way God works, and most powerfully as it turns out. It’s written, I’ll turn conventional wisdom on its head, I’ll expose so-called experts as crackpots. So where can you find someone truly wise, truly educated, truly intelligent in this day and age? Hasn’t God exposed it all as pretentious nonsense? Since the world in all its fancy wisdom never had a clue when it came to knowing God, God in his wisdom took delight in using what the world considered stupid— preaching , of all things!—to bring those who trust him into the way of salvation. 1 Corinthians 1:18‭-‬21 MSG When consumed with self and selfish ambitions the selfless act of the cross seems foolish. Yet when a person meets Christ and He calls them they meet amazing grace. Amazing grace sets us free. Amazing grace flows freely and never ends. Amaz...

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but it is God’s power to us who are being saved. 1 Corinthians 1:18 HCSB The message of the cross is only 'foolishness' to some. All those who do not yet know Christ are not all in this category. Our challenge is to find the treasure. How do we find the treasure in a mine? We dig, we sift. How do we make an opportunity to find treasure in our own backyard? We make room for people. I have made room for the people in my street and now watch as they talk to one another, children play with one another. Now I want more. I have a plan and God willing it will bear fruit. I am going to do two things: create a street kids club and also a Sunday morning pancake kitchen, once a month, in my backyard. I want a place my neighbors feel at home. As we make room for people then we both get to know one another and opportunities arise. If we are sowing seed then we will find the soil that yields the crop. We have t...