The day with dianne Louise

He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. Proverbs 2:8 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.2.8.nlt When all hell is breaking out, it may not seem as if God is guarding us, but He is there, keeping us from the knives of our enemies. We may see all that is happening around us and hear what the enemy is saying but if we keep our eyes on Jesus, He will bring us through. He must be our security and strength. He is the beginning and end of our faith, He is our song. Amen!

And here’s why: God gives out Wisdom free, is plainspoken in Knowledge and Understanding. He’s a rich mine of Common Sense for those who live well, a personal bodyguard to the candid and sincere. He keeps his eye on all who live honestly and pays special attention to his loyally committed ones. Proverbs 2:6‭-‬8 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/pro.2.6-8.MSG Our God is a God of common sense. We cannot manipulate the truth and put a fancy dress on it and call it righteousness. God is truth; His word is truth. We can trust His word and know that He backs His word. God is a bodyguard to the sincere. That has to be worth something! As we live His words and build our lives on His word He backs us up. He is our support and confidence. We can trust His word. It never fails. Amen!

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. Matthew 6:33 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/mat.6.33.HCSB It takes all our strength to seek first God. If we are honest our hearts wander after money, relationships and prestige. These and perhaps others are on a circular wire and they go round and round in our minds. To change the programme takes effort, much like a habit. We can train ourselves to keep our minds on Jesus and His kingdom and forsake all else. He is faithful and He is the provider. We can trust Him and cease from our own interfering ways. Amen!

“If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting , so you can respond to God’s giving . People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Matthew 6:30‭-‬33 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/mat.6.30-33.MSG I love: don't be worried about missing out! This is a biggie! I believe we have an enemy who harasses our minds with a thought about missing out. This could not be further from the truth. God has a plan for each of our lives which is unique. We can trust Him that His plan for us is His best. Try ...

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. Matthew 6:33 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/mat.6.33.HCSB It takes all our strength to seek first God. If we are honest our hearts wander after money, relationships and prestige. These and perhaps others are on a circular wire and they go round and round in our minds. To change the programme takes effort, much like a habit. We can train ourselves to keep our minds on Jesus and His kingdom and forsake all else. He is faithful and He is the provider. We can trust Him and cease from our own interfering ways. Amen!

He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. Proverbs 2:8 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.2.8.nlt When all hell is breaking out, it may not seem as if God is guarding us, but He is there, keeping us from the knives of our enemies. We may see all that is happening around us and hear what the enemy is saying but if we keep our eyes on Jesus, He will bring us through. He must be our security and strength. He is the beginning and end of our faith, He is our song. Amen!

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. John 14:27 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.14.27.nlt Peace is the most sought after state if being. It trumps money and prestige every time. A troubled soul devastated wealthy households just as a knife through butter. We see the result in the high rates of suicide. Unfortunately, we also see it in Christian homes as well. What causes a lack of peace? Why is peace hard to find? Real, soul releasing peace can only be found in Christ. We can carry the name Christian but if we do not seek Him as desperately as seeking air we will not find His peace. We will know about it but not live it. Jesus said: come to Me all you who are weary and heavy burdened and I will give you rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-30 We can be troubled with thoughts of comparison, failure, image, guilt, inadequacy. Being bullied does not help. The voic...

Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/col.3.13.nlt There are times when the nasty criticism on social media gets up my nose, like tonight. So, this message is good for me: Forgive! Jesus Himself faced constant criticism. Yet He forgave them saying: "Father forgive them for they know not what they do!" I must understand people hate what they don't understand. Lord bless them! Amen!

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/php.4.6.nlt I am reminded of the song that has the line: 'Don't worry, be happy!' (Song by Bobby McFerrin) There is more to not worrying though, we need to give it away. We can give it to people but the worry stays and increases in magnitude. So, who can carry such a burden? Paul tells us to pray. I have found God the only one able to carry such a burden, in fact, He does not carry it but dissolves it and gives us back peace in the bargain. In the Lord's prayer we see the prayer that acknowledges God as being mighty, first, then asks for daily needs, second, forgiveness third, and protection from evil, forth. Here we see three things that trouble us: lack, unforgiveness or conflict and temptation to do evil. Having a clean heart is a heart free from trouble. Daily making sure we have a clean heart, free...

Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/col.3.13.nlt Making allowance along with praying for those whose behaviour offends us sure does work. The fact that we pray for those who offend is an act of humility and humility does us good: it changes our hearts. Prayer breaks down the barriers between us and makes us both better people. Prayer allows grace to enter the arena and grace brings peace. So, humble yourself and see God move in spectacular ways. Amen!

Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the centre of your life. Philippians 4:6‭-‬7 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/php.4.6-7.MSG Worry likes to take centre-stage. It wants to possess us. Give it no room, instead yield to the Holy Spirit working in your life. Our God is so good! We can trust Gim to hear and to answer our prayers. Amen!

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/php.4.6.nlt I am reminded of the song that has the line: 'Don't worry, be happy!' (Song by Bobby McFerrin) There is more to not worrying though, we need to give it away. We can give it to people but the worry stays and increases in magnitude. So, who can carry such a burden? Paul tells us to pray. I have found God the only one able to carry such a burden, in fact, He does not carry it but dissolves it and gives us back peace in the bargain. In the Lord's prayer we see the prayer that acknowledges God as being mighty, first, then asks for daily needs, second, forgiveness third, and protection from evil, forth. Here we see three things that trouble us: lack, unforgiveness or conflict and temptation to do evil. Having a clean heart is a heart free from trouble. Daily making sure we have a clean heart, free...

Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/col.3.13.nlt There are times when the nasty criticism on social media gets up my nose, like tonight. So, this message is good for me: Forgive! Jesus Himself faced constant criticism. Yet He forgave them saying: "Father forgive them for they know not what they do!" I must understand people hate what they don't understand. Lord bless them! Amen!

Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/col.3.13.nlt Making allowance along with praying for those whose behaviour offends us sure does work. The fact that we pray for those who offend is an act of humility and humility does us good: it changes our hearts. Prayer breaks down the barriers between us and makes us both better people. Prayer allows grace to enter the arena and grace brings peace. So, humble yourself and see God move in spectacular ways. Amen!

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. John 14:27 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.14.27.NLT Peace gives us rest, contentment, good relationships and best of all good sleep. As Jesus said in the scripture above, His peace is way above what the world offers. Rejecting Him and His peace and rather attempting to create our own through holidays, sleep-ins and even meditation are all temporary and not eternal in nature. To receive this peace we must first come to Him and acknowledge Him as Lord. There is the rub! This will require humility. Are you able?

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. John 14:27 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.14.27.nlt Peace is the most sought after state if being. It trumps money and prestige every time. A troubled soul devastated wealthy households just as a knife through butter. We see the result in the high rates of suicide. Unfortunately, we also see it in Christian homes as well. What causes a lack of peace? Why is peace hard to find? Real, soul releasing peace can only be found in Christ. We can carry the name Christian but if we do not seek Him as desperately as seeking air we will not find His peace. We will know about it but not live it. Jesus said: come to Me all you who are weary and heavy burdened and I will give you rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-30 We can be troubled with thoughts of comparison, failure, image, guilt, inadequacy. Being bullied does not help. The voic...

Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Matthew 3:8 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.3.8.nlt May the love of God compel us as Christians to act: to feed the hungry, give solace to the hurting and heal the sick. Talk is cheap but actions speak. What do our actions say about who we are in Christ? May the Lord awaken His people to who they are and their God-given task. Amen!

Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Matthew 3:8 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.3.8.NLT The way we act shows what is going on in our hearts. If what rules our hearts is anxiety and fear then our faces show an image of anxiety and fear. If anger rules our hearts our face reveals an angry countenance. If Jesus is truly Lord of our hearts then His joy and peace shine forth. Whatever is bubbling away inside shines from our face. The challenge for the Christian is to become Christlike. For is that done? By spending time with God and those who know Him and allow Him to rule. He is glorious! Showing forth His glory is an honour. Amen!

And he believed! Believed God! God declared him “Set-Right-with-God.” Genesis 15:6 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/gen.15.6.MSG We must come to the place of belief. Does God? Will God? Is God able? These are all questions we face. Walking beside anyone over time, we come to know how much we can trust them. Knowing God is the same. Time with God teaches us He is faithful! Amen!

And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith. Genesis 15:6 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/gen.15.6.NLT This chapter of Genesis shows a divine encounter Abram has with God. We see Abram confront God with the fact that the only blessing he really wants is a son and God tells him he will have a son and from him, a multitude would come. The encounter is a divine one as God show up in an unusual way. Abram definitely is left with a memory that God met him and promised him an heir. This memory will need to last 25 years until Issac is born. How many divine encounters have you had with God? How many prophesies have you received? Bill Johnson is a man who keeps a record of his and visits them often, to remind himself that God said... Why not take the time to write your words from God down. God's word will come to pass if we do not throw away our hope. Amen!

Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry—but don’t use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don’t stay angry. Don’t go to bed angry. Don’t give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life. Ephesians 4:26‭-‬27 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/eph.4.26-27.MSG We need to be aware that certain behaviours open doors to the spirit world. Opening good doors are great but opening others, not only, subject us to a life we would not wish for but also subjects all our forebears as well. I remember well a deathbed scene in the life of a d ear friend of mine. He had a problem with bitterness towards certain people in his life for the wrong way they had treated him. What I saw was the embodiment of the spirit of bitterness, it was no longer the friend I knew. Anger can lead to murder, easily. Anger is like dynamite and needs to be handled with care. The above scriptures tell us to be 'angry but not sin'. (V.26) Sin opens doors. Keep those doors shut! ...

Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. Proverbs 1:7 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.1.7.NLT The foundation of any building is very important. Do it right and the building will stand for centuries, do it wrong and cracks will appear within the first decade. If we are in a hurry to 'appear' right and gain the attention you will hurry through important lessons. I remember as a high school student I despised grammar. Guess who is re-visiting it now at 65? Yes, me! As I prepare to further my studies in English and W riting I am obliged to have a refresher in grammar. Whilst I love words and what they can do I now must appreciate grammar and how it can bless the words I love. The same goes for the foundational truths in God's word. They are a must. Learn the basics first and well. Amen!

A wise man will listen and increase his learning, and a discerning man will obtain guidance — for understanding a proverb or a parable, the words of the wise, and their riddles. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline. Proverbs 1:5‭-‬7 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/pro.1.5-7.HCSB Fearing or respecting God is a good start as God created wisdom and His precepts hold wisdom togther. God's wisdom may not seem wisdom to us, especially when it does not make sense. There are a few aspects of God that does not make sense, the chief ones being His love and grace. We, being human, are not so gracious. Our grace is limited by our patience.  The interesting thing is: love is patient, love is kind. (1 cor 13.) Another aspect of God that does not makes sense is His longsuffering, but then, love is also longsuffering. (1 Cor 13) we want quick action. God takes His time but when He does act it is swift. Our failure to respect ...

You took off your former way of life, the old self that is corrupted by deceitful desires; you put on the new self, the one created according to God’s likeness in righteousness and purity of the truth. Ephesians 4:22‭, ‬24 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/eph.4.22-24.HCSB If I take off my dirty work clothes and put on fresh clean clothes after a shower, I would not go and again put on my dirty clothes. That would be foolish! When I became 'born again' I was washed clean and made new in Christ. Why would I turn around and jump back into filth? I have been given a new heart. My desires are made new. The enemy of my soul would try and convince me to give up my freedom by lying to me about the freedom Christ gives me. Call a lie a lie and refuse to yield your freedom. 'Stand fast therefore in the liberty where for Christ has made you free and do not again be entangled by the yoke of bondage'. Gal 5:1

Praise the Lord! Yes, give praise, O servants of the Lord. Praise the name of the Lord! Blessed be the name of the Lord now and forever. Everywhere—from east to west— praise the name of the Lord. For the Lord is high above the nations; his glory is higher than the heavens. Psalms 113:1‭-‬4 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.113.1-4.NLT Have you ever noticed how many times God's people went out to battle and the singers went first? Or how many times the king or leader led the people in worship? Remember Paul and Silas in prison and they were singing worship songs ? Worship opens doors and causes chains to drop off. Worship the Lord and see your life change! How good it is to be in worship! It cleanses the soul! Amen!

Hallelujah! You who serve God, praise God! Just to speak his name is praise! Just to remember God is a blessing— now and tomorrow and always. From east to west, from dawn to dusk, keep lifting all your praises to God! Psalm 113:1‭-‬3 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/psa.113.1-3.MSG It is good to praise! Worship is good for the soul. Worship lifts burdens. Worship brings in the presence of God. Yet will I praise You! No matter what happens I will praise You. You are worthy of all praise. Amen!

Praise the Lord! Yes, give praise, O servants of the Lord. Praise the name of the Lord! Blessed be the name of the Lord now and forever. Everywhere—from east to west— praise the name of the Lord. For the Lord is high above the nations; his glory is higher than the heavens. Psalms 113:1‭-‬4 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.113.1-4.NLT Have you ever noticed how many times God's people went out to battle and the singers went first? Or how many times the king or leader led the people in worship? Remember Paul and Silas in prison and they were singing worship songs ? Worship opens doors and causes chains to drop off. Worship the Lord and see your life change! How good it is to be in worship! It cleanses the soul! Amen!

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 NLT Finding new strength. New strength is needed after exhaustion. Exhaustion comes after a great struggle, great work, great grief. Are you exhausted? Rest in the Lord. Jesus said: Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me for I am meek and humble and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28-30 (my paraphrase) I have been working consistently hard this week in preparing for my uni courses due to start on July 8th. I am discovering what I do not know and am excited about all that I will learn. Each day I am tired by about 4 pm, so I get my dog and go for a jog. I am much more energised. By spending time with the Lord, first in the day, I have the energy to begin. He is good and He never fails me. Amen!

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 NLT Finding new strength. New strength is needed after exhaustion. Exhaustion comes after a great struggle, great work, great grief. Are you exhausted? Rest in the Lord. Jesus said: Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me for I am meek and humble and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28-30 (my paraphrase) I have been working consistently hard this week in preparing for my uni courses due to start on July 8th. I am discovering what I do not know and am excited about all that I will learn. Each day I am tired by about 4 pm, so I get my dog and go for a jog. I am much more energised. By spending time with the Lord, first in the day, I have the energy to begin. He is good and He never fails me. Amen!

but those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 HCSB Have you ever had to run or chosen to run? The next day you are sore in your muscles and joints. After running for some time you are breathless and need to stop unless you have trained and regularly run marathons. As a Christian, our walk is likened to a race by the author of Hebrews. In chapter 11 he talks of us being surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, cheering us on. Not only do we have the Holy Spirit who strengthens us, but we also have those who have gone before us cheering us on. We are not alone in this walk of ours, we have good company, one of whom strengthens us from within. Thank You Lord! Amen!

but those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 HCSB Have you ever had to run or chosen to run? The next day you are sore in your muscles and joints. After running for some time you are breathless and need to stop unless you have trained and regularly run marathons. As a Christian, our walk is likened to a race by the author of Hebrews. In chapter 11 he talks of us being surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, cheering us on. Not only do we have the Holy Spirit who strengthens us, but we also have those who have gone before us cheering us on. We are not alone in this walk of ours, we have good company, one of whom strengthens us from within. Thank You Lord! Amen!

This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to recite it day and night so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do. Joshua 1:8 HCSB Joshua did not know that the apostle John would say of Jesus: He is the word made flesh. (John 1:14) However, have you noticed, usually, they who know their bibles know the truth in it? The more one knows Jesus the more freedom they walk in. God had instructed His people, through Moses, to learn His ways by repetition. Joshua had been there and he had hungered for more of God. Now Joshua is giving the same instruction. The Christian is told to 'dwell in Christ' John 15, this can only be done by intimacy through prayer and Bible reading. We can know God in a way the Israelites could not, for now, He dwells in us. We are the temples God lives in. How blessed! Amen!

If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you. John 15:7 HCSB Stay where you are! Don't move! Sound familiar? Parents would invariably say this to there children at least once in their lifetime. Our God is saying the same: stay in Me! Trust Me! Don't wander thinking you know best! Fear causes us to jump when we should stay still. Anxiety causes us to meddle when we should trust. Stay!

This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to recite it day and night so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do. Joshua 1:8 HCSB Knowing God, intimately, brings blessing. I have more than enough for my needs and an abundance for every good work, that He gives me. The promise in the scripture above is not so that I can spend all I receive on myself. God has good works prepared for me to do. What are the works He has for you to do? Have you asked Him? I can guarantee they will be packed with adventure. Enjoy!

This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to recite it day and night so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do. Joshua 1:8 HCSB Joshua did not know that the apostle John would say of Jesus: He is the word made flesh. (John 1:14) However, have you noticed, usually, they who know their bibles know the truth in it? The more one knows Jesus the more freedom they walk in. God had instructed His people, through Moses, to learn His ways by repetition. Joshua had been there and he had hungered for more of God. Now Joshua is giving the same instruction. The Christian is told to 'dwell in Christ' John 15, this can only be done by intimacy through prayer and Bible reading. We can know God in a way the Israelites could not, for now, He dwells in us. We are the temples God lives in. How blessed! Amen!

If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you. John 15:7 HCSB Stay where you are! Don't move! Sound familiar? Parents would invariably say this to there children at least once in their lifetime. Our God is saying the same: stay in Me! Trust Me! Don't wander thinking you know best! Fear causes us to jump when we should stay still. Anxiety causes us to meddle when we should trust. Stay!

But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! John 15:7 NLT In the book of Ruth, we see Boaz tell Ruth, a foreigner, to stay in his field and then he makes sure she has more than enough. Jesus came from this line and He goes further and says: if you remain in Me you can ask whatever you want and it will be done. Yesterday I had dealings with our tax office to ask for help with a supposed tax bill of $8,500. The ledgers showed a profit because the principle on a loan was not counted as deductible in my previous business. As you can imagine I was met with tax law. I made an arrangement to pay and then wrote it all out in a letter to the highest in the land, my Prime Minister. The tax system has injustices in it and is cold and hard. However, my God is good and kind. Our PM is a God-fearing man and if anyone can help, he can. I am told by Jesus to have simple faith and I do. Now I will wait and pray. Amen!

So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.” Luke 11:13 NLT If we think that receiving the Holy Spirit is difficult or that we need to be especially holy, then we are mistaken. Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit after He returned to heaven. He laid out no criteria then the initial disciples had to wait and pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Nowadays He comes very easily to hungry hearts. The hungrier we are the more He is willing to pour into us. Hunger = provision. Read the book of Acts and see what having the Holy Spirit did for those who found Him. He is power! Amen!

“So I say to you, keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who searches finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead of a fish? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him? ” Luke 11:9‭-‬11‭, ‬13 HCSB Chapter 11 deals with prayer. The disciples had asked Jesus how to pray. Firstly He gives them the Lord's Prayer and then goes on with the above. Why did Jesus instruct them to be persistent in prayer if it was not important? I have caught this: I have a list and daily pray my list; my list grows. I am seeing answers to prayer. Hard, immovable things are softening, changes are being done. Pray with all diligence and see G...

As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him. Psalms 103:13 HCSB Any natural father enjoys a son or daughter who respects and reveres them. How much more our heavenly father? As a grandmother, I enjoy and look forward to the interaction with my grandchildren who delight in conversation with me. How much does our Heavenly Father enjoy the love and respect of His children? A lot! We see how the Father spoke from heaven about His Son, even before His ministry started. Obviously His time in oblivion was noticed by His Father. We do not need to be centre stage to have His attention. Amen!

“So I say to you, keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who searches finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead of a fish? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him? ” Luke 11:9‭-‬11‭, ‬13 HCSB Chapter 11 deals with prayer. The disciples had asked Jesus how to pray. Firstly He gives them the Lord's Prayer and then goes on with the above. Why did Jesus instruct them to be persistent in prayer if it was not important? I have caught this: I have a list and daily pray my list; my list grows. I am seeing answers to prayer. Hard, immovable things are softening, changes are being done. Pray with all diligence and see G...

As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him. Psalms 103:13 HCSB Any natural father enjoys a son or daughter who respects and reveres them. How much more our heavenly father? As a grandmother, I enjoy and look forward to the interaction with my grandchildren who delight in conversation with me. How much does our Heavenly Father enjoy the love and respect of His children? A lot! We see how the Father spoke from heaven about His Son, even before His ministry started. Obviously His time in oblivion was noticed by His Father. We do not need to be centre stage to have His attention. Amen!

As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him. Psalms 103:13 HCSB Do you struggle to believe you have a loving father? For those of us who have had a not so loving earthly father, there are times we struggle to believe our heavenly Father loves us that much. Yet our heavenly Father is far above the most loving earthly father we have ever met. This statement by David was not a formal statement but rather one filled with compassion. Think of the fathers whose hearts have been torn for their children and visible show their grief. My father did not show positive emotion most of my life but I have one or two memories from when I was very small which I go, to remember a loving father. Don't give up praying for those things that seem to be forgotten: the family, the healing, the provision, the fulfilment in relationships. Write a list and pray it daily. Be insistent in prayer! Amen!

Honour your father and mother, which is the first commandment with a promise, Ephesians 6:2 HCSB Honouring parents has two strands: respecting who they are as the ones who gave us life or those who raised us; behaving, ourselves, in a way that brings honour to our parents. If we honour God first, we do them the greatest honour. As honouring God, for He gave us breath, He chose us with destiny and gave us to our parents for them to raise us. Honouring my dead father is not denigrating him but being grateful for the good. As my mum is still living I care for her as she needs to be, not as an inconvenience but as a treasure. I give mum room to be herself and not expect her to adapt to me, totally. This is still a relationship, two-way. Honour is for the position our parents have. They were before us. Whilst we may not do what they do or like what they like we can give them honour for who they are.

God in His holy dwelling is a father of the fatherless and a champion of widows. Psalms 68:5 HCSB We don't often expect the rich and famous to care for the poor. When they do we are amazed. How much less does mankind expect God to be interested in their plight? To believe that God in heaven, in His Holy dwelling is interested in us takes faith but when faith is found, so is a relationship. How good is that? The relationship is not stiff and starchy, but rather warm and loving. That is harder to believe but it is true. Our God is interested in a Father/ child relationship with us. He is no despot seeking to control but rather a father seeking to love. Amen!

God in His holy dwelling is a father of the fatherless and a champion of widows. God provides homes for those who are deserted. He leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious live in a scorched land. Psalms 68:5‭-‬6 HCSB As I ponder my government's attitude to refugees I wonder how protecting our borders fits in. Australia being an island has few of the problems that other countries do. For a time we had people smugglers bringing boatloads of people to our shores but a strong stance by our government has all but stopped this. A government must protect borders, yet people must do humanitarian aid to those in need. The dilemma is: what does this look like? Myself, I would welcome God's people who have to flee persecution. I know I would want to have the same help. Always, the question is: where is God in all this? What would He have us do? I meet new Australians regularly and we have our share in my city. I help that God brings me. I would not like the role ...

Above all, maintain an intense love for each other, since love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8 HCSB Most of us would equate intense love as that felt in 'first love, ' or the moment our first child is born. Yet how do I love others with such a love? I don't think I am capable of 'intense love' for others without the Holy Spirit. He fills me with a love for certain people that He wants me to spend time with. Usually, these are unsaved folk. Without the Holy Spirit, I am as fickle as the next person. He is not and He does not discriminate. He works to bring to pass the Fathers will. The best I can do is obey. Amen! Welcome the Holy Spirit into your life and ask Him to help you love. You might be surprised!

Above all, maintain an intense love for each other, since love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8 HCSB I have both a sister and a friend who stirs up the beast in me. When they seek to dominate me I fight. Yet both of these women are gems and I would not be without them. Why do they annoy me? Probably because I am the same and must acknowledge that. Yet just as I have valuable parts and love deeply, so do they. Therefore, I must extend to them the same grace that is afforded me. If I choose to love them, I will pray for them that God uses them both for His glory. Amen!

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. 1 Timothy 2:1‭-‬2 NLT Last week I had a situation where I felt gutted but within 30 minutes I sensed someone praying for me. Thank you! I went on to rise up with renewed strength and woke the next morning with a strategy. The strategy, so far, has proven successful! Praise God! I have had many, many times like this and I value the prayer of others so much. Remember to keep praying, God is using your prayers for good. Amen!

Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, is not boastful, is not conceited, does not act improperly, is not selfish, is not provoked, and does not keep a record of wrongs. 1 Corinthians 13:4‭-‬5 HCSB To provoke is to anger, enrage, vex or exasperate. Do you have anyone in your life like this? People all around us and people suffer variously and therefore exasperate us with how they behave in their suffering, whether it be real or imaginary. Yesterday I watched a miraculous deliverance. Well, I am being a little facetious. My elderly mother had, for a few weeks an annoying cough, nothing serious but it looked like it troubled her and her behaviour changed because of it. Upon visiting her doctor she was suddenly well. I was able to see externally what we all go through. An annoying spirit keeps at our minds that we are dying from some horrible disease and it nags and nags us and we become burdened by the nagging. It is only when we visit our doctor and obtain sy...

The peacemakers are blessed, for they will be called sons of God. Matthew 5:9 HCSB How good to be called a son of God. Isn't it interesting that we would consider other attributes rather than being a peacemaker? Most of us would consider service more important yet making peace is right up there. How do we make peace? Forgive? Lay down judgement? Become long suffering? Let us become peacemakers? Remember that old song: 'what the world needs now is love sweet love, that's the only thing that there's just too little of.' Try it! You might just enjoy being a peacemaker. Amen!

The peacemakers are blessed, for they will be called sons of God. Matthew 5:9 HCSB I don't know about you, but forever I had considered 'peacemakers' to be 'peacekeepers.' I was a peacekeeper but when I found out the difference I was challenged to be the maker of peace. One makes it and one keeps it. However, to make peace first, King David had to subdue a few enemies first. In other words, peace comes from confronting and conquering enemies first. The enemies may be the whispering criticism of Satan or those in his employ. Can you smell a critical spirit? It is wise to learn this skill as this enemy undoes many relationships. A critical spirit is a divider. If we carry such a spirit we need to repent and cast it off. You will be amazed how clearly you see once it is gone! Pray, bless and release all those whom you struggle with and see things change. Amen!

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 HCSB What do we need power for? I am grateful that I have electric power to run my washing machine, my oven, my appliances and to heat my home. My appliances need the power to operate. My car uses petrol to run. I need food, water, rest to function as a human being. As a Christian, I need the power of the Holy Spirit to function effectively. To be 'hot' for God I need the Holy Spirit. The opposite, cold or lukewarm are ineffective. The Holy Spirit can be a great friend and guide. Why not introduce yourself to Him today? You won't regret it!

He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or periods that the Father has set by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:7‭-‬8 HCSB Right up to this event- the ascension of Jesus did the disciples persist with their hope: the restoration of the kingdom of Israel. The man had his eyes on an earthly kingdom and Jesus had His eyes on the heavenly kingdom. We persist in our hopes and dreams and God has a higher purpose- His kingdom. We can be certain God has a plan for our lives- the propagation of the gospel and the making of disciples. He is not into creating a kingdom for us, to spoil us and see us tied up with our eyes on earthly things. His kingdom has a higher purpose, always. May Your kingdom come, Your will be done! Amen!

“I’m telling you these things while I’m still living with you. The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught. John 14:25‭-‬27 MSG There are many things that make us distraught: relationship challenges; financial instability; mental instability. Distress makes us reach for a panacea to cover the pain. Yet the really best way to deal with the pain is facing it. Facing our pains, dealing with the causes, cleanses the wounds and allows healing. The Holy Spirit is the very best person to be with us in all areas of healing and the facing of reality. We need to be mindful that having the Holy Spirit does not mean we are magic...

But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. John 14:26 NLT The word advocate means an intercessor; one who pleads the case of another. We have such an advocate: the Holy Spirit. He takes all we know about God and His promises and reminds us when we especially need them. When we are in distress we are hampered by fear and our hearing becomes dull. At these times we have the 'still small voice ' speaking to us on Gods behalf. We can trust Him, He is an advocate sent by Jesus to assist us. I know for those of us who face court we hope for such an advocate. Israel Folau, our Australian Christian footballer, who was sacked for preaching the gospel, is trusting God to be his advocate. The Holy Spirit is God's presence on the earth. We can trust Him. Amen!

God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 1:9 NLT What is a holy life? Do I need to become a nun or priest? Must I live in isolation? No! We are also called to be a light in a dark place. If we are totally separated to a safe, 'holy' place, we are not able to shine into a dark place. Having said this, parents need to be wise in regard to their own children and not cause them to go into danger. We can choose for ourselves, but then again we need to consider how our choices affect our families. It must be a hard call for parents called to be missionaries, taking their children into potentially risky situations. I have contact with several who serve in Nepal and who have taken their children with them. To date all are well and God has been good to them. In some countries, choosing to be a Christian carries a potenti...

He has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began. 2 Timothy 1:9 HCSB God had planned on having me on this earth and I came at just the right time. I am here for a plan He has. I don't have to invent a plan of my own. He has it all in hand. As I seek Him he is guiding me and leading me in His paths. He brings His purposes across my path. My role is to see these tasks and rise to them. Joy comes from fulfilling these tasks not from seeking my own pleasure. As I take up the tasks God has for me, His grace sustains me. He is my strength and song! Amen!

At that time, this song will be sung in the country of Judah: We have a strong city, Salvation City, built and fortified with salvation. Throw wide the gates so good and true people can enter. People with their minds set on you, you keep completely whole, Steady on their feet, because they keep at it and don’t quit. Depend on God and keep at it because in the Lord God you have a sure thing. Those who lived high and mighty he knocked off their high horse. He used the city built on the hill as fill for the marshes. All the exploited and outcast peoples build their lives on the reclaimed land. Isaiah 26:1‭-‬6 MSG Imagine living in the kingdom of God! How good will that be! Here's a challenge: let's build His Kingdom here on earth. ( may Your kingdom come, Your will be done) By living in dependence on God and praying His Kingdom into being we start to see this happen. Amen!

You will keep the mind that is dependent on You in perfect peace, for it is trusting in You. Isaiah 26:3 HCSB My eyes are on You Lord You are my peace You are my quiet You are my rock I come to You, out from the noise Refreshing is here Rest is here Restoration is here! I have a place where I can go A mountain of splendour To the gates of majesty. My eternal rest is here My answers are here My life is here. Out of this place of rest I live. God alone I trust He alone is faithful He alone strengthens my soul He alone is my comfort, my hope! How blessed am I!

But I know my living Redeemer, and He will stand on the dust at last. Job 19:25 HCSB Because He lives I can face tomorrow; because He lives all fear is gone, and now I know, yes I know, He holds the future , and life is worth the living just because He lives. ( Chenoworth ) Our confidence is in what Christ has done, not in what I can do. He is my confidence! Amen!

Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help. Hebrews 4:14‭-‬16 MSG Jesus trained for the day to end all days; He was ready, willing and able. He won the prize! We are the prize! Let's trust Him with our lives. He will not fail us! Amen!

Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time. Hebrews 4:16 HCSB Ever watched little children boldly ask their father for gifts? Ever been such a child? We have such a Father who is waiting to hear from us. The Lord's Prayer addresses this: 'Our Father' and 'give us today our daily bread.' We can come boldly because of Jesus. He restored the Fatherly relationship between us and our God. Roman's 8:15 tells us that: by the Spirit you received you cry 'Abba Father.' Daddy! One who cries out 'Daddy!' Knows this relationship. Cry out now and see if He does not respond! Amen!

My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world. 1 John 2:1‭-‬2 NLT Note: the goal in John's letter was to encourage his readers to not sin and to know, if they do sin Jesus has made a way for forgiveness. It is possible to not sin, if I am in Christ. It is when my flesh wants to step outside of Christ I get into trouble. What makes me step out: emotional reactions to stuff happening. Things happen that make us sad, glad and mad. When we feel strong emotions there is a prompting to: eat, drink or partake in what is not good and leads us to sin. Today I had a bad experience and felt slapped down. My emotions were torn. However after the parade of solutions came to mind I thought: what is my example to others? ...

That’s why I don’t think there’s any comparison between the present hard times and the coming good times. The created world itself can hardly wait for what’s coming next. Everything in creation is being more or less held back. God reins it in until both creation and all the creatures are ready and can be released at the same moment into the glorious times ahead. Meanwhile, the joyful anticipation deepens. Romans 8:18‭-‬21 MSG Who remembers joyful anticipation in childhood? Most of us do. Christmas is a big one. The night before Christmas children struggle to sleep as they lie awake wondering what they will receive for Christmas. I am 65 amd still have these memories. I remember waking up some time after midnight and sneaking out to the Christmas tree and feeling all the presents to see if I could guess what they were. Adults need to foster anticipation more. It tends to wane after the children come and we settle into 'normal living.'occasionally a ...

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us. Romans 8:18 HCSB Childbirth gives a woman a glimpse of this truth. The pain in conception, for some, carrying for others and finally birth, for most, are traumatic but the resultant child is worth it all. During our trials we are pregnant with God's promise. When His promise is fulfilled in us we are overcome with joy. How wonderful! God's plan is reveal His glory in us. If we are not a fit vessel yet, we become that vessel in trial or not at all. Resentment and bitterness are signs of failure to transform. I have watched a bitter man die. It was ugly! Don't go there!

Whoever goes hunting for what is right and kind finds life itself— glorious life! Proverbs 21:21 MSG Life glorious life found in Christ! Imagine being in a room with many doors, you are sick and distressed. You try each door in turn and find hopelessness and failure, but finally one door opens to bright sunshine. Meeting you at the door is a most loving man who beckons you to follow. You decide it is worth a try. Suddenly he walks out into what seems as nothingness and turns and beckons to you. Fear grips you and you are afraid to move. However you reason: 'I am sick, lost and alone. I may as well die trying.' You step out only to find a path beneath your feet. How grateful are you to find the right door amd travel on the right path? Remember this next time you don't feel like going to fellowship or sharing your faith. Amen!

The one who pursues righteousness and faithful love will find life, righteousness, and honor. Proverbs 21:21 HCSB What do you seek today? Ease? A rest after a hard week? Or are you working today, endeavouring to find that breakthrough into riches? In the proverb above we see a different pursuit: righteousness and faithful love. These I find in Christ and as today is Sunday I will pursue Him more earnestly. What we seek we find. Jesus told a parable about a man who found a precious pearl and went and sold all that he had and bought that pearl. He likened the kingdom of God to that pearl. He also told us to seek first His kingdom and all else would be added to us. Note the person who seeks righteousness, in Christ, along with faithful love will find life, righteousness and honour. An abundance is found in Christ. Amen!

It wasn’t so long ago that we ourselves were stupid and stubborn, dupes of sin, ordered every which way by our glands, going around with a chip on our shoulder, hated and hating back. But when God, our kind and loving Savior God, stepped in, he saved us from all that. It was all his doing; we had nothing to do with it. He gave us a good bath, and we came out of it new people, washed inside and out by the Holy Spirit. Our Savior Jesus poured out new life so generously. God’s gift has restored our relationship with him and given us back our lives. And there’s more life to come—an eternity of life! You can count on this. I want you to put your foot down. Take a firm stand on these matters so that those who have put their trust in God will concentrate on the essentials that are good for everyone. Stay away from mindless, pointless quarreling over genealogies and fine print in the law code. That gets you nowhere. Warn a quarrelsome person once or twice, but then be do...

Remind them (outsiders) to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to slander no one, to avoid fighting, and to be kind, always showing gentleness to all people. For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved by various passions and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, detesting one another. But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us — not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy — through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. He poured out this Spirit on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior so that, having been justified by His grace, we may become heirs with the hope of eternal life. This saying is trustworthy. I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed God might be careful to devote themselves to good works. These are good and profitable for everyone. But avoid foolish debate...