The day with dianne Louise

So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever. 2 Corinthians 4:16‭-‬18 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/2co.4.16-18.MSG Hard times are small potatoes, really! However, a potato under a foot or stuck in your trousers could be uncomfortable. However, small potatoes can be extricated, cooked and mashed, and eaten. Do we need to worry about small potatoes? No! Keeping correct focus is always, always important. Trusting God is paramount!

So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. 2 Corinthians 4:18 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/2co.4.18.NLT We can be caught in worry and anxiety as our thoughts and sights are caught on gazing at problems. This is exactly what our enemy wants us to do. In the Old Testament, we read about King Hezekiah who was besieged by an Assyrian who boasted God would not deliver him. However, as Hezekiah sought the Lord and had his people do the same, God won a victory for him and the Assyrian we're enticed away and that Assyrian's sons killed him while he worshipped his foreign god. Our afflictions boast loudly and want all the attention. However, as we discipline our thoughts and hearts to see what is beyond now and we begin to confess that reality instead. We love to moan and complain and seek attention. Not good! Praise and worship...

For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. Matthew 7:2 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.7.2.NLT If we want to be treated kindly, then we should sow kindness. If we want to be treated fairly, then we should be fair. If we want others to love us, then we should show love. Simple! Sow the harvest you want!

For with the judgment you use, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Matthew 7:2 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/mat.7.2.HCSB Are you starting to be annoyed with others and little judgemental thinking is creeping in? Flush it and spend time in the Lord's presence. Forgive and move on. Today I must forgive myself. My shoulder was healing well and yesterday I did too much and today I am in pain. Allowing myself to heal completely is a challenge. Who do you need to forgive? A friend who let you down, who said they would come and visit and did not arrive and two days later did not call to explain? Forgive anyway! Are you annoyed at God for unfulfilled promises? Realise the problem is yours. Your time-line and His are different. Forgive and be patient! Amen!

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

I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalms 91:2 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/psa.91.2.HCSB Note, this scripture says the Lord is my refuge. My refuge can only be the Lord. It cannot be the bottle, drugs, illicit sex, our friends or family. No one but God is enough. He alone is good. Insisting that anything but God must sustain us is foolish and will disappoint us. We will despair of our relationships and in turn, neglect them for our imagined slight. Our God has a love that is unparallel anywhere else. It sustains better than any other. It touches the deepest hurt, the worst scars. Turn to Him, sit in your disaster before Him and allow Him to heal you and minister to you. He does this best. Amen!

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will no longer exist; grief, crying, and pain will exist no longer, because the previous things have passed away. Revelation 21:4 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/rev.21.4.hcsb I can say I am looking forward to heaven: being eternally alive, we'll and free from pain. I am also looking forward to being in my Lord's presence physically. My life on earth is short in comparison to what it will be in eternity. What I do here, I sow to my future there. I am learning here what I will use there. I can not live as if this life is all there is, how stingy of me, how stingy of God. Rather eternity is what in my soul and it is one with my God. Eternity is what this life is all about. Look up!

So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you. 1 Peter 5:6 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/1pe.5.6.msg Our Gods goal is to change us into the image of His Son. His Son was free. His goal is that we also will be free! How good is that? As He sets us free He prepares a banquet for us in the presence of our enemies, who are in chains, by the way. Amen

David blessed God in full view of the entire congregation: Blessed are you, God of Israel, our father from of old and forever. To you, O God , belong the greatness and the might, the glory, the victory, the majesty, the splendour; Yes! Everything in heaven, everything on earth; the kingdom all yours! You’ve raised yourself high over all. Riches and glory come from you, you’re ruler over all; You hold strength and power in the palm of your hand to build up and strengthen all. And here we are, O God, our God, giving thanks to you, praising your splendid Name. 1 Chronicles 29:10‭-‬13 MSG https://bible.com /bible/97/1ch.29.10-13.MSG We give glory all the time. It may not be to God but rather to the spokesperson, a politician, a musician, a singer, a painter or poet. Unfortunately, not all are worthy of glory. Our God gives gifts to men and we should not assume we have appropriated them ourselves. We take glory for ourselves and become proud and puffed up. However,...

Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the splendor and the majesty, for everything in the heavens and on earth belongs to You. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom, and You are exalted as head over all. 1 Chronicles 29:11 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/1ch.29.11.hcsb Whenever we see some created thing that causes us to marvel we praise the designer. The One who designed and made the heavens and earth is beyond understanding. As I study the stars and the amazing galaxies, the nebula, the planets and all that has been made I am in awe. God made all this! It is a struggle to comprehend a being that created all we see, but He did and is there and most wonderful of all: He wants a relationship with me. Now, this is One worth knowing! I can invite Him to visit any time of the day and He is there. How good is that? Praise Him!

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack. He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. Psalms 23:1‭-‬2 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/psa.23.1-2.hcsb Living in rural Australia I see sheep often. Shepherds here, at present, are hand-feeding their sheep, as we are in a drought. I saw on the news that some local women are adopting the lambs, knitting them jackets and bottle feeding them, we'll that is different! However, they are being very well looked after. Shepherds, or farmers, as we call them here, tend to their sheep, as they are their livelihood. Jesus tends to us because we are His own. Jesus has pastures for us to feed on and lie down in, we should allow Him to lead us. Our pastures are our spiritual homes. We need to belong. Find a home and stay there. It is good for your soul. Amen!

God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. Psalm 23:1‭-‬3 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/psa.23.1-3.MSG Catching our breath is a gift. We are driven daily by the demands of children, work and the sports we give ourselves to. Note, I said, 'give ourselves to. Yet each of us longs for space, for 'time out', refreshment. Tonight I was blessed to partake in what my church calls 'overflow.' We had a time of worship and waiting on God. He set me free of more that I was unaware of. How good is our God. In worship, He defeats our enemies. Amen!

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack. He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. Psalms 23:1‭-‬2 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/psa.23.1-2.hcsb Living in rural Australia I see sheep often. Shepherds here, at present, are hand-feeding their sheep, as we are in a drought. I saw on the news that some local women are adopting the lambs, knitting them jackets and bottle feeding them, we'll that is different! However, they are being very well looked after. Shepherds, or farmers, as we call them here, tend to their sheep, as they are their livelihood. Jesus tends to us because we are His own. Jesus has pastures for us to feed on and lie down in, we should allow Him to lead us. Our pastures are our spiritual homes. We need to belong. Find a home and stay there. It is good for your soul. Amen!

Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus , who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there , in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls! Hebrews 12:1‭-‬3 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/heb.12.1-3.MSG We have such a great reason to persevere, not only are we being watched by our families, friends and neighbours, we are also being watched from above. All th...

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. Hebrews 12:1 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/heb.12.1.nlt Marathon runners know how to run with endurance, they prepare and pace themselves. Preparation involves practice, mental and physical and repetition, again and again. A Christian is a marathon runner in life. Endurance is proved again and again by resisting sin, repentance, resistance, repentance, again and again. Each time there is growth and stamina built in. In 2017 I trained to swim a 2km swim. I started small and added laps daily. I had to deal with an injury, muscle soreness and exhaustion. I ate right, thought right and looked at improving my stroke. However, although I could manage the distance I wanted to be faster and this is where I hurt myself. I discovered I pushed to...

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. Hebrews 12:1 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/heb.12.1.nlt Marathon runners know how to run with endurance, they prepare and pace themselves. Preparation involves practice, mental and physical and repetition, again and again. A Christian is a marathon runner in life. Endurance is proved again and again by resisting sin, repentance, resistance, repentance, again and again. Each time there is growth and stamina built in. In 2017 I trained to swim a 2km swim. I started small and added laps daily. I had to deal with an injury, muscle soreness and exhaustion. I ate right, thought right and looked at improving my stroke. However, although I could manage the distance I wanted to be faster and this is where I hurt myself. I discovered I pushed to...

I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings. Hosea 6:6 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/hos.6.6.NLT Showing love is not just something I do when I feel warm and fuzzy, in fact, if I rely on warm and fuzzy, it probably is not very deep. How do you feel when people fish all over you in an instant and then turn away to another project? Do you feel loved? No? What am I not surprised? This is felt more acutely when you are struggling with devastation. Your ability to cope with pain is diminished by the pain. Therefore, you are injured to a greater degree than you would when all things are fine. The moral is: let love be genuine. Romans 12:9. Asking God for His heart is always smart. His heart is way better, as is His love. Amen!

For I desire loyalty and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. Hosea 6:6 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/hos.6.6.hcsb Sacrifice comes from the law unless prompted by love. Loving sacrifice coming from a relationship does not bind. I grew up in Catholicism and understood the law, it was all I knew when I thought of God as I was outside of His love. Giving comes from relationship, it is a generosity that is washed with love, desires to love and shower the one loved with gifts. When we love we are loyal, merciful and kind. God wants us to know Him not feel obligated to Him. We can love Him, He is good and worthy to be loved. Amen!

For I desire loyalty and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. Hosea 6:6 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/hos.6.6.hcsb Sacrifice comes from the law unless prompted by love. Loving sacrifice coming from a relationship does not bind. I grew up in Catholicism and understood the law, it was all I knew when I thought of God as I was outside of His love. Giving comes from relationship, it is a generosity that is washed with love, desires to love and shower the one loved with gifts. When we love we are loyal, merciful and kind. God wants us to know Him not feel obligated to Him. We can love Him, He is good and worthy to be loved. Amen!

And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/php.4.19.hcsb Every need supplied! Note: every NEED supplied. When I have resources and demand comes along I determine if the demand is a need or a want, is God's provision here for this? God only knows what He will pay for. I can not convince Him a demand is a NEED when He thinks otherwise. There are also times when He surprises me with a gift that supplies a desire that is not a need. This shows me how awesome He is. Rather than becoming frustrated with God, I firstly self-assess. His provision may well be for a need He sees coming. I can trust Him and use wisdom to manage my finances. Amen!

A thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance. John 10:10 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/jhn.10.10.hcsb Wherever abundance is, thieves are not far away. We have an enemy who seeks to plunder all joy and blessing and put it down under. Yet bold are we to stand and say: "My God in You, we delight!" No enemy can take my heritage When I am here to share His might. In God I trust, in God, I stay, I will not be lost amidst the fray. I will shine and show His glory Reveal His wonder more today. Be blessed!

A thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance. John 10:10 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/jhn.10.10.hcsb If we are not experiencing a full life, we are being robbed. Do we know how he is entering our lives? Many years ago, whilst living in Gosford, a robber entered our home during the day, whilst we were at work. Returning home to see the devastation he wrought was disempowering. He had stolen my mother's locket, an item I prized. Although we had insurance it never replaced the item stolen. How did he enter the house? Through an open door downstairs. How does our enemy enter our lives? Through an open door. We do not know our defences are down, but he does, that is his job. The Lord's prayer tells us to pray for protection from evil, and so we should pray. We should forgive, as unforgiveness opens the door as does anger and bitterness, pride and arrogance. Yet humble repentant prayer cleanses us. Amen...

“The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They’re full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don’t fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this: Our Father in heaven, Reveal who you are. Set the world right; Do what’s best— as above, so below. Keep us alive with three square meals. Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others. Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil. You’re in charge! You can do anything you want! You’re ablaze in beauty! Yes. Yes. Yes. Matthew 6:7‭-‬13 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/mat.6.7-13.MSG Relationship is so much better!

“‘Men and women who have lived wisely and well will shine brilliantly, like the cloudless, star-strewn night skies. And those who put others on the right path to life will glow like stars forever. Daniel 12:3 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/dan.12.3.MSG It is wise to see ourselves as an example to others. If we know this and live aware of this then we will be conscious of others and our own behaviour. This is especially important for children. I have made a pledge to my grandchildren that I would give each a special holiday with Nan on their 12th birthday. Today I booked a holiday for my grandson Ryan and myself. I am looking forward to spending a special, one on one time with him. As I can't help myself I now have nephews and nieces looking forward to special gifts on their birthdays. I want to impact them with generosity. I have just received a request my another sports club in my area to help them with their application for a grant to upgrade. They heard about my work ...

“When you pray, don’t babble on and on as the Gentiles do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. Matthew 6:7 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.6.7.NLT The very next verse is the Lord's prayer which some have taken on as a rambling prayer. This was not how Jesus meant us to pray. The Lord's Prayer shows the relationship: Our Father; It shows honour: who lives in heaven, hallowed be Your name; In shows purpose: Your kingdom come, you will be done; It shows asking for provision: give us this day, our daily bread; It shows forgiveness: forgive us our sins as we forgive others; It asks for divine protection: deliver us from evil. These are things we can pray for, but this prayer is not  a tool or a penitential prayer, but as an idea on what our relationship should be like: child of God, Valliant warrior of the Kingdom; a forgiven child who also knows how to forgive; a blessed child filled with abundance; a protected...

“‘Men and women who have lived wisely and well will shine brilliantly, like the cloudless, star-strewn night skies. And those who put others on the right path to life will glow like stars forever. Daniel 12:3 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/dan.12.3.MSG It is wise to see ourselves as an example to others. If we know this and live aware of this then we will be conscious of others and our own behaviour. This is especially important for children. I have made a pledge to my grandchildren that I would give each a special holiday with Nan on their 12th birthday. Today I booked a holiday for my grandson Ryan and myself. I am looking forward to spending a special, one on one time with him. As I can't help myself I now have nephews and nieces looking forward to special gifts on their birthdays. I want to impact them with generosity. I have just received a request my another sports club in my area to help them with their application for a grant to upgrade. They heard about my work ...

Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever. Daniel 12:3 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/dan.12.3.NLT The above passage was taken from a prophecy given to Daniel about the end times, the tribulation and Armageddon. It is an interesting read. Yet this verse stands out. It applies to all times. Leading others to the truth about Christ is wise. Whether we shine like stars is irrelevant but the wise wins souls. The fact that God prizes this effort causes us to shine like stars. I see the people group God has for me and I long for them to come to know Him. Sharing the gospel is what I do. The people I share with may impact thousands, I do not know, only God does. I want to see these people in eternity. Amen!

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength. Proverbs 17:22 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.17.22.NLT We are constantly bombarded with accusations and negativity. Therefore, we must actively choose to have joy, chose to believe well of others and ourselves, most importantly to believe what God says about us and others. Today I took a nephew to see the new Lion King. We see the nasty, jealous uncle, Scar, lie to Simba and cause him to run away and upon his return, that same uncle pours on the sauce again. Simba had to choose what to believe. We must also choose what we will believe. Choose life that you might live! Amen!

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/pro.17.22.hcsb If joy is good medicine the opposite is also true. Sadness and morbid thinking make us ill. How then, do we cultivate joy? Joy comes through praise and worship. Yet will I praise Him! The determination that God is in control is important. Pushing God for all that He is works. Yesterday my mum was unwell all day. I have said to the Lord: You make take mum at any time, but sickness can not take her, you may take her in her sleep. Mum is 87 and ready to go, but I refuse to allow suffering to take her. For myself, I expect God's goodness, always. I refuse to be bullied by sickness and lack, these are tools of my enemy. I want God's goodness. Amen!

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/heb.13.8.hcsb How grateful I am that Jesus does not change, that He remains faithful to His word and committed to the relationship. In a word of constant change, He is my rock, my strong tower and faithful One. I can reveal Him to my world by being constant and faithful. Being committed to my neighbourhood and community I can show His love. I need to be there for them. As my little nieces and nephews grow I can give them relationship and availability. Being available is important, this too is a part of love.  All these attributes are a part of the rock-like relationship Jesus offers us. We can, in turn, offer it to others and not be chasing glory and experiences all over the world. Love them!

But the Lord is faithful; He will strengthen and guard you against the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/2th.3.3.hcsb My mother is our weak point when the enemy looks where to attack. Last night she was again in severe pain in her bowels and I contacted friends to pray. This morning she tells me: "the pain was really bad, but I went to sleep and awoke at midnight in no pain." Praise God! Our enemy hates us doing God's work. Tonight I am taking two unsaved women to a Women's Conference, he does not want that to happen. By God's grace, it will and they will meet Him. The kingdom of God is more important and more real than anything I can want or prize. He is above and beyond all things. He is good! Amen!

But the Lord is faithful; He will strengthen and guard you from the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/2th.3.3.hcsb Well! Tonight I saw one of my friends accept Christ. Praise Him! It was a good night! The conference started well, the message was just what both my friends needed to hear: the gospel. Great worship! What a battle I had in the build up. Mum was unwell but I confessed over her that by 9 pm she would be well, and well she was. Myself, I battled painful joints but they also improved after the event. Sometimes we just have to go through the fire. Just don't be consumed. Amen!

But the Lord is faithful; He will strengthen and guard you against the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/2th.3.3.hcsb My mother is our weak point when the enemy looks where to attack. Last night she was again in severe pain in her bowels and I contacted friends to pray. This morning she tells me: "the pain was really bad, but I went to sleep and awoke at midnight in no pain." Praise God! Our enemy hates us doing God's work. Tonight I am taking two unsaved women to a Women's Conference, he does not want that to happen. By God's grace, it will and they will meet Him. The kingdom of God is more important and more real than anything I can want or prize. He is above and beyond all things. He is good! Amen!

I look up to the mountains; does my strength come from mountains? No, my strength comes from God, who made heaven, and earth, and mountains. Psalm 121:1‭-‬2 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/psa.121.1-2.MSG God alone has a monopoly on power, glory and strength. He alone is perfect in all His ways. He created this world and gave us a home. We are responsible for its care. We may think we are awesome and have all power, yet with a flick of His finger, we find ourselves helpless. This week I completed two assignments for uni. I definitely needed divine inspiration. When I see the level of expertise I am up against I am grateful for all the help I can receive. Having finished for the week I am now able to relax and go to a women's conference at my church and take two lovely ladies with me. How good is God! Amen!

I look up to the mountains; does my strength come from mountains? No, my strength comes from God, who made heaven, and earth, and mountains. Psalm 121:1‭-‬2 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/psa.121.1-2.MSG God alone has a monopoly on power, glory and strength. He alone is perfect in all His ways. He created this world and gave us a home. We are responsible for its care. We may think we are awesome and have all power, yet with a flick of His finger, we find ourselves helpless. This week I completed two assignments for uni. I definitely needed divine inspiration. When I see the level of expertise I am up against I am grateful for all the help I can receive. Having finished for the week I am now able to relax and go to a women's conference at my church and take two lovely ladies with me. How good is God! Amen!

I look up to the mountains; does my strength come from mountains? No, my strength comes from God, who made heaven, and earth, and mountains. Psalm 121:1 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/psa.121.1.msg In times of weakness, we look for a place of strength, who will bring it, where is it found. My strength comes from the Lord, ultimately. Yes I can build myself up with food and exercise and good books but they can not touch me the core of my being, my spirit needs God. I find God as I seek Him daily. I find Him in worship, quietness and His word. This is where He is. He alone can build up my spirit, for this is where He lives in me. Amen!

Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family. Proverbs 18:24 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/pro.18.24.MSG I can say that my family have been there for me, at different times, to the best of their ability, and I for them. Over the years I have made many friends, some come and some go. Yet I have made a friend that I will never let go of and I pursued him for 19 years. His name is Jesus. I knew He was the answer to the emptiness within and He did not disappoint. We can not expect humans to not disappoint us, they will. They are human and frail after all. Jesus does not disappoint unless we have wrong expectations of Him in the first place. Trust Him!

Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family. Proverbs 18:24 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/pro.18.24.MSG I can say that my family have been there for me, at different times, to the best of their ability, and I for them. Over the years I have made many friends, some come and some go. Yet I have made a friend that I will never let go of and I pursued him for 19 years. His name is Jesus. I knew He was the answer to the emptiness within and He did not disappoint. We can not expect humans to not disappoint us, they will. They are human and frail after all. Jesus does not disappoint unless we have wrong expectations of Him in the first place. Trust Him!

A man with many friends may be harmed, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/pro.18.24.HCSB When we consider our friends, who they are, how many they are, we must also consider: who is that friend who sticks closer than a brother or sister? I have two sisters who admirably saw me through recent surgery and came to my aid with caring for my mother, yet as they live far away, their time was limited. I have a neighbour who has become a very good friend and she has been there for me, but also limited by her own circumstances. I have neighbours who are relatives and they have offered to be there if needed. For all of these people, I am grateful but when all else fails I have One who sticks closer than any, the Holy Spirit. He never fails and is always present. He is not limited in the presence. He is God's guarantee of love and support. He is faithful and true and I can put my trust in Him. Our God is not afflicted wit...

Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body. Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:18‭-‬20 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/1co.6.18-20.NLT As we read the Old Testament we see the behavior to God's temple. Various kings polluted the temple with altars to foreign gods and we're judged for their sin. As we read we may be filled with a horror of how disgusting these kings we're in behavior to their God. The Old Testament paints a picture for us and we come to see what this pollution looks like. Dabbling in sexual sin looks like this. We may not think it is the same, there are no sacrifices are there? Aren't there? If you are married and also being unfaithful you are sacrificing your wife and...

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying: Who should I send? Who will go for Us? I said: Here I am. Send me. Isaiah 6:8 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/isa.6.8.HCSB I am looking forward to meeting Isaiah in eternity, along with all those who said "Yes!" To the lord. Remember it may just be: Go next door or across the street. We must start with a willing heart and allow God to choose the where and how. However, we are not on this earth for our ease. Time is short! Don't be sorry! Be willing! Amen!

Then I heard the Lord asking, “ Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “ Here I am. Send me.” Isaiah 6:8 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/isa.6.8.NLT I endeavour to stay sensitive to the Lord. Last Thursday night as my mum was in hospital I had an intense desire to go to be with people and He inspired me where to go, I went and am glad I went. I love being where God wants me. I love being with the unchurched or lost. I am not there for me but for them. My prayer, as I go, is Lord use me. May I say what you want me to say. The thrill of having this kind of attitude is I am a part of an adventure and always come away knowing more people and more about what they do. Become an adventurer, it is a whole lot of fun. Amen!

Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Matthew 28:19 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/mat.28.19.hcsb How did Jesus make disciples? He spent three years with them and taught them all they needed to know to then go and make disciples who then went. Jesus was the catalyst. He displayed the Father. He did not teach religion or ritual, He taught relationship, heart, and action out of the heart. He did not build buildings, take an offering, or start a Bible school. Yet He taught 12 young men, one who failed and committed suicide. So, even Jesus had suicide on His watch. Making disciples requires lots of love and commitment. It requires patience and long-suffering. However, the fruit will remain, if done right. Modern men and women are prone to short term commitments. Discipling requires death to self and long term commitment. Give it a try! Amen!

Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “ God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18‭-‬20 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/mat.28.18-20.MSG Day after day, making disciples. This is a little confronting! Maybe- one day? Someday? Not day after day! How is this possible? How about make friends with unbelievers and spend time with them every day, showing them what a God-centered life looks like. It is possible. Today I invited my Muslim neighbor to a women's conference this Friday night. Guess what? She said: "yes!" We walk together on most days. I have been there for her week in week out. A simple friendship can be a disciplin...

Servants, do what you’re told by your earthly masters. And don’t just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you’ll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you’re serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn’t cover up bad work. Colossians 3:22‭-‬25 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/col.3.22-25.MSG Recognising authority and respecting it is the beginning of understanding. A Christian belongs to Christ. Christ did everything he saw his father do. Jesus obeyed His Father in all things. He did not operate outside of His Father's will. This is our example. We are eternal beings. We will live forever. We will live under a theocracy, not a democracy. God's will be done, not ours. We may as well know the rules before we enter. Start now! Amen!

Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23‭-‬24 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/col.3.23-24.HCSB The best rewards are those not expected. Rewards earned for labour are expected and at times we can have an attitude if not received. However, if we do out of love and are rewarded then this is a joy. Living to love others bring more joy. Others need joy, they need kindness and love. As you love you give joy. The child of God is God's vessel on the earth. Jesus told His disciples: He who has seen Me has seen the Father. People want to know what the Father looks like, show them. Amen!

Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23‭-‬24 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/col.3.23-24.HCSB The best rewards are those not expected. Rewards earned for labour are expected and at times we can have an attitude if not received. However, if we do out of love and are rewarded then this is a joy. Living to love others bring more joy. Others need joy, they need kindness and love. As you love you give joy. The child of God is God's vessel on the earth. Jesus told His disciples: He who has seen Me has seen the Father. People want to know what the Father looks like, show them. Amen!

God look you full in the face and make you prosper. Numbers 6:26 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/num.6.26.MSG I love this sort of encounter. I had the Lord visit this morning at 4 am. Having a face to face encounter with the Lord is more precious than anything else. Nothing is more valuable than God's favour. Nothing beats His smile. Look for it! Feed on it! Amen!

‘May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.’ Numbers 6:24‭-‬26 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/num.6.24-26.nlt A blessing is always good, favour is wonderful but God's smile is best. When Jesus was baptised, His Father spoke from heaven: You are My loved Son and I am very pleased with You. Jesus had H is Father's smile. Any parent can attest to the times their children, as little ones, caused them to smile, or in fact, laugh for joy. My life is full of memories of my own children and now grandchildren. I also have one or two memories of my own father's smile and what I did to cause it. Causing others to laugh and smile from joy, as we display our Father's nature, is always good. I want to be the manifest presence of my heavenly Father on this earth. I want others to know my God through knowing me but as the people of Samaria said to the woman from the well: ...

God look you full in the face and make you prosper. Numbers 6:26 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/num.6.26.MSG I love this sort of encounter. I had the Lord visit this morning at 4 am. Having a face to face encounter with the Lord is more precious than anything else. Nothing is more valuable than God's favour. Nothing beats His smile. Look for it! Feed on it! Amen!

‘May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.’ Numbers 6:24‭-‬26 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/num.6.24-26.nlt A blessing is always good, favour is wonderful but God's smile is best. When Jesus was baptised, His Father spoke from heaven: You are My loved Son and I am very pleased with You. Jesus had H is Father's smile. Any parent can attest to the times their children, as little ones, caused them to smile, or in fact, laugh for joy. My life is full of memories of my own children and now grandchildren. I also have one or two memories of my own father's smile and what I did to cause it. Causing others to laugh and smile from joy, as we display our Father's nature, is always good. I want to be the manifest presence of my heavenly Father on this earth. I want others to know my God through knowing me but as the people of Samaria said to the woman from the well: ...

We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but God ’s purpose prevails. Proverbs 19:21 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/pro.19.21.MSG Some times the simplest plans prevail and then we become all tied in knots because our elaborate plans fail! Ha! Get over it! God wants to touch hearts and minds not tickle our fancy. If our heart is as His heart, our plans will succeed every time. The challenge then is to stay connected. Amen! Remember Jesus said: my desire is to do the will of Him who sent Me! Probably a good plan.

Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the Lord ’s decree will prevail. Proverbs 19:21 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/pro.19.21.hcsb Planning is good, however, submitting our plans to God is also good. I know myself, I can create elaborate plans but God knows more than I do. I read interesting engineers take on solving the water problems for inland Australia. His idea was to pipe the refuse from Sydney to the inland power stations and farmlands. I had a similar idea: build a dam on the coast just to be fed to the inland waterways. Anyone I shared my vision with could see too much expense and too many problems, whereas I can see the potential in this engineer's dream because I am a dreamer. My dreams do not all come to pass, I can trust God for the ones that do, so can you!

Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies. Philippians 4:8‭-‬9 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/php.4.8-9.MSG It is so easy to have our minds bombarded with negative thoughts about others, especially if communication is not there. Although we may like good communication, some people in our world are just unable to give it. It may be totally due to a very busy schedule, them being ill or stressed to the max. Myself, recently recovering from surgery, found myself inundated with messages from people in Nepal. Because I have come to know that this usually happens when they are str...

Do what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:9 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/php.4.9.hcsb Can you say these words? Paul believed he had lived a life worth copying. Is all of your life what you want others to copy? I had a young mother next four tell me yesterday, "You are so good!" I responded with, "Not always." Why did I say that? I did not want to be proud. Perhaps I should have said:" ah! Jesus makes me this way!" I know it is Christ in me who gives me patience with her little daughter who constantly wants to visit. My neighbourhood means a lot to me and the children in it. This same young woman is on Facebook with me and sees my posts. She knows I fight for unborn babies, she knows I share the gospel every day. I am grateful for her response but want to do more. I want to see my neighbourhood as a safe place for children. I want it to be a good place to live and so I love th...

Nothing and no one is holy like God , no rock mountain like our God. Don’t dare talk pretentiously— not a word of boasting, ever! For God knows what’s going on. He takes the measure of everything that happens. The weapons of the strong are smashed to pieces, while the weak are infused with fresh strength. The well-fed are out begging in the streets for crusts, while the hungry are getting second helpings. The barren woman has a houseful of children, while the mother of many is bereft. 1 Samuel 2:2‭-‬5 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/1sa.2.2-5.MSG Those who cling to Him, without fear, He rescues. God is our safety,  our strength. The hungry can trust Him to provide. The homeless will find homes. He is to be trusted! Amen!

There is no one holy like the Lord . There is no one besides You! And there is no rock like our God. 1 Samuel 2:2 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/1sa.2.2.HCSB Holy is a word we must consider. What does it mean? Set apart,  dedicated, morally and spiritually excellent. There's more! Matthew 5:48 says: be holy as your heavenly Father is holy. So, we God's people are called apart, to be holy to our God. What was being holy look like? No robes, no monasteries but living in the world as one set apart, no partaking in vile practices and being able to have the Lord walk in the room. God wants us to affect our worlds with His grace and mercy. Amen!