The day with dianne Louise

He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also put eternity in their hearts, but man cannot discover the work God has done from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/ecc.3.11.HCSB Paul the apostle writes: Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments and untraceable His ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counsellor? Romans 11:33‭-‬34  I read an astronomy article a few days ago and the writer was stating that science has searched for a creator of the universe and not found it and was still searching. The author claimed that Christians trying to prove God was the creator make the mistake in endeavouring to do it with scripture when science was required. Perhaps faith is the ingredient. Until faith comes there is no believing. For me, it is easy to believe as I have come to faith. I pray my God reveals Himself to the scientist. Amen!

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, and look, new things have come. 2 Corinthians 5:17 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/2co.5.17.HCSB As we age we wish for new bodies and some spend a lot of money in trying to achieve this end. When we die and go to be with the Lord, we will receive new bodies, but for now, we can have brand new spirits as we ask Jesus into our lives and undertake to live for Him. Live for another is choosing their values over ours. As new creations we can live out of new spirits and allow them to fuel our passions and desires. Amen!

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/2co.5.17.NLT I still remember how empty I was before I was born again. I was living a shallow life, trying to be happy yet empty. When Christ came to me happiness filled my soul. I now live with a soul full of awareness of my saviour. He now is my filter. He is the way, the truth and the life. Many who do not have Christ constantly search for truth. I don't need to search too far. His word is my truth. I don't need to search too far for life, He is my life. His life is more rewarding than anything life can give me. Adventure is fun but an adventure with Him is best. Amen!

But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.1.12.NLT We see so many protesting for rights. Yet here is an offer to good to pass. All who believe in Jesus have a right to be a son or daughter of God. Children know their rights within a family, unless it is an abusive family.  In a healthy family children know their dad or mum will stand by them, back them up and support them. As children of the King we have this knowledge as well. Our God will not pander to spot whims bit train us to be steady sons and daughters, immoveable in conflict. We are Gis, we behave like Him. Amen!

But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. John 1:12‭-‬13 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.1.12-13.NLT Adopted children know the concept of 'the right to become children of...' Yet, for anyone who chooses to believe, God gave the right to become His child. A right carries significance. In the Father's name, we can do His will. We have His authority. We have the right to an eternal reward. On this earth, the earth He created, we represent Him. What would He do or what does He want to do? We can do these things in His name.  The kingdom of heaven is not just words, but deeds. Time to do! Amen!

Jesus answered by quoting Deuteronomy: “It takes more than bread to stay alive. It takes a steady stream of words from God’s mouth.” Matthew 4:4 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/mat.4.4.MSG When many starving seek a loaf of bread, this might seem unfair. However, Jesus was telling His disciples to seek more. Daily He spent time alone with God the Father before food. The time He spoke to the Samaritan woman at the well, whilst His disciples went for food and when food was offered to Him He was not hungry. Doing Gods work was food enough. I don't believe we can go without food and just concentrate on the word of God. However, daily intake of Gods word would save us a lot of heartaches. Amen!

But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ” Matthew 4:4 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.4.4.NLT With a new year coming there are many offers to turn you into a model with diet and exercise. There are many trains of thought regarding eating. Western civilizations eat more than they should of the wrong things. Many Christians have a diet of bad spiritual food as well when Jesus tells us to live on God's word. It alone can sustain us and keep us through long droughts. I am almost finished studying the Bible in a year and will go on to more whole book studies in depth next year. I want to chew my way through the word. No quick fixes next year and no compulsion to read so many chapters. Time to slow down and enjoy. I am looking forward to the feast.

The Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are weighed down. The Lord loves the godly. Psalms 146:8 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.146.8.NLT Being weighed down with sickness is a lonely place. Ministering to such a person is the spirit of Christ. He alone knows how to touch the heart and mind. Service without heart is cruel. It tells the one you serve that they are meaningless. No one is so worthless, yet arrogance in others crush them and throw them away. I must constantly lose myself in my God or I will be cruel and selfish, I am capable of it. Yet in Christ, I am a new creation and if I live out of this person I bless. Many are weighed down. Lift them up, lay yourself down. Amen!

for through him, God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see— such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. Colossians 1:16 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/col.1.16.NLT Jesus was the creator, He created or all for Himself. All we see, which is vast and more we do not see: realms of authority. Layers of authority we're created by Him. Why? Everything has boundaries. If a layer of authority exists beside another, there can be no blurring of the lines. Each has designated areas of movement. Everything has a boundary. We might assume a king or queen can do anything, they can't. They are bound by what Christ allowed in their realm of authority. Some people do not know the boundaries and think they are all-powerful. King Nebuchadnezzar thought he was limitless until he was forced to live like an animal for several years. God made him insa...

When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers— the moon and the stars you set in place— what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them? Psalms 8:3‭-‬4 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.8.3-4.NLT As I walked my dog tonight I took this photo of the red sun that has been our companion for a few weeks now. It is red because of the smoke and dust in the air. As I gaze upon this sun I praise my God for His beauty. He is good and gives us ways of seeing His glory. The night sky is full of glory. I love the regularity of the movements in the stars as the earth rotates. I love the visible glory. It reminds me of my God. He is so good. Amen!

When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers— the moon and the stars you set in place— what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them? Psalms 8:3‭-‬4 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.8.3-4.NLT The more I discover about the night sky, the constantly revealing of new planets, the way nebula operate and black holes, I am constantly amazed. The creator of all this is magnificent, yet He wants to know me personally. How important does this make me? The fact that this creator deigned to come to earth to live for a time, chose to buy us all back from eternal death is beyond comprehension. My God is so big, so mighty, so wonderful yet He cares for me and I am blessed. We are forever blessed! He is worthy of all praise and honour. Amen!

The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! Luke 2:11 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/luk.2.11.NLT What good news did you receive today? I love surprises and God delights in giving them to me. Today when I had family for lunch I went all out and did not expect a reward. However, one came from where I did not expect it. Priase God! A brother who I had had hard times with many years ago came to lunch and was so blessed he left me a gift. A nice surprise. I find if I expect a gift, I don't receive it. If I give anyway, I am blessed. Happy Christmas!

And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.1.21.NLT What a joy to be chosen to receive word of the birth of Jesus. I am sure the humble shepherds remembered the vision they saw all their lives. I wonder if they ever had the chance to meet the adult Jesus? How would they have responded? I know that when I meet someone who I knew as a small child I am always amazed at how they have grown up and who they look like. Jesus bore the image of His heavenly Father. I would love to have been able to gaze upon Gim for a long time and soak in what He represented. Naturally, He would also represent His mother. What an honour for Mary. Let us rejoice today that He came and gaze upon all He represents for us. Happy Christmas!

And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.1.21.NLT Jesus has many names: the Name above all Names, Lord, Saviour, King of Kings, Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Price of Peace and many more. How did He obtains these names? He was already Lord of Glory but when He chose to be God in the flesh, humbling Himself to walk with us, then the names took on reality. The humility and goodness He portrayed earned Him the highest honour in heaven. One day soon all the earth will also know the truth. He is good. Enjoy Him as we celebrate Christmas. Happy Christmas. 

And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.1.21.NLT Being saved from their sin would be new to the people who heard this word. They lived with the knowledge of sin and the consequently sacrificed animals. To have God come and save from sin, this was different. When Jesus began preaching He called Himself the lamb of God. Why was He a lamb? He was to become the lamb slain for our sin, the perfect sacrifice, a sinless life given for all. The prospect of having a sinless man was so unusual, but Jesus was He. This Christmas let us be glad that Christmas is not just about getting things and experiences we will throw away. Receiving Jesus into our hearts is eternal. Knowing a clean heart is amazingly refreshing. Try it!

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” Luke 2:14 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/luk.2.14.NLT Often peace is identified as a time when there is no conflict. If this is the criteria then there should be no peace at all right now. However, this is not the case. God's people everywhere, in all circumstances, can have peace despite living in a world of conflict. We have to acknowledge this truth and claim it. Right now, in Australia, as we are devastated by fire and destruction, we can find God. It all depends on what we gaze at continually. If the media dominates us we will lack peace, but if God's word and presence dominates us, we can have peace. Amen!

Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others-the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” Luke 2:13‭-‬14 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/luk.2.13-14.NLT This is the only time we hear of angels appearing to mankind as a host and praising God together. This event was so different, God being born a human baby. In the old testament, we see angels visit individuals. Those who visited Daniel were magnificent. However, here we have a host. How many constitute a host? The dictionary indicates a multitude, as in a very large number or an army of individuals. Imagine having an army of angels appear! The shepherds had this appearance. They would have been quaking in their boots. Why did a host of angels appear to shepherds? The shepherds are the most humble of people. I encountered such a group of shepherds where climbing mountains in Nepal. They were young men and they spent their time playing...

The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. John 1:4‭-‬5 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.1.4-5.NLT Jesus is the word made flesh. He is also the life-giver. We experience a little of this when women give birth and health professionals resuscitate someone who has stopped breathing. We catch moments of glory. Jesus gives everything life. When Adam was created, God breathed into him and he came alive. When God said: Let there be fish in the sea, animals on land, trees and birds, there was, life came into the world. He made all things with life-giving seeds so that we could pass on the life given to us. When I became born again, new life, spiritual life came into my being. Prior to this moment I was dead spiritually and did not know it, until I was alive. I am commissioned to breathe life into the world around me. I can do this as I pass on the good news of salvatio...

The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. John 1:4‭-‬5 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.1.4-5.NLT Darkness is roaring like a lion; fire has surrounded the city of Sydney. I pray for God's mercy and grace, that His light will shine in the darkness and bring healing and restoration. Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.’ (Martin Luther King) My country is suffering and need a saviour. Have mercy Lord! Forgive us our sins and heal us. Amen!

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 ASV https://bible.com/bible/12/isa.7.14.ASV Has the Lord wvee told you He would give you a sign? Perhaps He did give the sign and it registered in your heart. I know the Holy Spirit whispers in my spirit and it is so quiet that at times I don't pay attention and realise later I should have. For example, yesterday I was putting on a load of washing and the word 'tissue' came to mind along with the image of a back pocket. I almost disregarded it but suddenly decided to trust. Sure enough there was a tissue in the back pocket of a pair of shorts. Had I not listened I would have had a mess all over my clothes. This is an example of how the Holy Spirit is involved in my life and cares to prompt me. His prompts range in significance. I need to respond to all of them if I am to be trusted with greater messages, such as healing or words of ...

All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’). Isaiah 7:14 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/isa.7.14.NLT Immanuel means God with us. It does not mean magical fairy, fairy godmother, spoiler of all Christians. The Son of God came as a humble baby to a humble family who was refused accommodation even though an imminent birth was to be expected. Jesus lived a humble life, did not own a home or His own donkey. Jesus gave up His rights for us. As Christians, we are told by Christ Himself to pick up our cross and follow Him. Each of us has a different cross, our own grief and hardship. We are not to sit in self-pity but to raise up and be a blessing to all mankind. Christmas carries a stigma, we see it in the media: 'they have nowhere to go and it is 4 days to Christmas.' Christmas can be a good time but for many it is not. If it is not for you, mak...

When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:10‭-‬11 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.2.10-11.NLT Jesus said: "where your treasure is, there will be your heart also." Constantly we are challenged with putting our heart where God wants it. Yesterday I received a book I had ordered. The book is called: God's Hostage by Andrew Brunson. Andrew and his wife had been long-term missionaries in Turkey and in 2016 both he and his wife were falsely accused of all manner of things, including being spies and terrorists. Andrew struggled with being jailed and constantly struggled to find God in the absence of His presence. Andrew was also challenged about where his treasure was. I have been challenged again and again. The Lord must be first and only. As I write this I am fo...

They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:11 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.2.11.NLT The greatest gift the Father had given to us was His Son. The greatest gift we can give to Him is our hearts. As we ready for Christmas many are frantically running around buying gifts. The best gift we can give our families is a heart that follows the Lord and allows Him to reign. From this heart will flow His generosity. Today in Australia many have lost their homes and firefighters have given their lives to save thousands. We are sad and grateful to these dear people we do know. This season will probably be remembered as one of our worst. Thank You, Lord, for Your Son. thank You for Your gift. Have mercy on our land and our people. Amen!

“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14‭-‬16 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/mat.5.14-16.MSG We are light-bearers. Remember the times before electricity? Cities such as London had gas  lights which were lit every night by a particular lighter of the lamps. Christian, you are a light-bearer. You have been given the flame to ignite the wicks of all the dormant lamps. Get going! Amen!

In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew 5:16 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.5.16.NLT As it is Christmas time more and more good deeds are being done. Let them not be a "look at me" attitude but rather in obedience to your Heavenly Father. We don't win votes by our behaviour unless they are God-inspired. However, if God is prompting you to do something, please do it so that He will be glorified. Amen!

But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. 1 Corinthians 15:57‭-‬58 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/1co.15.57-58.NLT Today was a challenge. I had invited two non-Christian neighbours over for lunch and mum became unwell. I was annoyed as it happens almost every time I reach out. My challenge was to still love my mum through the episode. I made it! Tonight my Connect Group had its Christmas party and we had good fun. I am grateful for the good Christian fellowship. It was refreshing to be away from sickness for a few hours. It's interesting that my dog also suddenly becomes unwell and starts vomiting on my clean floor rug, then a few other annoying things happen to steal my joy. Not happening! Thank You, Lord, for a good result! Amen!

But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. 1 Corinthians 15:57‭-‬58 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/1co.15.57-58.NLT I do not have to fight the good fight alone. I have the best ally, Jesus Christ. I slay sin, through His mighty power so that I might do the good works He has for me to do. There is no room for self-pity or selfishness, they must die. As I slay selfishness and self-pity I am free to do the works prepared for me to do. God is good in that Jesus showed the way. He lay down His rights as Son of God and lived humbly as a servant, He is our example. Amen!

The Word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighbourhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish. John 1:14 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/jhn.1.14.MSG Imagine living next door to such a person: generous inside and out. I think we all love generous people.  Do you enjoy being generous? Have you tried it? It is very much fun. Christmas is a good time to be generous. I have just put lights on a shrub on my roadside and hung candy canes. I have never done this before. The best part was watching the joy on my mother's face. As to whether the children of the neighbourhood enjoy them, we will wait and see. It feels like we are being secret Santas. Such fun! Jesus was generous, always. Can we be like Him? Let's try?

So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. John 1:14 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.1.14.NLT Every little grandchild has been so welcome by me. Imagine receiving the Son of God. Mary would have been so wrapt, she was able to hold God's Son, to raise Him, spend 30 years with Him. We can only imagine what it was like for Joseph, the shepherds and the wise men. What a miracle in the shape of a defenceless child. How would the angels be in wanting to protect Him and having a madman like Herod trying to kill Him? We have fires around our city now and the smoke is thick. The focus is anything but Christmas. We have firebugs (those who deliberately light fires) busy burning down houses and the spontaneity and of these grass fires are questionable. May the Lord apprehend them.  Have mercy Lord! Amen!

Because of this decision we don’t evaluate people by what they have or how they look. We looked at the Messiah that way once and got it all wrong, as you know. We certainly don’t look at him that way anymore. Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it! All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other. God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins. God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. We’re Christ’s representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God’s work of making things right between them. We’re speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he’s already a friend with you. 2 Corinthians 5:16‭-‬20 MSG https://bible....

He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them. This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 2 Corinthians 5:15‭, ‬17 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/2co.5.15-17.NLT I have been bought with a price. The price was the death of a perfect human being. Jesus was the being. He did not stay dead but God the Father raised Him up from death and seated Him at His right hand, giving Him honour, authority and power. How do I know this? Have I been to heaven? No! I believe scripture tells me this and it is a true record. The Apostle John had been there, so had the apostle Paul. The old testaments prophets foretold it and saw it. My faith in the truth of these reports sustains me. My relationship with Christ confirms it. His love for me, the miracles I have seen all coalesce into a knowing of this truth. Jesus was ...

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. James 1:2‭-‬4 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/jas.1.2-4.MSG Tests are good. They help to find where you have 'got it', and where there is room for improvement. I enjoy writing assignments for uni. Each time I attempt to better myself. I know I am becoming a good writer. Testing in life helps us know where we have nailed it and where we need to improve. Rejoice! You are improving! Amen!

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. James 1:2‭-‬3 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/jas.1.2-3.NLT Trouble creates an opportunity for joy. How unusual is that? Humankind tends to complain and worry when trouble comes. Yet expressing joy and praise, in the furnace of affliction, produces miracles. Praising lifts one's spirit, focussing on Jesus fill a heart with hope. Our Saviour knew the power that resides in praise. He taught His disciples and they went out to teach others. We can keep the wave moving as we show forth endurance in faith. People are attracted to faith and hope. These two carry the presence of God. Expressing them in hard times changes the course of events. Amen!

Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God! Psalms 42:11 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.42.11.NLT A good antidote for feeling down is praise. Today I took this path and saw my heart soar with hope and belief in a great future. It is good to see that the UK elections have been settled. I have been praying for the kingdom of God to come to the UK. I did not know who or what God wanted in control, fortunately, He did and two Christian reports have come out already saying this was a good resolution. Praise God! Smith Wigglesworth always prayed until he saw Jesus and then he knew God had answered his prayer. This is not a bad modus operandi. Praise Him! Amen!

Why am I so depressed? Why this turmoil within me? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him, my Savior and my God. Psalms 42:11 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/psa.42.11.HCSB This psalm was written by one of the priests, a son of Korah. It opens with the famous lines: 'As the deer pants for the water so my soul longs after you.' Scripture in the song had put this verse to music back in the 1970s. I loved the song. Yet if you read the whole psalm, the author repeats several times: why am I so depressed?  You might identify. If your eye is focussed on failure of others, disappointment and a desire for a better outcome, it can be depressing. Yet the psalmist had to go where the answer lay, God. He panted for experience in God, a refreshing. Only God can rescue us from certain odious outcomes, only God performs miracles. One of the verses in this psalm says 'deep cries out to deep'. In the depth of God is the answers, the depth of God is for those who are willing t...

“Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. Revelation 3:6 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/rev.3.6.HCSB God is speaking, through prophesy all the time but do we listen? What do we consider to be prophesy? If we have an ear to hear we will spot it. It will be obvious. I was studying the old testament prophets recently and in one reading the Lord has said: their will be fire from the north to the south. My spirit registered, this is for now and watched as it came to pass. I wasn't looking for it but I registered it. I went to prayer. We are in desperate times at present but God is to be found. What is He up to? He is not limited by mankind or the news. He is God. Tune in!

And we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and the one who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him. We love because He first loved us. 1 John 4:16‭, ‬19 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/1jn.4.16-19.HCSB God's love for us and in us is beyond anything we experience in the world. His love in us causes us to love beyond and above what our natural inclination is in love. God's love causes us to trust Him. His faithfulness is steadfast and without it, we know we are lost. As we abide in His love no lie can move us. Nothing can shake us. I love gardening and I completely understand that when a branch is grafted into a vine, as time elapses that branch belongs to the vine. It receives it's nutrients from the vine and is at one with it. As Christians, we are grafted into Christ, the vine. We belong to Him, He is our life-source. We begin to take on the likeness of the vine, we change and become one with it. Remain, abide in Him! ...

After this, I looked, and there was a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language, which no one could number, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were robed in white with palm branches in their hands. Revelation 7:9 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/rev.7.9.HCSB Are you the type of person who strikes up a conversation with strangers? I am! I am looking forward to meeting others who love Jesus and gave their all for Him. I wonder what their story is? Do you allow a stranger to strike up a conversation with you? I hope so! I might just want to can't with you. Who knows who will be standing in this crowd. I am sure we will be comfortable as we will all love Jesus and be there for His praise and glory. Amen!

After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands. Revelation 7:9 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/rev.7.9.NLT There are various interpretations as to who these people are, whether they represent those martyred for Christ or those raptured. Perhaps they are all of those who chose to believe. However, to be numbered with them will suffice.  Standing before the throne of God in a multitude, in heaven, will show us how great God is. Every nation will be represented. We will need a common language, I wonder what that will be? The book of Revelation is filled with a certainty: Jesus is Lord and He will reign, there is a devil and he loses and will be cast into the lake of fire. Those who believe will be in the multitude and those who don't will go to the lake of fire.  Seeing the bushfires in the media makes...

Jesus once again addressed them: “I am the world’s Light. No one who follows me stumbles around in the darkness. I provide plenty of light to live in.” John 8:12 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/jhn.8.12.MSG There is nothing worse than being in total darkness in a strange place. All manner of phobias come calling. Yet Jesus promises to be our light. I am sure that people living in countries where they are persecuted for their faith know this quite well. They also know their bibles and live and breathe the word of God. The word of God is full of promises and it sustains and keeps us. There is no safer place than in the Lord's arms. We can trust Him! Amen!

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 8:12 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.8.12.NLT Occasionally I come across a Bear Grylls show on the SBS in Australia. He takes top celebrities into the wild in various locations and has them face danger, all the while saying, "trust me and you will make it!" For the Christian, we have a saviour who says, "I am the light of the world, you follow me and you will always see where you are going." Another trust factor is displayed.  Trusting Jesus rather than ourselves is paramount. Fear would have us refuse to follow in most circumstances. I have watched Bear's participants resist the faith factor but eventually realise they have no other way. We have no other way, if we want to succeed, in the light. As my country burns and the air is thick with smoke, I have to trust my God. L...

So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith. Galatians 6:9‭-‬10 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/gal.6.9-10.MSG Not getting fatigued is a challenge, giving beyond hurt is a challenge and so is loving beyond hurt. We are encouraged to meet these milestones by Jesus, our forerunner. However, we are given His grace to enable us and His grace never fails. Amen!

Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith. Galatians 6:10 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/gal.6.10.NLT The opposite of doing good is doing evil, as in slander, however, there is a middle ground: doing nothing. If we are not open to God's prompting a or are numb to the needs of others, we will concentrate on us, in other words, behave selfishly. How don't stay open? Stay in Christ and ask Him for His heart. Yes, it will cost us something, but that is the point. Right now Australia is suffering. It is hot and dry, we have not seen decent rain in a long time and the eastern seaboard is on fire, right along the great dividing range. There is thick smoke in the air and yet people are trying to prepare for Christmas. It is not the best of seasons. What can we do? Seek the Lord and move as He moves and pray. The struggle makes us numb. Let's find God and follow Him. Amen!

“I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You’ll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we’re at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind. Luke 6:35‭-‬36 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/luk.6.35-36.MSG I watched another episode of The Crown tonight. This one involved Prince Phillip discovering that he had lost his faith and asking for help. Leading towards the recognition of his state he was unkind to a group of clerics who had gathered to rediscover theirs. It was good to see him admit his wrong and ask for help. We are unkind at times, especially when we are struggling and see others as the problem. When we finally are humbled and discover we are the problem, it is always good to apologise and ask for help. We are kind when we recognise that the state of others would be ours, or potentially is ours at different times. Be kind!

“Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Highest, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. Luke 6:35 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/luk.6.35.NLT Who is my enemy? It would be someone who opposes me. Do I have people who oppose me? Probably, however, I do not know their names. Today, in the world the left in politics would oppose me and everything I stand for. Social media is the battleground. One side will attack the other and back and forth the slinging match will go. I must refrain from entering the fray when emotion is high. The only time I can enter is when I have a grace delivery. Even then I can be misunderstood. How do I lend to them? It is rare that I am asked. Perhaps I can pray for opportunities. Grace is definitely worth giving. Amen!

Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did. 1 John 2:6 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/1jn.2.6.NLT Christ gave us an example. He went to the Father daily and only did what He saw the Father doing, rather than what He was feeling. Jesus was obedient to death. Scripture tells us He learned obedience through what He suffered. We can learn from this: suffering handled rightly can teach us obedience and obedience carries a reward. As we abide in Him, His grace flows through us. Amen!

For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, Titus 2:11‭-‬12 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/tit.2.11-12.NLT How was the grace of God revealed? In Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Jesus displayed the grace of God as opposed to the judgement of God seen in the Old Testament. We have before us judgement and grace. We would like to inflict judgement but God has said: sin was dealt with at the cross. Our problem is we want our pound of flesh. Grace sees sin covered by the blood of the lamb. We see sin as an offence. Our challenge is to incorporate grace into our psychic. Grace endured long whilst I took my time coming to repentance. Grace made room for me to repent. It would help us if we allowed grace to rule us as well. Amen!

For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds. Titus 2:11‭-‬14 NLT Totally committed to doing good deeds: what good deeds would the Lord have me do today? Yesterday I was asked to mind a friends child last night whilst she and her husband went to a Christmas party. The child was full of energy and moved quickly from one thing to another. It was a challenge to keep up. However, my friend does not have many friends and needed help. It was the most challenging thing I have done in a while and I have many challenges each day. The Lord promises ...

“Do you want to stand out? Then step down. Be a servant. If you puff yourself up, you’ll get the wind knocked out of you. But if you’re content to simply be yourself, your life will count for plenty. Matthew 23:11‭-‬12 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/mat.23.11-12.MSG We have the best example of a servant: Christ, the Son of God. Jesus said: " I did not come to be served but to serve." That is a tough act to follow. We like to be served at restaurants, in hotels, on aircraft on buses and taxis. In fact, we like to be served in shops. So, a whole lot of people are expected to serve us. Who do we serve? Who can we serve?

The greatest among you must be a servant.  But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Matthew 23:11‭-‬12 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.23.11-12.NLT The Prime Minister of Australia, Scott Morrison, stated that since his youth he has been known as Scomo and that he is still known as Scomo and does not mind being called this, even by children. This flies in the face of decorum. Yet, this is how many constituents address our PM. Last night I watched a few episodes of The Crown, on Netflix, I saw the opposite with The Queen. There has been a disaster in a mine in Wales and the PM, Mr Wilson, asked the Queen to go with him to the village where 116 children had died. The Queen told him, "Royalty does not visit sites of disasters as they get in the way, they visit hospitals." Yet the PM was right. The Queen was needed. When she finally did go she was loved and appreciated, however, she was addressed as Your Majesty. In my ch...

God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. Matthew 5:8 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.5.8.NLT I love to see God and sense His presence. This morning I sensed Him. I went for a walk and prayed and enjoyed Him. To get to that point I first searched my heart and gave up anything that dirtied my soul. In other words I repented of anything that was in the way. This is a good way to start the day. It sure makes the day unfold a whole lot better. Amen!

God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. Matthew 5:8 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.5.8.NLT How do I have a pure heart? By keeping short accounts with God, knowing the state of my heart, being quick to repent and listen and slow to be caught in sin. A purs heart has nothing in it but love for God and love for its fellow man. This keeps all other love out, loving possessions and fun less.  Gods love covers a multitude of sin, it is generous and forgiving. Seeking God daily, along with His presence bring awareness. Awareness prompts confession and repentance. Stay in Him. Amen!

In the night I search for you; in the morning I earnestly seek you. For only when you come to judge the earth will people learn what is right. Isaiah 26:9 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/isa.26.9.NLT Jesus is returning. No longer meek and mild but this time as the King. His rules will stand. His ways will be just. I can see how many will receive Him- with resistance. So many are used to doing things their own way. Unfortunately for them, Jesus is the only way. I wonder what living under a just and righteous king will be like? Perhaps He will encounter all the same propaganda and slurs that His people receive now. Rebellion will not stand, however, His rule will be ultimate. Oh for such a day! Amen!

In the night I search for you; in the morning I earnestly seek you. For only when you come to judge the earth will people learn what is right. Isaiah 26:9 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/isa.26.9.NLT Searching for the Lord is good, seeking His mind is paramount. It is not what I think that matters. What is He saying? Tough times scream at us and demand we accept their standards. As a child of God, I must reject all these and seek my Lord's ways and thoughts. His ways alone bring peace and hope. I was discussing God's ways with my grandson yesterday. He had received a bad mark for a subject he loved and was going to call the teacher. Fortunately, his mother took charge and obtained a better outcome. My grandson was also glad as his attitude was not good. I shared with him the need for self-control and how God was teaching me this, as well as stopping, looking and listening. In other words, I am constrained. I told him that as I submitted to the 'yoke' I was blessed. I as...

“When you do something for someone else, don’t call attention to yourself. You’ve seen them in action, I’m sure—play actors’ I call them—treating prayer meeting and street corner alike as a stage, acting compassionate as long as someone is watching, playing to the crowds. They get applause, true, but that’s all they get. When you help someone out, don’t think about how it looks. Just do it—quietly and unobtrusively. That is the way your God, who conceived you in love, working behind the scenes, helps you out. Matthew 6:2‭-‬4 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/mat.6.2-4.MSG Children love secrets. They love hiding and mystery. They do not see the need to give then boast. Unfortunately this is an adult trait. I wonder where it was learned? Perhaps from adults in our world when we were children. Let's see if we can become as little children again. Amen!

But when you give to the poor, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, Matthew 6:3 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/mat.6.3.HCSB Why are we commanded to do this? So that we will not boast and take the glory which belongs to God alone. It is He who motivates us to give. Giving is important and God must be praised for the gift. He gave the best gift and nothing else compares to that gift, His Son. Today is my birthday and already I have receives two gifts. One from my Mum and it is very special, a beautiful china cup and saucer. I am blessed. Mum will not go around boasting about the gift she gave, and this is how it should be. I am committed to giving to my grandchildren and love doing so. However, I especially enjoy giving the gifts that God prompts me to give. This brings great joy. Perhaps the greatest joy is being obedient. This morning I will take time out and spend three hours doing art. This is another special gift from my mum. Mums are special! Let is be read...

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. Ephesians 2:8‭-‬9 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/eph.2.8-9.NLT As we prepare for Christmas we are reminded of the best gift, eternal life. Knowing that when I leave this mortal coil I will be united with Christ and all of those who believed, I am hugely gratified. Jesus came to show the way and to pay the price, once and for all, for sin. Sin separates us, however, His sacrifice reunites us. The First Noel reminds us of the gift worth receiving. No greater gift is worthy of the same honour. Thank You Jesus! Amen!

Listen! It’s the voice of someone shouting, “Clear the way through the wilderness for the Lord ! Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God! Fill in the valleys, and level the mountains and hills. Straighten the curves, and smooth out the rough places. Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. The Lord has spoken!” Isaiah 40:3‭-‬5 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/isa.40.3-5.NLT Making a straight path means clearing away the rubble of offence, removing the voices of condemnation, levelling all rubble away. We are called to DO something, so let us DO! Don't sit in the rubbish. Refuse to allow rubbish to inhabit your place. Amen!

Listen! It’s the voice of someone shouting, “Clear the way through the wilderness for the Lord! Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God! Fill in the valleys, and level the mountains and hills. Straighten the curves, and smooth out the rough places. Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. The Lord has spoken!” Isaiah 40:3‭-‬5 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/isa.40.3-5.NLT This scripture spoken by Isaiah the prophet so long ago, before the birth of Christ was spoken by John the Baptist in the new testament. John was annoyed to prepare the way for Jesus' coming, and he did. We are around to prepare the way for the second coming of Christ, He is returning soon and we cannot keep silent. We are not here to condemn the world but to help the world see, the saviour is at hand. How do we do this? By boldly loving and not shirking from giving a defence of our faith when required. The darkness is gathering for the final showdown, the...