The day with dianne Louise

For I command you this day to love the Lord your God and to keep his commands, decrees, and regulations by walking in his ways. If you do this, you will live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you and the land you are about to enter and occupy. Deuteronomy  30:16 We must choose wisely who we will give our hearts to as these individuals will influence us. When I am in close contact with a person and I love them I begin to behave like them. I am like a mirror.  Having the Lord the chief owner of my affections ensures that He will be my chief influencer. With Him I am safe! Amen!

Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom. Psalms 90:12 NLT Knowing, insight and understanding are all gifts from God. We can stumble along without them but with them we make much wiser choices. Why are we drawn to the people we are drawn to? Why are we compelled to react the way we do? What is there in our family's past that traps us? When we know we can do things differently. I have found that as I seek the Lord wisdom, knowledge and understanding are all readily available. He is worthy of all praise and the peace that comes from His knowledge changes us. Amen!

The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. Psalms 19:7 NLT Soul revival is important but do we see it as so? Today was my mother's funeral. It was emotionally draining and tonight I am reviving. I have had my daughter and granddaughter over for  pizza and salad. We talked about the day and then we talked about photography of all things. Photography can be very refreshing. However, the most refreshing thing I can do is put my hand in the hand who walked on water. He is the best refreshment I can find. Amen!

The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. Psalms 19:7 NLT Flat pack furniture is common today. Almost everyone would have experienced having to follow instructions on where to put screws and if you failed to follow instructions you would know something was wrong, you would have left-over pieces. Our life is like that. We have instructions but fail to follow and have all manner of problems because of it. Try the instructions. Amen!

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. James 1:19 NLT I remember as a young mother crying to a friend about the difficulties I was experiencing. She jumped into counsel mode. I told her I didn't need counsel I just wanted a friend to talk to. She still tried to counsel me. It is frustrating when people will not just sit and listen and love you where you are at. Today I had a neighbor come in to tell me her grief. She has some medical issues and the possible outcomes were frightening her. I hugged her and encouraged her. I told her how I had been in a similar place many years ago. It turned out nothing ugly and I prayed for her. I enjoyed it. Yesterday I had an 80 year old gent tell me he enjoyed my Facebook posts and that they were positive. They were ministering to him. I am so pleased. I post a scripture every day as well as positive and uplifting thoughts for the day. This is a part of being a blessin...

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. James 1:19‭-‬20 NLT Today I seek more of God. I am to face a situation which, last time I met this person, I became very angry. This person carries around a few evil spirits and I am being expected to accept this as a normal human being. I want to cast them out. Lord I need to see what You see and act as You would act. You went out of Your way to go to the Gardarenes to cast a legion of spirits from the man in the graveyard. Your were not angry but compassionate. Show me Your heart for this person and how to act. Amen!

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Colossians 3:15 NLT Not only should we endeavour to have peace from conflicting emotions in our own heart, we should seek to live in peace with others. Peace, unlike what some believe, is not obtained by escaping life, but rather in the storm. Put your hand out and imagine it parts the worlds between earth and heaven and touch Christ. Allow His peace to infuse your soul. Amen!

So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming.  You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. Colossians 3:5‭-‬10 NLT Paul tells us that being a Christian is more than joining a club or any outward appearance. The scripture above delves deeper into the heart, the hidden parts. We need to kill the earth things living within us: lust, greed, self-righteousness, idolatry, anger, malice. Jesus died for all sin, how can we hold up pets sins and m...

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalms 91:1 NLT Shelter is sought, desired and should be cherished. Today I have discovered my Lord's goodness. Mums funeral expenses have totaled around $12,000, and that is a no frills affair. Mum had had a funeral plan and had deposited $7,500 in it. One of my sisters was going to cover the shortfall.  Today I had to go to Centrelink social services to notify of mums death. They informed me they were going to give me money to help with the funeral. I had promised mum I would organize a nice headstone. Today I went to look at them and discovered the cost was around $3,000. My sister came with me and we chose the marble and the wording on the stone. I was very satisfied that my God had enabled me to pay for the stone, His way. I knew He was with me, blessing me. I have watched God heal my family and cleanse away all unforgiveness. This is the best part. How good is God? This afternoon I re...

Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. Colossians 3:1‭-‬4 NLT Think about the things of heaven; that's where life is. Again and again we need to come back to centre. Our compass is Jesus. Anything else pollutes our spirits and dulls our senses.  Keeping our spirits clean and non-polluted is our work. A clean spirit ministers life to others, a river of life can flow out of us to bring healing to our world.  We see many of the rivers in our world polluted by earthly things which destroy the life in the rivers. It is the same for us. Our rivers start out pure, full of the life of the spirit. However, if I have any other love in my li...

And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Colossians 2:6 NLT Jesus was God's Son but when He finally came to make the ultimate sacrifice He was afraid and asked if it be possible for the task to pass Him by. Yet, He said: 'Not My will but Yours be done.' Hre accepted His task, even though it was a cruel one. Today we must follow Him, taking up our cross. Life is not easy amd sometimes it is cruel. Yet in the cruelty the glory of the cross shines and does more than words can. Trust God, take up your cross and follow Him! Amen!

And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him.  Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.  Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ.  For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body.  So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority. Colossians 2:6‭-‬10 NLT Today I am challenged with the more of Christ. I am now entering a new phase of my life. My mother, for whom I was carer, died yesterday and now I am free to walk a new path. I had been praying for an outpouring of awareness of sin and need for repentance. I walked out of church being myself convicted. It was good to know God heard my praye...

But everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ Acts of the Apostles 2:21 NLT Today my mum went home to be with the Lord. She had struggled with severe pain for a long time and finally she is at peace. I do not know why it took her 5 days in a coma without food or drink to die, yet it did. I believe the time is right when all things happen, even if we do not agree. I must trust that mum and God were having a conversation and that when it was over she was gone. I am sad now but believe she is in a better place and will come to celebrate along with her. A new phase begins. Amen!

But everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ Acts of the Apostles 2:21 NLT Salvation requires something: calling on Jesus. It has nothing to do with being a 'good' person. Good people can be far away from God as they are self-dependant not God dependant. Self-righteous people have king me on the throne, not Christ. The apostle Paul says it well: it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, not of your own works, lest any man should boast.(Ephesians 2:6) We like to boast and glory in self. God is interested in us knowing we could do nothing to save ourselves but totally dependant upon Him so that we give Him the glory. Amen!

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Galatians 6:9 NLT Endurance is needed to not give up. Endurance is possible with the power of the Holy Spirit. Endurance is not a feeling, it is a decision. Feelings cannot dictate, in fact they need to be held in restraint. This is called self-control. Tiredness, illness or conflict may try to dissuade, however, a decision to look beyond the circumstance to the goal is important. Where am I going and what is the big picture? Our God is a better manager than we are. We can trust Him. Amen!

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Galatians 6:9 NLT Doing Good! Not always will our emotions agree with this. There are times we will want to stop the pain our loved ones experience. We must understand that we cannot play God and make decisions only He can make. Pain in our lives is there to bring us to the reality we are not God but must trust Him. I am watching my mother die and cannot stop the process. It is painful for us to watch her slow decline. However, we cannot make it hasten by anything we do. Why God chooses to delay in taking her is His mystery. Pergaps they are having a conversation I am not privy to. I must trust and obey not slay. Therein lies the pain. I cannot tire of doing the good given to me to do. Amen!

Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. Isaiah 40:28 NLT The depth of His understanding is unfathomable. The Lord understands more than we credit Him for. He understands more than we do. He  understands all our motives, the things we do not understand or comprehend ourselves. Now, isn't it worth us desiring to know this powerful being?

Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. Isaiah 40:28 NLT Do you become weary? I do! Yet my God never does. This fact is amazing considering all He has before Him; the fights and wranglings of His people; the size of the universe. We weary when we  are overwhelmed with demands that seem too heavy. I am returning home to such a time. However, I have God's Spirit in me. He will lift me up on wings of an eagle. I dont need to flap or beat myself up, I can soar over difficult circumstances, I just need to stay in Him. Amen!

No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:39 NLT Tonight I received news that mum is in a coma and has very little time. I had prayed that her time would be soon. My God is more interested in my mum than I and I care a lot. I want to see mum in eternity. To me that is more significant than being there as she dies. I cannot cling to a shadow when reasons of time are yet to come for mum. This is the beginning of a new life. I trust my God to keep me and mine until he calls. Amen!

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22‭-‬23 NLT Have you noticed that these fruit are all how we interact with others in our world? Having the Holy Spirit's power in us empowers us as we choose to live in Him. Today, put on Christ! Amen!

Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. 1 John 2:15‭-‬16 NLT We can experience the things of this world but not give them our hearts. Our hearts belong to the Lord. I am reading The Purpose of Pain by CS Lewis. An interesting read. He was one clever man. Whilst I dont necessarily subscribe to all He says I pretty much agree with his peŕspective on pain. Pain is the territory of the fallen world. When we give our hearts to the world and its stuff we inevitably suffer because God will not leave us in idolatry. I enjoy God's gifts but prefer His presence. He is the best! Amen!

Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. 1 John 2:15‭-‬16 NLT Cravings, no matter what clothing we put on them to endow them with sanctity, are derived from the world and it is not a kind master. Desire to make wealth can be dressed in helping mankind. Yet, if we are not already helping them, we deceive ourselves. The world pumps out constant images of possessions and implies we will be happier, healthier and complete with them. Yet, possessions are empty and soon rot. Achievements shout out: get this award, this degree, this experience and you will be content. We pay the cost to obtain them and find them empty. Complete contentment comes from obedience to the Lord and following His ways. He is full of conte...

I the Lord search the mind, I try the heart, even to give to every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings. Jeremiah 17:10 AMPC How do we try people and things? We test them to see if they are sincere, of they will keep their word or carry out a command. I appreciate it when I make a booking and it comes to pass. Months this ago I booked a flight to Lady Elliot Island and although I have to change it once, without me checking, it came to pass today. My grandson and I spent a delightful day around the island snorkeling, pretty much most of the day except for lunch. I was glad that I could keep my word and determine to take Ryan on the flight. Many parents make promises but do not follow through. The fact that we had to change the date did not bother Ryan, he knew it would happen. In business it is imperative that we keep our word. I am facing a situation with a previous employer who has failed to do this. Arrogant people think nothing of changing the rules. We ca...

But I, the Lord , search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.” Jeremiah 17:10 NLT We may live without true awareness as to our motives but rather bumble along in actions and consequences. This leads to hurt amd disillusionment. Yet when we are willing to live before God and say, along with David: 'test my heart and know my ways and reveal to me if there is any wicked way in me', then we will truly live. The Lord has a habit of waking me in the night to show me my heart. He did last night. I had acted without consulting Him and failed to show mercy and grace. When I do this I sin against Him first and then His creation. When I pray for revelation He gives it amd it cleanses me. Awareness of sin is important, as is confession and forgiveness. It is a complete set. We are not meant to go around burdened with guilt but to come in repentance and be forgiven. A short account works well. We all sin in many...

So we must not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up. Galatians 6:9 HCSB Many things tire us. Today I drove from Brisbane to Woodgate beach near Bundaberg. I had an irascible young man on board. We were barely 30 minutes down the road, listening to a story on Audible and he was bored. I found that we needed regular stops, and a lot of food, to help him cope. Fortunately Rtan is a thin as a pole. My grandson and I are travelling together on a small holiday. Tomorrow we fly to Lady Elliot Island for the day. We will snorkel, beach comb, ride in a glass-bottom boat, eat and return to Bundaberg. This afternoon when discussing our trip tomorrow the big question was: is there wifi on the plane as I will be bored. I suggested we look out for whales, sharks and dolphins and he was dismissive. Oh joy! My grandson is autistic and has a very short attention span. However, I will work with him. I have a goal to bond with Ryan in a way that is beyond what ...

So we must not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up. Galatians 6:9 HCSB There is one vital lesson that the farmers in Australia has given me- never give up. The banks foreclosing is probably the only things that stops them and then they find a way to continue. Never giving up is also a lesson Winston Churchill showed the world in WW2. His catch- cry was: "Never, never, never, never give up." Why do we give up? The onslaught of the enemy is great at times but the power of the risen Christ in us is greater. Perhaps we lose focus, paying more attention to the bad news than the good news. Jesus says, " Look at Me!" Our eyes must be on the kingdom of God and not our enemies or circumstances. We cannot entertain wrong thoughts and win the battle. Stay focused on where you are going instead of where you have been. Amen!

Commit your way to the Lord ; trust in Him, and He will act, Psalms 37:5 HCSB He WILL act! I have made a decision to move to Brisbane when mum passes away. I believe that will be soon. I have begun to confess my moving intentions and things are opening up. I have found a church and begun to make new friends. My daughter asked me today if I would stay in their house all June and into July. I believe this will give me time to find a new home. My flesh is comfortable in Tamworth. I have a good home amd good friends. However, I know I must step out, into what is coming next. My daughter's daughter is excited about the move. She said: we can do movies and food together. Little does she know more is probably coming for her as well. My sons children love having me around and I have found it easy to navigate the shops and roads. I will be fine. A year of new things is coming. Be prepared!

Commit everything you do to the Lord . Trust him, and he will help you. Psalms 37:5 NLT Committment is an elusive attribute these days. Yet our God is full of it. He is committed to His word, His people and His love. Committment is lasting and when it is apprehended and taken as our own, it sees change. When we are told to commit our ways to the Lord, we need to do that and leave them there and trust Him to act on our behalf. Tomorrow I take my autistic grandson for a short holiday. Two days ago we were in a cyclone and the weather was not good. I prayed and asked the Lord for sunny weather for this coming week. Immediately the weather cleared. I saw my God's love and faithfulness before me. I realise that so often we pray in anxiety and fear and do not commit and trust. I have started to pray: Lord, I know that you hear my prayers and I will trust You to answer. I am learning to leave my prayers there and thank Him for the answer. Commit your ways to God and allow Him to be God. A...

“But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. Jeremiah 17:7 NLT Confidence is valuable. A confident person moves ahead. However, I do not need to be confident in myself but in the Lord. He is my deliverer and song. He is strong when I am weak; He is worthy when I am unworthy. It is not all about me, but He. With the Holy Spirit I have all I need. Amen!

“But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit. Jeremiah 17:7‭-‬8 NLT In this Psalm David compares those who do not trust in the Lord to those who do. The picture for those who disbelieve is not pretty. Yet, these verses encourage us who believe to persevere. Developing roots that go deep takes time, perseverance though times of trouble and determination. Australia has just experienced several years of drought and the worst bushfires season I have ever seen in my 66 years. If the trees did not put down roots then they did not survive. However, amazingly, many did amd are now putting forth new shoots, mich to the delight and enjoyment of many. We will endure severe trials but when they end those who watched us endu...

Now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/1co.13.13.HCSB Growing up watching my mother and grandmother preserve fruit, I know there are ways to ensure fresh fruit lasts longer. I visited Japan where the common folk preserve fruit by drying. I must say they make the best preserved persimmons ever. I dislike fresh persimmons but their dried variety in the most delicious dried fruit I have ever tasted. Growing up in rural Australia we had a backyard full of fruit trees. We had the biggest and most succulent peaches called Yella Mundies. As to the veracity of the accuracy of this name, it sounds awfully like a nickname. Mum preserved these peaches and they were very sweet. Nowadays I like to dry fruit in my Japanese drying cage. I have tried all manner of fruit with a modicum of success, I particularly like dried mango. The ancient Egyptians preserved bodies through embalming. Yet when these bodies ...

Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/1co.13.13.NLT When we consider how long the stars, planets and galaxies have been around, the time that has passed on earth and the many people who have gone before us, to realise they have and will continue to pass away, we are left realizing nothing much is forever. Yet, faith, hope and love, three tiny words, represent that which are eternal. Why are these eternal? I am glad you asked. They are eternal because they are wrapped up in the nature of God. Faith is what creates, hope and love sustain what has been created. I have a grandson called Archie. Archie is a gentle, intelligent boy who loves Lego. He creates, usually following instruction booklets. However, he and I have been building creatively; our two minds bouncing off each other. It is a wonderful dynamic. If I would describe Archie  it would be hope and love.  He does not disp...

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Philippians 2:3 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/php.2.3.NLT When I think about me amd my self-image I try to create a false image that is only there in my imagination; it is not real. When I am successful in my deception I glory in my success. This is all a chasing after wind. There comes a day of rejection not too far away. What then? I need to live in the Image God has of me. He is accurate and He empowers me to live out that life. Amen!

Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Philippians 2:3 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/php.2.3.HCSB We can be so influenced by how we perceive others receive us that we modify our behaviour to appear what we are not. Yet we may have faulty perception. If this is the case we go around behaving out of sinc for no reason whatsoever. Where is God in all this? Watching and concerned saying: "No! There is a better way. Be who you were created to be, who I love you to be. Live in Me!" Each of us were created with a unique attribute of God the Father in us. This is what makes us different and sets us apart. It is this uniqueness that needs to shine. So...let it shine! Amen!

Little children, we must not love with word or speech, but with truth and action. 1 John 3:18 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/1jn.3.18.HCSB Love is an action word, not a feeling word. We do love then we feel good because of action. Love is sacrificial, kind, patient, enduring. It is not short tempered. It is gracious and forgiving. There is a lot of doing ideas just there. Let's do it!

Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds. Psalms 105:1‭-‬2 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.105.1-2.NLT Being thankful in anyone's frame of reference, and it makes you a nicer person. Having a grateful heart makes your attitude grateful. After several years of drought the rain is falling. Yes the weeds are the first to arrive they are easily pulled because of the soft earth. The best time to pull weeds is after a good fall of rain. The best time to pull out bad attitudes is after time with God. Being grateful for small things leads us to find gratitude for larger things, or hidden things. Having a grateful countenance leads people to ask why. What makes you so happy? Be ready with an answer. God is good! Sing to the Lord and shower Him with love. He loves it! Amen!

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/eph.2.10.NLT I am a masterpiece created for good works. Just as the Roll Royce was a masterpiece in design, so am I. Just as this car was designed for high value and great things, so was I. You and I are made for great things. Will you allow yourself to be great? Lift your eyes and see as God sees. Amen!

For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 HCSB What is a good work? It is not something we devise to look good or attract attention. It is something God prepares for us to do. Perhaps it is to suffer silently so that hot coals will be heaped upon someone's head. Perhaps it is an act of kindness, an act of mercy or serving our families diligently. Walking in God's plan unravels the darkness; preaches to powers and authorities. Authority is wrapped in obedience to the call and purpose God has for us. God's plans are the only ones worth pursuing. Amen!

Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil. Ephesians 6:11 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/eph.6.11.HCSB Standing against evil tactics takes determination, perseverance and tenacity on our part. God provides the amour and His Holy Spirit to counsel and guide us. Standing against onslaught, which can be fiery and nasty requires grit and strength. We cannot be pansies; beautiful to look at but lacking substance. We are in a war. Hiding away earns us the Lord's remonstration; do not bury your treasure!

Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. Ephesians 6:11 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/eph.6.11.NLT A lot of the conflict we have is spiritual. Remember all unyielded parts of all of us can be used by our enemy to attack us. I am finding this out only too well.  Just by breathing I am causing angst. The fun-loving and generous parts are judged, the logical sides are blindsided, the stubborn is made most of, the unseeing parts are focused on and gratitude for love and faithfulness is lacking. So...I must put on my helmet of salvation that says I am loved dearly, forgiven and blood-bought, lift up my faith as shield, put on right thinking and living as a breastplate, wrap my loins with God's truth, stay in the word as it is my sword, and go willing to still share Christ. I have to cover myself with Christ and know He is enough. I have to live in Him and not the opinions of others. He must be the filter on the opinions. Ame...

No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:39 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/rom.8.39.NLT Ever had to deal with the wild emotions that autistic children are subject to? As you who sees it externally I sympathize. Uncontrolled emotions are viscious lords. When I was younger I saw myself as one who had wildly swinging emotions. I could not allow myself to become too excited or I would swing in the opposite direction. I knew that stable emotions were paramount. Jesus was my strength. Jesus can set us free from any wild emotions, raging lusts and addictions, if we cling to Him. He is our deliverer. Amen!

height or depth, or any other created thing will have the power to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord! Romans 8:39 HCSB When we realise nothing can separate us from God's love, we understand no amount of hate from others, resentment or malice will have no effect either. God loves us even though others may not. His love and all its affection are still there, no matter what; even when we sin. Forgiveness is there for us as well as release from the sin. Being angry with God because of others is foolishness. He is not others. Amen!

For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the ideas and thoughts of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/heb.4.12.HCSB Today I took an opportunity to listen to a message by Steven Furtick. He was right on the money (accurate). God has been speaking to me about staying true to character strength and not allowing myself to be bullied into subservience. Today I had lunch with my daughter and granddaughter, and then went and watched the new Tom Hanks movie. I was sure it was a God movie. So good! My granddaughter is interested in psychology and it was right up her alley. I was glad we all watched it together. The thrust of the movie was forgiveness. Tom Hanks kept saying: "you are special, you are unique." I enjoyed it. I enjoyed my time with my daughter and granddaughter. We laughed a lot. I am grateful that my grandchildre...

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Hebrews 4:12 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/heb.4.12.NLT When we read or hear the word of God we give it an opportunity to change us. It has power to challenge our darkest motives, our selfishness, arrogance and sin. It also encourages and lifts us up. The Word has the Spirit of God in it. It is full of life and power. It brings people to salvation. I remember when it opened my eyes to salvation. It was my best day. We need to listen to sermons on podcasts, meet with others for bible studies. We need to fellowship it, make it important. Why stay away from life? Dive it! Enjoy! Amen!

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing. Psalms 143:10 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.143.10.NLT When we ask God to teach us, He does. The teaching process is not always to our own comfort. Sometimes He leads us through painful valleys. Unfortunately growth happens in painful places. We can't run from them or we find them in a different valley. Fortunately He understands and His love carries us. Amen!

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing. Psalms 143:10 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.143.10.NLT This verse is written by David. He is being pursued by his enemy and he is seeking God's salvation. We will, at times, experience this. Depending on where we live the severity and danger can overwhelm us. Personally, when I seek to serve the Lord my enemy rises up in hatred and the battle is on. Two days ago I was asked to pray and have been praying. It seems wherever I go enemies are present, even in Christian households. Each of us has areas unyielded to the Lord and this unyileded portion is what rises up against others and it is this portion that plays havoc with our lives and the lives of others. Salvation is freedom from sin; however, we must yield. Yielding to God sets us free into greater liberty than freedom in finance or circumstance. Yielding to God is surrender, it is laying down our life for the kingdom o...

Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.” Matthew 19:26 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.19.26.NLT What do you consider impossible? Are you limiting yourself or God by your mindset of impossibility? Do you live with an attitude that: I should pray but God does not answer my prayers? Why not start thanking Him for hearing you and answering your prayers? God does answer prayers. However, He responds to faith. Faith is built up by reading and listening to His word and His promises and stories from those who have had prayers answered. Amen!

Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.” Matthew 19:26 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.19.26.NLT Jesus made this response in reply to a question about the rich entering the kingdom of God. He had been preaching about mammon and God being not two compatible loves. He went on to say: it would be easier for a camel to pass the the eye of the needle than a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. Yet, with God anything  is possible. This goes for any miracle we are asking God for. In the natural it looks impossible but to God it is a sinch. God is not beset with the same limitations we have. He is the God who created the universe. He is bigger than the biggest stars. He made them out of nothing by the words of His mouth. Amen!

For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. Isaiah 43:19 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/isa.43.19.NLT Today I had new things, however they were not good. I often find the counterfeit or contention comes first, then the blessing. I cannot be waylaid by either of these as they are false starts. They consume unnecessary energy and attempt to steal the blessing. I am waiting on breakthrough. It is coming!

For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. Isaiah 43:19 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/isa.43.19.NLT Something new we welcome when we initiate it, have a say in it or are consulted about it. However, when it comes out of left field in unwelcomed clothing or boxing, what then? I am away from home having a rest from caring for my mum. Last night my sister, who has stepped in to take my place for 6 weeks called to inform me that she and my mother want to re-home mum thousands of miles away in Tasmania. Not only will 9 hours of travelling further impede my mums deteriorating health, the circumstances there are not as safe or comfortable. The idea of being in Tasmania is appealing to mum, she has an old friend there. However, the reality may prove otherwise. Whilst I will not stand in her way, I must be the voice of reason. I always ask myself: Is God in this? If ...

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Philippians 1:6 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/php.1.6.NLT We start out a seed: need to be planted, watered and grown. We become a tree who needs pruning, water amd fertilizer. We are in the hands of a mastercraftsman. He sees what we can become and He has a plan. Flow with the plan. Amen!

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans 5:3‭-‬5 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/rom.5.3-5.NLT All throughout the New Testament, we read such messages of encouragement to endure trials. We do not relish trials, in fact, we probably despise them. Yet all the New Testament writers encourage endurance in trials. They must have known something. We do face trials and they are a part of life. While we resent them and wish them to go away, they linger. I spoke to a man on Sunday about a trial and he said: "but God does promise us prosperity." The prosperity many expect may not happen. Yet we may prosper in our relationship with God, we may be instrument...

Serve the Lord with reverent fear, and rejoice with trembling. Psalms 2:11 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.2.11.NLT My son has four boys and a girl. All the children know when they can have fun with their dad and when to be quiet and listen. They know their dad is boss. They respect his authority. If I have reverent fear for my God I respect Him and know my limits. I cannot disregard His commands and expect He is not looking or that He does not care, He does. Tonight I am watching my grandson train in Hapkido, a form of self-defence. The instructor us definitely in charge. Things are done in strict order and respect is given. We cannot assume our God is lazy and not vigilant. He is vigilant and He is training us in righteousness. Amen!

Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands. Deuteronomy 7:9 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/deu.7.9.NLT The challenge for me as a Christian is finding emotional satisfaction in the Lord alone and knowing everything else is a bonus. I realise how much I expect family to love and accept me, and then am disappointed when it does not happen.  As a Christian I am called to love God with all my heart, soul and strength and love my neighbour as myself. Yet do I? I can say I love but the love I need to apply is God's love. To a people who did not love Him back, He poured out His love unfailingly. He loved with all He had and gave His Son to win us back. Jesus told a parable about a landowner who leased His land to people and when rent was due he sent servants who they beat up and sent away. Finally He sent His Son, yet they k...

The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 2 Peter 3:9 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/2pe.3.9.NLT When I consider those I long to see in the Kingdom of God, and I consider the time where nothing appears to have happened, I am aware that so much goes on inside the hearts of people that they do not understand or disclose until they do understand. When I consider the 19 years it took for me to receive that same revelation, I know a little of God's patience. During those 19 years, events unfolded to bring me to hunger for truth. Although we are inpatient to see our loved ones come to Christ, He has a plan and we must trust Him to work His plan. Amen!

The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed but wants everyone to repent. 2 Peter 3:9 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/2pe.3.9.NLT Chapter three of 2 Peter talks about the Lord's return. Verse 7 tells us that the present earth is stored up for fire. In other words, it will end in fire. I am watching astronomy reports and many are concerned with space matter hitting the earth and causing devastation. They are on track as far as what the book of Revelation reveals. In this book, chapter 8, we read of the happenings in the sky. It predicts a flaming star falling to earth and burning up 1/3 of all the trees, another killing 1/3 of all the fish in the sea. That is huge and nothing mankind can do will prevent it. However, Peter writes warning his readers to live holy lives for the day will come suddenly, just like a thief. Jesus told his disciples about the end times and Peter was ...

I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. Psalms 16:8 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.16.8.NLT God's presence is real. He walks beside us. He is for us. Trusting He is there is important, even though we do not see or feel Him. God's presences make trials easier to bear. His point of view brings life. Only His point of view is imperative; nothing else satisfies. Amen!

I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. Psalms 16:8 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.16.8.NLT Not being shaken is a marvellous attribute; being steady as a rock. When our lives are built on Christ we are like a lighthouse built on a rock way out in the ocean; the storms do not affect us. There is a song: On Christ the solid rock I stand, all else is sinking sand. Nothing stands like Christ. He is strong and sturdy. We cannot allow our thoughts to betray us. The enemy sends out doubts, fears and all manner of thoughts about what we are up against to try and defeat us, he makes out that our adversary is big and strong, when it may not be. Use these challenges as if you are learning to hit a tennis ball, hit it back. Remember the scripture: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Amen!