The day with dianne Louise

The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18 NLT Tonight I had a uni tutorial and the poet used a lot of biblical references. Finding the scriptural references brought me joy. For a Christian the gospel does not offront who they are. For the non-believer scripture is a challenge. For me the Word of God is vital and filled with life. I am grateful I do not have to produce eternal life in myself by religious practices. Jesus is my door. Amen!

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but it is God’s power to us who are being saved. 1 Corinthians 1:18 HCSB Those who's God is themselves will rail against the truth of this scripture, or in fact, any scripture. Yet right now, in the Coronavirus they will bring God out to blame Him when previously denying His existence. You cannot have it both ways. Either God exists or He doesn't and if He does then the whole of scripture has something to say: Christ is real and deserves our attention. As one who knows Him personally, He is real and He is love. He is not the cause of disasters and disease, our sin causes those. Yet, He is there to turn to and ever available to be known. Try Him today! Amen!

and My people who are called by My name humble themselves, pray and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 HCSB When you read this scripture you may be affronted. You may believe yourself righteous. Yet what does God say? What does He see? We can delude ourselves. Jesus told a parable of two men who went into the temple to pray. One was proud and boasted of all the 'good' he had done. Then he turned and looked down on the other man who beat his breast and knew himself a sinner. Jesus said the second man had God's attention, the first claimed glory for himself. What does this tell us? God is looking for humility above acts of service. Anything that causes us to be self-righteous He counts as dung. This is a wake up call! Amen!

Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 NLT God's people cannot selfishly live for themselves, they must live for the Lord and His kingdom. He must be first and His delight must be our delight. In this time of isolation it is time to seek Him and His ways. What does He want today? What would He have us do and say? This life is not about us and our desires. We can expect Him to be our fairy godmother and give us all the stuff our hearts desire but we need to operate as He operates. If you are unsure, read the gospels. God wants a selfless people who seek Him for Himself. Amen!

Wait patiently for the Lord . Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord . Psalms 27:14 NLT Is everything inside you wanting to run ahead? Are you keen to move now that you have had a week's rest? Today the Covavirus restrictions became stronger: no more than 2 people getting together at any time for necessary reasons. Phew! I am glad 2 are still allowed. I walk down every day to see my older neighbour and we walk our dogs. We both wear masks and keep our distance but we talk. I need daily interaction with someone and so does she. We say our dogs are chaffing at the bit to go for a walk together but if the truth be told, so are we. I am grateful! Thank Your Lord for neighbours! Amen!

Wait patiently for the Lord . Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord . Psalms 27:14 NLT Right now, in Australia we have no option than to wait patiently. We are all in isolation in a hope to rid ourselves of the Coronavirus. In other areas of my life I am having to wait patiently for the Lord as I have nowhere else to go but to the Lord. I must wait on His promises. I have received His promises and yet they delay. For the reasons that God only knows, they delay. Yet, like David, while I wait I will seek God, praise Him and cling to Him. He is my refuge and strength. His authority is over all. Amen!

We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:7‭-‬9 NLT Are you feeling fragile? Perhaps that is because you are. You are meant to be fragile and rely on a strong God. Feeling imperfect? You are meant to me imperfect. This is to remind you you need to rely on your creator. We may be pressed in with troubles on every side but we can rely on our God, who never fails. Cheer up! He is in control! Amen!

We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:7‭-‬9 NLT It is ok to know you are fragile. You contain the Spirit of the God almighty if Jesus is your Lord.  This is your strength. Many things will come against you but He rules over the final outcome. Be of good cheer. Trust Him! Amen!

But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. Matthew 6:6 NLT The worst of being alone and something goes wrong. I do this often. I remember one time being burned by a gas flame from the kitchen stove. It ran across my hand, up my arm and through my hair. Fortunately my hair only singed. However my arm was quite painful. Straight away in d sank my arm into a sink of cold water and phoned a friend to take me to hospital. Fortunately my friend answered on the first ring. Although I kept my arm in cold water it was very painful. Painkillers did nothing to help  fortunately hospital had a soothing gel to smother the burn with and the pain eased almost straight away. I remember this because I have just burnt myself again and we are told to stay at home because of the Covavirus. I will mend and not need hospital this time. This reminds me of the need I have for my eternal frien...

But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. Matthew 6:6 NLT Are you used to rote prayers, as in the rosary? Are you used to public prayers, as in the prayer wall? Do you pray at all? Jesus gave the example: he went off by Himself to a lonely place to pray; He was up before or later than others in a quiet place. If someone in so public a life as Christ can find a time and place, we can. God wants all of us, not just the scraps. I heard of one woman who would put her apron over her head and indicate to the family she was in prayer and the children would leave her alone to pray. This woman taught her children the need and importance of prayer. What we do tells a message to others. What do you do?

It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 1 Corinthians 13:6 NLT It is so easy to jump into judgement. A judge only does this after hearing all the facts (note HEARING all the FACTS), and even then waits for the jury to make its judgement, then the judge gives his or her assessment and penalty. Social media has given each of us a supposed platform to make judgements when we are not epidemiologists, not medically trained or minimally so. We also attempt to tell our politicians how to do their job. We are arrogant, boastful and full of self. May the Lord forgive us our sins and lead us to His plans and purposes for our tongues and hands. Amen!

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13:4‭-‬7 NLT Right now, when people are cooped up with family for, perhaps months, these scriptures need to sustain us. I heard on the news that the money spent on alcohol outstripped that spent on food as people realise they must submit to a yoke not of their making. I pity those of the household who must endure the drunkenness. Rather instead adults need to know how to love their families enough to spend time with them in creative ways. It would have been better to spend money on creative things to do together. There are so many creative ideas that the Lord gives us, if we would only but consider them. Amen!

We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5 NLT Fear breeds on anxious thoughts. Take control of your thoughts. If you are feeding these thought with watching news reports that fuel your anxiety- turn it off. Take time to enjoy the Lord, His word and worship. Stay in contact via Zoom or Skype with other believers. Think of others around you. Thinking of others in your neighborhood, especially the vulnerable. Let the peace of God rule your hearts and minds. Amen! 

For though we live in the body, we do not wage war in an unspiritual way,  since the weapons of our warfare are not worldly, but are powerful through God for the demolition of strongholds. We demolish arguments and every high-minded thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God, taking every thought captive to obey Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3‭-‬5 HCSB We need to take this passage as our medicine. This is the answer to what is facing us in the worldwide pandemic we are now facing. There are and will be a lot said about this virus and how the disease will play out. But...God has a different view. It is time to take His view to heart and allow Him to be GOD. Concentrate on what you can do to help your community. Ours has created various Facebook pages to provide information and plan fun in isolation. At present I have a teddy bear in my window as someone wants to take their children on a teddy bear hunt. I am making face masks for the hospital staff and keeping an eye on a few o...

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord , my rock and my redeemer. Psalms 19:14 NLT Now of all times we must show forth God's praise. Who else but He can save us? Yesterday our country came to a halt, well, almost. All non-essential businesses have closed, sue to the Coronavirus, leaving thousands out of work. Today, we can sit and cry in our pretzels or get on our knees and seek our God. Now, we will see if He is indeed GOD! When we have comforted ourselves we have a community who needs to hear the good news. Amen!

And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. Ezekiel 36:26 NLT I watch people refusing to take Coronavirus seriously, flaunting restrictions and saying: 'unless we are told to stay indoors, we will continue.' In the midst of all this inefficiencies in the actions of legislators are frustrating the populace. However, our government is learning as it goes, it has never been here and I must give them grace. I am praying that a new heart would come to all of us. Selfishness has to die. Living for God and others is a must! Amen!

And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.  And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations. Ezekiel 36:26‭-‬27 NLT This scripture is a restorative prophesy regarding God's people Israel. We can also take it to heart. The new heart promised is what we experience when we ask Christ into our lives and are born again. I know this is what He gave me. However, I must maintain my heart and seek God for His heart for people. Who is He reaching out to? I find myself praying for the nations of the world and do this using a map. This has caused me to start to learn about these nations and as I do they become more alive and real. As God pours out His Spirit in response to our prayer we will see Him move in a new and dynamic way. Amen!

And the Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day there will be one Lord —his name alone will be worshiped. Zechariah 14:9 NLT This is a part of a prophesy about the return of Christ. We cannot imagine such a time. The world is filled with individual countries with their own mandate and way of ruling. For them all to submit to Christ would be a sight to behold. We live in interesting times. This morning in my quiet time I was challenged to reach out and God provided old school friends. In total, so far there are four. I spent a lot of time communicating with one friend today. I sent her the link for my church service. I pray she watched it. She needs the Lord to help her. I am so grateful that in times when we must self isolate we have social media. Praise God! He knows what is happening and is in control. Amen!

Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one. Matthew 6:9‭-‬13 NLT If ever the truth in this prayer holds more meaning it is now. Lord may Your kingdom come. May our hearts turn to you, may we put You first, may we forgive others as we ask for forgiveness, keep us from knowing and doing evil and please provide us with food we need, oh and toilet paper, for we are foolish. Amen! The Lord longs for us...time to visit Him in our closets. Amen!

“How great you are, O Sovereign Lord ! There is no one like you. We have never even heard of another God like you! 2 Samuel 7:22 NLT Have you ever had someone say: you are 1 in a million, or there has never been anyone like you? You might have in a love at first sight instance. When I came to know the Lord as saviour I knew I had met that 'never before' one. He has gone on to prove my instinct was right. How about you?

“How great you are, O Sovereign Lord ! There is no one like you. We have never even heard of another God like you! 2 Samuel 7:22 NLT This was a part of a prayer David prayed when the prophet Nathan had come to him with a message. David had wanted to build a temple for the Lord but the Lord said: 'No! Your son will build it but I am going to bless you.'(my paraphrase). David was smitten that then Lord wanted to bless him and his family. Our God is soverign and He rules over all the earth. He wants to bless His children. We can trust Him to take care of us. If He protected His people from the plagues of Egypt He can protect us from a virus. Amen!

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack. He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He renews my life; He leads me along the right paths for His name’s sake. Psalms 23:1‭-‬3 HCSB We have green pastures again in Tamworth, NSW, Australia after the drought and fires. It is beautiful and makes me want to lie down in it as I did when I was a child. We have water in the river again, quiet waters, so refreshing. The weather is milder as well. I have everything I need. Sure my country is in lockdown with the Corona virus but hey, all is good with me. I need to rejoice each day and spread the joy! Amen!

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. Psalms 23:4 NLT David knew many dark days but he clung to His Shepherd. Having been a shepherd Himself He knew what he did for the sheep: he had killed a lion and a bear for them. When he had to go away from them he found a good replacement.  Jesus showed what a shepherd was like. He taught them, ministered with them and then enabled them to go and do as He had done, he prayed for them, defended them amd also chastised them. However, He loved the sheep and eventeually gave up His life for them. Jesus walked through the darkest valley trusting the Father that His sacrifice would be enough, it was. Now I can trust Him through my darkest valley.

Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven. Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. James 5:14‭-‬16 NLT Earnest prayer is not: if it be thy will prayers. Earnest prayer is intercessors prayer. It moves mountains, stops storms. Earnest prayer will take this virus and turn it into a revival. Amen!

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The urgent request of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect. James 5:16 HCSB James tells us what to do when sick: first, confess our sins; second, ask for prayer. Rather simple isn't it?  I grew up in a home that believed in going to confession, to a priest. When I was a teenager and really had things to confess the process seemed empty when no help came. I think you need to confess to a born-again believer not someone who does the actions but their heart is far away: a righteous person. As James tells us: the prayer of a righteous person is very powerful. We must be prepared to come clean. This is what confession is about: the whole truth. Amen!

Don’t neglect to do what is good and to share, for God is pleased with such sacrifices. Hebrews 13:16 HCSB Sharing is good. If you have more than you need share it with those who have nothing. Sharing good deeds is an act of kindness. Don't be selfish amd live only for you. Share space, food, money, love. Try it! It will make you a better person. Amen!

Don’t neglect to do what is good and to share, for God is pleased with such sacrifices. Hebrews 13:16 HCSB In our current climate as we are being encouraged to think of us and our needs there are still those who need our help.The elderly amd children cannot fend for themselves as the rest can and also need to be provided for. Keep your eye on those in your streets who need your assistance. There are single mums who cannot buy extra food as they don't have the funds. Remember, for most, the Corona virus is a mild cold but for the elderly and sick devastating. Be considerate and mindful. Amen!

When Jesus had washed their feet and put on His robe, He reclined again and said to them, “Do you know what I have done for you? You call Me Teacher and Lord. This is well said, for I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.  For I have given you an example that you also should do just as I have done for you. “I assure you: A slave is not greater than his master,    and a messenger is not greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. John 13:12‭-‬17 HCSB This is our example. This is our quest. We have a very present opportunity to live this out. Let's go!

And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. John 13:14 NLT Washing people's feet was for servants. Jesus was severely challenging the status quo by His actions. He had a bunch of misfits who squabbled over who was the greatest among them and here Jesus was cutting to the bone with a truth they struggled with. Struggling with humility is human nature but nonetheless a path we Christians must take. Will we allow someone who annoys us to instruct us? What if God sent them? Scripture says: humble yourself before the mighty hand of God and at due time He will lift you up(1 Peter 5:6).

Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does. 1 Chronicles 16:24 NLT Stupidly I watched the evening news. Every story was based on the Corono virus. Please!!! Where is the good news? Time to get out there and spread the good news. Share the goodness of God! Amen!

Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does. 1 Chronicles 16:24 NLT Do you have a testimony of how the Lord has set you free from something? Tell people! Have you a story of God's miraculous provision? Tell somebody! The best way to defeat fear is fill the void with praise to God. There is no need to fear coronavirus. God is still GOD! Trust Him! For weeks I have been praying for every country in the world, I use a digital map. For those countries where wicked leaders dwelt I was praying for them to be confronted by the power of God. He is in charge, He is still king. Amen!

And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:5 NLT When I pour liquid from one container to the next on the command: 'pour it all!' Do I pour it all or hold some back? If I am cooking and the recipe says 320mls of water, I usually comply and pour 320mls pr water into the container, especially when making bread. If I am commanded to give all, then ALL means ALL! When I give my ALL to God then He gets excited. Try ALL today!

And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:5 NLT When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was He cited this one but then added: and love your neighbor as yourself. This led to a parable about who is my neighbour. The result was: anyone. When I love the Lord with all I've got within me, there is no room for anger, resentment, jealousy, unforgiveness, selfishness, arrogance and pride.  In fact there is only room for love. Amen!

When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer. Psalms 94:19 NLT Doubts and second guessing are not good. If you are in Christ and trusting Him, leave the concerns to Him. Today, as the world is losing the plot regarding the Corona virus, stay focused on Him. He is able to keep you in perfect peace, if your mind stays on Him. Today I went to an antique car show for the first time. I found the love of my life, a Bentley. What a beautiful machine. Don't ask about the specs, dont know. It has beautiful fat curves, was silver and had a burgundy trim and it talked to me. Ahhhhhh! There were hundreds present, it was an outside affair and lots of fresh air. Tomorrow I am going to church, twice, and hang out with my best friend, my Lord and saviour and a few like minded individuals. Hundreds will be present. I pray the Spirit of God comes down. Enjoy life! Amen!

When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer. Psalms 94:19 NLT We all desire comfort. We particularly need it in distressing situations. Then we are surrounded by pain and anguish, grief and sorrow, yet we have a place to go, our God is a Refuge and strength. Verse 13 says: that you may give him power to keep himself calm in the days of adversity until the inevitable pit of corruption is dug for the wicked. Not a pretty sight! Not for our troublemakers, that is. Yet for me, a place of peace and calm. I can trust God to work all things out. Amen!

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12 NLT Precious metals and gems are tested to see if they are flawless. God is looking to see Himself in us. What would that look like? There would be no self-righteousness, no power grabs, no egotism, no offence or revenge attacks: wow! How good would that be? Well...that is where we are going. I am currently praying for this in our world and guess who God is starting with? Moi! (Me) This morning I had a tremendous time of prayer, the presence of God was so good. I must say I am enjoying my God. How about you?

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12 NLT If I was a runner I would welcome the trial runs, they would show me how fast I was and where I needed to tune up my performance. This is true in academia and many arenas of life. When we think we are learning something we can become a little cockey and arrogant. The trial sorts us out and humbles us. When we have an problem that we cannot see and God can, then trial causes us to react and reveal a problem which God wants to bring about a change in. He is all about transforming us into the image of His Son. We are into cruising, as much as possible. I noticed the 'cruise'factor at Connect on Wednesday night. We were having to discuss temptations and trials and most everybody were into spruiking knowledge about the topic. I saw it for the first time as usually I am  in boots and all. As I am currently waiting on ...

The one thing I ask of the Lord — the thing I seek most— is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord ’s perfections and meditating in his Temple. Psalms 27:4 NLT Delight! Delighting in the Lord is a foreign field for many. To understand the nature of delight...its the ah! Factor and pursuit of that thing that brings the ah out in us. When we give thought to this we might be surprised at what we discover about ourselves and what delights us. Now applying the same interest and pursuit to the Lord is the challenge. David loved women and pursued them yet he also knew how to delight in the Lord. This then is our challenge. Amen!

The one thing I ask of the Lord — the thing I seek most— is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord ’s perfections and meditating in his Temple. Psalms 27:4 NLT We should read the entire Psalm. Surrounding this verse David is speaking about his enemies amd not fearing them. In verse 5 he says: for in the day of trouble He will hide me in His shelter; in the secret places of His tent will He hide me. He will set me high upon a rock. Verse 8: You have said, "Seek My face." My heart says to You: "Your face Lord I will seek." In verse 10 he says his mother and father have forsaken him, but God will take Him up. David may have been going though one of his difficult times, yet he trusted the Lord. This is a cue for us: no matter what trust the Lord. Amen!

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 2 Corinthians 1:3‭-‬4 NLT We all like comfort: a nice bed, a hot shower, plenty of food, money to pay our bills, decent neighbours, no one bothering us. However, we would never become more like Christ if we did not suffer discomfort, distress, disaster now and then. We are tempted, traumatized and attacked. In all these things we are more than overcomes through Christ who loves us. Difficult times provide us with a barometer to assess our passion for God. How passionate are we when the world falls apart? Do we blame Him? Trauma is good for us. Be of good cheer. You are a warrior after all, not a cushion.

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 2 Corinthians 1:3‭-‬4 NLT We all face various afflictions so that we can in turn comfort others with the comfort we receive. The Lord is our comforter and His comfort, for me, brings insight. Yesterday I had a conversation that made me unusually angry. I went and talked to friends as I wanted to deal with my anger. My anger stems from a long-standing problem with the person who made me angry. Rather than look for someone to take sides with me, I wanted truth. Now I am waiting on the Lord for His truth as it is His truth that will set me free. My friends are Christians and they gave good comfort but I wanted God. We prayed together and I will continue to seek God. I fully expected Him to wake me up with revelation like He n...

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful, and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape so that you are able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 HCSB What things tempt you? Sex, money, power, alcohol, food, offense, anger, self-pity? Temptation has a foothold when we sympathize with ourselves in an area and make up stories about why we should do what we should not do. If we can deal with the lies to ourselves, we are part-way there. God has given us tool: we are told the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty though God for the pulling down of strongholds.(2 Cor 10:4-5)  The enemy of our soul attempts to erect strongholds in our lives where he can place his evil spirits to hamper us, usually in our thinking. We are fortress for only one spirit and that is the Holy Spirit. Nothing else can be permitted to stay. The Holy Spirit gives us strength and tools (...

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way. Psalms 139:23‭-‬24 HCSB God knows us well. We may deceive ourselves into believing all is well with our souls when in fact there is unwillingness to face truth or perhaps a distorted thinking. Asking for God to give us a reality check brings us into alignment. We need to trust Him enough to do this and be willing to accept the bare truth. Amen!

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. Psalms 139:23‭-‬24 NLT Anxiety has been clever in Christians. It has adapted a spiritual cloak and called itself Intrrcession, the burden of the Lord or perhaps discernment. We must call anxiety and fear out for what they are, tools of the enemy. Jesus told people have no anxiety. Paul tells us this in Philippians 4:6-7 that by prayer and petition we must make our requests known to God. Anxiety wants to belong and will make a strong case to stay. We must know a stronger case to command it to go. Jesus told us in Matthew 6:25-33 that we should seek God for our needs and not be anxious. The antidote for anxiety is prayer and seeking God. He has our supply. Amen!

Happy are those who keep His decrees and seek Him with all their heart. Psalms 119:2 HCSB Loving the Lord with all my heart and others like myself are my goals. Anything that comes along to disturb me must go towards the cross. My God must be in charge. Today was hard. I am in isolation as I had a virus last week and had been in contact with non-Australians in the last few weeks. I am fine and find it might just be overkill. Nonetheless I am stir crazy (a little). I pull myself back amd give it to the Lord and not allow my mind and emotions to run wild. Being alone and having to continually centre and focus is challenging but not impossible. I think my dog is suffering most. He is used to 2 walks a day and has been without since last Monday. Anyway, on the home stretch. Praise God!

Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. Psalms 119:2 NLT There is no greater joy than knowing the Lord is in all your life, that He is across it all, it is in His hands. Manipulation is for those who are striving to have joy in themselves. The self-made men and women are not happy with a joy springing from deep within. They may be happy with a financial bargain or a holiday or reading a good book. Yet eternal happiness is elusive. This is the joy that resides through all trauma and grief. It is not dependent on circumstance. The joy of the Lord is my strength. Amen!

It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it. Isaiah 55:11 NLT God's word is precious, powerful and productive. John 1 tells us that Jesus was the word made flesh. All that God had promised came in Jesus Christ. Hebrews 4:12 tells that God's word is living and active, discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Our word is alive. It produces. Galations 6:7 tells us what we sow, we reap. If we sow to righteousness we reap from righteousness: if we sow to corruption we reap corruption. We need to be careful how we sow. Amen!

I thirst for God, the living God. When can I go and stand before him? Psalms 42:2 NLT I can stand before my God and sit with Him in conversation. I just neee mindset that is on Him and not my problems. Problems try to capture my mind and have me fixated on them. My job is to focus on Christ and remember  where I am seated, who I am and who I represent. I am a child of the living God! Amen!

I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. Psalms 40:1‭-‬2 NLT This is a Psalm of David. If anyone who understanding God's rescue, He would. Many, many people who cry out to God find Him as a place of rescue. When I look at the mess and destruction even in Australia in the last 12 months I know how good God has been to those who cried out. Worldwide this is extrapolated. It is for each individual to turn to God as his life source. We cannot use others, even parents or children. Each of us must cry out. We will not be disappointed. Amen!

That is why the Lord says, “Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Joel 2:12 NLT When the scripture says: while there is still time, it indicates there will be a time when it is too late. As we see devastation taking hold on various parts of our world, the Corona virus spreading and causing fear, for some the time is up. We cannot predict when our time will be nor can we dictate. God is still God. We are not God and cannot control those things outside of our grasp. Try it God's way! Amen!

Therefore also now, says the Lord, turn and keep on coming to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning [until every hindrance is removed and the broken fellowship is restored]. Joel 2:12 AMPC We are so blithe in repentance: if I am caught I am sorry, if I see my error I apologize yet God's kind of repentance is a cleansing. It is deep and sincere. This type 9f repentance ensures we do not repeat our folly. God's insight and understanding all come to the repentant. We truly see the full picture and have heartfelt repentance. We know the depth of our depravity and how it has hurt our God and we never want to go there again. Joel challenges God's people to find this kind of repentance. He warns of disaster coming for those who refuse to listen. May we have ears to hear! Amen!

“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. Revelation 3:20 NLT I enjoy a good meal with good friends. Good conversation and good atmosphere results. A totally most edifying situation. This is what Jesus offers. What stops us from partaking? What is more important than a good meal with the best friend in the whole universe? We need to seriously answer this question. What have we prioritised over our relationship with the Lord? Think about it!

the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow, a light has shined.” Matthew 4:16 NLT When I think of times when God's grace and mercy are evident I think a light has come. Burdens are lifted, people smile. Imagine Jesus coming to live in your neighborhood. What difference would He make? Do you realise He is already there, in you? Now that you know He is in the neighborhood, how are you going to reveal Him to the street? There is the challenge! Amen!

Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. Romans 15:4 NLT Waiting patiently for God to act is good for our character. As we wait we learn to lay aside our expectations. I have glimpses of future vision and become excited. However, I need to commit that vision to God and focus on Him and what He has for me today. Today in the wait I diligently give my attention to study and being responsible with all He has given me to do now. This is producing strength and determination to keep my eyes on Jesus. My study again does not disappoint. Whilst the lecturer is inclined to ramble, I patiently listen for the gems and read the texts. I am learning to read deeply, rather than for simple pleasure. This journey is good for me. Stay focused! Amen!

Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. Romans 15:4 NLT As I read this scripture I wonder what were 'such things'. As I open up the full passage I see Paul is referring to a verse out of Psalms 69:9. The psalm is full of reference to Christ amd this particular verse indicates He did not come to do His own will but rather the will of the Father who sent Him. We are being challenged with not living for ourselves but rather for 'others'. The whole chapter of Roman's 14 speaks to accommodating others, and it flows into Chapter 15. Who are the 'others' in our lives? Yesterday I had to go to the bank to close off my mother's accounts and visit a telephone amd internet provider. These both can be challenging places but filled with 'others'. Today I start an online class with uni also filled with 'others'. I must rem...

God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. Matthew 5:5 NLT  This afternoon I spent time with a dear lady who is 76 and frightened of the prospect of moving to the city where her daughter lives. I talked to her about trusting the Lord. I told her I am planning on moving to a city I do not know, to be close to my children and grandchildren. Her reason was monetary. I told this lady that she prayed to the Lord but wanted to retain control. I said to her: 'God is not a servant that you control. You must take your hands off and allow Him to rule. It you do you will be blessed. If you don't you will only have what you contrive along with the stress.' Our God wishes to bless us but we have to allow Him to be GOD! 

People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart. The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices. Proverbs 21:2‭-‬3 NLT This is so true! As Christian's we can read this and think: 'oh yeah! I've got this, it applies to others,' but really it applies to us as well.  In the year leading up to my mother's death I was studying and becoming stressed. We were visited by family a lot and one such visit I did not handle well. The result is I have ostracised family. The stupid thing was I was taking one party's side and not being removed from their circumstances. I did not seek the Lord for His attitude, I reacted. I was wrong and have apologised but to no avail. My representation of a gracious God was not there. My heart was in hurt, distress and me, unfortunately. I know I am forgiven but use this to highlight how easily we assume we are right because of our position in Christ. We can be arrogant at ...

“Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight. Romans 4:7 NLT Joy is that special something that suffuses your being. It does not originate only from a good experience, it can come as the Lord reveals Himself to us. Having everything in line, as in ducks in a row, is not essential. Our God is the source of joy. It is Him commodity and He delights in giving it to us when we least expect it. He is like that. Joy has another wonderful attribute: it is the source of our strength. Isn't it just like God to make unusual, unpredictable things? Amen!

“Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight. Romans 4:7 NLT When I offend others they can choose to forgive me or hold my sin against me. I cannot control the process. If they forgive me then our relationship is restored and if they don't I watch them become bitter. This is how it is with God.(He does not need forgiveness) He sees our struggles to forgive amd seek forgiveness, yet, in Christ, He chose to reach out and give what we had not sought, divine forgiveness. We find this forgiveness when genuinely repentant. Repentance is also a gift, as is awareness of sin and the need to repent. Once found, God's forgiveness is liberating, life-changing. Amen!