The day with dianne Louise

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20‭-‬21 NLT His mighty power is at work in us. Remember His mighty power, when things crowd in to confuse, steal and obscure the truth. There is only one truth and only one that sets you free. There is only one true freedom, one true way and one true eternity. Jesus said He was it! Trust Him or plan to spend forever in a dark place. Amen!

Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us — to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20‭-‬21 HCSB At times I cannot imagine the power of God in me, I can hope He works in me, but I need to step out and believe He works in me. This scipture encourages me to believe. If all of Jesus dwells in me, as I am His temple, I can't imagine Him moving in without doing rennovations. His power is at work in me to create in me His image. His plans are way above my plans, His thoughts towards me are way above my thoughts towards me. He is loving and kind, visionary and able. Amen!

Don’t you yourselves know that you are God’s sanctuary and that the Spirit of God lives in you? 1 Corinthians 3:16 HCSB  I have seen some beautiful containers over the years; some with elaborate painting, some with jewels and some with amazing woodwork. I have also seen some dirty, throwaway containers that smell badly. I think the best are those who carry a fragrance. The Holy Spirit is fragrant, He smells of heaven, a freshness that revives the soul. Did you know that we could also smell sooo good? We can as we carry our God's Spirit intentionally and in communion with Him. Try considering yourself as a container today.

Don’t you yourselves know that you are God’s sanctuary and that the Spirit of God lives in you? 1 Corinthians 3:16 HCSB If we know we are having visitors to our home, we usually clean a little or a lot, depending on their impact. This scripture tells us that we are God's house where He comes to abide. The creator of all things comes to live in me. Note 'live' not just 'visit'. What rennovations do we make for Him to feel comfortable? Jesus said we must be holy as our heavenly Father is holy. What does this mean? It means that our house cannot be filled with all the devils junk and expect God's spirit to live in the atic. We must have a clean out. Invite Him, He will help. Amen!

But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power    is perfected in weakness.”  Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 HCSB The goal must be to have Christ's power dwelling. This would be an explosive experience.  Hebrews 4:12 tells us that God's word is living an active. The word used  for word here is Dunamis which is the word dynamite is derived from. If we have God's word residing in us and overpowering all others, then it is suffice to say that dynamite lives within. Pow!

Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT Do you hate seeing weakness in your life? I do. Paul did. Yet, God's word to him was, it is all about My grace not how clever or beautiful you are. If grace is poured out on us then we should seek it out and come to understand it. Here it is described as a divine replacement for a lack in me.  We see people with prostheses and would judge them not as good as the original. We like wholeness in ourselves, ability to be the best, perform the best and shine, in ourselves. However, we are merely shinning self. Whereas when working in grace we shine something else, something divine. Don't stand in the way of God's grace with a belligerent attitude. Humbky accept what is and learn to love it and move with it. Amen!

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Proverbs 4:23 NLT Some versions of this scripture mention a flow from our heart. 'Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life'. Proverbs 4:23 AMPC Have you been near polluted streams and watched rubbish and excrement pour down from one level to another? This is a common sight in Asia. I have seen it in Nepal. It is ugly and repulsive. No matter how thirsty, I would not drink from such a stream. Now, if our stream is meant to water others, what if many of your regular contacts depend on your stream to drink truth. Are they dying of pollution or being sustained by fresh water? Thr exhortation to guard your heart takes on new meaning. Amen!

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Proverbs 4:23 NLT Our heart becomes filled with all manner of things: resentment, anger, offence, judgement, lust, greed, love of money, love of power.  Jesus taught about our hearts and protecting them. He also reminded us that we should live the Lord our God with all our heart, soul and mind and to love others as ourselves. It seems that only love can live in our hearts. Today it would be good to check what is in our hearts. If there are any of the trashy stuff mentioned above, flush them out. Bring your hearts before the Lord and do a clean out. Ask Him to show you what needs to go. Amen!

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. John 1:5 NLT When visitung Nepal last I went to a school that a local pastor had started and was committed to fund. I noticed the lack of light in one of the classrooms. I knew it would cause problems for the children. When reading at home I am painfully aware of the need to have light to read by. In life we need a light to navigate life's journey. Without the light we stumble and fall. Jesus is our light, keep Him close. Amen!

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 I remember the first time I watched a Star Wars movie, the introductory text scrolled up into the sky. In me it created anticipatory excitement. These verses do the same, but for a greater reason. In the very start of the introduction of John's gospel he introduces Jesus as being 'The Word'.  We know written words, spoken words, but what manner of word is a Godlike person? This is a mystery, a true mystery, not a man-made story. I want to know more! John introduces Jesus as none of the other gospel writers do. John had a close relationship with Jesus, it was as if he could see more than the others. He saw the heart and he reports more words not spoken elsewhere. This gospel would be my favourite. Jesus is indeed the light. Darkness thought it had overcome Him, but He went to its throne room an...

He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Isaiah 40:29 NLT In a time when there is a constant battle for power, we see here that the Lord promises power to the weak. Noone else offers power to the weak. The strong hold on to the power to shore up their position. Let the weak say 'I am strong!' Let the poor say 'I am rich!' Let the blind say, 'I can see!' Its what the Lord has done in me. (Hillsong) Let our confession be one of victory and overcoming. 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. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:28‭-‬31 NLT There are times when I will feel faint: after intense study, not consistent sleep, long exhaustive travel. I am sure I am not uncommon. Another thing that exhausts is intense emotional trauma. I have been there as well. It is in these times I cling to the Lord for His strength. When I was out of energy, I would get up and say: all over to You now Lord, I will walk in Your strength, and did. God's strength is there for us. We may run on our own for as long as we can and then tu...

The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. Psalms 103:13 NLT When my children were small I patiently taught them about the importance of self-control. Under stress or in an argument they forgot the lesson and had to learn it again, and again, and again. We are the same. We know we should forgive and let go of our offence but we don't, not quickly enough for our own good. Our heavenly father patiently takes each of us through the lessons of life, again, and again, and again.

The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust. Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. The wind blows, and we are gone— as though we had never been here. But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments! Psalms 103:13‭-‬18 NLT As I read these scriptures I am mindful of a dear friend dying with cancer. This friend has the most beautiful spirit, her love for Jesus floors people. Yet, she has been given days to live. Her days are as but grass. However, her impact in the lives of others has left a footprint. As I contenplate my 66 years, in the whole scheme of things, they are but grass, but to this grateful soul they have been filled with divine appointments. I see where my God has been with me and I am grateful. I...

God is good, a hiding place in tough times. He recognizes and welcomes anyone looking for help, No matter how desperate the trouble. But cozy islands of escape He wipes right off the map. No one gets away from God. Why waste time conniving against God ? He’s putting an end to all such scheming. For troublemakers, no second chances. Like a pile of dry brush, Soaked in oil, they’ll go up in flames. Nahum 1:7‭-‬10 MSG When struggling finding God is essential. He is there in pain and devestation. He is our hope, our rest our comfort. Amen!

The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him. Nahum 1:7 NLT A strong refuge! Have you ever taken shelter in a storm in a place that leaks? Not comfortable! Have you ever worn a raincoat that leaks? A wet experience! Have you ever tired to shelter with friends from a storm of criticism or a financial storm? Did your firends leak? There is only one place that does not leak and that is our God. He is torally relaible, dependable and strong. He does not lack nor does He forskae us. He is good, always. Amen!

If you’re abused because of Christ, count yourself fortunate. It’s the Spirit of God and his glory in you that brought you to the notice of others. If they’re on you because you broke the law or disturbed the peace, that’s a different matter. But if it’s because you’re a Christian, don’t give it a second thought. Be proud of the distinguished status reflected in that name! 1 Peter 4:14‭-‬16 MSG   Romans 12:19-20 says: Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord . Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.”  I have read stories of pastors being in prison and ministering to their captors. Their love and grace won souls. Our good behaviour works to release the kingdom of God. Our God is the One who convicts and bring justice. Trust Him!

But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name! 1 Peter 4:16 NLT We don't enjoy being singled out and ridiculed by the media or any type of bully. It is embarrassing. If it is ungrounded then we know we can stand and lift our head high. If there is a seed of truth in their criticisms then we can learn from them and change our ways. The biggest criticism comes about money and power and of course sexual behaviour. We are expected not to love money or power and definitely not to abuse through sexual misconduct. Anything other than these do not hold too much power and are not weighted as the others are.  The attacks against the church we are seeing in China are persecution, the removal of crosses, the pulling down of churches, even the jailing of believers. There is a huge difference between persecution and criticism even though they come from the same place, the pit. We have an enemy who hates all we represent. We can survi...

Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies. Philippians 4:8‭-‬9 MSG The beautiful, not the ugly! The beauty in the Lord, His thoughts and His ways. Too much is written and spoken about those who flaunt the COVID19 restrictions. It can be angering and frustrating. We need to tuck into God and get praying. Wht is God doing? He is winning souls and pouring out His Spirit towards the lost. Let's pray for eyes to seek the good. Lets seek it! Amen

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8 NLT Our enemy the devil wants our thoughts fixed on offences, criticisms, self-pity so that he can create havoc in our lives and tear us apart. However, this scripture tells us to fix our eyes on what God is and doing. Paul tells us to pull down strongholds: We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. 2 Corinthians 10:4 NLT We are able to discern destructive thoughts, reject them and pray for those who are the subject of the thoughts. This is a better use of our time. The worldly way is to jump onto social media and tear the person apart, publically. This should not be so with God's people. Remember, whatever is good, and clean and lovely, think on these things. Amen!

All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us. We have plenty of hard times that come from following the Messiah, but no more so than the good times of his healing comfort—we get a full measure of that, too. 2 Corinthians 1:3‭-‬5 MSG The goal is to gain experience and to use that experience ro help others. Don't try to avoid it! Worship through it, find God in it and then show others the way! 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 It is only as we experience God's confort as we endure trials, are we able to comfort others. I remember a difficult time as a young mum and I had no family or friends around in a new city. We went to church and I happened to tell another mum I was struggling. Instead of comfort she gave counsel and I told her: I don't want your counsel I want your friendship. That particular woman was living in a house with her mother and father-in law below. They were constantly on call to help her. She had lived in the same area for many years and had many friends. She could not fathom or identify with my plight. Experiencing trials, illness and difficulty causes us to be sympatheric to others who also ...

Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. Colossians 4:6 NLT Gracious speech is not threatening, it is winsome, attractive and offers answers. People are desperate to hear good news, possible solutions, a way forward. Identifying with a person's story and showing enpathy opens the hearts of others to you. Then, and only then are you free to share your answer. You have to earn the right to give an opinion. Pracitce gracious speech, try listening. Amen!

Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. Colossians 4:6 NLT A right response is so good for the listener as well as the speaker. A right response falls gently into place, as if it was a puzzle piece that was destined to slot into a particular place. A right reaponse brings grace and healing, encouragement, and strength.  I had 3 neighbours over for lunch on Friday. None go to church. I had them all tell their story at dinner. It was good for them to tell it and good for us to listen to it. Allowing others to speak their story is important. I was last. I told of the impact Jesus had in my life. I pray I sowed seeds. Jesus is the best story. His life, love and provision speaks volumes. He is the light of the world, the door to eternal life. Share Him often. Amen!

So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. Romans 8:6 NLT Self-control is only difficult if you have never attempted to reign in your flesh. If you allow you appetites to rule in any area of your life, anarchy will result, eventually rearing its head where you least expect it. However, if self-control is practiced then obeying your leaders is easier. We are seeing, worldwide, that nations are struggling to bring to order its people in the management of the Coronavirus. Whilst restraint was managed for a time, the limit has been reached and out of control parties, meetings, rallies and anything that brings pleasure is now embraced. The result is a rapid spread of the virus, death and loss of work. Riots are everywhere, except perhaps in suppressed countries. The Christian church needs to lead the way. Amen!

So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. Romans 8:6 NLT Life amd peace is a goal of many yet it is sought in the wrong places. Moving into isolation is quieter, but if turmoil dwells within, you take it with you. Turmoil results from agitation, a mind focused on self snd selfish desires deals with agitation and manipulation. Not a place of peace! True surrender, allowing God's Spirit to rule is the only way to peace. True surrended does not become offended, it does not seek its own way, but it yields to the Lord. Amen!

The world is unprincipled. It’s dog-eat-dog out there! The world doesn’t fight fair. But we don’t live or fight our battles that way—never have and never will. The tools of our trade aren’t for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture. We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity. 2 Corinthians 10:3‭-‬6 MSG Worldly ways are not godly empowered firepower. When we are serious about following the Lord's ways we discover Him anticipating our moves, motivating our actions and providing miraculous answers we could only dream about. Stop trying to control outcomes. Dont mask self-efforts as leadership. Be genuinely committed to godly ways. 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 We cannot deal with wrong thinking without confrontation. We must challenge our own thoughts and know why they are there, where they came from and dispatch them accordingly. Next we nust lovingly confront the ideas of others. If they are good and uplifting then they can stay, if they are critical, troublemaking, bullying, demeaning in any way, confront them. I had a friend complain to me about someone at church a few days ago. I said: "I am sorry, I do not find them like that! Why not  take them for a coffee and talk it over." Encouraging others to likewise confront decently is the first step.  If we fail to confront, we fail to love. Loving enough to confront the problem and not attack the person is important. Usually our common enemy is the problem, evict him. Amen!

Jesus said, “If? There are no ‘ifs’ among believers. Anything can happen.” Mark 9:23 MSG Satan is the author of 'if'. He said to Jesus: "if you are the Son of God thrown yourself down from here (Matt 4:6), firstly he had said: " if you are the Son of God turn these stones into bread." Sstan challenged Jesus' identity. He constantly challenges our identity. We have to know who we are and stand firm. We need to be alert to his tactics and resist him, just as James tells us to in the book of James. Amen!

“What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” Mark 9:23 NLT This verse is a part of a story in Mark. A man had a son who was demon possessed. The demon would throw the boy on the ground, grinding his teeth and unable to speak. The disciples tried to cast it out and were unsuccessful. At Jesus' words above the father confesses his unbelief and asks for help. Jesus heals the boy. Being honest with God about the state of our hearts is important. If we need faith, we need to ask as this father did. Our faith is in Jesus, not ourselves. Smiths Wigglesworth would say: "when I get to the end of my faith I pray for Jesus' faith and then I move heaven, then it is done."

Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see— how good God is. Blessed are you who run to him. Psalm 34:8 MSG David's words, in this Psalm, are those of one who is sold. He firmly believes, and he wrote it down to share with others. In life you will meet those who are sworn runners, some who love their bikes above all else, there are surfers who would never run, there are swimmers who will take no other sport. The rare breed are those who have 3 or 4 disciples. Yet, even these have a favourite. When talking to a committed runner, you will find they will wax eloquently about their sport and will attempt to win you also, they can't help themselves. David is like this about his God. Where are you placed? Do you keep your treasure to yourself, being unwilling to share? Or do you sell your prize, calling others to drink and be filled? Treasure your prized salvation, but also ask your Lord what is on His heart today, be willing to share His burden. Things will change, you'll...

Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! Psalms 34:8 NLT This Psalm was penned by David when he had successfully feined insanity, and was cast out to be delivered from King Achish of Gath. Have you ever found yourself in the wrong place and needing to escape? I am sure we all have. David was on the run from King Saul and he went to Gath but someone there recognised him as a mighty warrior. Knowing he was in danger David pretended to be insane and escaped. David was probably praing in earnest and asking the Lord for protection, and God gave it.  David left Gath and took refuge in a cave of Adullam and his family and friends joined him. (Must have been a big cave). David trusted God and He delived him, being his refuge. As the Christian abides in Jesus he is afforded the same protection. Amen

Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time. Hebrews 4:16 HCSB I did quite a bit of bold asking today and it is bearing fruit. The noticeable difference is in my demeanor. I am a lot more positive and I have my Tigger bounce back. (Winnie the Pooh territory). The bolder I was, the bolder I became. Loving it! My God is good! A change is here! When we abide in the vine and have our heart set on what Jesus' heart was set on we are in the zone of blessing. Jesus knew that whatever He asked the Father, the Father would do because He was abiding in His Father's presence. When we abide we want to please the Father and not ourselves. We lose all selfish ambition. When we are full of His ambition we are filled with His desires. Amen!

Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time. Hebrews 4:16 HCSB Our heavenly Father is a father who desires to bless us. I know myself, that when my children came boldly to discuss or ask something of me, I was always impressed. Our father wants to hear from us and wants to be involved in our lives. As we come boldly because of the freedom Jesus gives us, let us come in faith. Faith pleases our God. We can have faith in the forgiveness Jesus won for us. As we live out of boldness we are a light in the darkness, showing that Christians are not downtrodden but blessed by their Father. Amen

For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. Galatians 5:13 NLT What does freedom look like? Whildt some may think it is freedom from restraint, this is not exactly what this scripture means. The freedom spoken about here is freedom from the burden and consequence of sin. Galatians 5:1 says: stand fast therefore in the liberty, wherewith Christ has made you free, and do not be entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Bondage comes in the trappings of lust, ease and self-pleasure. We cannot serve God if we submit to the traps of out enemy.

For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. Galatians 5:13 NLT Freedom is great! Free to run on sand through waves, free to wiggle toes in the sand, and lie on the beach gazing at the clouds. All are good but in our freedom we can help others. How can we help others? Imagine we are the first out of a confining space? Would we not turn around and help others out? Yes! We would!  We were held captive to sin and found salvation, forgiveness, and are now free. Can we not share the good news? Can we not share our Father's compassion for the lost? Our freedom is not just for us, to indulge selfishly in freedom. Share!

Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’  This is the first and greatest commandment.  A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matthew 22:37‭-‬39 NLT When we read the gospels we see times when the disciples themselves had difficulty loving others. At one time they wanted to call down fire from heaven on a village, another time they became annoyed at the mothers bringing their children to Jesus. They constantly fought over who was the greatest, even asking for positions of honour on eirher side of Jesus in heaven. I have yet to find where Jesus called them selfish fools, he called them foolish of heart for lack of faith, however, He did not condemn them for their naivety, lusting for power or wanting to judge. Yes He did correct them but grace coutinually poured out of Him. The Pharisees drew His ire because they claimed to be wise teachers and yet refused to accept Him. Likewise I am sure ...

Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’  This is the first and greatest commandment.  A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matthew 22:37‭-‬39 NLT How do I love beyond myself? Choosing! Intentional! I would say willfull, but unfortunately that word has a bad connotation. Heart, soul and mind says it better. My car does not go anywhere in park. As I put it into gear it moves, even without acceleration, as it is an automatic. My heart, once in gear might need a little acceleration, depending on how long it has been parked and where it has been parked. If it has been parked at self-indulgence, it takes acceleration to move it. Self-indulgence is very stubborn. Choosing to love God passionately first makes my heart His. He loves others. So when my heart is His, I will love others. The more I love Him, the more I love others. Simple!

I’m asking God for one thing, only one thing: To live with him in his house my whole life long. I’ll contemplate his beauty; I’ll study at his feet. Psalm 27:4 MSG The word contemplate means: look thoughtfully for a long time at. Do you or have you ever contemplated anything for a long time? I think we would agree on a few: a career, an education path, marriage. However David claims to love to contemplate God's beauty, studying at His feet. How do you contemplate God's beauty? I am inspired by His creation, by music, poetry, and song. All can send me into raptures. How about you? If you lack such a motivation find it. It is worth it. Worship is a part of who we are and there is only one true worship that satisfies. Amen!

I’m asking God for one thing, only one thing: To live with him in his house my whole life long. I’ll contemplate his beauty; I’ll study at his feet. Psalm 27:4 MSG God's house was, for David, the centre of everything. He had long planned to build a temple for God, he amassed gold, silver and precious jewels. Yet God gave the task to David's son Solomon. So, for David, all of his life this was a dream. The closest he came to having a temple for God was a tent. Yet he loved God's presence, he loved to worship and sing. Here in Australia we are emerging from lockdown, in most states, except Victoria. We can now attend church as long as we social distance. Last week was my first week back. What a joy to sing with others, have communion and listen to the preaching in the flesh. Seeing church family was wonderful.  As Christians we have a house to which we all belong. Let us not be strangers. Amen!

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:31‭-‬32 NLT Is being tenderhearted a challenge for you? It is for me when a friend has been behaving badly and drained you of all patience and grace. What then? Grace and patience are on tap with the Holy Spirit. However, it means pulling aside to spend time refilling the tank, but also confronting the behaviour in love. Confronting problems and problem behaviours result in one of two things: repentance and change or the perpetrator leaving you alone. Both are a win. Doing business with the Holy Spirit is always a win. Amen!

Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk. Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:31‭-‬32 MSG If our language is clean it means we have made Christ the master. The world is full of foul talk, criticisms and judgement. We have to be careful not to be caught up in these. If our conversation is tending to be critical, perhaps we need time out with God. Being gentle and sensitive is what women want men to be and what both need to be. We can only be gentle and compassionate as we spend time with the Father. He was compassionate towards us by sending His Son. Jesus spent time with the Father. He is our peace and also our santificarion. Amen!

And now, friends, we ask you to honor those leaders who work so hard for you, who have been given the responsibility of urging and guiding you along in your obedience. Overwhelm them with appreciation and love! Get along among yourselves, each of you doing your part. Our counsel is that you warn the freeloaders to get a move on. Gently encourage the stragglers, and reach out for the exhausted, pulling them to their feet. Be patient with each person, attentive to individual needs. And be careful that when you get on each other’s nerves you don’t snap at each other. Look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out. 1 Thessalonians 5:13‭-‬15 MSG No snapping! I only have my dog for company 99% of the time. He is a yappy dog, especially when I have online lectures. Needless to say he is annoying in his simplicity but conversely loving in his faithfulness. Always we must take control of our thoughts. Our thoughts can run us ragged. If we allow the negative or critical...

See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people. 1 Thessalonians 5:15 NLT Why do people do evil? They become deceived, they are offended or hurt. I see many young children who are beling trained to do evil by abusive parents. They don't start out as haters and killers but living with evil, they become evil. We see nations decived by eloquent leaders to become blind to the cruelty of the few, we saw that in WW2. We have seen it since then. Good people can't believe the darkness amd turn away whilst the evil murder senslessly. Good people need to stand up and not be afraid of confrontation. Evil always needs to be confronted. Amen!

Work at getting along with each other and with God. Otherwise you’ll never get so much as a glimpse of God. Make sure no one gets left out of God’s generosity. Keep a sharp eye out for weeds of bitter discontent. A thistle or two gone to seed can ruin a whole garden in no time. Watch out for the Esau syndrome: trading away God’s lifelong gift in order to satisfy a short-term appetite. You well know how Esau later regretted that impulsive act and wanted God’s blessing—but by then it was too late, tears or no tears. Hebrews 12:14‭-‬17 MSG The Esau Syndrome! There's something to ponder! We live in an age of gratification: i see it, I want it!  If you are given to pandering to your flesh this would be a starting point for holiness. Take the axe to lusts and appetities through fasting. It works! Don't lose elernity over lust!

Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. Hebrews 12:14‭-‬15 NLT Holy means set apart. A holy person does not belong to worldly ways and appetites. Being holy menas allowing Jesus in the driver's seat. If He is driving He goes the narrow way that leads to life. This road is inconvenient and not comfortable. A holy heart seeks God's ways first, not as an after thought or a tag on an existing selfish agenda. It asks, "Where is Jesus going?" If does not tell Him where He should be going. Today, i am watching people desperate to have their own enjoyment at the cost of others. The city of Melbourne in Australia is in lock down, yet the schools are on holidays. In a last ditch attempt to escape Melboure people are fleeing to regional...

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 In relstionships there are times when you must shut the door and communicate, even strongly. There are times when my prayer life is violent. Jesus told His disciples that: the violent take it (heaven) by force.  Matt 11:12. I know for such times I am glad I am alone with the Lord. Be serious! Take prayer to the nth degree. Seek God in passion and see prayers answered.

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 At the beginning of this chapter Jesus taught about how giving must be in secret. Don't give to be seen by people. He then came to the above scripture and likened prayer to giving. Prayer is secret stuff between you and God as is giving. Giving in secret carries a reward, praying in private means your prayers are only for the One you love, your God. Our God is not a tool for display. He values integrity of the heart. He values genuine love and desire to know Him. He is into authentic love in relationship. Amen!

So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. John 13:34 NLT How did Jesus love His disciples? He called them, taught them, discipled them and then died for them. I am sure not many of us will have to die for our fanilies, friends and neighbours. Yet in parts pf the world this happens regularly. How can I die for you? Stay humble, keep my flesh in check and look out for you. By not living for self, I die to the lusts of the flesh. Here is a good start! Amen!

“Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.” John 13:34 MSG If we want to know what love looks like we can read the gospels and if we want a sumnary we can read 1C0R 13. If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love. Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. Love doesn’t strut, Doesn’t have a swelled head, Doesn’t force itself on others, Isn’t always “me first,” Doesn’t fly off the handle, Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others, Doesn’t revel when others grovel, Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keep...

The servant grew up before God—a scrawny seedling, a scrubby plant in a parched field. There was nothing attractive about him, nothing to cause us to take a second look. He was looked down on and passed over, a man who suffered, who knew pain firsthand. One look at him and people turned away. We looked down on him, thought he was scum. But the fact is, it was our pains he carried— our disfigurements, all the things wrong with us. We thought he brought it on himself, that God was punishing him for his own failures. But it was our sins that did that to him, that ripped and tore and crushed him— our sins ! He took the punishment, and that made us whole. Through his bruises we get healed. We’re all like sheep who’ve wandered off and gotten lost. We’ve all done our own thing, gone our own way. And God has piled all our sins, everything we’ve done wrong, on him, on him. Isaiah 53:2‭-‬6 MSG Who was Jesus? He was definitely not a pretty white boy. This scripture from Isaiah tells us hr was not...

But He was pierced because of our transgressions, crushed because of our iniquities; punishment for our peace was on Him, and we are healed by His wounds. Isaiah 53:5 HCSB Verse 6 goes on the say: We all went astray like sheep; and the Lord has punished Him for the inquity of us all. Jesus took our punishment. He stood in our place and as only a perfect lamb could do, paid the price for all our sins past and present. If that was not enough, He took our sicknesses as well, so that we can come to Him for healing. There is healing in the name of Jesus, there is power in the name of Jesus. Come to Him amd be healed. Amen

How happy is the man who does not follow the advice of the wicked or take the path of sinners or join a group of mockers! Instead, his delight is in the Lord ’s instruction, and he meditates on it day and night. Psalms 1:1‭-‬2 HCSB Impatient people take the quick fix advocated by many, however God's ways are on the narrow path. Those who choose them are about discover His treasure.  Wicked people are just people doing things their way and they will never discover God's hidden treasures. Jesus showed us how this works. He waited patiently for 30 years for His ministry and waited daily on the Lord for His task that day. Then, He obeyed even to death, when His flesh wanted otherwise. Our task is to wait on the Lord for His way. Amen!

Every generous act and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights; with Him there is no variation or shadow cast by turning. James 1:17 HCSB There is no variation in the Lord. He is consistent and does not change. We change according to circumstance and our moods. Love doesnt vary. How do I not vary my love toward others, especially if they hurt me?  This takes enormous amounts of grace. Grace enables us to overcome slights amd injuries. We need grace. Lord download more grace into my life, I ask in Jesus' name. AMEN

Every generous act and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights; with Him there is no variation or shadow cast by turning. James 1:17 HCSB James had previously been correcting a misbelief, that God tempted people. He goes on to say that perfect gifts come from God, the best being new birth by the message of truth. Through Jesus we receive this new birth. Have you ever been given a perfect gift, one that hits the spot, is just what you want or love? I have and I know the joy that filled my heart at that time. The greastest joy I have ever had was finally finding Jesus as my Saviour. Prior, I had a religious knowledge about Him and knew it was not enough. My heart longed to know Him. That joy took me, without much sleep, dancing to work as a nurse on early shift. The joy of walking, in committment, with Jesus and making Him Lord, is continual. He is not a cruel lord. Rather, a most gentle and loving one. No matter what life throws at me, I am safe with Him....

“But I say to you who listen: Love your enemies, do what is good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.  If anyone hits you on the cheek, offer the other also. And if anyone takes away your coat, don’t hold back your shirt either. Luke 6:27‭-‬29 HCSB How many enemies do you have? Do you love them as the scripture above commands you to or do you complain, write nasty posts about them, take them to court? In thr gospels we never see Jesus having a complaints session about His enemies. He warns His disciples about their motives but He confronts His enemies face to face. Jesus confronts by dealing with the issues. He constantly tries to reveal the truth. How do we deal with things? I love the gospel of Luke as Luke  reveals how Jesus relies on the Holy Spirit. Why not try that? Amen!

Seek the Lord , all who are humble, and follow his commands. Seek to do what is right and to live humbly. Perhaps even yet the Lord will protect you— protect you from his anger on that day of destruction. Zephaniah 2:3 NLT Zephaniah was a prophet in Judah around 600BC. He prophesied the destruction of Nineveh, which happened in 612BC. Josiah was king in Judah. His father and grandfather had been wicked kings, leading the people into idolatry. Josiah was a good king who worked to rid the land of idols. He was reaponsible for the reading of the scriptures to the people and in bringing them to repentance. The scripture aboves comes in such a time as we live in. Our world is in chaos. Its determination to turn its back on our God has opened the door to all manner of evil. Now is the time for God's people to seek Him in earnest and establish the kingdom of God firstly in their own lives and in the lives of all around them. As God's people live kingdom of heaven lives they impact the...

Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. Joshua 1:8 NLT If we pick up our food hungry, we will enjoy it. If we pick up our bibles hungry for revelation and truth, we will be satisfied with good things. Each morning I seek God in my bible. I see Jesus and His heart, I see the Holy Spirit directing and filling. The Holy Spirit was and is very active. He is moving upon nations, peoples and systems to do His bidding as His people pray. Partner with the Holy Spirit and pray in the outpouring. Holy Spirit has a plan, join Him! Amen!

Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. Joshua 1:8 NLT Many are in search of eternal life, life beyond the pain and suffering of the now. A friend told me that when he was in Kathmadu one time he saw a man prostrating himself along the ground, another man was measuring the distance. The first man would get up and again and again prostrate himself on a journey to serve his god. Jesus said: I come that you might have and life abundantly. He also said: I am the way, the truth and the life. No man can come to the Father but through Me. As I accept the gracious gift of salvation and entrance into eternal life offered by Jesus, I am free of having to work for my salvation. Salvation is free and received by faith in Jesus alone. Thus freedom releases me to live as a daughter of the King. I do the good He planned for me as His daughter, not to earn His fa...

Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” John 7:38 NLT Not all water is life-giving. Some is stagnant, some is horribly polluted, some is so full of salt that nothing lives in it. Yet, Jesus talks of giving us life-giving water. I have trekked in the mountains in Nepal and the water cascading down the mountains is pure and clean, it looks it, tastes it. Washing in it is refreshing. With these two natural examples, why would you not want living water? Jesus is the source of living water for our spirits. Choose Him today!

On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me!  Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” John 7:37‭-‬38 NLT When Jesus stood up and said these words, I imagine He sensed many thirsty souls around Him.  The temple guards had been ordered to arrest Jesus, but returned enpty handed, perhaps they recognised their thirst.  Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus privately, stood and defended Jesus saying, "every man deserves a trial". Nicodemus was treading on dangerous ground, he was in jeopardy of losing his position or worse being accused along with Jesus. Recognising our thirst is important. Our flesh needs plenty of water and at times we fail to recognise the signs, to our detriment. It is the same with the spirit. If we don't know when our spirits are dry we are in danger. Yet, the joy for those who do and go to Jesus f...