The day with dianne Louise

He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son He loves. Colossians 1:13 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/col.1.13.HCSB Being rescued is something we all may experience at least once in our lives. Whether it be by the medical staff in outpatients, the police, search and rescue, or any of the many people who faithfully serve in any capacity in rescue work. Australia has experienced severe fires last year, and at present we are experience extreme heat, and very dry conditions. While good rain is predicted the evidence of it has yet to materialise. In our spiritual lives, we all need rescue. Struggling along on our own, in the dark is not living. Yet, accepting the offer of Jesus for a new life is definitely inviting. Why not try Him today!

He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son He loves.  We have redemption, the forgiveness of sins, in Him. Colossians 1:13‭-‬14 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/col.1.13-14.HCSB This scripture gives me an idea of a movie theme where a mighty king who sees all in His kingdom and the faraway land of darkness. He knows it is time for a rescue plan. He strategies with His Son, the mighty and valiant Yeshua and Spirit, His powerful, unseen force. "Son I will send you into the land of darkness disguised as an infant, you will grown up there and at the right time we will reveal your glory. You will show the Kingdom of God by all you do, and say. You will have to yeild to them, as they will kill you, but hidden in your death will be their life, and I will raise you up again in three days so that they will know you are truly divine. Then I will bring you home in glory and send Spirit to remain on the earth to use all you have done, to bring ...

So come, let us worship: bow before him, on your knees before God our maker. Psalm 95:6 Have you ever found yourself on your knees in worship, I have. However, probably not enough. It was good for me, it still is good for me, and I pray it will always be good for me. Take time to worship, take time to bow down, and have a reality check! Amen!

Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker, Psalms 95:6 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.95.6.NLT Last night I attended a three hour worship service, the old pentecostal way: songs and testimonies fill the service. Ordinary, little people, were encouraged to get up and share their faith, a song, a scripture. My 12 year old grandson was on his knees with his hands lifted in worship. What a heart for God! Never did he complain or say he was bored. I struggled with tiredness, but this little guy was unaffected, he kept pressing in. This same little man is coming on a holiday with me tomorrow. How blessed am I? The church group was alive and throbbed with a heart for God. A negro man led the best, most alive praise. I could imagine myself being in the deep south in America. We grooved and mooved, clapped and sang. What a time we had! I was back in old-time pentecostalism, before we sanitised services so that only offical ministries were invited to speak. I...

‘May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.’ Numbers 6:24‭-‬26 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/num.6.24-26.NLT This blessing was given by God to Moses for Aaron to use over the people. Aaron, Moses' brother was relegated the postion of high priest, wirh his sons serving as ordinary priests, under him. This blessing has been around for thousands of years, and is still used in churches. Words we say carry importance: with our mouths we bless, with our mouths we curse. We need to be careful which we do. The apostle James admonished in James 3:10-12: And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring. If we find ourselves blessing God...

Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith. Galatians 6:10 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/gal.6.10.NLT When we stay in someone's elses home, things are not always to our personal liking. I remember being way out in a village in Nepal and the homeowners gave up their bed for me. To imagine where they slept was troubling. Their bed was bare boards above the floor. It was hard and uncomfortable. Tonight I am with family. One of the 4 boys has given up his bed for me. It is a lot more comfortable, yet different to my own. Last weekend I went on a picnic with a church group and needed to go to the toilet. I was warned it was not very good, a few noses were turned up. I found it to be a clean pit toilet. I dread to think what the opinion would have been about toilets in Nepal, many were really smelly and filthy. I was grateful for the pit toilet at the campground. It was heaven in comparison. We really need to ar...

Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith. Galatians 6:10 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/gal.6.10.NLT Doing good is also not taking out our frustrations on others. Unfortunately we act first, and think later. We can damage people's hearts by thoughtlessness. If we do hurt others, it is always prudent to apologize and repair the damage done, not expect that person to mend by themselves. When hot, tired and stressed, I am inclined to react, and not think. Staying topped up in God always is beneficial. He is our peace. Amen!

Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation. Psalms 100:4‭-‬5 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.100.4-5.NLT The Lord's love is u failing. I fail, again and again, yet He doesn't. I am so grateful He is not like me. Conversely, He is changing me into the image of His Son. He has a job cut out for Him. Yet, He never gives up. Praise Him! Today I cared for a young pup, who my dog Oscar did not care for. In fact he did not want to share his water bowl with it. In a tussel they knocked over a lovely large pot my late mum had given me. For a split second it was precious, and I  chastised Oscar. Then I reminded myself, it is just a glazed pot, get over it. The pup did a few puddles, I delt with those and concentrated on study. I did not want to do it, but I strengthened my limbs that were hanging down (Hebrews), ...

Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation. Psalms 100:4‭-‬5 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.100.4-5.NLT I will are word of determination, they are not a maybe. We can choose what our determinations will be. If we say: I will wait and see, we allow circumstances to dictate. We are surrendering our wills to time and chance. It is an emotional thing then, if I feel like it, I will worship. There could even be an element of rebellion: noone tells me what to do! Yet, saying I will is much like a marriage vow, or as it was intended, I will be faithful till death us do part. So...today I say: I choose to enter His gates in worship, His courts with praise. These are my offerings, at times my sacrifice offerings, yet I will praise Him because He is as constant as the sun rising each day, and just as faithful.  Ther...

I’m thanking you, God , from a full heart, I’m writing the book on your wonders. I’m whistling, laughing, and jumping for joy; I’m singing your song, High God. Psalm 9:1‭-‬2 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/psa.9.1-2.MSG There are days when you retire to bed wound up like a tight spring. Yesterday was such a day. My day was so intense. Today was another. However, I knew God was teaching me something. I has asked Him to stretch my mind, so that I could absorb new learning. Instead He stretched my emotional capacity. Just when I thought I had enough to do, He gave me more. I sensed this was His motive and so went with the flow. Then He taught me how to process: a little bit of study, a little of work, a little of packing for my holiday on Friday. It worked. Then He showed me how to study: read a small passage, underline the important bits, write them on the white board, then write a summary in my notebook. It worked! I had never know that a Noun Phrase could incorporate so many modifiers t...

I will praise you, Lord , with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. I will be filled with joy because of you. I will sing praises to your name, O Most High. Psalms 9:1‭-‬2 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.9.1-2.NLT Choosing to worship takes effort. The effort lifts us out of the pit of sour or despondent thinking. Worship enables our God to act on our behalf, it is the fuel of faith. Worship the Lord oh my soul! To know the Lord is to know answers. To live in the Lord is to live in peace and joy. He satisfies my life with good things. One thing I desire, is to dwell in the house of the Lord forever! Amen!

Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a good word cheers it up. Proverbs 12:25 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/pro.12.25.HCSB Today I had a load of things to do, starting with study, and an exam. Yet, I am almost at the end of the day, and all has been accomplished, is all that was needed. I find I must focus on the task at hand, and measure my steps and keep moving, one step at a time. I cannot look at the all, as it causes anxiety. Jesus knew well the antidote for anxiety: seek first the kingdom. Seek the Lord in all you do, and He will direct your paths. Amen!

Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up. Proverbs 12:25 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.12.25.NLT I also know talking about all that we have to do can cause us to be anxious, it does me. Especially if a lot is crammed into a short space of time. The antidote is prayer. Jesus told us this. How can we add one cubit to our height by worrying? Seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness. Don't worry about tomorrow as tomorrow will worry about itself. Matthew 6. Today I will seek God for opportunities to present the gospel. He can take care of the rest. Amen!

We, though, are going to love—love and be loved. First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first. 1 John 4:19 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/1jn.4.19.MSG How do you respond to love? How about if someone says they love you but act selfishly? Now, how about someone who acts unselfishly all the time? Are you draw to love them more? Yes! The love we give others can be conditional or unconditional. Conditional love requires you to perform to a set standard, usually in favour of the other person. Unconditional love is without any reservations. Babies love like this. Our God loves like this. He sees us through Christ, without imperfections, and loves unreservedly. This is how God wants us to love others, unreservedly! Only with His help can we do that. Try it!

We love each other because he loved us first. 1 John 4:19 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/1jn.4.19.NLT Walking in God's love makes loving easier. We love others because He first loved us. Verse 9 says: God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. If we want to know how to love, look at Jesus. How did He love. We are told that if we love the world and things of the world, the love of God is not in us. I notice that if I watch a secular movie, I am colder to the things of God. It is as if it robs me of some of my heart for godliness. To relax, Jesus did not go to the world but rather to the Father. He found His rest in Him.

Oh, thank God —he’s so good! His love never runs out. All of you set free by God , tell the world! Tell how he freed you from oppression, Then rounded you up from all over the place, from the four winds, from the seven seas. Psalm 107:1‭-‬3 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/psa.107.1-3.MSG A testimony is full of the power of God. Yesterday I had a chance to share my story with a young Hindu man. He could tell that I had power in my life. I was quick to point out that is was the power of God. The river flowed out of me. The young man was almost in tears. I told him how to invite Jesus into his heart. My only regret is not offering to pray with him them and there. The joy I experience every time I share my testimony is overwhelming. The best source of joy. The young man knew that possessions were not the answer. Praise God! He is on the right track! Ask the Lord for an opportunity to share your story today! Get in the river! Amen!

Give thanks to the Lord , for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies. Psalms 107:1,2  There are two commands here: praise God and share your testimony. There is a chorus Iove: What does it mean to be saved Is it more than just a prayer we pray More than just a way to heaven What does it mean to be His To be formed in His likeness Know that we have a purpose To be salt and light in the world, in the world To be salt and light in the world Let the redeemed of the Lord say so Let the redeemed of the Lord say so Let the redeemed of the Lord say so Say so Oh that the church would arise Oh that we would see with Jesus' eyes We could show the world heaven Show what it means to be His To be formed in His likeness Show them they have a purpose To be salt and light in the world, in the world To be salt and light in the world To be salt and light in the world, in the world To be salt and light...

Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit. 3 John 1:2 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/3jn.1.2.NLT This is the opening pf a personal letter from John to a man called Gaius. John is hoping to influence Gaius to assist preaching travellers and not be influenced by a man in the church called Diopotrephes, who has not been generous. The letter is delivered by another man calles Demetrius. The above opening comment is a welcome opening, one anyone would love to receive. Being whole body, soul, and spirit is a good condition to be found in. John tended to be generous in his wishes for others. We could learn from him in so many things. John knew, and loved Jesus dearly. He loved all He represented. He was given charge over Jesus' mother at the cross. This is a position of authority, and responsibility. We could say John knew about love. His gospel is a loving portrayal of Jesus, with deep insight into the true character and nat...

Don’t be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,” we can boldly quote, God is there, ready to help; I’m fearless no matter what. Who or what can get to me? Hebrews 13:5‭-‬6 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/heb.13.5-6.MSG Most of us would say we desire more. Unfortunately, the more would be involving money to buy the more. If we concentrate too much on what we don't have, the lust for money takes hold, we begin to feel sorry for ourselves, and begin to believe we deserve more. Whilst abundance is good, it always carries a price tag and a purpose. The price tag is the death of self, and the purpose is others. It is not so we can spend on us. Always, always wait and seek the Lord for purpose. Amen!

Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” Hebrews 13:5 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/heb.13.5.NLT We think money is important for retirement, for buying this and that, yet, when you need money for something, it will be there. I have learned that if a surplus comes in, God will show me what it is for, not to run off in the lusts of my flesh thinking I can buy. If God wants me to have a thing, He gives it to me. Fear drives us to collecting money, yet God provides when no fear, but trust, exists. Jesus told His disciples not to collect earthly treasures where thieves can break in and steal, and moth and rust can destroy. Our priorities have been wrong. God is our provider. Amen!

But how can people call for help if they don’t know who to trust? And how can they know who to trust if they haven’t heard of the One who can be trusted? And how can they hear if nobody tells them? And how is anyone going to tell them, unless someone is sent to do it? That’s why Scripture exclaims, A sight to take your breath away! Grand processions of people telling all the good things of God! But not everybody is ready for this, ready to see and hear and act. Isaiah asked what we all ask at one time or another: “Does anyone care, God? Is anyone listening and believing a word of it?” The point is: Before you trust, you have to listen. But unless Christ’s Word is preached, there’s nothing to listen to. Romans 10:14‭-‬17 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/rom.10.14-17.MSG Last night we had a football final match between QLD and NSW and I knew that the State team lost by a comment on Facebook. Yet, a team I follow, Christ for All Nations, has done daily posts of all the goodness of God in Af...

So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ. Romans 10:17 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/rom.10.17.NLT When we hear good news we are elated, relieved, and overjoyed. However, nothing beats the experience of hearing, with spiritual ears, the good news from the gospel. It unlocks chains and sets us free. I still remember that day with joy. The process of being made alive to hear was not joyous, but it was necessary to liberate me from my deafness. Christian friends would confront my mistaken understanding about the gospel, I went though a process of dissatisfaction, and finally came to hear the truth that set me free. The joy caused me to dance and sing. What joy!!!

Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.  Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?” John 11:25‭-‬26 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.11.25-26.NLT Jesus IS the resurrection and He IS the life. Everything IS wrapped up in Him. He IS the source. In the beginning WAS the word, and the word WAS with God and WAS God. Jesus is no maybe. He IS the Way, the Truth and the Life. He IS the Alpha and Omega. Everything begins and ends with Him. There is NO debate! Amen!

Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.  Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?” John 11:25‭-‬26 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.11.25-26.NLT We, like Martha, have to know our response to this question: do you believe in eternal life? Do you have a hope in eternity? Do you see life after death? I do! It is the joy that awaits me. Martha was grief stricken about losing her brother Lazarus, she wanted him back. She confessed, she did believe in eternal life, but was struggling with her grief in the now. Jesus had a plan in the now, He planned to raise Lazarus from the dead. Unfortunately the now does take the ones we love, and Jesus is not around to ressurect them. I know a woman who experienced heaven, and did not appreciate being brought back, heaven was where she wanted to be. Heaven is a better place. If you do not have joy in the thought of death, settle...

Now that you’ve cleaned up your lives by following the truth, love one another as if your lives depended on it. Your new life is not like your old life. Your old birth came from mortal sperm; your new birth comes from God’s living Word. Just think: a life conceived by God himself! That’s why the prophet said, The old life is a grass life, its beauty as short-lived as wildflowers; Grass dries up, flowers droop, God’s Word goes on and on forever. This is the Word that conceived the new life in you. 1 Peter 1:22‭-‬25 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/1pe.1.22-25.MSG Although our outer tent is wearing away, our inner man has the opportunity to flourish and grow. All things are possible for the Spirit man. Mountians of faith, miracles, words of knowledge, and wisdom. All are ours in Christ. Our mirrors remind us of our fragility, our knees wear our, our hips and joints may ache, but inside we are 20. Last night I saw a rescue of a 91 year old paraglider who went down on the coast of NSW, Austr...

For All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like a flower of the grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord endures forever.  And this is the word that was preached as the gospel to you. 1 Peter 1:24‭-‬25 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/1pe.1.24-25.HCSB If you study history you see mankind come, and go in a matter of 100 years, at most. If you look back in Scripture mankind lived up to 900 or more years. I believe this was the after-effects of God's plan for a perfect mankind that would live forever. Eternity is wrapped up in our souls.(Ecclesiastes 3:11) We are eternal beings, but now have to wait for eternity to experience no more death. When you consider how long mankind has come and gone on the earth, you would agree with Peter, man is but grass. Only One things is now eternal. The Lord and His word will endure long after we are gone. Praise Him, He changes not. Amen!

Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. James 5:13 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/jas.5.13.NLT We need prayer for many things: hardship, finance, relationships, sickness and most of all forgiveness of sin. Sin holds us bound in many areas of our lives, but forgiveness releases us from all that binds. I consistently pray for many groups of people, daily and not often do I hear a result. However, I have been praying for the exposure of paedophilia in Australia and am seeing victory step by step. I pray for my family and want to see better relationships. Concurrently to prayer God is at work in my life to enable the prayers to be answered. I have had to die to all my desires and pray for release and forgiveness for those who have hard hearts. It is happening. Slowly but surely as I change, my prayers are answered. God wants to answer our prayers, but so often we are in the way. Back off and allow God to move! Amen!

Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. James 5:13 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/jas.5.13.NLT This scripture is the anit-dote for complaining. If we have  problem, seek God in prayer. If all is good we should show gratitude and praise. However, if we want to see things change we should be aggressively worshipful. There is no room for passive Christianity! Be on the front foot! Be generous in worship and praise, be exorbitant. Make God smile! Shine your light!

Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. John 15:4 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.15.4.NLT Ever tried doing a task without the right tools or without correct access? When we endeavour to 'be a good Christian' without the power and tools, failure and struggle result. However, being connected to the source of life sure makes  challenges fixable or endurable. I can do all things through Christ. Amen!

Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. John 15:4 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.15.4.NLT Remain means stay. However, if we have never yielded to allowing Jesus to be Lord of our lives, we were never 'in' to start with. Firstly, we must yield authority over our lives, then when we are in Christ, we must remain. Chapter 15 of the gospel of John tells us what being 'in' looks like. It is not all roses but entails pruning, so that we produce fruit. This chapter also tells us what happens if we do not remain 'in'.  Those who do not remain 'in' are thrown aside, and cast into the fire, and are burned.  So, basically, you stay 'in' and are pruned or 'out' and are consumed with fire. Being in Christ is attractive to the Father, our prayers are answered, He comes to fellowship with us. Amen!

So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. 1 Peter 5:6 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/1pe.5.6.NLT Jesus humbled Himself before the Father, before mankind and was lifted up, firstly to death on a cross, but then risen from the dead and seated in heavenly places, at the right hand of God. We are called to humble ourselves and die to all natural passions. Many of these passions we have had for so long we consider them good. Yet, there comes a time of death of them, and we are amazed that they must die. On the other side of death is understanding and humility. The Lord has a plan for each of us to share His glory, but first we must be empty of all that hinders and consumes us. Only then can He trust us. If we truely want God's all, we must pay the price. Amen!

So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. 1 Peter 5:6 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/1pe.5.6.NLT It is better that we humble ourselves or God will do it for us. It is not pleasant to be humbled by God, or by others, it is much safe to take the initiative. When we fuss or fret because things don't go the way we want, we are being selfish and insisting on our 'rights', that elusive entity we all believe we have, but do not, in fact, possess. When we give up rights, we have humbled ourselves, and God can lift us up. God's blessing is the best of all. If he wants me promoted, He will do it. He knows what I can handle. Amen!

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Matthew 6:19 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.6.19.NLT Many Pharoahs endeavoured to preserve their bodies and failed. Many hoarded treasures in their tombs, however vandals eventually found it and stole it. Mankind can treasure earthly things, but whe  they die, the treasure remains. People have worked hard to amass vast amounts of treasure, and what for? For children to fight over? For wicked men to steal? Heavenly treasure cannot be stolen. We will spend eternity either wirh our creator or our deceiver. Constantly we are given a choice. Who is in control? Choose wisely!

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Matthew 6:19 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.6.19.NLT   Earthy thieves work for the master thief, Satan. Jesus said: he is a robber and thief and only comes to kill and  destroy Jn 10:10. We are hounded with an outbreak of thievery at present, in parts of our town. They will be stopped, but a present they elude capture.  Jesus' solution was Himself. He came to give life abundantly. I am reminded of the song: don't try to turn the darkness out you just turn on the light. The light discloses where the darkness is hiding. Amen!

And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.8.32.NLT How do we know the truth? Jesus said to His disciples: "If you continue in my words, you really are my disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free". Verse 31,32 To be free we must love the word of God. To love it, we must spend time in it, and allow it to confront us. Only as we open our hearts to confrontation can we be free. If we are closed, and refuse to be corrected, we have a problem. Amen!

Then Jesus turned to the Jews who had claimed to believe in him. “If you stick with this, living out what I tell you, you are my disciples for sure. Then you will experience for yourselves the truth, and the truth will free you.” John 8:31‭-‬32 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/jhn.8.31-32.MSG Stick with it! Stay with godly principles and direction. No cutting and dicing to suit public pressure, the lust or greed of mankind, and pure selfishness. God does not change, and He will not change to suit our appetites. His law is eternal, and in it we find true freedom. If we find a gulf between us, we moved. He is always the same, and ever stable. This is a rock we can cling to. We need a strong point of reference to return to. This is our safety. Amen!

“Take this most seriously: A yes on earth is yes in heaven; a no on earth is no in heaven. What you say to one another is eternal. I mean this. When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action. And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I’ll be there.” Matthew 18:18‭-‬20 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/mat.18.18-20.MSG What we say is eternal. How true this is, and yet, we often shoot off words carelessly. A lot is being said, at present, about the American elections, yet Trump is holding mum until he hears from the courts. I am also keeping my counsel, and minding my own business. I know, in God, nothing is over until he says so. He is God. Amen!

For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” Matthew 18:20 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.18.20.NLT This is the last verse in a block which is addressing forgiveness and restoring one who has sinned. Many assume that whatever we pray for, usually mercinary pleasures, we receive. The previous verses instruct how to approach an offender: first go in person, if not successful take someone else along, finally if the person will not listen tell the chuch. If her refuses to listen to the church, have nothing to do with him. Jesus then goes on to say: whatever you bind on earth, is already bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth is already loosed in heaven. I can really see loosing being the releasing of someone from their sin, and binding is retaining their sins against them. I would much rather loose than bind. However, some people are determined to hold onto offence amd attitude. I cannot be reponsible for keeping someone bound in their sins....

The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd. Hebrews 11:1‭-‬2 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/heb.11.1-2.MSG Faith, not bitterness, is what sets God's people above the crowd. In Noah's time the society was so corrupt God wanted to wipe it out. Yet, rather than sit around fuming at the debauchery, Noah heard from God and did something crazy, he built an ark. Again in Abraham's time, Sodom and Gomorrah were so bad that God planned their destruction. Abraham did not get involved in judgement but went to work in intercession for the cities, and the people who lived in them. We are there again. What will you do? Hide away behind your door and refuse to engage in the community? I read tonight that teen vandals are destroying places created for children to enjoy in broa...

Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen. Hebrews 11:1 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/heb.11.1.HCSB We all have prayers of restoration, be it relationships, souls to be won to Christ or more. In this time of apparent intransigence the 'but God' factor is where we need to establish ourselves. We are ao used to heuristic solutions, containing our hearts and minds can be a challenge. I am in that place right now. Although I have consistently prayed for breakthough the 'No! I will not let you in!' Still remains. What I have to trust is the God factor and give it to Him and allow Him to tear down and construct. He works His best creation with nothing, with just a "Let there be!" He must be my source of power. Amen!

Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your radiance. Isaiah 60:3 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/isa.60.3.HCSB We need to be wise enough to know where our light is needed and wanted. There are hungry heart, desperate hearts, there also many self-satisfied hearts. I fully understand the Lord waiting until hearts realise their lack and turn to be filled. Many selfish people do not give their love or time and have no interest in loving a God who waits patiently. He knows the time will come, and so He waits. He is not desperate for their love, but knows His love is what they truely need. I get this. I find myself having to face the fact that this is how things are for me. I am an inconvenience and not wanted by some. So, unaffected, I wait. The time will come. Meanwhile there are hungry hearts that need filling. Amen!

All nations will come to your light; mighty kings will come to see your radiance. Isaiah 60:3 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/isa.60.3.NLT The previous chapter speaks about the coming Messiah. Verse 59:21 says God's word has been put in the mouth of God's people. When we come to Christ our conversation is different. We have good news to share. 60:1 commands: arise, shine, for your light has come. We now have the light of the world resident in us. As we shine our light many come to know Christ. Many nations will come to know the truth as we go and speak about Jesus. Amen!

Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18‭-‬20 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/mat.28.18-20.MSG When someone says they are commissioned, what comes to mind a royal envoy, a secret agent, a special messenger, or something equally glamorous. The commissioning a Christian receives is glamorous, we are commissioned by a King to herald the coming of His kingdom. Jesus is the soon coming king. He is coming to rule and reign on the earth for 1000 years, during which Satan is bound in the pit. Yet, when He first came to earth to die on a cross, He said: behold, the kingdom of heaven is at hand. The kingodm of God has ...

Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.28.19.NLT How do we make disciples? Share the good news with all manner of people, training them in Godly ways and bringing them through to a knowledge of Christ. When you are on a team, you take part in whatever the team sets out to do. In the saving of souls, you might carry the baggage, provide the water, cleanse the wounds, pay the bills, write the tracts. Do it all with a heart for the kingdom of God, and always willing to share your faith. I follow Christ for all Nations and am involved in praying for the success of the canpaigns. I support United Vision Nepal and provide financial support and prayer. In my own world I live, every ready to share my faith, loving the lost, and praying for souls. Souls are my passion, seeing a person come alive in Christ is the best thrill of all times. It is to the Lord and...

By an act of faith, Enoch skipped death completely. “They looked all over and couldn’t find him because God had taken him.” We know on the basis of reliable testimony that before he was taken “he pleased God.” It’s impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him. Hebrews 11:5‭-‬6 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/heb.11.5-6.MSG Pleasing God is not through sacrifice, but rather faith. Faith is the fuel of the kingdom of God. By faith God spoke the universe into being. Faith is a part of God. We are a part of Him. We share faith, and as we are made in our Father's image, we have access to all He has. Faith gives us access to God's miracle working power. How many other Enochs have there been? We know Moses disappeared, Elijah was taken up in a fiery chariot, and I am sure there are more. Jesus went up into heaven. Now we can understand Jesus, as He w...

Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him. Hebrews 11:6 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/heb.11.6.HCSB This precious promise is sandwiched between two examples: Enoch and Noah. Enoch walked with God and pleased Him, God took him, he was not buried; Noah believed God spoke to him, and built an ark, right away from water, in a time when it had never rained. These two examples are to encourage us in knowing what faith looks like, and the gem in between explains the working of faith.  James tells us that faith without works is dead. We can say we have faith, but noone would know because we are not doing anything by faith, conversely, we can put our faith to work to believe God for an outcome yet unseen, but believed. I walk by faith! Amen!

This is how we know we’re living steadily and deeply in him, and he in us: He’s given us life from his life, from his very own Spirit. Also, we’ve seen for ourselves and continue to state openly that the Father sent his Son as Savior of the world. Everyone who confesses that Jesus is God’s Son participates continuously in an intimate relationship with God. We know it so well, we’ve embraced it heart and soul, this love that comes from God. 1 John 4:13‭-‬16 MSG You may remember when you first fell in love, perhaps you were 10 or 12. You wanted to be around the object of your desire and probably created all manner of romantic notions that perhaps the one you 'loved' was unaware of. Fortunately, when we come to Christ, He does share a relationship with us. This relationship is so special He gives us, as a downpayment, His Holy Spirit to live in our hearts. Through this Holy Spirit we can commune with Him at any time. We are loved by an awesome God who wants to spend time with litt...

All who declare that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. 1 John 4:15 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/1jn.4.15.NLT In this time of falsehood there is a way to know the truth about one who says they belong to Jesus Christ. They confess the Lordship of Jesus Christ and they believe His word is all ordained by God. There is no deception in them. Ministers falling from grace is, unfortunately, a regular occurrence, as is the falling of those who say they belong to Christ. This is always a way back, repentance amd forgiveness. In Australia we regularly see political representatives falling from grace. There are those who have knives out ready to dissect. It was interesting that our state premier was found out to not only have hidden an affair with another man who had been married, but also be involved in financial dealings that were questionable. After the initial outcry and lust for blood, by the oposition party, nothing came of it, and she still serves, s...

“Who do you think you are— building a town by murder, a city with crime? Don’t you know that God -of-the-Angel-Armies makes sure nothing comes of that but ashes, Makes sure the harder you work at that kind of thing, the less you are? Meanwhile the earth fills up with awareness of God ’s glory as the waters cover the sea. Habakkuk 2:12‭-‬14 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/hab.2.12-14.MSG This morning I mentioned the surrounding text for the last verse, and here it us. The prophet Habakkuk was bringing a word from the Lord about behaviour. Then verse 14 comes along. In isolation we can say: "ooh what a beautiful scripture, it sends  tingles down my spine", and benefit nothing because we fail to assimilate the text in context. Our behaviour matters to God. We are meant to be His emissaries. If a foreign diplomat fails to represent his country, he is removed. We have a task to perform. Jesus Himself said: if salt loses its saltiness it is thrown out and trodden under foot. Matt 5:...

For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord ’s glory, as the waters cover the sea. Habakkuk 2:14 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/hab.2.14.HCSB This beautiful verse is in the middle of a chapter of wores against those who take unlawfully, those bent on selfish gain. The verse before speaks of God's judgement. In this light, the above verse is declarative. It tells us that nothing escapes God's knowledge. As the waters cover the sea, God is still God. This morning I read an ABC headline report that states: Trump declares victory and claims acts of fraud. I watched the president's speech last night. He did not appear as the man the ABC presented. He was calm and decent. It is the first such unedited speech of his I have seen in all his past term. If there has been fraud, God knows it and it will be uncovered. We have to trust God in all things. May His kingdom come, His will be done. Amen!

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/heb.13.8.HCSB I am so glad Jesus does not change. Tonight as I watch the US presidential elections play out, it is obvious there are great divides within the American nation. Perhaps they have always been there. Across the world we see wars, and rumors of wars, nations shutting down because of a resurgence of COVID19. Riots happen right across the world as people give vent to their frustrations, again blaming their governments for their condition. Yet, at the very heart of the matter, the bible tells us the real problem is sin. James tells us why we fight, we fight because we do not have and we do not have because we do not ask or ask wrongly, wanting to spend what we want on ourselves. We have God opposing the proud because His heart is for justice and mercy, caring for the poor, the orphan, and refugee.

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 https://bible.com/bible/97/eph.4.31-32.MSG This verse is the meat in the sandwich. The one before was dealing with respect for leaders, and the one after is dealing with not being led astray by strange teachings. What a glorious filling! Jesus is our sustenance, our empowerment to do right. He showed us the way to live, in obedience to the Father. He did not come to do His will, but the will of the Father. What is the will of the Father for me? To live in obedience to His word! All of it! 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 https://bible.com/bible/97/eph.4.31-32.MSG Cutting remarks and judgmentalism is easy, but destructive. We destroy fellowship, friendship and reputations. It is so much better to bite our lip, and remain silent until we can say something decent, and supportive. The downfall or disasters of others offer prime real estate, in other words- gossip fodder. If we can't be empathetic, kind and compassionate, we need to be quiet, and pray until we can. Kindness shines best when done to an enemy or someone who has hurt or injured us. Kindness leaves room for God to act. Amen!

And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ. Ephesians 4:32 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/eph.4.32.HCSB What does the word tenderhearted mean? Having a kind, gentle, sentimental nature, easily moved to compassion.  I have been unkind about the word 'sentimental', probably due to the way it has always been used. Yet it means: prompted by feelings of tenderness, sadness or nostalgia. How can we be tenderhearted with each other? Apply grace, lots of grace. We see Jesus in the gospels do this. He was rough with the religious leaders who were acting falsly but with the broken and downtrodden, He was conpassionate.

Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2 https://bible.com/bible/72/rom.12.2.HCSB The primary reason to have our minds renewed is to be able to discern the will of God. Without sharpened discernment we fall into a hole. Are you finding yourself in a hole? A lot? We will continually struggle in a hole as we refuse to read, meditate and digest the Word of God. The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two edged sword, discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12) We can have the same discernment if we spend time with God and His word, learning His ways. Amen!

Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/rom.12.2.HCSB The word transformed has almost been hijacked by the world's deceptive thinking about how we are formed. Although we are born with a certain pattern of X and Y chromosomes, people have decided that it is what they feel they are is the deciding factor. Against this wall of ideology we find the truth factor, the above scripture rips through the deceptions arrayed against us. Fortunately, truth will always remain truth, in the word of God. The word of God sets us free from the lies of our enemy, the Devil. The Lord's prayer encapsulates this with the very last verse: deliver us from evil. Now, more than ever, we need truth, only the truth sets us free. Amen!

For His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood through what He has made. As a result, people are without excuse. Romans 1:20 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/rom.1.20.HCSB Have you ever said, or heard it said, "But I didn't know!" It is often said is response to being challenged with a failure to act. If we seriously think about the situation, perhaps the reason we fail to act is because we do not care and are caught up in life pursuits to the blindness towards others. Another reason is we fail to really listen to others. This scripture cuts acorss our excuses saying the evidence was plainly there. If the evidence is plainly there then we must not care to consider that which is presented to us.

For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. Romans 1:20 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/rom.1.20.NLT When I see beauty, I want to express joy and gratitude, how about you? I am grateful that I know the Lord, and can praise Him for what I behold. When I am sad, and am devastated, I cry out to God, knowing He hears me. How empty would my life be without Him. Living for self does not satisfy, I must have a God I can involve. Why would I choose a god who did not respond, one made with human hands? How foolish to worship man's creation. Man is not God, and continually fails, and is selfish. Finding God as a personal saviour was and is my heart's greatest joy. Having Him live in my heart is completeness. Amen!