The day with dianne Louise

Let me experience Your faithful love in the morning, for I trust in You. Reveal to me the way I should go because I long for You. Psalms 143:8 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/psa.143.8.HCSB What does faithful love look like? For some it would look like a parent, for others it would be a dog, still others of yoy, you may not have experienced this yet. This is for you! Rather than accuse God for being absent or not rescuing you, He was there with tears streaming down His face. He is here, now reaching out to you saying, "Let me in, I will comfort and heal you." When abused we rail at God blaming Him for allowing our pain. However, we live in a world where free choice reigns. If we cry out to Him, and ask for help, He will help. If we ask for a way out, He will provide. I remember finding myself caught in an abusive situation. I was there because I believed I should be there. When I decided to leave that place He helped me, and has been my strength ever since. Allow God to heal ...

But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! Matthew 5:44 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.5.44.NLT When we are seeing our country again infected with COVID19 from returned Australians who could not endure the lands they found themselves in any more, anger rises. I vividly remember the PM urging Aussies to retun in March this year. However, who knew how bad this virus would become. We now know how bad, and suddenly we have a vaccine. Many are angry with returned travellers for bringing the disease home, at the airline staff who infecting those who transport them. I think anger is prevalent in our societies. It is looking for someone to explode on. Yet, if it was us who were brought home, would we not be grateful? Would we not, in turn, accuse the Australian people of selfishness? Selfishness is at the root of anger, resentment, jealousy.  Only Christ can set us free and keep us free. He urges us to love those we perceive as our enemies.

“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy.  But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!  In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.  If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much.  If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that.  But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect. Matthew 5:43‭-‬48 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.5.43-48.NLT Who are my enemies? Those who seek my destruction, those who hate me, and speak ill of me, those who abuse me, those who use me. Now, having such a basket full of wicked individuals, these are the ones to pour love on, not hot oil. How can I love them? By not speaking evil of them, by not thinking of ...

Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, is not boastful, is not conceited, 1 Corinthians 13:4 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/1co.13.4.HCSB These are attributes of God's love. When we walk in His love, He lifts us up and sustains us. Walking in love sure beats walking in hatred or judgement. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, meekness, self-control. All of these can be ours as we submit to the Holy Spirit. Love is one attribute. Paul says in 1 Cor 13, 'now these three remain: faith hope and love but the greatest of these is love'. Love is the first fruit as well. I wonder why? Without love we are unable to progress to patience, goodness and self-control. Let us ask the Holy Spirit to fill us with His love today. Amen!

I sought the Lord , and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Psalms 34:4 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/psa.34.4.HCSB Being delivered from fear is a wonderful miracle. Confronting fear that may reappear is a must for the believer. Christ has set us free from all our fears, however freedom must be appropriated, and walked out. If Jesus could face the fear associated with the crucifixion, we can face the fear of failure, lack, sickness, rejection etc. Freedom cost something, and it is a prize worth fighting to keep. Never let it go! Amen!

I sought the Lord , and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Psalms 34:4 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/psa.34.4.HCSB To be delivered we must first seek the Lord, and by seek I mean go hard after. No wishy washy prayers will do. No, self-pity allowed. Slap yourself, and toughen up like the warrior you have been designed to be. Be like Thor in Endgame, come to realise who you are. As a child of the King we have been given access to Him, fighting tools to use, and a crowd of witnesses cheering us on. Hear the roar, the whistles the encouragement. Clothe yourself in the righteousness of God, stand in the victory already won by Jesus, pick up your helmet of salvation, your breastplate of righteousness, gird your loins with truth, pick up your shield of faith and sword of the word, and go! Remember the book of Revelations says of you: and they overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony! Go!!!

Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil. Ephesians 6:11 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/eph.6.11.HCSB Do you remember, as a child, being told to get dressed for school? Did you get dressed straight away? My guess is you didn't. Right? We have the same problem here. Paul is telling us to put on the full armour of God, then he goes on to tell us what this entails. We therefore, have no excuse for not being dressed for war, and therefore being protected. We become dull to the truth, we fail to listen, and more so, fail to apply. I have times when I know I am under attack. Usually my dog becomes sick, or I do. This has to be an attention grabber, or a wake up call. I have  friend who is going through this at present. He animals are constantly sick, or she is, or her mother is. Today I reminded her, "You are under attack"! This woman is constantly reaching out. One thing our enemy hates is evangelism.

Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil. Ephesians 6:11 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/eph.6.11.HCSB If you are enlisted in the armed forces you do not go out to engage the enemy without you protection or weapons. If you do you would know you are in serious trouble as an unarmed soldier is unprotected. Christians have an enemy, he prowls around like a lion looking for someone to devour. I find modern day media have many of his traits. They seek the defenseless authorities, and attack. I can almost hear: " and if you are the Son of God turn these stones into bread". This morning the media showed Hillsong church, who had kindly put on a light display for people to drive past, as the bad and foolish church that encouraged people to congregate to look at the lights. The same spirit that finds fault and points the finger is at large in our societies. We must choose not to be offended, and instead take up our armour, and pray God's w...

Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/jos.1.9.HCSB This afternoon I watched a National Geographic programme about a young man who love to climb up the face pf rocks without support or safety. His final challenge was the face of a prominent mountain in the Yosemite National Park. Peopel struggled to understand Alex's obsession with perfection and challenging himself to gace danger again, and again. I could relate. I do this in so many ways, especially in my studies. I am so focussed, and I fix my eyes on the task before me, trusting the Lord to carry me.  Courage is determination to take one step at a time, always trusting the Lord for the big picture. Try it! You will know you have lived! Amen!

This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NLT Picking up the cross required Christ to be strong. He did not find His strength in Himself, or His friends, but in God alone. When we consider how He agonised with His fleshly horror of the cross, and desire to not do what was required of Him, we know that in Him we have found a priest who totally understands. However, His example compels us to take up our own cross, be it rejection by  family, be it financial hardship or health struggles, our cross is unique to us. Self-pity is the enemy we must overcome in our walk. Self-pity will rob us of what awaits on the other side of our cross. Glory and honour awaited Jesus, fellowship with the Father awaited us. He sacrificed for us. The sacrifices we make are for those who come behind. Amen!

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/isa.9.6.NLT It seems odd to say there is a prince of peace, in a time when it rarely exists. Yet, is it real? Jesus spoke to this in John 14:27: “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid". What is this peace? Can I be at peace when all around me is in turmoil? Yes! Just as I can have joy in a joyless environment. So, how can this be? Mary asked the same question of Gabriel when he told her she would have a son. Mary was a virgin. Virgins knew only one way to fall pregnant, mate with a male. Bsck to peace. It seems God works outside the square. He delights in taking what is not and creating a new thing. He took dirt and created Adam, He overpowered the sea to pa...

When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:10‭-‬11 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.2.10-11.NLT The three wise men were men from Iran, Iraq or Turkey. They obviously had beliefs about an event occurring on the arrival of a special star, which we now call the Christmas star. Having just had the Christmas star (not actual stars but the conjunction of two planets: Jupiter and Saturn), one could imagine that men of old would see this as significant, and that it held some import. This conjunction happens every 800 years. So, even for us, it is significant. However, these non-jews travelled following the star to where it stopped, over Bethlehem. They went seeking the special someone that the star signified. The men went to King Herod to discover the truth of the matter. Herod did...

Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people He favors! Luke 2:14 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/luk.2.14.HCSB The angels appeared to smelly shepherds who had probably been telling not so good stories or gambling. What does this tell us? God is interested in those who are considered worthless by men in suits. Think about the reality of this scenario. God sent His holy angels to a bunch of misfits, and trusted them with His best news. He did not send the angels to nice, respectable people, He sent them to the rejects of society. There is room for us. Come as you are! Amen!

At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises: Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please him. Luke 2:13‭-‬14 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/luk.2.13-14.MSG God sent His angelic host to proclaim His goodness to mere shepherds. He did not send them to the synagogue or the palace. This act was indicative of His mission to go to the lost, the hurting, and those without a shepherd. God's message today is for all who will listen. His message is one of companionship, forgiveness, and sustenance. There are many too busy making their own noise to hear. The message is heard by those who have ears to hear, and hearts to respond. We must choose to give Him room in our hearts, and not turn on Him for not spoiling us as we demand. God does not spoil His children, He raises them as sons and daughters of purpose, strength and self-control. Amen!

The Word became flesh  and took up residence among us. We observed His glory, the glory as the One and Only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 HCSB Full usually means full, unless you are a packet of crisps. In God's economy it means pressed down, shaken together, and running over. When Jesus was given to us, He was full of grace, and truth. As we read the gospels we see grace, and truth in action. When we invite Jesus into our hearts we are filled with His Holy Spirit. We can trust Him to always be full of grace, and truth for us. Invite Him in today! Trust Him! He is good!

The Word became flesh  and took up residence among us. We observed His glory, the glory as the One and Only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 HCSB Think of a dear friend, one who you have not seen for a few years, suddenly lets you know they are returning to live in the house next door to you. Would you be excited? Would you look for ways to bless this friend's coming? What sacrifice would you make for them, and consider it nothing compared to the pleasure of having your friend close by? We have such a friend who not only promised to come and live anong us, but also promised to live inside us, in our spirits. We are not alone, we have the Holy Spirit dwelling within. What can we do for Him today? We might be isolated due to the CV, but we have the king of heaven resident. How can we bless Him today? Think outside the square of 'you' for a moment and think of Him. Amen! https://bible.com/bible/72/jhn.1.14.HCSB

And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.1.21.NLT The best news I ever had was that Jesus cleansed me from my sin. The continual best news I receive daily is: if I confess ny sin, He is faithful and just to forgive my sin. Eternity is mine as I put my faith, daily, in a saviour who is above and beyond me and my earth. Each time I become cluttered with worldliness, I can go to Him for cleansing. He is faithful and impartial. I can trust Him! Amen!

And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.1.21.NLT This NT scripture is to fulfill Is 7:14. A prophesy given hundreds of years before the event. God has no problem waiting to fulfill His word. We grow impatient, and try to prempt the promise, but the result is dust. God's word requires a God fulfillment. We may be participants, but not initiators. God answers our prayers in ways we know not. We could never pick the entry point. Noone in all of Israel would have chosen Mary, but God. I love the way He works and thinks. On Saturday the Lord blessed me with an answered prayer. I had a desire for a chicken coop and had even gone so far as to find a second hand one. I asked my brother to help me restore it. He went to the hardware store to buy provisions, and came back with a new one that was my ultimate desire. I would never have chosen my brother as the supplier of a blessing, ...

So Isaiah told him, “Then listen to this, government of David! It’s bad enough that you make people tired with your pious, timid hypocrisies, but now you’re making God tired. So the Master is going to give you a sign anyway. Watch for this: A girl who is presently a virgin will get pregnant. She’ll bear a son and name him Immanuel (God-With-Us). By the time the child is twelve years old, able to make moral decisions, the threat of war will be over. Relax, those two kings that have you so worried will be out of the picture. But also be warned: God will bring on you and your people and your government a judgment worse than anything since the time the kingdom split, when Ephraim left Judah. The king of Assyria is coming!” Isaiah 7:13‭-‬17 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/isa.7.13-17.MSG So well put! We must face the truth about Jesus some time. It may as well be now whilst we are captured in our homes by the CV. People are tensing about Christmas. Why such a fuss? It is only one day, and no...

Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/isa.7.14.HCSB God used what is impossible with mankind, once again, to reveal His glory. A woman cannot become pregnant by herself, she must receive a male sperm. The sperm Mary received was divine, God. When having God enter our worlds, to solve our problems we need to look for the divine. When the divine comes, life comes. Our spirits are lifted. Lord, may Your kingdom come, Your will be done! Amen!

Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute! Philippians 4:4‭-‬5 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/php.4.4-5.MSG Revelling seems to be something usually fueled by alcohol. Yet we can revel in Him just on His Spirit alone, and there is no hangover. We can make it clear to all, that we are on their side. People need to know God is for them, not against them. Spread the cheer! Amen!

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Philippians 4:4 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/php.4.4.NLT Rejoice means to feel or show great joy or delight. Scripture tells us that the joy of the Lord is our strength. There are times we will feel joy because of a happening: a win, a retirement, a release of some form. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit. It has nothing to do with happenings, but rather a state of being. If I have the spirit of God in my life, joy is there. Joy can be present in prison, in sickness, in disaster. Our ability to draw from the wells of salvation is all we need. The will is the bucket used to draw with. If you really want to ranp it up, start singing. Singing repels the darkness and uncorks joy. I say uncork, as we allow habits, attitudes, and other things to stop it up. Start singing! Amen!

See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The Lord  God is my strength and my song; he has given me victory.” Isaiah 12:2 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/isa.12.2.NLT Today I sat a hard exam. Whilst doing the exam I was praying in the spirit. The Lord spoke to my heart: "You will pass!" Yet, still I prayed for understanding. I had to trust that the understanding came. I know there was a parallel situation happening, a battle was raging for the heart of a man who was struggling. I was aware of the parallel, and prayed. I love working with the Lord, honouring Him by being faithful in doing what He has given me to do, and praying for His kingdom to come. His kingdom will look different to what I imagine as I have only limited resources, but He has limitless reaources. Even in these dark times, He has a plan for life. I can trust Him! Amen!

See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The Lord  God is my strength and my song; he has given me victory.” Isaiah 12:2 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/isa.12.2.NLT There are times when God is all we have. These are good times, as we learn to accept that we cannot control our lives, and that our God is our all, good times indeed. As CV resurfaces in NSW, we discover we are not as clever as we think, or as immune. We are not able to manipulate, or master in our own strength, our strength must be from the Lord. Our God must be Lord of all. Amen! 

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16‭-‬18 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/1th.5.16-18.NLT The word always, means...always! (At all times and on occasions). This yesr began with bushfires, filled with Corona Virus and is ending with floods. The bad weather along the Eastern side of Australia means devestation to holiday plans and the businesses involved. Families from inland cannot connect with families on the coast due to blocked roads. Yet, in all this rejoice! I can pray! What is there to rejoice in? I rejoice that I am written in the Lamb's book of life, I rejoice that I am well and my God is keeping me. I rejoice that my God goes before me. I rejoice that all eternity waits for me to spend it with my God in His adventures planned for me. We can be so fixated on short experiences in the here and now, when they are but  moments of time. We do not suffer alone. A lot ...

Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live. 1 Thessalonians 5:16‭-‬18 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/1th.5.16-18.MSG Cheer up! Although, externally, we may not have too much to rejoice about, if you belong to Christ, you have eternity to rejoice over. Tonight's new shows a growing CV cluster in Sydney on the Northern Beaches. Not a good time! However, we need to learn to sing in the rain. Here in Tamworth, NSW, Australia, we have had more rain in the last few days, than we have had in a long while. Praise God! I am definitely happy to sing in the rain. Amen!

So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. Colossians 3:12‭-‬14 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/col.3.12-14.MSG Love is our undergarment. It must be worn closest to our hearts, and skin, to remind us that all else must pass through it. God has given us a wardrobe full of beautiful garments: compassion, kindness, quiet strength, discipline, joy and peace, goodness, meekness, faith. The beautiful thing is, they can all be worn together. Remember to open the wardrobe, and dress to bless. Amen!

Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/col.3.13.NLT The greatest gift I have ever received is forgiveness of m.jy sin and an open invitation into the kingdom of God.  The greatest gift I can give is forgiveness and an open invitation into the family of God. Who can I fogive today? Who needs to make a step towards God? Who needs relationship more than anything else?

“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14‭-‬16 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/mat.5.14-16.MSG I love this version. God speaking of putting us on a hill, on a lampstand. Going public! Smile, be kind, show goodness, mercy, faith. Twice today I went out: once to post all my Christmas presents. In the post office there was a lady next to me fussing around looking for something. I asked her: "what are you looking for"? I intended to help find it, but as she spoke she saw what she wanted, a po...

In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew 5:16 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.5.16.NLT Who remembers going to the movies or a show, and arrived after the lights had been dimmed? There used to be a prrson with a torch to shine a light so we would not trip. I greatly appreciated these people. With the invention of lights that could provide a trail light their jobs were dispensed with. We have such a job, handing out torches. We know the source of light, and our role is to bring others to the light, so that they to can become torches. The world is very dark, and the need for light has never been greater. Be the light! Show the way through the maze! Give people hope! Amen!

When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers— the moon and the stars you set in place— what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them? Psalms 8:3‭-‬4 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.8.3-4.NLT We are anticipating the close encounter of Jupiter and Saturn on 21st Dec, and tomorrow morning early, there should be a meteor shower. Study of the stars, and the planets has grown now that we have the Hubble telescope. The glories of the night sky are unfolding before us. Yet, as amazing as all the universe is, He (God the creator) is more interested in us, as He is relational. I am sure the universe is there for us to wonder at, and enjoy. I rejoice in the knowledge that I know Him and He delights in me. He is good!

When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers— the moon and the stars you set in place— what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them? Psalms 8:3‭-‬4 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.8.3-4.NLT As a young girl I remember picking a flower, and sitting pulling the petals one by one saying: "he loves me, he loves me not", until the end of the flower. As if such an arbitrary act could determine a person's love, or God's love, for that matter. As a teenager I did not know God loved me until one night not long before my 19th birthday when He came, and He spoke to my heart. At first all I knew was my sin, but He came to show me forgiveness. He used a servant, another girl who knew Him. She opened her bible, and showed me God loved me: for God so loved the world that He sent His only Son, that whosoever believed on Him should have eternal life Jn 3:16 My eyes were opened, and I could see, and understand. I...

The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine. Isaiah 9:2 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/isa.9.2.NLT Imagine a world where total darkness crept upon the land and eventually total darkness ruled. There would be  hunger for the light of the sun, it would be very cold and plants would not grow unless you provided artifical light. Then one day, a dim light appeared upon the horizon, the light grew and became brighter and brighter. Would you dare to hope it was here to stay? Our world is becoming darker and darker, in areas where the light does not dwell. Yet where the light does dwell, it is becoming brighter and brighter. Those who dwell in darkness will eventually hunger for light, if the light bearers commit to pray, and love enough to lay down their comfort, and reach out. The darkness is becoming darker and the light brighter. Who will win? What are you willing to commit to?

The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine. Isaiah 9:2 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/isa.9.2.NLT Never before has the whole world appeared so dark, but never before have there been so many bright lights appearing. God is moving. If we only focus on the bad news, then things are really bad. However, if we focus on the good, good things are happening, even while the darkness is becoming darker. The light has come. The Spirit of God is moving. Amen!

“You know that if the house owner had known what night the burglar was coming, he wouldn’t have stayed out late and left the place unlocked. So don’t you be slovenly and careless. Just when you don’t expect him, the Son of Man will show up.” Luke 12:39‭-‬40 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/luk.12.39-40.MSG When we were young, at Christmas, all the cousins met at our grandparents house and played hide and seek. The one who was 'in' would count to 20 and then call: "coming ready or not". We would scurry at this proclamation as we knew if we failed to secure a good hiding place, we would be caught and be 'in'. One greater than my cousins is coming very soon. In fact He may have already left His home and is on His way. Just as we needed to hide in a game, we desperately need to be found by Him, and know we are safe when He returns. Otheriwse we will face a very lost eternity. Eternity with Him is so much better than without Him. Remember, He has given us the choice....

“Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would not permit his house to be broken into.  You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.” Luke 12:39‭-‬40 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/luk.12.39-40.NLT The Lord could return ar any time, corporately, or individually. We do not know when His grand return will be, yet we know it is close. Meantime, each of us can be called home instantaneously. Last week I was told of my friend's sister having a stroke at work. My friend said: "she was lucky it happened at work as they sent for an ambulance immediately." Is she lucky for missing a chance encounter with her Lord? This woman is 72 and a devout Christian. I live with an impending sense that time is up very soon. If Jesus is returning for His church very soon then she needs to be ready. He told a parable of several young virgins waiting for the bride and groom, who were late. They fell asleep. When the bri...

Jesus once again addressed them: “I am the world’s Light. No one who follows me stumbles around in the darkness. I provide plenty of light to live in.” John 8:12 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/jhn.8.12.MSG No stumbling! We may think we are lost, but really we are just walking by faith. If we try to run ahead, we will get lost. If we try to crawl behind, we can get lost. Mark time! The key is to follow the leader, and not stop, until He does, and not start until He does. Amen!

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 8:12 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.8.12.NLT This is the crux of the answer to all the searching for answers, right here! Jesus is the answer! He is the Way, The Truth and the Life! No man or woman can get to God but through Him. He is the door. No sacrifice is required, He was the sacrifice. Repentance from our way and insistence that things go our way, yes. Forgiveness from Him flows immediately on this repentance and the door is open. So easy, yet so hard. Surrender is the hard bit, but well worth it. Jesus said: he who surrenders his way of doing life, will find life, but he who refuses to surrender will lose his life. The choice is ours. Amen!

Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day’s out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ’s law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived. Galatians 6:1‭-‬3 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/gal.6.1-3.MSG There are some burdens I am unable to carry. However, when I know I can, I should offer to help. I had agrred to help a friend who has a new pup. I thought my dog would be kind, however he wasn't, especially to a dog bigger than him who are continually was in his face. When he growled at the pup, it wet itself on my carpet. It didn't happen once, but three times unfortunately. I had to say, No more! Yet, there are other times and dogs I can help. My elderly neighbour is going away at Christmas and could not find a place, so I volunteered. Another friend from church has a simila...

Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/gal.6.2.NLT One bullock can only drag so much weight, whilst two or even three can drag so much more. If one of us is under a huge load, it is not prudent to stand back and watch them struggle, but rather we should lend a hand. We have been created to lift loads, either in prayer, relationship or in deed. Scripture tells us to not love in word or tongue, but in deed and in truth. 1 John 3:18 What does God's word compel me to do? Love unconditionally. Amen!

And now, God , do it again— bring rains to our drought-stricken lives So those who planted their crops in despair will shout hurrahs at the harvest, So those who went off with heavy hearts will come home laughing, with armloads of blessing. Psalm 126:4‭-‬6 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/psa.126.4-6.MSG Tonight I had the joy of taking my new Christian friend to fellowship. What a delight he was to all. He can see the joy in my friends lives and he loves it. We celebrated Christmas as a group and Manish fitted right in. I gave him his Christmas present, a bible, so he could get to know Jesus. He was delighted. New blood is so refreshing. Go make disciples and win the lost! Amen!

Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. Psalms 126:5 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.126.5.NLT This scripture refers to faithfully doing the work at hand, even is times of distress, we will reap a harvest of joy. This time last year our farmers were in deep distress, we were in a severe drought amd surrounded by bush fires. This yesr we are surrounded by lush fields and a good crop harvest. Praise God! Having just returned from travelling by car to northern Queensland, I knew that our land down here is in much better condition, they had not yet received any rain. I remember the struggle the farmers had to keep going. Our church had reached out to the farmers and found them desperate. We put on dinners for them to gather and talk. It was cathartic for them. Our God reaches out to us in our distress. He provies us with His Holy Spirit to comfort us and encourage us that we are entering the promised rain, His rain. Amen!

Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. Romans 12:12 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/rom.12.12.NLT Being patient when we hurt, are lonely or sad is not easy. This is when we must draw deep from the wells of salvation. Our God has something special there for us. Settling disturbed or hurt feelings takes work, but is possible. With God, all things are possible. Tonight I must draw from the wells of salvation. I am tired from studying all day, post travelling all day yestersay. I had just spent 10 days surrounded by people and now am alone again. I know I will be fine, I just need to adjust and bury myself in my God. My God has a plan for me. I must trust Him, and keep praying. Amen!

Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. Romans 12:12 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/rom.12.12.NLT Our confidence is in Christ, and not ourselves. When a wall of difficulty presents itself, He is the way through. Our confidence is only in His ability to bring us through, and our ability to trust. The greater the difficulty, the grester the miracle. Push the problem onto Him, He is able, willing, and in fact delighted that you push the problem onto His adequalte shoulders. Give Him the opportunity to shine, allow Him to show His glory in your life. Amen!

Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. Romans 15:4 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/rom.15.4.NLT Patience can be difficult to master, or should I say, retain. Just when we think we are patient, we are tipped out onto an unfamiliar sea, and we are caught in billowing waves. Fear can engulf us until we learn to ride the waves, and again  come to peace. Whilst snorkelling on Great Kepple Island my grandson, and I, rounded the head of a peninsula to be buffetted by a strong wind, and choppy waves, which carried a strong undertow. I knew I must lead us back to safety, and in the process master my anxiety. Giving in to fear is not an option. Mastering anxiety is always the chosen path. We must win, and rise above the challenge that presents itself. Then we have victory.

For whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that we may have hope through endurance and through the encouragement from the Scriptures. Romans 15:4 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/rom.15.4.HCSB The Bible is full of encouraging stories, stories about ordinary people who did extraordinary things with their God. We see the heros endure hardship because they chose to believe there was a better way than what they had known. Abraham believed when God called him out of Iraq, Noah believed God had instructed him to build an ark, and was saved from drowning, Moses believed God, and faced his fear to return to Egypt to lead God's people from Egypt to the promised land. David believed God had annointed him to be king, and faced 13 years of being chased by King Saul, until he received what had been promised. Joseph endured years of injustice in prison, until he was gloriously redeemed and set free to be the prime minister.  As Hebrews 11 tells us of many more ordina...

As it is written in Isaiah the prophet:  Look, I am sending My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way. A voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Prepare the way for the Lord; make His paths straight!  John came baptizing  in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance  for the forgiveness of sins. Mark 1:2‭-‬4 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/mrk.1.2-4.HCSB Jesus said: narrow is the way that leads to life and few find it, broad is the way that leads to destruction. The world's ways lead to destruction and many are happy to be on it. My Nepali friend went to church today for the first time. Although the message was full of meat, he loved the atmosphere and the music. I remember when I went to an alive church for the first time. My experience was the same. We must trust the Lord to meet our friends where they are at, and not tell Him how the service must be run. We can trust Him! Amen!

As it is written in Isaiah the prophet:  Look, I am sending My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way. A voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Prepare the way for the Lord; make His paths straight!  John came baptizing  in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance  for the forgiveness of sins. Mark 1:2‭-‬4 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/mrk.1.2-4.HCSB In coming to the Lord, I had to be prepared. First I heard the good news, then I was convicted of my sin, then God called me, I repented, invited Him into my heart, and knew I was born again. John came preaching a need for a new way, he preached a need for repentance, a change of heart. His preaching open hearts, minds, and ears in readiness to have Jesus appear with the message about the kingdom of God. Any who received Him, He gave rights to be called sons, and daughters of God. Let us speak the good news to our world. There are hungry souls out there. Amen!

But to all who did receive Him, He gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in His name, John 1:12 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/jhn.1.12.HCSB So good to know we are welcome to belong! I sent this scripture to my young Nepali friend who asked Jesus into his heart last night. Knowing you are welcome is always a blessing. I know I still rejoice in belonging. How good is God!

But to all who did receive Him, He gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in His name, John 1:12 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/jhn.1.12.HCSB After a lovely week on Great Keppel Island  my grandson and I stayed last night at Yepoon Beach house. This is a hostel-type accomodation where all manner of people stay. I fell into conversation with a young Chinese girl, and found myself telling her about Jesus being the way to eternal life. When I had finished talking to her, I received a SMS message from the young Nepali boy who I had shared Jesus with before coming on holiday. He wanted spiritual help. I messgaed back to tell him to ask Jesus into his heart, that I had been praying for him. He wrote back, that's better, thank you.  I then contacted a friend to arrage to take him to church, as I will be away on Sunday. I then went to find my grandson. He was talking to a Phillippino man. Archie told me that he likes to make people smile. He said that the man...

By faith Joseph, as he was nearing the end of his life, mentioned the exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions concerning his bones. Hebrews 11:22 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/heb.11.22.HCSB Do you ever consider the life of Joseph, apart from what we are told in the bible? He was a real person who went through a horrid trial: he was sold into slavery by his siblings, condemned to jail by a lustful woman, left to rot in prison, even though he helped interpret dreams for others. Yet, he did not appear to have a bad attitude. I imagine his time in captivity purged all resentment from his heart. He had to have faith that God would not fail him, but would remember His promise to him. Joseph married an Egyptian and settled in Egypt yet knew of God's promise to His people. He asked that his bones be taken by them from Egypt to the Promised land, when they were finally released. We all think our life to be the most important. It is to us, yet, we are a grain of sand in the whole o...

By an act of faith, Moses’ parents hid him away for three months after his birth. They saw the child’s beauty, and they braved the king’s decree. Hebrews 11:23 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/heb.11.23.MSG Many of us would not have thought hiding a child, an act of faith, but rather an act of fear. Yet, what God calls faith is so much filled with His grace, it is astounding. For me faith has been not submitting to weakness, and rather standing up and saying to God: "I have nowhere else to go, You must be my strength, my healing, my direction, my way". Two days ago my grandson Archie and I trekked to a particular beach to spend time snorkelling. The trek was arduous. The path was rocky, it involved climbing, in the heat, over rugged terrain. It wasn't so much the trip there, but the return. We had snorkelled for over an hour, walked up the beach for 10 minutes, snorkelled again for around another 15 minutes, emerged from the water and straightaway readied to climb back over...

Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that. Ephesians 5:1‭-‬2 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/eph.5.1-2.MSG Whatch what God does. Now, you might ask: what does He do? I think the text gives us a clue: 'Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with Him and learn a life of love'. We can look at Jesus to learn what He did. He healed the sick, taught truth about the Kingdom of God, confronted the evil, was fair and equitable in all He did. Most of all, He did not judge or condemn, but he constantly lifted people up that were downtrodden. Can you do this? Yes!

You can be sure that using people or religion or things just for what you can get out of them—the usual variations on idolatry—will get you nowhere, and certainly nowhere near the kingdom of Christ, the kingdom of God. Ephesians 5:5 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/eph.5.5.MSG This verse is an eye-opener. Using people for what we want, it says, is a variation of idolatry. This makes us examine our motives. Why do I want to know that person? Is it to take advantage of them? Is it to please myself? I think we need to let this challenge go all the way to the bank today. Chew on it, throw it around in your awareness. Are you wanting something? Or are you wanting to give? We can use this litmus test on all our connections. 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

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal.  Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.  Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. Matthew 6:19‭-‬21 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.6.19-21.NLT Treasure hunting is a popular theme of many books, and games. It fills our hearts and minds with wonder. We see tomb treasure hunters, lost wreck divers hunting for gold, seekers of rare minerals, diamonds and gold. These are all temporal, not eternal. We cannot take them with us. We must hide them away from thieves, and rarely use them. The queen of England has vast, beautiful jewels, stored in the Tower of London, under strict, amd very tight security. These same jewels have been subjected to endless attempts of theft. Jesus knew well what He was saying when He instructed His followers to store up treasure in...