The day with dianne Louise

Commit your actions to the Lord , and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.16.3.NLT When I make a gift, say it is a cake, and I want to send it to my son, I first freeze it, then I post it, and trust the post to deliver it in one piece. This is a huge step of faith, knowing that a cake can easily be smashed to pieces. Yet, I have successfully posted my son's favourite cake twice and had arrive in one piece. Likewise, I must give my plans to a God I cannot see, much like the postman, and trust, in faith, that they will come to pass. Take a risk, trust to an entity much bigger, and more able than you! Amen!

Commit your activities to the Lord , and your plans will be achieved. Proverbs 16:3 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/pro.16.3.HCSB By committing my plans to the Lord, I am acknowlesfing His superior take on them. He can see the how, the why and the what. He knows the best timing, the best focus, the best outlet.  By releasing my control over the whole matter, it reaolves in the best possible way. Today allow the Lord the mastery of the day, allow Him to be God in all things, and see what surprises He has in store. Amen!

“Come, everyone who is thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost! Why do you spend money on what is not food, and your wages on what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and you will enjoy the choicest of foods. Isaiah 55:1‭-‬2 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/isa.55.1-2.HCSB We are so focused on what we have in our bank account to spend, whereas if we focus on God and His economy, He provides all we need. If I have it, there is a purpose. If I don't have it the perceived purpose is wrong. God always makes sure I have the finances to give to His agenda. So often, I am caught in the agenda of others. Trust God for His provision, and His agenda. Amen!

“Come, everyone who is thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost! Why do you spend money on what is not food, and your wages on what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and you will enjoy the choicest of foods. Isaiah 55:1‭-‬2 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/isa.55.1-2.HCSB We all know thirst. A hot day will bring it on, as will salty or dry food. Australian men tend to like a beer after mowing the lawn, it tends to 'hit the spot'. Yet all of these measures are temporary and cannot quench a thirst for truth. Jesus met a woman at a well in Samaria, to proove this point. In John 4 He meets an ordinary Samaratin woman who had come to draw water and offers her living water. He tells her about her life and she is mesmerized, as He could not have known what He did without divine access. Jesus is able to quench the deepest thirst for truth and life. He is good, and the best...

Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother’s womb. I thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration—what a creation! You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something. Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you, The days of my life all prepared before I’d even lived one day. Psalm 139:13‭-‬16 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/psa.139.13-16.MSG Have you ever thought about whether God spent time planning what we would be like, what our outside image would be, what our internals would work like? As I read the projects of engineers I grasp a small part of what God's planning would have been. Just as God takes His time in all things, I think He took His time with us. We are made in His image. We take time, if we want something to be...

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. Psalms 139:13‭-‬14 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.139.13-14.NLT This Psalm was written by King David, thousands of years ago. His recognition of the wonder of his body is very good, the way he describes being knit together in his mother's womb. Most of us have seen video footage of the growth of a baby in the womb, it is truely a wonder to behold. Only hard, selfish hearts could deny God's involvement, and wilfully destroy a child. When we refuse to acknowledge God, we become hard to all things beautiful in mankind. Only a heart that is soft towards God can love and appreciate true beauty without wanting to contrive something from it. Stay soft! Open your heart to your creator. You will be glad you did. Amen!

Who is this King-Glory? God -of-the-Angel-Armies: he is King-Glory. Psalm 24:10 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/psa.24.10.MSG We can become so earthly minded that we fail to recognise that a mighty God did indeed create all we know. The heavens are filled with billions of stars and planets, and we, the  chosen, live on the most beautiful, protected planet of all, Earth. This God chooses to want us as His family, and His friends. Little old us, who cannot  create as He does, live for a finite period of time, and spend so much time in conflict, yet He wants us!!! Crazy God

Lift up your heads, you gates! Rise up, ancient doors! Then the King of glory will come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord , strong and mighty, the Lord , mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, you gates! Rise up, ancient doors! Then the King of glory will come in. Who is He, this King of glory? The Lord of Hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah Psalms 24:7‭-‬10 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/psa.24.7-10.HCSB This is the third part of this Psalm of David. The first deals with God being Lord of all. The second speaks to clean hands and hearts. What are the ancient doors? They are interpreted to be the doors of Jerusalem city. I can imagine big wooden doors that you see in castles. As to whether my imagination is correct, investigation of the doors of Jerusalem in David's time would reveal the truth of the matter. However, what can we learn form this, what is God saying? These scriptures speak about the king of glory, the Lord Almighty. He is great, greater than ancient doors. Do...

God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Matthew 5:7 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.5.7.NLT It basically comes down to this: what you give others you receive. However, remember what you receive is- pressed down, shaken together and running over, poured into your lap. Therefore, it is important we sow mercy and not judgement! Amen!

God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Matthew 5:7 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.5.7.NLT Mercy walks with humility. When we are humble we are not offended easily and we carry more grace to give to others. Having mercy is knowing your own faults and not being overly demanding of others. Today find humility and mercy. We need more mercy! Amen! Grace and peace walk together, but to have either of these we must be humble and forgiving.

So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. 2 Corinthians 4:18 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/2co.4.18.NLT What we see now, the unrest, the bigotry, man taking man to court, the undoing of all good done by a previous leader, is just dust. The old testament read like this. What is important? What is important is rhe task I have been given. What is that task? Pray and obey, populate heaven, make disciples. There is no mention of becoming rich or famous. If God gives either of these, then they will last. If, however, we have clawed our way to the top, it will crumble and fall. Keep your eyes on Jesus, all the rest is dust. Amen! 

So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. 2 Corinthians 4:18 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/2co.4.18.NLT  I remember a song: do you see what I see? Do you know what I know? This song is not a reflection of what I see, because it is earth bound. I see the kingdom of God coming to earth. I am praying for this day. I am working towards this end. Today is Australia Day and the forces of darkness are endeavouring to control it. However, the rising true blue Aussies have had enough. I am praying for a free Australia, one which loves its neighbour and doesn't need someone boxing it in to a stringent, prescriptive arena, legislating kindness. We are able to show kindness, only though the power of the cross. Jesus is the way to freedom, not legislation. Amen!

Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously. Isaiah 55:6‭-‬7 NLT The best thing about God is His generous forgiveness. I know that when I am convicted of my sin and am truly sorry, repentance brings instantaneous forgivenss. Unlike humans, God does forgive. We hang on to offense for way too long. Only recently God showed me the reason I have not been forgiven by people I have apologised to is because, although I thought I did not hold offense, I found it very easy to bring back the stories of old and still believe I was right. Judgement is God's department. I was an intruder and as soon as a realised I let it go. Remember forgiveness we share, we can give it or withhold it. Judgement is not our department. Amen!

Seek God while he’s here to be found, pray to him while he’s close at hand. Let the wicked abandon their way of life and the evil their way of thinking. Let them come back to God , who is merciful, come back to our God, who is lavish with forgiveness. Isaiah 55:6‭-‬7 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/isa.55.6-7.MSG In all relationships, yet to begin, just beginning, or been on the road a while, there is always a right time.  If we continually refuse to enter deeper than surface level, there may be times when God hides Himself. These can be difficult times, yet they are there to increase our hunger. We become comfortable with the superficial. God is never content with the superficial, He wants the deep. If you are faced with the silent times, get hungry, go deep. You will not be disappointed. Amen!

Give your burdens to the Lord , and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall. Psalms 55:22 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.55.22.NLT Our God will not let us slip or fall completsly, in our faith. He shepherds us, as sheep away from danger, and protects us from pestilence. It may come awful close and test us severely, but the shepherd is still near. The storms do not frighten Him, remember He walks on water and He calms the storms. I can trust Him in the storm. Eternity is still mine. Amen!

Give your burdens to the Lord , and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall. Psalms 55:22 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.55.22.NLT We are unable to carry fears and anxieties. They attack our minds, and if they can get in, fill our hearts. Our hearts are not capable of carrying anxiety, they are made for love, and response to Godly things, not heavy unsolvable anxieties. When scripture tells us to cast our cares, we need to fling them far out into the deep, out of our hearts and minds. It also tells us that He, God, will prevent us from slipping and falling. In other words, He has got this! Trust Him! Amen!

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord . “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/jer.29.11.NLT Disasters, where do they come from? Just being a soujourner on the earth exposes us to disasters. I have missionary friends who were in Nepal during the 2015 earthquake. They were unharmed, praise God! Yet, I have heard of others who died in plane crashes, sinking boats and only last year several died of cancer. We cannot tell how we will die, or where we may be involved in disasters. I pray we are there to minister to the lost. God does not plan disasters, however, when we are caught in them, He is there to comfort, sustain and guide. We can trust Him to care. Amen!

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord . “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/jer.29.11.NLT Trusting in the plans of another person can be challenging, trusting in a God, who we do not see, can be more so, unless you know Him. How do you get to know someone, walk with them, trust them in small things and then bigger things. In Genesis we see Abraham hear from God: "Go out into a land I will show you". So you realise he was 75 at this time? Why did God not call him when he was 25 and had boundless energy? Perhaps it took 75 years for Abraham to hear and trust? For the remainder of Abraham's life, he and Sarah, his wife, lived in a tent. He had left the indoor plumbling of the Sumarian land to a pit hole and a bucket in the wilderness. Perhaps there was a nomad hidden inside Abraham after all. God knows you better than you know yourself, you need to trust Him. Amen!

“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 Kindness, gentleness, goodness, longsuffering, faith, meekness, love all have a colour signature. When you use them in your life you create a vivid picture not seen anywhere else. Humility has colour, forgiveness has a colour. They are the shades of peace. Conversely, arrogance and pride have colours. They are harsh and grating. Choose to be an artist, without a paintbrush. Colour your world, the best way...

“You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/mat.5.14.HCSB Shining God's light means getting the torch out, and turning it on. We cannot be the light hiding under a bush. We have to enter the fray, take out our sword, fhe word of God, and switch on our lanp, His Holy Spirit, and be the source of answers. Life is not meant to be safe, it is meant to be purposefully taken up and lived. Be known for your difference. Be sought for your difference. Amen!

My dear children, let’s not just talk about love; let’s practice real love. This is the only way we’ll know we’re living truly, living in God’s reality. It’s also the way to shut down debilitating self-criticism, even when there is something to it. For God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves. 1 John 3:18‭-‬20 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/1jn.3.18-20.MSG What does love look like? It is not the sentimental, warm fuzzy stuff. It is committment to walk with a person and not reject them when they do something we don't agree with. It is lovingly confronting sin and seeking to overcome it. The committment bit is the challenge, because this kicks in when the warm fuzzies leave. I see people, again and again, cooing over photos of cute animals and babies. Both of these can be very trying at times and both need committment to them.  Do committment well!!!

Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. 1 John 3:18 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/1jn.3.18.NLT Verse 17 talks about having the world's goods but not being willing to share them with a brother or sister in lack. It goes on to say that real love is not just words only but also includes deeds, that is giving to those who lack. When I think lack, I think of people in countries where they are really struggling and going without. Yet, there are those who lack right here, right under our noses. I have experienced lack and know what a blessing it is to receive a timely gift from someone. We need to open our hearts, eyes and ears to those around us. Our God is wanting us to care for more than ours. Amen!

Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out. Ephesians 6:13‭-‬18 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/eph.6.13-18.MSG We fail to understand the power in prayer, if all we believe is what the media tells us. On the contrary, what is God saying and more pertinently, what is He doing? As we pray we find God and experience His heart in a matter. I enjoy joining the Holy Spirit on one of His exploits. If He is wanting to rescue souls, rescue them. I want to mee...

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. Ephesians 6:18 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/eph.6.18.NLT Prayer is not a tool you have in the garage and that you bring out every once in a while, like when you have to tighten a nut. Rather, it is a vital tool you need on you at all times, sharp and ready to be used at all times, for all things, and for all people. I depend on prayer, you probably need it as much as I do. If no one is praying, we struggle more. When people lift our hands up, encourage us, free us in prayer we do greater exploits. Moses showed this. Joshua went out to battle and Moses went to prayer. While Moses prayed and had his hands lifted up the battle went well. When he put his hands down, the battle went against Joshua. Pray for your leaders, your fanilies, your cities, your countries, for those who oppose you and blaspheme you, pray for the saints persecuted, the saints worldwide ...

So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith. Galatians 6:9‭-‬10 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/gal.6.9-10.MSG Well doing is a whole lot better than poor doing. Giving grace is better than impatience; generosity is better than meanness; goodness is better than selfishness; kindness is better than arrogance. Using the fruit of the spirit defeats the flesh every time. One is alive, one is rotting and putrid. The choice is easy. Amen!

Now the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will personally restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little. 1 Peter 5:10 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/1pe.5.10.HCSB Peter addresses suffering in chapters 4 and 5, encouraging his readers that the suffering they experience enables them to partake in the sufferings of Christ. He also exhorts them not to suffer for wrongdoing, as this would be an affront to their witness. Why do we suffer? We suffer in many ways, some of our own foolishness but some because we are Christians. There are many faithful who suffer greatly because of their faith. These are the saints who need our prayers, our voice, and our financial support. Many westeen Christians are only beginning to have a taste of persecution with their freedom to speak freely about Christ being eroded. The biblical basis of objection to ungodly behaviour is no longer acceptable. The bible is considered hate speech and ...

If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. Jeremiah 29:1LNLT https://bible.com/bible/116/jer.29.13.NLT Have you ever sent a child to look for their hat? Will they find it? Maybe, unless they find something more appealing. Have you had the experience of losing your keys, and needing someone else to help, because although they are right in front of you, you cannot see them? Why can we not see? We do not see because our heart is not engaged in the seeking, it is somewhere else. What distracts us? I suggest our mobile phones, and apps that attract. What is the importance of seeing? True life, relationship, beauty, companionship, answers wait to be found. Our God has adventures lined up waiting for seekers, yet the seekers are not there. Those that do seek find the best adventures, with the best companion ever. Adventure waits! Seek Him!

We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. Proverbs 16:9 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.16.9.NLT Just as we need to pray about everything and not be anxious, so we also need to submit our plans to the Lord, and trust the timimg of steps to Him. In the business world it is disciplined planning and focussed execution, in the kingdom of God it is planning and submitting the plans to the boss allowing Him the timing of the execution.  As a Christian I am not the master or the controller, God is. Anxiety or pride would have us not relinquish the wheel to anyone, but God is a better driver as He sees way ahead and knows where the roadblocks are. Trust Him! Amen!

You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family. Matthew 5:9 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/mat.5.9.MSG   In times of disappointment, and severe challenge I remind myself of this song. The group I heard sing it in the 70s were called Dogwood. I found the song under The Imperials on Google. 'Are you weary in well doing Walkin' on the road to New Jerusalem? Are you hopin' and a-prayin' Lookin' any minute for the Lord to come? And do you see a lot of pleasant lookin' places Where you might lay down to take a rest? And if you do take a look at all the faces there The sadness will tell you that it's best Keep on walkin' You don't know how far you've come Keep on walkin' For all you know it may be done And the Father  Might be standin' up right now To give the call and end it all So keep on walkin'' (Annie and Steve Chapman)...

“You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family. Matthew 5:9 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/mat.5.9.MSG James tells us why we have wars and lack of peace: we want what we do not have, and we don't have because we don't ask, and when we do ask, we ask with selfish motives. So, rather than humble ourselves and admit our greed, we attack others, and steal. Therefore, those who can address the truth of the matter in a way that brings healing are true peacemakers.

Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does. 1 Peter 5:8‭-‬11 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/1pe.5.8-11.MSG We would all like to do away with suffering, and create a world of comfort. However, Nirvana is not real, its is an ideal construct by mankind. Although it is a part of the Buddhist and Hindu teaching, it is still a human idealism. Suffering is a part of life. When we suffer, a little or a lot, we find a strength we only discover in the struggle. I remember my dad when he had cancer. Prior to his affliction he was ...

You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/jer.29.13.HCSB Today I was speaking to my, soon to be 15, grandson. He is all excited about being able to learn to drive, in another 12months. He is spening his time sourcing information on motorbikes, which have snared his interest. He is full of apparent knowledge on torque, watts etc and rattles them off like a bike shop proprietor. I chuckled to myself. He informed me that his granddad is buying all the grandchildren their first car. You can imagine how his immagination has run wild. How the first car becomes a motorbike is quite a stretch.  Now, put all this energy and interest into seeking the Lord.  This brings better results.  Dreaming and scheming is all about me making things happen. My grandaon knows well the fruits of this effort. His own father went down that path determined to own a Ducati only to lose his licence for 12months and have to r...

We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. Proverbs 16:9 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.16.9.NLT We make lots of plans, we make new years resolutions every year, however, time and stress challenges them all. I believe the plans I make that are God inspired are more successful than those I craft and need sheer willpower to carry through. Being willing to leave our plans wirh the Lord, and allow His timing is a veritable test of our fortitude and patience. God provides blessing and adds no sorrow to it. Our striving creates sorrow for us, and our families. Let go and trust!

Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/php.4.7.NLT Hi peace will guard our hearts and minds. How good is that? However, firstly we need to pray, and submit all our concerns to Him, and leave them there. Many are banging on about the vaccine. Fear about unexpected deaths or side-effects dominate. Me, if it is my time, who cares how I go? My God has shown Himself faithful, again and again. I must trust Him with all my requests. You can also! Pray and obey! Amen!

Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. Philippians 4:6‭-‬7 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/php.4.6-7.MSG When the 'what-ifs' come along, why not replace them with 'give it to Him!' By praying about our concerns we move the responsibility from our shoulders to His. He is built to carry our burdens, He made all things, so I am sure my worries and concerns He can carry. Jesus carried the cross on which He was nailed along with all my sins, a few worries are nothing in comparison. He is waiting with a miraculous supply to bless. Cast all you cares on Him. Amen!

“You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom. Matthew 5:10 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/mat.5.10.MSG You are never persecuted unless you are a threat to someone or something. If you are being persecuted you must be threatening the gates of hell. Great power do God's people have when they pray, and when they share the light of the gospel. If you are not being persecuted, perhaps you are too comfortable, and need to take a risk. Live dangerously! Be the light!

God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. Matthew 5:10 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.5.10.NLT Those who are persecuted for doing right provide God with an avenue to their persecutors. By placing themselves in God's care, and trusting Him for mercy, He acts. The acts of God are many and varied, He can convict of sin, and lead the persecutors to salvation, or infict His own justice. We cannot dictate what God must do, but act He will. Persecution is a tool that the enemy of God uses to attenpt to stop God's people. He has always done it. He hates righteousness, and confrontation of sin. Abel confronted his brother Cain by bringing an offering to God that was pure and acceptable. Able was killed by his brother who hated righteousness. These two were the first sons to Adam and Eve. We cannot go back further than that. Abraham interceded for the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, who God decided were wicked and doomed for destruction...

If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You’ll get his help, and won’t be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who “worry their prayers” are like wind-whipped waves. Don’t think you’re going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open. James 1:5‭-‬8 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/jas.1.5-8.MSG James is right on the money, and the Message Bible captures the essence of the message. God is the source and supply. If you have need ask.  Remember the Lord's prayer says: give us this day our daily bread. In this category I would include: financial provision, natural provision and wisdom. Jesus taught us how to pray: ask, seek, knock. He told parables about persistence in prayer. He also told us to believe that our Father hears us, and at the right time provides. Today I had such a provision. On Sunday I had prayed for  smaller bbq so that I could tak...

Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him. James 1:5 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/jas.1.5.HCSB We do lack wisdom, daily, and we need to ask for wisdom: in dealing with relationships, finance and paths to take. If God is waiting to share His wisdom, why do we not ask? We do not ask because we fail to factor Him into the equation. Proverbs speaks of gaining wisdom, wisdom was sought by Solomon. He asked for wisdom to rule, and he received it. In the book of James, James, Jesus' brother, cuts to the chase and tells us to ask. Solomon is evidence that God is willing to give wisdom. Wisdom in dealing with others is important. Wisdom prevents us from saying things we should not say and encourages us to confront those we should. God is good! Ask Him, and He will provide. Amen!

“Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.” John 13:34‭-‬35 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/jhn.13.34-35.MSG Love is the little things, the thoughtful things, the considerate things, the patient things. It is the consistent things, the faithful things, the unswerving things. Today I gave love, and received it in return. I sowed kindness, and received faithfulness in return. If we are not sowing, we will not reap. If we sit expecting someone to rescue us, want us, be kind to us and have not sowed, it generally will not happen. Sow a little kindness today! Amen!

Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:35 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.13.35.NLT What does this love look like? Patient, kind, good, forgiving, not malicious, not gossipping, not argumentititive, not opinionated. A lot of my christian friends are withdrawing from social media. This protects them, and gives them sanity. However, who ministers to the lost? Granted, I do not need the noise or chatter, I do need the peace. Perhaps tighter conditions are needed? I notice that social media gives people an opportunity to show care for others. Let love be genuine, not self-seeking. Amen!

So let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching. Hebrews 10:22‭-‬25 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/heb.10.22-25.MSG The big day, is a phrase used for starting work, getting married, leaving to go overseas for a once in a lifetime holiday. It is also used in reference to an impending, serious operation. However, there is a Big Day to end all big days approaching. The return of Christ, and for some a sooner meeting in their personal death. When preparing for all the first big days, we would buy clothing, check timetables, ensure we are fully innoculated etc. Why is it that we do not prepare for the final Big Day, instead assuming it may never come, when every year many die on the roads or...

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Hebrews 10:24‭-‬25 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/heb.10.24-25.NLT These verse encapsulate the truth we must now face. These words were written 2 millennia ago, yet they apply now. Staying away from fellowship has been enforced in many parts of the world, due to COVID19. This has had the effect of sifting us, showing us our true priorities. We are so fortunate we live in a digital age, and church online is a part of the norm. However, our honesty and integrity are being laid bare before our God. Has this time be coopnvenient in that we can forgo  worship, reading our bibles, and our giving. Giving has been progressively been challenged. The more digital we become, the easier it is to hide. The writer of Hebrews reminds us why we must remain vigilant. The Lor...

God is a safe place to hide, ready to help when we need him. We stand fearless at the cliff-edge of doom, courageous in seastorm and earthquake, Before the rush and roar of oceans, the tremors that shift mountains. Jacob-wrestling God fights for us, God -of-Angel-Armies protects us. Psalm 46:1‭-‬3 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/psa.46.1-3.MSG So many things can come against us, it can seem like it will never let up, and it does. We can hide away, trying to avoid danger, yet it seeks us out. We have a choice: die to our desires, and fancies of safe existence, and go out in faith, trusting He will be with us in the storm, or die in hiding. I would rather die having an adventure than rotting away in a 'safe' place. Always, we have choices. Amen! Sailing- managing the sail, and the rudder at the same time.

God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble. Therefore we will not be afraid, though the earth trembles and the mountains topple into the depths of the seas, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with its turmoil. Selah Psalms 46:1‭-‬3 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/psa.46.1-3.HCSB Every child is grateful for strong, reliable hands to lift them out of trouble. Everybody is glad of a friend who is there for them, at all times. There is a constant search for such friends. I believe i have such a friend, Jesus. He walks through the fires, the rivers, the oceans of turmoil with me, and never leaves me. Even when I deserve to be left, He stays. I am grateful! I also have good friends who are there for me. Today I am going sailing, well to learn to sail. I have a friend who is going to teach me. I pray she is still my friend at the end of the day. I have another friend who is willing, at a moments notice, to take my dog. He came over to...

“How great you are, O Sovereign Lord ! There is no one like you. We have never even heard of another God like you! 2 Samuel 7:22 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/2sa.7.22.NLT The more I see what God has created, the more in awe I am of Him. When mankind thought that everything revolved around the earth, and we were all there is, the view was narrow. Now, we know more, and we need to be awed by the more. How great and how vast is all that has been created! When I read testimonies of missionaries in violent lands, and how they trusted their God to save, and protect them, and He did; when I read of how God performed miracles for them, I know that faith in my God is worthy. He is worthy of all praise! Amen!

The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller. Proverbs 11:24 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/pro.11.24.MSG Giving with a pure motive, without need of recognition is a source of blessing. What motivates you in giving? Is it the thought that God might like you more and make you rich? If so you will be sadly disappointed. However, if your heart is broken for the poor, you're on track. If your desire is to bless your God, you're on track. If you want others to notice you, you are not alone. The Pharisees had the same attitude, and Jesus lambasted them. Always, always check your motive. Amen!

One person gives freely, yet gains more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor. Proverbs 11:24 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/pro.11.24.HCSB What is witholding what is right? What is right? To know this more fully we need to take the whole counsel of scripture. However, it would be prudent to listen to what Jesus said: Give, and it will be given to you; a good measure — pressed down, shaken together, and running over — will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use,   it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38  There are around 25 scriptures about not neglecting the poor and needy. Deuteronomy, the book of law, spells out fair treatment of the poor. Farmers were to not glean right to the edges of their fields, but to leave the edges for the poor. Amos has a lot to say about the mistreatment of the poor. God sees, and is not impressed. This speaks to our considering our income 'all ours to spend.' What about the tithe? What about the poor? In a...

And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. Romans 8:2 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/rom.8.2.NLT As I have said before, belonging carries benefits. I think this is absolutely the best benefit, apart from eternal life. I saw an article that said Elon Musk only had $16 billion to catch up with the richest man in the world. What is a few billion? Eternal life and being freed from the power of sin are about $16 billion apart, to me. To spend eternity with my best friend beats the benefit of being given power over sin. Whilst this is rather special and integral, relationship is best. When everything in the world is going south, salvation is definitely the prize. No amouny of money can compare. Amen!

And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. Romans 8:2 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/rom.8.2.NLT Sin has no hold on me, as I abide in Christ. He is my purity, my salvation, my goodness, and my righteousness. In myself no good thing dwells, except the Holy Spirit. As I allow the Holy Spirit room in my life, His goodness, faithfulness, kindness, gentleness amd self-control takes over. There is no effort to overcome sin required when I dwell in Him. I know, in my own strength I fail, and if I do succeed for 5 minutes, I gloat, and so I fail again. I join with Paul in saying: 'oh wretched woman that I am, who will deliver me from this body of sin'? Praise God, Jesus has done it all! Amen!

Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. 1 Timothy 6:6‭-‬8 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/1ti.6.6-8.NLT Great wealth is estimated by mankind as plenty of money, houses amd cars, yachts etc. However, was does this scripture say? True godliness with contentment is great wealth. Those striving for worldly weath suffer many hardships: loss of families, loss of health, lonliness, and emptiness. We need to choose wisely! If God gives wealth, He adds no sorrow with it. May His kingdom come, His will be done! Amen!

Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. 1 Timothy 6:6‭-‬8 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/1ti.6.6-8.NLT Being content is a challenge, but when content peace is found. Sin causes us to pity ourselves, judge others, and crave for what we think might make us happy. Yet, true happiness is found in Christ alone. I have two little chicken that are kept in their cage, until they mature in a few weeks. Already they look outside and want to be there. However, out there is danger. One already escaped a few days ago, and I found it hiding behind my compost bin. It has already forgotten that trip, and wants out again. We are like this. Sin crouches at our door seeking to devour us with lusts, and desires for what we do not have.  Godly contentment is great gain! Amen!

But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ” Matthew 4:4 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.4.4.NLT Jesus had just spent 40 days and night fasting. Whilst He, by that time, was hungry, He, by fasting, had dealt a serious blow to His flesh. Flesh craves food, drink, pandering, sex etc. However, by fasting for 40 days, Jesus had subdued His flesh and Satan's temptation had no power over Him. Fasting is a good process in yeilding to the power of God in our lives, and resisting the flesh. I highly recommend it. Ask the Lord to help, I do. I am weak without His power. Amen!

But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ” Matthew 4:4 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.4.4.NLT Jesus quoted the text in Deuteronomy 8:3 which fully says: Yes, he humbled you by letting you go hungry and then feeding you with manna, a food previously unknown to you and your ancestors. He did it to teach you that people do not live by bread alone; rather, we live by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. Jesus is identifying with the principle that obedience is better than being well- fed. He knew He would provided for, Satan wanted Him to lift His hand in independence, and provide for Himself. Learning to be dependent on the Lord is a part of our training to be sons and daughters of God. God does not want self-willed individuals, but rather obedient and trusting children. There is a fine balance between acting in faith, or self-determination. There's the challenge! We are not ...

“I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you’re joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can’t produce a thing. Anyone who separates from me is deadwood, gathered up and thrown on the bonfire. But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon. This is how my Father shows who he is—when you produce grapes, when you mature as my disciples. John 15:5‭-‬8 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/jhn.15.5-8.MSG Abiding has its benefits. God listens to you. Moses was a friend of God. God hung out with him daily, He welcomed Moses into an intimate relationship with Him. When Moses prayed: " unless you go with me, I will not go". God listened. He responded and went with Moses in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire at night. This was not just for a few days or perhaps a month. It was for 40 years. Did Jesus say...

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.15.5.NLT Have you heard it said: "she/he has an independent spirit. Many may relish such a pronouncement.  In context with the scripture above, it is not thought admirable by Christ. An indepent spirit does its own thing, apart from Christ, and does not produce fruit. The scripture goes on to say that those who fail to produce fruit are removed, and cast into the fire. Not a pretty senario. How can you tell if you have an independent Spirit? Easy! You do not produce fruit. I am inclined to be independent from the herd mentality, however, am I independent from Christ? No! Am I producing fruit? In Gen 49:22 Jospeh is called a fruitful vine. What did Joseph do? He was faithful through years of injustice, and hardship, and he trusted God to be his deliverer. He became the prime minister of Egypt a...

“Be strong. Take courage. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t give them a second thought because God , your God, is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down; he won’t leave you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/deu.31.6.MSG I see taking courage as stepping out of the plane with a parachute, trusting it to open. Courage is stepping into faith, instead of worrying, deciding to go, and not look back. When we have gone through an experience that requires courage, we feel soooo good. Courage carries its own reward. I remember the first time I undertook a scuba diving course. One of the scariest parts was to dive to the bottom, take off all the diving gear, even the mask and put it all back on again. Not being able to see was freaky, and putting on a mask, and clearing it was worse. The fear of inhaling the water batters you, until you have done it and not drowned. Once you begin to conquer fear, it becomes easier. Once you know your God is with you, an...

So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/deu.31.6.NLT We find the words: be strong and courageous, many times in the bible, especially the Old Testament. In fact this command is given 25 times, 4 times God gives it, here in Deuteronomy and 3 times in Joshua. In this instance the children of Israel were about to cross into the promised land under Joshua, as Moses was about to die, having attained 120 years of age, and being forbidden because he disobeyed God in how he gave the Children of Israel water, he did it in anger. Joshua, as the new leader, would need encouragement. He had learned a lot from Moses, especially how to wait in the presence of the Lord. Soon he would have to refuse to submit to fear, this fear would come against him in a new place. In this new year 2021, fear will come against us in new ...

Because of this decision we don’t evaluate people by what they have or how they look. We looked at the Messiah that way once and got it all wrong, as you know. We certainly don’t look at him that way anymore. Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it! All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other. God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins. God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. We’re Christ’s representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God’s work of making things right between them. We’re speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he’s already a friend with you. 2 Corinthians 5:16‭-‬20 MSG https://bible....

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, and look, new things have come. 2 Corinthians 5:17 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/2co.5.17.HCSB Every New Year we make resolutions about what we will do this next period of time. We must also resolve to let the past go completely, and moove into the new.  The new is like a perfectly shaped hole that does not allow for baggage. Trying to  take baggage with us prevents us entering the new. We have a particular cave in our area that is very narrow at the entrance. Trying to enter with backpacks on prevents entry. The baggage must be removed to enter. As we enter 2021 Jesus tells us: narrow is the road that leads to life, and few find it. I wonder why? The reason is too many want to hang on to baggage, refusing to relinquish hurt, offense, bitterness, resentment, and anger. These are all poisonous to the soul. Let them go! Wait on the Lord for His new thing and flourish. Amen!