The day with dianne Louise

But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. Because if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man looking at his own face in a mirror. For he looks at himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. James 1:22‭-‬24 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/jas.1.22-24.HCSB Have you ever met a very observant person? They notice your hair cuts, new clothes, sad faces, happy faces. Are you surprised by this? Do you know where all the moles amd freckles are on your face? You lovers face? Your children's faces? Do you know all the quirks of the personality of those in your world, or do they just annoy you? James is likening being a doer of the word to an observant person. When you hear the word of God applied to a concern you have, do you grab it and use it in your life or move past it without recognizing its importance? The word of God has power to set us free. We need to recognise this and keep it close. Amen!

But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. Because if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man looking at his own face in a mirror. For he looks at himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. James 1:22‭-‬24 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/jas.1.22-24.HCSB Jesus told a parable about two sons. Their father went to each of them and asked them to do a task. The first said: "No I will not go!" But he later repented his ststement and went, whereas the second said: " I will go", but did not go. Then Jesus asked His hearers: "which one did the will of his father?" They replied, as you would: "The first!" (Matt 21: 28-32) In light of this scripture we can have deeper understanding of the text from James. Hearer who do not act on the word of God, Solomon would call fools. They deceive themselves. It is better to not rush in with a yes than say it and not act on it. Eternity will be ...

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/pro.9.10.HCSB Do we want wisdom? Many do, not all, some don"t even consider it necessary. However, most turn to education, libraries or Google for even diagnosis of symptoms. However, this scripture belies all human efforts with the truth: true wisdom is found in God alone. Amen!

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/pro.9.10.HCSB Fear here means reverence and respect. If I have these then I honour His word, and His ways. My father kept us 6 children in line with fear of the strap. If he said he would do something, he did, especially when it came to discipline. I watch my son as he fathers his 5 children. He has the same control, yet with more visible affection and love. My dad never explained why, Jarrod does. My son plays games with his children, my dad rarely did. Our Father loves us, maintains faithfulness and controls Himself. He warns us of consequences of sin, but leaves the choice us to us. His world is undergirded with principles of sowing and reaping. What we sow, we reap. The principle works for good as well as evil.

But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/2th.3.3.NLT  Hebrews 12:2 tells us to look away to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. We must look away from the things of this world to Him. His view of us and our surrounding is more important, more faith infused, hope infused and totally more positive than anything we can watch, read or listen to. Amen!

But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.  2 Thessalonians 3:3 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/2th.3.3.NLT The Lord's prayer prays: deliver us from evil, and here Paul is encouraging the Thessalonians that He will do just that, deliver them from evil. As he had asked for prayer for deliverance from evil men, we can assume he is also praying for these people. It os interesting that the Lord's prayer has that line in it. If Jesus told his disciples to pray for deliverance from evil, then so should we. We should also expect to be delivered from evil, in all its forms. Amen!

You use steel to sharpen steel, and one friend sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/pro.27.17.MSG Relationships challenge us. Friends provide good metal to sharpen against. I belong to an astronomy group, and we are recovering 100 chairs. Everybody has their own ideas as to how to proceed, this provides conflict, and an opportunity to sharpen each other. When a good idea presented itself, we ran with it. When a bad idea was presented, the group generally agreed that it was untenable. However, we managed to work with what did work and leave the rest. Things don't always go so smoothly. With a group of different personalities, conflict, and arguments can arise. Fortunately, this did not happen, praise God. I am grateful for mercy. I started to sing a chorus and it helped me keep my cool. Noone complained and all went well. God is good!

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/pro.27.17.HCSB I value  a sharp knife, especially when cutting meat or preparing meals. To keep knives sharp they are constantly sharpened by friction and heat. A friend who confronts us provides the heat and friction. It is not pleasant but it is necessary. A dull and blunt knife is no value at all. It will be replaced or go through an intense sharpening experience. God wants His people sharp and is constantly providing the access to sharpening. Trying to avoid friction is wasting energy. Resenting it is much worse. We cannot avoid friction, and live in a bubble. Welcome friction, it will do you good! Amen!

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky proclaims the work of His hands. Psalms 19:1 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/psa.19.1.HCSB I looked out this afternoon and saw a dangerous black sky snd knew we were about to experience a nasty storm and we did. It went around behind me and came from the opposite direction with strong winds that blew everything off my verandah, dumped loads of hail and then left. Fortunately there was no damage. Even my young chickens survived, as birds do, they took cover. The media call such storms an 'act of God'. As the prophey Eisha found, I believe God was not in the storm. As it became nasty I called a halt and praise God is ceased. Whilst it is still windy and rainy the hail is gone.  our God is great and He made the weather, and it responds to influences we can understand but not fully appreciate. We have now had some good rain. As the hail melts it provides more water as well. Praise God!

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky proclaims the work of His hands. Psalms 19:1 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/psa.19.1.HCSB I have always enjoyed facing West and watching the sunset. My phone is full of sunset photos, I can't seem to get enough.  I love the night sky and all the glory I find there. God has indeed created a beautiful universe. As an artist I could not paint a better picture, there is no way to compete with such beauty. Yet, why do we try and tell the Lord He should not have painted us in the way we see ourselves, or others the way we see them? What makes us, flawed human beings, able to dictate to the God of the universe? Forgive us Lord! Amen!

Doing what is righteous and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. Proverbs 21:3 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/pro.21.3.HCSB I know people who so want to impress they will make huge sacrifices or gifts but let people down in the arena of honesty and faithfulness. The little things they cannot do. This is sad because the little things are what count. The Lord had this problem with His people. They became so religious that they knew how to perform but their hearts were far from Him. He wants genuineness or nothing at all. In the book of Revelation He had this problem with one of the churches in Asia, the church in Laodecia. They thought they were rich but He called them lukewarm and He hates lukewarm relationships, and said He would spew them from His mouth. Strong words!

Doing what is righteous and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. Proverbs 21:3 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/pro.21.3.HCSB The Bible refers to these Godly attributes in several places. It starts in Deuteronomy, declaring that God is just, moves through Pslams, Isaiah, Micah and appears in  Luke 11:42 “But woe to you Pharisees! You give a tenth of mint, rue, and every kind of herb, and you bypass  justice and love for God.    These things you should have done without neglecting the others".  Imagine giving a 1/10 of all your herbs. If the Pharisees were so intent on sifting through their lives, and assuming that this sort of giving was righteous, they would be blind to others, and they were. Are we guilty of taking one aspect of scripture and neglecting all others? When we abide in Christ we have Him as our leveller, not religion or worldliness. Having the truth of the word of God is far better than finding ourselves somewhere far away from home,...

Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/isa.43.19.HCSB New things excite me. How about you? I especially love God's new things. He brings then out of left field and blesses me with the freshness of His thoughtfulness and love. Tonight I experienced one of His new things. God restored to me something I thought was dead and blessed me with the knowledge that He cares for me. This morning I experienced another new thing which, again was a restoration of something I thought was dead. In 2004 I was prophesied over and was told I was going to have the ride of my life. It is happening as I let go of the controls and trust Him. He is good. Amen!

Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/isa.43.19.HCSB People traversing jungles or rough terrain arr so grateful when they find pathways. It means they do not have to work so hard in an already oppressive climate to gain traction. I am grateful for this verse as it means God is going before me to make a way. I have a strong desire to find God's power so that I can see the oppressed go free. God's miracles are a blessing but His presence wins. Where He is there is deliverance and peace. Amen!

“You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat. Matthew 5:6 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/mat.5.6.MSG Each of us have a predelection to a certain type of food. I prefer savoury myself, in fact I love fresh fish. In God we can limit ourselves to takeaways or seek a good meal. We all know that naturally speaking living on takeaways is bad for our health, the same stands in God. Jesus said: est my body and drink my blood. He was not inviting canabalism but rather using it as an illustration for doing more than window shopping. Window shopping is not as satisfying as actually purchasing the desired goods.  Jesus must become a part of us and as He does His life changes us. This is what Christianity is all about. Amen!

Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are blessed,  for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/mat.5.6.HCSB Because I know chasing gifts or attributes instead of Jesus I have to process this scripture in the light of Paul to the Romans: None is righteous, no not one. There is none who understands; there is none who seeks God. 3:10,11 Paul quotes a passage from Psalms 36:1. In 36:2 we gain an insight as to why: for in his own eyes he flatters himself too much to discover and hate his sin. Then pursuing righteousness has to be through a lense of awareness of one's own sin and predilection towards flattering oneself. Pursing righteousness, like running after the last toy in the shop, is not pursuing the righteousness we have in Christ. I am made righteous through Him and only through what He has done. It has nothing to do with how holy or clever I am.

Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff — they comfort me. Psalms 23:4 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/psa.23.4.HCSB Why are valleys sunless? Perhaps it is because of huge hills either side, or an overhang of rock or abundant vegetation on the cliffs. Dark valleys can be scary places, especially if they are inhabited by bats or screeching birds of prey. I read a book once about the grand Grand Canyon. People can become lost there, they can cook during the day and at night freeze or be attacked by rattlesnakes. We have inhospitable places in Australia also. Many foreigners fear our spiders and snakes. Yet, if you are in the company of an accomplished guide, especially an aboriginal, you are safe. Our guide is the Lord, He is also our protector. However, He is not frightened by valleys and the inhabitants therein. Yet, He wants us to go through them to learn fearlessness. After all, we are His children. Oh joy!

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. Psalms 23:4 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.23.4.NLT There have been and will be many dark valleys, yet our God is there beside us. We can choose to be infulenced by the darkness or by His presence. In dark times drawing close to the light is imperative, so that we do not fall. When out camping in the middle of nowhere, it becomes very dark at night, so we build a canpfire to cook on and to see by. It brings comfort and warmth. We are in dark times and more than anything else, we need to draw close to our saviour and guide. He will protect us, feed us and save us from our enemies. We need to stay close and not run off in impatience or fear. Amen!

In light of all this, here’s what I want you to do. While I’m locked up here, a prisoner for the Master, I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don’t want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don’t want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences. Ephesians 4:1‭-‬3 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/eph.4.1-3.MSG Alert at noticing differences and mending fences, this is Paul's wish for the church. When I notice differences I don't need to react and criticize but keep my peace and look for something edifying to say. Tonight I had dinner with two friends. These two are different to me, but we managed to eat a meal together and play a game, without fighting. One player kept calling me Piglet, because I was winn...

Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Ephesians 4:2 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/eph.4.2.NLT Humility has disappeared, almost. We cannot be humble unless we are submitted to the Lord. A good test of our submission is our humility.  Along with humility is gentleness. How gentle can we be with difficult family and friends. I see so many posts on social media on distancing ourselves from negative people. It is a bit hard when the negative person in our lives looks back in the mirror. Scripture says that love conquers a multitude of sins (1Peter 4:8). 1 Cor 13 says love is patient and kind, love suffers long, it believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. So it appears if we love we conquer. We cannot love unless grace is filling our lives and when grace is present, so is love. Amen!

Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. James 1:27 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/jas.1.27.NLT James lived in a time when the religion of the Jews had been deflied with a myriad of added laws that further constrained the people and tightened the rule of the authorities. Jesus had preached the heart of the law was what counted and James His brother had grasped the truth Jesus had portrayed. Jesus did not seek power and authority. He knew His works would be His reference. The Pharisees lorded over the people, Jesus lifted them up. Pure religion lacks law and ritual and speaks the language of grace. Grace sets the captives free, law binds. Amen!

Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. James 1:27 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/jas.1.27.NLT We qpproach our faith in purity and genuineness when our faith care for the orphans and widows. I can add to the widows of senior women and men who are divorced from their spouse because of abuse. Open our eyes Lord to the widows and orphans, may we see as you see and care as you care. Amen

Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.  If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. Luke 9:23‭-‬24 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/luk.9.23-24.NLT Giving up my own way is deeper than actions, it reaches to intentions, thoughts about how I 'should be treated', 'should be loved' or how I am able to spend my time. Tonight I was invited to spend time with others my age who loved God. We sang old choruses, prayed and shared our faith. I reached a point where I thought to myself: 'I want to go home now'. What did I want that was better than being with others singing to the Lord? I have become used to isolation and my own company too much. I stayed and was blessed. We don't always recognise what is good for us. Somerimes we have to choose relationships.

Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.  If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. Luke 9:23‭-‬24 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/luk.9.23-24.NLT This scripture presents a truth that pierces my heart again and again. Just when I think I have given all and died to all, I discover more. There are layers of more. I may have been pierced once and lost all, but the 'all' was my perception. If there is a mil of self or self-pity, there is more. I am what I believe myself to be and that is encapsulated in my thought life. Scripture tells us: as a man thinks in his heart, so is he (Proverbs 23:7). This scripture was written by Solomon many, many years ago. Yet I know that when Jesus came He brought light to Old Testament scripture,  with the more that God intended there to be. If I look at the Proverb in this light I...

I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. Psalms 40:1‭-‬2 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.40.1-2.NLT He turned to me and He heard my cry. When someone turns around, hearing us cry, we appreciate it. Being noticed and having someone care enough to stop their own schedule for us is so rare, it is like a breath of fresh air. This morning I walked past a truck in which a young man sat waiting for his boss. He said hello and smiled. I thought to myself: now I wonder who taught him to do that? Not many young workers in trucks would bother. I wondered if his parents had taught him or whether he had learned to be courteous and appear interestsd because of his work. Nowadays we all hear the line: have a nice day, even if it is 5pm in the day, the line comes out from sales people.

I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. Psalms 40:1‭-‬2 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.40.1-2.NLT No one saw 2020 coming, unless they had divine insight. Neither did they know what the repucussions would be. It was like a massive earthquake with ongoing aftershocks continuing well after the event. In the midst of all this, whether you have been caught in a land you would rather escape from or comfortable in regions relatively unscathed, those who trust in the Lord benefit best. We can lose jobs and friends to sickness, but God still prevails. Yesterday was a loss day for me. I lost my employment and was told a good friend may well have advanced cancer. Yet, in all this I see down the road, I know I am on a journey and that my God is in control. I will pray and obey and watch what God can do. Amen!

Hallelujah! You who serve God , praise God ! Just to speak his name is praise! Just to remember God is a blessing— now and tomorrow and always. From east to west, from dawn to dusk, keep lifting all your praises to God ! Psalm 113:1‭-‬3 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/psa.113.1-3.MSG I remember a song from way back, a 'scripture in song' song that sang these exact words. We had arm actions that went along with it. The rising of the sun is a blessing but the rising of the Son is even better. His Spirit is far greater! I love discovering all that God has created in our universe, the sun being one small star, compared to those that fill the night sky. Antares is massive in comparison. It is 700 times the diameter of our sun. When I see this I am amazed that the God who made these is my friend and He delights in calling me friend. Praise Him! We are truely blessed! Amen!

From the rising of the sun to the going down of it and from east to west, the name of the Lord is to be praised! The Lord is high above all nations, and His glory above the heavens! Who is like the Lord our God, Who has His seat on high, Who humbles Himself to regard the heavens and the earth! Psalm 113:3‭-‬6 AMPC https://bible.com/bible/8/psa.113.3-6.AMPC The interesting things that this Psalm addresses is: God is seated on high but comes to earth. Little did the Psalmist know how true these words would be. A coming Messiah would indeed come and live on the earth for around 33 years. Jesus displayed the heart of God, to draw all mankind to Himself. Both the rising of the sun and its setting brings joy. In both we glimpse the glory of out God. Both bring a promise of a new day and renewed hope.

Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Romans 12:10 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/rom.12.10.NLT Romans 12 is a how to chapter for Christian living. Love conquers a multitude of sin. The problem for us is finding the love in the face of the multitude of sin. Grace is the only pathway and Jesus is the doorway to grace. More of Him means more love. Not allowing ourselves to go to a place of excessive tiredness or depletion sure helps as well. As the Lord told Paul: my grace is sufficient for you. The same goes for us as well. Amen!

Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Romans 12:10 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/rom.12.10.NLT Genuine love is tested, and foolproof. Half-hearted love is more interested in what pleases self. Yesterday I was convicted of half-hearted love. I cooked for my astronomy club at Bunnings. With COVID19 the rules were onerous and I found myself complaining. Last night I had another friend over to play games, she had been through bowel cancer. She reminded me the rules were there for people like her, whose immunity was compromised. I awake this morning and find a need to apologise for my behaviour. As a child of God I know I must respect the law, not flaunt it. While I could excuse my behaviour with reasonable reasons (to a worldly mind that is) the Holy Spirit convicts of a truth much deeper. We cannot excuse the inexcusable. Sin is sin, love is genuine. Amen!

Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human ! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion. Philippians 2:5‭-‬8 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/php.2.5-8.MSG Jesus humbled Himself coming to earth, and then spent His time as an earth man loving His Father. He would have been an awesome worshipper. I wonder if He sang songs to the Father? I am sure He did. We, God's children could follow this example. Instead of chasing worldly pursuits we should be building our heavenly bank account. Learning to have a heart of worship i...

Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be used for His own advantage. Instead He emptied Himself by assuming the form of a slave, taking on the likeness of men. And when He had come as a man in His external form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death — even to death on a cross. Philippians 2:5‭-‬8 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/php.2.5-8.HCSB We can become numb to the sacrifice Jesus made, taking it for granted. Yet, I think missionaries follow this example best. They give up their ease and comfort to spend their lives giving to others in discomfort. I read only yesterday of a missionary who had been in Malawi for 20 years, died from COVID19. She had chosen to stay on missison in grave danger. Perhaps the danger she had faced with violence and disease already had prepared her. While missionaries exemplify the behaviour we should have, it is not isolated to that field. Eac...

but those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/isa.40.31.HCSB This morning I was tired, my sleep had not been good and I have been studying hard for my term final tomorrow. I decided to worship and as I did I rose up and my strength was renewed. Previously I did not think I had the energy for a walk, but after worship I did and was fine. Today I was blessed with surprise calls from both my children and one of my grandchildren. I  was also able to purchase a keyboard. I had given my baby grand to my son some years ago and had not been able to replace it. Being without a means of playing piano has been hard. However, I had asked the Lord for a keyboard and there it was at a bargain price. I came home and set it up and when in my next break from study played. Ah!!! So good!

but those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint. saiah 40:31 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/isa.40.31.HCSB The joy of the Lord is our strengrh. Nemiah 8:10. Enjoy the Lord brings strength. Nemiah had said the above words after the people had heard the law of the Lord and were weeping. He encouraged them, they had found the truth of God's word, it was a time to rejoice. Rejoicing in God, knowing we are saved from sin, that we have been redeemed is a reason to rejoice. Even in such times as this, when the COVID19 disease has killed many, our God is our strength and our song. There is always a reason to rejoice. As we worship we begin to soar with our God, above the problems and pressures. Turn the TV off. It is all doom or fleshly pursuits. Neither brings life  put away the phone and social media. Focus on what God is saying. Be revived! Amen!

My purpose in writing is simply this: that you who believe in God’s Son will know beyond the shadow of a doubt that you have eternal life, the reality and not the illusion. And how bold and free we then become in his presence, freely asking according to his will, sure that he’s listening. And if we’re confident that he’s listening, we know that what we’ve asked for is as good as ours. 1 John 5:13‭-‬15 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/1jn.5.13-15.MSG When my children were teenagers, they usually knew before they asked what the answer would be. Manipulation was always a try, but the eventuality would be according to the principles we had lived by. However, that did not stop my son trying to convince us why we should fund him into an expensive and very fast motorbike at 19. We stuck to our resolve and he, very annoyed, determined to find another way. He managed to convince a funder to lend him all the money. Within a short space of time he was booked speeding and lost his licence for 12mont...

Now this is the confidence we have before Him: Whenever we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.  And if we know that He hears whatever we ask, we know that we have what we have asked Him for. 1 John 5:14‭-‬15 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/1jn.5.14-15.HCSB For a little child, one of the biggest struggles is being heard. Some children are never listened to, their parents deaf to their voices, and more intent on their own preoccupations. This is sad. It leads to children misbehaving to find attention, albeit the wrong attention. I watched this happen with a nephew of mine. He had a sweet nature, but unfortunately was always talking, his mother had switched off. We are blessed, as children of God, to be able to hear and be heard. We can be confident that our prayers are heard, especially those that seek His heart and His desires.  If is easy to believe that God does not hear, if we have been used to not being heard. James tells us that we must pray in faith, and also...

For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” Matthew 18:20 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.18.20.NLT I don't for one minute imagine that all gathering of Christians invoke the presence of Christ. For example a lynching, buring someone at the stake, a subdefuge gathering for the purpose of rebellion would not attract the presence of God (unless He was attracted to the one suffering, as is Stephen when he was being stoned). Then what attracts Him? Prayer, praise, worship, fellowship around the word would attract Him. Prayer, praise and worship particularly is attractive. My church is undertaking 21 days of prayer and fasting at present. I was in a prayer meeting this morning and His presence was heavy. I am excited to know He is very interested in the gatherings. Want God's presence? Host an attractive meeting! Amen!

For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”Matthew 18:20 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.18.20.NLT Last night we had connect group. I had asked a previous pastor who played guitar to prepare a few songs. I knew they would be old choruses but that did not matter as we had three new Christians in the group. We then prayed and worshipped, studied the bible and had supper. The tendency is to despise the old choruses, however they are fresh and new to the uninitiated amd speak the word, which is vital. My little gathering was filled with joy. One man, who the previous week had been miserable, was filled with joy. Joy was the manifest presence of God last night. Prayer, reading the bible and fellowship all bring joy. They are a good recipe for Jesus' presence. He promises it and we can expect it. Amen!

“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. Luke 16:10 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/luk.16.10.NLT I cringe when I hear people end a declaration with...but God knows my heart. He does indeed know our hearts and the way we soft-peddle our liabilities in an effort to whitewash our standing before mankind and Him. If we do not have insight and understanding we glorify ourselves erroneously. If we live witha glorified image of ourselves then we become offended with God for not trusting us with more. We must come to terms with us.  What are the Lord's balances? What does He see? He does see the hidden weaknesses and greed. He does indeed know us very well. Amen!

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Hebrews 4:12 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/heb.4.12.NLT Have you ever had a MRI scan? I remember the first time I had one, it was back in 1996. It was relatively new. The noise was deafening, considering I was having it to diagnose the tinnitus I was experiencing. These scan slice away through our anatomy with fine precision and reveal all below. The word of God is like this. When we read it, opening our hearts to be seen, God's word uncoveres all motives, thoughts and intentions. It is good to allow the word to examine us, it teaches us to follow truth and live in it. When the word shows me my selfishness or my fear, I can repent and receive God's amazing grace. Oh how I love that grace!

For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the ideas and thoughts of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/heb.4.12.HCSB This scripture has been an important one to me for years, probably since I first read Hebrews. I actually wrote a chorus about it, I loved that much. I saw what it said about me, and who I was in Christ. However, it is more than this. The word pierces through thoughts and imaginations, and uncovers the heart of a matter. This is why we must read it, feed on it and immerse ourselves in it. The word of God protects us from deception, and distraction. Being a Christian without the word leaves us shallow and very vulnerable. We need it like we need food, every day. A Christian needs prayer, reading the word and fellowship. These three things keep us on track, steady and cemented in truth. Amen

Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/2co.12.9.NLT Weakness in ourselves forces us to press into God for His strength. He is never weak, and always strong. Our greatest need is to be in touch with the reality of what Jesus won for us. Jesus made a scraggy group of disciples strong through His power. They constantly failed, bickered and fought for supremacy, yet, He patiently persevered with them, loving them all the while. We need to stay humble and weakness makes us humble, or recognising our weakness does.  Rejoice! He is God, you don't have to be! Amen!

Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/2co.12.9.NLT The word unreserved means frankly, openly, without holding back, a flow of grace. If I meet someone who holds nothing back it is delightful,  surprising and unexpected. Having grown up in an environment where there was legal requirement and earned grace, finding the love of God was unrestricted was surprising. Knowing that grace sustains me, hold me, keep me and not my own works is freeing. I can leap for joy (inwardly), I can frolick(ditto) in it and allow it to cover me. His righteousness is all I need. Facing my own weakness and knowing God was good with rhat was important. I have to remember He worked with dirt to create us, then breathed His life into us. If He can hamdle dirt, He can handle my weaknesses. All I need is His breath. Amen!

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/isa.41.10.NLT Two things I remember, no three where I needed parental support as I faced the daunting task before me: riding a bike, learning to swim and using roller skates. Now there were many instances where I needed my mum and dad, these are but a few. I now think of all the times I have needed the Lord's support, protection, covering or comfort. They are too numerous to count. Now, I see Him there, feel His embrace and smile. He is there for me. This past week I read a novel set in Nepal, it mentioned places I have been or places I would like to go. Today I picked up an autobiography by Jamling Tenzing Norgay (son of famed Tenzing Norgay- first Sherpa to climb mount Everest and return safely). I have a desire to travel to Everest Base Camp and the book is stirring my faith...

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/isa.41.10.HCSB We need to be told: "do not fear, I am here". Little children hear: "Don't br afraid, Daddy is here", when they are stepping out into a scary new place, or perhaps a frightening medical procedure. Little children need to be held and comforted, so do we all. We are God's children, if we allow ourselves to be. I say, if we allow ourselves to be, because our will stops many things and allows others. The deciding mechanism is not always a good, relaible indicator of truth. If we seek truth within ourselves we come up wanting. Truth, real, honest truth is only found in God and His word. We can trust Him. Amen!

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:5 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/deu.6.5.HCSB  We do not know what 'all our strength' looks like until we are in a crisis. I have heard stories of people seeing their loved ones caught underneath huge weights, something comes over them and they find themselves lifting that weight without thinking. Under normal circumstances they would never attenpt such a feat. All our strength is there, all the time, waiting to be used. If not for something good, like loving the Lord who made us, then it will be used for something or someone else, in not such good circumstances. Why not knick start the strength today! Don't wait for a disaster. Amen!

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:5 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/deu.6.5.HCSB I wonder if telling a group of people, who didn't really know God or much about Him, to love Him with heart, soul and strength would go down? The evidence shows, not too good at all. While Moses, the lawgiver, was up the mountain with God, they made a golden calf and worshipped it. Why did they worship a golden calf? They had lived in Egypt and seen such worship. Jesus came because we could not keep this law, let alone any others. He came to pay for our sin and make a way for us to live in relationship with God, instead of law. Now, loving God is a relational thing, not a legal thing. The constant challenge we face is living in relationship. This required us to talk to Him, listen to Him and act out of this love towards others. It will give us a better life. Amen!

There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” Acts of the Apostles 4:12 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/act.4.12.NLT Being given power to use the name of a powerful ruler, would be an honour. Being given the use of his seal would be powerful in a authority. Christians have been given both: the name of Jesus breaks bondages, opens doors, hearts and minds. Having a kings seal and not using it would seem senseless, however, this is what we do as Christians if we fail to appreciate the gift we have been given. Get to know the gift! Appreciate it and use it!

There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” Acts of the Apostles 4:12 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/act.4.12.NLT In a day when self rules, there always comes a time when self cannot solve a life issue, command change, bring a victory. This is when all knees must bow to Jesus and His authority. Powerful governments come and go, but God remains long after mighty rulers are dead and gone. No human controls time, the seasons, the planets or life itself. He alone is master. No philosophy or religion can give power like Jesus can. No other ideology can control destiny but Jesus. He is Lord of all. Amen!

Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.28.19.NLT Note that the above scripture says: baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. It does not say: into a brand of church or a brand of religion. We must respect the fact that God's people are His and we are His servants. We cannot use, manipulate or control His people, we cannot abuse them, rob them, or bleed them for our own purposes, glorifying our own agenda. We are servants not Lords and masters. Amen!

Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.28.19.NLT How do we make disciples? If we read the gospels we see Jesus discipling. He was showing, teaching, commissioning and sending. How can we? We train our children, and if able, our grandchildren in righteousness; if we lead a connect group or bible study, we train them; if we are in community wirh any group of people we behave righteously and thus train them. Righteous living is so different these days it stands out. Keeping from gossip and slander is a very good start; behaving with compassion instead of judgement on social media is another good behaviour. For the brave souls who want to go to other nations, they should go and do the work of the ministry. For those who do not go, you have people in your street you can minister to. There are plenty of lost souls all around us. Go!

What actually took place is this: I tried keeping rules and working my head off to please God, and it didn’t work. So I quit being a “law man” so that I could be God’s man. Christ’s life showed me how, and enabled me to do it. I identified myself completely with him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ. My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not “mine,” but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I am not going to go back on that. Is it not clear to you that to go back to that old rule-keeping, peer-pleasing religion would be an abandonment of everything personal and free in my relationship with God? I refuse to do that, to repudiate God’s grace. If a living relationship with God could come by rule-keeping, then Christ died unnecessarily. Galatians 2:19‭-‬21 MSG https://bible...

My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/gal.2.20.NLT When Jesus was crucified, He could no longer choose where He would go, He was impaled on a cross. He could not decide to go and visit friends, or eat a meal, He could not lay in bed, He could not go fishing with the boys. He was no longer able to decide, in fact all rights had been taken from Him. Now, applying this to my life: if agreeing with the above scripture, I am relinquishing rights, comfort, ease and choice. My old life, of going my own way, is buried with Christ. I am now trusting Him for my new life, the resurrected life, in Him. Amen

If you’re abused because of Christ, count yourself fortunate. It’s the Spirit of God and his glory in you that brought you to the notice of others. If they’re on you because you broke the law or disturbed the peace, that’s a different matter. But if it’s because you’re a Christian, don’t give it a second thought. Be proud of the distinguished status reflected in that name! 1 Peter 4:14‭-‬16 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/1pe.4.14-16.MSG There many reason that we suffer. Some we cause ourselves, some because the enemy of God hates us and uses humans to inflict pain on us. It is hard to believe how vile that hate can become, but it does. If you are suffering because you are a Christian, you are not alone. You are prayed for daily by me and many others. The Lord must be your strength. Trust Him. You are loved dearly.😍

But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name! 1 Peter 4:16 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/1pe.4.16.NLT There are many things that will bring us shame: a fight, an opinion, an act. However, if we suffer for doing right, although the persecutors think we are shameful, to God we are not. Jesus Himself bore the shame of the cross, and the stigma it carried, knowing it was for us, who deserved the penalty, that He suffered. If we are marginalized and shunned by those who we thought would want us, then perhaps our stance is making them uncomfortable. There is always a reason. However, not needs accolades or companionship of humans helps us  flourish as the light-bearers we were called to be. Keep shining, God is with you. Amen!