The day with dianne Louise

1 Let everyone give all their praise and thanks to the Lord! Here’s why—he’s better than anyone could ever imagine. Yes, he’s always loving and kind, and his faithful love never ends. Psalms 107:1 TPT https://bible.com/bible/1849/psa.107.1.TPT Faithfulness is so appreciated! If we value faithfulness, how would others value that in us? How would the Lord value that in us? We are His children, His seed lives in us. He is wanting us to show the same fruit Jesus showed. How about it? Ready?

11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John 10:11 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/jhn.10.11.HCSB I do not know anyone who would die for me, or instead of me. This would be a rare thing. Yet my Jesus lay down His life for me because He knew I could not save myself. So many people are dying every minute of every day and no one says, "Take me instead"! Our self-interest prevents us. Rarely do we see people do this? They are then hailed as a hero and we are all grateful. Their sacrifice was instant and not thought through. Jesus' sacrifice was premeditated, He had many years to consider His options. Fear of crucifixion caused Him to pray and ask if there was no other way. Yet, He willingly went the hard way, for you and me. Thank You, Lord, for Your sacrifice! Amen!

11 I am the Good Shepherd who lays down my life as a sacrifice for the sheep. 12‭-‬13 But the worker who serves only for wages is not a real shepherd. Because he has no heart for the sheep he will run away and abandon them when he sees the wolf coming. And then the wolf mauls the sheep, drags them off, and scatters them. John 10:11‭-‬13 TPT https://bible.com/bible/1849/jhn.10.11-13.TPT A good shepherd was typed after David and Moses, and now Jesus identifies with them. David told King Saul, "I killed a lion and a bear when they came to devour my sheep, I can handle this Goliath". A good shepherd goes into the fray for the sheep, battles with the wolves and rescues the sheep. He does not care more for his skin than he does for his sheep. In other words, he is selfless. David took on Goliath because he defied the Lord, Jesus took on Satan because he is a robber and thief. We are safe with Him, we can trust Him to lead us to good pastures. Amen!

29 He gives power to the faint, and to [they that have] no might he increases strength. Isaiah 40:29 NVM https://bible.com/bible/2135/isa.40.29.NMV Power is here for us, especially when we are faint and weary. We do not have to wait for the power, it is right here waiting for us to step us and take hold of it.  . Scripture tells us: the Lord's hand is not too short that it cannot save ( Is 59). We are limited by our minds that paint inadequacy instead of abundance. Our God generously waits for us to ask. Time to ask. Amen!

28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? Yahweh is the everlasting God, the Creator of the whole earth. He never grows faint or weary; there is no limit to His understanding. 29 He gives strength to the weary and strengthens the powerless. 30 Youths may faint and grow weary, and young men stumble and fall, 31 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 40:28‭-‬31 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/isa.40.28-31.HCSB In this chapter, Isaiah identifies with the children of Israel in their future captivity. He moans their moans and then answers their questions with this passage of scripture. When we struggle and go through hard times we moan and complain instead of praising and worshipping. Praise and worship of God for who He is and where He is going, His point of view, is imperative. There is always a bigger picture. Our current distress is not the end of it. God has the...

12 You are always and dearly loved by God! So robe yourself with virtues of God, since you have been divinely chosen to be holy. Be merciful as you endeavour to understand others, and be compassionate, showing kindness toward all. Be gentle and humble, unoffendable in your patience with others. Colossians 3:12 TPT https://bible.com/bible/1849/col.3.12.TPT How can I be unoffendable? By being non-judgmental, kind and compassionate. I am not, in myself, always across this. There is only one way: walking in the Spirit. By God's grace, I will proceed. Amen!

12 You are always and dearly loved by God! So robe yourself with virtues of God, since you have been divinely chosen to be holy. Be merciful as you endeavour to understand others, and be compassionate, showing kindness toward all. Be gentle and humble, unoffendable in your patience with others. Colossians 3:12 TPT https://bible.com/bible/1849/col.3.12.TPT Being unofferdable can be challenging. People say and do things that hurt us, we say and do things that hurt others. The challenge, always, is to not retaliate or misunderstand. If we tend to do this we are fragile indeed, needing the master's hand to repair us. Our God is into wholeness and will bring this into our lives as we yield to Him. Reading His word and allowing it to change us fills us with His ways and His Spirit. We can trust Him. Amen!

17 For God did not send His Son into the world that He might condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. John 3:17 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/jhn.3.17.HCSB We all need a saviour at some time. Knowing our need is a gift. Many stumble through life failing, falling, hurting themselves, and others, and continuing to struggle to save themselves. The Holy Spirit reveals our need, our failure, not to condemn us, but to bring us to our need, Jesus. Reaching out to Jesus and asking for His salvation is what we need. Humility is knowing we cannot do things alone, we need a saviour. Ask Him today! Amen!

14 “For if you forgive people their wrongdoing, your heavenly Father will forgive you as well. Matthew 6:14 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/mat.6.14.HCSB There is nothing better than knowing you are forgiven and made clean. The day this first happened for me was 48 years ago. It is as vivid today as it was then.  Make you life all about being forgiven and forgiving others. It is a good way to live, in fact the best way to live. Amen!

14 “ And when you pray, make sure you forgive the faults of others so that your Father in heaven will also forgive you. Matthew 6:14 TPT https://bible.com/bible/1849/mat.6.14.TPT Is there anyone whose faults are tripping you up? Perhaps they are the ones who need forgiveness. I have plenty of people I am tripping over. The constant refusal to entertain bad thoughts about them is the work I must do, then I must refuse to speak evil about them, no matter how much they frustrate me. If I want to be forgiven my faults, of which there are many, then I must make sure the chanel of forgiveness is clear of all blockages. I block it with my offences towards others. Forgive and let go! Amen!

25 Since we live by the Spirit, we must also follow the Spirit. Galatians 5:25 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/gal.5.25.HCSB Isnt it crazy that we are given new life by a free gift of the Holy Spirit and yet we want to make our own rules about how to live that new life. This is just as crazy as buying a new car that runs on premium fuel and filling it with diesel.  Not a good treatment of a new car. Claiming it will be better for it or it is cheaper is not a valid excuse for destroying the motor. The Holy spirit knows the best way to conduct our lives. He is the best leader, driver, guide we could ask for. Follow Him. Amen!

25 If the Spirit is the source of our life, we must also allow the Spirit to direct every aspect of our lives. Galatians 5:25 TPT https://bible.com/bible/1849/gal.5.25.TPT This scripture is a gem taken from the whole chapter. The whole chapter should be read so that we understand what Paul is addressing. He speaks to the works of the flesh, that is my carnal nature. One of these cuts to the depth of who we are: in love with our own opinion. He then goes on to highlight the fruit of the Spirit. Thr two opossing groups are like chalk and cheese. They are diametrically opposed. One has life and one death.  Yesterday I watched the latest episode of The Chosen. I love the humanity portrayed, the heart of Jesus has for souls transcends all rule and regulation. The souls of others is God's prioritiy. He is not concerned with our image, our success, our achievements or the amount of money we make or even give. Souls are what counts. Amen!

21 Jesus repeated his greeting, “Peace to you!” And he told them, “Just as the Father has sent me, I’m now sending you.” John 20:21 TPT https://bible.com/bible/1849/jhn.20.21.TPT Have you ever received an urgent message? Did you recognise the inportance embedded in the message? Have you ever missed the importance of a message? Isn't  it crushing when the later realisation hits you?  What causes us to catch the importance of a message? The heart for the giver and the content of the message helps. What causes us to miss the importance? A heart for our own belief that we have a handle on how God will speak and a resentment for the person or message. The disciples  had wanted Jesus to re-establish the kingdom of Israel. They struggled to let go of this desire. This attitude totally caused them to misshear the message, again and again. Praise Him He persevered with them. He will with us. Amen!

21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” John 20:21 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/jhn.20.21.HCSB The disciples are in trauma, they saw Jesus crucified, they put Him in a tomb, He disappears and now here He is, after walking through a wall telling them, "Peace to you (Don't be afraid) I am sending you!" After this Jesus breathed on them and said, " Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins or any they are retained." How did that go down? I can hear them crying out, "slow down! Can we just talk about what has just happened?" In time the disciples would come to understand, however right now they needed to process having Jesus back again, the cross, the distress, the truth of it all. In Chapter 21 we hear Simon say, "I am going fishing!" He needed to go back to what he knew to process what he did not know. Just as Jesus gave His disciples ro...

38 “Repent,” Peter said to them, “and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/act.2.38.HCSB When we say "sorry!" But don't mean it, in whose name are we speaking? Ours of course! When we do superficial stuff and expect others to accept it as sincere, in whose name are we acting? By whose authority? Ours! Why do we act shallow? Because we think we can. Why do we treat others this way? Because we do not respect God's opinion about them or His opinion on how to treat them. Do we have a little bit of idolatry going on here? Yes? What is the solution? Repent? Yes!

38 “Repent,” Peter said to them, “and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/act.2.38.HCSB When asked what the people he was speaking to must do to make amends for crucifying Jesus on the cross Peter went to the heart of the matter. Firstly repent, then be baptised and show you mean what you say. The message is the same today. As the Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin, repentance  cleanses us of our sin and opens us up to receive the truth of the gospel. Peter then gives them a promise of the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spidit in our lives makes all the difference. He convicts, comforts, directs and leads. We can be confident with Him. Amen!

21 Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/pro.18.21.HCSB Today I did something radical, and used it to speak  to a problem in our culture. Two years ago this month a dear friend underwent chemo after surgery for ovarian cancer.  She lost all her hair. I had wanted to cut mine off to support her, but didn't,  probably due  to fear. Last year at this time a neigh our and relative cut her hair off for a cause. I wanted to join her,  but didn't. Today I cut my hair off for a cause. My cause was protesting against cover-up,  pretence and lies. I wanted my friends to get real in their love they say they have for others. Time will tell if I had an effect. My protester was the seen, I spent time in worship and prayer as I knew this was important to the Lord, that was unseen. In a way I felt like an Old Testament prophet. (As long as I don't start wearing camel hair I wi...

Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/pro.18.21.HCSB Have you ever eaten a lemon? Unless salt is added, it is sour. How about a grapefruit? Sour also! This scripture is indicating that we eat all the fruit of our mouth. Not all we say is edifying, some of it is lemons. How will that go down? I am being constrained in what I speak, probably about time. When I am upset I tend to be mouthy. Praise God the Holy Spirit has taken me in hand.  I am sure He is over lemons just as much as I am. Learning not to speak is good. Good for others and ourselves as we must eat the lemons as well. You see what we sow we reap. Just! Speak Life!

I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/php.1.6.HCSB I am reminded  by the chorus around this verse. He will be faithful to complete it! Amen! Our God is faithful! He finishes what He starts! I can trust Him! Amen! Today was dealing with grief. One of my chicken suddenly died and I realised how attached I had become. Yes I know it was just a chicken, but it was also a pet. I was fortunately that my neighbour could see my need and we had a takeaway dinner together. I am blessed!

I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/php.1.6.HCSB This verse emphasises the reality the God is indeed God and not an appendage to our faith.  At times it can seem like it all depends on us, but God is the one leading us on the path to the goal He has in mind for us. We are players in His show, not Him in our show! This reality brings perspective and relieves us of the burden of striving to a goal. Surrender to His will and allowing Him to drive the bus is imperative to peace. He is good and His plans for me are also very good. I can trust Him! Amen!

Take delight in the Lord , and He will give you your heart’s desires. Psalms 37:4 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/psa.37.4.HCSB We can take exception towards someone's attitude and become offended. Taking delight is far from exception, in fact the opposite. Taking delight is an active behaviour, it is not passive in any way. Taking delight is giving yourself to something or someone. Each morning the sky in my home area  is often the same. A wall of pink descends upon the hills as the sun rises. I have to put down what I am doing and sit still and actively enjoy it. As I do I see all manner of birds flying across the sky. Taking time for me is taking delight in the gift my God gives me daily. So...take time to delight! Amen!

Take delight in the Lord , and he will give you your heart’s desires. Psalms 37:4 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.37.4.NLT I have seen how my grandchildren can manipulate each other to get what they want. We cannot give an appearance of delight, or do it for 5 minutes and expect a reward. Yesterday I had the pleasure of spending time with the street's youngest member. His mother loves his company, and although just 6 months old he has captured her heart. This mother went back to work recently but hates leaving him, and so has decided to create her workplace around him, a daycare centre. I would say this is delight indeed. My dog just feined delight in order to be fed early. Once fed he disappeared back to his nice warm bed. You might say, I am not fooled! Our God loves pure delight and like the mother next door will move heaven and earth for those who delight in Him. Amen!

I will praise you, Lord , with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. Psalms 9:1 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.9.1.NLT God is good and His mercies endure to a thousand generations. That is a long time, way longer than my time on earth. Just think, before we came He was good and after we go He will still be good, He is even good to us now. Today has been good. I had my neighbour over this afternoon and we talked about the fright I had last night when her dogs came into my yard and attempted to kill my chickens. She saw the damage they had done to the  chicken house and was sympathetic, to the point of financial remuneration.  I stressed how I wanted to maintain good relations with them as this is more important than what I want,  thus I am willing to give away my chickens so that peace will reign. She agreed. God is good! I had a friend from church come and do some gardening for me. What a blessing! Rather than becoming all beat up emoti...

Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord ! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! Habakkuk 3:17‭-‬18 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/hab.3.17-18.NLT This morning I am awake at 3.30am. My neighbour's husky broke into my yard and attempted to kill my chickens, in the process destroying their house. My dog alerted me to the drama. We already had the dog and its small buddy in the yard at 10pm. Fortunately the chickens live. However I have neighbour issues as they have 4 dogs, two of which are huskies. Even in the midst of this drama, what is God doing? My neighbours are lovely people, they recenly came to the neighbourhood and I sense God is up to something. I wait to see what He will do. Always, always I will wait to see what He will do. Amen!

The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.” 1 Peter 3:12 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/1pe.3.12.NLT I don't like when people turn away from me, but having God turn away is devastating. His presence is more important than opinions or feelings about people or events. Keeping it sweet can be challenging but the results are the best. After all it is all about relationship. Amen

The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.” 1 Peter 3:12 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/1pe.3.12.NLT Peter is quoting Psalm 34:15. He is encouraging his readers to do good. In verse 9 he reiterates words spoken by Jesus: do not pay evil for evil. Although we are all given the same opportunity to come to the Father, not all take it. Those who walk away and choose evil instead do not receive His smile or His ear. I would rather have Him for me than against me. We have so much going on in the world, we need Him and His presence. Amen!

The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him. Nahum 1:7 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/nam.1.7.NLT As I place my trust in the Lord my faith is activated. Faith releases a fragrance that is attractive to the Lord's nostrils. We see this in the gospels. Jesus praised those who used their faith. An example that comes to mind is the Cannanite woman who went to Jesus for her daughter's healing. Jesus played hard to get and rather than go to self-pity the woman humbly stood her ground and received her miracle. Humility is required at times and so is great faith. When employed together they are impenetratable, much like Israel's iron dome. Press in a receive what has been promised. Amen!

The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him. But he will sweep away his enemies in an overwhelming flood. He will pursue his foes into the darkness of night. Why are you scheming against the Lord ? He will destroy you with one blow; he won’t need to strike twice! His enemies, tangled like thornbushes and staggering like drunks, will be burned up like dry stubble in a field. Who is this wicked counselor of yours who plots evil against the Lord ? This is what the Lord says: “Though the Assyrians have many allies, they will be destroyed and disappear. O my people, I have punished you before, but I will not punish you again. Now I will break the yoke of bondage from your neck and tear off the chains of Assyrian oppression.” Nahum 1:7‭-‬13 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/nam.1.7-13.NLT Nahum was written around 663BC. The prophet was prophesying regarding the defeat of Israel's enemy the Assyrians and their capital Nineveh. This scripture i...

Who can separate us from the love of Christ? Can affliction or anguish or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? Romans 8:35 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/rom.8.35.HCSB When a person makes a bold proclamation the listeners evaluate the speakers authority to make the statement. Listeners are critical of authority taken wrongly. So, does Paul have authority to make the above claim? Definitely! In another epistle he tells of how many times he has been jailed, flogged, shipwrecked(2 Cor 11:25). I forgot stoned, not on drugs but having rocks pelted at him. What made Paul profess such a statement then? What did he know that we may not know? As we read all his epistles, we see Paul knew Jesus and was passionate about the work Jesus had accomplished for us on the cross and in His resurrection. It is patently obvious that Paul refused to have pity parties, doubt God, or resent God for not protecting him. We need to read the epistles and get Paul's heart and mind. Never did...

Who can separate us from the love of Christ? Can affliction or anguish or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? Romans 8:35 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/rom.8.35.HCSB I receive the Open Doors prayer booklet. I know many do suffer for Christ. Yet I also know stories of those who overcome and are shining lights. It is comforting to know in all these things God is for us not against us. May we in the West retain the ability to shine and not allow the pleasures of this life to consume us. In all things He is for us and not against us. Amen!

“The poor in spirit are blessed,  for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. Matthew 5:3 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/mat.5.3.HCSB There are many who are poor in spirit who do not recognise their state, and can become offended if you tell them. Jesus knew those who had ears to hear and hearts to understand. The hungry of spirit know their lack. The book fo Revelation talks of those who cannot hear because their names are not written in the Lamb's book of life. Yet, there are those who have not heard and are going to hear. These are the ones we must find. Today I went to see a movie called June Again. It was about a woman who had been in a dementia ward for 5 years and suddenly had a lucid few days. It was poignant yet funny. She escaped and found her family all broken and dysfunctional, and began to work on restoring them again. She succeeded just before she lost awareness again. I enjoyed the movie as I have nursed such people and have been studying various therapies for aphasia. Dem...

“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. Matthew 5:3 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.5.3.NLT Being poor in spirit is knowing my condition of heart before God. In that condition I can reach out to Him in repentance and receive forgivness and am welcome in to rhe kingdom of God. Being poor in spirit is not a perpetual state, unfortunately. Humility is not our common face towards God. We are inclined to be self-sufficient and arrogant and oblivious to our sins. The reason we are blessed when we are humble is because we know we need a saviour and put our faith in Him. He is the only way. Amen!

Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord ! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! Habakkuk 3:17‭-‬18 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/hab.3.17-18.NLT There is a terrible mouse plague across rural NSW. Farmers who finally received good rain after a protracted drought are losing their crops to mice. I can imagine, now, what it was like in Egypt when the Lord sent plagues on Egypt for not releasing His people. Whilst those plagues did not last as long as this one, it would have been devastating. We have poisons we can use to rid ourselves of the vermin. As a matter of fact stronger poisons are being released than those currently used. During the drought farmers had to sell their core stock, nornally used for breeding, due to lack of feed. Since the rain they have restock...

Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord ! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! Habakkuk 3:17‭-‬18 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/hab.3.17-18.NLT This verse captures the moment doesn't it? We also see Job honouring God after losing everything but his cantankerous wife and obtuse friends. When God shows up He honours Job, after rebuking him slightly.  Let's see what worship will do? Jesus said: If I be lifted up, I will draw all me to myself. Whilst He was lifted up on a cross, there is a lifting we can do, lift Him up in praise. Habakkuk had it right, even if all these things happen, I will praise the Lord. Praise is the best medicine. It edifies the Lord and our spirits at the same time. Amen!

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. John 14:27 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.14.27.NLT Today did not go well. I was grateful for the word above. I was hit with a bout of vomiting and diarrhoea. Not good with broken ribs. However, I reminded myself that Paul wrote the letter to the Philippians whilst in jail. As I wrote this morning friends in Nepal are facing COVID. I messaged a friend and asked for prayer. He must have prayed that God would put a hedge of protection around me as that is what my spirit heard. After sleeping a lot, trying to study and giving up I watched a few episodes of The Chosen. What a brilliant production! If you havn't seen any, download the APP and watch them, then pay it forward. Brilliant! Keeping Jesus as my focus sure help the day improve, and more peaceful.

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. John 14:27 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.14.27.NLT Yesterday I received a message from friends in Nepal. They had delivered oxygen to a christian man as there was no one else to deliver it. I asked if they were able to take him communion but was told they are not allowed to visit normally, but that delivering oxygen was necessary. This man is alone in his suffering. I pray he does not fear but trusts his God. This is the closest I have come to COVID. My city has had only 1 case all throughout the whole time COVID has been around, and that was a returned traveller from off a cruise ship. We have watched the drama unfold with incredulity. I see the news regarding India. Because the lack of equipment is so great families are more involved in helping their loved ones, even if to no avail, they are there trying. I know Nepal will probably go the ...

A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart. Luke 6:45 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/luk.6.45.NLT What we say can be tempered by a heart willing to understand and give grace. Annoyance causes us to react and speak quickly and harshly. Whereas, a determination to understand and give room gives grace. People do not have to help us because we deserve it. If our God provides it is because He is good. Likewise, if people help us it is because they are good. Once we accept that we deserve nothing, and it is grace that blesses, the better we will fare. Humility help!

A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart. Luke 6:45 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/luk.6.45.NLT When we examine what has just poured out of our hearts, we know where we are at. If the result is selfishness, we must face it, repent and move on in humility. Selfishness is never good, it always honours self above all others, even God.. I do it at times and am grateful for repentance. Without it I would be a lost soul with a dirty spirit. Repentance is a gift from God and one I value highly. It enables me to have a spiritual shower and rid my heart of all that is ugly. We see selfishness portrayed in the gospels. The disciples were prone to it: self-righteousness, self-pity, pride and arrogance. As Jesus forgave them after a rebuke, so He forgives me. I am grateful. Accept the rebuke, repent and move on in His strength. Amen!

The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. Psalms 19:7 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.19.7.NLT My soul needs reviving often, in fact it probably does right now after a long and difficult day. I am so glad I have the Lord to turn to in these days. I am grateful I am filled by the Holy Spirit. Praying in the spirit is the best remedy, along with gratitude and praise. Whilst I have had a slog of a day in finishing a long assignment, I can see the light, and it gives me hope for tomorrow. There are times when the weight of problems needing solving can squeeze you down. Today was such a day. After another night sleeping in the sitting position, dealing with lice in my chickens and now on my dog,  two lectures and then facing the assignment, well, it was exhausting. But, there is God and His presence. He lifts and rejuvinates me. Nothing is too great for Him. Weight lifting is His speciality. Praise H...

The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. Psalms 19:7 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.19.7.NLT It is always good to know you need instruction. When we know we lack we can humble ourselves and seek instruction. When we fail to see our need is where we are blind, can become proud and make mistakes. The more I learn, the more I realise how much there is yet to learn. We have such limited points of view, we need to expand our view. The best point of view is the Lords. He is over all. He watches over every soul. He misses nothing. He is therefore a good source of wisdom. We can trust Him. Amen!

Don’t neglect to do what is good and to share, for God is pleased with such sacrifices. Hebrews 13:16 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/heb.13.16.HCSB Sacrifices usually cost something: sometime a lot, sometime a little but never nothing. We sacrifice pleasure to apply ourselves to study for the future good, we sacrifice immediate gratification for good knowing that the future will reward us, usually. Tonight I saw boatloads of people attempting to enter Italy from Africa. These people are asking European countries to sacrifice their relatively easier lifestyle for them. They did not wait for a response but boarded an overcrowded boat in the hope of a better life. Many face death due to overcrowding, unsafe boats, and bad weather. We all take risks, hoping for better for ourselves and our families and friends. I sacrifice for my animals. My dog needs a walk daily, so I go, whether I feel like it or not.  Constantly we are asked for money from various charities, it never ends. Some we...

Don’t neglect to do what is good and to share, for God is pleased with such sacrifices. Hebrews 13:16 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/heb.13.16.HCSB Sharing with others is the ability to consider others in all things. Giving makes us aware. This scripture implies it is a sacrifice. At times it can be. The bible is replete with examples of those who gave sacrificially. Unusually they were nearly alway women. Wonderfully, as they gave all they had they were blessed beyond their wildest imagination. In the Old Testament two women were used by God to care for God's prophets and received. One woman received a child she had longed for, the other was kept, along with her children, throughout a three year drought. Another, Rahab, received her life as she covered the spies from Israel. In the New Testament Jesus makes note of a poor woman who gave all she had as an offering and is eternalised in scripture for her generosity. Jesus was continually dogged by people who wanted something from H...

It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 1 Corinthians 13:7 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/1co.13.7.HCSB What tests love? Failure to honour or recognise as expected. I imagine there a lot of disappointed mothers tonight. Why is there disappointment? Is it the children's fault or wrong expectation? Probably a bit of both. Expecting mother's day to be special is a worldy construct. Every day mothers should be loved and honoured, as should fathers and children. If we lived the biblical mandate we would live as God loves, unconditionally, at all times.  The Old Testament shows us God's upset at failure of His people to honour Him. Yet Jesus paid the price for that sin and God is satisfied with the gift Jesus gave. We are the ones missing out on a life empowered to do right by God and others. We are the ones dissatisfied and upset. Maybe we should take a leaf out of God's book.

Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13:7 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/1co.13.7.NLT This is who God is: enduring, faithful, ever hopeful to the end. If we have Him in our lives, we can be the same. I have a friend I have known since March 2014. Throughout that time the Lord has used me to minister to this woman. In all this time we have had many conversations about Christ, prayed and she has come to church twice. I invited her today for mother's day and she declined saying she wanted to vaccum the house. I know God is persevering with my friend and whilst ever He does, I will. After all is coming to church what He has as a goal? No! Her eternal salvation is the goal. We can have our own goals and when they are unmet we choose to move on. Our God never moves on, He is ever patient and enduring, we can be also. Amen!

Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. Proverbs 22:6 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.22.6.NLT Whilst many of us have children no longer attending church what does this mean, in light of the above scripture? Perhaps it means that deviation in the middle will result in a return to base? Perhaps it mean more than taking our children to church, that we train them in godliness, show them respect and honour. Perhaps we just need to trust. I remember when I left home at 18 to go nursing I was considered in charge of my life decisions. Fortunately my God led me right into His purposes and I was safe, in fact I was safe all along because looking back I saw His hand in my life. We must trust our God, and continue to pray for our children, and grandchildren knowing God is more than willing to shepherd them.

Point your kids in the right direction— when they’re old they won’t be lost. Proverbs 22:6 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/pro.22.6.MSG This scripture can be interpreted two ways: train a child in glodly ways; train a child in their own individual bent (career inclinations). Personally, I think both are a godly responsibility of parents and grandparents. I had the pleasure pf staying with my son and his wife for around 10days recently. The eldest boy, Myer, in now a flourishing 15 year old, then Ryan at 13, Archie at 12, Ellie at 10 and Ollie at 8. I am watching them all develop hearts for God and service in the church as well as each displaying their own unique talents. Many years ago I told Myer he was a fast runner, and he is. He did not quite believe me until recently when he won a cross-country run. The difference was motivation. For the first time Myer won a ribbon for running. I reminded him of what I had said, he agreed. Running is just a small part of who Myer is. It is the sam...

God ’s name is a place of protection— good people can run there and be safe. Proverbs 18:10 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/pro.18.10.MSG We usually imagine a safe place to be inside a mountain fort, in a bunker deep under ground. Yet, the word of God tells us God's name is enough. I remember being in a car accident once when the car spun out of control in the wet. The driver and I yelled out simultaneously, "Stop in Jesus name!" The car stopped millineters from the cliff face. On the other side of the road was a massive drop. Many times the Spirit of God moves on people to call out mighty miracles in His name. We can trust the name of our God! Amen!

God ’s name is a place of protection— good people can run there and be safe. Proverbs 18:10 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/pro.18.10.MSG We all know that being able to use the name of an influential person can affotd us safe passage or protection. There are 9,000 Australian residents caught in India and our borders are closed until May 15th. Yet, yesterday we see how the Indian Cricket board chartered a special flight to move the Australian cricket team out of India, to the Maldives. Whilst others with no such connections were doomed to stay there. This smacks of elitism and rightly so. However, the Christian has the name of the Lord to run to. He is our protection and provider. As we mobilise our faith in Him, miracles are ours. If we behave like victims we are doomed, yet, if we step up to sonship we open doors. Amen!

Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Colossians 4:2 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/col.4.2.NLT Alert means keeping your eye on the ball. Who would want you on their team if you keep wandering off to watch a TV show when you were down to play football? No one! Thankful hearts are always grateful, in all things, because God is there, in all things. Today was challenging but I kicked a few goals, that made it worthwhile. There is gold in all things! Amen!

Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Colossians 4:2 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/col.4.2.NLT Prayer changes hearts and minds, starting with us. As we humble ourselves and pray, in the Spirit, we allow the Holy Spirit to cleanse our hearts and lead us to His focus in intelligible prayer. What is on His heart today? Being committed to prayer daily shows the Lord we are willing to fight for His purposes. I pray, now, with a list. It keeps me on track, but also in the Spirit which brings new focus, new prayer needs. If you only knew how good it feels to be lifted up in prayer you would expend yourself for others. We are in a family, and our brothers and sisters need our support. The Holy Spirit makes us alert to prayer needs. He is on to the prayer strategy and networks us with fellow believers. Pray with me! Amen!

For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/rom.10.13.NLT Salvation is offered to all, without descrimination. This seems odd in a world that does descriminate, yet, God in His mercy does not. We all have sinned and fallen short. That is all, not just worst sin sinner, or best sin sinners. To God sin is sin. We grade, He does not. He looks at His Son and says: "all are welcome through that door". Tonight as India struggles with COVID, Jesus is there for all to seek Him. Australia has closed its doors on its people who are caught there, He does not. Seek Him! Amen!

For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/rom.10.13.NLT There is only one name by which mankind can be saved, and that name is Jesus. Acts 4:12. No matter how noisy or self-righteous we are, we all stand before Jesus at death. Only He presented Himself as a sacrifice for all mankind, only He was sinless. Hindus place great importance on Shiva, but he is a created whim of man's imagination. JESUS is real and only Jesus said: "I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father but by Me!" John 14:6. Only Jesus offers eternal life, without subservience. I do not need to be 'good enough' through my own efforts but by faith in the Son of God, I am saved. Amen!

But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 1 John 1:9 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/1jn.1.9.NLT If Jesus paid the price for all sin, why do we need to confess our sin? Personally, it took me realising the depravity of my sin for me to turn to Christ and receive Him as Saviour. Awareness of sin broke pride in my life and self-righteousness. Confessing sin bring awareness of grace and joy when realisation that sin has been dealt with. Amen

But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 1 John 1:9 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/1jn.1.9.NLT In any transaction we must move, in salvation we confess our sins and lack to God, and ask for forgiveness, inviting Christ to live in our hearts. He moves heaven and earth and brings all of His glorious presence into our lives. He sets us free from all that binds us, cleanses us and promises to stay and walk with us for the rest of our days. He is our comfort, our counsellor, our strong tower. He is our guide, and ever present help in times of trouble. We have all understood the feeling of being safe, even if for a short while. He is our safety as we learn not to fear, but to trust in Him to deliver us. We cannot allow fear to make us run into danger. Trust Him! Amen!

For, There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 2:5 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/1ti.2.5.NLT I am watching a woman take the federal government to court because she was sacked illegally. Apparently the opportunity for mediation came and went. On the weekend I spoke to a man who failed to handle mediation with an ex-wife and now is in a place where he is being banned from seeing his children. Mediation is seriously needed. A good mediator is worth gold. We have auch a mediator in Jesus Christ. He stands in the gap for us with the just requirement of the law. He offered Himself as payment. The payment was accepted and I am no longer in danger of eternal darkness because of Him. As long as I walk in the freedom He won for me, I am free, forever free. Amen!

For there is one God and one mediator between God and humanity, Christ Jesus, Himself human, 1 Timothy 2:5 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/1ti.2.5.HCSB Hinduism does not comprehend why Christians claim there is only one God, they have many. In fact it becomes uncomfortable when we press the point. We appear very ungracious, as their attitude in allowing for Jesus is accomodating, yet it denies His supreme authority.  This scripture is quite definite: there is only one God, one mediator. In fanily disputes the courts often nominate a mediator. Family members cannot then choose to mediate themselves, as they were not appointed. Jesus was nominated as our mediator, no one else is acceptable, no one else is pure enough, holy enough, righteous enough. He alone is good. He earned the right through His death on a cross and in rising again was crowned as the prince, the mediator, the supreme authority.

Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. According to His great mercy, He has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.  1 Peter 1:3 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/1pe.1.3.HCSB I have jist watch the world news for the first time in about 10 days. What a mess we appear to be in. COVID is spreading from India to Nepal, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Wars and rumors fo war, riots, fights are devastating countries. We need new hope. Our only hope is Christ. While many are the calls for government to provide a panacea for all ills, they cannot. Governments cannot do the work of the Spirit, no matter how well meaning they may be. Our problem is sin. We are causing the problems with our selfishness. Only repentance and coming to Christ for salvation will change our world. Amen!

Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. According to His great mercy, He has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead 1 Peter 1:3 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/1pe.1.3.HCSB If we have ever been forgiven a debt, then we have experienced mercy. The debt we have accrued is a life of doing things our own way, for selfish reasons, even if they appear good. When faces with the reality of our debt we need mercy. Today we can obtain mercy. Jesus Christ offers us all mercy, and a new start. We can trust Him. We can come to Him for mercy and He will not fail with forgiveness. He is good!

He will destroy death forever. The Lord God will wipe away the tears from every face and remove His people’s disgrace from the whole earth, for the Lord has spoken. Isaiah 25:8 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/isa.25.8.HCSB Eternal death and separation from God is gone in Christ. Praise Him! Death where is your sting? It has been shredded by Christ. Yes! Eternal separation is there for those who refuse Christ. Yet, this is so unnecessary. Pride keeps us from grace, praise and humilty opens the door. Why die an  eternal death because of pride? Humilty is not so bad when eternal life is the reward. Amen!

He will swallow up death forever! The Sovereign Lord will wipe away all tears. He will remove forever all insults and mockery against his land and people. The Lord has spoken! Isaiah 25:8 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/isa.25.8.NLT Insult and mockery still exist, we inflict them and they are inflicted on us. Some suffer more than others.  The Israel nation is still attacked from without. Nations who persecuted them in WW2 are rising up again in persecution as generations forget or refuse to acknowledge the sins of the past. Hatred drives persecution, yet, those who do the persecution cannot give rational explanations for their behaviours. Why? They are puppets of Satan. Blind, they storm in rage. The above scripture promises an end to persecution. When will it end? When God says, " Enough!" Eternity is a place of peace, where God's rule reigns. We have this to look forward to. Amen!