The day with dianne Louise

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/rom.6.23.HCSB  We are usually happy tor receive a free gift for our birthday and Christmas,  yet outside that, usually, we feel we need to be involved by earning it. The free gift God offers is forgiveness of sin and access to eternal life by accepting the free gift. Being good, earning rewards is something a lot of people are afflicted with. I know a man who desperately needs the Lord's healing yet he refuses. Instead, injured, he works like a trojan to prove he is good enough. Only a divine revelation will help him see the truth. I cannot earn my salvation I must humbly accept the free gift, and acknowledge Jesus as Lord of eternal life. Amen!

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/rom.6.23.HCSB We all, usually, enjoy receiving wages. It is payment received for work done. This scripture tells us that working for sin (self) produces a wage. Whilst the doing of the selfish act seems enjoyable, its ultimate destination is eternal death.  There is no life in sin. The converse is also true. The wages of dying to self, now, produces eternal life. It really depends on whether we want to satisfy ourselves now or in eternity. Many will opt for now, here is the deception.  What does eternal life look like? An eternity filled with joy and relationship with the giver of life, free from the furnace, free from bondage and most of all, free from deception.

If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. James 3:13 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/jas.3.13.NLT   When you hear the term a honourable man, traditionally it related to war, or a leader in some field. Nowadays people expect politicians, preachers, armed services, doctors and judges all the be honourable. When a whiff of duplicity is found the media goes wild. Do we want to be considered honourable? Is it a character trait we hold dear? If it is we need to hold on to the Lord, tightly. Pure in spirit comes close. Thr pure in spirit is loved by the Lord and He shows Himself to them. So, think about this! Is honour something you value?

If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. James 3:13 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/jas.3.13.NLT I have been a person filled with exuberance,  faith and compelled by my love for God to talk. Unfortunately,  I did not have an off button. Learning to control the power within took going to uni. Funnily enough the world taught me the grace and protocol around turn taking and allowing others to speak. Being promoted to lead a connect groups came when I had my off button in place. Now I long to bring others out and discover their hearts. Working together is important. Now God has given me strong people to manage. Strong people can be real assets if they too are sculpted and harnessed. The whole chapter 3 of James deals with heart attitudes in wanting to lead, having opinions but also having the wisdom to know when to keep quiet. I know this was one of the single best lessons I have lea...

For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Philippians 2:13 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/php.2.13.NLT If we follow the Lord, He is a good leader. Even in a mess of emotion, if we yield it up to the Lord, He will direct our paths. I know I must practise focusing on the Lord and allowing Him to direct. There is peace in focus. In peace I can find direction. Turn off the noise, put down the phone and allow peace to flood your soul. Amen!

You will keep the mind that is dependent on You in perfect peace, for it is trusting in You. Isaiah 26:3 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/isa.26.3.HCSB A child depends on its father to protect it, its mother to comfort and feed it. Although we claim we are independent, are we really? Who pays our wage? Who cleans our homes? Who keeps us well? Who is a faithful friend? So, you see we really aren't all that independent. We do not live on an island by ourselves. Even if we did, we would depend on the weather, the vegetation,  the animal life. The Christian knows in whom they trust, they know they depend on the Lord for His blessing, protection and provision. If our mind is fixed on God, we depend on Him for our peace.  Amen!

You will keep the mind that is dependent on You in perfect peace, for it is trusting in You.Isaiah 26:3 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/isa.26.3.HCSB Chapter 26 in Isaiah is about the city of salvation and the righteous who dwell in it. Verse 12 says; Lord you will establish peace for us, for you have also done all our work for us.  Now we know we still work, but we do not need to work for salvation, it is a free gift from God. Verse 19b, awake and sing, you who dwell in the dust, for you will be covered with the morning dew. Verses 20, 21 talk of the retun of the Lord to bring judgement on the earth. God's people are told to enter their rooms and close the door behind them, hide for a little while until the wrath is passed. (I can do that!) So, back to peace. We are in troublesome times. The world continues to make decisions about ending the lives of the unborn and the sick, it allows doctrines of demons into the schools and vilifies those who speak truth. Consequently, with each ...

If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/rom.10.9.HCSB What we believe about a matter shows under stress. If life is all about me, selfishness will flow out. If it is about God and others, grace and mercy will flow out. This morning before waking i had a dream about a young couple. The woman was disabled. She wore callipers on her lower legs. He husband did not mind as he loved her very much. I felt I should offer them a room in my home and did so. The woman told me they currently lived in a crowded house and shared a room with someone else. They would soon need to leave this place. I then felt I had made the right decision.  I took the young woman with me to look at my spare rooms. However, as we went to each room it was occupied, unbeknownst to me. The first had a pharmacy in it, the second a preschool. I was becoming distraught, yet the young woman ...

If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/rom.10.9.HCSB A confession is what the police want to convict us our wrongdoing, the judge wants us to confess but God wants to hear a different confession. Do you take my Son as saviour and Lord? Do you believe I raised Him from the dead? Everything we are and do reveals whether or not we do. A man might escape jail and be convincing in his protestations of innocence, however, in a drunken state might own up to the truth. Recently there was a man in NSW who had eluded the police for around 20 years hand himself in to the police. He was ready to confess his sin. Did his conscience bother him or did he want to live as a man free from hiding? Today we need to confess Jesus as Lord by what we do. Will we find you in church worshipping the Lord so that all may see and know, or will you not bother and reveal Jesus is not...

Even a fool is considered wise when he keeps silent, discerning when he seals his lips. Proverbs 17:28 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/pro.17.28.HCSB I had a dream I ast night about a tree. It was a beautiful, young tree. I decided to feed it words,  but the words fell like scrabble blocks under it. They were useless and I had to remove them. On reflection, the tree reminds me of the tree of life. Words, like wooden blocks do not feed a living thing. A more natural, living organic matter needs to be added. We need to talk to people, communicate with living words, not blocky written words. We need to talk to our heavenly Father with a living relationship. Amen!

Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent. Proverbs 17:28 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.17.28.NLT The times when people aggravate us, we need to stay silent. This is a challenge. The pressure we are all under from lockdowns, media, government decisions, people rioting causes us to explode, unless we are hidden in Christ. The test for me comes when I am tired and on a deadline as well. With certainty someone will message me about something contentious, pushing my buttons. How will I behave? Today I am under pressure to a deadline, am tired and must be prepared.  Producing self-control, which is a fruit of the spirit, benefits me as well as the one who passes my buttons. So, today I pray for grace to bless. Amen!

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.6.33.NLT Often we are not seeking, but Jesus is. In our initial encounter we are found by Him, wooed by Him and redeemed by Him. However, just as human parents train their children to mature, He trains us in His ways (righteousness). We learn to be the seekers. In the game of hide and seek, someone seeks the hidden.  For us, God seems to hide, and we do the seeking. The beauty of finding Him is thr joy we experience in finding a treasure. Today I had an opportunity to help someone my Lord is seeking. My joy is seeing my Lord seek out a soul. The best part is when they turn and meet.

“So above all, constantly seek God’s kingdom and his righteousness, then all these less important things will be given to you abundantly. Matthew 6:33 TPT https://bible.com/bible/1849/mat.6.33.TPT If we are asked what we need or what is troubling us, what would we say? Many things are troubling us; constant disease counts, pressure to he vaccinated, lockdowns, prevention from being able to go and see our loved ones, lack of finance, lack of enjoyment. However, Matthew writes Jesus' words to us: don't be troubled about what you eat, drink, wear, enjoy but seek God's kingdom first and His right standing. In verse 24 Jesus is saying: you cannot serve God and money. Money yells very loud indeed, yet God is more important. Yesterday I had to say goodbye to one of my study groups at uni. I had grown to love them all, it was hard. Possibly it was the first subject I felt really at home in. Yet, even in parting I must trust the Lord that I will see them again. Also, yesterday I dis...

Taste and see that the Lord is good. How happy is the man who takes refuge in Him! Psalms 34:8 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/psa.34.8.HCSB We can take refuge under the bed, in the clothes cupboard, in a barn, in a bomb shelter. However, there is no guarantee of safety there. David took refuge in a strange place, Goliath's home town. How many think people would remember him and want to do him harm? However, even enemies can be a safe place, if God is in control. I have been here. My God is always amazing, He changes heart and directs them to His will. Always trust Him!

Taste and see that the Lord is good. How happy is the man who takes refuge in Him! Psalms 34:8 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/psa.34.8.HCSB Do you remember being asked, "do you want a taste?" An apple pie, a cheesecake, fresh scones, or ever a taste stew or curry. Tasting usually comes with delight, enjoyment and refreshing. Image yourself in a place of devestation.  Your home is bombed out and you are not the run from your enemies, but you put your faith in the Lord. You stop momentarily for refreshing, of your spirit. You remind yourself to draw from the wells of salvation. Who is on your side? This is what David does. He is on the run from Saul, goes to Gath,  the home of Goliath, the giant he slew, seeking refuge. It is a sad day when you must do this. Yet,  in the midst of this David reminds himself that His strength comes from the Lord! What a man! We have volcanoes erupting, earthquakes, wars and rumours of war, but God has a plan. Seek Him! I had another dream la...

The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time. Psalms 34:19 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.34.19.NLT What signifies righteousness? I'm glad you asked! Scripture tells us we are the righteousness of God (2 Cor 5:21), not because of our behaviour but because of Jesus' sacrifice. I am righteous as I live it by faith. Faith pleases God.  In fact scripture tells us we have faith to come near to God. We cannot blob along on the sidelines and expect Him to do what we must do, believe. Amen!

Even when bad things happen to the good and godly ones, the Lord will save them and not let them be defeated by what they face. Psalms 34:19 TPT https://bible.com/bible/1849/psa.34.19.TPT So good to know we have a saviour and a deliverer.  Do you know the times when you are busy, tired, but pressing on, and a contentious person comes from left field with an opinion they won't let go? Yes! Often! The enemy knows when to pick a fight, and stir up strife. Yesterday was one such a day. Ah! But it ended well. I had connect group here last night, and we had good fun. I awoke in the night rejoicing on the fun we had, also on the connections God is giving me. God has a plan, even in contentious situations.  Look for His plan! Amen!

Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality. Romans 12:11‭-‬13 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/rom.12.11-13.MSG In times of lockdown and almost lockdown, being inventive in hospitality requires creativity. Sometimes we need to put on our kid-brain. Children love being creative and once they get going they are amazing. We can learn from them. At present I can only have 5 people in my house. Yet, I can have 20 outside. I have planned a firepit night two weeks in a row and the wind blows a gale. Maybe we need to go to MacDonalds for coffee. As this is not yet resolved I am back to Zoom for a few and inside for a few. Yet the natives are restless, well one is. Ho hum! Meantime I have another 88% result at uni. Today I wrote to my teacher and asked how to include a comment in my assignment. I told him I had contacted a website and the...

Let this hope burst forth within you, releasing a continual joy. Don’t give up in a time of trouble, but commune with God at all times. Romans 12:12 TPT https://bible.com/bible/1849/rom.12.12.TPT Today I am tired. I went to the astronomy club meeting. It went on for 90 minutes. I am grateful that I was not elected President, however I did well. Boldness took me where I needed to go and in the process made a way. I had said to the Lord: I don't particularly want to win, but I will serve you. Now, this strange person will serve in the club with a good heart. I say strange because I was not upset at losing, I was grateful. However, I had made a stand against a mindset. Now, let's see what God will do. This scripture lifts me up, especially this version. Let hope burst forth from within you. Wow! What a way to say 'rejoice!' A beautiful way! The result is continual joy! Awesome! I claim that! Yesterday I made contact with SIL (Wycliff) in Nepal. My uni assignment is all abo...

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time, 1 Peter 5:6 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/1pe.5.6.HCSB The proper time is something that we often miss. As we are always in a hurry to move on, move into, or move away from a given situation, we can miss the mark. Nowadays I am always suspicious of my timing and am happy to yield to the Lord's timing. Today I was able to cover this weeks study in record time. It usually takes two days. I finished in half a day. I am glad as I am tired and looking forward to finishing. My tiredness is not helped by the upcoming club election tonight. Once it is over I can sleep easier and move on to tomorrow's challenge. Yesterday I was blessed to see a valuable tool for teaching English as a second language.  I hope to be able to use this in Nepal. Again, I will wait and see what God is doing. Today I had an email from the director of SIL (Wycliff) in Nepal to answer some of my questions. ...

If you bow low in God’s awesome presence, he will eventually exalt you as you leave the timing in his hands. 1 Peter 5:6 TPT https://bible.com/bible/1849/1pe.5.6.TPT I awoke in the night and knew the Lord wanted a word. He showed me I am a mobile home for His Holy Spirit. As I see myself as this and allow Him room to move, He will. Conversely, as I strive to do my thing I lose. I lose seeing His glory manifest through me, I lose fulfillment, I lose the joy of partnering with Him. Choosing to be a servant is wise. Choosing to live for me is certain failure. Many great men and women have been asked the secret of their success. It is always the same: pray and obey.  Tonight I must foolishly present myself as a choice for President of the astronomy club. I wonder what will happen? I don't want the job, but if I am serving the Lord, there is  reason. Let us see what God is up to. Amen!

You’re my place of quiet retreat, and your wraparound presence becomes my shield as I wrap myself in your Word! Psalms 119:114 TPT https://bible.com/bible/1849/psa.119.114.TPT Quiet retreat from the noise is always good. So much accusatory noise fills the air. A man's reputation in tatters because a new report vilified him as a sex predator.  Also, Hillsong is again lambasted by accusations against a leader. He allowed himself to become drunk 5 years ago and is alleged to have indecently assaulted a young woman. I can see the accuser and alcoholism at work destroying lives. My question is: do I want to be on his team? When hurt or offended we can be caught here. I have been and lived to regret it. The wages of sin is death, not life. Who do we serve? Our own image or the Lord? Have mercy Lord! Forgive us our sins amd grant us the grace to serve you, not our flesh. Amen!

You are my shelter and my shield; I put my hope in Your word. Psalms 119:114 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/psa.119.114.HCSB Knowing I need a shelter and shield is important, thinking I can go alone is foolish. If I spend too much time in fleshly pursuits, I will become arrogant of soul and think I am doing fine, when in fact I am walking on a knife's edge. Recognising the knife 's edge is wise, so is going back to shelter (or abiding). Romans 7:18,19 tells it like it is: For I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh. For the desire to do what is good is with me, but there is no ability to do it. For I do not do the good that I want to do, but I practice the evil that I do not want to do. So, what is the answer? I'm glad you asked: What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this dying body? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with my mind I myself am a slave to the law of God, but with my flesh, to the law of sin. Jesus is my only sa...

“Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can’t bear grapes by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you can’t bear fruit unless you are joined with me. John 15:4 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/jhn.15.4.MSG An automobile has many parts, all play a specific role. If the fuel line decided to move outside and flap in the breeze, would there be a breeze, not really as the car would not have the fuel to keep moving. We belong in a certain place, plugged into the vine, Jesus, so that His will may be accomplished on the earth. The goal is to fulfill the role and accomplish the task, not to flap our gums or jowls in the breeze. Abide! Stay put! Amen!

So you must remain in life-union with me, for I remain in life-union with you. For as a branch severed from the vine will not bear fruit, so your life will be fruitless unless you live your life intimately joined to mine. John 15:4 TPT https://bible.com/bible/1849/jhn.15.4.TPT Abide with me, Fast falls the eventide tide The darkness deepens, Lord, abide with me When other helpers fail And comfort flees Help of the helpless Lord, abide with me. (Henry Lyte) Abide in Me, And my words abide in You. Draw strength from Me My light alive in You.  Stay close in trial, in joy and all Always remain connected My life alive in you. (Me) There are times we feel disconnected by life's storms, yet He is near. He is our strength His word is our light He is our comfort. Amen!

Overflow with mercy and compassion for others, just as your heavenly Father overflows with mercy and compassion for all.” Luke 6:36 TPT https://bible.com/bible/1849/luk.6.36.TPT Mercy and compassion come from grace.  Grace knows that you have flaws, sin and yet it loves you anyway.  When I cultivate God's grace in my heart, I exhibit mercy and grace. Mercy and compassion know you have problematic reasons for failing. They are full of second chances. We may never, fully, know God's heart for others. However, the journey is learing to know what He knows. Amen!

Overflow with mercy and compassion for others, just as your heavenly Father overflows with mercy and compassion for all.” Luke 6:36 TPT https://bible.com/bible/1849/luk.6.36.TPT This verse comes from a passage that Jesus taught about loving enemies, those who hurt us and those who abuse us. Be merciful as our heavenly Father is merciful, be kind to the unkind. Here's the challenge! Can I love those who are hurting me? Can I forgive and be merciful? Jesus did not say we are to stay in abusive relationships amd allow others to destroy us. He was talking about applying grace. When we find that ability we change people amd things, starting with us. Amen!

Keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising him always. Philippians 4:8 TPT https://bible.com/bible/1849/php.4.8.TPT Yes! Definitely works! Today I immediately my hill, the view inspires. I started to sing in the spirit and did so all the way down. So much easier to focus today. I made it through my study and lecture, then I reached out to my astronomy club and started to re-engage.  We have a monthly function every month, and I was timely. I have organised a games night for Saturday night, three God lovers and one soon to be. Hey!

Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable — if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise — dwell on these things. Philippians 4:8 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/php.4.8.HCSB I needed this verse today. I am facing a confrontation which I would rather walk away from, but know I must have. For the longest time I have prayed for my local astronomy club and next week we have the AGM. Only recently a decision was made by the committee which I believe was wrong and not thought through. I am the only active woman in the club and thus I put my name forward for voting on a position in the club. Yesterday I discovered that for the position I nominated for there is one other, all other positions are represented by only one person. I am a fly in the ointment. The committee would have been cosy, if not for me. One of the people who supported my nomination was approached by a high standing...

You took away Your people’s guilt; You covered all their sin. Selah Psalms 85:2 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/psa.85.2.HCSB Isn't it interesting that way back in Psalms this was written when the coming of a saviour was unknown. The writers lived under law. I love it when I am involved in saying, praying, writing or speaking prophesy. There is a sense that I have touched God in some way, even if I don't know the full picture. I am studying prophesy as present and it brings to mind prophesy God has given me in the past. In my uni study I am writing an essay about an indigenous group of people in Nepal called the Tharu. I have narrowed down to a sub-dialect called Kochila Tharu. Yesterday a friend in Nepal showed video footage of him driving in the exact same area in Nepal. My heart left. I know there is a link. Invite God into a situation and watch things unfold. Amen!

You’ve forgiven our many sins and covered every one of them in your love. Pause in his presence Psalms 85:2 TPT https://bible.com/bible/1849/psa.85.2.TPT This Psalm was written by a worship leader. The sons of Korah were gatekeepers at the temple and they also stood up amidst the people and worshipped the Lord. This is prophetic of what Jesus would do for us. When we ask Him for forgiveness,  it is given. However, He goes further and cleanses us from all sin and places a new heart within us, a heart that desires Him and His truth. Amen! If you have a favourite song, sing it now and worship Him and His great gift of forgiveness. Amen!

18 There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. So the one who fears has not reached perfection in love. 1 John 4:18 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/1jn.4.18.HCSB Today I was contemplating withdrawing my nomination in the upcoming astronomy club elections. I was being intimidated by the power of what was happening in the club by the men. I listened to a podcast by TD Jakes on rejection. He talked about a disorder formed by repeated rejection. I knew it was attempting to waylay me and so bravely I am persisting. I feel likea little Indian lady facing a tank. I will be obedient, because I know I must fight for the voice of the women, the youth and children.  At present it is mostly about men and their huge toys. They are very good at what they do as well. However, I know I am a good leader. So, I will persist and trust the Lord. Amen!

18 There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. So the one who fears has not reached perfection in love. 1 John 4:18 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/1jn.4.18.HCSB Fear causes us to pull back in relationships on earth. Fear can cause the same with our God, if we allow it. Yet, if we press into God, His perfect love drives out the fear. If we are raised in a legal, strict church or family, we will have  fear of punishment. Wheras,  those who are raised with praise and love have a different expectation. I knew the strict, legal environment. It took a while for me to shake it off. I image being raised in the house of a Pharisee could have been the same. The gospel of John reveals a man who knew love and freedom. John's father was a fisherman. The fact that he was able to leave his father with the fishing nets to follow Jesus, along with his brother James, speaks of freedom.  The gospel of John is vastly different to the ot...

9 And the Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day there will be one Lord—his name alone will be worshiped. Zechariah 14:9 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/zec.14.9.NLT Can you imagine this? Outside of heaven, I can't.  Yet this is what the prophesy says. To my mind it ties in with the millennial reign of Christ on the earth. Imagine the earth living under the rulership of Christ for 1,000 years, and Satan being locked away. How peaceful! Unfortunately he is released at the end of 1,000 years,  and he incites all the nations of the world to rise up against Christ for the last final battle, then he is gone forever, and so is the earth as we know it. Prophesy is intriguing. Trying to discern what is imagery and what is factual is a challenge. I think if we remember that God uses imagery. Remember Daniel? Ezekiel? If not check the books out. The best thing to remember is that Jesus wins. Amen! I had another dream last night. It was about a university.  The students l...

9 God will be king over all the earth, one God and only one. What a Day that will be! Zechariah 14:9 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/zec.14.9.MSG This chapter seems to speak to Armageddon and the defeat of the nations who come against Jerusalem, with the resultant rulership of Christ. So much of prophesy speak of the end times, barely a prophet arises without addressing it in some way. I have been reading Revelation and now turn to this scripture, and it ties in. The truth of the matter is: Jesus is returning and He will be Lord of all. There will be no more room for defiance and opposition. In this chapter it speaks of the flesh rotting on people who come against Him,  and those who refuse to pay homage to Him, thereafter, endure famine. No grace here. As we still live in a time of grace, let us come boldly to our God, in faith. As we see our natural world turn to world domination through vaccine passports, we have a taste of authoritarian rule. Let us give up all manner of foolish...

Therefore, whatever you want others to do for you, do also the same for them — this is the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/mat.7.12.HCSB Today I had my brother come to install a power point and have lunch. He told me about  problem he was having at work. Funnily enough my dream related to his predicament. I was so pleased to be a part of the answer. I came away with: more Lord, give me more! God has answers for people. He is good. Amen!

Therefore, whatever you want others to do for you, do also the same for them — this is the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/mat.7.12.HCSB I seriously don't think people believe this. Why else would they not behave as if they do? If we are cognisant of a fact, we act with that knowledge in mind, unless we refuse to believe it. However, even in refusal to believe is an awareness that it might just be right. I awoke from a powerful dream this morning about a powerful man who was confronted by the gospel but did not want to humble himself and ask Christ into his heart. Instead he wanted to impress with his own power. I was not impressed. I knew my God and was there on His business. This intimidated the powerful man. Our God has business to attend to with all manner of men and women, no matter what tag they carry, how much money they have, or how powerful they, and others think they are. The truth of the gospel is powerful indeed, more powerful than any...

4 “You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you. Matthew 5:4 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/mat.5.4.MSG I think that in losing everything I have gained everything. The Lord fills all the cracks, His oil pours into every crevice. No human can do this. We will have moments of delight, moments of bliss, however, our God provides a safe place, always. Yes it is good to be out of lockdown. I have friends coming for dinner tonight, my brother is coming to lunch tomorrow and a girlfriend is coming tomorrow afternoon to play games. No we are not back at church tomorrow but the following week we are. Yes! All though lockdown my God has been here. His comfort, His presence, His words are good. How good is He?? Very!!!

Those who mourn are blessed, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/mat.5.4.HCSB Today, more than any other day we are confronted by loss: loss of a homeland, loss of family, loss of businesses and income, loss of freedom, loss of faithfulness, loss of health, loss of church support. Therefore, today more than ever we need the comfort of our God. In His comfort we are sustained, energised to start afresh, given new hope. 13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen! Romans 15:13

18 God’s there, listening for all who pray, for all who pray and mean it. Psalm 145:18 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/psa.145.18.MSG As a parent I could tell when an apology from my children were sincere or insincere. As a father, so does the Lord. Jesus was quick to point out the type of prayers God answers. He commended those who reached out in faith: the woman with the issue of blood, the man who had 4 friends pull apart a roof to get him to Jesus, the centurion, the woman who refused to be sent away by Jesus. Each of these did something,  however, I am sure prayer was a part of their act of faith. Today, weak prayers that need life support do not cut it. Jesus accused a church of being neither hot or cold, but rather lukewarm.  He said He would spew them out of His mouth.  He was not attracted to these. Remember God listens to passionate prayer. Amen!

The Lord is near all who call out to Him, all who call out to Him with integrity. Psalms 145:18 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/psa.145.18.HCSB I know the Lord is good to me. He has given me everything I need, not want. By doing this He has taught me to understand the difference between needs and wants. Intrgrity speaks of spiritual honesty. In my heart of hearts I know, and God knows the truth of a matter.  If I am in His perfect will and doing exactly what He wants of me, all is well. Things go wrong when this alignment is out. If I am living in selfishness or laziness and want to be spoilt,  God will teach me diligence and selflessness. Although the world may be unravelling, God is present and I am safe in Him. As I let God be God, He does an excellent job. Amen!

37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. 38 Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.” Matthew 9:37‭-‬38 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/mat.9.37-38.HCSB What motivated this comment by Jesus? Compassion!  The verse before says: ..He had compassion on them because they were weary and worn out, like sheep without a shepherd. Sheep that do not have a shepherd are prey to wild animals, they become tangled in thorn bushes, wire from old fences, fly blown and filled with worms. Sheep with a shepherd  are protected and cared for. How can workers, who go into the harvest become shepherds? First, they must see themselves as shepherds, carers of the sheep, not an occasional stranger that has a good word for them. A shepherd is committed, stays put, prays for his sheep and looks to their welfare. I have a paddock of sheep. They live in my street. My God is good, He has sent me workers. Today I found a new ...

37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. 38 Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.” Matthew 9:37‭-‬38 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/mat.9.37-38.HCSB Isn't it amazing that Jesus said this? He had just seen the huge crowd who looked to Him like sheep without a shepherd. In verse 34 he had the Pharisees after Him about His methodology, accusing Him to be full of demons. How does this apply today? What are God's people preoccupied with today? Fighting over truth about the current political climate and vaccinations, holed up in their houses occupying themselves, whilst outside the world is going to hell in a basket. I had two dreams again last night. I dreamt of thr death of a prominent pastor and the Lord asking me to pray for his son. The next dream I was in this man's church long ago and saw a woman I knew and felt led to tell her to become a teacher. The pastor then asked me to care for a...

7 Each person should do as he has decided in his heart — not reluctantly or out of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/2co.9.7.HCSB Having been in sales I know how to market a product. A lot of teaching about giving leans to the 'should do' camp or bribery camp: give so God will bless. Yet, this scripture indicates a freedom. If we want context we read around the scripture. In what is it referring to. Paul is writing to the Corinthian Church about a offering they had promised and he was about to collect. He tells how others have given and reminding the Corinthians it is good to keep your word. In light of this, is is free? Originally it was. Now, Paul is reminding the church of their word. They had a choice to give or not, but once a word is given, it is expected to be kept, unless it had been given rashly without means to keep it.

7 Each person should do as he has decided in his heart — not reluctantly or out of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/2co.9.7.HCSB Many years ago my then husband Tony and I were in a new church who had a building fund appeal.  In those days we had just two connect groups, or bible study groups as they were called then. We ran one and the pastor ran the other. Ours was very successful and the pastor became worried that we were attempting to split the church, which we were not. We had pledged to give $2,000 to the building fund, which was a lot back in the early 80s. Even though we ended up leaving the church because the pastor made a public accusation against us, we left the money with the church. We went to another church which was a long distance from home for a time, until we found another closer. What is the purpose of this tale? Integrity in giving is important. If God leads us to give a gift,  we should give it. Al...

1 Christ has liberated us to be free. Stand firm then and don’t submit again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/gal.5.1.HCSB When we operate in fleshly strength or opinions, we go back to law, because freedom in Christ is death to the flesh. When we resurect the flesh we are back in the domain of law. When we allow the Spirit of God to flow through us, then we are in the Spirit and the result is life. Not only do we bring life to others, we have good fellowship with the Lord. That is the best part for us. When social media posts or news media articles annoy us, our flesh is active.  A wise person pulls back and goes to the Lord and gives the problem to Him. He has a way for us to act. Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit.  Amen!

1 Christ has liberated us to be free. Stand firm then and don’t submit again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/gal.5.1.HCSB This verse comes before Paul telling the Galatians what will happen if they allow Jewish teachers to convince them to be circumcised. Christ will not benefit them, as Christ was the message of freedom from law. Jesus fulfilled the law through dying on the cross and being raised from the dead. He was the price, the perfect sacrifice. How does this apply to us today? We must live in faith as free men and women. We do not have to flay ourselves, crawl on our knees, punish ourselves, because the proce of perfection was met in Jesus. We live in His perfection by faith. He was and is enough. Does it mean we now break the law of the land? No! We uphold the law and respect our leaders. We are meant to be a blessing, a light, a way.  Amen! I had two more dreams during the night. These were both about relationship restoration and buildi...

35 Jesus said to them, “I am the Bread of Life. Come every day to me and you will never be hungry. Believe in me and you will never be thirsty. John 6:35 TPT https://bible.com/bible/1849/jhn.6.35.TPT If we have food and drink, we are satisfied. Being satisfied with life is a true blessing. In Jesus we can be satisfied with Him. Jesus said His food was to do the will of Him who sent Him. When Satan tempted Him in the desert to make bread out of stones, Satan was tempting His flesh.  Jesus replied, "man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." He knew His satisfaction was tied up with the Father, not the flesh. May we see Jesus as our food indeed and as our drink. We need not seek fulfillment in a great steak and glass of wine.  There's the challenge!  In this world we live in, food and drink have become a top priority. Our TV'S bomblast us with food and drink ads, so much so fasting becomes a problem. Help Lord! Amen!

35 “I am the bread of life,” Jesus told them. “No one who comes to Me will ever be hungry, and no one who believes in Me will ever be thirsty again. John 6:35 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/jhn.6.35.HCSB Jesus has ways of sifting His followers, and this is one of them. Later on in the chapter He says: unless you eat my body and drink my blood you cannot have life in yourselves (v 53). Here is was not referring to cannibalism but rather total absorption of all that He was. After this many left Him. How does Jesus still sift us, His followers? By allowing experiences into our lives which test us, they show us if we are truely followers of Christ,  if we have taken up our crosses and followed Him. Several of my Christian friends are struggling in lockdown. This is a testing season for them. Last night I had two more dreams. These both involved foreigners to me, but people God loves and welcomes with open arms. As I welcomed them, they opened their homes to me. I love foreigners and t...

1‭-‬2 If God doesn’t build the house, the builders only build shacks. If God doesn’t guard the city, the night watchman might as well nap. It’s useless to rise early and go to bed late, and work your worried fingers to the bone. Don’t you know he enjoys giving rest to those he loves? Psalm 127:1‭-‬2 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/psa.127.1-2.MSG God must be the orchestrator, the inspiration,  the motivator. When He is all of these, we can trust Him for the outcome. Today the Paralymlics ended. What a blessing they have been to one in lockdown. I pray the athletes all make it home unaffected by COVID. The danger they have placed themselves in is enormous. It is assumed that with all precautions taken they will be fine. Some will return to States where the danger is greater here. Whilst endeavouring to have a day of rest from study I watched a documentary of the first astronauts.  One of seven was devout in his faith, yet he was the first to face real danger. Fortunately he made...

1‭-‬2 If God doesn’t build the house, the builders only build shacks. If God doesn’t guard the city, the night watchman might as well nap. It’s useless to rise early and go to bed late, and work your worried fingers to the bone. Don’t you know he enjoys giving rest to those he loves? Psalm 127:1 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/psa.127.1.MSG I have long known: if God is inspiring and involved in a project, it will stand, if not, it will fail. If God inspires me to do a thing, I will be fine, though flood and fire may come, I will stand. Always when trouble comes I bring what I am doing before the Lord and ask Him, do you want me to continue? If He says "yes" , then I hang in there. If He says, "time to go" , no matter what I go. Hanging in there, at times, can be troubling and difficult, and it can make you wonder if you heard right, but hang in there and let God have His way. He knows what He wants to achieve. Amen! I had two more dreams last night. Another on educat...

13‭-‬15 Are you hurting? Pray. Do you feel great? Sing. Are you sick? Call the church leaders together to pray and anoint you with oil in the name of the Master. Believing-prayer will heal you, and Jesus will put you on your feet. And if you’ve sinned, you’ll be forgiven—healed inside and out. James 5:13‭-‬15 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/jas.5.13-15.MSG Note the difference between hurting and sickness. Hurting here is to do with a spiritual burden caused by misfortune or poor choices. The difference is, one you pray through and the other, sickness, you call for the elders to annoint you with oil, and if you need forgiveness, you will be forgiven. Why forgiveness? Remember Jesus saying, "Your sins are forgiven" ? Sin can cause sickness. Forgiveness is important. We need to give it to receive it. The Lord's Prayer says: 'forgive us our sins as we forgive others'. So today, forgive and be forgiven. Amen!

13 Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. James 5:13 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/jas.5.13.NLT In this day may are suffering.  In Australia and my state NSW, we have been weeks in lockdown, now Victoria has joined us. This affects people's sanity, their ability to earn and income, and if they are Chinese they would be abused because of their homeland. In this case we need to pray. Whereas Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia have escaped thus far. They should sing praises. Last night before sleep I felt led to read Ezekiel. I read a few chapters before falling asleep. Ezekiel saw amazing things in the heavenly but then God required him to lay on his left side, tied up with ropes, for 390 days. He was to eat what God had told him and drink only a certain amount of water.  The nurse in me is horrified. I know how blood pools and if made lie in one position if only for weeks, bedsores break out. I wonder...

12 That is why the Lord says, “Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Joel 2:12 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/jol.2.12.NLT Why is fasting, weeping and mourning required? Verse 13 tells us: ...return to the Lord. This means the people were away from the Lord. Joel says, just before this: tear your hearts and not just your clothes. The people were good at a form of religion but their hearts were far from Him. Does this apply to us? Are we used to just showing up on Sunday, maybe looking at our bible App, like we would a promise box and expecting that snatch to sustain us against the onslaught that comes throughout the day? Do we seek more leisure time watching movies that tear apart our beliefs in the sanctity of marriage, purity before marriage, the rights of the unborn? Which God do we serve? Entertainment or our holy God? If we know we are serving leisure and self, then we are the god, we have replaced our God. Therefore, ...

12 That is why the Lord says, “Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Joel 2:12 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/jol.2.12.NLT Joel is one of the Old Testament prophetic books. Joel 2 starts with: 1 Sound the trumpet in Jerusalem! Raise the alarm on my holy mountain! Let everyone tremble in fear because the day of the Lord is upon us. It goes on to describe the destruction. Verse 6 says:  6 Fear grips all the people; every face grows pale with terror.   After the description of the horror comes our verse for the day: Even now, turn to Me with all your hearts, with fasting, weeping and mourning. Last night I had two dreams. In the first I had been watching the paralympics and taken lots of photos, thinking to arrange them later. However, later I could not remember the names of the participants. My head buzzed with the speed of the images and the business but they were worthless until I remembered the names.  I felt...

21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good. Romans 12:21 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/rom.12.21.NLT Don't let evil conquer you! It is throwing all it can at you. Resisit the devil and he will flee. James 4:7. Note: he will flee! Amen! Today Vision radio addressed  beautifully the problems Christians are having with vaccination. A Christian university specialist spoke to all concerns raised. I am grateful that he raised the same things I have: imagine you are the government and having to protect all you citizens, what would you do? Think as a responsible person, who do you want to protect from COVID? Assess your emotions. Are you in fear or rebellion? Both are bad reasons for Christians for not being vaccinated. Vaccinstions are a test case. How does a godly person handle government edicts? What is a Christians responsibility to their government? What is a Christians response to caring for others before themselves? The noise has to be turned off. The word of Go...

21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good. Romans 12:21 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/rom.12.21.NLT The verses before this one gives us an indication of how to overcome evil: 20 Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” 21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good. We seem to have a lot of enemies all of a sudden. People who do not know one another are fighting over opinions. Jesus said this would happen in the end times: Matthew 24: 10 10 And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. I had another dream this morning about traffic lights, people were fighting over which colours they should be named. The Lord spoke to me that this depicts people fighting over end times prophesy. Irregardless of opinions over colour, they are there,  and will still change as times progress. This reminds me of the Pharis...

17 But in that coming day no weapon turned against you will succeed. You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the Lord; their vindication will come from me. I, the Lord, have spoken! Isaiah 54:17 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/isa.54.17.NLT Well praise God, no earthquake! I had a vivid dream this morning that there was an earthquake here in my city today at 12.15pm. The reason I knew the time, in my dream I realised it was 12 .15pm and that I had to leave for a dentist appointment at 12.30pm. I prepared just in case and was able to put everything back that I had secured. I reasoned that as it was the first day of spring here in Australia I would take the opportunity to spring clean. Each September and April I change the colour scheme in my house to reflect the season. The cool greens and blues help in summer and the reds and oranges in winter help make the place look warm. It works. As this dream was the second lately that was...

17 But in that coming day no weapon turned against you will succeed. You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the Lord; their vindication will come from me. I, the Lord, have spoken! Isaiah 54:17 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/isa.54.17.NLT Our enemy thrown many things at us. First we must recognise who is doing the throwing and second we must use appropriate weapons to deal with him. Thirdly our God promises that the enemy's weapons will not succeed. Whilst this verse is a part of God's promise to Israel, us Christians can take the scripture to heart and appropriate it for ourselves. Before waking today I had a dream about an earthquake happening here in my city at 12.15pm. Whilst the earthquake levelled most buildings, the one I was in was unharmed and so was I. I remember the earthquake of Newcastle NSW. My family and I were on Fraser Island, just finishing our holiday. We could not believe that an earthquake the si...