The day with dianne Louise

Remember this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. 2 Corinthians 9:6 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/2co.9.6.HCSB Generosity creates. God is good, we can operate in His goodness and touch our world. Today I gave out the gospel of Luke as a Christmas gift around my area. One man and I had had problems for years, mainly because my dog didn't like his dog. Today I handed him the Christmas gift. He said, " you religious are you?" I said, " no, not religious, but just someone who has found God." He told me he used to be a Catholic.  I said,  " funny thing, so was I until I found the Lord." He smiled and changed the subject. However, I am so grateful we are now friends. When his dog died I wrote him a poem and it touched his heart.   Another man I gave the gospel to is a JW. He wrote me a beautiful note to thank me and tell me he believes in Jesus. Although I had study to compl...

Remember this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. 2 Corinthians 9:6 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/2co.9.6.HCSB Living to give beats living for self. Living for self thinks of all the ways self can spend money. Living for others thinks of all the ways a person can bless others. The giver is aware of the needs of others close to them and far from them. As a result the giver creates a cycle which enables flow. The income can flow more freely as there are no blockages. The outflow is pure because self is not in the way with expectations.  The more generous a person is the greater the flow. Live for the flow! Amen!

He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son He loves. Colossians 1:13 HCSB In lands where war and strife is constant people want to escape to freedom. Many will risk death to travel across seas on flimsy boats. However, the Christian does not need a flimsy boat to reach the kingdom of God. We could never reach it. The requirement to enter is believe in the Son of God and accepting Him as the way. Australia has many people in the country waiting for permanent residency. Many will wait years. Yet, the kingdom of God has no waiting time. The wait is on us. No more waiting!

He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son He loves. Colossians 1:13 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/col.1.13. HCSB We often see a rescue taking place in the media. I remember seeing our armed services rescuing people from Afghanistan.  We are hearing their grateful interviews back in Australia. We who know Christ have the same story. We were hell bent on destruction,  destined for eternal fire, when He stepped in and rescued us. He saved us, because of His great love, not because we were good. We cannot save ourselves. We need a saviour who is perfect in every way, that is Jesus. Show it in your behaviour, your testimony! Amen!

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; a light has dawned on those living in the land of darkness. Isaiah 9:2 HCSB Much darkness is upon the earth. Doctrines of demons proliferate. It is becoming scary.  People who have influence are sprouting anti-vax propaganda,  and ultimately responsible for influencing many. Will they accept responsibility if their followers become ill with COVID? Do we realise how stupid we make the church look when ministers of God behave this way? Why would unchurched be attracted unless they were also looking for a group that held similar beliefs about the governments of the world destroying freedom. Oh Lord! Forgive us! Wake us up to our stupidity! Have mercy!

The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine. Isaiah 9:2 NLT When in darkness we long for light. If we go into a dark room, we reach for the light switch. If we happen to be in a dark cave, fear causes us to strike  light. The unknown is in that cave. Are huge spiders and slithering snakes filling the cave? Darkness of soul longs for the light. We do not bear darkness of soul well. We medicate it. Yet, in that dark place is God. If we reach out to Him, He will be our comfort, our strength, and ultimately our song. The bible is full of stories of people who went through dark places. Job, and The Psalms, are particularly good at dealing with the place. Many heroes of faith have been in the place, great men and women of God have suffered lonliness, distress and rejection. They show us the way out, listen to them. The book of Hebrews calls them heroes, yet, when they were in the dark places they probably thoug...

‘May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.’ Numbers 6:24‭-‬26 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/num.6.24-26.NLT I talk to many people who lack peace. They struggle to find happiness and drink too much, take drugs, are unfaithful, do wild and silly things believing they will bring lasting peace and happiness, they won't. Everything has a price. The price can be very expensive: disease, addiction, loss of family and friends, loss of employment,  loss of a place called home. What is the alternative? A relationship with a most faithful, loving, undemanding God who wants to spend time with us and give us all of Himself, which is peace personified. How good is that? Very good! Amen!

‘May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.’ Numbers 6:24‭-‬26 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/num.6.24-26.NLT This is a blessing the Lord gave to Moses, who was then to instruct Aaron and his sons to proclaim it over God's people. It was a priestly blessing. Many have used it since that day. Unusually it comes st the end of a chapter on the Nazarite vow. This was a dedicated service open to females as well as males. It was for a specific period of time. Sampson and Sameul's mothers took this vow during a time of barrenness. Sampson took the vow but was negligent with it. It involved not cutting hair, drinking alcohol, eat grapes or dried fruit, go near dead bodies. Back to blessing. Last night when I had finished my study for the day, I checked my uni emails. I have been given a term scholarship, what a beautiful gift! Last Saturday when I mowed a patch of lawn for my neighbo...

Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. James 1:17 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/jas.1.17.NLT  Here in my city we have had a lot of rain coming down, so much so that we are in flood. Just think! We could experience a flood of good coming down from the Father. His best was Jesus. Now we have Him residing in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, the sky is the limit. All, all the goodness of God is ours. His presence, His patience, His faithfulness, His love, His comfort, His provision and more in abundance. How good is that? I am grateful! How about you??

Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. James 1:17 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/jas.1.17.NLT I look at the stars and planets and say, 'this is good'; I look at a new born baby and say, 'this is good'. I have seen spectacular natural scenes and said they were good. Howevr, still, the best has been a relationship with the Son of God. Having gifts are great, but the best is relationship. Gifts wear out but the relationship with my creator has lasted and grown better. Knowing the One who gave the ultimate gift, His life for mine, is treasure indeed. He is good. Eternal life, a gift to claim, is good, but knowing He waits for me every day is best. Amen!

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/1ch.16.34.NLT In our modern culture things that last are an anomaly. In times past, things that lasted were expected. What has changed? The push of self, greed, need for more, newer is better propaganda. Movies and TV serials consist of the need for the rush of exuberance, emotional and sexual highs. What do we listen to? I like long-lasting relationships. I am still friends with former primary school friends, high school friends. One I have know since I was 5 or younger. Knowing the Lord since 19 is next longest, however the most important. Next week I am 68. I am one year from knowing the Lord for 50 years. How good is continuity? How certain, how gratifying is stability and certainty? God's love is everlasting and has always been. Now, that is a long, long time. Amen!

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/1ch.16.34.NLT Giving thanks is not just for when we receive but in anticipation of the receipt of our petitions. Giving thanks because of God's goodness, our greatest treasure, our greatest gift. Next week is my birthday and I planned a dinner with friends. One friend asked what I wanted as a present. I was grateful,  there was no one else who asked. Yet, just the fact that they will come and celebrate with me is a present, a joy. The present is the icing but the relationships are the treasure. The rain I prayed for so long and hard has not found reason to give up. Perhaps I prayed too hard, yet, I am grateful. As we have had so many years of drought, the rain we are receiving is amazing. Thank You Lord! If this rain is an indication of prayer answered,  wow! Watch the barriers fall! Amen!

The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. Psalms 28:7 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.28.7.NLT All created things have a song. I just heard my first frog song in many, many years.  I had not realised it was missing until it came again. I have childhood memories of frogs singing in the rain. It is obvious that we have not had rain like we have now, for the longest time. So good! We can forget our song, until it comes again. You see we each have a song that delights the heart of the Lord. We can, because of loss of attention or focus, not miss it.  Yet it is vital to us, it is life and a joy to the Lord. What is your song? Think about it and find again. Amen!

The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. Psalms 28:7 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.28.7.NLT This Psalm has three parts: Verses 1-5 is a petition, Lord see me, remember me! Verses 6-7 praise for personal help-the Lord heard my prayer, the Lord is my strength and shield Verses 8-9 corporate praise. The Lord is the strength of His people The above verse is personal gratitude and praise. It is always good when your prayers are answered. Even if all you have is a sense of the presence of God and an affirmation that He has heard your prayer. God is good! Find Him! Amen!

But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.” Jeremiah 17:10 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/jer.17.10.NLT If we received what we deserve, we would all be in hell. Fortunately, Jeremiah wrote this before Christ came on the scene. We can go to Him for forgiveness and cleansing. Yet, for those who refuse to admit their sins, judgement awaits. My prayer is we find awareness of sin. Repentance is a gift from God. Without the grace to repent we are doomed to stay in hardened hearts and receive our just deserts. Repentance opens the door to forgiveness, and oh what a glorious state is that! Find repentance! Amen!

“The heart is hopelessly dark and deceitful, a puzzle that no one can figure out. But I, God, search the heart and examine the mind. I get to the heart of the human. I get to the root of things. I treat them as they really are, not as they pretend to be.” Jeremiah 17:9‭-‬10 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/jer.17.9-10.MSG I love this scripture. It makes me realise that pretence is no good. Proverbs tells us: as a man thinks in his heart, so is he.(Proverbs 23:7) Notice, ' thinks in his heart '. We are not aware of how we think in our heart, we are aware of how we think in our head. Our head can be deceived by our hearts lack of communication until it has an audience, then it is too late. This is why Jeremiah says the heart is deceitful above all else, it is! Yet the heart is what God checks. He is saying, "I see you little sucker!" (My words) Our heart may deceive us but not God. It is in our heart that selfishness, self-righteousness, or a purity reside. Jesus said, ...

I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalms 91:2 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/psa.91.2.HCSB There are times of low strength. Be it because of illness, fatigue or a negative attitude. I have an elderly neighbour who vowed she could not find the strength to mow her lawns and has paid someone for almost a year now. On Friday she was determined to mow her lawn because she was listing her house for sale.  Amazingly, she found the strength, with a little help from a friend. I laughed and pointed out the fact to her. We are friends and so she did not mind. She told me today that she was pleasantly surprised at how much energy she still had. Attitude determines a lot when it comes to strength. Even when ill I put my feet on the floor and tell the Lord, ' I don't have the privilege of being ill, I don't have the money for doctors or having someone else do my work. So Lord You must heal me.' He does.  When we make God our all, He steps ...

I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalms 91:2 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/psa.91.2.HCSB If I say to someone, you are my friend, I hope I then treat that person as a friend. If I say to the Lord You are my refuge, then He must be where I go when trouble strikes. If I say to Him, 'You are my fortress." Then He must be where I abide in safety, recognising times are bad. I have said before, The Lord loves to give surprises,  and He does too. Yesterday I happened to check my bank account and money had gone in. This is highly unusual for a Sunday. Usually no banking occurs on a Sunday. Surprise! The Lord is My supriser. A fortress is a strong place, impenetrable, removed from foes. We can trust the Lord to protect us.This Psalm is like many written by David, who had a foe continually chase him. The Lord, always, kept him out of reach of his enemy.David still had to keep moving, but was always out of reach of King Saul. The Lord needs t...

“Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. Matthew 11:28‭-‬29 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/mat.11.28-29.HCSB Today was a beautiful wet day. Church was good and so was my time spent at the astronomy centre. Obviously not many visitors came so I talked to the two other members there. I was able to talk about prophesy to one in particular, and how the world will end. We came upon the subject after discussing the goal of USA to populate Mars and the Moon. Fortunately the man I spoke to had very mixed ideas about eternity, and I was able to tell him heaven and hell are real places. I saw his strengths in the club and honoured him for that. I also encouraged him to follow what God had gifted him with. I came home and had a nap. That is what you do in wet weather. It was good. Then I walked down to a neighbour with a fresh loaf of...

“Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. Matthew 11:28‭-‬29 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/mat.11.28-29.HCSB We rest after work. We always seem to like that right or need even. Rest recharges us, refreshers us, provided we do actually rest and not do something equally demanding. How do you spend Sunday? Do you give the Lord more time or do you take it all for yourself? Do you include family and friends in your rest? Is ti a time to spend on God's work and heart? I do a bit of both. If there is a way I can be used by God, I do that as well as church. If not I rest at home, listen to the radio, podcasts, audible books etc. I am grateful for rest. Tomorrow, until Friday, my brain is engaged in study. This is tiring at times, enjoyable at others. Rest is found in Christ. There is nothing I can do to make myself more accepta...

Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/rom.12.2.HCSB This afternoon I watched a Disney movie whilst ironing.  Even Disney is now infiltrated with same sex attractions. Do children need this at a young age? Our society is gradually floating towards the precipice from which only a saviour can redeem it. We expect young children to decide what gender they are, whilst they cannot drink and drive. We must remember what we feed them they become. I came away knowing the end goal of the movie was a feel good experience, a lovey dovey show at best. Give me the  cut and thrust of a Clive Cusler espionage any day. I prefer to read, so that I can turn the page or skip a few if I don't enjoy what I am reading, and if it is bad put it down or throw it away. What would the Lord prefer our eye gates focused on? Paul tells us: whate...

Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/rom.12.2.HCSB We are conditioned by what we actively live in. This means willingly participate in and embrace. There are many Christians caught in oppressive environments, this does not conform them, it strengthens their faith. Conformation happens when we willingly participate and enjoy the culture. During the last two years, especially, we have been prevented from living as we please. We have encountered lockdowns due to COVID. As a result many churches have gone on-line.  However, even when freedom is given to attend church  numbers are down. Why? People have become used to being a spectator in many areas of life, church is now another. If our churches make it easy to be spectators,  that's what we will have, spectators not participators.  Christianity is not a spe...

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/2co.3.17.HCSB Some of the most liberated people alive are those with the least to shout about. They may not have worldly possessions,  but they have a living relationship ship with Jesus. They are definitely alive!  Jesus came to give us life abundantly. His life is all about the kingdom of God, not the kingdoms of men. His grace sets us free from sin, selfishness and materialism. He is real life, dynamic life. This life  changes things, changes people. This is where we need to be! Amen!

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/2co.3.17.HCSB Freedom! It is great! When we hear that word we think of freedom from poverty, oppressive employers, oppressive relationships, but there is a deeper freedom awaiting us. This is freedom from sin. There is a sin we fail to recognise, and it is pride. It wears many outfits: pride in ability to sing, play an instrument, do well in sport, do well in business. In fact anywhere we do well, we are proud of our achievements.  Subtly, we can be proud in small things, things we miss: proud that we held our own, outsmarted someone,  outtalked a rival, was more righteous than another. The list goes on. They all show self, and not God. Do you know you have been set free from all manifestations of pride? God is keen to liberate you from all centres of pride. Recently I asked for help with pride. Yesterday, I did not outsmart my enemy, he won and...

Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 1 John 4:7 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/1jn.4.7.HCSB There are times when it is harder than others to love people. As well, some are more challenging than others.  Yet, have you noticed where love comes from? God! If God's Spirit is living within us then we have love, even if we don't feel it. This means love is not a feeling. We put it into action by faith, just like everything else. Hot dog!!! How good is that! Now, step out in faith amd love that sucker! Amen!

Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 1 John 4:7 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/1jn.4.7.HCSB Last night I had band practice and was under pressure from external factors. I had a uni tutorial, if I could make it home in time and I had an astronomy lecture at 7.30pm. I was alone until 15 minutes past the start time and when the guitarist did come he was ready for a chat. I let my agenda go and trusted the Lord. We had a good practice, very good in fact. Some people I flow with, I did with this guitarist, plus we could take our masks off! Yes! I missed my tutorial but made it to the lecture on astronomy, it was very good. I am so grateful I changed my attitude and let love take over. The guitarist runs a business and is instrumental in sending aid to countries I am praying for. He was late because of this ministry. Always there is another point of view. Always!

There is no one holy like the Lord. There is no one besides You! And there is no rock like our God. 1 Samuel 2:2 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/1sa.2.2.HCSB Jesus said: the pure in heart will see God. What does that look like? How can I know if my heart is pure? We usually know when we have junk on board, we feel uncomfortable around holiness. So then, if we pray and ask the Lord to show us our heart, we will see it,  and if we're clever we will repent. Moses was called  friend of God. So he must have had some holiness on board. Check him out and see what that looked like. We know Joshua also like to hang out in God's tent, so check him out also. Looking at people in the bible helps us understand how we can welcome God's holiness. Check it out today! amen

There is no one holy like the Lord. There is no one besides You! And there is no rock like our God. 1 Samuel 2:2 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/1sa.2.2.HCSB Do you remember who said these words? A lowly woman called Hannah, Samuel's mum. She was earnestly seeking the Lord for a child and was praying in the temple. She had it right. There is no one Holy like our God! She was buttering the Lord up with her praise. He loved it and responded with the best He could give her, a mighty man of God called Samuel. Samuel was holy unto the Lord, he only spoke what God told him to speak and do what God told him to do. Today I proclaim ' there is no one like my God! He is holy! Pure! Righteous! His judgements are true! Amen! I had two dreams last night. Both disturbed me. The first was about demons in God's people and me trying to discern who had a right spirit in them. We had a mighty enemy come up against us but I had a few bold, righteous women I could trust. The second dream was mo...

Happy are those who keep His decrees and seek Him with all their heart. Psalms 119:2 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/psa.119.2.HCSB Happy children are obedient children. They enjoy living in the house with their parents. (Iam aware that happy children in some places are safe children). In God's house He is not abusive. He is a good father. We can trust Him to erect safe boundaries,  and when we live within those boundaries we are happy.  Again today we see news of a police  search for a boy who disappeared 7 years ago. Now they are looking for a dead boy. How sad! He seemed a happy boy. Yet the police are digging in what was supposed to be a safe place. We can trust the Lord to keep us safe. Amen!

Happy are those who keep His decrees and seek Him with all their heart. Psalms 119:2 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/psa.119.2.HCSB Isn't it a shame that the term 'all in' will be recognised in poker but not in life. In poker a person is usual low on funds and they come to a point where they will risk what is left for the hand in play. If a player in a physical game is declared 'all in' they are exhausted. Let us not be exhausted Christians but ones who give it all! Let us seek God with ALL we have: spirit, body and soul. God is looking for such people. Let Him find us! Amen!

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying: Who should I send? Who will go for Us? I said: Here I am. Send me. Isaiah 6:8 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/isa.6.8.HCSB I wonder if the Lord spoke this verse just for Isaiah's sake? It was only him caught up in the vision. Was its God's way of calling Isaiah? His way of imparting to Him a task,  and the importance of that task? I know it impresses me and many more beside. I know the Lord is calling me to purity, to laying aside worldly desires and entertainments. I sense I am being called out of something and into something, another view, another priority. As I do I see with different eyes, I see the uncleanness, the deception,  the lazy spiritedness of many. We must be ready to go. Amen!

If someone claims, “I know him well!” but doesn’t keep his commandments, he’s obviously a liar. His life doesn’t match his words. But the one who keeps God’s word is the person in whom we see God’s mature love. This is the only way to be sure we’re in God. Anyone who claims to be intimate with God ought to live the same kind of life Jesus lived. 1 John 2:4‭-‬6 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/1jn.2.4-6.MSG How did Jesus live? He was focussed,  even as  young man. His parents found him after three days searching, in the temple, about His Father's business.  How focussed are you? What are you focussed on? Are you concerned with your Father's business or the latest car, house gadget, movie, game etc? Who yanks your  chain?  Today I went to see a Christian movie: Sabina, Tortured for Christ.  Sabina and her husband Richard were focussed on the work of the cross. If they were not saving Jews they were saving Nazis after they lost the war. There were only 10 people...

not just by saying, “I am intimate with God,” but by walking in the footsteps of Jesus. 1 John 2:6 TPT https://bible.com/bible/1849/1jn.2.6.TPT The previous three verses are applicable to this verse. Verse 3 states: this is how we are sure that we have come to know Him: by keeping His commands. If we want to know what these commands are we should read further. John is a good author and writes with his heart.  Jesus said: I only do what I see My Father doing. How did He see what His Father (God) was doing? He was abiding. This is something He told us to do in John 15. Abide in Me and My words will abide in you and you can ask whatever you want and it will be done for you (7). Today I am challenged afresh with the word. Am I abiding? Am I treating others as He wants me to? Or am I back to it all being about me? Let the day unfold!

When someone curses you, bless that person in return. When others mistreat and harass you, accept it as your mission to pray for them. Luke 6:28 TPT https://bible.com/bible/1849/luk.6.28.TPT Certain people who find themselves in jail are the subject of bullying and sexual harassment. The timid and oddly different in schools are bullied and ridiculed. I wonder if Jesus was ridiculed in his younger years because of how soon he was born after his parents came together in marriage? Did his brothers ridiculed him because of his purity? We don't know because we are not told. I wonder why? Was it unimportant? Was it to protect his family who would later believe? Did he suffer as Joseph did? Joseph was a type of Jesus. Ee were told his story, was this because we would wonder about Jesus' story? Jesus was the one to give the scriptural instruction about loving enemies. He had experience you see! He saw His family come through and go on to be involved in the church He began. Keep love on...

When someone curses you, bless that person in return. When others mistreat and harass you, accept it as your mission to pray for them. Luke 6:28 TPT https://bible.com/bible/1849/luk.6.28.TPT Have you ever played tennis? You opponent serves a deathly volley, but you return it and it is theirs to deal with. In other words, thr ball is back in their court. The power that enables us to retun the ball is grace. By using grace the original server must face the nature of what they have done. Whereas if it is anger or revenge this will not happen and the enemy will continue hitting the balls, until you or they wear out. Both of you will be in a bad way and barely alive. Better to finish the game with grace. Then both will be alive. The server will have the opportunity to find truth and eternal life. Whereas, if we fail them by insisting on hatred or revenge we have doomed them, and us, to the eternal flames. Not a good choice!

When you obey my heavenly Father, that makes you a part of my true family.”Matthew 12:50 TPT https://bible.com/bible/1849/mat.12.50.TPT This afternoon I had a call from my granddaughter and her mother. We had fun chatting.  My granddaughter told me she had been grounded until February because she disobeyed her parents and lied to them. I reminded my daughter that at the same age she was also grounded. My daughter said, "But mum I was not a good girl, Chloe is a good girl." It is good that my daughter recognises her sinfulness and also deals with her daughter in the same way. I am inclined to agree that Chloe is better behaved. Our heavenly Father deals with us to bring us to maturity. He helps us face truth and come to repentance. This is what belong to good family does. I am grateful for His fathering,  so grateful!

When you obey my heavenly Father, that makes you a part of my true family.” Matthew 12:50 TPT https://bible.com/bible/1849/mat.12.50.TPT When we raise sons and daughters in our homes and they become adults we expect that our values will be their values, what we honour they should honour, what we love we trust they will love. Yet if we find one from our own body mistreating their family members or even those who come to the house, we would be well to be displeased and take them to task. Jesus was raised in the house of Mary and Joseph but also the house of God. He honoured God's values higher than earthly values by obeying God. This did not mean He mistreated His brothers and sisters but He did not allow them to dictate how He should carry out His responsibility to God. He knew He was the Son of God and His destiny was to show the people God, and die for their sins. He could not allow earthly standards to rule a heavenly dictate. Jesus used the visit of His mother and brothers to ma...

Even when your path takes me through the valley of deepest darkness, fear will never conquer me, for you already have! Your authority is my strength and my peace. The comfort of your love takes away my fear. I’ll never be lonely, for you are near. Psalms 23:4 TPT https://bible.com/bible/1849/psa.23.4.TPT No fear! We know our trained armed forces know how to deal with fear. They have awareness of their surroundings, are not casual with the abilities they or their colleagues have, yet they trust their training. We are being trained in righteousness. We have been warned we are in a war. We have weapons of warfare and an indwelling presence of God. Apart from all these, we are surrounded by the forces of heaven. Today in Australia is Remembrance Day. We remember the day the first world war ended after much loss of life and many casualties.  Wars continue, people still die. In the spirit the war never ceases. We might be foolish to hang up our weapons but our enemy doesn't. The valleys ...

Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I’m not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure. Psalm 23:4 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/psa.23.4.MSG There would be some valleys that are very dangerous, where snipers inhabit the heights, where dangerous animals lurk there. In bible stories the armies of old avoided these valleys if at all possible. Yet,  at times, they were the only way through. For us as believers, the valleys are the only way through. They are places where we learn warfare, where we discover our greatest ally, our God. It is also where we find springs and green grass, if we know where to look. For us the word of God is that place. King David was a master at warfare. He learned how to navigate valleys, He also knew how to seek His God. Let him teach you. Amen!

God means what he says. What he says goes. His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon’s scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey. Nothing and no one is impervious to God’s Word. We can’t get away from it—no matter what. Hebrews 4:12‭-‬13 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/heb.4.12-13.MSG Truth is what it is, truth! Truth brooks no arguments, there is no defence for untruth in the presence of truth. Truth is powerful. It sets captives free. When Jesus met the demoniac, his presence threatened the demons. They may have convinced the locals that they had the power, but when the met power, they begged for mercy. Jesus said: I am the Way, the Truth, and thr Life. He is truth!! Nothing can destroy His truth. His truth has all the power. HIS TRUTH SETS THE CAPTIVES FREE!! AMEN!

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Hebrews 4:12 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/heb.4.12.NLT Although the propaganda machine would have us believe that the bible is dead and useless, it is still alive and active and changing people's lives. When the truths contained in the bible are lived and spoken, they speak. We can trust the word of God. We can live it, love it, believe it, embrace it. It is there in our darkest times, it is there in our celebrations, it is always there, full of life, answers, consolation,  correction and light to the path we are on. The truth of the word of God cuts deep through bone and marrow. It uncovers the heart and reveals thoughts and intentions. Nothing us hidden from it, nothing is missing. We can trust it! Amen!

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Ephesians 3:20 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/eph.3.20.NLT God  is at work in me. His plan is to accomplish more than I have dreamed of. That is awesome! I have dreamt  some amazing dreams. Yet I know I can trust Him for the goodness He brings into dreams. This factor makes them way above mine. Remembering His surprises assure me that He can do it, again and again, and again. Amen!

Never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all, for his miraculous power constantly energizes you. Ephesians 3:20 TPT https://bible.com/bible/1849/eph.3.20.TPT Every now and then we need to see this.  It comes, often, when we start to feel our limitations and doubt a glorious future. Only a few days ago I wrote out the vision that is before me. Thr next day I am caught in dizziness and doubt. This was good to wake to. Praise God! God plants seeds of vision in our hearts. We need to visit them, write them down and believe them. Next we need to step out and walk towards them.  A 1,000 mile journey starts with one step! Begin!

“Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.” John 13:34‭-‬35 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/jhn.13.34-35.MSG The other day I had a woman ask me to teach her husband to say nice things to her. Not my place, and not my desire. I said, "I am sure he has other good attributes!" How did Jesus speak to His disciples, or even His friends? When Peter saw Jesus walking on the water and said to Him, " Lord if it is You, bid me to come!" Jesus replied, "It is I!Come!" When Peter went he walked on water and when he looked at the waves he sank. What did Jesus say? "Why did you doubt"? Now,talking to s female friend, Martha, Jesus tests her faith. He doesn't pander to her grief but challenges her faith. Where do we get this, 'speak nice to me!' Idea? Is it our construct? It looks like...

“So I give you now a new commandment: Love each other just as much as I have loved you. John 13:34 TPT https://bible.com/bible/1849/jhn.13.34.TPT How did Jesus love? To answer this we must read the gospels thoroughly. The easy answer is: He died on the cross for theirs and our sins. Yet Jesus walked with them for three years. How did He treat them? We have an example in this very chapter when Peter professes he will follow Jesus even to death. Jesus comes back with: "Will you lay down your life for Me? I assure you a rooster will not crow until you have denied Me three times" . So, we know Jesus confronted unreality with truth, He did not let it pass. In the next chapter Thomas said," Lord, we don't know where you are going. How can we know the way?" Jesus replies with, " I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me ". Jesus engages but also speaks to the bigger picture. It confuses Thomas. Phillip asks to see the ...

Truth’s shining light guides me in my choices and decisions; the revelation of your Word makes my pathway clear. Psalms 119:105 TPT https://bible.com/bible/1849/psa.119.105.TPT Truth busts through the darkness and it cannot overtake it. Truth dives deep through bone and marrow and cuts to the heart of the matter. Today I had to use headphones whilst playing keyboard at church. In practice all went well. Yet in the service the volume was higher and the levels previously set had changed.  I could not hear the guitarist and as we play without drums in the early service, the guitarist provided the rhythm.  I found myself becoming frustrated and embarrassed.  Sitting down in the rest of the service all manner of emotions washed over me, but I said to myself, " its not about you, this is the Lord's show, self pity take a hike!" I enjoyed the message, it reinforced what God was already saying to me. Nothing of self, more of Him! Amen!

By your words I can see where I’m going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path. I’ve committed myself and I’ll never turn back from living by your righteous order. Everything’s falling apart on me, God; put me together again with your Word. Festoon me with your finest sayings, God; teach me your holy rules. My life is as close as my own hands, but I don’t forget what you have revealed. The wicked do their best to throw me off track, but I don’t swerve an inch from your course. I inherited your book on living; it’s mine forever— what a gift! And how happy it makes me! I concentrate on doing exactly what you say— I always have and always will. Psalm 119:105‭-‬112 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/psa.119.105-112.MSG I love this version of Psalm 119. God's word is a treasure we must value forever, above all pomp, glory and accolades. It keeps us through the dark times and corrects us in the heady good times. When all is going well we can easily forget the truth: it is all about God ...

“Take a lesson from the fig tree. From the moment you notice its buds form, the merest hint of green, you know summer’s just around the corner. So it is with you: When you see all these things, you’ll know he’s at the door. Don’t take this lightly. I’m not just saying this for some future generation, but for all of you. This age continues until all these things take place. Sky and earth will wear out; my words won’t wear out. Matthew 24:35 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/mat.24.35.MSG Tonight at astronomy a woman asked where she could buy a good astronomy book. I showed her the library where she could borrow a book and then told her I personally read articles on the internet, as information goes quickly out of date. The interesting thing here is that the bible never dates. Although Jesus spoke the above words over 2,000 years ago, they are still relevant. He is God and His words are eternal.  We are not God and our words change continually. I know where I would rather  place my...

“Take a lesson from the fig tree. From the moment you notice its buds form, the merest hint of green, you know summer’s just around the corner. So it is with you: When you see all these things, you’ll know he’s at the door. Don’t take this lightly. I’m not just saying this for some future generation, but for all of you. This age continues until all these things take place. Sky and earth will wear out; my words won’t wear out. Matthew 24:35 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/mat.24.35.MSG The disciples asked Jesus when the end would come. The whole chapter is devoted to the conversation that ensues. We must be aware, just as when the leaves on the figtree turn green to indicate summer is near, so, for us Christians, as prophesy falls into place the end is drawing near. The end of the chapter there is a parable about a faithful servant. This is what we should focus on, being faithful, for He will come when we don't expect Him. The alternative to faithfulness is wickedness and the reward ...

But don’t let it faze you. Stick with what you learned and believed, sure of the integrity of your teachers—why, you took in the sacred Scriptures with your mother’s milk! There’s nothing like the written Word of God for showing you the way to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us. 2 Timothy 3:14‭-‬17 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/2ti.3.14-17.MSG Today I was sent a dramatic prophesy. The first thing a prophesy must line up with is God's word. Thr next thing I wanted to know: who is this person and what are her credentials, who is her head and what support does she have? The third thing I wanted to know is what is God saying to me through this? Back in 1998, or thereabouts, I had a vision that lined up with this prophesy, recently I ha...

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 2 Timothy 3:16 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/2ti.3.16.NLT Here Paul tells us a valuable truth. In an age where men challenge the veracity of the bible, this scripture stands. God's word is all scripture. This truth encourages me. If Paul, a man who was beaten for his faith in God, can say that the word of God is true, we can believe it. Paul studied under Gamaliel, the then famous teacher of scripture. He was a Pharisee of all Pharisees, dedicated to the truth of the scripture. He knew the scripture, he believed the scripture.  Don't allow circumstances or feeling to challenge this truth.  Bring those same circumstances into line and challenge them with the scripture. Jesus said: 'A wise man builds his house upon a rock, a foolish one builds it on sand'. When the floods come, the...

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 Instructions come with all goods and services. Our eternal life also comes with instructions. The most personal instructions came from the Son of God, Jesus. He said: abide in Me and let my words abide in you and you can ask whatever you want and it will be done for you.The challenge is to abide in Him (John 15:7). Our world is geared to us abiding in ourselves, our own opinions, our own decisions,  our own judgements. Satan would have us believe we inhert a promise there also, independence. You must read the small print. It says: 'do this and you will be my slave and I will destroy you current life and your chances of eternity'.

The revelation of God is whole and pulls our lives together. The signposts of God are clear and point out the right road. The life-maps of God are right, showing the way to joy. The directions of God are plain and easy on the eyes. God’s reputation is twenty-four-carat gold, with a lifetime guarantee. The decisions of God are accurate down to the nth degree. Psalm 19:7‭-‬9 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/psa.19.7-9.MSG David  wrote this psalm. It begins with ascribing revelation to the creation. Creation reveals God. David then turns to God and speaks of His greatness. In the last part verses 12-14 David speaks of man and perception of his sins.  He ends with the famous lines: let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to You, Lord my rock and my Redeemer. The Message puts a different perspective on this passage. The revelation of God is whole. We can trust God's word, His heart towards us is whole. He is not a man who lies. As we submit our hearts t...

Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God! Psalms 42:11 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.42.11.NLT At times, well, most times, we accept the state of our heart without question. It would be good to question why? The psalmist is questioning why. When there is so much to praise God for, why so downcast? Even in the worst of natural circumstances we can rejoice that our names are written in the book of life. Circumstances come and go, He remains steadfast. There is another reason to praise.  He is faithful! Loving! Kind! He gave His life for us! Enough? Turn off the TV, get off social media,  get out your bible and read, then worship and praise.  Now, how do you feel?

So I say to my soul, “Don’t be discouraged. Don’t be disturbed. For I know my God will break through for me.” Then I’ll have plenty of reasons to praise him all over again. Yes, he is my saving grace! Psalms 42:11 TPT https://bible.com/bible/1849/psa.42.11.TPT Thr sons of Korah wrote this psalm. They had the responsibility of standing up in the congregation and leading the people to worship. This verse would encapsulate what some or many were experiencing. By being in their presence they had the effect of being one with those suffering and bringing them into worship,  laying aside their concerns. I love this. It reminds me of crowd music where without warning singers and musicians appear and start to make music. We need to lay aside our concerns, stop watching biased news and foolish entertainment and come back to centre. From centre we can lead out into a pure experience with God. Amen!

“If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Matthew 6:30‭-‬33 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/mat.6.30-33.MSG God reality is what counts. In all the noise about saving the planet, how about living with God consciousness? Our role is to live responsibly, not with hearts full of greed,  ignoring the outcomes of our decisions.  When I look at all the plastic we create and inflict on our world, we need to stop. It is patently obvious that we are unable to recycle plastic e...

“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 Seeking God is the best activity for our whole lives. He is never stale, always fresh every morning. He has new facets of Him to show you today.  He promises to provide, so trust Him to do that as well. Jesus spoke these words. He would know what is important.  Seeking God and His righteousness. We are inclined to take our own interpretation of what is right and then create our own righteousness, but this is not what Jesus said. He said, 'seek God's righteousness'. His righteousness is pure and not defiled by ego and arrogance.  Amen!

My beloved ones, just like you’ve always listened to everything I’ve taught you in the past, I’m asking you now to keep following my instructions as though I were right there with you. Now you must continue to make this new life fully manifested as you live in the holy awe of God—which brings you trembling into his presence. Philippians 2:12 TPT Becoming saved from sin is the first part, making Jesus Lord is making Him ruler over all reactions, decisions and dreams. The opposite is to live for self. I will react as I want, I will make my own decisions, I will follow my dreams of a prosperous and happy life. Now God may well want to bless us and prosper us but if we take the lead we tend to be self made, and arrogance creeps in. Arrogance refuses to submit to God's authority. So, choose well who you will serve as the outcome will vary immensely. A selfish person cannot expect God to honour all the selfish decisions  and allow them to share eternity with the innocent.

So then, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. Philippians 2:12 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/php.2.12.HCSB What does Paul mean by 'fear and trembling'? If you are a person who believes the Christian walk is all 'grace' and 'forgiveness' the this verse may affront you,  however, I hope it challenges you. If you had read John Bevere's book 'Living for Eternity',  you would be in that space already. John plainly laid out the truth of the whole bible regarding personal accountability, the reality of hell, as well as heaven, and the need to walk aware that you must build with what God considers precious, and not wood, hay and stubble. Paul affirms this truth in the above verse, in fact John drew on this verse in his book. A good read! John brings the modern day Christian back to truth. We are accountable and could end up in hell if ...