The day with dianne Louise

My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. Psalms 73:26 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.73.26.NLT I think maintaining faith in the Lord even when very sick would be a challenge. I have a friend who is in this place. My mother had been in that place in the years before her death.  It was difficult for me to watch. I can only say His grace sustained her. I often complained to her how much pain she suffered and she repeatedly said, "I am not in too much pain!" So many times God brought her through much trial. Yet we still knew how to love and laugh. I pray my friend finds the Lord in all. I have suffered pain and each time I shout to the Lord, "You are my healer, now fix it!" I am sure the Lord will say to me, when I return home, "Welcome bossy boots!" I will laugh. I am grateful! At times our spirits grow weak, especially during trials, but rest is coming! Amen!

Lord, so many times I fail; I fall into disgrace. But when I trust in you, I have a strong and glorious presence protecting and anointing me. Forever you’re all I need! Psalms 73:26 TPT https://bible.com/bible/1849/psa.73.26.TPT This verse depicts the grace we have received in Jesus. We will fail and fail,  but grace raises us up again and again. Grace does not require us to attained perfection but rather to continually trust Jesus for the victory. Yielding ourselves to Jesus is the challenge. Somewhere, somehow we have an inbuilt drive to attain perfection by ourselves. By ourselves we can do nothing, but in Christ we can do all things. Paul said this: 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthes me' (Philippians 4:13). 'The life I now live I live by faith in the Son of God who loves me and gave Himself for me'(Galatians 2:20b). Verse 21 goes on to say: 'I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then ...

Whether you eat or drink, live your life in a way that glorifies and honors God.1 Corinthians 10:31 TPT https://bible.com/bible/1849/1co.10.31.TPT Eating and drinking are such basic activities, yet Paul the apostle reminds us to glorify God in how we eat and drink. Gluttony has no regard for God. It is a lust for food and drink. We cannot deceive ourselves that our eating and drinking do not matter. Who does our behaviour affect?  Shining lights display God's glory. How can we do that? By adopting self-control and moderation. Self-control speaks. Let it have a voice! Amen!

So eat your meals heartily, not worrying about what others say about you—you’re eating to God’s glory, after all, not to please them. As a matter of fact, do everything that way, heartily and freely to God’s glory. At the same time, don’t be callous in your exercise of freedom, thoughtlessly stepping on the toes of those who aren’t as free as you are. I try my best to be considerate of everyone’s feelings in all these matters; I hope you will be, too. 1 Corinthians 10:31‭-‬33 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/1co.10.31-33.MSG When I become excited I struggle to fall asleep, and when I do I wake early. It is as if my whole body is on a drug that hypes me up. I must manage excitement, as whilst it may be fun, it takes me away from the right focus, the focus where peace and life is. Peace and life are found in Christ. Does this mean He is a bore or a killjoy? No! He is where everything works together for my good. Excitement is just that, excitement! Excitement can be misplaced. It usually in...

Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor. Proverbs 21:21 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.21.21.NLT Love as we humans do it and experience it is not unfailing, it fails, often. So, what is unfailing love? For a start it would have to be perfect and therefore come from one who is perfect. Who is that? A god? Yes! GOD! the God of the bible is portrayed as being perfect. The New Testament presents Jesus as God in the flesh. Reading the four gospels, I would have to say, presents a pretty awesome God. Looking for perfection in Jesus is easy found. So this God presents perfect love.  Reading the New Testament reveals Jesus did become angry at the religious leaders and He told them off, regularly. Yet a bad attitude was not found. The ones he remonstrated with had severe attitudes. Did Jesus show perfect love? Yes He did. He obey His Father in going to the cross when He did nothing wrong, for a very good reason.....us! The cross was His...

The lovers of God who chase after righteousness will find all their dreams come true: an abundant life drenched with favor and a fountain that overflows with satisfaction. Proverbs 21:21 TPT https://bible.com/bible/1849/pro.21.21.TPT Jesus Himself said, " I have come to give you life, abundant life!" John 10:10. He also said that the thief only comes to rob, kill, and destroy. It behoves the believer to carry a discerning spirit. I once did a spot of geocaching, a tremendous treasure hunt with my grandchildren.  I was introduced to the field by a new friend in South Australia. In it you follow an Ap. In the past map longitude and latitude specifications would be give and the treasure hunter would go searching for the hidden treasure, lots of fun. Its purpose was the use of a compass. The Christian life is a treasure hunt for life. Life is only found in Christ. Thr paths to Him are His ways of righteousness. As in geocaching, only the determined and diligent would find the pri...

He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Psalms 23:3 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.23.3.NLT The right paths lead to life and fruitfulness; the wrong path leads to frustration and fruitlessness. If we hear the Holy Spirit say, "No! Not that way, this way!" Then we should heed Him, or end up in frustration. The children of Israel went round and round in the desert, until they learned to heed and follow. We will have the same experience if we refuse to listen. The choice is ours. Heed and obey! Amen!

He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Psalms 23:3 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.23.3.NLT He renews my strength. We are almost at the end of 2021. For many it has been a harrowing year. Even now many are in isolation and are ill with COVID 19. The latest omnicron variant is spreading like wildfire. We have been told we will all catch the virus. This news can engender fear and make many a heart to grow faint. Yet, mankind has been here before. History is replete with similar stories. In the 20th century there were many diseases, two world wars, many other wars that did not escalate into a world war, and here we are in the 21st century and nothing has changed, yet, everything has changed.  We have made advances in science that sees us wanting to populate Mars, and even our moon. We have just launched the Webb telescope that promises to see the beginning of time, perhaps mankind will meet it's maker at last. However, in the stillness o...

Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. 1 John 4:11 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/1jn.4.11.NLT Why do we love? Usually we respond to interest and favour from another, sometimes that favour is exponential. God's love for us is overboard, unmerited and unwarranted.  Jesus told the parable of the prodigal son to illustrate this. The son took his inheritance and squandered it. Fortunately he came to his senses and returned home to confess his sin and ask for forgiveness and an opportunity to work as a slave. He was met with forgiveness and unwarranted grace. He captured the essences of our predicament. We cannot be good enough, never will be good enough for God's grace. However, He meets us with unwarranted favour and displays forgiveness that even his first son did not understand. The first son was working to be good enough, the second son knew he was not good enough and was met with mercy and grace. Grace is what we all want. Yield and al...

Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. 1 John 4:11 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/1jn.4.11.NLT Love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter.4:7). Do we know this love or do we baulk at the sins of others? I must personally admit that I do baulk,  never considering that my sins are also as red as scarlet. God's love says: Though your sins be red as scarlet they will be white as snow (Isaiah 1:18). This seems like a prophetic word, perhaps indicating the time when the redeemer has come. Yet, in ourselves no good dwells,  as Paul the apostle says in Romans 7:18. It is impossible to be good enough without Christ's sacrifice and the infilling of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit draws us to love the unlovely. We have the wells of salvation to draw from. The same love that sent Jesus to the cross is in our spirits now.  We have the ability, the power and the grace. Amen!

But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Matthew 6:3 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.6.3.NLT Someone in need, who are these people? People need to see Jesus in all manner of ways. People can be well funded but poor. They might need time, kindness, strength. Always do all things for the glory of God. The apostle Paul taught this in 1 Cor 10:31. Even in eating and drinking, do it all for His glory. Giving, when done for His glory, makes sure He receives the praise, results in your glory. He rewards. Amen!

But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Matthew 6:3 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.6.3.NLT Yesterday we all experienced Christmas. A part of Christmas is giving and receiving. Yesterday I gave and in return received an abundance back. For years I have given with little return but now the return is flowing in the door. I did not give to receive but rather to partake in Christmas. Most of my gifts were to children, who cannot give. I love to give to causes dear to my Lord's heart. It is between He and I. This part of my giving is our business. It is not for others to know about, it is a relational thing with my God. This scripture talks about this manner of giving, relational giving between us and our God. Partner with Him today! Amen!

The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! Luke 2:11 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/luk.2.11.NLT My heart is full of gratitude, and the more I express it the more the Lord blesses me. I could not have designed a better Christmas day than the one I received. So blessed! Abundantly blessed! Our saviour came to set us free from selfish misery and ungrateful speech. These are both sinful and He dilelivered us from them. He is so good! Rejoice and be grateful,  even in COVID.  Amen!

The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! Luke 2:11 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/luk.2.11.NLT Today we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. While much debate has taken place about the exact date, I already celebrate my Queen's birthday on a day that isn't her actual birthday. The date was chosen by the Australian government, and probably had her approval. Nonetheless, it was chosen as a day to honour our sovereign. In the same way, therefore, I can honour my mighty deliverer on this day as the day He came. The significance of the day of His birth is momentous. He came because of His love for us, and in particular me. What god humbles Himself in such a way? What god became human, to live and die, and rise again, all for those He loved? None but Jesus. He also doomed Himself to 30 years of obscurity in a small town in Galilee called Nazareth. All other so called gods are full of 'look at me,' whereas Jesus kept ...

“Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” Luke 2:14 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/luk.2.14.NLT Peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.  Do you have peace? I do! Peace can be found when things are not falling into place, when the hopes and dreams have not been realised yet. My family are stuck in Queensland and I will not see them for Christmas. So? I have the presence of God, His love, His friendship. I am blessed to live in a land free from war, I have a home, food on my table, my health.  I am blessed! The more I focus on the Lord and how blessed I am, the more He blesses me. His surprises continue. Focus on your blessing, even if it is freedom for eternal seperation, you are blessed. Amen!

“Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” Luke 2:14 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/luk.2.14.NLT The above verse is the angels reaction to the good news about Jesus being born. An angel had just delivered the good news to shepherds when suddenly a multitude of heavenly host appeared praising God. Image how the shepherds reacted to this! If heaven responded in such a way, how should we respond? What joy is to be experienced in the knowledge that God the Father did away with the old and brought the new in His Son. Grace had come! For 400 years God did not send a prophet not annoint a priest to speak to the people. The heavens had been silent. Now there was a tumultuous noise. All of heaven had been preparing for this day. God is good at waiting patiently.  He is never slack, but preparing His best provision. Wait for it! Amen!

When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:10‭-‬11 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.2.10-11.NLT They opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts.  Today the WHO is calling on wealthy nations to give vaccines to the poorer nations so that the pandemic can be dealt with in 2022. The spokesman said wealthy nations cannot boost themselves out of the pandemic. This is what is happening in Australia. Fear has people running to receive booster doses, whilst our poor neighbours suffer in not having enough for the first and second doses. The wise men travelled long distances to find Jesus and to retun home. They brought their gifts and left them at the door of the stable. They were not concerned by the conditions. The king they sought was not in a palace but a stable. This d...

When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:10‭-‬11 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.2.10-11.NLT Why did God choose to reveal Himself to these men? Were they astronomers or astrologers? There is a difference. One, like me, studies the stars because they fascinate them, the other imputes spiritual attributes to them, which they do not have. Because these men believes that the new star bore a significance we could believe they were astrologers, believing stars had a spiritual significance. In this instance they were right. Imagine, for a moment, what the lives of these men were like. They had wealth as they brought expensive gifts. What did their worlds look like? Did they have families? Did they live in cities or the rural countryside? Did they conduct businesses? These men a...

All right then, the Lord Himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means God with us). Isaiah 7:14 Does the Lord give you surprises? He does to me. Today I recieved a beautiful handmade card from neighbours. The words were from their heart. I had done something for them and they wanted to show their gratitude. I am sure the Lord sending an angel to Mary with the news she would become pregnant and have a son was a huge shock. What had Mary's life been like to that point? Was she hungry for God? Was she asking to be used by Him? From what I know of my God I would say Yes! He is a responder. 2 Chronicles 16:9 says: the eyes of the Lord roam to and fro over all the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those fully committed to Him. Mary was committed to the Lord and we could say'fully committed'. He chose her to house His Son in her womb. He trusted her to raise His Son. T...

All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’). Isaiah 7:14 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/isa.7.14.NLT Did you know the background of this verse? King Ahaz had been told by God to ask for a sign and he refused, probably for religious reason of not wanting to test God. King Ahaz was being threatened by Jerusalem and its allies and the king was in fear. God said, through the prophet Isaiah, "it will not happen!" For refusing to ask for a sign the king is rebuked by Isaiah for trying God's patience, and then Isaiah prophesied the above verse. My natural inclination is to question, why? Why this prophesy when a natural man is having natural threats made against him? The prophesy goes on to talk about the child born of the virgin (Young maiden) will grow to a knowledge of right from wrong, generally considered age 12. There is a belief that...

And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.1.21.NLT Mary knew she was to have a Son, a special son. This son would save all mankind from their sins. He would rescue them from self-effort by paying the price for perfection. I am so grateful that I am set free from the need to be good. I have been made right through Jesus' sacrifice. What a divine gift. I am blessed! Amen!

And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.1.21.NLT God chose Jesus' name, He gave it to Joseph and Mary to name baby Jesus. It was a tradition to name a child after the father. However, mankind may have thought Joseph was the father but in reality God was.  Jesus was the name that would save us from our sins. He did this by dying on a cross and rising again. The cost of all our sins was death.  Jesus paid that price. Yet, the perfect sacrifice, a lamb without sin, cleansed me from all sin. The is nothing to add to this. Amen!

For as the waters fill the sea, the earth will be filled with an awareness of the glory of the Lord. Habakkuk 2:14 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/hab.2.14.NLT This is a prophetic word. The waters do cover the sea and the time is coming when all people will know the glory of the Lord. It is Christmas time. A time when we celebrate the coming of Jesus. Jesus made it possible for all people to know the Lord.  He dealt with sin, once and for all time. Now all we need is a revelation of the price paid and rejoice! Amen!

For as the waters fill the sea, the earth will be filled with an awareness of the glory of the Lord. Habakkuk 2:14 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/hab.2.14.NLT Logic asks, 'how will this happen?' Logic answers, 'through the prayers and the effort of the saints seeking the lost. ' Many prophesies have been spoken about this time. Jesus said He would return when this has happened, when the gospel is preached to all the earth. There are those whose whole focus is getting the gospel to the lost. What role can we play? Being a voice, funding the spread, persevering in prayer. Amen!

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.3.16.NLT Love costs! Love sacrifices! Love endures! Love forgives, and forgives, and forgives. This is God's love. The cost of loving mankind sent Jesus to the cross to pay for our sin, once and for all. Thr price has been paid! Amen!

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.3.16.NLT The love that God has for us, His creation,  defies logic. Why would a perfect God love drunks, rebels, arrogant mockers, those who vilify Him and deny His Son? What manner of love loves the unlovely? Us who know Him have imparted to our hearts some of this love. It manifests itself as compassion. Compassion sees the state of others and bows down to help them. Christmas reminds us of God's love and compassion. He sent His Son as an infant, trusted to lowly peasants to raise. How trusting! I saw The Chosen's portrayal of the time of Jesus' birth yesterday. As I watched Joseph put Jesus into Mary's hands I realised the significance of Mary holding the Son of God and knowing how privileged she and Joseph was. It was a short but beautiful portrayal, and greatly appreciated. God ...

The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Psalms 32:8 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.32.8.NLT Today I visited my elderly neighbour and she was watching The 10 Commandments.  I watched with her for a while and laughed at all the King James English and the added text. My friend asked where the children of Israel went after crossing the Red Sea. I said, " they were wandering in the desert for a round 40 years learning to hear God's voice and to obey His voice". It reminds me of our journies at time. The desert and valley are to teach obedience  and trust. It doesn't come naturally. If you are in a desert or a valley there is a reason. If you are in the Promised Land honour the Lord in all you do. Amen

The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Psalms 32:8 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.32.8.NLT So often we think we know the path and begin off down that road,  until we meet a log, a ditch, another fork in the road. I know what I must do now, in part, but not whole. There are aspects of this life that I do not have mastery over. When asked, "What is your plan after uni?" I can give a reasonable idea, but not exact. The Lord constantly has me taking slight turns, so really He is the master. A master is called a master, usually, because they are a master in their field. The Lord is very good with directions, so we could call Him a master. I know I am called to love and obey and follow His lead. That is enough. Amen!

Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/eph.4.32.NLT Do you remember Elvis Presley crooning out, "love me tender, love me true..." it seems he may have been right on with the above scripture. When we choose to be tenderhearted we are forgiving and gracious. We give people more room. This week in my uni study I ready an article by Kerry O'Sullivan's, an Australian author, who wrote about culture and attitudes towards those of other cultures. It was very good and I learnt about giving people room, even Aussies who speak various forms of Australian English. Culture speaks to group identity,  it is more than language,  it is who they identify with. As an older generation individual youth appear to have their own culture, so do academics, computer technicians, gamers etc. So...be tenderhearted. Amen!

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:31‭-‬32 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/eph.4.31-32.NLT The verse for today was the last verse which begins with the word "instead.' To know what that referred to we must look at the preceeding verse which addresses bitterness, rage, anger and harsh words. The antidote for all of these is forgiveness. To forgive one who has offended you is important for you or bitterness sets in and a bitter person is not a welcoming sight.  I have known several and have had to fight against it myself. How does bitterness gain a foothold? By allowing thoughts against a person to stay in our minds. We are attacked by these thoughts and without discernment they stay. Pray for mindfulness, one that is aware of what is happening, then pray for that person. You cannot be...

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Philippians 4:4 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/php.4.4.NLT Rejoicing sure beats a negative mindset. Today started early at 3.30am. I reluctantly arose at 5am. My body is winding down for Christmas. After time with the Lodd and breakfast,  I did a practice exam and  then took Oscar for a walk in the botanical Gardens. It was beautiful! I checked my emails and found that my bank had entered me in a draw for $5,000. I said to the Lord, "thank You for that, I accept!" I spent most of the day helping my neighbour who is moving away in  February.  She is 78 and struggling to sell furniture and pack. I am spending Christmas morning and evening with her and the middle with rellies across the street. Today she asked me to help pack after Christmas. I am delighted to be of service. I rejoice that I have Jesus and His love to compel me. I rejoice that He cares for me and loves to surprise me. I am blessed! Amen!

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Philippians 4:4 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/php.4.4.NLT In the verses surrounding this verse Paul is exhorting two women to agree in the Lord and to the recipient of the letter to support that end. These two women supported Paul in the ministry. We can assume they were strong women. I have a strong character and in my connect group I have another strong woman. We constantly have to strive to agree and pray for each other, otherwise we would be at odds with each other. Paul follows his exhortation to the women with the above verse: rejoice, again I say rejoice. This brings to mind the attitude we should have with each other. We are to rejoice in one anothers strength, not complain or seek one-upmanship. After this verse Paul talks of letting our graciousness be know to everyone. For a strong woman to be gracious, she must humble herself and allow Jesus to be Lord, not run in her own strength. He then says: don't worry ab...

It was by faith that Joseph, when he was about to die, said confidently that the people of Israel would leave Egypt. He even commanded them to take his bones with them when they left. It was by faith that Moses’ parents hid him for three months when he was born. They saw that God had given them an unusual child, and they were not afraid to disobey the king’s command. Hebrews 11:22‭-‬23 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/heb.11.22-23.NLT Faith moves things,  it is active. We cannot say we have faith, and there is no action. God said,"Let there be light", and there was. When God spoke things happened,  because God always speaks in faith. Jesus spoke in faith. He saw His Father do it and He did it. The miracles surrounding Jesus were those of faith. We can sense when faith is active, the air is alive. I remember going to preach at a little church in Gorkha, Nepal. The air was electric with faith. It turned me on to a faith dynamo. I prophesied, performed miracles and spoke words of...

It was by faith that Joseph, when he was about to die, said confidently that the people of Israel would leave Egypt. He even commanded them to take his bones with them when they left. It was by faith that Moses’ parents hid him for three months when he was born. They saw that God had given them an unusual child, and they were not afraid to disobey the king’s command. Hebrews 11:22‭-‬23 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/heb.11.22-23.NLT The whole of chapter 11 is filled with people who stepped out in faith.  Joseph was sent into slavery by his siblings who were jealous. After spending some years in jail because another resentful person lied about him, Joseph began interpreting dreams. However, it was another 2 years before Joseph saw light of day. In all, Joseph was in bondage some 13 years. When finally reunited with his repentant family Joseph asks that when they leave Egypt that they take his bones with them. 400 years would transpire before this happened. That is a long time! Yet,...

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 8:12 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.8.12.NLT This is a very bold claim, one people who grew up with Jesus and knew Him were offended by. Jesus also told His disciples, "you are the light of the world". How did they become the light of the world? Perhaps by being discipled by Jesus. The 12 apostles were those who stuck by Him when all others deserted Him, perhaps even the 70 who He commissioned and sent out? We also know 1 of the 12 ultimately betrayed Him. Judas became offended with a few things and loved money more that light. I have a brother who is offended at present. I know only Jesus can set him free. My family has a huge offence problem, it was there in my grandfather 's day, it divided the family. It is attempting to do that again, but God! The blood of Christ has set us fre...

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 8:12 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.8.12.NLT Jesus is the Light. He is the Light to your heart and my heart,  He is the Light of the whole world.  Do you not wonder why all the planets need a sun? They need the sun's light to warm them. Our earth has a protective shield that protects the earth from the greatness of the sun, without it we would turn into Venus or Mars, not as beautiful as earth, nor as habitable. This speaks to me of the greatness of God and how Jesus' sacrifice shields us from His greatness and authority. Every day I see the Sun rise and set, It reminds me that my great God is still with me. He warms me and shields me with His right hand. Amen!

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16‭-‬18 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/1th.5.16-18.NLT Never stop praying! Never be convinced your prayer are useless or that God does not hear you, or is ignoring you. He hears and He answers. You may need to clean out your spiritual ears though.  Dirt is a constant problem for them who are made of dirt. (Joke!) However, we do have problems hearing. Yesterday I went to the supermarket to pick up a few things, and I was prompted to buy salad. I ignored it and found I needed it where I went. So often I assume the prompt is me. Bad move! So, the moral of the tale is: clean out your spiritual ears and learn to hear. Amen!

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16‭-‬18 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/1th.5.16-18.NLT  Being told to rejoice always, can come in the middle of disaster, grief, loneliness or joy and satisfaction. We would all agree it is easier to rejoice continually when things are going well, not so easy when things are falling apart. So, when things are bad, how do I rejoice? It depends on what you rejoice in, the happenings or the reality of eternal salvation. We are in advent, the lead up to Christmas. It is a time of remembering the why of joy. For Christians the why is found in salvation from a life of destruction,  into a life of eternal joy, knowing what you have been set free from. Today I think of Joseph in prison, in Egypt. His family forsook him, sold him as a slave and he is now in prison because of a woman's lies. Potiphar's wife accused Joseph of sexual sin, wh...

Come, everyone! Clap your hands! Shout to God with joyful praise! Psalms 47:1 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.47.1.NLT Clapping is a well know method of praising an artist, someone who has done well in any field, someone who has overcome great obstacles in life. Our God has done great and mighty things and He deserves our praise, joyful praise!  Today did not turn out as planned but it did tun out. I had a flat battery this morning and had to wait most of the day for help to arrive. Meantime I watched church online, relaxed, read and played the piano. My nephew took me to buy a new battery and installed it for me, the new one works like a charm. Rather than rail against having to buy a new one, I knew the Lord had given me the money for a reason. After this I went to help a friend peel apricots to make jam. All was well until I smelt a burning, although the recipe said not to stir, it should have been as it burned and we lost the lot. In my haste to save it I hit my leg and bus...

Come, everyone! Clap your hands! Shout to God with joyful praise! Psalms 47:1 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.47.1.NLT This Psalm was written by the sons of Korah. These boys were gatekeepers in the house of God. As Christians we are sons of God, we are gatekeepers. It is our job to open up the gates to allow people in and to close the gates to evil. The New Testament is littered with exhortions to rejoice. The apostle Paul used this exhortation: rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice. In several of his epistles he exhorts the saints to rejoice. Joy is attractive, it opens up hearts and minds to goodness, this is probably why Christmas Carols are so well accepted, they lift the atmosphere. Joy defeats darkness. It destroys the power of the enemy. Joy is mighty in the hands of the saints.  Today, rejoice! Amen!

You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.” Luke 12:40 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/luk.12.40.NLT At all times? Yes! This concept can be hard to fathom. We all have times when we deviate, either a little or for a period of time. If Jesus returns in this space of time, we will grieve.  Will we be left behind? The parable of the virgins and their lamps seem to indicate so. Not a good thought. In fact a distressing thought.  Always be vigilant! Amen!

You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.” Luke 12:40 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/luk.12.40.NLT Being ready comes when you are anticipating something: a relationship, a financial breakthrough, a need to give to, a person to share Christ with, or the ultimate, the return of Christ. Today could be the day. Are you ready? Jesus told a parable about the 5 wise virgins and the 5 foolish. All had been invited to a feast. 5 took extra oil with them, in case the bridegroom was late in coming; 5 neglected to do so and found the bridegroom was late and they had run out of oil. We may not understand the significance of this as we live in a time of instant. Flick the switch and the light is on. However, in our spiritual lives we can become dull to the things of God and not be ready with passion for Christ when He returns. Jesus will return at a time not expected, so the need to stay ready is imperative. If you were being evacuated from Afghanistan, ...

Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. Hebrews 11:1 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/heb.11.1.NLT God, our Father, is our example to follow. And God said, and it was. Our confession is a tool for the working of faith or fear. Faith refuses to confess fear, fear is the intruder and wants to control our lives. If we say what God is speaking to our hearts, then we build a platform for faith. If we say what the word of God says, we fuel our faith and bring the promise to being. Let us consider the word to Mary about being the mother of Jesus: Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.” The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she has conceived a son and is now in her sixth...

Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. Hebrews 11:1 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/heb.11.1.NLT Yesterday I listened to a message by Kris Valloten called Your Superpower. I can honestly say that faith is such a superpower. Faith has been with me all though my journey in Christ.  I remember the first time I experienced it, I had been a Christian for the matter of 2 weeks at the most. I wanted to go on a youth camp. I was working as a trainee nurse and my roster had been set. I went to the head sister and asked for 4 days off. I explained why. She gave it to me. I needed to go on that camp. It was where I was baptised in the Holy Spirit. The next major encounter with faith was when my daughter was born. The doctor told me she was gravely ill and needed to be sent to the Children's hospital in Sydney. He said he believed she had fibrocystic disease. My faith rose up and proclaimed, "No! She does not have that disease, she is fine...

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/php.4.6.NLT Praying about everything is the best antidote for worry,  as is activity. When you are busy mentally, you have little time to worry. When you make a habit of prayer and meditating on scripture your mind is renewed and worry does not find a fertile soil there. Prayer works! I am reminded continually that my great grandmother must have been praying for me, because I was not attracted to alcohol, drugs, or gambling. Her husband was a smoking, gambling drunk, so she had reason to pray. I am so grateful! So grateful! Thanks nanna! Many in my parental family are addicted to alcohol or nicotine. These curses haunt our family. Have mercy Lord! I am so grateful that the Lord rescued me. He is good and worthy of my trust and praise! Amen

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/php.4.6.NLT This scripture is true, I have proved it. I tl God all I need and He keeps assuring me,"You have all that you need!" Note, I did not say want.  He indiscriminately drops desired wants in my lap, when He chooses. I had had several mats and all my dogs past and present had soiled them, marking them quite a lot. I had asked for a short pile rug of a particular kind and yesterday I received a promise of it. My elderly neighbour is moving to Canberra and had this rug, which she cared for very well. I will be very honoured to receive it. God's gifts are not easily destroyed,  He cares for them, as do I. Also yesterday I received above and beyond what I asked for God prompted another elderly friend to give me a food hamper. Whilst I don't need it now, it will have a place, because God has a plan, pe...

In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew 5:16 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.5.16.NLT Jesus had just said: "A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, rather on a lampstand, and it will give light for all who are in the house". Jesus is indicating that good deeds are a light. I have a lovely old friend who is 83 and his wife is 80. They do food parcel deliveries for the poor, they gave me one. I am not poor, and I will wait for someone to give it to. This man and his wife are full of good deeds, even in their 80s. Good deeds do not have a time limit. This spoke to me and I determined to use every opportunity to do good deeds. The Lord gave me an opportunity this morning. He made sure plenty of people saw,I had not thought about that. My reward is a new mat I had prayed for. This is fun folks! Enjoy!

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew 5:14‭-‬16 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.5.14-16.NLT Lights are meant to be turned on. I have electric lights in my home, they are for me to be able to see when it is dark. Imagine if I never switched them on but insisted on stumbling around in the dark. All would consider me foolish, and I would be. We, Christians, are God's lights in a dark place, we need to switch ourselves on. How? By doing good deeds. Each have a different deed to accomplish. How do we know what they are? Ask the Lord! By staying soft to things of God and turning away from fleshly lives we open our ears to Him. I find room in my life for God's purposes as I don't...

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans 5:3‭-‬5 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/rom.5.3-5.NLT Endurance is persistence and refusing to give in to despair, and fear of failure. Hebrews 10:36 says: Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. God has given us His promises, some of them spoken to us personally through prophesy or into our hearts. We must never give them up, for they carry within them the seed of the fruit that endurance produces. It is becoming easier to see the future. The cloud us parting! Amen!

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans 5:3‭-‬5 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/rom.5.3-5.NLT When we love we give good gifts. The depth of our love determines the depth of our gifts. The challenge is know who we love as we give. We can give good gifts because we love the image of a good giver or because we really do love and have compassion when the gift is a helping hand. Yesterday I read an interview between Mark Zuckerberg's wife, Priscilla Chan and a journalist. The Zuckerbergs give away 99% of their income. Priscilla was from a very poor refugee family and knew the pain that refugees experience. I pray that pain is always there so that she rema...

Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/2ch.7.14.NLT Isnt it interesting that humbling comes before prayer, genuine, effective prayer that connects with the Father. I grew up in the catholic Church, I learned repetitive prayer that lacked connection.  It is interesting that The Lord's prayer was how to pray, not a prayer to do. When Jesus was asked by the disciples how to pray He said, "Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one." Matthew 6:9-13 In a previous verse He said: “When you pray, don...

and My people who are called by My name humble themselves, pray and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/2ch.7.14.HCSB The act of humbling ourselves is important, unless we humble ourselves we are admitting we are indeed a demigod and will bow to no one. However, by humbling ourselves we receive grace, abundantly. When we seek the face of God, rather than do a ritual, mindlessly, we find God's smile. He longs for us to seek Him and when we do we find more than expected. Coming to the place of recognition that God is indeed God over all is liberating, relationship building, and door opening.

Come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. Psalms 95:6 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/psa.95.6.HCSB This morning I arrived at church at 7am, I was playing keys today. I was exhausted after a busy weekend and not enough sleep. I began to sing in the spirit. I reminded myself that those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they will mount up as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Is 40:31 I discovered all of the team were likewise afflicted, and the lead singer either forgot or did not practice the songs. We prayed and trusted the Lord. The congregation were grateful, so were we! We were told we had a 'country feel'. Most importantly I sensed the Lord in my music and was grateful!

Come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. Psalms 95:6 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/psa.95.6.HCSB Worship is something we do naturally,  however, most of what we worship is the work of our own hands. We are caught up in pride and the arrogant strutting of our flesh. Recognising this and laying it down is a good first step. Next turning to the Lord and inviting Him to search our hearts opens the way for truth in the inner man. When truth resides we can live in connection with the Lord of truth, easily. Today is the Lord's day. Let us honour Him in spirit and in truth. Jesus said: " the true worshipper will worship the Lord in spirit and in truth." Amen!

That light shines in the darkness, yet the darkness did not overcome it. John 1:5 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/jhn.1.5.HCSB Tonight was a beautiful clear sky night. Although bad storms and rain were predicted, nothing eventuated.  The whole day was good today. I climbed my hill, mowed my lawn, was visited by a neighbour, then a dear old friend who brought me some lovely rootstock natives to plant, and even though almost 20 years my senior, he planted them for me.  Tonight we had our astronomy Christmas party. It was great. I served almost the whole time and my legs are sore, but they will recover. Praise God all the left over food was collected by that same old friend who has a function for the poor at his church tomorrow.  I think one of the highlights of tonight was a young doe who came to visit. I have never seen them in my city, I know they are in forests 30kms away but not in the city. The area where we meet is actually near the botanical gardens. Kangaroos freque...

Everything was created through him; nothing—not one thing!— came into being without him. What came into existence was Life, and the Life was Light to live by. The Life-Light blazed out of the darkness; the darkness couldn’t put it out. John 1:5 MSG And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. And God created living things and there was life. Before light darkness covered the face of the deep, but when light came darkness was mastered. In our lives, when we invite Christ in, His light conquers all the darkness in our lives, He sets us free. As we yield to Him, all the chains fall off, our spirits are set free. We stay free by walking with the Light and not the darkness.  Yesterday I tried to rest before going out and listened to a secular novel on Audible. I noticed when I went to read my bible a spirit snarled in my head. I realised I had been feeding an anti-Christ spirit by listening to the novel and knew I must filter what my ears and eyes experience. Today I w...

So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you. 1 Peter 5:6‭-‬7 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/1pe.5.6-7.MSG Today was my birthday. What a good day I had. Firstly today my dog had his hair cut,  for free, next I had coffee with a friend and she paid, she also bought me a new set of headphones.earlier in the week I had prayed for new sandals and sneakers, got both. Awesome! Tonight several friends and I went out to dinner at a Thai restaurant. Beautiful meal! There were 10 of us and we all got on famously! My meal was free and I also received some gifts. The most humbling was $100 from a pensioner couple. During the meal the woman received word that her sister had had a stroke and was rushed to hospital. Her husband stood and asked us to join him in prayer, which we did,  even a non-believing friend of mine bowed her head in prayer. What a group of fri...

casting all your care on Him, because He cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/1pe.5.7.HCSB It is good to have a place, not fallen like our earth and those on it, to cast our cares. Our Lord did not sin, as we are prone to do, but resisted sin and conquered it, He also destroyed its power in death. In all we struggle against, He is our rock, our place of safety. He is our deliverer. Thank You Lord! Amen!

For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift — not from works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8‭-‬9 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/eph.2.8-9.HCSB Saved by grace! Oh! How good that sounds! How good that is! To know I have eternal life is so, so good. Eternal life ensures I live in eternity with my Lord in His kingdom. Eternal death is awaiting those who refuse this grace. If I came to you and offered to give you 1 billion dollars, would you refuse? You might be very surprised if you did not know me personally, but refuse? No! Why is it so hard to understand such grace by God offering a way to eternal life? Perhaps you choose to believe you will be anhilated, what if you are wrong. What if there really is a hell? What if living according to your rules fails to protect you in death? Why not challenge the Lord: If you are really, reveal Yourself to me! He will!

For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift — not from works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8‭-‬9 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/eph.2.8-9.HCSB Every time I feel like boasting, I am probably on the wrong track. When we glory in our own achievement we steal God's glory, and that is not good. God wants us humble enough to acknowledge Him and His provision, for He along is good. He also knows that as we glory in ourselves we follow Satan who was the first to fall in this regard. Although God created him, he became proud and set his sights above God's throne.  This resulted in him preaching his doctrine, and a third of the angels followed him. He was cast out for his pride and arrogance. Boasting in our weakness is a different story.  Paul did this and said, "For when I am weak then I am strong" 2 Cor 12:10. He knew that as he allowed for his own weakness and God's strength he was able to boast in Christ alone a...

The one who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, will have streams of living water flow from deep within him.” John 7:38 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/jhn.7.38.HCSB Deep within requires excavation of rock and rubble. The Holy Spirit inhabits the deep places, the very essence of who we are. Here, He can touch our emotions, our consciences, our beliefs about who we are, who He is, and what we believe about Him. When we resisit the Holy Spirit, and instead hang onto emotional triggers of anger, resentment and bitterness, we create rocks and rubble. This causes us to lose contact with the Holy Spirit. Gradually we become dependent on ourselves and less aware and dependent on the Holy Spirit. We need to be conscious of our deeper parts. David knew the Lord could see his deepest parts, and invited Him to create a clean heart. Let this be our prayer. Amen!

The one who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, will have streams of living water flow from deep within him.” John 7:38 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/jhn.7.38.HCSB Jesus was at a festival and stood and said:" if anyone is thirsty he should come to Me amd drink. The one who believes in Me..... " He was talking about the Holy Spirit. When we accept Christ as Lord and Saviour, He fills us with His Holy Spirit and we have a desire to tell all about our experience, much like in the book of Acts. The more we choose to believe the greater the river flows and the more people are influenced. As the years go by we must be sure we do not block the flow with rocks or bitterness and offence. Keep the river flowing, it is a good place to bathe. Amen!