The day with dianne Louise

Godliness guards the path of the blameless, but the evil are misled by sin. Proverbs 13:6 NLT Godliness is safety from deception.  Placing our focus on the Lord enables us to keep His ways, His words,  and His standards as our own. Another scripture says: godliness, with contentment, is great gain (1 Tim 6:6). The apostle Paul wrote this. He knew what he was speaking about, as he had more than his share of troubles. He also said: " I have learned in whatever state I am to be content" (Philippians 4:11-13). He went on to say, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (vs 13) You can see Paul displayed a life dependent on the Lord, a content life. Amen!

Godliness guards the path of the blameless, but the evil are misled by sin. Proverbs 13:6 NLT What is godliness? The dictionary describes it as devout religious piety. This definition is a bit remote. It also defines piety as religiously reverent. I wonder if the people writing the dictionary actually knew God? It all is so abstract, not relatable.  So, what does it mean to us, the Christian? If we unpack what Jesus said, "Abide in Me, and I will abide in you," we might understand. Abide is a soft word for live. So as we live in Him, He lives in us. How can we live in Jesus? He is not a house. We live in His ways, His thoughts, His teachings, His truths, His presence, being aware of Him and how He would like us to live and act. We invite Him to live in us, we are His house. He is a good tenant, we need to be a honourable landlord. Speaking of landlords: I have taken mine to the tribunal for a fair hearing, as he is wanting excessive rent. I pray God will give him ears to hear...

There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13 NLT Wartime sees this happen, and I am sure it is happening right now. However, there is an unseen war being conducted against the Christians as I write this, but we fail to recognise it as war. Our enemy, the devil, is prowling around seeking to devour someone. He doesn't actually eat our flesh, but he does consume our souls, and if we do not resist him, our flesh will also be his, forever. We must be on the lookout for his tactics: offence, offence, offence. His biggest tool is offense. How do we defeat him? By laying down our 'rights' to be offended, and instead walk in grace and forgiveness. Choose forgiveness today! Amen!

There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13 NLT Jesus taught His disciples about forgiveness, and loving beyond reason. When asked how many times should I forgive a person, assuming they were being generous and saying,  perhaps 7 times? He said, "No! 70 times 7!" (Matt 18: 21-22).Jesus then followed this up with a story about the topic. Stories always bring an impact to the morale of the lesson. Jesus told about a ruler who had decided to bring his financial accounts up to date with those who owed him money. One of his servants owed a lot and was about to be sold, along with his family, into slavery. Be begged for forgiveness and was forgiven his debt. However, he went out and found another servant who owned him a small amount, and repeated the accounting, but he refused to give grace. The master heard about it and was furious and sent the man to prison where he was tortured until he paid what was due. (I often wonder how someone can pay...

Some nations boast of their chariots and horses, but we boast in the name of the Lord our God. Psalms 20:7 NLT We see Russia boast it has taken Mariupol, and we wonder how they dare see it as just and righteous, which Putin does. It makes us wonder at the mindset. Yet deranged leaders are always with us, defying logic. There is only one who is good, and that is God alone. There are no hidden or wicked agendas with Him. We can completely trust Him. Many will fail us, even those we thought were righteous.  It is important that we do not lose hope when mankind fails, but rather put our hope in the Lord. Amen!

Some nations boast of their chariots and horses, but we boast in the name of the Lord our God. Psalms 20:7 NLT Many nations can boast about the greatness of their armaments,  however one thing is needed, the Lord. The bible history tells of God's mighty feats in battle when His people praised Him. I love the song: This is how I fight my battle, because all it has is worship. I'm surrounded by You! I awoke at around 1am hearing this song and when I logged on to Arise Life to hear the Ukrainian report it was not good, again I heard the song. All we have is God!  My world is empty of all natural boasts, but I have the Lord, I am surrounded by Him. Why would He bother with me? Because He loves to love. I am loved by Him! Amen!

“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. Matthew 5:3 NLT I have had experience of the very poor in Nepal. Many who know English also know how to milk the white cow(westerners). It is amazing what a mobile phone and connections can do. Even church leaders followed this pattern, unfortunately they knew nothing else. When you are poor the temptation is to manipulate others by making them sorry for you.  However, this robs you of a meeting with God and His miraculous provision. If you are generous with what you have you will be generously provided with more. God is good! I have been in a place of plenty and poverty.  In both I had to allow the Lord to direct the funds. I became better at this as I grew older. In my younger years selfishness was more in control. The Lord wants us to yield to His master touch. He is our provider and director.  He performs both tasks brilliantly. Trust Him! Amen!

“You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule. Matthew 5:3 MSG I like the phraseology here! I am current at the end of my rope, a good place to experience God's miracles.  We can watch life unfold in the lives of others, and not be so much affected, but when it is us, it hits home. Our circumstances can make us one with mankind. I continue to pray for Ukraine and see how hard they are fighting for their land. I don't know how we would fare, probably the same, but being forced from your land would be devastating.  Refugees all over the world know this predicament.  May we grow compassion in these times and live circumspectly, being reading to help, and not wastefully.  Amen!

Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” John 20:21 NLT Isn't it interesting that right after Jesus said, "peace be with you," He said, "as the Father sent Me, so am I sending you." Jesus doesn't waste words. I have notice throughout the gospels, especially John, that when the people went off on a tangent, He brought them back without answering their questions. The emotions of the disciples were fearful, but Jesus tells them not to fear, and then commissions them at the same time.  What is He saying to you and me? The same thing! We might be all in a knot about perceived fears, but He has a divine task for us to fulfill.  So, instead of entertaining the fears, seek the task. What is it? Amen!

Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.”John 20:21 NLT The disciples were struggling with Jesus' death,  but now, suddenly, He is back. What's more is He now appears without knocking or announcing Himself at the door. Emotionally this would be disturbing, yet delightful. We know how disturbing it is when we read further that Thomas was not present when Jesus came and when told about it, he refused to believe. He said, 'unless I see the marks on His hands and feet and put my hand in His side,  I will not believe'. He had to eat his words as Jesus came again, just for him. In emotional turmoil we need Jesus. He is our peace.  As He offered peace to His disciples, He offers it to us. We have much causing us to be in turmoil over at present. Disease is rampant, costs of living sky-rocketing, and our leaders are godless men and women who have lost the plot. Yet, into all this Jesus comes with His peace, His surety, His presence. He ...

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. John 14:1 NLT Many are the concerns that plague us: financial, relational, and health. Yet, this scripture tells us not to be troubled.  Why? Troubling thoughts quash our creativity, our hearing and vision. God wants to give us fresh vision, fresh promises, new breakthroughs. We can find them or hear them if we are occupied with troubling thoughts. These debilitate us. Our God has a plan. Let's find it in the secret place, away from the noise. Amen!

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. John 14:1 NLT Peter had just asked Jesus where Jesus was going, as Jesus had said they could not come where He was going. Peter then tells Jesus he is willing to die for Him, but Jesus tells him he will deny Him three times. Even when we fail, or are about to fail, God has got us. His love will contain us and forgive us. Jesus talked about preparing a place for us in heaven. All we have to do is believe and trust Him for our eternal salvation, the future picture. Then we can apply that same forgiveness towards others. Amen!

Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. “And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me. Matthew 18:3‭-‬5 NLT Each of us has pet sins: gossip,criticism, judgementalism (all biggies), excesses in food or alcohol, sexual sin,  theft, abuse of others in word and deed. Take you pick! No matter what it is, Jesus set us free from it. We must choose freedom, and aggressively pursue it. It won't come, and smack us in the face. Today, right now, is a good time to choose freedom and the power of the Holy Spirit to free us,  next rebuke the thing. Scripture tells us rebuke the devil and he will flee (not might, but will). James 4:7. Come on, act saved! Amen!

Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. “And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me. Matthew 18:3‭-‬5 NLT Becoming like little children sounds as hard as being born again. Yet, for those who are born again,  we know it was not hard at all, once the decision to make Jesus Lord was done. The same reasoning can be applied here. If I refuse to be god,  or refuse to attempt to be god,  and rather, trust Him with the job, then, I am behaving like a little trusting, child. We are not required to go back to petulant behaviour, rather, we are encouraged to trust our heavenly Father like the child trusts his father (providing of course he was a good father). Our heavenly Father can be trusted with providing our needs. He is faithful! Amen!

Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. Colossians 4:6 NLT A right response is so important. With our tongue we can pull down or build up. It is so easy to lash out when annoyed or offended. It is at this time we need to be careful and steer ourselves away from nastiness.  If the scripture says: My grace is sufficient for you ( 2 Cor 12:9) then we know we can access it by asking. Our God is ever-ready to give us His grace. Grace is a good antidote, a good funnel, through which words can pass. Grace coats our words with kindness and mercy. Try grace! Amen!

Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. Colossians 4:6 NLT The time that this admonition is hardest is when we've been dealt with unfairly. Others are more than willing to be disparaging with you. You may have given your all to find yourself slapped down and kicked into the gutter. It is times like this that we need to remember Jesus, and how He responded to wrongful treatment. Father forgive them,  for they know not what they do ( Luke 22:34). Mixing forgiveness, grace and firm resolve is the challenge. Today I must handle such a challenge. I must face off a greedy owner with truth and justice, along with mercy. That should look interesting. I have been told that upon my lease renewal the owner wants to increase the rent by $45/week. This is very unreasonable when similar duplexes in my street pay only $10 above my current rental. This is more acceptable, now comes the battle to fight for right, when wrong is supporte...

So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7 NLT Jesus resisted the devil's attempt to draw Him into his web of destruction  when he tempted Jesus to bow down, and worship him. Jesus knew the answer: you shall worship the Lord your God,  and have no strange gods before Him (Like 4:8). We will be tempted to solve our financial problem with unrighteous means, but God has an answer seek first the kingdom of God (Matt 6:33). Yoday I received notice that the landlord wanted to increase my rent by $45/week. Not possible le for me! I investigated my options, and wrote a counter offer and did my research, other units Iike mine are only  paying $350. I notified the real estate agent, and prayed. God must must be GOD! Amen!

So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7 NLT How do I humble myself? It starts with recognising I am not God. Although it is self-evident to others, we can become emeshed in god- complexes, especially when things are going well. I see many encouraging posts on FB which speak about finding self, and forgetting others. Yet my bible tells me I need to die to self and serve others. Dying to self-righteousness and pride begin the humbling process, I must choose it. Although ego and flesh scream against humility, it is where my true life in Christ is found. Humility enables us to resist the devil. The devil wants us in his fold of selfish fleshpots. Resisting him, as Jesus did, is the beginning of life in the Spirit   Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Colossians 2:7 NLT

The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe. Proverbs 18:10 NLT I have just been reading a history of my great great grandfather Thomas Little. I can see the hand of God on my grandfather.  He was sent to Australia for supposedly stealing a 1/3 peck of coal dust. He had no prior convictions and none subsequent. He was held in a prison hulk in London waters for about 9 months before transport. During this time the convicts were used for road building.  When he arrived safely in Australia he was taken by a residing judge to care for his animals. Favour and protection followed my grandfather. Upon release to marry, he moved to a place in Gosford where I have also lived. Later he and his family relocated to a place called Bundarra, close by to where I now live. It would have been wonderful if my grandfather kept a journal as he could read and write. He ultimately purchase several allotments of land in the local area of Bundarra. He and his wife Sop...

The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe. Proverbs 18:10 NLT Safety is only problematic when there is danger. Danger presents in many ways: assault from without the home, abuse within the home, attacks from outside the country.  Yesterday I was asked to pray for Ukrainian women who were being sexually abused by Russian soldiers.  I have also been asked to pray for women and children escaping the war, to be safe from sex traffickers. My prayer is the women and children find a safe refuge and healing with God's people. The best healer is the Lord, the best protector of our soul is the Lord, yet abuses still occur and healing is continually needed. We can be instruments of healing, protection and safety. The church should be a safe place. My prayer is that it would be, and can be. There are Christian groups working worldwide to provide this safety and healing. May we partner with them, and pray for their purity towards those they help. We canno...

So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:16 NLT Boldness is something I am well endowed with. Some may think I have too much, perhaps, but I know where it comes from, the Lord. I am His daughter. I don't need Him telling me to get to the point. Our Father delights in us taking interest and compassion for our world. I have many things I pray about, daily. I have also seen many answers, but I long for more. One prayer I have had is for godly government.  I pray I see this answered tonight. I have been diligent to discover those who stand for righteousness, I have made calls for our Christian lobby and have helped others find the answers as well. God does not have couch potatoes! We are the righteousness of Christ. We are here to work, and work we should. Today I saw a local church heavily involved at my polling station.  I rejoiced! May Your Kingdom come Lord! Amen!...

So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:16 NLT Who does not need grace? We all do! We can act as if we do not need it, we can endeavour to make it on our own, and miss the beautiful opportunity to walk in grace. I value grace most when I don't deserve it, when I have failed big time. It is here that I receive such an outpouring of grace that I am floored. But why God? Then I see Him smile, and right then I know how amazingly wonderful He is.  He loves me through weakness and sin, He loves without reason, He loves because He is love!  Bask in His love today! Amen!

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 NLT The scripture also promises us an abundance.....for every good work, not for wasteful living. The challenge is knowing what every good work looks like. There are so many hands out for financial assistance, which way should we go? The Lord has a path for each one of us. Our task is to find that path, and be faithful to it. We are not called to self-indulgence.  Learning to live with enough, and giving to every good work is the constant challenge. However, I know two men with aircrafts. Is this indulgence? That is not for me to judge. These men have their own paths before God. He knows what He wants them to do for Him. God gave me a cute little convertible. It looks posh, I assure you it is not, it is now 11 years old. I know it provides me with a tool for relating to young people(nephews, neices and grandies especially), also i...

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 NLT Needs and wants are different things. My needs are what are necessary for my life today: food, clothing, shelter, electricity, gas, transport (unless able to walk),a lawn mower and edger, nowadays reading glasses and a computer to study by. Wants are holidays, luxuries such as TVs (I have one but do not watch it), jewellery, perfumes, hairdressers etc. In some parts of the world food, clothing and shleter are the needs, you can tell we are westerners  I think the people in Ukraine are learning what their needs are and what was a chasing after wind. We will have this opportunity should China decide to make war. Our forebears learned it during the past two world wars. I remember my dad saying there was no cereal for breakfast, and so they had milk on bread, some children had no shoes during this time,  they went to school s...

“You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased.” Revelation 4:11 NLT I enjoy understanding the mind of a creator of an art work, a magnificent building, a writer or poet. This is only respectfulness. To look at creation and not be inquisitive about the mind that conceived it, is robbing myself of understanding a beautiful mind, and robbing my creator of honour due to Him. Many Psalms have been written to describe such a mind, I can but try to add to the volumes. All glory, honour and praise to You mighty God, All thanks to You for being our God. How magnificent are Your thoughts toward us, How delightful are Your plans for all us. We worship Your majesty, we praise Your glory, You fill all You do with Your presence, You hold us together by Your smile, You lift us up with Your laughter. Thank You majesty! Amen!

“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory, honor, and power, for you created all things, and for your pleasure they were created and exist.” Revelation 4:11 TPT When you discover that the earth and our solar system is hidden on the inside of one arm of a spiral galaxy, so small and insignificant, but precious, you cannot be anything but amazed  When we look at all that was created on earth we must be amazed. We are beautifully and wonderfully made, so intricate are our parts. When I see tiny birds and even smaller bugs and know they are fully functioning beings, I am floored. What a mind the creator has, how marvellous is He. We must, with all creation fall at His feet. He is good, so good. Amen!

Distress that drives us to God does that. It turns us around, it gets us back in the way of salvation. We never regret that kind of pain. But those who let distress drive them away from God are full fo regrets, and end up in a deathbed of regrets. 2 Cor 7:10 Distress is good, if it drives us to God. Unfortunately, some of us experience distress, but when it is over, go right back to our selfish ways. This behaviour is sad. This leads to eternal death.  Godly distress produces repentance,  and that leads us to life and freedom. I pray we always find this.  To spend eternity away from God us horrendous.  May we find true repentance today. Amen!

For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death. 2 Corinthians 7:10 NLT If we can be honest, we have probably all experienced sorrow that did not change us. However, if we know Christ,  we know the time that sorrow for our sinful ways led us to Him. Our sins and misdeeds highlight our separation from God's ways. We can claim that as Christians we do not sin, however we deceive ourselves. James tells us this. However, we have a forgiving God who cleanses us from all sin. Repentance that brings life is a godly gift.  If we are honest with ourselves, we know which sorrow we are experiencing.  If we change, it is godly sorrow, if we go back to the same errors, we are unrepentant.  Yet,  in recognising our state, we can pray for a repentant heart. Remember David did this: create a clean heart in me oh God...

No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 NLT I just watched an interview with former first lady Melanie Trump. What a humble,  beautiful soul. Her passion is providing children who need foster care, homes, and scholarships for them to study. She is not bitter about the abuse she suffered but rather thinks it is sad, sad for the nasty brigade (my words). Humble people are not bitter, they are beautiful souls. Let's emulate these, do what is right, and live humbly before our God. Amen!

No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 NLT Walking humbly with my God is the challenge. I so easily become enticed to react. Yestersay, while walking my dog a big speckled dog ran out st us. Oscar, my dog, has a fear of big dogs, and so he started barking. Fortunately the owner was close by, once before he wasn't. When he arrived I roused on him telling him to keep his dog inside. What I should have done is go to the Lord. People don't need to hear a sharp rebuff from me. People have lives affected by all manner of things which we only find out about when we apply grace. I missed an opportunity. That would have been applying mercy. Thr world needs mercy, that man needed mercy. Our world needs mercy and grace and we are the carriers of it. May we be mindful of this. Amen!

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1 NLT The enemy of our soul loves to throw condemnations for what happened in our past, what we  currently struggle with, and even what may come against us. Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe, sin has left its crimson stain but now He washed it white as snow. In Jesus I am free, by His payment I am not condemned. I choose to live in faith in gratitude for His payment. Amen!

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1 NLT Does your heart condemn you? Do others condemn you? They might, but if you are in Christ, God does not. What is important here? The pain of condemnation from others can be brutal, but all it does in help us refine our focus towards the Lord. All that matters is His opinion. Jesus paid the price for our failures and weaknesses, and offers us a way of escape, His Holy Spirit is our strength and strategy. 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 Habakkuk speaks to God on behalf of the people, God actually talks to him, and answers his queries. The book takes on a Q and A style. Chapter 2 verses 6-20 consist of The Five Woes. You may wonder why the above verse does not seem woeful, well its not, really. However, verse 13 states: is it not from the Lord of Hosts that the peoples labour only to fuel the fire, and countries only exhaust themselves for nothing? (Not so kind). They are more proverbial in nature, stating a fact. Yet, we can take heart from verse 14. The Lord is still in charge. All mankind will know Him and face Him at their end.  Their actions will reap their reward, either good or bad. No matter what we go through He is still there, waiting for us to turn to Him and call upon Him. 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 When Jesus returns the earth will be filled with an awareness, but in the meantime God's people are coming alive and displaying their faith in Him. I am placed in my community to show the glory of God. How I do this is to show godliness: kindness, love, generosity, forgiveness,to not shirk back from giving a testimony about my faith. For months now I have been involved in a games afternoon with other women, the majority of whom are non-christian. A young teenage daughter of one woman came along and also participated. She claimed to be a transvestite. I did not shrink back from concerned interest, then I began to pray. Yestersay I was told she now has a normal boyfriend,  and appears to be settling down. I told her mother this was exactly what I had prayed, and it was. I will continue to pray that she desires to be a woman again. She had identified as a neuter, a no...

The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him. Nahum 1:7 NLT Notice the second part of this verse: He is close to those who trust Him. When we are trusted we appreciate it and do more for the one who trusts us, that is, unless we are villainous. The Lord is trustworthy. He teaches us how to trust Him, and as we do more and more, we become closer and closer. In other words, our walls come down. The more we trust the more we work together, the challenge is trusting through the storm, the famine and the fire. I am mindful of three young men: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. As teenagers they were taken into captivity. Along with Daniel they refused the kings food, this was their second chance to prove God's faithfulness.  The first was them being taken and not killed but given an opportunity to learn the Babylonian ways. Thr third, that we hear about, is them refusing to bow down to an idol. For this they ended up in a very hot fire. God me...

The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him. Nahum 1:7 NLT Nahum is a little book, not often used in preaching. This book is a judgement against Nineveh, the Assyrian capital. In the book God is a just God, a God of comfort. Nahum's name means comfort. Our God is a God of comfort to the suffering. He is a God of justice. Thr Assyrian kingdom was a force of oppression for many years. God had used them to bring about judgement on His people, but now He was rising against the oppressor. I awoke hearing a song I have been practising for Sunday: For God so loved. Our God sent His Son to save us. Jesus is our hope, our comfort. When I struggle and face pain I press into Him and sense His kiss. He is the one who I depend upon, He is my rescue, my power, my resource, my God. Amen! https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=wzEixKVx6Ls&feature=share

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Matthew 6:25 NLT Today I posted this verse on my FB page. A man I know wrote: easy to say, not easy to do. Yes I agree we are all tested in this regard. I was honoured this man was able to be vulnerable enough to say what he thought. We all are on a learning curve with the Lord. We can acknowledge many things with words, however, our hearts disagree. We are not there yet, but we will be. Tonight I saw a young Ukrainian man in hospital in Ukraine saying he was captured I  Mariupol, when injured. It appeared he had a fractured pelvis.  Whilst the Ruasians wanted to hurt him, they didn't. Instead they exchanged him for some Russians. He said he cried when he was on the bus back to an ambulance on his side. He knew it was not yet his time to die, he had more to do. Trust the Lord for you stage in th...

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Matthew 6:25 NLT Our enemy has a plan to occupy our mind with worry about debts, perceived needs, potential disasters, but Jesus tells us here to not worry. What is the opposite?  If we see ourselves as we are in Him, we are rich. We have a Father who holds all things in His hands, who created the worlds and all that they contain. Yesterday I made a bold move to cancel an application to receive a bursary from my uni for finances in my studies. I said to the Lord: no more victim mentality, no more begging. I am Your daughter, please provide. He usually does. Recently I had very sore feet and they  continued to hurt for around 6 weeks. Fear made me think: I must go to a doctor, buy special shoes etc. They are now better, and nothing I did made them better, I continued to walk daily. When God is ou...

He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. John 15:2 NLT I wear my hair short as it is easier to manage with swimming. Every now and then I go to the hairdresser for a trim. I do not want it drastically altered but want unevenness removed, dead ends removed and health brought back into my hair. When the Father prunes He trims,  mind you when I prune I removed the overgrowth, the dead wood and new growth in wrong places. The Lord does this. If I want to reshape a tree I remove branches that will hinder the new shape, the Lord also does this. I have 3 bonsai trees. These are small trees especially groomed to fit in very small pots. Bonsais have some drastic pruning with beautiful effect. The Lord does this in our lives.  We must trust Him! Amen!

He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. John 15:2 NLT What fruit is the Loed looking for? The fruit of the Spirit? Souls? Both? Yesterday saw the Anglican Church Synod in Australia vote about gay marriage in the church. 12 to 10 bishops voted in favour, whereas the general assembly voted against it. Because of the bishops vote it is now possible for Anglican ministers to justify marrying same sex couples. We watched the Uniting Church go this route and now they are dying out, they have been cut off. Locally the Anglican ministers are faithful to the scriptures. I will pray they stay faithful. They are strong supporters of Scripture Union, the evangelical organisation that is interdenominational. Locally SU is very active. We must look to how we live out the scriptures. We must love those caught in homosexuality and transgenderism but not partake. We love to bring truth, not participation ...

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Matthew 6:19 NLT Two days ago I went with a friend to look at second hand furniture. The furniture was involved in a deceased estate. The amount of furniture  and collections of spoons, teddy bears, and bric-a-brac was phenomenal. Obviously all was important to the deceased, but now they had a call to face their maker, and their children had the responsibility for discarding, and selling what was not wanted. I came away, and sat considering my furniture and knick knacks. When my mum died all of her clothes, which she loved to collect, went to a charity. Her furniture, fortunately was sparse as she lived with me. However, her bedroom furniture is surplus. When we die, we see how futile collecting is. Our families are all that matter, along with faithful friends. However, the most treasured relationship I have is with the Lord. I long to see Him, and spend etern...

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Matthew 6:19 NLT I don't think we understand this verse, as we have houses full to overflowing with possessions. I watch the Ukrainians lose their homes and their cars and all they held dear. It is all gone. Many end up in refugee camps, with a few clothes and essentials. If I asked them what is important to them, they would probably say family and country, not things. In Australia we are ravaged by fires, floods and cyclones. These all take away possessions quickly. Yet we all go back to accumulating. We have more thieves than ever, yet we install alarms and keep collecting. I have just awoke from a dream in which there was a farming couple who refused to borrow money to make their way. They struggled, but believed they were right in abstaining from borrowing. As a consequence they lived very simply, yet the world outside thought of them as freaks. Does it ma...

The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. Proverbs 18:21 NLT As I live alone and study, mostly, alone, I have few opportunities to yak. However, I know I can, with the right person, at the right time.  However, I do not like poor me talk, accusatory talk or high minded talk. I am amazed that the university lecturers are not high minded. In fact they are down to earth people. Perhaps socially they could be, I don't know. Some of us can be both: down to earth and high minded, depending on whom we wish to impress. I have been accused of it at times. Shame! I know I love language and when I am feeling playful I speak in French or Japanese. I know most people I associate with do not speak another language. It would be good to have someone else who speaks either so I could grow my vocabulary.  I have to watch my tongue when at play or when I am totally distraught by the actions of another. How about you? We all have our weak moments and t...

The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. Proverbs 18:21 NL Do you like to talk? I do, at certain times, to close friends. It is in these times of chatter we must be careful. It is so easy to seed a conversation with malice, judgement, criticisms. As someone who enjoys a chat, I have to be careful and watchful. Remember: A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends. Proverbs 16:28 NLT There are so many things we can talk about, how about telling the good God is doing.  Let us be clarions of righteousness! If we see bad things happen,  let us pray! Paul tells us : So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Ephesians 5:15‭-‬16 NLT He goes on to say: everyone should have a psalm, a hymn, a spiritual song. I know there are times when I am in a battle, I sing godly songs. It sure beats complaining. The days are evil....

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10 NLT I was just reading a post by Eternity new in Australia. Covid created an increase of needy people, a large increase. As house prices soared, so did mortgages and rents. This out- priced many, leaving no option but to leave. We can fear homelessness. We can fear debt and lack of finance. However, we always must come back to Jesus. What did He say: do not be anxious about anything,  but by prayer and supplication make your requests known to God. Money, relationships, careers  all vie for the top spot, yet God wants that place all to Himself. When we allow Him precedence,  He provides in miraculous ways. Amen!

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10 NLT This scripture encourages me to be brave and to be bold. As a student I have worked hard, and at times that produces good results, at times it discourages me. Last night I received my best mark thus far at uni, an 86%. The mark is amazing as I received it for a task I had to do that involves close listening to a tape of a new English learner, deciphering her efforts, tabulating mistakes and correct pronunciation. What makes it so amazing is I had been about to submit the essay when I re- read the fine print on the instructions. In the word count I had included my transcription but it was not to be included. After working all day to realise I needed another 400 words, I was a little discouraged. I took a break, made a coffee and went back to the task. The last 400 words did not have the benefit of time, yet th...

Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13:7 NLT Today was the best Mother's Day. I took gifts for three women to church, I enjoyed the service and returned home to prepare for my lunch guest, then went to soccer to watch my brilliant young nephew play exceptionally well. I returned  home to find my guest at the front door. We had ragu beef  and pappradelle pasta, beautiful! We had connoisseur vanilla icecream with lychees, followed with coffee and a speciality choc mint chocolate. Yum!  Very full we went to visit our mother's graves, back to Bunnings and I bought myself a little bonsai Japanese maple and a root stock cypress, which I planted in a spare bonsai pot. My elderly neighbour has been wooed by Jesus for the longest time. She was my guest.  She asked me to look on Facebook marketplace for a set of white table and chairs plus a sideboard. I was gobsmacked! Thr exact furniture she wanted ...

Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13:7 NLT What causes anything to last? Preservation? What causes love to outlast all manner of sin? Grace! God loves with grace. Why? Because of the Jesus factor. Jesus makes the difference to the Father 's love, to our love.  He sacrificially gave His life to save us, at our worst, no payment needed. Our task is to accept this grace, and be like Him, loving the unlovely. Only the God kind of love can love the unlovely. Only the God kind of love forgives sin and provides a way to wholeness. Amen!

“Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.” Ephesians 6:2‭-‬3 NLT Verbally is attributing a dishonest speech to a suspect, in other words it is lying. However, we can, in faith, speak over our parents and children instead of bad mouthing them, and complaining.  Tomorrow is mother's day in Australia. We can have expectations, and even be negative towards our family's potential to perform them. However, I have another slant: How about be grateful that our sons are working hard to teach their children how to respect their mums? How about being grateful that our son-in-laws are helping the children to cherish their wives, our daughters? We had our day in the sun. How about being grateful for the phone calls? Expectations can destroy relationships. Don't let the enemy of your family in! Amen!

“Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.” Ephesians 6:2‭-‬3 NLT Honouring takes effort, and a mindset that is not us centered.  We can always find reasons to complain and accuse, our enemy does that all the time. When we accuse and complain we partner with him. Choosing to honour for life is enough. Whilst there are abuses, and we do not honour them, we have an opportunity to honour those who help us, adopt us, step up to care. God is the only One to heal bad memories. He is our deliverer. Trust Him for that! Press in for that,  it is there for us.  Amen!

For, There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 2:5 NLT Soon grateful! Not only does Jesus reconcile us to Himself and to the Father, He also reconciles us to each other. I have watched this happen,  again and again as I trust Him. Today I discovered two relatives that I did not know I had. One had been a friend in my teen years. Today we discovered we were cousins.  He then steered me to another Diane who is equally a cousin of the same rank. My God is creating family for me. Praise Him! When we are estranged He restored. Trust Him! Amen!

For, There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 2:5 NLT I am studying Forensic Linguistic Law at present. It is fascinating.  I have discovered that language can convict a person, similar to fingerprints but not as definite.  Our DNA is more reliable, we can change our voice or what we write,  but not always successfully. In the court of heaven we will want a defence council, a good one. Jesus Christ offers to be this counsel for all who put their faith in the work He did for them on the cross. I will put myself totally in His hands, as I am never going to be good enough in myself. Jesus was the promise throughout scripture. He was perfect and gave Himself as a perfect substitution for the sins of all mankind. He is more than enough. There is nothing we have done that is greater! Amen!

And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. Romans 8:26 NLT Help is on the way! Our God is keen to help us and will come when we call. When out of our depth, He has us covered. We can rely on Him! Give all you cares to Him, for He cares for you! Amen!

And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. Romans 8:26 NLT Having weaknesses is humbling, but having the Holy Spirit is encouraging. I have weaknesses, you have weaknesses, we need to go to the Holy Spirit with them, rather than be condemned. Weaknesses make us rely on the Holy Spirit. Paul the apostle, who wrote the above scripture, knew what it was like to have a weakness. He had prayed for it to be removed, but God said, "No!, My power is made perfect in your weakness."(2 Cor 12:9). In other words Paul had to rely on the Lord, we have to rely on the Lord. He is our strength! Amen!

Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Psalms 37:4 NLT I have had some remarkable answers to prayer lately. I have been praying for the unborn for almost 12 months, daily. To hear what is happening in USA is wonderful! Praise God!! May your Kingdom come Lord, may Your will be done. I have been praying for Ukraine to take the war to Russia, for confusion in the Russian ranks, and a divine push of the Russian army out of Ukrainian territory. It is happening.  Yesterday I was asked to pray for a friends sister who looked like being sent out of town to a nursing home, because her elderly husband could no longer take care of her. Today I received exactly what I prayed for. The couple can stay together and social security will help them find a joint placement. I notice when I had compassion I had better results. Jesus had compassion on the crowds and miracles happened. I delight in God's heart for people, and therefore can pray more effectively. Compassion a...

Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Psalms 37:4 NLT Most of this Psalm seems as if David is addressing himself. He is counselling his own heart to not fret against those who oppose him but rather to turn to the Lord. When we are hurt by the behaviour of others we can walk into a trap of offense and self-pity, if we allow it to capture our minds. This morning the enemy was attempting such a coup on me. I am grateful for this Psalm. It reminds me where my focus should be. Others will not always be what we desire them to be, and at times they will be selfish, just as we can also be. However, focusing on God, and delighting in Him will change all that. Amen!

But in that coming day no weapon turned against you will succeed. You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the Lord; their vindication will come from me. I, the Lord, have spoken! Isaiah 54:17 NLT Have you been gossiped about? Judged? Deemed not worthy? Then this scripture is for you. Jesus took the penalty of our sin, He was rejected and despised for us, He was broken so that we can be healed.  I have found healing of body and soul in Him, as I pressed into Him. It did not come sitting around waiting, but by actively pursuing it, and stepping into it by faith. There were a lot of lonely days and nights but now they are all gone. Thd price was costly,  but worth it. Amen!

But in that coming day no weapon turned against you will succeed. You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the Lord; their vindication will come from me. I, the Lord, have spoken! Isaiah 54:17 NLT This is a precious promise. It comes at a time when all manner of people needed to hear it. The power in it is still potent, and full of promise to those who have ears to hear, and hearts to respond. The beauty of scripture is that it is living and active, sharper than any two edged sword, able to pierce bone and marrow, and not destroy, but bring life. We must step into life, again and again. It is placed before us, and we must choose life, and live. Believe the word of God, and not your circumstances. Amen!

The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. Psalms 18:2 NLT Have you ever been in a rough, boiling sea, and see a rock? I have, it was the first time I had been taken snorkelling. I was a little scared. Unfortunately, I had not been instructed on how to extricate myself from such a sea, and swam to the rocks hoping to climb out. I had little knowledge as to the impact on the surf's ability to vomit me out, and suck  me back. Needless to say I had very sore hands and knees when I finally made it. I am grateful I did not have worse injuries. Praise God although He is the rock, He does not cause us damage, it is usually us that do that. If I had the wisdom, or training, in the correct way to leave the sea via a rock platform,  I would have fared better. Jesus said it is better for us to throw ourselves on the rock than to have it fall on us and be crushed. I agree....

The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. Psalms 18:2 NLT  Jesus talks about another stone here: Anyone who stumbles over that stone will be broken to pieces, and it will crush anyone it falls on.” Matthew 21:44 NLT Jesus looked at them and said, “Then what does this Scripture mean? ‘The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’ Luke 20:17 NLT Jesus is the cornerstone. If we fall upon Him in repentance we are broken, but if we refuse, ultimately,  He will fall upon us and we will be crushed. Today I am confronted with a tendency to be judgemental when with a girlfriend, not towards her but about the world of politics, in particular. In other words I become an armchair critic.The Holy Spirit is convicting me of  better way. I now have an opportunity to fall upon the rock and be broken. I am up for more, so let's see what that looks ...

Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT Today I shared a communion message at the early service. It has been many years since I last was in front of a congregation, and I enjoyed it. However, I had a glorious plan that had to be changed last minute. Our service has two main speakers who share the time and both had given us a heafty diet of scripture.  I noticed we had a lot of youth in the service so I lightened it with just a testimony about forgiveness. I told how earlier in the week I had an opportunity to be offended or to forgive. I chose to forgive and saw God move in the person's life. I made a point of referring to Jesus's obedience in submitting to God's plan at age 12 and again in His ministry, particularly as He faced the cross and didn't want it, trying three times for another way. However,  His words,...

Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT I am so.glad this scripture is written in the bible. It reminds me, again and again, that God will use me for His glory. I have to believe this truth, as there is power in it. God will use me even though I am weak in places in my life. Paul believed the truth of the message and it kept him going throughout Asia. It held him when he was being flogged for the gospel, it lifted him in the storms. Paul went with the message of the gospel. Nothing stopped him, northing can stop me. Amen!