The day with dianne Louise

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20‭-‬21 NLT All glory goes to the victor, the winner, the mighty. Our Lord is all of these. Praise Him! I am blessed by Him choosing me, being with me, blessing me with His presence. How good is God! While we were sinners and in a mess, He chose us, knowing we would be just what He wanted. Amen! How good it is to be chosen and to also have His power at work in us to will and to do His good pleasure. Amen!

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20‭-‬21 NLT We limit ourselves and others,  in fact we limit God. He is able to do for more than we ask or think. Can we dare to ask God to do more? What does God have in His heart for us? He sees far beyond what we can. He sees possibilities that we can only hope or imagine. Dare we join with Him in His vision? I am a dare devil. Not a good saying, why not an adventurous soul? I have dared to do things others my age would not even bother dreaming about. However, I have limiters, usually my physical body. My mindset about my capabilities can sometimes limit me. Our God wants to work through us with His healing power. He is mighty to save! Amen!

That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. 2 Corinthians 4:16 NLT Forever and ever our spirits will be renewed daily. Praise God! No need for batteries, power sockets, turbines.  Thr Holy Spirit resides within us, and is a constant source of energy. I may feel physically unwell, tired, run down, but He never does. We need to lock into Him! I am into astronomy, and astro-scientists tell us that our stars, as in suns, have been around millions of years. Our sun is predicted to continue for a millennia yet. However, there is a God factor.  All things will end when He says so, not when we say so. He also promises a new heaven and a new earth. That sounds pretty amazing. Bring it on Lord! Amen!

That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. 2 Corinthians 4:16 NLT I saw in the news that the family of Archie Bsttersbee, in England, have won a delay in the death of their son. The UN has become involved. Archie has been on life support for some time. The hospital wants to turn off the support, but the family say Archie is responding.This is a most unheard of turn of circumstances. Praise God! Archie's parents know his spirit is still in him, and want to allow time for his body to come back to life. It is not until our body fully dies does our spirit depart, however, this is not the end of the story.. Many have had near death experiences where their spirit did leave and go to heaven or hell, only to return. As someone who's body is showing wear and tear I can say my physical house is wearing out. Yet, my spirit is alive because Christ lives in me. His Spirit, the Holy Spirit sanctifies me, and carries me forward to my he...

The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth. Psalms 145:18 NLT On Tuesday when I did my grocery shop I felt nudged to buy bread mix. I have not bought this is a while, but the thought presented itself: you never know who might appreciate some fresh bread, so I bought it. Yesterday I was asked to house my neice until Monday as her family will be away. I know she likes bread. It is cooking now. Today when her Nana (who is her guardian) came to say goodbuye she gave me $50, unexpectedly. As I have finally come to rest with my finance the Lord provides in surprising ways. I am grateful. I know the reason I need it will present itself soon enough. My God is answering my prayers for connection,  finance and more. I am blessed. He is close. Amen!

The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth. Psalms 145:18 NLT I once saw a movie in which a woman got on her knees and prayed for help with her marriage. She asked that she would find God. When she did not experience anything she got up and said, "I thought not!" Her prayer looked sincere but the results were not sincere. When I came to Christ I was seeking. However, God led me through a process whereby I became desperate, when I was ready He revealed Himself. He convicted me of my sins, and led me to a Christian friend who was able to share the gospel with me. God looks deep within. Our behaviour may fool some of the people all the time,  but the Lord none of the time. God is not conned by deception. Remember, He is God. Amen!

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Philippians 2:3 NLT We say things to impress. I just watched a maiden speech by an indigenous aboriginal woman from Alice Springs (it is where Ayres Rock is). This woman is against all virtue signalling by the current Labour Government. Her speech was courageous. I pray she is not affected by the desire to impress but rather impresses by her clear focus. We can perform, usually to entertain. Here we do receive accolades, or rotten eggs. However, if we try to impress, and fail we become miserable. Robin Williams was a famous  funny man, however, all the accolades did not make him whole.  His lostness drove him to suicide. Our lostness means we need a saviour. That saviour can only be divine, because only a divine saviour is unaffected by the flesh. Our saviour is Jesus. He paid the way for us to be set free and whole. Amen

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Philippians 2:3 NLT We all slip into show off now and then. The bible calls this a play in selfishness. Humility is actually thinking of others as being more than enough, as in our equals and more. When we meet someone who makes us feel small, perhaps the problem is ours, or perhaps we should be comfortable to allow them to shine. Rejoice in their greatness and be comfortable in our own shoes. God has a plan and purpose for us that is uniquely us, wait for it and walk in it, it will fit you without you having to strive, spruiker, or demand.  I like a pair of shoes that fit perfectly. The world is waiting for those who walk in their fit humbly. Amen!

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. Psalms 23:4 NLT Entering in to a dark valley can be daunting, but as you near the exist on the other side, there is light. You can see beyond the valley. I watched a National Georgraphic documentary about a famous naturalist who was in his 80's who wanted to go to a particular plateau in South America. To get to that place he and his team had to cut through think vegetation.  It began to rain, the ground was slippery,  and the man knew he would not make the climb of the mountain range. However, he made it to a place where he could see the mountain and daylight. He sent on a young team of climbers to go before him and look for a particular frog. They happened to find some tadpoles and they happened to be the variety the man wanted. The fact that this man was able to traverse through thick jungle in the pouring rain was a Testament to hi...

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. Psalms 23:4 NLT Yesterday I discovered my daughter-in-law is facing a fearful enemy. She is in hospital having tests for MS and cancer. She was having a lumbar puncture. This is not a pleasant procedure, having had two epidural, one whilst in pain of childbirth and one not. I can say having a huge needle stuck in your spine is not fun. The fear of the unknown can be daunting. Roz needs to have the Lord's comfort. All of us do when facing the unknown. Obviously there were symptoms that caused her to seek help. The unknown is the worst. When we know what our enemy is we can work out a strategy to deal with it. Sometimes the only hope is the Lord. Whilst scary,  it is a safe place to be. The Lord always has an answer. Sometimes it is just, trust Me! Sometimes we walk through the fire. Sometimes we meet death.  However, on the other side i...

Never stop praying. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 NLT We.can so easily give up, be defeated by the lies of our enemy. Yet, scripture encourages us to be steadfast in prayer. Jesus told stories of persistent prayer. He obviously believed in it. Galatians 6:9 states: So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Now, I know this speaks about doing good but prayer is also good. My favourite scripture also speaks to endurance: For you have need of endurance so that you might prove the will of the Father and receive what has been promised. Hebrews 10:36. The will of the Father is to answer our prayers. However, He is looking to see our character develop. Amen!

Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live. 1 Thessalonians 5:16‭-‬18 MSG Prayer without losing vigour, without losing vision or heart are important. If our enemy can turn us away from prayer, he will with lies like: it does make a difference, they're not changing, you can't win etc. Pray and ask thr Lord for evidences of change.he will give you it. Last night I saw an open invitation to share my faith on a FB post for women over 50. It said  'what to you think there is after death?' I jumped in and created a wave confronting the lies people believe. It was fun, I want more. Each time I pray for the Holy Spirit to give me what to say and to annoint my words. I want a harvest. God will provide such opportunities if we ask. We can evangelism right at home to the world at large. Annoint us Lord, set us on fire! Amen!

Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock. Isaiah 26:4 NLT There are many testaments to the words: I will always love you, Dolly Parton's song, which Whitney Housten made famous in the movie The Bodyguard is prominent. Whitney was married to one man: Bobby Brown who she ended up divorcing. However, she died at 48 from cocaine and accidentally death in bathtub. Whereas, Dolly Parton was married to one man, and she is still alive serving the Lord. Back to us.  We are told to trust in the Lord always. The first commandment tells us we must love the Lord our God with our whole heart, soul and mind. Nothing is to take His place. Nothing! Amen!

Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock. Isaiah 26:4 NLT Having a rock to stand on, instead of sand, in a storm is comforting. Knowing that the rock is also a shelter is even better. We see images of lighthouses way out on rock promontories, the fact that they were built to withstand heavy and turbulent seas is amazing, knowing they would be a secure place in a storm is even better. Better still they guide ships caught in the storm. Our God is even better! We have bad storms, storms that tear us apart and good storms: too much success or attention.  Both can destroy us, unless we are linked to our rock. During successful times it is more important to make intentional links. In euphoria we can become puffed up and float away,  and find ourselves alone in the sea, without our rock. In bad times our God is our comfort. When we are comfortable we must allow Him to be our conscience and guide, and be quick to repent. Let us not lose our rock, we will need His...

Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship. Romans 12:1 HCSB Spiritual worship: if I asked you what you thought this was, what would you say? Probably good worship songs, time in the bible, that sort of thing? Yes! Most of us would agree. Yet, Paul calls presenting our bodies to God, as living sacrifices, spiritual worship. What does presenting our bodies to God as living sacrifices mean? No! No murder! No gorey stuff! It means dying to self, over and over again. Our sacrifice must be continual because we constantly battle with our fleshly natures which act out. Mine did today. I went to watch my nephew play a game of soccer, and I found myself loudly barracking for our team, and a derogatory comment about the opposition slipped out. I was ashamed of my behaviour. So, repentance, and a prayer for help ensued. I want to be trusted, even in fun stuff to be faithful to my man...

Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. Romans 12:1‭-‬2 HCSB Today is Sunday. Many in Australia see this as a time to sleep in, walk the dog, go for a coffee or breakfast out. Whilst these all represent a mini holiday, I choose to go to church. Yesterday was another day I could have had a mini holiday but I chose to serve my family, and turn up at the obscene hour of 8am to watch soccer. The night before when many were buying pizza, and settling in for a movie I was again at soccer in the freezing cold. Not because I am good, but my Jesus is good and wants to love this family who do not know Jesus personally, yet. Last night I discovered an arrogant young man who is visiting my city, he posted in our local online...

The Lord does not delay His promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 HCSB Last night one of my nephews received the news that he failed to gain a place in a team of soccer players going to Singapore. He was devastated. However, he is only 13, and many more opportunities will present themselves. I can fully appreciate his sorrow.  He had worked hard, he was a good player and did all the right things, but the timing was not right. This young man has a heart of gold, and I know God has bigger plans for him. This story is common. We all face disappointments and grief: we didn't receive the raise; we didn't get the job; we lost our marriage, our business, our family through disaster or disease.  All of us have only one place to go, Jesus. Jesus followed the Father, and his siblings rejected Him, his friends rejected Him, even the Father turned away when He took all our sin upon Himself on the cr...

The Lord does not delay His promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 HCSB We do not understand patience as the Lord does. He waited thousands of years before He sent Jesus, and now thousands again before He sends Him again. We become annoyed if a car we have ordered is late, if our plane is late, or our meal is late. Imagine waiting a year, two or three for a car we wanted? Imagine waiting three hours for a meal? We can't do it, can we? The Lord yields the immediate for the long term. He is a big-picture God. We would look at all the people in the now and say, these people need the answer now! Why wait? However, He does! The wait is when we develop character, trust and long suffering. I have waited almost 20 years for the new in my own life. The new must be awfully good and well worth the wait. I see it in the Spirit, I long for it,  but am happy with the wait as I trust God to perfect in me all...

For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. Ephesians 6:12 HCSB Our battle is against darkness within and without. Jesus sets us free from bondage to darkness through salvation.  We must accept it and walk in it. At times we must resist the devil, and he will flee. Other times we may need divine help. We do not always know or understand the bondages we grew into. We may be so used to them that we need a divine revelation and subsequent freedom. Always freedom is there for us. Jesus said He came to set us free. We must trust Him and take Him at His word. Amen!

For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. Ephesians 6:12 HCSB For men and women on the front lines in war their enemy can seem like flesh and blood, yet, what is pushing them? What is the motivational force behind them? If Jesus said: Satan comes to rob, steal and destroy, then he is the driving force in all of these areas.  During the second world war there were dedicated saints praying in Wales, and I am sure other places, but they received mention. The prayers of the saints turned the tide. During the first Iraqi war when Israel was under attack, I was praying. During the current Ukraine war I am praying, and so are many others. We can not fight in combat like natural soldiers, but we can fight in the spirit. I am a soldier on many fronts, and I know my prayers are working.  The war against abortion is turning, the war against...

God is at work in you enabling you to desire and work out His good purpose. Phil 2:13 I desire to do God's purpose, but had limited insight to purpose beyond my study. Today I sat and asked the Lord for His vision. I have a hunger to go and be the hands and feet of the Lord all over the world. Today I saw it, and have an inkling as to who I will work with. Now, I must pray, stay focused, and wait. Oh joy! It is good to have vision! Amen!

For it is God who is working in you, enabling you both to desire and to work out His good purpose. Philippians 2:13 HCSB Praise God! For a while there I thought I was missing God's path. Lately it has been very quiet,  the Lord is not speaking to me like He has in the past. I sense I am waiting in the outer office for an interview.  I know God has a plan and He is up to something. Something new is about to happen. However, I am spending more time in the word, in prayer, in worship, waiting. It is as if I am a huge event, the crowd is here and we are waiting for the players to emerge. I wonder if this is what it is like for the cloud of witnesses in heaven. Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and ...

but honor the Messiah as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. 1 Peter 3:15 HCSB Making Jesus Lord in our hearts is having our affections aimed at Him. Jesus said: whever your treasure is, there will be your heart also (Matt 6:21). So, what is our treasure? Is it connection with people, family, money? Well then that is where our heart is. Ouch! I am constantly being tested with this. When I find myself stressing about isolation or finance, I face myself with, "well, what is your treasure?" After I correct myself, and get back my focus the Lord blesses me unexpectedly.  He just did it. I woke from a nap as I am fighting a bug, felt a bit lost and alone, put on my radio, and made some scones to go with the soup I had made. Suddenly I received a sms from my daughter. It was a blessing, she sent me a photo of her daughter's last school photo. Chloe is now 17 and in her final school year. She loo...

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 1 Peter 3:15 BOOKS I have never heard of this version of the bible before, but it explains the above verse well. According to Wikipedia this version removes chapter and verse numbers, and the order of the books of the bible is a little different, but it is still the bible. Two things stand out: reverse Christ in our hearts,  this is different ro just accepting Him as being in residence, much like we treat our neighbours. The second things, give an account of our Christianity wirh gentleness and respect. This is also different to how we treat our neighbours or those on Social Media whom we disagree with. The message is respect our saviour, and respect our neighbour and be gentle with our responses. Social media shows me exactly why woke has arisen, lack of respect and gentleness. We need to rep...

When you pray, don’t babble like the idolaters, since they imagine they’ll be heard for their many words. Don’t be like them, because your Father knows the things you need before you ask Him. Matthew 6:7‭-‬8 HCSB Rote prayers are what many pray when not engaging their spirits or really attempting to engage their Lord. Mindless prayers are not s effective as engaged prayers. The advantage of being baptised in the Spirit is being able to pray in tongues. Of late I have been at a loss as to how to pray for my Christian friends and also for Ukraine. At these times I pray in the Spirit, and invariably a thought emerges, and as I follow it a prayer evolves. The Holy Spirit knows best what is needed, and I need to trust Him. Amen!

When you pray, don’t babble like the idolaters, since they imagine they’ll be heard for their many words. Don’t be like them, because your Father knows the things you need before you ask Him. Matthew 6:7‭-‬8 HCSB This morning I took time to listen to Pastor Bill Johnson's Sunday message in full. I am grateful for such a saint of God who faithfully worships Jesus in the midst of pain and loss. If all he had was babble he would be lost but he gave the beauty of worship in his pain. I have known babble.  When I was a catholic this is all I knew. I did not have a relationship with Jesus so that I could pour out my heart to Him. Now that I do I am able to talk to Him as a friend, and worship Him as my Lord, with words that come from true reverence deep within. We need to find new words in times of pain, there is deep groaning mixed with the faithful worship that trusts even in loss. This is precious to the Lord. In my aloneness I am able to mix deep groanings for family and relationship...

The Lord values those who fear Him, those who put their hope in His faithful love. Psalms 147:11 HCSB I read the Sunday sermon of Pastor Bill Johnson today. He had lost his wife to cancer 3 days prior. He talked about accepting the mystery with childlike faith. I respect this man and his unfailing willingness to seek God in all circumstances. Letting go of our expectations on how life should transpire, even to the faithful, especially to the faithful, is the biggest challenge. Trusting God in the pain is the only way out. It is not easy. Today the Lord started dealing with me on, 'If you enemy asks for your cloak, give him your shirt also'. This is painful especially when you are the one who needs the cloak and the shirt. However, Nathan the  prophet exhibits how God deals with the one who takes for his own need from the poor (2 Sam 22:1-15). God is on the case. Jesus taught about giving the cloak and the shirt in Matthew 5:40. It was in reference in going to court but also clu...

The Lord values those who fear Him, those who put their hope in His faithful love. Psalms 147:11 HCSB How good is it when you have people who trust you and your love? You must have done something to earn that trust, you must have been faithful. It is moreso with God. We err but He does not veer from the truth. We can hear, and believe lies at times, He is truth, and never listens to lies. All through the ages men and women have been able to trust the goodness of God, even when calamity strikes, God is faithful. He is a companion, He is comfort, counsel, truth, and righteousness. King David had written many psalms, although it is not confirmed he wrote this psalm. David had been given a promise that he would be king. However, the reigning king grew to hate him and chased him all over trying to kill him. David could easily have doubted God's goodness,  but he constantly encouraged himself in the Lord, and wrote psalms and songs to the Lord. We have a choice, always, whether we will s...

Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? 1 Corinthians 3:16 NLT The spirit of God lives in me, and you also, if you have made Jesus your Lord and saviour. We can accomplish so much together in Him. If Jesus is Lord and His Spirit lives in us, we are His temple. When He is free to rule in His temple we will see His glory, we will impact lives and an outpouring of His Spirit will flow into our community. Rather than complain about the sin and troubles in our society, we can impact our communities for Him. This all requires us to lay down our lives and follow Him.  Amen!

Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? 1 Corinthians 3:16 NLT The temple at Jerusalem was reverenced, the temple mount in Jerusalem that remains is a place of prayer. However, for us Christians,  us being God's temple, well that is special, but do we live with an awareness of the sacredness of this truth? If I am God's temple then darkness cannot inhabit any part of me, no wicked thoughts, no judgemental thoughts, no unclean thoughts, no greedy thoughts can cohabit with the presence of God. The bible talks about the abomination of desolation that was set up in the temple. This is spoken of in Daniel. Apparently a second century BC Greek ruler, Antiochus, offered sacrifices in the temple twice daily. Jesus also spoke about this happening in Mark, and when Rome chose to destroy the temple because of an uprising it is believed that it also happened then in AD 70. Some believe it will happen again when thr Antichris...

Search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek him. 1 Chronicles 16:11 NLT Strength can fail,  yet, scripture tells us we can run and not grow weary. How is this possible? It really depends on the fuel we use. If it is natural strength,  it runs out, if it is spiritual strength then it is limitless. However, we are earthen vessels and naturally do tire at times. Then we draw aside, and refuel ourselves. Isaiah 40:31 says: but those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength, they will mount up as eagles. They shall run and not grow weary. Now, that is a promise worth claiming. Amen!

Search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek him. 1 Chronicles 16:11 NLT When do we search for the Lord? If we are honest, it is when we are in trouble or stuck with solving something. Otherwise,  we rely on our own strength and understanding. This concept of total reliance is foreign to us. Even Solomon addressed this:proverbs 3:5,6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight. This verse is part of a song King David wrote for his worshippers in God's house. We should read it in totality(Verses 8-36.). This was the first time singers were instituted into service before the Lord. David had a heart for worship, and led God's people in the practice. Total reliance is probably a walk of a lifetime as we learn to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. However, it is a journey that begins with one step. Amen!

But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57 NLT We can walk in the spirit of death if we fail to take up the faith we have been given and use it. Gradually we will die spiritually amd become an anaemic ghost of a Christian in name only. We have been give authority and power over the works of the devil through Christ.  He won the battle but we must walk it out. So, today you have a choice: life or death. Choose life so that you may live, and live life abundantly.  Amen!

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! 1 Corinthians 15:57 HCSB Some versions give a rendition: But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57 NLT We have to know what we have victory over, and in this place it is sin and death. A rather mighty victory! Hebrews talk about a sin that so easily besets us: 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. Hebrews 12:1 NLT We are in a race to win a prize, the wreath promised to all who run the race with endurance, the new name that the Lord gives us, His constant fellowship for all eternity.  Why would we not throw off every weight that ties us down? Amen!

For the word of God will never fail.” Luke 1:37 NLT No matter what our circumstances, the word of the Lord promises that He will be there for us. We cannot allow our emotions to dictate a narrative contrary to scripture. Today was a challenging day. Both my uni subjects have long tutorials on the same day. Along with this a man from my connect group had been in hospital, and asked me to collect him. I worked out I could do it in a narrow window of time. His blood pressure went down, and he could not make it in that time frame. He messaged me during my busy time, and therefore I had to suggest an alternative. Some times the ill or injured are unable to think things through for themselves. I still have his dog and lo just this afternoon the dog finally broke through with my dog, and now they are friends. Praise God! However, I had two demanding little beasts wanting feeding, most inconvenient. Ha ha! We made it through! Praise God! I knew this was a test for me so that I could broaden my...

For the word of God will never fail.” Luke 1:37 NLT These words were spoken by the angel Gabrielle to Mary. I think he might know, don't you? We have had prophets tell us the same thing through the centuries and whilst we are quick to doubt man's words,  what about angel's words? Jesus demonstrated that God kept His words, again and again. Read the gospels. Jesus was the fulfillment of God 's word through the prophets. God Himself spoke to Abraham about his seed being as vast as the grains of sand on the seashore. They are, we are. Now we must prove God's word to us by walking it out in faith. People may not believe us that it is true, but God is faithful.  Amen!

But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. Psalms 56:3 NLT Whether we are aware or not, we put our trust in places, regularly. If we believe the noise, we give it to fear saying, " yes I know you are the powerful one, yes you will destroy me, I agree!" Conversely, if we discipline our hearts and minds to follow the word of God, we will trust the Lord. Today the Lord showed me how I longed for more money because it made me feel secure. In other words I trusted money over the Lord. It was such a revelation,  I said, 'wow!' The Lord knows us better than we know ourselves. He is keen to reveal our innermost parts to us, so then we can yield them to Him. What are you trusting instead of God? Pull it down! Amen!

But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me? Psalms 56:3‭-‬4 NLT David wrote this psalm when he was under attack from the Philistines. Good words! Instead of allowing fear to rule David put his hope in the Lord. Today we face new fears,whether it be a bill we cannot pay,  threats against our lives, having the evil one tell us a narrative that suits his purpose. If the enemy can cause us to run in fear, he has a victory.  However, if, like David, we stand and trust the Lord, victory is ours, our God is running to our rescue. Today I must stand and keep my eyes on Jesus, He writes my narrative.  I want His ending. I want the wreath of victory that He will give me. Amen!

Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Psalms 105:1 NLT Today the James Webb telescope goes live. All men, women and children will see the glory of God. We may see the beginning of all things made by Him. Wouldn't that be awesome! A fool says in his heart there is no God when all creation calls out His name. I am no fool, I am blessed to know Him, and so grateful for  this opportunity to see His handiwork. He is good! Look up, and acknowledge Him! Amen!

Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Psalms 105:1 NLT Give thanks! Praise Him! Praise instead of complaining.  When we present a praising face to others instead of a 'poor me' face, we bless and challenge others to find the same face. On Sunday I was asked how I was doing and I said "great".  Although I face challenges I am constantly blessed with the Lord's presence. He deals bountifully with me. I can never run out of God 's presence and company. He is not stingy, He is bountiful towards us if we just make ourselves available. Praise God He is aware of my need for companionship, and He is here. Praise Him He provides for all my financial needs. Praise Him He keeps me healthy. Praise Him He help with my study. Praise Him I have hot water to shower in (I love hot water in winter), praise Him I have warm blankets to sleep in. Praise Him I have a loverly house to live in. Most of all, praise Him for clean...

I will remember the Lord’s works; yes, I will remember Your ancient wonders. I will reflect on all You have done and meditate on Your actions. Psalms 77:11‭-‬12 HCSB How do we mediate on God's wonders? A good place to start will be praising Him for all He has done for you, then recognising each action: kindness, goodness, unmerited grace, favour, protection, counsel, comfort. Then think on these attributes of God, with thankfulness. Negatives want first place, but we can pull them down through praise of God's goodness. Living grateful, praise filled lives gives not opportunity to the devil. Then God can surprise us with His goodness, as He did for me just now. I have been plowing through my study, and managing my friend's little dog, who has been a challenge. My daughter contacted me, and sent photos of a trek she had done. She is planning a trip down to see me very shortly. I also may have just managed to calm the anxious little beast, as he is sitting quietly beside me an...

I will remember the Lord’s works; yes, I will remember Your ancient wonders. I will reflect on all You have done and meditate on Your actions. Psalms 77:11‭-‬12 HCSB When we remember we must remember what God has delivered us from along our journey with Him, the benefits He has given us, the revelations, the surprises, the gifts, His Holy Spirit gifts. The longer we have walked with the Lord the greater the number of these. The children of Israel had a long history with the Lord, they had much to remember, and remember they should. If we fail to remember God in the midst we can become bitter, complacent, we can fade in our testimony. Yesterday I talked with a friend who has forgotten, and he is now picking up the bondages of his family as they excuse his behaviour which is faithless. I am watching the enemy of this man's soul peg him to the ground as one thing after another bind him because he refused to use his faith. Each of us have been given a measure of faith, much like the ta...

When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is: fear God and keep His commands, because this is for all humanity. Ecclesiastes 12:13 HCSB I and  lot of other AMPFP planners are involved in a court case with AMPFP for dismissing us all to solve their problem, and not pay us an agreed price.  This case has been going on since 2019. A mediation attempt will be made on August 30th. If this fails we will go to court on October 22. Then all will be heard. It takes time for all the truth to be heard. It took William Wilberforce 20 years to win a battle to have slavery prohibited in the British isle and the colonies. Why do things take time? Usually there is a battle to enforce the darkness to front the light. Our enemy does all he can to fight against the light.  We are seeing this in the Ukraine war at present. Both Russia and Ukraine have to face their corruption. Corruption interferes with justice, and justice must be done. Amen!

When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is: fear God and keep His commands, because this is for all humanity. Ecclesiastes 12:13 HCSB I can fear God by excluding all other gods. However, identifying them may be a challenge, unless I know the word of God and Him personally. By having my friend's dog Oscar visit I have come to respect my friend's judgement about his dog. He said he tears up every thing, he does. He said he wets inside, he does, he said he is an outside dog, he is. I tried to treat him as I treat my dog, and failed. Thus he spent the night outside and my dog spent it inside.This is an example of fear, or respect of another person's opinion. I now respect my friend's opinion. This is how things are with God. We discover His words are true,  they do not change because I feel they should, or because I have a sooky feeling about a person or thing. Ha ha! They is what they is! This is how we know God is what He is! GOD! AS I respect this about God...

Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. May Your gracious Spirit lead me on level ground. Psalms 143:10 HCSB Lead me Lord! Today I went to clean a house for a friend in hospital. Two of us took 4 hours. We had to move a dryer and a bookcase and a whole lot of odds and ends. I looked out the kitchen window and saw my friends little dog. He was chained up. He looked friendly so I went out to say hi. He was cold, as it is winter here. He does not have a thick coat and he is not spoiled with a constructed one that humans make for dogs.  I discovered he had wound his chain around a post so many times he had been forced to sleep out on the cold ground  through the night. I determined to bring him home until his master was out from hospital. What a grateful little animal he is. My dog Oscar is very accommodating and the little guy, who is also called Oscar is settling in. We went for  walk up my hill, boy did Oscar 2 love it. My challenge tonight will be accommodating an o...

Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. May Your gracious Spirit lead me on level ground. Psalms 143:10 HCSB Yesterday I climbed my hill with my dog Oscar. The final climb was muddy, and definitely not level. As we descended my boots because clogged with red mud, and they lost traction. The going was precarious. Needless to say I was praying for assistance. I made it down with boots hobbled with mud, but I was on level ground. Life is like that. We can traverse some very muddy and tortuous terrains, but God brings us through. A man in my Connect group has had 5 heart attacks and is a diabetic to boot. He has been told not to lift anything, and the reason he is in hospital is he moved house. He is on precarious ground. His time could end in a moment, or God could impact his life. Another friend had a life threatening heart attack, and his life was in the balance. He is very fit and wondered why? It was the load, and pressure he put upon himself that caused it. He received a word f...

But love your enemies, do what is good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is gracious to the ungrateful and evil. Luke 6:35 HCSB If our God can be gracious to the ungrateful and evil, I am sure we can. After all, His Spirit lives in us. This morning I contacted an enemy and asked him to call by tomorrow as I have something for him. He did not respond,  as he never does, but he does turn up. So, I am expecting him to show so that I can give forgiveness and love, and talk to him about our problem. I need to apologise for my part in it, and I have an electric cable to return to him. He gave it to me a long time ago, and I no longer need it. Whilst walking today I thought about another enemy, my friendly user. I expect a call from her, and will be gracious, and give her what she wants. The Lord showed me He is the manager of her change, not me. Remember, you are not the justice department, God is. Amen!

But love your enemies, do what is good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is gracious to the ungrateful and evil. Luke 6:35 HCSB Yesterday I found myself speaking ill of an enemy, and was convicted to change my report.  I decided to praise God that they loved me, and asked God to bless them. An enemy is an enemy if we accept the label. Prayer changes things. Tomorrow I am cleaning out the house of someone who continually is offended with my personality (pushy- I understand that one). I choose to bless, it is good for me, and the person I offend. Who is the real enemy anyway? Satan! Keep it in perspective. Fight him, not people. Fight for their deliverance. Amen!

One person gives freely, yet gains more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor. Proverbs 11:24 HCSB Withholding what is right is cruel. John speaks to this: If anyone has this world’s goods and sees his brother in need but closes his eyes to his need — how can God’s love reside in him? 1 John 3:17. We cannot close our eyes to the needs of others. We are the body of Christ.  If an infection starts up in my little finger white cells increase the flow to the affected area. Red blood cells also flood there, as does the lymphatic system. If the smallest member of our church has a problem, those who are strong need to muscle up and lend an aid. Think of Jesus! He saw the helpless not the rich. He ministered to the poor and those who reminded Him of sheep without a shepherd. He fed them, healed them and died for them. We cannot be blind to the needs of others, and rather spend our income on ourselves. We have bigger homes, TVs, pools, extra cars. Stuff is pouring out our do...

One person gives freely, yet gains more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor. Proverbs 11:24 HCSB Withholding might seem wise, yet the results show that generous people always have something to give, whereas stingy people cry "poor". Trying to be the storehouse fails as it is not our job. God is the storehouse we are the channel for finance to flow. God makes sure I have enough for His purposes.  There is an ancient prayer in scripture that states: God let me not be too rich that I will.despise and forget You, or to poor that I might steal and dishonour your name (Proverbs 30:8-10). Whilst we secretly all desire to be rich, some will be destroyed by its power. We must trust the Lord for the measure He gives us. Amen!

God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called children of God. Matt 5:9 NLT How do I work for peace? I educate others about God's ways. As we come to know His ways, and seek Him we come to peace. We can have peace in the storm.  Jesus had this in the boat on the lake. The disciples were struggling with the elements, and distraught that Jesus was sleeping and not also anxiously struggling to keep them afloat.  When He awoke what did He do? He commanded the waves and wind to be still, and they were. Don't you care? They said. Have you accused the Lord of not caring? Most have. How about trying His method, rebuke the storm. I have tried this, it works. Whatever the storm,  bring God's awesome power and authority into it. Amen!

God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. Matthew 5:9 NLT Peacemakers are not peacekeepers. There is a difference. A peacekeepers tries to keep things as they are, and prevent war, fights or eruptions.  It takes a lot of energy. A peacemaker sometimes disrupts the status quo to cleanse a bad situation.  They will confront sin. Peacekeepers have to deal with sinful people behaving badly, and trying to cap bad behaviour. They are not able to confront. Often they behave like enablers. They end up being abused. Peacemakers go deeper, and deal with the problem by speaking to the cause of the behaviour. I had to do this with my father.  I was 3 at the time. My dad would drink and then behave badly. I wanted to know why. I gently, but firmly confronted him. I discovered he was offended. We dealt with the offense, and he began to change for the better. This solved the problem much better than avoiding confrontation. A part of the problem w...

Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. Romans 15:4  Scripture is definitely good for training and rebuke, as well as encouragement.  At present every one of my Connect group has been through sickness or death of a loved one. Two are in hospital, one for an operation one due to heart problems. I am being stretched with study, and finance. Perhaps we are in the refiner's fire. I know I am. I have been praying for everyone and the blowtorch is on. Perhaps God is doing a refining and purifying.  Lord have Your way! Amen!

We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. For even Christ didn’t live to please himself. As the Scriptures say, “The insults of those who insult you, O God, have fallen on me.” Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. Romans 15:2‭-‬4 NLT Waiting patiently for scriptures to be fulfilled is the biggest challenge I have faced, as the wait has almost been 20 years.  If I did not have the Lord or the encouragement from scripture I would have given up long ago. What you do in the wait is important. I undertook to study and make myself ready. Of late the Lord has led me into more times with Him in thd evening and things are starting to happen.  Little things are coming together, little answers are beginning to flow. These answers come as a surprise, as in timing surprise. I love the Lord's surprises.  He is also using me g...

For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. Galatians 5:13 NLT Last weekend I had responsibility for my 16 year old neice. Initially I was told she didn't want to sleep at home by herself, and all her family were away. I was also told she would spend most of her day at her home. However, it soon became apparent that my neice was not trusted to make some decisions on her own, and that it was my job to keep tabs on her.  Freedom for my neice was to stay at home by herself, under management of moi! (Me). She had not progressed to a level of maturity to make a full array of decisions on her own. As Christians we are free from the penalty of sin, however there are certain things that the Lord keep from us until we are mature in His ways. He is a father after all. Yet, the big thing He freely gives us is cleansing from sin. There is no age restrictio...

For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. Galatians 5:13 NLT Many would think, 'then that is not free', however, freedom in Christ is just that. We were bought with a price back from eternal damnation.  Jesus paid the price for our freedom, He gave His life. When something is purchased, it belongs to the purchaser. Jesus set us free from the penalty of sin, however, to remain free we must live in Him. Freedom is only found in Him. Satan lies to us that if we live for ourselves we are free, wrong,  we are walking right into his ovens. His crime was self-righteousness and rebellion against God, and he would have us all follow the same path, right to hell. Remember this! To be truely free we must follow, and live in Christ,  there is no freedom outside of Him. Amen!

Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. John 6:35 NLT Today I found a story I had started in 1975 about coming to Christ in November 1974. Reading the story I relived the ecstatic joy I found in meeting  Jesus , my saviour and Lord. Finally I was fulfilled. I had had a lifelong quest to find Jesus  in this way. I grew up knowing about Him, but not knowing Him personally. From that day forward life began. I now had a spirit made alive by His Holy Spirit. Nothing bring more joy than knowing Jesus. No amount of treasure compares.  He is the best. He is unrivalled! His peace, His joy, His life is now mine! I love it. Though I have had many dark days, He is always with me. Praise Him! Amen!

Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. John 6:35 NLT We all hunger for truth at some time, usually when broken, otherwise we are full of self. Our thirst is usually for satisfaction and recognition, unless God is on our tail and we are seeking for His deeper truths. This brought me to Him. I was not content with the religious rhetoric of the Catholic Church and my discontent drove me deeper. When we hunger and thirst for deeper things we find them in Him. Finding Christ as saviour and Lord was finding a spring in the desert, food after a famine, life after death.  Jesus is enough,  more than enough! Amen!

But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress. Psalms 59:16 NLT When in distress we need a safe place to escape to so that we can regroup, and quieten our raging emotions. To think clearly we need a peaceful mind. Our God is that place. In all the noise, the pain, the rage, the turmoil, He is that place. Noone else can give this peace. No amount of mantras can bring it. We find peace as we focus on the word of God. His word is found in our bibles. If we do not have  bible or an AP on our phone then perhaps a message we heard preached. The word is there somewhere, for us to find. Amen!

But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing for joy about your unfailing love. For you have been a refuge for me, a place of safety when I am in distress. Psalm 59:16 David wrote this Psalm when Saul had sent men to watch his house in order to kill him. Many who face persecution could write this Psalm. I can sing this Psalm as my enemy the devil has tried many times to destroy me. Even now he is plotting, but God is on my side,  and nothing will in anyway harm me or take my life. I will go when God says. We cannot be deterred by the storms of life. If God be in the storm with us, we will be fine. Whilst ever God is on my side I am well. I do not want to run in pannick, and make room for the devil. Praise the Lord! He is good! His love is always, always, always towards us! Amen!

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28 NLT Giving His life Jesus ransomed us from eternal death.  Who can we ransom by dying to self? Jesus told us to take up our cross and follow Him. His sacrifice saved us from our sins. By dying to self, and need to retaliate, we can lay the ground for another person's salvation.  It isn't just preaching the gospel that speaks. Living a godly life speaks. Redusing to retaliate speaks. Amen!

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28 NLT Serving others responsbily is something those who work with alcohol must do, it is the law. However, in Christ we must also do this and more, we serve in love, not because we are paid to do it, but because love compels us to serve. We are grateful for the front-line workers: teachers, nurses, doctors, paramedics, fire rescue teams, army, navy and airforce personnel. . However, it was pointed out that the truck drivers who brought us food and took our garbage away were also important during the COVID pandemic. In Ukraine the freedom fighters are important, but all the volunteers who take food and medicine to the front are also important. They are serving those who are fighting. Many of these volunteers are Christians. They take the good news with them.  Many new churches are being established at the front as well. How can we, in our safe environments, serve...