The day with dianne Louise

But when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:6 HCSB It is interesting that although there are many types of prayer, as in corporate prayer, national prayer etc Jesus spoke about personal prayer. I imagine that the Jews were not used to individual prayer, unless it was learned. As someone who grew up in a catholic household prayer was what we learned at school and church.  There was little room for individual, relational prayer. Jesus demonstrated individual relational prayer. Prayer is talking to God the Father, as the Lord's prayer typifies. Some prefer to pray to Jesus or the Holy Spirit. They are all One, so I'm sure it does not matter. Praise God for Jesus, God made man, who showed us a better way. Amen!

But when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:6 HCSB Prayer is a private interaction with our lover God. He is jealous for our affection and wants it all to Himself. It is also good for us to learn to love the Lord our God with our whole heart. When Jesus walked the earth He would escape to a quiet place to pray. Except for the prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, and the prelude to that time where John writes out His prayers,  the other gospels do not reveal much of what He prayed. However, Jesus told the disciples how to pray when He gave the the Lord's Prayer. Unfortunately we pray it like route, not with the intent it was given. In it are all the ingredients: praise to the Father for all He is, a prayer that His kingdom would come, a prayer for provision, a prayer for forgiveness, and a prayer for deliverance from evil. A good prayer time in the making. Amen!

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 If it is one thing Jesus is, He is consistent. Consistency can be trusted. Whilst, at times, we wish for more speed, He is always reliable and never fails.  We fail and we change our minds He doesn't. Praise Him!

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8 HCSB Jesus does not change with every wind of doctrine that crosses our paths. He is consistent,  just as the Father is consistent.  New things can entice and draw, they can raise our emotions,  but Jesus does not change. It is interesting that this verse comes sandwiched between: remember your leaders, watch their lives and do not be led astray by strange teaching. Jesus is the filler, the stable centre. Today we have many strange doctrines abounding.  Main denominations are splitting because of false doctrine. Parts have been drawn to unclean sexual practices. This is not new. The book of Revelation deals with such churches. In chapter 2:20 Jesus tells the church of Thayatira it tolerates a woman called Jezebel who teaches and deceives his people to commit sexual immorality. The church is told to deal with the woman and the sin. We are the bride of Christ and must live in purity for Him. Amen!

Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good. Romans 12:21 NLT This morning I stepped through a boundary.  I had recently prayed that I might do more for the homeless, the orphans etc. I went for a walk after breakfast, down where I have not been for a while. There was a small car parked near the council area. It looked filled with personal possessions. I walked by but felt convicted that I had  spare bed and could help. I went to the car and discovered a mature aged woman and asked if she was homeless. She said she was. I invited her home for breakfast, a shower and a room for the duration. She gratefully accepted. It meant my office had to be cleared out and  a single bed installed. I pushed and shoved furniture, carted books and folders to my garage.  I had almost finished by the time the woman returned from visiting our social services office.  Needless to say I have one very grateful boarder. She is able to pay some rent, and now she wants to ...

Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good. Romans 12:21 NLT This is the last verse of chapter12. It opens with an exhortation to make our lives a living sacrifice, not living as the world lives but for Christ.  We are encouraged to love one another with genuine love, love our enemies and heap burning coals on their heads. Evil is rampant, but love is greater.  We overcome evil by doing good. We do good out of love. Amen!

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28 NLT When a whole lot of ingredients are sitting on the kitchen bench, some may not know what on earth could come from them. Only a cook would know, and only a particular  cook would know what to do with them. To the initiated an artichoke would look weird and not palatable. Some mushrooms are weird and uninviting, nori looks weird and only a Japanese person would call it that, or perhaps a Korean would.  The rest of us would say it was seaweed and to the person who has never had sushi it would look unappetizing.  The Lord takes all that happens in our lives and uses them to make us into a person who conquers, creates, and collaborates with Him. He is able to take dirt, and make a man, surely He can take disaster, and make a trophy.amem!

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28 NLT Everything working together means thr good and the bad. I am reminded of the process of painting a picture. Another person may walk by an unfinished painting and knock it, causing damage to the picture. The artist being a master painter corrects the damage by over-painting an area with a new layer of paint, and even a new image. The Lord is ultimately in control, and knows what the final picture will be. We may think we know, but only He definitely knows. We may think we mess things up irrevocably,  but He knows more. My favourite paintings, as an artist, are ones I know I have over-painted with a better, more pleasing picture. Hidden underneath are old designs.the old add dimension to the new.

The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. Lamentations 3:22‭-‬23 NLT The Lord 's greatest desire is to see people come to know Him. Today I help care for a tribe of children whilst their mothers went to a women's convention. I was asked to share my testimony, which I did, and then I asked the children who had Invited Jesus Into their hearts, a few hands were raised. One young girl noticed her friend had her hand up, and so she did also. Therefore, I asked them all to pray a prayer after me inviting Jesus into their hearts. I knew this would give this little lady a chance to make the change. I pray my efforts were blessed and I see her in glory. This is my greatest desire. Amen!

The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. Lamentations 3:22‭-‬23 NLT I am grateful that the sun comes up fresh each new day. As the sun rises in the east the western sky blushes with joy, and glory descends upon the earth.  Each new day my God has fresh presence and revelation for me. All I have to do is rise expectantly and receive. Amen!

If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. Mark 8:35 Letting go is part of trust, part of adventure.  I have always loved adventure from when I was young. However, it seems to have increased as I age, not decrease as it does for many my age. Letting go and letting God is where dynamic things happen.  Don't attempt to control the narrative.  Let go and let God! Amen!

If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. Mark 8:35 NLT There are 50-70,000 Christians in jail in North Korea, in fact there are Christians in jail in the West for standing up for the gospel. It can be a costly exercise. However, the West is predominantly free, and in need of laying down its life for Jesus. Hanging on to our lives is where we are unwilling to give our all to Jesus, we like our comfort too much. We are happy to go to church,  perhaps read our bible even, but lay down our lives, no! Unfortunately this is what we are required to do. Jesus said: pick up your cross, and follow Me! The proble with the unwilling  attitude is we will lose, perhaps for all eternity.  Better to pay the price and yield. Amen!

Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up Proverbs 12:25 NLT How desperately we long for encouragement.  Giving praise when praise is due is a good start. Being able to see when praise is due is better. We have the power to lift up and tear down, may we lift up, as this build people up. Tomorrow night I will spend time with little people, I am helping with the creche and children's church during  a women's conference. Little people are the best! A seed of encouragement will help a little person as they grow. It is much better than weeds. Tolerating children is the pits, loving them, on the other hand is the best. Amen!

Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up. Proverbs 12:25 NLT Worry comes from a belief we are to find all the answers ourselves without divine intervention. It is based on an imperfect view of God's love. His love for us brings us solutions. Refusing to worry is a decision to wait for the answers and trust God's love. This decision will be challenged as a deadline will arrive without an answer. Why does that happen? To test us! God had a plan all along to provide, in His time. Not a pleasant process but one we must endure to prove God's faithfulness and our trust. I am here right now. I am fully cognisant of what is happening, and determined to trust. God does not want imperfect relations with us, He wants a perfect relationship based on love and trust. The results are worth it. Amen!

When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer. Psalms 94:19 NLT Second guessing ourselves is a form of doubt. This in turn is an anxiety based on a belief that God cannot lift us up beyond our natural selves. However, God's grace is beyond our imagination. His love is there for us to access and as we do we must trust it. When we repent we are forgiven. Beyond forgiveness is grace that ensure and seals that forgiveness. Forgiveness is a release from the debt that was ours. It has been paid by another, and He is faithful, not malicious or hateful. Yes we are sinners, but grace has rescued us and brought us to forgiveness. Repentance opens the door, grace carries us through. On the other side there is no accusation, only forgiveness and grace. Amen!

When I am filled with cares, Your comfort brings me joy. Psalms 94:19 HCSB The Holy Spirt comforts us in our sorrow, our anxieties and concerns. He is able to bring joy when we least expect it. When we are comforted we know we are loved and that we are not alone. Knowing that the Holy Spirit is right here with me, is a comfort, but when He bring joy, unexpectedly,  that is a blessing. He did that for me yesterday. I had done an exam whilst ill and found it very hard. I feared I had failed. I didn't. I received a distinction. I knew He had done this for me, Him in me helping me stay focused and calm, blessing my efforts, was joy. Joy is from God, it is a result of our relationship with God. Amen!

We love because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19 HCSB During the last two weeks I was on a supposed study leave, a break from new work but time to do two exams and an essay.  The first week I struggled to study and do the first exam. I could not think clearly, or so I thought.  Today I discovered I scored a distinction.  I fell in a heap when I saw the result, I was gobsmacked, then I praised the Lord. It was Him, not me. I had been praying for finance, a common past time when you are a student and paying rent. I saw an opportunity to write a 200 word essay on travesties in travel. I have had a few. I decided to access a longer piece I had written whilst studying writing at uni. I chopped it up into 4 and submitted 4 attempts. I was excited to have something creative to do towards provision. Creativity always turns my crank. I sensed the delight of the Lord. I rejoiced with Him that He had made me the way I am. I love being me. Each of us are unique. When we operate in our ...

We love because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19 HCSB God's love sets us free, and invites us into relationship with Him. Living in relationship with love is amazing. Jesus said He only did what He saw His father do. How did He see His father do the things He did? He lived in a vital love relationship with the Father,  He spent time with the Father and the Father showed Him either by dreams, visions or direct encounters,  what He wanted to do. Smith Wigglesworth would go into rooms where sick people were, and pray until he saw Jesus, then he would command the sickness to leave, and it did What can we learn from these two examples? Pray until you see what the Father is doing, pray until you see what Jesus is doing, one and the same. Jesus said, "I am the Father are one!" Get praying!

And I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment, so that you can approve the things that are superior and can be pure and blameless in the day of Christ, Philippians 1:9‭-‬10 HCSB There is a reason for knowledge and discernment: so that you can approve the things that are superior. If you do not have knowledge and discernment you will believe you have the superior when you have only the mediocre. Therefore, there is a need for love to grow in knowledge and discernment. What does that look like? It is being able to know when to speak and when to be silent, when to refuse to feel sorry for yourself when others don't see your glory. To put down the feeling of frustration and refuse to retaliate and keep quiet and not say a word takes knowledge and discernment in love. Maturity is what God wants for His people. Time to grow up into the sons and daughters He destined you to be. Amen!

I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. Philippians 1:9‭-‬10 NLT What really matters? We could say love God and love our fellow man, but what does that look like in practical outworking? Is it praying, fasting,  working in our church, reading the bible? These are good but what does God say? Micah 6:8 might blow our theories out the door; 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. Some versions say: to act justly, love faithfulness, or mercy. We can be caught up in the rah rah but neglect the deeper things. We can even attempt to manipulate God with thinking if I pray, sing and shout He will turn up. He is looking for lovers not levers. How are our neighbours impacted...

This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NLT Do not be afraid! The Lord is taking you out of your present state and into a new state. Trust Him! Amen!

This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NLT Daring and courage are bold partners, but courage and timidity graceful partners. Grace carries the timid who are willing to defy their nature, and go anyway. In fact it respects the willingness to try. As we try, and try again boldness grows. We cannot hold bad because we are not yet bold. We must step out and try. With each small step badness grows. It grows in spades as we win a victory, and believe God for what we normally would not, because of fear. Always, always keep moving. Inch by inch anything is a since. Amen!

Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matthew 22:37‭-‬39 NLT We have preferences about amost everything. Our space is important to us. I live in a duplex. My immediate neighbours are two young women, an occasional guy or two, three dogs, 2 cats and occasionally 2 kids. They have three cars. In Australia rare is the person who parks their car in the garage, I do, my neighbours don't.  They have two 4wd vehicles which are big and  small black sedan. I am surrounded by their cars and when I reverse out I must be careful to go slow as I cannot see the traffic on the road because of all the vehicles. I would prefer this was not the case, however, I remind myself there are more souls there now needing Jesus. When I have visitors they complain about not being able to park out the front of my home. As ai am a pe...

Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matthew 22:37‭-‬39 NLT All in! I have used this term before. It is used in polka, a card game. In this game chips are used to gamble with. You place chips according to how likely you think you will win. However, 'all in' is a final act of desperation,  it is an 'all or nothing- play. Here the player is almost done, and is trusting luck, and his ability to win the hand. With God in our lives we trust not luck but Him in the circumstances we face. He is all we have. We come to trust God as we walk the Christian life. If we are determined to know Him, trust plays a big part. Abraham had to trust God that He would provide a sacrifice instead of having to kill his son; Moses had to trust God would take them through the sea, on dry land, instead of handing them over to ...

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 NLT Joy and peace are highly sought after, and seldom found. We equate joy with getting what we want, not what we need. Whereas, joy, real joy is found in a relationship with Jesus. He is consistent, faithful and loving. He will tell us the truth,  even if it is hard, in a loving way.  Peace is not found in running away to a forest or an island, although they help, true peace is found in relationship with Jesus,  and allowing Him to be Lord. We are not the boss of this relationship,  we are the servant, the receiver by allowing Him to lead. So,both joy and peace are found in Jesus, not  bottles of wine or pills or a one night stand. They are found in a divine relationship. Amen!

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 NLT Confident hope is when you know all will be well, you can't see it yet but the answer is on the way (not like a cheque is in the mail). If God is in something,  He is all over it, and He is in charge of the payment provision. Need is an opportunity to trust, and allow God to answer. By waiting you see His creative solution to the problem. It is usually totally unexpected and outside the playing field. This brings joy, delight even.  Take your hands off the problem and wait for God! Amen!

True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life. Proverbs 22:4 NLT We see this scripture, and zero on on riches and honour. However, the cost is humility and fear of the Lord. How do we judge this in our lives? What does God say about humility? He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way. Psalms 25:9.  Humility here shows that we do not insist on our own ideas on what is right. We are willing to allow God to lead. The apostle James says:  Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor. James 4:10 . He appears to agree. So, try humility and seek God first. If He chooses to bless that is His business.  Amen!

True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life. Proverbs 22:4 NLT Humility can be insincere, people may buy it, but God doesn't. God is looking for a true heart, a heart that belongs to Him, and defers to His judgement. I have just fed my dog. He loves his food so much that he keeps returning to the bowl to lick it out. He wakes me with a call to feed him. You might say he has a true connection with it. Some food, dog food, I have tried, he avoids. He likes what I cook. May I love the genuine article in God, let nothing else satisfy. May I seek him as my dog seeks his food.  'As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. I thirst for God, the living God. When can I go, and stand before him?' Psalms 42:1‭-‬2 NLT

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 2 Peter 1:3 NLT Everything you need is in the box. Heard this before? More than likely you have, if you have bought a flat pack desk, bed etc. There are many 'in thr box' experiences, from food to beauty therapy. Some experiences are pleasurable some downright frustrating (furniture assembly, toy assembly). However, we are told here that God gives us all we need to live a godly life. Now, you might disagree when faced with fiery temptation,  especially if you have been in the practice of yielding to temptation across the board in your life. Resistance might require assistance. The Holy Spirit is there for us, but sometimes we need friends praying and counselling us to endure.  Take all the help you can get as it will be there. Amen!

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 2 Peter 1:3 NLT A child may grow up in extreme poverty, wear rags and only eat once a day. Yet, if he is seen and adopted into a western family of wealth he suddenly has all the benefits of the other children in that house. Whilst it mystifies him, he, over time, will grow used to the change. Moses did, and yet he did not forget his roots. This came from living in the same place. I wonder if it would have been different if he was removed from the vicinity? Whilst we may never forget where we came from, we must get to know the one who has purchased our freedom. He is holy, pure, righteous, consistent and loving. He offers us access to his divine attributes by giving us His Holy Spirit to abide in us. This Holy Spirit is willing to train us in a life of godliness. We have our ...

Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms. Interlude Psalms 68:19 NLT There is tension inside of me. I know I am in close proximity to a promise God has given me, and yet,I do not know how close. I know I have still study to compete and by May's end, 2023 I will be done the hard yards. My vision is becoming clearer, as if it is outside my window and across the valley. Now, my patience is being tested. YetI will praise the Lord! Amen!

Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms. Interlude Psalms 68:19 NLT This psalm was written by David, it has 35 verses, and seems to be a song written for the people and the house of God. As someone who is regularly in church I have experienced many such songs rousing me to see, and remember the wonders of my God. To be reminded that God carries me in His arms is a reminder to stay childlike. God wants to be such a father to me, and I enable Him to do so as I trust. The same words written thousands of years ago speak the same words to us God's people. Trust the Lord, and allow Him to care for you as this is His delight. Father thank You for loving me, and taking time to care about my needs. Amen!

But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:7 NLT Walking in light we are able to see pitfalls, rocks, stones, crevasses, and enemies. Walking in the dark is dangerous. We are in danger from enemies who live the dark, we are in danger from obstacles and open chasms. When we choose to walk in the light, it means we walk by the truth contained in the word of God. We refuse to be cosseted in safe places, but boldly step out into what God has for us. Our faith is built up as we believe the word of God. Amen!

But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:7 NLT I have friends who I sense a hidden agenda in. This means there are things that they will not bring into the light. This makes me cautious, and know I cannot trust them because when the circumstances are right their agenda will arise, usually at the wrong time.  Scripture tells us: Jesus knew the hearts of man and therefore did not trust Himself to them (John 2:24). Jesus knew Judas was the betrayer, and yet gave him every opportunity to repent. Jesus knew all the disciples would run away, even that Peter would deny Him three times. However, He knew that all but Judas would repent and turn back. Just because we can see the hearts of people does not mean we walk alone, we just be careful. If we find a faithful friend then we have found a rare jewel. This one we need to treasure. Amen!

The father of godly children has cause for joy. What a pleasure to have children who are wise. Proverbs 23:24 NLT Joy at seeing children raise their own children in ways you believe in is paramount. Joy at seeing grandchildren worshipping Jesus is overwhelming. Joy at hearing them live godly lives is satisfying. The opposite is also a reality, sometimes for a time and sometimes for more than a time. It is heartbreaking to see children lost in their way. As parents and grandparents it is important that we take an active part in their lives. I am sure all my grandchildren remember a song I have sung to them all since birth: have patience, have patience don't be in such a hurry when you get impatient you only start to worry. Remember, remember that God is patient too, think of all the times that He's been patient with you. Every time I sang it and sing it they say: "Oh Nan!" It is said in a frustrating tone. However, they know it! Be involved! Amen!

The father of godly children has cause for joy. What a pleasure to have children who are wise. Proverbs 23:24 NLT Godliness is beautiful! It blesses, it lifts up, it is full of grace. It is the opposite to the flesh. The flesh works for its father,  the devil. It criticises, pulls down and condemns. Yesterday I saw this in action. We received news (from the ABC) that Hillsong Church was again in the spotlight for financial mismanagement. People who were already hurt by Brian's indiscretion were throwing stones. I was reminded that there but for the grace of God went me. My husband and I pastored a church.  Looking back it was during a time of bold expansion and unfortunate arrogance.  If we had maintained that trajectory we would also be accused of bullying and mismanagement. Praise God we were spared such a fate. However, we all have the same propensity stretch things, mixing pseudo-faith with arrogance. (This is what I saw in us). Today the Lord is taking the church to ...

Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13 NLT If we have forgotten how sinful we were before we came to Christ then we are prone to be judgemental towards others. This ties together with spiritual blindness. If insight and understanding have not be precious to us, we will not see the true state of our heart and mind, and make an assumption that we are righteous because we have not sinned. However, this is a sin in itself. Pride is  disgusting, and the Lord hates it. He prefers a humble and contrite heart. Therefore, having insight and understanding helps us be gracious to our church family and friends. We tend to be tougher on family than on the lost, well I do. I expect lost people to misbehave, as they do not have the power of the Holy Spirit. May the grace of the Lord keep us and guide us. Amen!

Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13 NLT We each have our quirks and foibles. Some are endearing, some get up our noses. We see a lot of boasting on social media: look at what I have done, look what I bought, look where I am and look what I am eating. For those who cannot do, go, eat or buy this can be a hardship at best and offensive at most. So, what do we do? We can abstain from engaging or we can rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15). Forgiving others their strange ways, mindsets that are not our own is important. Otherwise we carry around soil of offence that our enemy the devil will gladly use.  We all have those who especially rub us the wrong way. These people need extra grace. Therefore, we need to be working on grace in our lives. Grace is readily available if we bother to seek it. Our God is full of it. Amen!

Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! Psalms 34:8 NLT Today it has rained all day. I decided to make soup. I have a sick neice so I made fresh bread for her. Detemined to not study today I sewed, being a bit creative. I cut up some of my last tomatoes off the vine and lo and behold seeding were sprouting inside the tomatoes. I have never seen this before. I dug them out, and put them on a dish with water to allow them to grow further. How good is God! What a mind to create fruit to reproduce after their kind, just like we do. My son called this afternoon. His youngest has been taken to hospital after a fall at the skate park. I offered to pray. He told me his wife is also unwell with either MS or cancer. I reject both,  and command healing. She had been in hospital two weeks ago for tests.  The diagnosis is still forthcoming. I think healing is in order. I am glad he called. I asked if he was anxious and he said, "No!" At least I d...

Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! Psalms 34:8 NLT From our youngest ages we learn what tastes good and what tastes bad to us. As an Australian I love Vegemite.  When I am unwell it is particularly attractive to me. I love it with butter on fresh bread, or on toasted bread. Now, if you are not an Australian the odds are you would detest the stuff. It is black, salty and strong,  it is made from fermented yeast. Does not sound attractive does it? That is perhaps because you were not raised on it. However, this is no guarantee you would like it, but it sure gives it an even chance you would. Being raised familiar to something like God and church also gives us more of a notion as to whether or not we will participate in later life. It really depends on our experience. I grew up going to church, but am the only one of my siblings who found it attractive, and the only one, thus far, to ask Jesus into my heart to be Lord and Saviour. I...

Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Galatians 5:25 NLT Following a leader who is good at what they do is heartening, inspiring and satisfying. The Holy Spirit is such a leader. His ways are sure, dependable, steadfast, reliable and true. Why would we want to be our own leader when we have never been this way before. Why not follow a leader who knows the ropes? To be able to.relinquish the reins we must trust, determine to get to know Him, and spend time watching His ways. Watching an artist is so gratifying! Let go, and let God! Amen!

Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Galatians 5:25 NLT Living in the Spirit is an awesome place to be. I know my prayer life is in step,  my study life is in step and I find even my exercise is in step at times. Walking the streets where I live, and praying for the occupants of the houses I pass definitely is in step, meeting people to talk to is in step. Yet, there is more. I want more of God in my life. I read about great revivalists and evangelists, and I want what they had, and also what is mine to do. I have  heart for the gospel being spread throughout the nations. However, I want to do all, in step. People need a person who trusts God for their ways and their pace. The hungry need to be fed. Pour out your Spirit Lord! May Your kingdom come. Amen!

This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:25‭-‬27 NLT If our children suffer  we suffer. If our parents suffer we suffer, if we are connected that is. In the body of Christ many suffer persecution for their faith. If we are aware and connected we grieve for them, and do what we can to help them. Connection is the problem. We are often too consumed by our own worlds to be connected. We can be in the same church and not be connected.  I suppose that is why we have CONNECT groups. The members of my group tend to care for one another. I have one particular member who is very caring. Interestingly she has a background in the Salvation Army. These people know how to care. How can we care and connect? By asking the Lord for eyes to see, ears to hear a...

This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:25‭-‬27 NLT Knowing we, the Church,  are the body of Christ, is an amazing and mystical fact. How can Christians from all over the world be the body of Christ? Yet, scripture tells us we are. Therefore, we cannot afford to have prejudice, or preferences, refusing another 's inclusion. We saw this in the early days as black folk tried to attend white folk's churches. All over the world. white folk, unless they were missionaries, tended to be exclusive. I am not saying all were, but we know a lot were. What made them this way? They had been used to having church a particular way, and did not like the intrusion. In other words their hearts were not really the Lord's,  they thought they were in control. ...

Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13 NLT Be courageous! This is a command all throughout scripture, Old and New Testament. Courage causes us to front bullies with small stones,  even when they are 9 foot tall, loud and obnoxious. David was courageous. We can be courageous in little ways by asking dangerous questions, like when I mention church and prayer, you look away or you appear annoyed.  By asking these little questions, after having showed you genuinely care, you open the way for a discussion. I just had one, and I am grateful.  It resulted in me being able to pray for a dear friend who needed God. This friend has a daughter who is struggling.  Again I was brave enough to ask a dangerous question: "what has happened, what is troubling her?" WH questions are open questions (I learned this in my linguistics study-they are especially important in law). They work! Yes/no questions do not give you detail, they frustrate...

Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13 NLT Ever since we were children we have heard, "Be careful!" There is and always has been danger. The danger talked about here is the danger of our carnal ways, and our adversary the devil. In ancient biblical times where wars abounded there was usually a lookout man posted on the ramparts to raise an alarm should an enemy be coming. Our lookout guard is the Holy Spirit. We need to be attuned to His still small voice, and I mean a SMALL voice. He never shouts. We must be very determined to hear His voice or we will miss it until too late. So, whilst you are on guard, learn to hear the whispers in the night, and whispers while out and about. Amen!

I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead! Philippians 3:10‭-‬11 NLT While not many go looking for suffering,  it comes to all of us one way or another. We can suffer persecution, rejection, disease, famine, poverty, wrongful imprisonment.  However, in each and every set of circumstances God is looking to show His glory. His glory is revealed in us as we suffer righteously. The world must see God's glory as it is that which attracts them. History is replete with saints who faced death gloriously. My prayer is that we would have such strength. I want to face my Lord and know I have been faithful. He is my reward, not man. Resurrection from the dead is to be aspired to. Amen!

I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead! Philippians 3:10‭-‬11 NLT To know and experience the mighty power that raised Jesus from the dead required us to suffer and die. Yikes! Are we prepared for this? Is it real death or just death to self? We could start with death to self. Dying to.self requires we lay down selfish ambition, pride, desires that are outside of Christ. It may result in us being maligned, misunderstood and rejected. We must choose. Amen!

He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” Revelation 21:4 NLT Forever is a very, very long time. We cannot imagine how long forever is. Whilst we have the James Webb telescope peering millions of years back in time, we struggle to imagine how the saints of old lived to 900+ years. How did they do it? How could you enjoy living such a long time? Yet,  forever is longer than any timeline we can imagine. Time without end. Not only time without end but time with Jesus, time without oppression, guilt, fear, torment of any kind. Nothing to bring tears of sorrow, only tears of joy. Ours is to believe such a future awaits us. Amen!

He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” Revelation 21:4 NLT Heaven has no cause for sorrow as sickness and disease are gone, our enemy the devil who taunts us here is not present, in fact he is locked up forever in a fiery pit. It is hard to imagine such bliss and peace, yet, Jesus has promised it as so. Imagine a peaceful mind, no evil thoughts, no temptation to do wrong,  no lust or greed. Those who have suffered and been brutalised by evil men and women will finally have rest and healing. Heaven is full of Jesus, our Lord and saviour, The Father, The Holy Spirit and all the angelic hosts. It will also be filled with a whole lot of people we do not know. So, if you are not into new friends,  it might be hard. However, if you are into making new friends, you will be at home. I am looking forward to meeting all the saints of old. I wonder if Abraham is across modern technology? I ...

We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5 NLT Do you know how to capture your own thoughts? Or do you let your mind fill with all manner of junk? Who writes the narrative? Do you allow your mind to think it is in charge? Or do you capture it, and make it go where you know it is right to go? If you can master your own mind, then you can help others to master their minds. This scripture talks about helping people to capture their rebellious thoughts, and make them go where Christ would have them go. Remember, if you are unable to control your own mind you have buckleys and none telling others how to do it(Aussie slang- no way Hosea!)

We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5 NLT So you have a good testimony about the goodness of God, His salvation through Christ alone, and not works? This is a start. 1 Peter 3:15,16 tells us to always be ready to give a good defence of the gospel. The best defence is a testimony on the work of Christ in your life. Destroying proud obstacles is the ability to speak truth in gentleness and grace. If we have not submitted our lives to Christ then we will not walk in all the freedom He has for us. This is turn will cause us to stumble and struggle with the truth that sets people free. It is only blood bought truth that sets captives free. I have dear ones who I regularly reach out to with the gospel. It is amazing the proud arguments they carry in their hearts and minds. It is only as they are brought low and are desperate will they listen. At these times they are more open ...

He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”Matthew 9:37‭-‬38 NLT We are living in the best time, harvest time. Pray for workers to help you, and go. Tomorrow my church is hosting a conference to train harvesters. Praise God! Lord may we bring in the shelves. There is nothing like new believes freshly alive to God's Spirit. Let it flow Lord! Amen!

He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” Matthew 9:37‭-‬38 NLT Australia has suffered with not enough harvesters of fruit this past year, and growers have had to discard their produce. They know the real cost of the lack of seasonal pickers. The gospel has a similar problem. Yet, various organisations are doing their best to change this fact, by running evangelistic campaigns. These are very important, but so is prayer. Lord send the harvesters. I am praying for large organisations such as Christ for all Nations as they train up harvesters in boot camps, and send them out to evangelise. As a result many are coming to Christ. I will continue to pray. The Lord knows the ones who will be willing. Amen!

But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! Matthew 5:44 NLT We have real enemies who want to destroy us. These are inspired by Satan. They can attack us verbally, on social media or physically.  However, most of our enemies we imagine to be our enemies because we listen to Satan's lies. I know mine have been. Choosing to see people as God sees them, and as He would have me see them causes me to see differently. I therefore act differently. My mind is at peace, and I have space to think on good things, godly things, and be creative. Start praying for people as belonging to the body of Christ deals with those inside church and then pray for the real enemies as lost souls, and compassion fills your heart. Amen!

But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! Matthew 5:44 NLT This had to be the hardest command of Christ to a nation inhabited by an enemy and a nation who had, in the past, been commanded to completely destroy their enemies. What had changed? Jesus was the factor for change. He came as God in the flesh, and He was about to empower them to fulfill this command. The Holy Spirit inside of a believer is the ability to love the unlovely. Corrie Ten Boom found this when faced by the very man who had made her, and her sister Bessie suffer in a prisoner of war camp. Her persecutor came to Christ. This was the best justice she could wish for. Satan had lost a tool for destruction. Many are facing, or will face this exact same thing. As the war in Ukraine turns against the enemy, the Ukrainians are being challenged not to hate but forgive. Unless they have Christ they will struggle.  We will struggle without God's Holy Spirit. He empowers us to forgive so that we will a...

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NLT Jesus said these words before He went to the cross. So what did He mean? Was this His faith speaking? Perhaps, however what had He done in the three years leading up to the cross? Defeated Satan's attempts to control Him, submitted all He did to the Father,  trained up His disciples, raised the dead, healed the sick, taught about the Kingdom of God. One thing remained to do. He had to face His unwillingness to suffer the cross with obedience to the Father's will, and He did. What does the world represent in our lives? The world's system, the collective worship of self and denial of God, the desire for power, greed and abuse of others in our greed. Therefore, to know Jesus had overcome all this for us, we can take heart. We can indeed take up our cross and follow Him as He has blazed the trail for u...

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NLT Os there anyone who has had no trials and sorrows? Does anyone have a charmed life?  When my daughter was born the enemy was after her with cystic fibrosis, but God put faith in my heart and she was well. When she was six she fell and broke a wrist on the monkey bars, at 8 she developed Perthes disease in her right hip which threatened her ability to walk and run, she then developed asthma. Later we discover two huge system lumps in her right femur, she fell and broke her other wrist. I knew that Satan sought to destroy her, but he failed. My son had nothing go wrong for 10 years and I wondered why he did not suffer. At 10 he was mauled by a dog but I prayed amd he did not grow up to fear dogs, and he did not have any infection. When he was a teenager he developed a nasty pionodal cyst on his lower back. I...

You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope. Psalms 119:114 NLT Ephesians 3: 16 says: I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will empower you with inner strength through His Spirit. Today I am struggling with a head cold that has progressed to a cough. My body feels miserable but I am not listening. I have had study to attend to, and consequently did. I had a bed to strip, and sheets to wash, and consequently did. However, I did have a nap. When feeling miserable I sang, "Oh the blood of Jesus,oh the blood of Jesus,oh the blood of Jesus it washes white as snow." It is amazing what good medicine singing is, especially singing scripture. I determined not to waste money on medicines to make me feel good.  I said to the Lord, "You are my medicine!" A virus can be overcome, and all medicine does is make us feel better. Honey and lemon, lots of fluids, and chicken soup and song, much cheaper and better for me. Amen!

You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope. Psalms 119:114 NLT Again and again the Lord has proved Himself faithful,  again and again His word never fails.  What He says He will do, He will do. We must tie ourselves to His word, and hang on. He alone is our breakthrough.  He also is our refuge. He alone is our abundance, our supply, our more than enough. Amen!

Do all for the glory of God. 1 Cor 10:31 I find myself challenged when articles I offer to be shared are rejected. However, I have said to the Lord,  "I trust You! If You want this article published then may it be so, if not I accept Your judgement". This takes away the me and them position, it takes away all room for offence. My continual prayer is: may we see the body, make us one. Criticism has a problem getting in here. All for God's glory means ALL! All opinion, all activity, all prayer, all service. Amen!

So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 NLT The previous verses was dealing with the eating of food offered to idols. Paul was saying: if your conscience does not bother you about what you eat, then eat it, but for those who are bothered, do not eat. Our verse comes into play when we consider what our freedom does to others, does it disturb and hurt them? I have some friends who will not drink alcohol. Serving alcohol at a meal they are invited to is not considering them. So, the glory of God is seen in our preference for one another, and abstinence from our freedom out of respect. We need to lay down our freedoms not claim them as rights. Amen!