The day with dianne Louise

Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. 1 John 4:18 NLT For the first time I have ventures to join an arm of family I have never met before. I am welcome. It is unusual for a stranger to be welcome so easily.  I am told it is because we are all family. Needless to say I am tredding carefully as I do not know the rules. We are all camping and sitting around two firepits chatting. This is how it is with God's family. We are all welcome. We learn to trust the welcome as we continue to participate in fellowship. Fellowship is important, it is how we come to know and understand each other. Enjoy good fellowship this weekend. Amen!

Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. 1 John 4:18 NLT John tells us here the litmus test for knowing we are loved by God, do we fear? If we do, then we are not there yet. God's love delivers us from all fear.  I have to acknowledge that I am not there yet. Although my God has faithfully provided for me financially for all these years, each month the thought comes: has it dried up now? Each month He provides, mind you sometimes He is late, in my understanding of late,  but never neglectful! Thank You Lord! His late cause me to forfeit spending, and probably assists with budgeting, for which I am grateful. He is good! Amen!

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. John 14:27NLT Notice Jesus gives us peace as a gift. The world does not give us such a gift. We might scrabble, and strive to create it ourselves,  but it does not last, and is governed by circumstances. However, the peace Jesus gives transcends circumstances. With Him we soar over them. Today I received another knock back on my research project. However, I am not perturbed as the subject has hooked my interest, and I will research it nonetheless. It appears I must study law next term, so be it. God knows why I must. I trust Him! The eventual outcome belongs to the Lord, I can trust Him for the best outcome! Amen!

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. John 14:27 NLT Yesterday I discovered that my nephew's partner has gone away to sort herself out. This young woman is running from the only answer to her problems, Jesus. I have told her again and again He is the answer. Yet, she would rather stay in an emotional mess. This gorgeous girl has two small children who need her here, but also whole. I know what her future should look like, unfortunately at present she doesn't. The peace Jesus offers is real. I discovered it, I pray she does. My prayer is for the whole family, that Jesus becomes their answer. Amen!

Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.” Isaiah 6:8 NLT Today we celebrate the life of Brother Andrew from Open Doors. Andrew died at 95 years of age. He is reported as saying: "there is always an open door when you go to serve!" Brother Andrew smuggled bibles into closed countries for starving Christians who longed for God’s word. Today Open Doors continues to serve the persecuted Church and continues to succeed. Brother Andrew definitely put up his hand to serve. I imagine there is a glory time going on right now in heaven. Many he helped will be there to honour him. I am looking forward to meeting him in eternity.  What a man!

Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.” Isaiah 6:8 NLT It is interesting that this scripture comes up today. Yeterday I applied to be involved with Wycliff bible translators, it was also the day I received word that my application to do a research project on the local Kamilaroi people has been delayed, as there is no one to oversee me at my Uni. I wonder what the Lord is doing? I know full well I am willing, and that the Lord will use me. However, where and how,  He alone knows that part of the story. Isaiah was caught up in a vision of God. What a frightening experience for him. Yet when the request came from God for someone to go, he volunteered. This cost Isaiah his life. He died by being sawn in two. Yet he was willing to go. So many of God's people are persecuted for their faith. Yet, even now the enemy has a plan to persecute even those who do not go, by allowing wicked people into pow...

What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Romans 8:31 NLT Many of God's people are bullied, abused and martyred for their faith. However, the joy of knowing Jesus, and spending eternity with Him is their strength. Our enemy hates us and seeks to destroy us, however, he is unable to move us from our faith. Jesus is the prize and eternity is the time frame. Now is just a breath in time. Eternity is forever. Satan is locked out of our eternal home. He will spend it in a fiery pit unable to hurt us anymore, and knowing forever he made the wrong choice. Pray for your persecutors,  they are ruled by Satan. Pray that they too might find Christ! Amen!

What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Romans 8:31 NLT If God is for us why do so many turn against us? They do because they are controlled by sin. God will not make everything magically right, but will be with us in all things. He is on our side. Through Him we do great exploits. Whilst ever sin reigns in the world,  evil will continue,  but God is with us to overcome it. We are not helpless victims but children of God filled with His Spirit. This same Spirit hovered over the deep, and was ready for a command: 'let.there be!' What words will you use to command God's miracle working power over your circumstances? Remember also, our enemy is a liar and a cheat. He will tell us people are against us when they don't even care enough to hate us. We can't listen to lies. We have no time for lies. Amen!

Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 NLT Humility and prayer open heavens doors. Then, why would not choose to embrace it. Having an open heaven sounds very exciting to me, how about you? I like open doors,  I love it when God surprises me with good things. Today I finished an exam and was having some r& r time when suddenly one of my grandsons called to talk, then his sister wanted a chat. My daughter just called, she is sending me a newer mobile phone. I am blessed! Stay in the zone! Pray and be humble and your prayers are answered. Amen!

Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 NLT It appears from this scripture that pray is an act of humility. The opposite then must be pride. I have never considered this concept as polar opposites. I had always looked at failure to pray just slackness hanging around in the middle somewhere, the middle of what I can't really say, probably the middle of the mess created by lack of faithful prayer. I have dedicated myself to prayer and am seeing fruit. I am partnering in prayer for victory in many key areas as well as a harvest of souls. It is happening. Why would I not pray? I tend to fall asleep early and this past week have been woken at around 11.30pm to pray. I know evangelistic crusades are happening in Africa, what else I do not know but even that is enough. The joy of seeing the results is phenomenon...

Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did. 1 John 2:6 NLT Each of us has an address, it might be temporary or permanent. However, the address says something about us. If we still live with family or friends, it says we are not yet our own person.  If we move around a lot, it can indicate instability or armed services. If we have no fixed address and retain a PO box, it tells others we don't know where we live or we don't want them to know. When we become a Christian Jesus invites us to abide, or live in Him. He is home base, He is our security, He is our companion. What is your address?

Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did. 1 John 2:6 NLT This is a challenge to most of us, as we don't. Remember the wrist bands that bore WWJD? They were a reminder, and for a time had an effect.  However, unless we have a heart change, we revert to our previous path. It is much like, do we love God with our heart, soul and mind or just with our peripheries,  our occasional thoughts, or Sunday face? Without us allowing the Holy Spirit to rule and reign we are poor imitations of Jesus. However, possessed by the Holy Spirit, we are like Jesus and bring honour to the Father. I am watching Daniel Kolenda from Christ for all nations. He is on fire and setting Africa ablaze right now with the gospel and hope. A man or woman on fire will do great exploits.  Amen!

“You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. Matthew 7:13‭-‬14 NLT A narrow anything implies difficulty.  If I am overweight, I struggle to get through. If I am overburdened, I struggle to get through.  Yet if I am, trim, fit, able and determined, I will get through. The gate is narrow for a reason. It will deter the lazy, the incompetent,  the overburdened, the overweight. It is difficult for a reason, a purifying reason.  A beautiful garden does not need riff raff trampling it down. It begs for considerate, thoughtful, appreciative people to enter it and enjoy. The Lord of glory is in this garden. He wants our fellowship but not our junk.  People, when they talk, are often unaware of the junk they offload on others, all because they are given space. I do not like listen...

“You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. Matthew 7:13‭-‬14 NLT If it is good enough for Jesus to address this matter, it is good enough for me. It is a warning. We must consider our ways.  When the media waxes eloquently about someone dying and now being reunited with their family, this may be all emotional clap trap. They may find themselves in hell, and far away from people they loved, or equally caught with them in torment. This emotional rubbish that so clutters our lives has to be faced with the truth. The way to life is narrow and few find it. Jesus said that the road to life is difficult. Perhaps this is why people refuse to go that way. We must keep in mind Jesus' parables about the seed and the soil, about finding the kingdom and selling all to buy it. We must have ears to hear....

Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. John 15:4 NLT Another way of saying remain is 'stay put' , or 'don't move!' I have discovered that remaining in Him is the most fulfilling place to be, it is also the most exciting. Staying can cost us. I have been measuring my steps to be faithful to the task the Lord has given me, a university degree in Linguistics. On Monday I invited a Wycliff bible representative to visit. She open my eyes to all the connections I have right here in Tamworth to serve in the capacity I am being trained to do. A local indigenous man has a desire to translate the bible into his Kamilaroi language. How good is that?  Whilst remaining in Christ leads us to confront, which I also did this week, the peace that followed was amazing. Another task this week brought is sitting exams. I have 2 more next week but then done for the term...

Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. John 15:4 NLT How do we know we are in Him? We produce fruit? What does that look like? What sort of fruit does the vine produce? Disciples? Disciplined ones? Are you being discipled? Are you discipling anyone? Discipled people exhibit growth in character and then themselves go on to disciple others. For everything we do, a test is created to examine that acts worth. I think the Lord must be a scientist,  this is exactly what physicists and chemists would do. It is very logical and practical. Smiths Wigglesworth would say: if each day I am not changing in some way, then I am backsliding. A sobering thought. He also said, if I am not experiencing persecution I am not progressing. Examine the life of Jesus, did He progress towards a goal? Yes! Was He persecuted? Yes! My greatest persecution has come from family. Many of the mart...

Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 NLT What does this look like? Does it mean we allow others to use and abuse us? No! What are the limits? Jesus said " do to others what you would have them do to you". If you are seriously messing up your life would you want someone to tell you? Or would you like them to shut up, and allow you to dump all over them? If you answer is the last one, you have problems and expect all boundaries to not apply to you.  As someone who has had to secure my boundaries,  it is not always easy, but necessary. Knowing the importance of boundaries, as they protect you and others, is paramount.  Just as selfishness is wrong so is lack of boundaries. Learn to know the difference. Amen!

Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 NLT What is Paul referring to here? He is referring to verse 1: Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.   Gently and humbly helping one another when caught in sin requires a willingness to confront sin, call it out. Do we do this? Or do we wait until things become so bad that we shun or cast the person out? Early confrontation of any disease, and application of a remedy brings healing. Without surgery at times we may die, but in the hands of an expert surgeon we may live life to the full. So, is God calling you to work as His loving surgeon, do it well. However, religious bigotry is not the same thing. Humbly and gently apply the remedy lest you also fall into the same sin.  In the end, people appreciate honest criticis...

When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers— the moon and the stars you set in place— what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them? Psalms 8:3‭-‬4 NLT The more powerful the telescope the great we discover the universe to be, and the smaller our earth is in comparison. The God who made all this, is interested in me. He cares for my future, my present and He was there in my past. He is all over it, and in it. I have nothing to fear, He is with me. He is good. He si taking me somewhere new. I can trust Him. Amen!

You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail. Proverbs 19:21 NLT I know the plans I have for you, to give you a future and a hope (Jer 29:11). We may think our plans are best, however, His definitely give us a future and a hope. I am watch my future come towards me. I never would have picked it in a million years. However, He knows the love I have for the land and His people, and so His choice will be best. I am sure Joseph never dreamt he would be in charge of the food storage and supply in Egypt. His dreams only told him he would be a ruler, of what he never would have guessed, and in Egypt! He would have laughed! I love the Lord's sense of humour! He is very funny! I am blessed to know Him! Amen!

You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail. Proverbs 19:21 NLT Again and again the Lord has taught me: I may think my plans are His,  or just the best, but ultimately where they go is up to Him. So many times things change. My plans get me started, God’s plans take me to the best outcome. I just read a CFAN report (Christ for all Nations- Daniel Kolenda). I remember when Reinhardt Bonke, Daniel's father in the movement, thought buying the biggest tent was the way to evangelise Africa.  God had ro show Reinhardt that no tent was big enough for the amount of people He would send. Millions congregate on open fields to hear the gospel. Now Daniel has taken the reins he is not a lone ranger, he created 'boot camps' to train evangelists, and now many crusades are possible, he also began a church in Florida.  I am sure this church will be a source of students and funds.  God's plans are bigger than yours and mine. He sees the big picture. We are best to jo...

For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” Zephaniah 3:17 NLT The Lord delights in us and with His love calms our fears. Perfect love casts out fears 1Jn 4:18. Until we come to know this perfect love fears intrude. What does the love of a good father look like? It calms fears, settles the fearful child, holds it in his arms, soothes the hurts and pains. Walking through new territory, walking in the dark, walking past noisy bullies all engender fear. However, God promises us to be with us through the waters and finery trials. Is 43:2. We can trust Him! Amen!

For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” Zephaniah 3:17 NLT The Lord is our song. He does not condemn but rather convicts us of truth. He is good and wants all to come to know Him. He wants us all to be changed into His likeness, and gradually reveals a new way to us. We can trust Him to teach us His ways. Amen!

Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?”John 11:25‭-‬26 NLT Life is in Jesus. He said, "if we live in Him, and believe in Him we will never die (He meant spiritually). Whoever does not believe in Him are already dead, and if they refuse to come to Him, they will never truely live. I know people who think  they have a handle on the outcome, sure that God will accept them,  even though they refuse to live in and believe in Jesus. Death will be a sad revelation of the truth.  When Jesus said," I am the way, the truth and the life", He meant what He said. He is truth, He does not lie. Amen!

Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?” John 11:25‭-‬26 NLT What do you think of Jesus' claim that He is the resurrection and the life? What does it mean to you? Have you taken time to think? What does resurrection mean? The Oxford Dictionary relates the word to two things: Christ's rising from the dead, and our resurrection from the dead at the final judgement. What happens at the final judgement? We are asked what we did with the offer of salvation that Jesus gave us.  If we made Him our righteousness, we enter eternal life with Him, if we relied on our own righteousness we go to eternal suffering with Satan and his lot. It is easy, in this modern age, to scoff at such outcomes, however, we will be tested in our mockery when we die. Eternity is real. We are eternal beings. This life on earth is just a breath compare...

Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord. Psalms 27:14 NLT Waitimg patiently requires courage to trust the Lord and His faithfulness. He is good and always faithful. I was blessed to see the Queen 's children participating in a vigil around her coffin leading up to her burial. Also, people ordinary subjects, are waiting in line for hours to pay their respect. What patience! Wow! Would we in Australia wait in line to visit the coffin off a dead person? I know people here line up to wait for tickets to events so I suppose we would. The greatest monach we have ever had, the only one in our lifetime has died. What could we do to honour such a Queen? What can we do to honour our Lord and saviour? We can wait patiently for Him! Amen!

Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord. Psalms 27:14 NLT If you see an impatient, irritable person, you can surmise that waiting patiently for the Lord is not on their radar. Impatience causes us to take matters into our own hands, and also cause us to suffer the consequences. The  consequences can be disastrous. In an effort to help the Lord with my finances I tried to find paid work,  fortunately after two failed interviews I realised God had other plans. I also advertised for  boarders. This came with consequences. I am now having to orchestrate their exit as they came with unrealistic expectations. I had unrealistic expectations based on former experience. This was also wrong. I am back to being content with the Lord's presence,  and provision. On the surface what we plan can appear logical, however is it on the right path, and of faith. Am I also honouring my agreements with landlords? Am I choosing to circumvent a...

Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. James 5:13 NLT Today I visited a friend in hospital. She informed me she had suffered asthma since childhood, that her father also suffered it and died at 73. I cannot talk, I have had tinnitus since 1995, and yet, we both continue to seek the Lord for healing. Sickness is not normal, it is an aberration.  When we read the gospels Jesus came to a world where sickness reigned and was normal. He threw the world of darkness into chaos as He rebuked diseases and commanded the dead to rise. He imparted His Spirit to His disciples and they went out healing all who were sick. However, as the fire cooled so did the miracles. We see the apostle Paul telling Timothy to drink some wine for the sake of his stomach. He also was afflicted with something that the Lord refused to heal him of, because God wanted to show His strength in Paul's weakness.  Again and again throughout time a man or w...

Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. James 5:13 NLT We can expect people to lift us, care for us, rejoice with us. However, they will disappoint when their worlds consume their time and there is none for us. Yet, there is One who is our comfort and joy, our carer and friend. Jesus, name above all names. Beautiful saviour, glorious Lord. Emmanuel God is with us, blessed redeemer, living word (song).  I love You Lord!.you heard my voice. You came in the winds, on the clouds of heaven. You are my sunrise and sunset. You are the air that I breathe.  You are my dew of heaven, my refreshing, the bread of heaven, my food. Thank You Lord! You are all in all! Amen!

You forgave the guilt of your people— yes, you covered all their sins. Interlude Psalms 85:2 NLT The blood of Jesus covers me and cleanses me of all my sin. I am so grateful for His goodness to me. We are all given this free gift but we must accept it and open it and use it. It is ours to use. He gave us a garment of righteousness.  We are right with Him because of His grace. There is nothing I can do to win His favour, all I need to do is accept His grace. He is good! Amen!

You forgave the guilt of your people— yes, you covered all their sins. Interlude Psalms 85:2 NLT as I pray for my city, I am grateful Jesus did this for us, He paid the price for our sins. The word 'sin' is not a welcome one, or a fashionable one, but a real truth we try to run from. Adam and Eve hid from the truth of their disobedience, and we have run from it ever since. Sin is missing the mark. When we are Christians who profess to know Christ we must allow His Holy Spirit to teach us the ways of truth. His truth sets us free. As we walk in His truth, not our version of it, we are liberated from all that binds amd traps us. If we live in the light, as He is in thr light we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:7

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. John 10:11 NLT We have just witnessed the end of the reign of Queen Elizabeth. In a way she was a shepherdess to the people of her Commonwealth. She sacrificed a lot for us, and worked tirelessly even when very old until she died at 96. We are told the hours that her successor King Charles already works. He also works long hours. Laying down our lives looks different in each and every circumstance. Some literally lay down their lives and are martyred for their faith. However, most sacrifice freedom from indulgence in comfort for time spent with  and for others. We have an example to follow in Christ. He calls us to follow Him and take His yoke upon us. Will you follow today?

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. John 10:11 NLT Jesus was comparing Himself to the Pharisees and Saducees, who loved to rule over people, but who would not lay down their lives for the people but rather, let them be consumed by their enemies. Laying down our lives for people does not mean we allow ourselves to be used and abused senselessly. It means we will forgo earthly pleasure and attitudes for others. Rights have no place in the Kingdom, except the right of the Son of God who lay down His life for us and told us to take up our cross and follow Him. The Christian world that lives for bigger and better toys is foolishly mistaken. We are called to live circumspectly knowing when enough is enough, knowing what is seed and what is bread. Seed is for sowing and bread is for eating. The Pharisees knew how to tithe but neglected care for people. They were religious. We cannot afford to be religious, but rather smitten with all Christ is and doe...

If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord— and he will repay you! Proverbs 19:17 NLT Giving to the poor is best done through organisations with experience in the nature of the problem mostly. This does not mean we cannot help a person we know who is going through difficult times, in fact we should.  Regarding the first instance, a friend and I were caught out in Nepal. We had raised money to help after the earthquake in 2015. We took advice from a man who had been in Nepal for quite some time, and so felt safe. However, the person we employed to help us took advantage of us. We wanted to do a water project and he told us his village was in need. When I went back to inspect the job I discovered that pipelines had been cut and the water used not for drinking but for crops. There was a neibouring village who needed the project for drinking water.  Needless to say I was cross. I also discovered when I went out on a missions trip pastors would welcome me with their hand out...

If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord— and he will repay you. Proverbs 19:17 NLT There are many poor, and many opportunities to help them. Why not pray and ask the Lord where to direct your help.? To know we are lending to the Lord, who is well able to repay us, we might be more confident in giving, rather than knowing the poor cannot repay.  Last night I read an article about the Queen's wealth, and who would inherit it. It mentioned that she was very wealthy, but that a lot of her wealth came with the position, as in crown jewels. Only personal wealth can be distributed. The Queen was generous in life, and was sure to be generous in death. What about us? We are sons and daughters of the most high God. What is expected us us? What can we do for the poor? If you are unsure look at organisations like Compassion, or Feed the Hungry. These are a good start.

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. Colossians 3:23‭-‬24 NLT Who wants an inheritance? I do! Then there is a criteria.  Work willingly at whatever you do, as if you are working for the Lord. Simple! I want all God's best! Not what I scrape up,  but what He bountifully supplies. His abundance is better than a lottery, because He gives what we can handle and it will not evaporate. Amen!

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. Colossians 3:23‭-‬24 NLT Oh! How we need to remember this! It also applies to living space. If we rent, or live with others we should care for the space given as it belongs to the Lord. We are God's witnesses, our behaviour should reflect His glory. Our work ethic should be impeccable,  respect for the employer as if to the Lord; respect for the employer's goods as if they belong to the Lord. God is watching and so are many others, seeking to see what a Christian is like in attitude, and work ethic. Our behaviour will draw ot repel. What will be the result?

He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds. Psalms 147:3 NLT Healing can only happen for those who seek it and are willing to experience the process. Many people came to Jesus for physical healing, but gave Him a wide berth when the cost of anything more was explained: dying to self, picking up their cross , and following Him, and eating His flesh and drinking His blood.  The last 2 were not literal, but rather pointed to breathing in all Christ had for them. I can hazard to guess that many diseases returned as people refused to repent and change their ways. We see this today. It is easy to say the sinner's prayer,  but harder to walk the walk. Therefore, many will disappear. We can only offer the medicine, but cannot make them choose life. Amen!

He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds. Psalms 147:3 NLT There is One who heals better than any other, Jesus! Jesus sets captives free and lifts the broken from the dirt. He is the only One who cares enough to stay beside us in the whole process. Today is Sunday, a day when we can still go to church in Australia and worship Him for all He has done. Let your gratitude motivate you to go, there may be a time when you cannot go. Amen!

After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands. And they were shouting with a great roar, “Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!” Revelation 7:9‭-‬10 NLT When I see the revival meetings at Pensacola, with Asians, Negro's, Europeans and white Americans together I am reminded of this scripture. I rejoice! We are in for a good glory meeting where the power of God will be so strong,  what amazing things we will see!  How could we want to stay on this fragile earth which is so consumed with consumerism?  Come Lord Jesus! Amen!

After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands. And they were shouting with a great roar, “Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!” Revelation 7:9‭-‬10 NLT Is there anyone, or any group of people you struggle with? If so this is a good reason to sort it out now. We will all be together in eternity.  I struggle with quiet people, only because I cannot hear them. Praise God I will hear them there. A lot of things we struggle with here will be gone. Many are controlled by darkness here, in cages to habits, diseases, attitudes, it will be surprising to hear people say, "I fell so light!" The enemy of our souls will be not allowed into heaven, and therefore we will not be troubled by him. Praise God! To be forever with Jesus will be my delight. To always have goodness and ...

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. James 1:19 NLT Today in Australia we awoke to hear the news that our Queen Elizabeth had passed away. She was a woman of discretion. She never offended, and always carried herself as a woman of integrity. I am grateful to have been one of her subjects. The Queen was quick to listen and slow to speak. She had been trained this way from her youth. If only we all had been trained thus. As Christians we are royal subjects, and need to behave as though we are. This morning as I was praying the enemy was harassing me with thoughts of offence. Fortunately I refused and the source of offence had been removed.  At times we will be hammered with thoughts of offence, condemnation or criticism. These are common. At these times we need to be vigilant. Amen!

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. James 1:19 NLT Being quick can be a problem unless we have all the facts. A quick response is good in defeating darkness, destroying strongholds of the enemy but not good when dealing with others. God is slow on our behalf, we can be slow on the behalf of others. Others need grace and compassion. Dividing the enemy's influence in that person from the person is the challenge. Blindness to who the enemy is causes people problems. Jesus saw clearly when he rebuked Satan working through Peter. I wonder how Peter took it, probably in shock.  May we have eyes to see the real issues! Amen!

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Ephesians 5:1 NLT We have all seen tiny tots pretending to talk on a mobile or dancing to music. They are performing what they have seen, even from a very young age. Yesterday I saw a clip of a small baby singing back to their musical toy in their cot. Jesus told us to be like little children. Little children depend on their parents, copy them, and look to them for love. We can do the same to our heavenly Father. Jesus showed us the Father by His behaviour. We can copy this behaviour. It is tried and true and full of life. Amen!

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Ephesians 5:1 NLT Little children follow the behaviour modelled to them. I see snarls on little faces that are present on their parents faces. The parents are critical and malcontent, the children are becoming the same. Yet I also see godly little girls loving others and exhibiting the soft spirits of their parents. Jesus came to earth to show us the Father. One of the disciples asked Jesus: "show us the Father". Jesus replied, "He who has seen Me has seen the Father". This is gratifying because all our questions about God are answered in Christ. Jesus' behaviour was exemplary. We see Him as a compassionate God, a fighter for justice, and a servant to death. No retaliation was on His lips, yet He addressed inequity when needed to His adversaries the Pharisees. They were jealous of His affront to their power base, and for this they persecuted Him. Remember when armbands where rife, t...

If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 NLT I have seen a lot of people openly declare that they are doing certain fitness routines, they post selfies of their figures, hoping all will go ooh! Aah! Some are worthy of praise. I have a friend who is over 70 and she went in a weight lifting competition.  I knew her to be a soft, lovely lady, and here she was lifting weights. I was gobsmacked. I have Christian friends that openly declare their harsh beliefs about God and the bible, they condemn others for holding lesser beliefs. I wonder, who wants to know? Who actually enjoys this condemnation? What this scripture is saying: share the good news. Tell others about what Jesus has done for you! Remember: Good News!

If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. Romans 10:9,10 NLT We can openly declare a lot of things, but if we believe them and declare them with conviction we own them. As we declare Jesus we make Him ours. Declaring Jesus was a step past a barrier.  Once it had been done a few times it is now natural to me. In fact I look for opportunities to do it. I have taken many steps past barriers and am glad I did, I have taken steps in adventure with God, steps of boldness with God and steps of faith with Him. In 2004 a prophet told me I was in for the ride of my life. This ride only happens as I move in faith. Today presents new opportunities to declare what Jesus has done in my life. I wait for them and run into them. He is mine, and I am His! Amen!

I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Psalms 119:11 NLT There have been many great leaders in politics, warfare, the church, in sport, and in business. However, when they compromise and are discovered all that they have accomplished is forgotten in their indiscretion. I read today of a famous Australian  sportsman who was found with drugs on him and was sacked from his position as a sorts reporter. The young are the ones who suffer as they look to the great achievers to lead the way. Fortunately for us there is still One who never failed and still remains at the right hand of God, Jesus Christ. He is our high priest, our intercessor, our way to the Father. Prause God for Jesus! He is worthy of all praise! Amen!

I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Psalms 119:11 NLT Yesterday I found myself influenced by the attitude of another person rather than what the word says to do. I was ashamed and repented. However, I am now on my guard. How can I guard my heart? Staying in the word of God. Choosing it as my reference point and not defending bad attitudes of another is important. The Psalmist knew well that we will be challenged with attitudes towards others. I am currently reading the Old Testament in relation to King David having to flee Jerusalem because his son Absalom was usurping the throne. On his way David was cursed and mocked by a previous supporter of King Saul. David's servants wanted to deal with the man but David said: " who knows if God has not caused this man to mock me, leave him alone". That is integrity of heart. David wrote many Psalms about the Lord and His word. However, this one was not one of his but possibly the sons of Korah who...

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28‭-‬29 NLT I have watched very thin people in Nepal carry heavy burdens. Not only do porters carry physically heavy loads they also carry heavy spiritual loads. Unless the Nepali is a Christ follower they are subject to the numerous demon deities of Nepal.  Even in Australia as I talk to individuals about Christ,  I tell them how Jesus will take their burdens, and give them peace and rest. Today I took my newest boarder for a hike up my mountain,  and told her that the catholic religion she had known created burdens, whereas knowing Jesus personally sets her free of all such burdens. There is such a freedom in Christ from performance,  freedom to be who He sees us to be and freedom to be a blessing to others. Take His yoke, it is pr...

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28‭-‬29 NLT A yoke is a harness put upon oxen to plow the field, traditionally there were two oxen, side by side, but in some cultures just one. Jesus is inviting us to join with Him in carrying the load. He, the experienced one will teach us the way to go. In life we join ourselves to something, an ideology, a faith, or a lifestyle. Each carry a yoke. It is unseen but it harnesses us to it, and it binds us in some instances. Demons are spewing out so called freedom doctrines, and we foolishly take them up thinking  we are our own masters. We are not. If we refuse Christ we choose another power. Only Jesus wants our eternal freedom, the rest eternal bondage. Today we are invited to walk with Jesus. He is the life, the way, and the truth. Why would ...

Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Psalms 100:2 NLT Singing with joy when all is amok is challenging but as you sing in worship, and set your heart there the atmosphere changes. You make room for the Spirit to move, and He does. Worship is powerful. Worship is not empty, it is full of hope. Worship is empowering. Let no one tell you you are wasting time, you're not!  Let it out and let heaven move on your behalf. Paul amd Silas were in chains,  and they worshipped and the chains fell off, souls were saved, and God's glory was revealed. Let it out! Amen!

Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Psalms 100:2 NLT This whole song is an exhortation to worship God and praise Him for all He is and does. He is good and worthy of all praise. Last night at astronomy I met a man who mocked Moses existence. I did not argue but moved on. He was insisting on there being written evidence for spoken stories. I was trying to tell him that it is not always so. Some cultures keep their stories alive by telling the stories. In my case it was the biblical stories. We know that the bible exhorts us to remind our children and grandchildren of God's goodness by the telling of stories or testimonies. Our stories of how God delivered us from addictions, disasters, financial ruin, disease all speak volumes about God's reality and goodness. For all of these things we can praise Him, for He is faithful.  Amen!

See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people. 1 Thessalonians 5:15 NLT Doing good to bad people can be difficult especially when they are outright evil. However, Paul was imprisoned in Rome under Nero. Now there was a nasty dude. However, he wrote in Romans to be subject to the governing authorities and to pray for them. I struggle to pray for paedophiles. Yet, Newton (the man who wrote Amazing Grace) was a slave trader and he came to Christ. Anything is possible. Amen!

See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people. 1 Thessalonians 5:15 NLT Not repaying evil for evil is a great challenge, yet, one that rraps rewards. By doing good we allow the Holy Spirit reign. He is keen to change hearts and see repentance flow.  When we refuse to repay evil with evil we are being true Christ followers. He never retaliated with evil.  He spoke up for the truth, and we can see Him addressing the Pharisees as white washed tombs because they were supposed leaders living for themselves. God is good, and keen for us to be His children. Amen!

Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:9 NLT We must not only start but keep on putting into practice our new way of living. Paul says in Galatians 5:16 walk in the Spirit and you will not gratify the flesh. This means choosing not to react when things don't go your way. Paul typified this kind of life. Although he was flogged, stoned, shipwrecked and abused he kept on believing God for a better day. Keep on, don't give in. Amen!

Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:9 NLT How could Paul say this? He could say it if he also followed the Lord's example. Paul grew up under Gamaliel a profound bible teacher of the Old Testament. However, Paul also had a divine encounter with Jesus. This encounter changed him from being a religious bigot to a travelling evangelist and apostle.  Can we say to people 'watch what I do and follow me'? If we can it is because we follow Christ.  If we can't we need to repent and turn around and follow Jesus. The results for following Paul and Jesus is peace, God's peace. It is worth it to be able to show people how to walk in peace. Amen!

“Here is a simple, rule-of-thumb guide for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them. Add up God’s Law and Prophets and this is what you get. Matthew 7:12 MSG Ask ourselves! Good idea! It requires a thought through response. What do I hope others would do for me in the same situation? We have nurses striking for better conditions and wages. The problem of understaffing has always been there for nurses, even in my days of training in the 70s. I wish them well. We need our nurses. I pray for the unborn as I am sure I was prayed for. I am grateful. I want the unborn to have a chance to live and contribute to the world. I support the persecuted as I would want people to support me. We need to do this! When we stand before the Lord He will ask us what we did for the poor, the weak the vulnerable. We need to have a good answer. Amen!

Do for others what you would have them do for you. This is the law amd the prophets. Matt 7:12 The Law and the Prophets here refer to the Old Testament writings. Which in particular it did not say. However possibly referring to the 10 commandments, because when asked which was the greatest commandment Jesus said: love the Lord you God with your whole heart, soul and mind, and love you neighbour as yourself. Matt 22:35,36. The last part is not a commandment but sums up several: do not kill, do not steal, honour your mother and father etc.  It is interesting that Jesus did this,  however, it was very apt and true. If we love our neighbour as ourselves we will do for them what we would hope they would so for us. Today I have two women in my home who were homeless. I have a new challenge before me, keep this house as a family and treat them as I would hope to be treated. This does not mean I don't address things, but do so graciously. Amen!