The day with dianne Louise

“The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.”  Psalms‬ ‭32‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The best path is always the one that leads to life. We must trust that the choices God makes are best. We have limited knowledge He has abundant knowledge. He sees the end we don’t. I have just been reading the book of Jerimah. Jeremiah was called to prophesy to a stubborn people. Again and again they asked him to give them God’s word and again and again they refused to walk in it, with dire consequences. We can not be so stubborn. Trust and obey! Amen!

“Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God!”  Psalms‬ ‭42‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Our hearts can become discouraged, and we can also experience sadness. However, the Psalmist gives us a solution: put our hope in God and praise Him again, and again, and again! Today I again put my hope in God and He  did not disappoint. He is good and faithful to complete what He has begun. Philippians 1:6 We can be sure that the Lord is more interested in completing what He begun than we are. He will do it! Amen!

“The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭32‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬ For the longest time there have been maps, road maps and now we have Google maps. I am grateful for the maps. Without maps we would be lost. I remember, before there were Navman devices we could put in our cars, I would pull out the city map and plot my path, write it down and follow the road signs. When Navman came I could trust a voice to tell me where to turn. I am grateful I have such a voice, the Holy Spirit is my guide.  This morning I had a message from a young man in Nepal called Timothy. Timothy is an evangelist. He was travelling to the far reaches in the Terai area to a place where the first church plant he made was. I have been in similar areas. You travel up a river to get to your destination. Without a guide or a map I would be in serious trouble. When I go to Nepal I will depend on Timothy as a guide. Without the Holy Spirit guiding...

“Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God!”  Psalms‬ ‭42‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬ When waiting on God for clear direction we can become despondent. My friend who is going ahead of me to Nepal is full of excitement and constantly receiving confirmations. It is his time to go. I don’t have the same, and his constant excited rambling can be overpowering, but I know I must walk slower, and wait to complete my current task before running on. Managing the emotions created by this dilemma can be challenging. However, I sense a bigger picture for me to concentrate on. When your own space is quiet, and another is noisy, what do you do? Remain faithful and value the quiet in your own field, the noise will soon arrive. Yesterday I watched an episode of The Chosen in which Jesus returns home to celebrate New Year with His family and finds only His mother to welcome Him. His brothers avoid Him. Lazarus and his sisters show up and...

“Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭10‬:‭23‬ ‭NLT‬‬ When two people hold a rope taut, it remains a strong  tool , but if one drops the rope it is useless. Whilst the Lord will remain  faithful, we must continue in faith to see the result we pray for. We have a part to play in receiving from God. Jesus taught a lot about persistence in prayer. He commended those who were strong in faith, but also reprimanded those who were of little faith. Let us see the answers we pray for! Amen!

“Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭10‬:‭23‬ ‭NLT‬‬ God can be trusted ! He does not fail us! Today I am seeking God for timing. Next year I am going to Nepal to teach English. However, for how long and when He has not shown me. The first hurdle, can my income stream continue, yes. The next, how long will Nepal allow me to stay? Next, what to do with my home, thirdly when to go. The last three are yet to be revealed. I am ready to pack up everything and leave, but I have people here who I am also ministering to. Is God providing another person to continue in my stead? Perhaps! He has placed other Christian’s in my street, my old neighbour has Christians  in the retirement village, and she needs to come to faith in the Lord herself rather than depend on my faith. I am sure the Lord has it all in hand, I am just to discover it. Praise Him!

“For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”  2 Corinthians‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The first mention of the Spirit of the Lord, is in Genesis: now the earth was formless and empty, darkness covered the face of the watery depths, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Gen 1:2. Then….. God said , let there be…. And there was. The Spirit of God was there ready, waiting, for the command, as soon as it came, the Spirit moved, and things happened. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. The Spirit is the power to change, to act, to believe. How about saying something? This morning I knew I needed a miracle, I needed finance . I commanded it to come and went for a walk praising God. I had to dress my old neighbour’s back. She said when she saw me, ‘ I am very grateful for your help and would like to pay you $50’. It was the exact amount I had asked the Lord for. Praise Him! This evening as I was mowing I discovere...

“For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”  2 Corinthians‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This passages comes in the midst of Paul’s discussion about those of his brethren in Judaism having a veil across their understanding that Jesus was indeed their messiah. It applies to all of us who have come from darkness to light. We can stubbornly walk in darkness, refusing to acknowledge the light , nevertheless it is there. I have people in my world who refuse to accept the light. They know that I am blessed by the light in me but refuse it for themselves. I cannot make them accept the truth and be free. May God have mercy of us and open our eyes to Hus glorious freedom! Amen!

And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT It is interesting the things God wants us to share. Today my daughter,  granddaughter and grandson came to visit. It was precious to me. We played Monopoly, ate together  and caught up. I offered to take my grandchildren to my astronomy centre,  and they want to go to the movies with me. This family have an abundance of money,  but I have an abundance of joy, love and the grace God gives me. Whilst I enjoyed feeding them and giving gifts, my greatest and most precious gifts were those the Lord gave just to me. My daughter said, " it is peaceful and quiet here!" I am glad she enjoyed it. The Lord has lived here with me many years now,  He is good company.

And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT I am grateful that God does not just give me all I need, but that He gives me extra to share with others. He provided for me to be bountifully generous with family and friends yesterday, and gave me enough to provide for a person I do not know through Open Doors. God will put a desire in my heart to give a certain thing or amount and it is always there.  Last night I was able to spend the evening with my old neighbour who was alone this Christmas. I surprised her in the early morning and again later in the day. We had fun together eating a small meal and playing a card game. Today I have more than enough left over. I am sure there will be plenty of people to share it with. What God gives us isn't to waste on fleshly desires, it is for our needs and the needs of others. Living simply is important,  living with eyes and ears...

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 NLT Government was to rest on Jesus' shoulder. How was this to be as Jesus was a baby? Was this because Jesus said, 'unless you the faith of a child you will not see the kingdom of God?' He showws us how to do this. He submitted to His earthy parents,  He allowed Himself to be taught the word of God, when He was the word of God. Such humility! His ministry time was one of obedience and submission to His heavenly Father. His last act, dying on a cross was an act of total submission. Such obedience was rewarded by resurrection,  and being seated at the right hand of God, with honour and glory ascribed to Him. We can learn from Jesus! Amen!

“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭9‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Families who have longed for a child knows more the joy of childbirth. The nation of Israel had longed for their saviour for hundreds of years (some thousands). How sad it is when families who long for a son receive another daughter. They fail to shower love and affection on the child born, they miss the significance of what this child might become. Greater is the devastation of parents aborting a child because of its sex. They will never know the joy that child would bring. Jesus came disguised to His people,  because He was raised in Nazareth, He was rejected, because He did not rule as a king, He was rejected. Yet, He achieved the purpose for which He came, He made a way for us to be reunited as family, His heavenly family. Today , do not reject what you receive, lay dow...

And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 NLT May we be more aware of our sin, so that we can run to Jesus for salvation from self, worldly standards and mores, that we would learn to live beyond ourselves and personal aspirations and pleasures, for an eternal perspective beyond present delights. Jesus gave up His place of power to come and become a frail human. Why? A perfect sacrifice had to be made to win us back, so that we could walk in relationship with Him in glory, gain perspective of a life with Him, and a heart for the lost. Today a divine perspective and relationship is our quest! Amen!

“And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭1‬:‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The angel told Joseph that Jesus was to be raised as his son, but that He would save people from their sins. Do we still need such a saviour? Yes! Unfortunately, social media is full of feel good platitudes that make us think we’re good if we consider our efforts good. If we play this game we are committing idolatry as we raise our own selves to-the   position of God, deciding what is good and what is sin. We have fallen for the same trap Eve fell into with the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. It is a game Satan plays with all humanity. Let us come to Jesus in this season, acknowledging our need for a saviour, and worship Him as the true God. This season reminds us how He came in humility and was raised in oblivion until the right time. However, His death on the cross was not in vain, He set us free from our sins. Our sins are pride,  self-r...

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 NLT Today I began learning Nepali, yes! It is similar to Japanese as it is syllabic in nature rather than alphabetic, with a few differences. It also has SOV word order(subject, object, verb). I heard back from my favourite uni teacher. He is willing to help me with my research project, as long as I wait, and have permission, to wait until term 2. I will! I want to study Nepali languages in the Terai.  God is good!  Now to enlist help in constructing my proposal. I have a friend who is a uni teacher. I will enlist her aid. Apart from all this, God is good and His plans are coming to pass. Amen!

“But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”  Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭31‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Have you ever wondered what came before the ‘but’?  Isaiah talks of young men stumbling and falling, however even before that he talks about the Lord never growing weary. verses 28-31 should really come as a whole. I’ve often heard: ‘if only I was 17 again, or if only I was 21 again ‘. Youth is not the determiner, God is. It is His strength that never fails. Yesterday, I narrowly escaped a nasty accident on my bike. Before I left the house I asked the Lord for protection, He gave it to me. I then proceeded but my bike chain broke. I walked instead. I know my reactions are not as quick as a young person’s but yesterday God made sure they were switched on, and I avoided disaster. With God, we are safe, with Him we conquer. I am facing going into a third world country and living near tigers, d...

So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. John 1:14 NLT Jesus was full of love. I wonder how his brothers and sisters handled that? Did he get accused of being 'goodey two shoes'? As they were surprised that He was God's Son, He must have been a quiet, non-descript individual. , as this would not be in keeping with the saviour from Israel's enemies. The family, also, did not seem to benefit from any premature miracles, why else would He have told His mother at the wedding,  "My time has not yet come!" Did they feel cheated? Where was the gold, frankincense and myrrh? Perhaps it was used in the fleeing to Egypt. He obviously did not come with a dowry,  otherwise He would not need to be kept by His friends. Yet, Jesus left all His glory, the glory of the Son of God, and came to earth, born in a smelly stable, seen by smelly shepherds...

So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. John 1:14 NLT We all know the wait, the wait for something wonderful to arrive. The joy we receive on its arrival can be unspeakable, especially if it is a newborn child longed for. Jesus, the Messiah was longed for, however He was not recognised by those who longed for Him by many. Simeon and Anna, two old people who served the Lord in the Temple recognised Him, John the Baptist recognised Jesus even before he was born when he lept in his mother 's womb. Many today to not recognise Him,  because the lusts and cares of this world dominate. How sad to be blind! May we not be carried away by this season 's festivities, but rather seek Him, the King of glory. Amen!

Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:35 NLT Jesus' disciples fought over who was the greatest, they wanted to call fire down from heaven on unbelieving cities, and they fell asleep on Jesus when He needed them the most. Yet, Jesus persevered with them. After He had died, and risen into heaven, they received the Holy Spirit, and came alive to all that Jesus had taught them. With the help of the Holy Spirit we can love through difficult times. We can believe all things, and hope all things, because love resides in us. If you are struggling to love, ask the Holy Spirit to help you.  Amen!

“Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God.” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We love Him because He first loved us.(1 Jn 4:19) love draws out love. Our God loving us makes us feel loved and in return we can love others. The more I respond to His love, the more I am filled with love and it can’t help but flow over to others. We had our street Christmas Party tonight. Once I step past ‘I can’t be bothered’, I talk freely to everybody. It is easy and I care for them and their world. We have a lovely group growing in the street, and we look out for each other and stop to talk or wave as we pass. Relationships are good for us. Bother to step past the reluctance! Amen!

“Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John‬ ‭13‬:‭35‬ ‭NLT‬‬ What does this love look like? It is gracious, kind, non-judgmental, long-suffering, and  patient. In fact Paul spells it out better than me in 1 Cor 13.  I love the way he actually begins: “If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We need to keep perspective. Love is above all the amazing things we can do in faith.  I am a person of faith and I need to keep myself aware of the nature of love. Ho...

““You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.”  Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Light cannot be hidden , not successfully. It can be hindered, but it is still light. Even if you put it in a dark trunk, it is still light. We have a little the in us that is brighter than any darkness, let it shine. Jesus commanded light to shine. In the beginning God gave a command: let there be light. Then he crafted it into sun moon and stars. He gave it boundaries , morning and night. The light is best in darkness, for the sun dispels all night when it rises. Light is in charge of darkness. However, just as the sun is only seen in the day so we need to rest, but when it is time to shine, shine! Amen!

““You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬-‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Good deeds are light for those who live in darkness.  Recently I asked the young man who wanted people to help him in Nepal’s poor district: “why do you want to teach these people Enlish?” He replied, “we will show we love them by doing this as they want their children to learn English and it is not available to them”. Loving is doing something for someone that they cannot do for themselves. It is also something that the world does not care to give them. English opens doors of opportunity. When I asked my family if I could buy a cow for a poor person instead of give them gifts they do not need they replied “sure, we suppo...

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness a light will shine. Isaiah 9:2 There are countries that do not have  night-time signature,  this is because they do not have street lights. Nepal is one such country. Whilst, Kathmandu does have some street lights, they are not an organised norm as we have here in Australia.  I remember the first time we flew in around midnight. Finding our accommodation was near impossible, our phones were flat, or almost so. Fortunately the taxi cab driver did not have his meter running, and was very patient.  Where I am venturing to next year there are no street lights, and possibly not even house lights.  I remember my first trip to such a place. I slept on bare boards with one rug, I was uncomfortable and cold. This time I will be more organised. However, I am going to this dark place to bring another light, Jesus Christ. He is the Light of the world.  I know He wil...

“The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.”  Isaiah‬ ‭9‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This verse is often used when taking the gospel into dark places, however, this prophetic word also applied to Israel. The Assyrians had taken the people into captivity and this word seemed like an impossibility at the time. However, in the time of Gideon, with just a few men, God caused His people to be victorious over the Midianites. I also think of the time when Jesus walked the earth , this land would have seen the greatest light. Jesus is the light. Missionaries take this light into dark places, places bound with idol worship. However, nothing is impenetratable to God! As we go into Nepal May the light shine! Amen!

Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. 1 John 4:7 NLT One of my most favourite songs at present is I sing Jesus, sung by Charity Gayle. The power of Jesus changes my perspective,  changes my prayers, my mindset about others, and allows His presence into their lives. .I have tarried long for one old lady. Yesterday, in love, I told her she needs to come to church Christmas Eve, and give thanks to the Lord for all He has done for her. She said, " all right I will, and I will thank Him for giving me you." She is right.  The Lord's love for this woman has been long-suffering and patient. He planted me in her life to constantly bring His view before her, to remind her of His goodness.  Our God loves the unlovely beyond what we can imagine. His long -suffering with Kathy has shown me how I too can pursue love to the extent. I have been faithful to the Lord in all of it,  and spoken His K...

“All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’).” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭7‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬ For some of us we need a sign that God is in a thought, a project, a plan. When we receive the sign we move.  At present I am amazed at the way God is revealing Himself in our planned trip and project to teach English, and the gospel, to the Chepang in Nepal next year.  The people we already know there are also mobilising and offering to help. I have not seen this level of commitment coming form such a diverse group in a long time. Also, I have gone from wondering how I will manage in a tent in the monsoon in a mosquito infested area for 4 months. I need wonder no longer. Land, house, church, electricity, internet, motorbike are all on the table. I pray a toilet and shower is also considered. Material to use in teaching is free, a program for us to learn Nepali is goi...

“All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’).” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭7‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I love prophesy! Isaiah, hundreds of years before the birth of Christ, prophesied that Jesus would come. Yet, the people of Israel, today and then, failed to put 2 and 2 together. Even now they struggle with the parts of Isaiah that talk about our saviour dying for our sins. They wanted the king who would deliver them from physical rulers, they did not care about their sins. When we do not care about our sins but want the pain to go away, we behave like this. Christmas was the beginning of our deliverance. Jesus did not stay a baby, He grew up to be a young man who obeyed Hus Heavenly Father in all He did. The cross was always there before Him, He knew His future, He was the saviour of all mankind. Do we recognise our future? I am walking towards my time in Nepal i...

“Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭32‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Instead! What is it referring to? Paul is previously talking about the works of the flesh: lying, anger, foul language, bitterness, slander, wrath, shouting. He says to not grieve the Holy Spirit. Our default is the flesh. It will continually want to assert itself, but we need to push back and choose rather to walk in the Spirit. We should no longer live as the gentiles live, in the futility of their thoughts. However, we have learned the Messiah and a higher way of living. Choose life! Amen!

32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. (‭‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬‬:‭32‬ ‭NLT‬‬) How easy is it to be kind and tender hearted to a person who is constantly in our face and constantly talking about them? It is not easy! What it tells us is we need to pray more into that space. It is humbling to bow in prayer when we want to shred that person, however, we know which will be more successful, for both and more. Retaliation may make you feel vented but it will destroy your relationship further. My son posted the clip below on his Facebook last night of a donkey giving cheek. It was very funny. His caption was: this is what I showed my family members who were fighting at home tonight, they were not impressed. I was. https://youtube.com/shorts/nh1yvwvMLbI?feature=share Keep your sense of humour, it will save you and go to prayer. Amen!

“Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever.” ‭‭Daniel‬ ‭12‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Proverbs 11:30 says: those who are wise win souls. The wise men from the east sought a king to worship.  God’s wisdom is different to ours. Today I discussed the winning of souls with a young Nepali man. He is driven by God’s vision for souls.  My friend Warren is burdened to build a house in the area that young Timothy travels to each week from Kathmandu. This way Timothy can stay there. I am going to teach English to the children and am burdened with the finding or creation of a simple way to do this. Many Nepali will not travel far from Nepal, however they have a constant flow of tourists that they could learn to communicate with. Good spoken English will help them find better work, or have an opportunity to. I am excited to have a plan beyond finishing uni in May. I long for that day. I could be very happy with finishin...

“Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever.” ‭‭Daniel‬ ‭12‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬ In this chapter and the two before Daniel is having a vision and Angel Michael is speaking to him, revealing things to come. In chapter 22 he talks about the end times (which we believe we are now in). Even now wisdom is important. Wisdom is tied to the Lord. The wise shine like the sun because they are connected to the Lord, they display His glory. The wise are seeking to save souls, it is their focus. All other worldly matters pale into insignificance. Christmas is a time when people are more open to the gospel. It is an opportunity to invite folk to church,  but more importantly to share the good news. I am currently teaching two little girls, my nieces ,Sunday school in my home. They love to learn about Jesus, I am teaching them a song to sing for their relatives on Christmas Day called Happy Birthday Jesus. 12 people will b...

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Philippians 4:4 NLT Joy to the world the Lord has come, let earth its song employ, The glories of His righteousness, Let heaven and nature sing,  Let heaven and nature sing, Let heaven, heaven and nature sing! This is  season when we sing about joy, not just because we can overeat or receive presents, but because the saviour came to earth, the greatest gift for all mankind. At times we must remind ourselves to put on joy, as we may be suffering grief, loss, estrangement, abuse, financial difficulties,  but the fact that we have  saviour is worth rejoicing about. So, rejoice, and watch your circumstances change! Amen!

Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice! Phil 4:4 See that little word 'always', it means in all circumstances rejoice! Rejoicing opens heavens and sends answers, even if they are only felt in the spirit. Rejoicimg changes things, breaks down prisons doors! In all things good or bad find God, rejoice that you name is written in heaven, you are being cheered on by a great cloud of people who have gone before you, you are not alone! Rejoicimg is good medicine! Try it today! Amen!

“Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy.”  Psalms‬ ‭126‬:‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Learning to not count all rejections as personal is important. Today I had my proposal for a research subject rejected by my tutor. Continually Aboriginal studies have been forbidden to me. Yet, yesterday a door opened. Warren and I have been asked to go back to Nepal and work with a young evangelist in the souther Terai area. Warren is exceptionally excited, I am being more cautious and prayerful. I have been too excited and run off before I had confirmation only to face rejection. So, I must wait. It appears I am being allowed to study English again for my last term, all reading subjects which I will enjoy. I have one more lesson on Thursday then free for a short break before the intense exam period. I will be glad to see the end. I am ready to move on. I have had many tears but now joy is following me. Praise God!

“Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy.” Psalms‬ ‭126‬:‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Only those who have suffered know the tears, but the rejoicing when things change is overwhelming . It is called the breakthrough moment. God only knows what that moment should look like. He knows us better than anyone. I am constantly amazed when it happens. I may be thinking, ‘I need a breakthrough in my finance’, and He will surprise me with someone close being born again or an answered prayer in another place. You, like me, may be facing a wall, where is the money for presents coming from. However, it is not Christmas Day yet. God has a surprise in store. Allow Him to do it or you will miss the joy that comes with His surprise. Amen!

Accomplishment is pleasant. If every word of the Lord accomplishes what it was sent to do, then He must be very happy indeed. Today I received my last exam results and was devastated. It appeared I had failed an exam for the first time. After calming down and having lunch, I reviewed my answers. A particular question was tricky. I had placed dots at the end of the sentences instead of the beginning. This caused all my answers to be out by one box. However, I had answered the questions almost perfectly. I contacted my tutor and he reviewed them and thanked me. I went from failure to distinction in one move. If I had not contacted my tutor I would have been wrongly miserable. I had thought through my usual performance and thought, no, this is wrong, I am a good student. I want a review. If I had not have asked the result would have been very different. Remember, confess who you are!

“It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭55‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Jesus is a prime example of the fruitfulness of God’s word. Jesus said He only did what He saw His Father do, this would include all His words spoken. Jesus said of His words: my words are spirit and they are life. (In 6:63). Imagine a church who knew the power of every spoken word. We are told it, but do not realise it. Life and death are in the power of the tongue ( Proverbs 18:21). We must be careful to avoid gossip, but frame our words to bring life. Pray expecting spirit and life to come out of our mouths. Last night I was awake around midnight, and had a sense that as I sang in the Spirit I was lifting up darkness off of people and situations, and allowing  God’s Spirit to touch them all. I am wanting to see change, and I believe I am an instrument of change. Pray and speak aware! Amen!

“Come, everyone! Clap your hands! Shout to God with joyful praise!” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭47‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Joyful praise the Lord loves. Joyful praise our spirit loves as it lifts us up. We do not need to feel like doing joyful praise to participate. All we need to do is decide to do it, and do it. Playing songs of joy will get us started. Today is a good day to start, today is a good day to join with others in church. Corporate praise can lift the roof off of heaviness and depression. Meeting with other believers is cathartic. We need this. One of the Christmas Hymns is Joy to the World. Joy is what the angels sang about. Jesus coming to earth was the most joyful thing to happen. Jesus sending His Holy Spirit to live with us was the second source of joy. Rejoice in Him today! Amen!

All who declare that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. 1 John 4:15 NLT Declaring a thing is easy to do, but to allow it to be true is another matter.  To live in God takes intentional committment. We say I love you too easily, but to love  person is harder than just words. People can be so annoying. I know I am one, a person that is. May the Lord reveal Himself more and more to us as we seek Him with all our hearts! Amen!

“All who declare that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God.” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭15‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Confession of a matter tends to seal it. We have heard a lot being said about ‘coming out’ as homosexuals and more recently transgender identities. The more people think a thing is true they confess it about themselves and cement it into their identity. However, here we have an opportunity to change all negative narratives, even those which state: I am a drunk, I am a gambler etc. I am a child of God lifts beyond the banal and ordinary.  It begs to be examined, and opened like a precious Christmas present. What does it mean? It means that I have found a relationship with Jesus, forgiveness for all my sins and am now called, by Him, brother or sister. It behooves me to search out the full promise of what I have become. I have inherited eternal life, I have forgiveness, healing, wholeness offered to me. This offering is a new garment, a robe of righteousness. A glor...

““Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Today I finished my Law assignment, yay!!! Determination and unwillingness to yield to defeat or tiredness won. I also cleaned the house and helped a friend with her shopping. I have another friend coming for dinner and a game. Yes! God created us to win, to be persistent and determined. He is! We are His kids, so we are made in His image and therefore have His DNA. We are winners by default. Go to it and win this battle ! Amen!

““Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The Lord respects persistence! Too many of us give up asking when we fail after a few attempts assuming God will not reply or provide. We come to second guess our requests and ourselves decide they were not godly enough etc. the Lord is the judge! Sometimes He is looking for faithfulness, persistence, tenacity, determination to break through. He is looking for His character in us. I know myself, when my children and grandchildren ask for something that will not harm them, I long to provide. However, there have been times when I waited to see how important a thing was. If something is expensive, then the wait usually is and was longer. Waiting proves the value of something. I know there are idea God plants in our hearts. He does this to me. At present I am praying about taking my eldest granddaughter overseas when s...

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Today was back into uni study and a 2 hr lecture. I have washed my clothes from the trip and mowed the lawn as well as have a visit from my old neighbour. Now for some research, but first perspective. Who do I copy? I can’t say I copy anyone, I stay focussed. Jesus taught about keeping our eyes on the kingdom of God. This is a good place to start. I have been knocked back from Constitutional law studies next term, however, I am not sorry. If I can cruise into my final landing that suits me. Yet, I have a research project I am keen to undertake so we will see what my research uncovers. I want to study only what God has for me. His future is more important than anything! Amen!

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”  Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Today we are seeing young people be transformed before our eyes. They are believing they are other than what they are and identifying as all manner of things, and in the process destroying the bodies God has given them. Why do they do this? They are troubled in their souls. However, the bible gives another transformation: that of becoming  a child of God, made to rule and reign with Him. How do we become this person? By renewing our minds with the word of God. As we can see what we look at and spend our time thinking about controls our beliefs. It is important that we care for this portal. As garbage in equals garbage out , godliness in equals a godly life. Amen!

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭33‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Today I was collected from the airport by a good friend who took me grocery shopping as I had a need. He came home with me and I fed him and played a few games with him. He needed to talk. This poor soul is so torn inside and needing God’s healing touch. I pray he receives it as he is now seeking the Lord again. For many years he had lost hope and lived in the shadowlands but now God is ministering to him in the scriptures and a book he is reading. Praise God their is no saviour like our God! He is good! Amen!

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭33‬ ‭NLT‬‬ What really are we seeking? Fame, fortune? Our hearts know the truth. We can attempt to deceive but God is not deceived by our efforts . Jesus spoke these words. The chapter this comes from speaks much about finance. Jesus said, ‘you cannot serve God and money!’ ‘Where your treasure is you heart will be also!’ I have just been on holiday with my granddaughter and managing my finance was important I knew I needed to buy groceries upon my return home today and was concerned that my money would stretch. Even though my son gave his daughter money she would not use it but clung to it ferociously. I had a friend contact me and say, ‘do you want me to take you grocery shopping on the way home? I have plenty of money and want to pay for your groceries.’ I am blessed! Worrying was also addressed in this same chapter in Matthew. Jesus saw it coming. He tells us wel...

“Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Pray at all times; the saints need your prayers , God’s kingdom and purposes need your prayers. I value prayer and know when I am prayed for. I also know when it is lacking.  Personally I have discovered my best prayer language, singing in the Spirit.  When I sing in the Spirit I hear the Spirit move and sense His presence. I know these prayers are victorious. Why not discover your place of victorious prayer and go for it? You will be fulfilled! Amen!

“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”” ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭31‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬ At times we need to hear this.  We struggle with trusting for God’s supply, God’s aid and God’s intervention.  I was finally able to check my finances and discovered they are low and we have a few days worth of expenses to go.  I have a week till payday when I return home and Christmas is coming. We all know this scenario. trusting  God for supply is our only option. He is good and gracious and has a plan. Although I do not know the plan, He has one. I must trust Him! Amen!

“Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker,” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭95‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬ A lot of people worship themselves. They take selfies as if there is no tomorrow. Then these selfies are posted on social media. It is a vain attempt to influence others of our godlikeness. Unfortunately those who participate in this ruse are hollow and empty. Next they will worship jobs, money, things, again they are emoty. Lastly they worship fun and enetertainment. This too is empty. The body fails as it ages, the jobs fail as they demand more and more, the money fails as it itself fails, and entertainment only lasts for a night, then the void returns. However, worshipping the Lord God Almighty, the creator of all things is life that remains. He is good, He is holy and pure and never lets us down. Try Him today, ask Jesus into your heart and live! Amen!

“Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”” ‭‭John‬ ‭8‬:‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Today being my birthday we had dinner at one of the restaurants here on Fitzroy Island. Granddaughter Ellie and I had steak sandwiches. I notice how the young women dressed. They were evocative and obviously looking to impress and perhaps find a man. The young men were strutting their stuff for the same reason. However, we met a delightful young woman from London, and had the best of chats. I encouraged her to be true to herself, and not become a drunk like her friends. She wants to bring her mum and dad out next year. She wanted to know what Western Australia is like. She thought it would be just like the east. I assured her it wasn’t.  I gave her a few good suggestions, and had to leave. She had a boat to catch. I will now pray for this young woman as she needs the Lord’s pr...

“I am counting on the Lord; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭130‬:‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I have made it to Brisbane, and am enjoying time with family. My grandson Ollie has a birthday today. We breakfasted on pancakes, American style. My son was the cook, very good pancakes! Tonight we are having his favourite meal, bolognaise (of course he is 10), and birthday cake. Tomorrow my granddaughter and I fly to Cairns to go snorkelling. Yes! I found out my luggage is 10kg, and as we are carry-on only I had to reduce. We strategised and now I have a backpack and it is very tight indeed. The airline we fly with gives cheap fares but adds costs for inflight food, booked luggage etc. they charge like wounded bulls. Prayer is amazing! This morning when collected from the airport my eldest grandson was driving. He is almost 17. He has had an attitude to me for almost a year because of me preferring his brother in an altercation. I decided prayer was the answer. I started ...

“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I am so grateful  for God’s desire to save me. He pursued me and He brought me through to salvation. Jesus paid the price of my redemption and I could not do it by trying to be good.  My good was and is full of self. The goodness God gives me is full of Him. Living for Him, empowered by Him is all I need and want. Living in the Spirit is a good place to be. Today I am looking forward to more divine encounters. Amen!

“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation,” ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I am grateful for His great mercy! He redeemed me from my godless way and translated me into the way of the Son. This way is the way of dying to self and living for Him. It isn’t all sacrifice. Blessings follow and surround us. Last night my son gave me a financial gift towards my trip today. I am grateful! The weather is nasty in Brisbane but praise God the top end will be beautiful and clear. God is good! Amen!