The day with dianne Louise

“Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.”  Matthew‬ ‭19‬:‭26‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Many things, humanly speaking, are impossible, however, with God, all things are possible. We tend to limit ourselves and God by our own confessions and throughly processes. We do we limit? Perhaps, it it what we associate with. This week I had an exam and I said to the Lord, “ I have studied, and you are greater than I, I trust you for the answers.” I received my first 100%. Today I was again knocked back for my proposed research subject, and so I signed up for an easy-reading term in English. I will finish my degree with Research Writing. However, a fellow linguist wrote a PHD on the Chepang, the people I am going to teach English to. I wrote to her and she responded today. I hope to catch her in Nepal. Wow! To meet a fellow linguist in Nepal will be special. Also today I received more funds which I used to pay my upcoming electricity bill...

“Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.”” Matthew‬ ‭19‬:‭26‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The above verse is Jesus’ response to the disciples amazement at a previous comment Jesus made about the difficult the rich have entering the kingdom of God. The disciples had said,” well then, who can be saved?” Perhaps they had thought to bring rich people in would help with the finances, who knows? We do know Jesus had friends who were not poor.  He was supported by several women and Lazarus, Mary and Martha do not appear too poor.  The rich tend to depend on their finances rather than the Lord. A rich young man had just come to Jesus and asked how he could inherit eternal life. Firstly Jesus instructed him to follow the law, which the young man had done. He asked what more can I do. Jesus told him to sell all he had and give it to the poor. The young man went away sad because he was very rich. We do not know if this young man actual...

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10 NLT As one of my final units of study at uni I am studying law. Rather than boring, as I had supposed, it is most enlightening.  Today we discuss aboriginal law: customary law as opposed to commonwealth law, as experienced in the States and territories of Australia.  Whilst other commonwealth countries, one being Canada, has made room for customary and cultural law, Australia tried a version and quickly withdrew when problems arose. That is the nature of politicians for you.  Whereas, under God, there is genuine justice, under man limited or no justice. When governments change laws due to reactions,  they do not give full justice. Churches are even guilty of this. Rather than calmly investigate a matter fully they react. What a shame! However, Jesus is coming to rule the earth, oh what a day!

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah‬ ‭41‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Have you ever rescued a small child from disaster by grabbing them from behind, clothes and all? This is what comes to mind when the Lord promises to hold us up with His victorious right hand. Our God has won the victory over sin for us. We must trust Him and walk in the strength of what He has done. His strength is our strength. Today we begin a fast at my church and I have a guest who refuses to fast for health reasons. This should be interesting. I am sure this is the case in many families. Mothers still have to cook for the children and if her husband works in physical labour he will need to be fed. I am seeking many answers: timing, an outpouring of the Spirit, wisdom and self-control. Our country needs an awakening to God and my city needs the revelation of the sins of God. My God constantly p...

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Hebrews 10:24‭-‬25 NLT Most of life is done on automatic, thinking is Rarely involved, unless it is critical thinking. Mind you there are those who think in their work capacity and are sometimes more aware of thinking a matter thru, especially scripture. Yet,  thinking is important and if we employed it more we would come to some amazing conclusions, especially if we used it in conjunction with investigative research, or just a big ' but why? God made us to investigate, and seek for answers. Why not do it right now. How can you encourage others to acts of love?

“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” Hebrews‬ ‭10‬:‭24‬-‭25‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Acts of love start at home and forgiveness would be too of the pile. To forgive we must walk in grace, the same grace that God extends towards us.  His grace forgives because of Christ ‘s sacrifice. We forgive because we have been forgiven much. Allowing grace to work in us causes us to walk in mercy, thoughtfulness and generosity. We might be particularly good at walking in generosity but be unwilling to give forgiveness. Paul pulls this attitude down in 1Cor 13 : if I give al I have to the poor but have not love I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. Love, God’s gracious love, forgives all things, believes all things. Tomorrow my church begins a period of prayer and fasting. We are seeking God’s guidance for the year ahead ...

“Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The devil’s strategy is to maim, kill and destroy. He wants to disrupt God’s plans by waylaying God’s army, us.  Today I did an exam, helped an old friend and mowed the lawn in the hot sun. Meanwhile my guest became annoyed at my cooling of my house. I had to confront and destroy the attack. Then I had lunch and a sleep. Our enemy is relentless, and we cannot be complacent. For me I must defend my boundaries and stay focused on the path, and keep a good heart. The Holy Spirit is my guide, my instructor and comfort. My comfort is not in people but Him. People will fail me, but He never does. In warfare we cannot insist on comfort, but toughen up and fight the battle. Our eternity will be filled with comfort, here we fight. Fight the good fight! Amen!

“Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬ In any war a fighter needs protective clothing and ideally the best weapons. As Christians we are in a war. Our enemy is restless. I am reminded of David running from Saul. David did not want to fight Saul, as he was the Lord’s anointed. David’s only recourse then was to run. The apostle Paul admonished us to run from sexual sin (1 Cor 6:18).This is one of the biggest many will face. So, don’t hang around believing you can overcome it, flee! Paul also likens our protection to that of a warrior’s garb: a helmet of salvation to protect our minds; the breastplate of righteousness to guard our hearts; girding our loins (the sides of our abdomen and lower back) with truth (truth protects of sensitive and vital parts), our shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit. Jesus defeated Satan with the word of God, we will also, and finally shoes for preaching the go...

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.Philippians 4:19 NLT Today I had  miracle. I had a debt from November for a car service and plane ticket which, at the time, had to be done. Thus my credit card was used. Because I saw both as needs I reasoned that the Lord would supply.  Today He did, albeit a little late.  Why is God late? He is late according to my timetable, perhaps He stretches my trust. It sure did! I had prayed, yesterday, for a surprise miracle, well it came. I thanked Him in advance as well. Praise God! I am blessed!

“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Paul is writing tot eh Philippians thanking them for their gifts. Through them God has supplied all He needed and more. He is in turn telling them that the same God that motivated them to give will supply them also all they need. As we are part of God’s supply chain, as we function as intended, we are a conduit for blessing. As a conduit we receive to be a blessing. As we sow we reap. I have come to realise that if the supply is not there, perhaps the perceived need is not a need but a want. I constantly evaluate according to this principle. As someone who is cleaning out my house, and packing to go to Nepal, I realise we accumulate a lot of unnecessary rubbish, using good money that could have been used for real purposes, such as feeding the poor, preaching the gospel or helping those imprisoned for their faith. Often...

“The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬ He makes a way when there is no other way. He makes streams in the desert, He parted the sea, He was in the fire and in the sea. There is nowhere He cannot be. Today I was back packing again. The best part about packing is the throwing away of accumulated rubbish that has grown over the years. I am embarrassed at the things I once thought imperative to my existence, and now they are trash. I was chatting to our young Nepali friend about living with less for the sake of the gospel. I am looking forward to it. Oh Lord! May I see what you see, and care about what you care about! Amen!

“The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Temptation does not have to be an enticement to do something illegal, to indulge a bad habit, or to fly into a rage about a perceived offence. Temptation can be to doubt God’s goodness and faithfulness, His word or character. Today I must face the temptation with truth. What does the word of God say about this? What is God’s promise to me, and there make a stand. God is good and His promises endure! He is faithful to fulfill all He has promised to fulfill. Amen!

“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”  Psalms‬ ‭19‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Today I had a disappointment. I had recently applied to do a research unit at uni and was again knocked back. Potentially it could mean that it is not the subject that is wrong but the method. Being knocked back is hard, but proceeding without God’s blessing would be worse. So, back to the drawing board. The teacher is a lovely man, so I can trust the Lord to use him to direct me. Disappointment must be managed in a godly way. I wonder what God has in store.

“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”  Psalms‬ ‭19‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬ It is so easy to slip into negative thoughts and words. Yesterday I undertook a very hard exam. It left me emotionally and physically shattered as I had poured intense mental energy into it. It was some hours later that I regained my composure. Whilst I said it was hard and I was shattered I have no way of knowing the result for another week. For me to confess failure would be stupid. I cannot assess my performance on my emotion. I studied before hand, and gave it my best. I have the benefit of the whisper of God, He comforts me with the knowledge all will be well. The fact that I am still having to trust the Lord for my finances is not my own failure, but rather God teaching me about provision. I may need to know that He will supply in the future. The silence on this front is God’s business, not mine. Therefore I must harness my confession and t...

“Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things.”  1 Chronicles‬ ‭29‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬ All of us have come to meet or see someone who has done something exceptional. We clap, cheer and admire them. Often these are sports heroes, however, they eventually retire, die, fall into disgrace, or are superseded. Our God is way above mankind and it’s machinations. He continues to amaze us with His glory in the skies and His gentleness in small animals and children. Often we fail to recognise His handprint, but He is there.  For those of us who can see His hand, we need to praise Him for His glory and His grace.  Praise Him all creatures here below! Praise Him! Praise Him! For the wonders of His love! Amen!

“Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things.” 1 Chronicles‬ ‭29‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This scripture was part of a prayer King David prayed to the Lord after taking an offering to build the temple. After the offering was taken sacrifices were made and Solomon was crowned king in David’s stead. God did not allow David to build the temple as he was a man of war, Solomon was not. David, in his prayer acknowledged God as the source of all blessing. God is the master of all blessing and provision. We may think we get the wealth through our own hands, yet God makes it possible, He gives us the gifts, the talents and ability. The last verse: we adore you as the One who is over all things represented David’s heart. He knew how to live the Lord. May we also. Thank Him today for all He is and has done for you. Amen!

“Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Let’s discover what therefore relates to!  “He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭4‬:‭25‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Therefore, because Jesus died for our sins we are made right in God’s sight. Do you realise how many people live in fear of death? Do you know how many people fear they are not righteous enough to die and receive an eternal reward? Millions! Yet, we who have believed know the One in whom we trust for our acceptance and reward.  The fact that Jesus died for our sins is awesome, but that He rose again is amazing and gives us a promise of life. We are not under law, but rather favour. As we walk in diving favour we will do well, not because of law but faith in that favour. Amen!

“Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Before coming to Christ we were at enmity with God. We were determined to live our own way, but  now we are submitted to God there is peace. Living in a house with a resentful teenager is not pleasant. The teenager has swallowed the lie that the parents are against him and acts accordingly. This is how we were with God. We had believed the lie that God was against us and ran from Him. Satan is the liar. He tells us God is against us and foolishly we believe it. However, when we come to Christ we are delivered from the lie. Peace comes like a river to our souls. Oh the joy of peace!

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭16‬:‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The disciples had a lot of their ideas destroyed by Jesus. He taught them it was hard for a rich man to find the kingdom of heaven, that if they wanted to be the leader, then they must learn to be a servant first. Here they are being told to take up their cross and follow Jesus. What did that mean to them? As they struggled to comprehend Jesus dying on a cross, I am sure this was also obscure to them. How do we receive  it? Do we stop to think what our cross might look like or do we blissfully ignore it, and complain bitterly when the wheels fall off? Probably! However, Jesus said it so we would know it was coming. Our cross might be a death to a plan that would make us rich and famous, and see it replaced with a life of serving a sick or disabled child or spouse. If could be any number of things which we gloriousl...

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭16‬:‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Yielding our thoughts, our plans, our ways to the Lord for His higher purposes is what the Kingdom of God is about. It does not mean we become miserable in doing His will, the opposite hapoens, we become filled with joy. Last night I assisted in serving another’s vision at a Scripture Union tent. I prayed for a woman who had a bone disease. No one had ever prayed for her before. She said she could feel the heat of God move into her body. I did not feel like serving at the tent, but I was asked and went. I also had many fine conversations during the night. Today is Sunday and we all have an opportunity to worship the Lord in His house. We may feel rather like doing something else. It is not about us, why not connect with our saviour. Amen!

We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. Proverbs 16:9 NLT There are many ways to arrive at a destination: the scenic route or the shortcut. God us rarely into short cuts. The scenic way can be tortuous, but the views are the best. In 2016 I undertook a trek to the Annapurna Base Camp in Nepal. It was hard and I almost died due to altitude sickness. I later found out that some people skip the task and fly there. What cheats! They also run the risk of altitude sickness and miss the lovely people in the villages along the way and the fellow travellers who are all on the same journey. I am determined to take the scenic route, always, unless there is a very good reason not to. In life God is interested in the journey and what it does in our lives. The steps are valuable to Him. They are precious memories to us also. Remember, in God there are no short cuts! Amen!

“We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.”  Proverbs‬ ‭16‬:‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This verse is a constant reminder as to how things can change. We will make plans based on the knowledge we have, but God determines the outcome or the direction. The Lord has showed me again and again, we think differently. My thinking is limited, His limitless. He sees from above, I see below. Because of this I now have rubbery plans, I trust God for the direction and the path. God is good, He loves me and I can trust Him. Amen!

“So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” ‭‭James‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This life is not just about us. We may all be consumed with us, but we are called to a different life, being consumed with Jesus and His agenda. Today, what can I do to make a difference? Who can I reach out to? Who can I serve? This year I go to Nepal to make a difference. I know one Nepali who is very grateful. An orphan is about to have his own home and a family to live with him. He is excited. There are many who we will help and bless. Who will become an evangelist just because we came and showed them the way? Who will study medicine, law, politics because we give them English? How many lives will change because we give them opportunities to earn a living? More importantly, how many more will populate heaven because we were obedient and went. I am grateful for this opportunity to go. I am grateful for God’s goodness and favour. May His kingdom come, His will be done! Amen

“So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This scripture is a small gem in a chapter where James is unleashing on godless behaviour. He talk about fights for what we want without correct praying, love of the world putting us in enmity with God and more. Yet, even in His rebuke there is profound truth and wisdom. Rather than fighting and living as if we belong in the world we need to firstly humble ourselves before God and secondly resist the devil who is the trouble maker .  Our enemy the devil fills our minds with accusations against our brothers and sisters. He is trying to gain ground in our heart. We must recognise the lies, humble ourselves and pray for our brothers and sisters. They need our prayers not accusations. Remember we do not work for Satan, he is our for not friend. He is probably in the other person’s mind also sowing discord. Throw him out! Amen!

The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. Psalms 18:2 NLT We need shields when we are in battle, the fact that He is our shield is amazing. I am tempted to write a super hero story right there! We have a powerful ally. Not only does He live inside us, He is our shield, our rock, and our safety. Super heroes are endowned with super powers. We are endowed with the Spirit of the living God.  We are greater than Thor and all of his buddies. We just need to know how to operate in the power given to us. In the process of learning we hit a few walls, do back-flips over walls and into things, but as we learn to walk in the Spirit, we walk on the clouds (figuratively). We have such an opportunity to learn our arsenal. The gifts of the Spirit are mighty, we have the word of God which will defeat any enemy. We are invincible in Him. Rise up warriors!

“Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses.” ‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭6‬:‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Are you having to step out and boldly declare that Jesus is your saviour, your Lord? Are all the people who you once held dear steeped in Mammonism? Do they find your stance repugnant? Worse still have you come from Islam or Hinduism into Christianity, and find yourself now persecuted for your stance?  Many are persecuted daily for their faith. Many suffer ridicule and are shunned. In the West this is a progressive problem, and many do not know how to handle it. The only way to handle persecution is with Jesus. He was persecuted daily for His stance. He said we would also. He has given us His Holy Spirit to comfort us. May we draw near to Him and follow where He leads. Amen!

“Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses.” ‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭6‬:‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We involve ourselves in many battles that are not our own. We can be misled by thoughts and desires that are worldly, but not of God. The good fight is for truth, God’s truth, and eternal life, which is the ultimate. In this chapter Paul the apostle talks to his son in the faith Timothy. He admonishes him to pursue godliness and warns against lusts of the flesh. He warns of false teachers and the love of money. He tells Timothy to teach those who are rich to not put their hope in their money but to be generous with it. The battle for the faith is real. We are bombarded with  fleshly ways and desires constantly, and have to guard our hearts. Laziness and ease are a constant enemy as are deception and lusts. We must feed our spirits good, godly, spiritual food. Amen!

And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. 1 John 5:14 NLT Asking is something children do well. We are encouraged to be as little children by Jesus and to also ask and keep on asking. This is something children do painfully well. What do you want to break through today? What answer do you want from God? I have many.  Today I spent time listening to Steve Furtik preach and preach and preach as I know I am in God's waiting room. I will not be watching TV in His waiting room or reading dumb magazines. I want life, purpose and hope. Preaching the word bring hope. Give hope today! Amen!

“And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him.” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬ If we take this verse out of context we assume God is a genie and will give us what we want. However, if we read it in context we see that this verse implies that when we ask for eternal life God gives it to us when we believe in His only Son Jesus. Having said that the verse does say,’ for anything that pleases Him’.If we interceed in compassion for an individual God hears us. If we are in a spiritual battle and ask for His help, He hears us. When it is not about us and our flesh, He is switched on. For we walk not according to the flesh , but the Spirit. Paul says: for teh law of the Spirit of live in Christ Jesus sets us free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2). Walking in the Spirit is what God responds to, because we are attuned to His Spirit and His will. Walk in the Spirit! Amen! 

“Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭143‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Many times we do not hear because we have blocked it with wrong expectations or attitudes. We may believe in God’s love, but not for us; we may believe in miracles, but not for us. Steven Furtic says that many times we block God’s favour with the familiar . He cited how the people in Nazareth saw how eloquent Jesus spoke but then because they thought they knew Him, they cut Him off. How do we block Him today? A long time ago we may have been made to believe we were different to everyone else, and when favour comes we reject it, because we are different (so we think). How Satan deceives us!

“Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.”  Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Are you struggling to see the Lord in your circumstances? Perhaps holiness is the answer. I want to learn Nepali. I will not learn it by hanging out with Hungarians. If I want to learn holiness I need to hang out with the Lord and His people. I need to listen to godly voices. If I sit watching godless rubbish 4-6 hours a day and thrown the Lord 10 minutes: garbage in equals garbage out.  Without holiness I will NOT see God at work in my life. He still loves me but He is not involved in the rubbish. Go on a king’s quest! Amen!

14 Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. (‭‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬) Living in peace is not avoiding life or conflict, but rather a good start is refusing to allow the accuser room, and not entertaining gossip. Living in peace requires us to be peacemakers. How do we make peace? We resolve conflicts, seek good and live holy. Living holy means we separate ourselves from the ways of the world. Drunkenness and carousing, gluttony, unclean talk, watching unhealthy movies or partaking in unclean behaviour on social media are all worldly ways. Our God is holy and to be able to come into His presence we must be holy as well. Scripture is full of admonishment on what is good and clean and lovely. If we are reading our scripture we are training our minds in righteous behaviour. If we apply those scriptures then we are living holy lives. Amen!

8 Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you. (‭‭‭Psalms‬ ‭143‬‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬) In verse 4 of this Psalm David states he is losing hope and paralysed with fear. Then he goes on to say, but I will remember the days of old. In verse 7 he says: come quickly Lord as my depression deepens. We are watching the unfolding of David’s trust process, he admits his fear and depression but reminds himself of God’s goodness. He asks God to silence his enemies and destroy his foes because he is God’s servant. He is in a hard place. We know the outcome of all David faced as we read scripture. He goes on the become king. This tenure is fraught with his sin, and his son’s rebellion and attempt to usurp the throne. However, David finally triumphs. Through the Psalms we see David’s suffering and trust in God. His trust overcomes and wins him the title of the Man who Loved God. May we also persevere and win the crown of life! Amen!

““But forget all that— it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭18‬-‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The Lord has already begun His plan for my life in 2023. He has loving people praying for me as well, I sense the support. It is so refreshing when you are uplifted in prayer. Because of this I am allowing God to carry me,  and I will be faithful in what He shows me to do. I love the fact that I belong to a church which operates in the Holy Spirit, and those individuals who are sensitive to what God is saying, in this space. Being in the centre of God’s plan is always a good place to be! Amen!

““But forget all that— it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”  Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭18‬-‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬ What does the first line refer to? It refers to what came before, what God did in the past to the enemy of Israel, as in Egypt . If the walking through the Red Sea was nothing compared to what God was about to do, then it was to be amazing. The most amazing things God did for His people was send Jesus, His own Son to earth as His representative and deliverer. The most spectacular thing He did for us Gentiles was send Jesus and the constant deliverance He brings us through. Today we can trust Him for complete freedom. Amen!

“Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭21‬:‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This morning I had the joy of leading my old neighbour in the sinners prayer. For her it is just the beginning. I was overjoyed! I prayed that the Holy Spirit would come and reveal Himself to her and He did. Oh! How He loves us! Today I did more study and in my breaks dreamed about Nepal, and things we plan to do there. Tonight I received the training manual for the Nepali language. It is happening! Also this morning I came to terms with selling everything, even my car, and am at peace. It amazing how free you can feel when trappings are removed. Praise God! I am finding life! Amen!

“Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭21‬:‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We are all in pursuit of something. Something has caught our interest, our affection and desire. What are these things? A job, a career, a financial win, a house, a car, a relationship? How does this pursuit compare with the one Jesus told us to have? He said: seek first teh kingdom of God, and His righteousness and all these things will come to you. Matt 6:33 What are all these things? What we shall eat, what we shall wear. This teaching comes in the passage where He talks about not serving God and mammon. Mammon is money. Jesus had learned the proverb above, He personally knew about not seeking for possessions and even needs. He did not have a house of His own, a business, His focus was the kingdom of God, yet His needs were provided for.  We need to take our eyes off worldly ways and means and trust Him. Amen!

Don't say I am too young, for you must go wherever I send you and say what I give you to say. Jer 1:7 I do not think I am too young, but there are those who would look at me and say: "You are too old!" I am not too old by God's standard. He called Abraham when he was in his 70s, I am not quite there yet. Abraham went from his safe, comfortable home to live a life as a tent dweller. Fortunately I will not have to live in a tent. Today I spent time with my local family celebrating a nephew's birthday. All the local crowd was together, except for the young men who were at work. I made a point of talking to my nephew's wife's family and inviting them over to my garden.  They could not believe I was willing to leave my garden and go overseas. To them it was a sacrilege. I said I find it hard, but am willing. Imagine finishing my life here when God has told me to go, just because of a garden? How could I face the Lord? His plans are better than mine, way better!...

For as the waters fill the sea, the earth will be filled with an awareness of the glory of the Lord. Habakkuk 2:14 NLT Just as Habakkuk was concerned about evil men, we can be also. However, just as God used people like Nebuchadnezzar,  he will use others, and in the process deal with their arrogance. Just as I could be concerned about the labour government's ability to govern Australia, I can pray, and do. I know God will use them for a purpose. If you study the history of the labour government they have not always failed, in fact they have brought some good things to pass. Whilst they are more prone to woke ideology, the opposition has become embroiled in that as well. I must,  first and foremost trust my God! He is able to government. Amen!

“For as the waters fill the sea, the earth will be filled with an awareness of the glory of the Lord.” ‭‭Habakkuk‬ ‭2‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Have you ever wondered what this scripture means or just taken it to be a nice scripture that is prophetic in nature about a future time? Alway, if we look at the book we discover the answer. Habakkuk was complaining to God about the evil being done in the land. In verse 1 of this chapter he says: “I will climb up to my watchtower and stand at my guardpost. There I will wait to see what the Lord says and how he will answer my complaint.” ‭‭Habakkuk‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The above scripture is a part of God’s answer. Habakkuk went to God for the answer about the happenings in his time. We can do likewise. God is at work even in godless environments. He has a plan. Always, He has a plan. We can trust Him! 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 There was a time when I did not want to go. When I was first married my husband wanted to go into ministry. I held back with fear for the future. I did not know God then like I do now. Now I am willing and can trust Him completely. I often wonder what life would have been like for my children and I. My daughter has the same problem. I pray that my example, though belated, will free her from fear and the love of ease and stuff. I am grateful for a second chance. It has taken me until  my 70's to be ready. Yet, God is willing to use me. I cannot afford to let shame or fear rob me any longer. Amen!

“For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he makes sinners right in his sight when they believe in Jesus.” Romans‬ ‭3‬:‭25‬-‭26‬ ‭NLT‬‬ All the years I walked this earth , 19 to be precise, before I understood this importance of this text. Prior to that day I thought I had to earn my salvation. However, my misery told me I had failed , again and again. Yet, the joy I experienced when I understood the truth has not left me. For ever I am grateful for the work Jesus did! Salvation is mine because of Jesus and only because of Jesus. I cannot be tempted into working for salvation again. I will walk in f...

“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”  Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭20‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Inside of me is a woman who walks the earth with her saviour. I do not want to stay safe in a safe town in a safe country and play it safe. I want to go and have an adventure with my God. I love activity, geography, people, language and the written word. Most of all I love the Lord! He made it all! I love watching documentaries of different places, reading books about different people. Most of all I am filled with awe that God is in all places doing His thing. His thing is what I want! Amen!

“Therefore I, the prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, accepting one another in love, diligently keeping the unity of the Spirit with the peace that binds us. Now grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of the Messiah’s gift.” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬-‭3‬, ‭7‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ https://bible.com/bible/72/eph.4.7.HCSB

“Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and he will again send you Jesus, your appointed Messiah.”  Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭3‬:‭19‬-‭20‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This was a part of Peter’s second preaching message in Jerusalem. He and John had just healed a man begging at the temple gates. When an amazed  crowd appeared he preached Jesus. Jesus Himself preached: repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (Matt 4:7), as did John the Baptist before Him. Repentance is true sorrow for sins committed, not a compulsory rattling off of sins in a confessional, or a ‘sorry I got caught’ scenario. True repentance leads to a change of heart. True repentance leads to a refreshing in the presence of God. It is a cleansing of our hearts and an opening up to God. Without true repentance we will not see God and continue to trudge around in our bog. Unfortunately those who are self-righteous become angry wh...

He rained down manna for them to eat; he gave them bread from heaven. They ate the food of angels! God gave them all they could hold. Psalms 78:24‭-‬25 NLT We can think that because we do not have money for what we want, we are poor,  and God does not care; we can think that because we do not have an abundance to waste we are poor. These are both wrong. God promises to provide what we need, no more, no less. If the money is not there, then perhaps we do not need it or provision will come another way. We tend to cultive a sense of right, a sense that we deserve what we want. Wrong! So also is the associated self-pity that travels with entitlement. Being a child of the King requires disciple, training and responsibility. Queen Elizabeth had to recognise this. She was not her own person, neither was her family. They belonged to the people they governed. Whilst Princess Margaret bucked the system and several have since, Elizabeth reigned in her head and heart and walked as a regal quee...

“Upright citizens are good for a city and make it prosper, but the talk of the wicked tears it apart.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭11‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This proverb is similar to 14:34, Righteousness establishes a nation but sin is a reproach to the people. However, the first drills down to us, the individuals. Did you know that as you walk with the Lord in godly behaviour you bring redemption to you Citi, your town? We cannot live as if our lives do not matter. What we do and say reflects on the kingdom of God. Last night as I met with some fellow Christians, I was surprised by some conversation. Swear words that may be a part of the Australian culture, but not the kingdom culture, we’re being used by a present individual. He used them in anger towards intruders onto his property. It made me consider my ways. I have a tendency to call myself and Old Fart, in jest, because I am in my 70th year. Perhaps I should reconsider. Although I had used it in fun, however, not everyone gets the joke. Another scriptu...

“But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭3‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬ A day is coming when each of us will be under the microscope. Both we and God will know what the true picture of our hearts have been. Did we do what we did out of obedience to His prompting, fear or ego? Only one will qualify, the rest will be burned up. I find myself in a place where it no longer matters what I want, but what does God want. Am I honouring Him, doing His will or my own? I seriously do not want to do my own as I want to be His partner. I want to spend eternity involved in what He is doing, vitally involved. Today I went to a late Christmas party for the worship team. It was way out of town on a beautiful property. I loved the trip there and back. What a joy is was to travel through farmlands. Several people asked what my plans were this year, I told them about Nepal. I am happy to go to Nepal because Go...

“May he grant your heart’s desires and make all your plans succeed. May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory and raise a victory banner in the name of our God. May the Lord answer all your prayers.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭20‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We all want to have this scripture prayed over us. This was a psalm of David. He also would have wanted this prayed over him. He begins with: in times of trouble May the Lord answer your cry. It sounds very much like what one of the apostles would pray over their disciples in a far land. Speaking of far away lands: Yesterday I may contact with a lovely Nepali lady called Uma. I will be seeing her again this year. She has always been a delight to know. She asked that I bring her a Bible. I replied that I will have difficulty as my weight limit is 30kg and I am coming for a long time. However, if I can do it I will(this she does not know). I imagine living in Nepal and not being able to travel outside. Knowing that God’s word is freely available in Austr...

A new commandment I give you: love each other as I have loved you. Jn 13:34 I just had a thought! How did Jesus love Judas? Even though He knew Judas to be a thief, he sent him out anointed to heal the sick just like the other 11. Why did He do that? Was He giving him an opportunity to repent? Quite possibly! The other boys did not exclude him, in fact they did not know his true heart, only Jesus did. In other words he was a good con artist, a true deceiver. Now, do you have any Judas’ in your life? Probably! We all do, some of us may not realise it yet, but the reality is coming. Some of us have been burned by the Judas. How many of us forgive and continue to love? Now, there is a good question! Lord help us to truely love as you live! Amen!

“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.”  John‬ ‭13‬:‭34‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The most loving deed we can do for others is to give up our desired outcome for their good. Who knows what the young man Jesus would have liked to have been, apart from our saviour. Did He have desires to rule? The gospels indicate otherwise. Did He want to be just a carpenter like His dad? There are no indications He did. Did He want to live what He saw His  Father in heaven do? Yes! If we aspire to our heavenly Father’s likeness, then we do well. As we learn what that looks like, we discover it is loving and willing to forgive, however, He is also pure and holy, and lives only for what is pure and holy. This is the part we do not get, yet. If we did we would grasp the full measure of love for others. God’s love is not offended by others, yes He is jealous for their love, but Jesus covered the misdeeds and sin as we learn to walk as He wal...

““So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”  Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭34‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Worry is a tool of the enemy of our souls. He brings up:’ but what about tomorrow??’ Another is a ‘hath God said ‘ type of statement. He constantly questions the veracity of the word of God. Today I had plowed through preparation for and the attendance of a 2 hour tutorial. We have many different individuals, some very clever, some ordinary just like me. We had various questions to answer, and discuss. I enjoyed it and came away with more understanding. I decided to have a rest, but then an idea came: why not see if I can study research writing as well as do my research project? I went to the computer and looked it up, I can. Both will occur during term 2. This will give me three months to learn Nepali, pack and move to Nepal. Wow! I pray I am on the right track. Now to see the next step, I wonder what it will be??

““So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”  Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭34‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I have a friend who was a home, a personal pension and a government pension, yet, she worries about not having enough. I think she is wasting time. She worries because she refuses to trust the Lord. This was how I would have looked had I not come to trust Him, it looks foolish and selfish, and it is. Our God is more than able to supply all our needs. Our problems begin at that point and continue as we see wants as needs, God conflicts with us in this as He sees them as they are, wants. Jesus said God will supply our needs. We have grown up in a spoilt world and all behave selfishly as babies. We expect that when we cry we get what we want. The Lord is intent on transforming us into mature children who do His will. Amen!

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”  Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We all want a future and a hope. For those of us who know Christ our eternal future is secure. Knowing that I will spend eternity with my Lord is soooo wonderful! This afternoon I indulged in a nap. I was up at 4am and had a difficult, physical, experience yesterday at 8pm. I decided to go and visit my old friend on foot. She has called and asked me to come as she was emotionally a mess. I went forgetting that the gate to the compound would be shut. I arrived and remembered a passcode she had mentioned and it worked. Unfortunately , the exit was not so smooth ,  the gate on exit relied on sensors and my legs were not adequate. I went to the office and it was shut. I called my friend and she did not answer. I prayed for help, and it came. A couple were returning home for the day. I ran to reach the gate before it clos...

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This word came to encourage the children of Israel who had been taken into captivity in Babylon 70 years after the day. God was speaking of restoring them to their homes and previous lands and occupations. We Christians also value this prophesy as many of us have suffered and lost families, lands and occupations all because we made a stand, or because we had been disobedient. The children of Israel had been disobedient and fallen into idolatry. Idolatry is one thing God will not tolerate. Our gods are usually comfort, ease and money. I remember when my marriage fell apart the Lord told me He was stripping the tree of all that was wrong and then would rebuild it. The steipping has taken almost 20 years. Finally I can trust God for my finance. This one was my stumbling block. I must also now trust Him to provide me a home on Aus...

““Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.”  Revelation‬ ‭3‬:‭20‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Have you ever had trouble rousing a friend to answer the door, and had to leave disappointed. A friend of mine recently had this experience with me. The odd thing was  I was reading on my bed in the front room. She said she had rung the doorbell. I could not believe it as it had not rung, and I missed her arrival . I was embarrassed. Is Jesus knocking, and we fail to hear Him? I watch people constantly dead to His knock. What makes us deaf? Apart from true deafness, usually preoccupation and business prevent us from hearing. What opportunities do we miss by being deaf? What sweet fellowship do we pass up for tennis on TV, or the latest movie, or preoccupation with gaming? Nothing beats the presence of the Lord! Why not listen for His coming? Amen!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5‭-‬6 NLT Today after studying I began packing again. It feels weird, I have not packed to leave since 2014, almost 10 years ago. I am discarding things I know I don't want anymore, this is a real clean out. Putting treasures aside and marking them so my family know what they are, and where they came from is a part of the process, they need to know any significance. It is as if I am preparing to never return, which I pray is not the case. However, the apostles went not knowing when they would return. Open Doors volunteers must be prepared to never return before they go in a hostile land.  We are now looking at more serious stuff in Nepal and I can only trust the Lord for His ways. He said He will direct my paths,  well then I need to trust His leading. Amen!

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I remember one of the first songs I learned as a new Christian was Seek the Lord, it was scripture in Song.  I loved that song, in fact the whole LP album. Singing scripture to yourself has a way of affirming God’s word in your heart. It has a way of harnessing the truth of the word whilst controlling all competing emotions. We may think we know the path directly ahead, and even proceed to make plans, but God turns up with a surprise, and this changes things. This morning I saw a family in Nepal lose their home to a fire. This is a common occurrence. Fortunately our young friends Timothy was at hand and helped them relocate, and even purchased new bedding and clothes for them. In Australia we have seen bushfires ravage townships and leave people homeless, we have seen floods destroy homes twice within ...

““Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.”  Revelation‬ ‭3‬:‭20‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Jesus invited us to be His friends. The best way to meet as friends is over a meal, where you can sit and chat. We meet many acquaintances at church, in the street, on transport, but we make them friends as we share a meal together. Jesus offers us such a move. He invited us to sit and chat about things over a meal. Why not invite Him to dinner and tak things over. Amen!

“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”  2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Recently I had a message from my youngest brother saying:’ I used to be an angry person, I am not any more’. Just as a reformed drinker changes, so do those who bother to learn anger management, however, the best reform is a new heart. Only Jesus can give us a new heart. Living out of a new heart means we have different priorities. I am watching my priorities change. Knowing there are hungry and desperate people waiting for those God sends makes me live differently. Entertainment is no longer a prerequisite, fancy food and eating out no longer interests me.  Jesus changes us, if we let Him. Make Him Lord today! Amen!

“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”  2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The New Year is a good time to examine new life.  For an old person new life looks like a new-born  baby, for a younger person a puzzle. Little people are drawn to new horns, whether they be animal or human. What did Jesus mean when He told Nicodemus, ‘You must be born again!’ Nicodemus was an old man who struggled with the concept. Jesus explained ‘you must be born of water and the Spirit’. How then does one become a new- born in the Spirit? For me it was when He called me to Himself in repentance, I invited Him into my life to be my Lord and Saviour. Then my spirit came alive, as He came to live in me. Paul, in the above scripture nails it. Anyone who is born again belongs to Christ, and is a new creature in Him. If the old life has gone and the new come, life become new with a new outlook and perspective, one of faith. Toda...

““But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last.” ‭‭Job‬ ‭19‬:‭25‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I just listened to a woman who had lived in Nepal talk about trafficking of young women in Nepal. Another reason to go there. Recently a young unmarried couple I know in Nepal terminated the life of their baby, another reason to go, save the babies. There are so many needs in Nepal, so many lost and so many opportunities. Why would I not go? My redeemer lives, they have no hope. I aim to give them hope. Amen!

““But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought!” ‭‭Job‬ ‭19‬:‭25‬-‭27‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This passage comes from the book of Job, believed to have been written in the patriarchal period, around the time of Moses. This makes it ancient, and it is so poignant. We may all suffer, our friends, family and perhaps servants may distance themselves from us, but God never does. Although Job wondered at the why it happened, he even thought God had done it, he still rallies to the passage above: my redeemer lives! Like Job we can feel righteous and know our behaviour had not warranted such treatment, yet things happen. Yesterday afternoon I became ill, and lost the contents of my stomach, I slept for almost 12 hours. I am grateful that I am feeling better today. I cannot fathom the why, it happened, but My Re...