The day with dianne Louise

A jury convicts a defendant, a condemned man or woman and the judge sentenced them to what he considers is fair in the star in which they are brought to trial . In the court of heaven we will all be judged according to what we did with the free gift offered by the Son of God. If we have refused it, relying on our own righteousness, we will be condemned and sentenced to an eternity without Him in a place of perpetual suffering. Our own righteousness is as filthy rags scripture tell us. If, on the other hand we have claimed Jesus as our saviour, we will spend eternity with Him. Simple!  The choice seems not a choice at all, one brings eternal suffering, one brings eternal life. Why would we stall? Why would we refuse His gift? Answer this as honesty as you can.

“For it is God who is working in you, enabling you both to desire and to work out His good purpose.” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭13‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ Desiring to be a servant and to work for God’s pleasure is definitely required otherwise we would live for self 100% of the time. In verse 12 Paul tells us to work out our salvation in fear and trembling. What does he mean? Does he know something we don’t? Paul cites Jesus in the following verses. Perhaps this is an indication: “He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death — even to death on a cross. For this reason God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every name,” Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭ Eternal life is ours in Christ. However, Jesus taught in parables about Kings going away and returning expecting a yield from the work their servants were given. What we do, therefore, may be very important to Jesus. Paul taught a lot about right living and right attitudes. We have the tools we need to live not just survive. As w...

“So it is a sin for the person who knows to do what is good and doesn’t do it.” James‬ ‭4‬:‭17‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ How many things does this apply to? Many! How many do we actually consciously believe are sinful ? As in gluttony? Excesses of all kinds? When we do finally realise our sinfulness, praise God repentance is all that is required. Remember, repentance means turning around and not going back. Gossip and criticism fits in here as well, as does religious pontificating! Popes pontificate! We need to be mindful of Jesus and His anti-religious stance. Amen!

“So it is a sin for the person who knows to do what is good and doesn’t do it.” James‬ ‭4‬:‭17‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ Looking at the whole chapter we find James addressing judging others and boasting in arrogance. In light of these what does this scripture mean? James plainly explained that judging is God’s job, we know that yet we judge and therefore sin. Having studied law to an extent, judging actions to determine intent is one thing as opposed to merely assessing actions. We’re the actions sinful? We cannot judge intent as we do not see inside like God does. This is His domain. With regard the actions : did they harm us or Simone else? If yes then the actions need to be addressed. If not, what is all the fuss about? With regard arrogant boasting: the very mention of it  supplies the answer. We do not have the domain of certainty outside of God. I can boast of God in my life but as to what I will do next year or even tomorrow, I cannot boast. In light of both of these topics, if I go to the w...

“just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life — a ransom for many.” Matthew‬ ‭20‬:‭28‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ Jesus had every right to be served, He was king! Yet He taught Hus disciples that He came to serve mankind. They struggled with the fact that they had been given authority, they had been sent out two by two and if a town refused to listen to them they were to shake the dust off their feet in judgement. Now Jesus is teaching them to serve. It would have been a struggle. Prophesy indicated that their king would come and deal with their oppressors, however, Jesus pointed to greater prophesy, Isaiah 53, in which their saviour would be a lamb led to the slaughter. They struggled with this imagery. Killing the baddies was more appealing. What parts of prophesy appeal to us more? Are we resistant to servanthood because we know we are called to rule and reign with Christ? What does serving look like to us? Being paid to work in a restaurant? The servanthood we ...

“But Jesus called them over and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles dominate them, and the men of high position exercise power over them. It must not be like that among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life — a ransom for many.” Matthew‬ ‭20‬:‭25‬-‭28‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ We have just had an election in which many who want to rule out forward their names. Some will prove to be genuine servants, but many will want to rule. Jesus uses such an example. The disciples were vying for top positions, even at the end. This passage is Him dealing with their wrong motives. There is only one we should rule, ourselves. Otherwise Jesus should be Lord. We have no right to point the finger and judge, but we do. We judge in retaliation to being wronged by others or because we have a judgmental spirit. When I find m...

“Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff — they comfort me.” Psalms‬ ‭23‬:‭4‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ Comfort is somethings we all seek. It has been this way from birth or even before. However, when we don’t receive it from a maternal source, even paternal source we look to replace this lack with food or drink. Mine was food from a young age. My grandmother chose alcohol, my youngest brother chose alcohol. Fortunately I have managed my need mostly through learning God’s love and trusting Him. I still tend to eat when studying though. Yet when not studying the craving is gone. Praise God! This Psalm tells us that God provides a table for us in the midst of our enemies. They get to watch us feast. May we learn to feast with our God! Amen!

“Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff — they comfort me.” Psalms‬ ‭23‬:‭4‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ Only a week ago I sensed I was passing through a dark valley. I had returned from a trip to my old home town to do some research on a building that my grandparents had conducted a business and lived at. The following day as I attempted to check emails from my uni, I discovered I had failed to sit an exam and was being given a second chance. Horrified that I would overlook such an important event I determined to do the exam. My computer crashed. I tried my old computer and it seemed fine, and so I started the exam, soon it also crashed. Wondering what to do I put out an sos on Facebook, without reply. I contacted my relative across the street and was offered a loan computer until mine was sorted. I contacted my son who is my IT man and when he realised the gravity of my situation immediately organised a new rebuilt one for me. Meantime I...

God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:17 NLT The apostle Paul tells us: there is therefore no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus(Romans 8:1). Being in Christ is a walk, a lifestyle, a commitment.  As Jesus indicted various churches in the Book of Revelation for failings one was simply losing its first love, one was full of its own success,  thinking it was rich, yet Jesus said it was poor. We cannot glibly assume all is well because we feel good. It is important that we live by the truth of the scriptures and not our feelings. Although Jesus did not come to condemn the world  there is  day when we will give an account. We must live aware of the full gospel. Amen! 

“God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.” ‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Yesterday my little nieces informed me that Jesus was living in their hearts now. Thy had been to Sunday School at my church. They came to do more bible study and craft with me in the afternoon. We talked about the garden of Gethsemane and how Jesus was betrayed by Judas. It was lovely to hear that my nieces had invited Jesus into their hearts. I think my role in their lives will be to help them understand what that means in practice. Just as I am helping my elderly friend understand what it means to make Jesus her Lord. The remainder of the street who currently do not know Jesus need to discover Him. He came to seek and save the lost. That is also my role. May the Lord use me to bring them to Him! Amen!

“That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”  2 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Today I met a lady who is a missionary in Cambodia. I have long wanted to visit Cambodia, ever since I read a book about the Pol Pot massacres in the 1970s. I knew that a huge healing needs to take place there. I have a sense that I want to sing in the Spirit over the land and allow the Holy Spirit to heal hearts and minds. I have been invited to visit, I will leave that decision with the Lord. Apparently this is already happening in church services, His ways are perfect indeed! My new friend Kylie told me about a man who suffered polio and who is a tuk tuk driver and has a huge passion for souls. He confronts other wayward men who are drunks with supporting their families. Apparently he has four children and drives a tuk tuk to support them. What a lovely soul! I am looking forward ...

“That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I find standing for long periods painful, I discovered this last year when I helped with a church conference. I found it again yesterday in handing out how to vote cards. Yet in other areas I am strong. I can walk long distances. Yet I was asked to stand. I managed to stay long enough to hand out my supply of how to vote cards. I had a good conversation with a man standing for election. He had not made it clear about his stance for family and he apologised. Apparently he has a large family. I am glad he was convicted. I know the incumbent member saw my Family First shirt and was also convicted. He had not voted in a godly way for babies and young children. Therefore, the little I had to give was enough for God’s purpose. He made the little a strength. God can take what we have and make it...

“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.” ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬ When I want to doubt or say critical things, Nail it! When I want to be lazy and not make an effort, nail it! When I want to not read my bible or fellowship, Nail it! These are the fleshly appetites we must nail. Today I went and helped hand out how to vote flyers, I did not want to go, I nailed it! This afternoon I had a friend needing my help, although I am tired, I helped, nailed it! Tonight I have been invited to go and watch a nephew in a concert, my flesh would love to stay home, I am going! Nailed it! The appetites of the flesh need nailing! Keep on praying, keep on believing, keep on being faithful! Nail it! Amen!

“Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.” Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Faith is a most valuable fruit of the Spirit. Faith is what drives the kingdom of God, God does things because He believes, faith is the badge of honour of all the saints of old as is walking with God and having a heart after Him. Faith is our shield. It protects us from our enemy. Faith is in the spoken word. Our ability to speak enables us to work with God and see His kingdom come. Even if our faith is small, start using it! Amen!

“Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Today I have been the minder for my 15 yo nephew. I allowed him to dismantle three old computers and harvest them for parts, I actually helped, it was fun. We lunched on roast beef and salad wraps, then while I did some research for my assignment Jasper drew transformers, very well I must add. Now as I am cooking dinner he is watching a suitable movie. I have enjoyed his company but know I will sleep like a log tonight. This morning I had to pay a visit to my old friend who is suffering horribly with a skin condition. I prayed for peace and healing. She is suffering awefully and I cannot stop it. However, in her suffering she is reaching out to her estranged daughter and finally telling her the full story. She had been afraid to tell her for fear of rejection. She found out her daughter also has suffered with a skin condition. She is also reaching out to the Lord.  ...

“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.” ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This chapter of Galatians spells out what the passions and desires of the flesh are, but also what the fruits of the Holy Spirit are. It is more important to cultivate a relationship with the Holy Spirit than trying to crucify the flesh. This has been done in salvation. Our flesh is dead and as we walk in the Spirit it remains dead. I  Imagine fights and quarreling and selfish ambition would be the desires and passions most prevalent in us. The whole chapter is a good read. Last week as I travelled to another regional township I sensed the fleshly desire to speed and show off on the road. Yes even older people have to deal with this. I took my host out to dinner and asked if she wanted a glass of wine. I had one as well and thereafter determined that I should refrain in future. It causes my flesh to rise and I don’t need ...

“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭27‬:‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬ As I love to dabble in art , pencils are some of my favourite tools, I consider them friends. I keep them sharpened to the right length, i ensure they are kept in their box. If I visit a stationers shop  I am in pencil heaven. I have been afflicted like this forever, probably since my mother bought me my first pencils. How much more should I keep my friends sharp with things of the Lord? I should value them that much.   Try valuing your friends today! Pray for them, meet with them and talk about things of God, instead of rubbish! Amen!

“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭27‬:‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I tend to have this effect on my friends. I am sandpaper. I challenge. Not one for a nice easy life I go for truth, faith, God!! These attributes can make for few friends, however, I cannot bear compromise or darkness. However, love must motivate me, love for them and who God has called them to be. My friends will thank me when they stand before the Lord. Are you such a friend? Do you aim at minimal conflict or integritous righteousness? We have been given the free gift of eternal life and been made right with our Heavenly Father. We need to live as His children rather than friends of darkness. Remembering that true love confronts who we settle to be rather than who we are made to be. Be God’s servant, not the servant of darkness! Amen!

“But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.” 1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I must claim this victory! Today I had two computers crash and discovered more details about a case brought against me by a family member. I need to toughen up! In the world of business these sort of things happen , but I need to place my trust in the Lord! He is good and will bring all things together for good! Amen!

4 But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. (‭‭‭1 John‬ ‭4‬‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬) Who are those people? They are false prophets who John claim to be speaking from the worldly point of view. He tells us to test the spirit of the prophet to ensure the prophesy comes from God. Even great men get prophesy wrong at times: they can assume what they are sensing is for a particular person and it is for someone else; they can be caught up in the act of prophesy and be carried away by their own spirit. The emotion caused by the Spirit’s outpouring can carry people erroneously. This is why we must test the prophesy. Does it make Jesus as Lord or darkness as Lord? Does it edify? Is it confirmatory for the person receiving the prophesy? Is God already speaking to that person about their future in a particular way?  I have been instrumental in giving prophesy. I like to ...

“How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!” Psalms‬ ‭139‬:‭17‬-‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I have posts about the current revival on my Facebook page. The latest said, “all we said was do it here Lord and He did!” I prayed the same and He came! How simple! Just a willing heart! My heart is now filled with a desire to see others have. Touch from God. I have just returned from a visit to my old home town and now I pray that God touches Bingara. I pray He touches my family, my street, my city, my state, my country. I have been praying for Nepal and I see it is there now! God is moving to answer prayers! Pray and see Him move! Amen!

“You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭139‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I love looking at new born babies and I marvel at the beauty that God created. Having been a nurse I understand the workings of all the small parts, the design is truely amazing. God has indeed  made creation intricately. When I see the funniest birds this is emphasised more fully. How can such small creatures live, God only knows. There is a part of me that I do not relish, my fleshly nature . So easily can I become a selfish monster. Praise God for His Spirit! The Holy Spirit enables and empowers me to walk in holiness, and not the flesh. No good thing dwells in me, save the Holy Spirit! Praise Him! Don’t be deceived into believing you are good apart from the Holy Spirit, self-righteousness turns us away from God not towards Him! Amen!

“Dear friend, don’t let this bad example influence you. Follow only what is good. Remember that those who do good prove that they are God’s children, and those who do evil prove that they do not know God.” ‭‭3 John‬ ‭1‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We can become so upset with bad examples that we walk away, when we should review and revise but hang in there and pray. If we are always walking away we will find ourselves alone and tempted with bitterness. We cannot go there! Amen! Fresh perspective, godly perspective leads us to healing. God has a creative solution to every problem! Amen! Look for it!!

“Dear friend, don’t let this bad example influence you. Follow only what is good. Remember that those who do good prove that they are God’s children, and those who do evil prove that they do not know God.” ‭‭3 John‬ ‭1‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬ There are pastors who are, unfortunately, bad examples. Just as there are parents, teachers, judges, policemen etc here in Australia the media is attacking Hillsong Church because it is a mega church. Pastor Brian has admitted to behaving badly with alcohol, however the allegations and flying thick and fast. God only knows what the truth is and we would be best to pray rather than join the cause of pointing the finger. We so quickly forget: there but for the grace of God goes me. As Paul tells us above, don’t follow bad behaviour but rather seek those who emulate good behaviour. There are plenty of those who show bad behaviour. Don’t follow them. Find those who display good behaviour and above all pray! Pray! Pray! Amen!

“Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I am doing a Lenten study on hope. In one section there was an exercise of writing down what we hope for. I am usually not too good on these exercises, however, today I complied. There are various layers of outcomes I wish to see, however the first is a breakthrough in a key area , along with the presence of God to bring influential change. I am over the dryness and lack of the Spirit’s control. I want the river. I was reading in Hebrews where many saints of old did not see the promise before they died. This thought is unbearable to me, however, if it is God’s plan He will make it so for me. Eternity is my ultimate desire, being with Him forever, well, that is beyond wow! Knowing that I will have attained more than I could ever hope for in eternity is fine. Nonetheless, I believe there is a breathrough in the here and now for me as a testimony to God’s g...

“Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Now that is love! We are given this love by God. As His   Holy Spirit comes to reside in us He brings this love. It is ours to keep and ours to use for others. God’s love endures for us, draws us to Him. His love never fails. Our human love does easily. Hate is a word we hear a lot of today. We are encouraged to hate sin. That is all, but love people. Even people who do fall into sin. Whilst Paul teaches about having nothing to do with those who persistently sin, although corrected, inside the church , he speaks about this reproach only lasting for a time.(  I am sure there are some cases where this is appropriate for longer, in the case of violent abuse). How do we love though continually rejected? The way God loves. Patiently enduring. Amen!

13 For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (‭‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬) In the book of Romans Paul explains that many of the Jewish nation refused to call upon Jesus as saviour, instead they preferred to rely on self-righteousness. The problem for the Jewish nation was that keeping the law had become the gold standard, not seeking the  Lord or loving the Lord. My former life as a Catholic was the same. I have many relatives that rely  on the fact that they were baptised as infants into the Catholic Church as enough. The mere fact that the Catholic Church recognises Jesus, as it does Mary, is of no consequence. Church doctrine carries more weight for them. Self-righteousness has crept in and replaced a living relationship with Jesus. Therefore, calling on the name of the Lord, is not considered. How will they find their experience in eternity?

“For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”  Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Yesterday I call on family up the street, I went at their invitation. It was the youngest niece’s birthday party. I partook of the food they offered and joined in the conversation. This made me family. Today we are invited to come to the Lord and partake of His family, if we knock the door is open, if we are invited in, all that is there is for us to partake of. Now, I would not go and jump on the master bed, or even the children’s beds. I would not turn out the fridge and put everything on the floor. It is called respect. Our God is king of kings yet He invites us in. Nonetheless we must be wearing the right garment, the one that was blood-bought by His Son, the robe of righteousness( Matt 22:11-13). Without this garment we are turned out. There is only one form of righteousness, God’s righteousness. Today if you hear His voice inviting you to come, answer that call and do not harden your he...

“Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Again and again the Lord shows me, ‘wrong again!’ When I am sure I know the way forward, ‘wrong again!’ I have come to the place of saying, “Lord you show me the way, what are you doing in this space?” Again and again He surprises me with His greatness and majesty. I am not as clever at determining future as He is. If you are also struggling with this, let go and let Him surprise you! Amen!

“Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.” Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We can so easily stay with what we believe, how our own thoughts assess a situation, without turning to the Lord. I find it is automatic. I catch myself and say, “hey, how do you know, God knows the truth He is there!” He is everywhere, I am not! The next step is to pray about the situation and leave it with the Lord, refusing to dwell upon it. My mind is drawn to munching a problem over and over and I have to remove it and refuse its entry. As it keeps attempting to re-enter I have to praise the Lord that He has the matter and is well able to solve it. Leave it there! Amen!

“In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.”  1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬ If you can imagine the glory of the God who created the universe and everything in it, imagine being invited to share this with Him! Why would such a being want to share His glory with anyone else? If we receive glory for winning a sports game, a deal in business, a high university honour, we tend to like the glory all for ourselves. Why would a being who is obviously so great and done so many things not want to boast? Why would He not want all the glory for Himself? Well, perhaps He is totally selfless, loving and kind?? I know we can’t imagine that, because we are surrounded by people just like us, selfish. Note there is an element of suffering involved, no couch sitting to receive glory. Anyone who has determined to train to win at the...

“In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.” 1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I cannot glibly write that all the sorrows of the world will suddenly be all right! The suffering that some endure will take their lives; disfigure them for life; crush the innocence; leave them orphans. How does this scripture minister to them?  Restoration is not necessarily making something like it was before, however, it can be restoration of who we are in Christ to what God intended. In my case God is restoring who I am inside. He is bringing me into a relationship with Him I could have only dreamed about. I now know He loves me, not because of my works, but because He is good . I can rest in Hus love for me in all areas of my life.  In our world we are loved, or told we are , because of our looks. What happens when those looks f...

“Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.” Isaiah‬ ‭55‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Judas had a fantastic opportunity to find redemption, three years of grace were given to him as he walked with Jesus. However, his secret sin, theft and a love of money, eventually destroyed him. He eventually knew he had sinned and condemned a righteous man, however, no one was interested. He went and died a horrible death.  I remember well a beautiful old lady who was a patient of mine when I nursed in Chatswood in 2007. I shared the gospel with her on many occasions, however she rejected it and died blind and alone in an old people home. I am watching another woman go this way. There will come a day when she will not be able to find the Lord although she will seek Him in tears.  Eternity ...

“Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.” Isaiah‬ ‭55‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We don’t like to be told we are wicked, “yiu wicked child!” These words seem archaic, and they are. However, we cannot refuse the fact that those who continue to live sinfully are living wickedly, as they blatantly refuse to repent. However, repentance is a beautiful gift, it enables even hardened sinners to repent. I pray the Holy Spirit pours out His gift of repentance on our world. May many come to know Him and turn from old ways to new. I know this is happening worldwide to many, God is indeed pouring out His Spirit. Praise Him for this gift! Amen!

And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.Deuteronomy 6:5 NLT When facing a crisis what do you reach for? The mobile phone? A person to talk to, or God? Do you firt vent on social media, pour out your vehemence on strangers, or do you stop amd think? I know one man who constantly does the last and is avoided because of it. I am inclined to friends, however, I am getting better at limiting the outflow and instead praying and reading my bible. I don't allow the problem as much headspace as before. If I find it creeping in I say, " No! It is with the Lord now, He will fix it!" I have  visual of Him collecting all my rocks and turning them into a beautiful work of art that only He can give. This morning while walking I met several tiny, dainty,  little birds. They had yellow backs and tail feathers. They flitted and played in one particular spot.  When I returned past the spot they were gone. I worshipped the Lord for His be...

“And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.” ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭6‬:‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The Jewish bible phrases the last part as: with all your resources. Nothing is outside, all is in. This verse alone is a challenge. How to do love God with all that you are and have? What fights for this affection? Self, things, others.  What are our resources: our mental faculties, our physical strength, our spiritual self, our wealth, our health, our activities, our habits, our attitudes, our preferences, our dislikes. This is invasive! Yes God must be in all, from the first coffee to the last drink before bedtime, from the first meal to the last snack; from the first word upon waking to the last word on sleeping; from the first thought on waking to the last thought before sleep.  Our God is all consuming! Amen!

“It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I have experienced several injustices, but then many have. I cannot focus on the injustice but rather the loving attention and intentions of my Heavenly Father. Each injustice is a rock I give to the Lord. He is creating something beautiful out of this, perhaps a glorious feature wall or a new thing, made by Him for my pleasure. He is my glory and the lifts of my head! He is above all things, He uses all things for my good, even rocks.  I saw an interesting documentary a few days ago where ordinary muddy clay, when chipped away revealed beautiful gems. I’ll go with that! He is on my side, who can stand against Him??!

“Love does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.” ‭‭ Our God loves truth, because He si truth. If we are His  then we also have a love for truth. For Jesus said the world hates Him because they love deeds of darkness (Jn 3:19). We are children of the light and should, therefore, love the light. Injustice is opposed to truth. Our challenge as children of God is to continue to love the truth, to stay faithful to the truth and remain in the truth, untainted by the world. We must remind ourselves that we are not the source of truth, the word of God is. An attribute of worldliness is to determine in our own hearts what is truth. If we go here we are in trouble. The word of God is the only truth. The Catholic Church may determine that they have a handle on truth but this is dangerous, because doctrines of men tend to bind the people in law, whereas the word of God sets captives free with truth. Remember the truth sets captives free! Amen!

“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬ All  across the world there are God’s people in prayer.  Never before have so many come to know and confess Jesus as saviour and Lord. The enemy hates this and his only tools are persecution, deception, destruction and theft. That is all he ever has had and ever has relied on. However, the kingdom of God is advancing and before the end comes a great multitude will enter their eternal rest with their Lord and saviour. When Jesus returns to rule and reign on the earth for 1,000 years, Satan will be bound in chains and imagine a place without the deceiver? All will know Jesus and pay homage to Him. Scripture tells us those who refuse to pay homage will be visited by disease, not a pleasant alternative. Come Lord Jesus! Amen!

“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I remember holding my children and telling them to stop wriggling, and to be still. Their problem was wanting to do something, my problem was, I knew, they needed to sit still. Today, being Sunday, is a good day to sit still. However, if we only leave stillness till Sunday, then we are prone to wriggle when God offers stillness. Why stillness? Stillness allows time to reflect on the goodness of God, but also on the futility of business. Stillness is down time from mobile phones.  Yesterday, while at RFS training we had a morning tea break. I made a comment about one guy who didn’t have his face in his phone , I was impressed. I then started a conversation about fire and being caught in it. Well, the stories flowed. It was great to see the phones put down and conversation take over. Habits are formed by doing the same thing over and over, repeatedly...

“Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.” Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬ When we have a problem, we tend to over-think it, or seek to talk about it to people. The best One to talk to is God. Whilst loneliness is overpowering, in that lonely place God is. All else may have left you, but God is there! At times peopel cannot be there, but God always is. Talk to Him! Amen!

“Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.” Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬ There are a lot of things that consume our thoughts here on earth: coffee, food, clothes, shoes, cars, houses, money, jobs, health. Replacing all of these with heavenly thoughts can be a challenge. Heaven seems ethereal and removed from reality. So, Paul, what do you mean? What did you have in mind? Perhaps, if we line the rhoughts of heaven wirh Jesus’ command: seek first the kingdom of God.  What did he mean? Approach everything through a God  first perspective . What does He have in mind for our lives? Jesus said if we seek first the kingdom of God all earthy things will follow on. So, perhaps, it is a different gate we enter by. Rather than me first, make it God first. Rather than my determinations, His determinations, His priorities. So, today, as I go to RFS training If I go looking with His eyes I will be ready for what He has for me to do, besides learning fire management. Maybe I w...

“Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.” Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We know from reading Psalms that continuing in hope is not always easy. David, the annointed King, was pursued by the reigning king for some 13 odd years. The problem for David was his integrity. He had many opportunities to kill Saul, but refused. He knew that was God’s task. So, when we find ourselves in a similar position and the pain becomes unbearable what do we do? Go to the Lord, find new strength and patiently endure believing that righteousness will conquer. David’s final trial was his worst. He and his men had been out on a raid, returning home exhausted they find their families have been taken by another raiding party. Beyond exhaustion he inquired of the Lord, “should I pursue?” The Lord says “yes!” And so he does. He finally rescues the families but not before he faced death at the hands of his own men.  Returning to home base he receives news that Saul is dead and he ...

“Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.” Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This verse is a part of a section, verses 9-16, where Paul encourages the believers to act like family and have a common bond in the glorious hope of  salvation, serving the Lord. We can rejoice in our confident hope in Christ but not in human efforts to save us. Australia is talking about the high possibility of war with China and the leaders are hastily trying to scrape together an armed force that would defend our country. With an enemy the size of China and the force that is already in existence there, we will need God on our side or we will lose badly. We under funded, under resourced, and under prepared. There is again talk of national service for boys 16-18. That is young! I will see my grandsons hauled off to serve in a war they would not choose. Although ai am almost 70, I would willingly defend my country, we’ll probably my city, if it came to that. I am currently trainin...

If you will be faithful in little things, your will be faithful in big things. Y If you are dishonest in little things, how can you be trusted with big things? Luke 16:10 Today I put my mind to gathering my financial information for my business tax returns. To make my accountant 's job easier, and my bill lighter, I thought I would write out a detailed explanation of the uses of my business visa card. Although I had determined to repay all funds used in this card I discovered I had not done so with due diligence. While this will not be a problem, the amounts will be noted as repayments to owner's capital, I endeavoured to minimise them and was convicted by today's scripture.  I could not call a personal expense a business expense. This was dishonest, and if I wanted the Lord to bless me with more, I must be totally honest in the small things. I corrected my entries and chose to wear the consequences. Yes my return will be small however my peace will be greater. When our con...

If you are faithful in little things, your will be faithful in big things, but if you are dishonest in little things how can you be trusted with greater responsibility. Luke 16:10 I have always taken this scripture to mean money. I would be right to think so as the whole chapter deals with money. It is s good read. What does this scripture mean to us? If we withold our tithe, or pay less than we know is right, we are being unfaithful. If we want to be used with large amounts of money then we need to look at this area. If we are already scrimping on payments to people or not paying them at all, this also applies. We must clean up our own backyard before we will be allowed in another man's front yard. Amen!

Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Proverbs 31:30 NLT I am discipling a woman who is nearly 80. I am teaching her to go to the Lord in prayer. I explained that rough stuff we experience is like  a rock. What we must do is give that rock up to the Lord and allow Him to create something beautiful. She had been struggling with a skin condition for months and wore me out in the process.  She had been told she has scabies and the treatment had not worked. She was beside herself in anguish. I told her to give it to the Lord and ask for His help. Well today she did. She asked the Lord for  miracle as she needed an appointment to a skin specialist who was overbooked. God have her an appointment on the spot today. She was gobsmacked! Not only that he said she does not have scabies. Yes! The poor woman has been isolating herself. Now she will begin to pray for herself and  not rely on me. Yay! This woman was on...

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭31‬:‭30‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I remember despairing of my wrinkles in my 50’s and my daughter saying that wrinkles are beautiful. I had never considered that before. Now, there are more wrinkles . However, I still have my smile. Inside of us God is fashioning our spirit to reflect Jesus. As I am squeezed by the pressures I face I tend to toughen up. The constant battle for me is to stay loving and kind. As I am tough on myself I can likewise be tough with others. It is not always appreciated. My prayer today is Holy Spirit pour out your oil on my hardened parts and let me gracious and kind. Amen!

Who knows, perhaps you are only queen for such a time as this. Esther 4:14 Esther faced a bigger problem by not speaking up, the death of all her people. Fortunately she did speak up and in so doing saved her people. We cannot under- estimate the importance of speaking up for the vulnerable, the babies, the children, the elderly, the foreigner. Yestersay I received an email from ACL asking for me to write to our government to protest their intended expulsion of a disabled young man, because he had come to Australia as a refugee, and the government did not want the financial burden of the young disabled man. May God help us if we find ourselves in such a predicament. What we sow, we reap. If we sow mercy, we reap mercy. If we sow compassion we reap compassion. God's word talks about being compassionate to the foreigners. Let us take up the cause for him. Amen!

“When Hathach told Mordecai what Esther had said, Mordecai sent her this message: “Don’t think that just because you live in the king’s house you’re the one Jew who will get out of this alive. If you persist in staying silent at a time like this, help and deliverance will arrive for the Jews from someplace else; but you and your family will be wiped out. Who knows? Maybe you were made queen for just such a time as this.”  Esther‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬-‭14‬ ‭MSG‬‬ What had Esther said? Mordecai, Esther’s uncle had asked Esther to intercede to the king  for the Jews because of the edict that Haman had caused, the extermination of the Jews. Esther had replied, “it is well known by all who serve the king that no one may go before him unless summoned under pain of death, unless the king extended his golden sceptre”.  Esther had just reasons to be concerned, yet, all of the lives of her people were at stake. However, she did eventually comply and went before the king and was well received. ...

“This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭25‬-‭27‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Today I had a visit from a dear friend who had been disappointed by the church. She had served faithfully , but when she really needed support, none was given. This story does not sound like what we want church to sound like, yet it happens. She left that church and went to another, there she has found support.  I talked to her about disappointment and the importance of forgiving and letting go. She agreed with me. I told some of my stories, and how I discovered that disappointment is like a stone. I give my stones to the   Lord as raw material. He worked well with dirt, I am sure He is also good with stones. Amen!

“This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭25‬-‭27‬ ‭NLT‬‬ What is this? In this chapter from verse 12 to 26 Paul talks about the body of Christ being like an actual body with lesser and greater parts, hidden parts and less honourable parts. He says that God has put the body together in such a way that more care is given to the less honourable parts. This fact leads to harmony. So, we should give more care to the less honourable members of our church body. This calls a halt to my thinking. We do tend to focus on the seen and honourable members and disregard the quiet and innocuous members. Last night at the prayer meeting there was a man who is a new Christian, he is quiet and has teeth missing, and speaks slowly. Yet, to see this man in worship ...

“For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭18‬:‭20‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I remember a song from way back that used words such as: ‘He is here! He is here! I think it was a Gaither song. Tonight I go to meet with the ones that are hungry for God’s presence. I am looking forward to spending time with Him. Today I took two young nieces to Sunday School, they loved it. We met again this afternoon to do some craft. I taught them about Ruth in the bible and how, even though to the people she went to live with she was an outsider, God made her special because of the love she had for her mother in law and her people. Scarlett said, “everybody is special Aunty Di!” She is right! Amen!

“For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭18‬:‭20‬ ‭NLT‬‬ While we all long for corporate gatherings, two or three are fine. There are places where all that can gather is two or three for fear of persecution. There are times when we can’t be in a church building but we can still gather in small numbers . God is willing to ignite any fire that presents itself to Him. His spirit will fall on hungry hearts. He will infill and bless with His presence. Tonight I am going to such a gathering. Several of us hungry-hearted individuals will meet to worship God and wait on His presence. Now is the time to meet the Lord! Amen!

“What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭31‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We know we all have people that either hate us or criticise us, or just slight us because they don’t like who we are or what we represent. I heard a statistic last week that there are over 360,000,000 persecuted Christians  in the world. That is way more than I thought there were and a way bigger problem than I thought we had. How do I say to a persecuted Christian : ‘if God be for you who can be against you’, I would sound condescending or trite, lacking in compassion and reality. However, the persecuted church say that God is all they have, and He is. What then is my responsibility? Live humbly and simply, give generously and pray fervently. I cannot save God’s saints, but He can. However, by livening sacrifically and giving generously and praying fervently, I can support them and show my love for them. May we all live with eyes wide open! Amen!

“What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭31‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I was only sharing this scripture with an old lady yesterday, it is almost as if my bible Ap has ears , I know God has. I told her I have to speak this scripture over my life, continually! When the enemy comes in like a flood, God will raise up a standard against him and put him to flight( Isaiah 59:19). This lady is facing medical challenges. I told her my mum used to speak this over her life, often. By speaking this scripture over my life I use it as a weapon, the sword of the Spirit. Hebrews tells us: the word of God is sharper than any two edged sword, piercing the division between flesh and spirit (hebrews 4:12). It has to pierce through to the spirit and make it alive. The spirit gives life, the flesh profits nothing.  (Jn 6:63) Stand in theSpirit and see the enemy flee! Amen! 

“Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed?” Luke‬ ‭9‬:‭23‬-‭25‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Do you realise that God sees who you are in Him? His  desire is that we also see it and begin to transform into that person. Lately I am coming to an understanding that I was continually under another point of view, one that the world would adhere to but not one that my God would support or acknowledge in any part. For the longest time I have sought to belong but what I missed was, I was looking for it in the wrong place. My Heavenly Father has a me He wants me to see, a free me that is uniquely me, not what I think I should be or what others might think I should be.  As we strive for the unreal we resent interfer...

“Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.” Luke‬ ‭9‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Giving up our own way csn mean a lot of things: my way of treating people, my way of resolving conflict, my way of indulging my appetites, my way of living that does not include others. Taking up my cross daily means: not railing at God or others because I do not get my own way, loving those who hurt me, letting go, continually, of offence. Eternal life, living forever in eternity is my reward.

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I am so grateful that my God is intent on working in me until the return of Jesus Christ. We become distracted, waylaid and attacked . However, nothing touches Him, He is above all things and has a good plan for each of us. As the attacks come thick and fast to derail me I will hold on to Him. He is the author and finisher of my faith! Amen!

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬ God has begun a good work in us by revealing His love and forgiveness. When we say “yes”to Him we invite His Holy Spirit in as caretaker, counsel or and guide. The Holy Spirit begins working on us, purifying us and making us whole. As we yield to Him in faith we are transformed into the likeness of Jesus, piece by piece our life changes. When we are in battles for our mind and heart we need to rely on the Holy Spirit more and hunker down with Him. He will remind us to seek what scripture says about us. For example: God has not given me a spirit of fear but of love, power and a sound mind (2 Tim 1:7). Our God gives us good weapons to fight our enemy. We need to use them. Our minds we cover with the knowledge of salvation, our chest we cover with the breastplate of righteousness, we gird our loins with tru...

“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭91‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Shelter is important in a storm, in fire, and flood. During all these we need to know we are in safe hands. I can trust my God to keep me and be my shelter. This is His forte. I must stay calm and stay focused on His heartbeat, not mine. Yesterday was a hard day. Mentally I was being bombarded with all manner of problems I now face. I decided to worship my way through. Now I must stay in Him! He is the best for me. No one else has my heart like He has. No one is as powerful as He is! I can stay in Him and He will shelter me from the fire, the storm and the flood. He is good! Praise God! He is powerful and able to save! Amen!

“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭91‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬ In times of intense attack by our enemy the devil, we need to know we are safe. He can attack our minds vehemently, he can attack our bodies mercilessly, he can attack our finances with impunity, yet, with our God we are safe and He will care for and provide for us. This is easier to write, but grievous to endure. How do we endure, fight and overcome? In worship!’ I worship the God who is, I worship the God who evermore shall be be, He opens the prison doors, He parted the raging seas, my God, He holds the victory (lyrics Phil Wickham-House of the Lord).’ I worship my God for all that is against me, I worship my God for He is great and mighty to save me, I worship my God as He  is my companion, He is for me and not against me. He alone is good! Amen!