The day with dianne Louise

“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.” Psalms‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬ To lie down we need to feel safe or be so exhausted we falls asleep anywhere, anyway. I prefer to feel safe. However, Jesus showed us how to lie down in a storm and sleep. He knew His Father was in control and knew the authority He had been given over nature. When His disciples woke Him He said, “peace be still!” The storm stopped immediately. This is our Jesus! What storms are whirling around you at present? Seek Jesus and allow Him to be your peace in the midst of the storm. His peace is not as the world give, He said that! We can trust Him! Amen!

“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.” Psalms‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬ True peace only comes from the Lord. Whilst we may say we are at peace with the nations around us, this could all change in an instant. Realistically we do not know how other nations view us, either in greed and lust or benevolence.  Jesus slept in the storm on a small fishing boat, and when awoken by distraught disciples He said, “Peace be still!” And the storm ceased. It seems He is the master of peace. How can we speak peace to our environment? How do we stop the storm in others? The disciples were in a storm of fear. People become enraged with a storm of offence. How do we deal with that storm? Logic does not abate it, placation and apology may or may not bring it to an end. However, a revelation of truth and personal repentance does. The conciliator is the Holy Spirit . Therefore, the bringer of peace is the Holy Spirit. Praise God we have Him dwelling within our spirits when...

“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians‬ ‭2‬:‭20‬ ‭NLT‬‬ If Christ lives in me then how would He celebrate a fun afternoon playing games? The Old Testsment made room for festivals, Jesus Himself went to a wedding. We can be so aesthetically pure that we rid our lives of all rich foods. Daniel did a fast when he ate no rich foods. This says there were times when he did eat rich foods. If we were asked today what are rich foods we would probably say they are high in carbohydrates and fats. Would we be right? This afternoon I played Board game with friends. We ate some junk food. Not a lot but some. One girl brought along some Jaffa chocolate and raspberries , it was very nice. I am glad she took the remains  home with her. Another friend brought along cheeses and crackers. I had crisps. We drank water or tea. Such exub...

“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians‬ ‭2‬:‭20‬ ‭NLT‬‬ If it is no longer I who lives then I should live as if dead to all previous motivations. No longer can things that ruled me before rule me now. One area I noticed I had been ruled by is my soul. My soul was easily intimidated by wrong senses. I had a habit of sending evil and therefore avoiding. Whereas my spirit has the role of discerning spirits not my soul. I believe Satan had deceived me to believe a pack of lies in this way. Praise God He has opened my eyes. Now it can die. Buying causing a soulish area of my life to die I can lie a free woman. Free from intimidation. Free from lies! Amen!

“The one thing I ask of the Lord— the thing I seek most— is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple.” Psalms‬ ‭27‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We are the temple of the Holy Spirit, so how do we meditate in His temple? Glad you asked! Connecting with your spirit when you read the word of God and fellowshiping with the Holy Spirit are meditating over the word of God. He’s there! Talk to Him about what you read in the word. Take a pregnant pause. Chew over the words. Ask yourself: is this relevant to me? Pray about it! Ask the Lord to show you if it relates to you. Engage with it! Amen!

““Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Listening is important. Today I had a lady visit who needed to tell a story. I talked for quite a while and then I shut up and allowed her room. She talked and I heard. I value that discussion. I am grateful for her willingness to share. Just now I caught up with Facebook posts from friends. One of my friends writes beautiful insightful posts about Jesus. He weaves into his post nature, the time of year, happenings here in Australia. Always they are beautiful. I am so blessed by his ability to dive deep. I don’t tend to do this. I would like to. I am used to be short and to the point. This friend takes time to arrive at the point and by that time I am washed of hurry and distractions. All I can say is: thanks Dave! This very aspect in Dave is also in the Lord. I shared with my girlfriend today, “Jesus has taken 20 years so far to remove all the broken ...

““Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I recently read about bridge builders building a bridge across a canyon. As there was subterfuge involved they did not build the stays on rock but rather on sand. When the heavy rains came a flood threatened the bridge structure and would have killed hundreds of people had it not been discovered in time. If we build our lives on sand instead of rock, we threaten to destroy not only our own lives, but the lives of those who are dear to us, as we will teach them our wrong, and then they will replicate it. A wise person listens to wisdom, takes it in and changes their own lives first, and then teaches others the way to build. Amen!

“So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.” John‬ ‭1‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬ When Prince Charles was a teenager he came to stay in Australia for a period of time. He loved it, but had to return back to England. Australia loved having the future monarch on our turf. We swelled with pride. Imagine living in Israel when the Son of God walked among His people! Some swelled with pride whilst others opposed Him vehemently, enough to kill Him. Fortunately He and His Father knew a greater plan. They had successfully tricked the powers  of darkness into thinking that if they killed Jesus they would win. Obviously Satan did not know His scripture. Jesus rose from the dead just as prophesy foretold, and destroyed the power of sin and death. We now have the son of God as the way to the Father, now it is a simple matter of faith.  Works are the result of faith not the pri...

“So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.” John‬ ‭1‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬ To say Jesus is the word of God is to say God’s word is precious, miraculous, powerful, loving and faithful. God’s word is ‘divine and has self-expression’ (Holman Study Bible). These are the attributes of Jesus. Jesus came and lived on the earth for 33 years. For 30 years He was incognito, no one knew Him to be God. Yet when He stepped into His ministry He turned the world upside down. John fully appreciated who Jesus was and what He brought to the world, to his life and the lives of all who received Him: unfailing love and faithfulness. John experienced these things. I have experienced these things. John saw Jesus’ glory. We are yet to see it as He did. He was on the mount of transfiguration, he was in the room when Jesus walked through the walls, and when He ascended into heaven. We live i...

“But you, O Lord, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭3‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Today in Australia we celebrated Anzac Day. I had the pleasure of marching with the Rural Fire Brigade. I was amazed at the thousands of spectators cheering for us all. It has been many years, perhaps 60 odd years since I last marched as a child. The front of the parade was taken with elderly veterans in American Jeeps. There were two bands: the Army band and the Highland band. Crowds of children bordered the road on which we marched cheering. The police, the ambulance personnel, our group, and another rescue group supplied the community marchers. There were many veteran groups and children of veterans. I am grateful for those who fought for us. Our fire brigade know that the next spring and summer may be a particularly bad fire season. As God has told me there will be a delay in my going to Nepal, i will stay and serve my community until I am free to go. In July I am u...

“But you, O Lord, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭3‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This verse comes from a Psalm of David. David wrote this when his son Absalon rose up against him to take the throne . He goes on to say ‘though 10,000 surround him on every side he will not be afraid. This is a confidence in the Lord we all need. It reminds of the story when the king sent out his army against Elisha. His servant Gehazi was fearful but Elisha prayed that God would open his eyes to see the hills surrounding them filled with angels ready for war. Elisha did not fear but trusted God. We need to find God when we have an onslaught of our enemy. I had one last night. He was determined to spoil my sleep with fear and anxiety. I concentrated on being thankful and controlling my thoughts. If God be for me, who can be against me (Romans 8:31). Amen!

“Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The concept of ‘Planting seeds’ applies to all areas of life. If we give a half-hearted attempt, we will receive a low yield result. If we fail to plant at all, nothing will result. I have to make sure I do not allow doubt or a belief that I am not able to stop me from planting. It is never more true in completing essays. I struggle to write like the essayists we study and therefore feel impotent. However, results show the value of diligence. Distinctions help me realise that perhaps I can do this. Diligence applies across all manner of sowing: kindness, love, respect, and  friendship. Our enemy will try and sow thoughts that the recipient is not really wanting what we have or that they are selfishly grabbing all they can. We have to discern where the thoughts come from, and rebuke them. Starting to pray for people c...

“Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Generous giving shows God you have a generous heart; He can then trust you with more of His wealth knowing you will sow it on as well. There are many ways to be generous by giving: funds, time, love, forgiveness, encouragement. Yesterday I saw my church family give their love to my unchurched friends. One received them openly the other did not. Even resisted, one friend persevered, for which I am grateful. I saw love in action. It blessed me. Our God is generous. The best gift was His Son. The gospels tell us about Jesus and how He said, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father”(Jn 14:8-10). In these verses Phillip asks Jesus to show the disciples the Father, and Jesus replies with the above verse, not before remonstrating with Phillip for not understanding. We have enough evidence of the nature of God in Christ. We can n...

“For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.” Romans‬ ‭1‬:‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Today I had the pleasure of surprising my friend Kathie with my church friends as we celebrated her birthday. I had organised for another unchurched friend to come along to dinner as well. They talked animatedly throughout dinner. I had a friend take a large sponge cake that I had organised for Kathie to be decorated with cream and strawberries. With the candles atop the cake it looked good. Kathie was enthralled. We all sang happy birthday and many in the restaurant joined in as well. As we were leaving she went around all my friends and thanked them personally. I pray this makes it easier for her to come to church. My other friend did not like it and felt intruded upon. I will keep praying for her. Both of the women knew we were church people. They could see we loved one another. I pray this witness spoke loude...

“For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.” Romans‬ ‭1‬:‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬ There are many things we could be, or should be ashamed of. However, the gospel of Christ is not one.  There is power in the name of Jesus. The name of Jesus sets captives free from demonic oppression, the welcome of the gospel bring light to darkened minds. The name of Jesus heals broken bodies.  As Paul puts it: the gospel or good news about Jesus is the power of God at work saving everyone who believes. It saved me, it has saved a multitude. The power of God is greater than all the noise thrown against it. Nothing has stopped it, it endures, and has endured for over 2,000 years.  Time and again we hear of hardened hearts set free by the power of the gospel. Those who persecute become ardent advocates. We must believe in the power of the gospel, we have been delegated authority to share it in powe...

“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.” 1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬ To stand firm in our faith we need to be strong and to be strong we need to abide in Him. He has all the strength we need.  Right now I am tired of the noise, the entertainment, the empty vessels, the posturing, the claims. I want the real presence of God and nothing else! I am not interested in formulaes , rituals, cleverness. I want God! Only God can suffice! Only He is enough! Amen!

“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.” ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Our enemy is devious. He whispers negative thoughts  to us about ourselves and others. They start small and grow. We must weed them out and rebuke his strategies and lies. If we listen we give him a foothold and he can invade. It is harder to rid yourself of him once he invades.  Offence is a big one, constantly at work. Constantly attempting to divide. Constantly isolating us from others. It starts with a small truth and then twists it. Paul tells us: whatever is good, clean and lovely, dwell on these things (Philippians 4:8). Critical thoughts are not lovely, cast them out ! Recognise if there are offensive and critical thoughts the enemy is seeking to divide. ...

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.” 1 Chronicles‬ ‭16‬:‭34‬ ‭NLT‬‬ There is so much unfaithfulness, we can become cynical about anyone being faithful. For a God we cannot see we would be prone to unbelief. Yet , those who have experienced His love know He is faithful. Faithful love endures through all things. The apostle Paul illuminates us on this sort of love in 1 Cor 13: “love is patient, love is kind, it is not arrogant or boastful , it is not selfish, harbour unforgiveness or bitterness. It keeps no record of wrong. It does not rejoice about injustice, but rejoices when truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful and endures through every circumstance. We can honestly say no one is truely faithful but God. This truth behoves us to go to Him in faith, trusting that He will treat us with His love. Amen

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.” 1 Chronicles‬ ‭16‬:‭34‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The Lord is good, He has never changed, we do. Our hearts become hard through the deceitfulness of sin. Sin comes along in hard attitudes towards others, especially when rejected. Rejection is personal, it hurts. To protect ourselves we harden our hearts and before long there is no compassion. Compassion is needed to feel God’s heart. What is God doing? He is pouring out His Spirit in response to repentant hearts. Repentance draws His presence to us. Repentance and faith are attractive to our God. Faith towards Him creates a room for miracles. Miracles open hearts to the gospel. The greatest miracle is salvation, a new heart.  Oh Father we come in repentance and ask for your presence, Father fill us with Your Spirit, fill us with Your heart for the lost. May we take you to the broken and hurting. Amen!

“When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers— the moon and the stars you set in place— what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?” Psalms‬ ‭8‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This Psalm was written thousands of years ago. The night sky then was probably the same as it is now. It has outlived all of mankind to date and will continue to do so until the curtain falls. It will definitely fall, the Book of Revelation tells us how it will end. We also know how the earth will end. All our best efforts will not stop the sky from falling, it will do the bidding of its creator. No amount of cleverness on man’s part will stop it, we are not powerful enough. Us mere mortals, nonetheless, are loved by our creator who desires our fellowship. What a thought! He allows us to discover all He has created and marvel at His brilliance. How amazing is He. I learned today that Earth, the Moon and our Sun are the only ones that have solar eclipses. I ...

3 When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers— the moon and the stars you set in place— 4 what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them? (‭‭‭Psalms‬ ‭8‬‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬) The magnificence of the universe constantly amazes. What mind created it the way it is? Our finite minds cannot understand all of this. We would rather settle for a big bang and assumption that things just created themselves. This is easier that trying to understand the mind of God. Today various parts of the world will witness a solar eclipse. What a wonderful reminder that there is a creator, who gave us a sun to keep us warm and a moon to light our night skies. These are the sort of gifts a doting father gives to his young children. For thousands of years mankind has walked this earth aware of a God who is greater than them. It is only today as we learn to create we become enamoured with the gift given, and try to dispense with God. Ha! We will d...

“But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.” 2 Thessalonians‬ ‭3‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I am now, officially, on holidays. I have a week before beginning uni studies again. It feels weird to have no obligations. My dog and I climbed our hill again this morning, however, the remainder of the day has been spent sitting on the couch reading a novel. You might say I am being refreshed, strengthened even. We can be pushed by ‘should’ activities. I could go to a meeting tonight at the fire brigade. However, apart from a hour at the beginning to say goodbye to a man I do not know, I would then be obliged to sit through a committee meeting. ‘No thanks!’ Tomorrow we have a partial eclipse of the sun, to which I may go and look though our solar scope at the astronomy centre, and tomorrow night I have connect group to which I definitely will go.  I have read 2/3’s of my book and have another ready and waiting.  Holidays are fun! I am being strengthened! Praise...

“But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.” 2 Thessalonians‬ ‭3‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Jesus gave His disciples the format of prayer. Deliver us from evil was one part of this prayer. Jesus knew something, His disciple Peter said, “your enemy the devil roams about looking for someone to devour “(1 Peter 5:8). Who told him that? We have an enemy, his name is Satan. He has a multitude of demons at his command. Jesus delivered many from demonic oppression. Just because we have relegated demons to the movies does not mean they are not real and wreaking havoc in our societies. I believe the mass murders in America and elsewhere are demon inspired, as is abortion. Jesus said, “Satan comes to rob, steal and destroy, but I came to give life”. Wherever the destroyer is at work, there you will find Satan. Conversely, where people are thronging to God and miracles are happening, there is Jesus! Amen!

“For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God,” Titus‬ ‭2‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We should live in this world with wisdom, righteousness and devotion to God. Wisdom is found in scripture and the knowledge of God; righteousness is choosing to live right with God; and devotion to God will give all these attributes. Worldly wisdom is not the wisdom of God; if we say I will do this or that and expect God to endorse it, this is not wise. Seeking godly wisdom is true wisdom. Only godly wisdom leads to life. Self-righteousness is not godly righteousness. We are made right with God through faith in Jesus Christ. Living right with God is living in Him, not ourselves . We do not call the tune, He does! Amen!

“For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.” ‭‭Titus‬ ‭2‬:‭11‬-‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Prior to Jesus’ coming we had law. Law was excellent at revealing sun, but not at delivering us from sin. I grew up in a Catholic home, it was ruled by law. When grace came to me in 1973 I was ecstatic. Then I had to unlearn law and learn grace. The disciples struggled with unlearning law. In the early church there were those who insisted on circumcision and abstinence from various meats. The apostles had to wait on God for the right way. Grace was found. The apo...

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him.” Psalms‬ ‭24‬:‭1‬ ‭ In the history past there were many rulers who believed that all the earth belong to them because they were conquerors. We can become so puffed up in our egos that we might think this. Nebuchadnezzar was walking on the roof of one of his palaces and he dared to say: this is all mine because I am so clever( my interpretation). God showed him how foolish he was by striking him with a madness that lasted seven years. When he came out of it he gave all honour and glory to God. We have current rulers that can tend to revert to the deity ego. God is dealing with them to teach them, He alone is God. I am sure wealth can go to a person’s head and before they know it they are invincible, in their own minds. However, only God is great! He has always been and always will be without end. Us humans will all die and our egos with us. We miust remember who God is! Amen

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭24‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬ It is amazing to think that we think the earth is ours, but hearing it is not ours but the Lord’s is challenging. In Australia we hear a lot about indigenous rights. The local aboriginal people do not claim so much to own the land, but rather they are one with the land. However, us whites like possession. We buy, fence and exclude others from our land. This has created tension between races and will do in perpetuity. As an astronomer I hear a lot about how planets are formed, the creation of new stars etc but rarely is acknowledgment given to the Lord. It is taken for granted that the process which forms stars and planets are automatic or created by unwritten laws of nature, which manikind now attempt to hypothesise.  Why do we have such problems acknowledging the Lord? Because we refuse to bow to Him. We so deify our own thoughts and opinions. Yet, the day is comi...

“Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?”” ‭‭John‬ ‭11‬:‭25‬-‭26‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The Holy Spirit has been close today. I went to the second service after playing keys at the first and the Holy Spirit drew me to His forsaken and abuse saints in lands where they are persecuted for their faith. As we worshipped I imagined the passion of these beautiful saints. Jesus is all they have. I was particularly draw to those in China. These saints love the Lord with all they have: heart, soul and body. May I never forget them. I would love to visit them to encourage them, however, that is up to the Lord. The more time I spend away from worldly things the more compassion and love I have for God’s people and His work. May I go soon! The world and all its lusts are poles apart from the kingdom of God! Don’t go there! Amen!

“Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?”” ‭‭John‬ ‭11‬:‭25‬-‭26‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The death Jesus was speaking about here was eternal death, we will pass from this mortal coil but in eternity live with Christ. This promise keeps many of us and causes us to long to be in eternity. Jesus was speaking to Lazarus’ sister Martha here. He subsequently raises Lazarus from the dead, as it was to show the power He had over life and death. Lazarus eventually died again and is now in his eternal home. This claim, “I am the resurrection and the life”, was what caused trouble with the Pharisees. He was claiming to be God. This was a challenge to their religious minds and hearts. However, this same claim is our certainity. Amen!

“so he explained it to them: “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures.” John‬ ‭10‬:‭7‬-‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬ With Christ we have access to good pastures. This speaks to me of spiritual food: the word of God, good taped messages, worship music, godly movies. I have watch all The Chosen series to date. What a blessing they are. I regularly watch messages from Ps’ Furtick, Johnson, Valloten and TD Jakes. They challenge me and build me up. Today I spent time reading the book of Daniel in preparation for the message to be preached on Daniel tomorrow. I am ready to participate not just absorb. I also spent time catching up on the godly side of politics this morning, as well as climbing my hill. This afternoon I met with friends for a games afternoon. Now it is time for more Daniel. ...

“so he explained it to them: “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures.” ‭‭John‬ ‭10‬:‭7‬-‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Jesus speaks plainly here about being the entrance way to good pasture, and safety. True sheep hear His voice and respond, false sheep do not. I have a side gate to my backyard. It is essential for taking wheelbarrows, mowers and garbage out to the kerbside for pickup. I have a lock on my gate so that I restrict who comes into my yard. Jesus inferred that He was secure when He said, “all who came before me were thieves and robbers”. In other words He was secure. We can trust Him!

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:6 NLT Today I have been asked to have my testimony recordered for use in a church service. I have been asked about the way I came to Christ, and the way He has changed my life to date, and finally the way I choose the serve Him. It is all about Him! He was, is and will be the way for me. I can trust Him with His path. It has never led me astray, I have led myself astray, but not Him. Eternity looms for me, as I approach my end of days, it is not fearful, but rather very exciting knowing I will spend eternity with Him and many who think likewise. What a joyful place that will be!

“Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” ‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Yesterday I went on a bush walk with a friend. Fortunately she had a map as the signposts were covered or non-existent. Life can be like this. We need One with us who has a map or a light. I see so many struggle on without a map, and refusing the One who has it. Perhaps this is why there is so much depression. Chasing thrills is not following a map. What happens when the thrill disappears? Disappointment! Depression! Today, choose wisdom and follow the One who not only has the map, but also the answers. A native guide is far better than someone who thinks they can do it, is this their territory? Be humble enough to be wise! Amen!

“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” John‬ ‭15‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Jesus told us to remain, stay put, don’t move! What would make us move? Fear or foolishness. Fear can make a person run from a safe place into an open place where danger awaits. If we are in a safe place we should stay there because our enemy the devil roams about seeking someone to devour. Foolishness is caught up in egotistical pride. When we begin to think we are untouchable, we have already been caught in Satan’s net of pride and are being dragged into his den. Therefore, trust Jesus and stay put! Do not move! Amen!

“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” John‬ ‭15‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I regularly prune the bushes in my garden . I have primarily natives so that they in turn attract the native birds. I now have a plethora of the tinniest birds to mid-size Eastern lorikeets (I associate them with Rosellas). There is a tree just outside the boundary of my yard that is more established and even larger birds congregate there. The magpies sit up there and sing to me, the white cockatoos rest on the way through and once I had black cockatoos visit. I am always glad to see them all. However, the cockatoos are destructive and I was glad to see them move on. Now of late I have had to prune a bush right back because it was damaged in the storm. The remo...

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John‬ ‭8‬:‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬ No more darkness! Jesus said the people of this world love darkness because their deeds are evil. When we refuse to come to the light of Jesus, we therefore prefer darkness so that we are not convicted or discovered. Yet, if we come into the light and yield our control to Jesus, He untangles the mess and creates order, He removes bondages and sets us free. Being free in the light is the best place to be, because that is where understanding and truth dwell. Therefore today choose light and life! Amen!

“Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”” ‭‭John‬ ‭8‬:‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬ When Jesus said this He was in Jerusalem and the Pharisees were after Him. They thought this claim as blasphemy and wanted to kill Him. How sad they had become so entrenched in their version of law that they were blind to truth. Do you know any harsh legalists? The Pharisees were just like that. How sad! Legalists miss out on freedom. Jesus came to set us free from legalism to faith  in Him. This is a massive swap. Here you go from depending on your own righteousness to knowing it is filthy rags, and to depending on Christ alone.  In one sense you are free, free from the burden of self-effort to the continual rejection of self. It takes time to be totally free, and trusting in Jesus. Then any works we do are a result of faith. Amen!

“Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” ‭‭John‬ ‭6‬:‭35‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I have heard people say that their hunger and thirst was spiritual but they interpreted it as natural and was still unfulfilled. This would be the case with alcoholism and I suppose gluttony. Rather, we need to seek Him for our needs. If I am hungry for food my stomach would be empty and hurt for the lack. I know when I am thirsty for water. Only water will satisfy. We need to be aware of our spiritual hunger and thirst, then seek the One who will fulfill our need. Otherwise we will be forever empty and unhappy because we are unfulfilled. Today I watch a few episodes of The Chosen. So good! I especially liked the walking on water episode and the way the author wove into the story the hunger of Simon Peter for Jesus. I can highly recommend you get The Chosen Ap. Amen! Be blessed!

“The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” “Sir,” they said, “give us that bread every day.” Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” John‬ ‭6‬:‭33‬-‭35‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We can think naturally when we hear the word bread. However, Jesus claimed He was the bread of life. This requires understanding that only God can give. Remember the 40 days of fasting that Jesus endured? Satan came and tempted Jesus to turn stones into bread. What did Jesus say? ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ This also requires understanding. Jesus is our spiritual food. Our spirits need feeding just as our flesh does. However, our spirits need words of life, this is why reading our bibles and listening to messages and worship is imperative. Our souls, our minds, will and intellect also needs feeding. If you are like me you study,...

““I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.” ‭‭John‬ ‭10‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Jesus is my shepherd. He sacrificed His life for me. I am so grateful! We have just celebrated Easter. The ultimate sacrifice happened on Good Friday.  Yesterday we remembered how the Father raised Jesus from the dead. This reminds us that death is not the end, life is, eternal life that will last for all eternity. Imagine that! A life that does not age you, make you old and sick, destroy you. No more darkness, no more Satan only life. How good is that! Today we consider Jesus as the shepherd. He protects and guides us, feeds us and heals us. We are not alone. We may feel alone but we are protected and cared for. We are safe! Amen!

“but the angel said, “Don’t be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Look, this is where they laid his body.” Mark‬ ‭16‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Look, this is where they laid His body, this is the evidence that demands a verdict! The disciples thought Jesus’ body had been stolen, in a way, they were right. Life stole away death. Death where is your sting? Desth was defeated. If death was defeated by God’s power do you not think He is in charge of all things? He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. The power in the cross was the resurrection. It wasn’t enough for the penalty of sin to be paid, but eternal life had to be given. A hope beyond the grace! Amen! Yes Lord yes Lord yes yes Lord, yes a lord, yes Lord yes Amen!

“but the angel said, “Don’t be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Look, this is where they laid his body.” Mark‬ ‭16‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Three women had gone out to buy spices to annointed Jesus’ body. When they arrived at the tomb wondering who would roll away the stone, it was already rolled away. When they went inside Jesus’ body was absent and an angel sat waiting for them with the good news that He had risen from the dead. I notice that Mary the mother of Jesus was not one of the women. Did she know? Did she believe? Or was she too grief stricken to go? We know Jesus had asked John to take Mary into his house after the crucifixion, perhaps she was there? The message given was, ‘ tell the disciples He has risen from the dead and will meet them in Galilee’. The disciples did not believe the message given. Perhaps they thought it a cruel joke, perhaps a delusion of the women. However, we may disbelieve, but the truth r...

“No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭16‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Jesus was God’s Holy One. It was He who would not rot in the grave. It was He who was delivered from the power of death and the grave. Jesus said He was the Way. He is the Way to eternal life, to the Father. There is no other way that will stand the test, no other way will go to heaven, no other way that bring life instead of death. Jacob saw angels going up and down into Heaven, Jesus provides the way for us to go there. Without the right key the door will not open, with the right key we have access. Amen!

“No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭16‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬ How beautiful is the word of God. David wrote these words, however, he did rot in a grave, but these words were prophetically written about Jesus. Jesus in the quiet of Saturday was not dead in the grave, He was whooping Satan’s but, preaching to the saints in Paradise and leading them to the Father in heaven. Tomorrow we celebrate the resurrection but even today, when Jesus’ disciples thought He was dead and gone, He was very much alive. Death could not hold Him down! He is the eternal God! The everlasting one, the Alpha and Omega!  Today Satan attempts to deceive and lie to us about the power of the cross. It is mighty to save, mighty to heal and deliver! Amen!

“But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.” Isaiah‬ ‭53‬:‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Today I listened to Jeff Vines tell the story of Good Friday, it was compelling and impacting. It made me more grateful for the sacrifice Jesus made for me. Today also I attended our church’s Good Friday service at the lookout over Tamworth. I was involved in bussing people to the lookout from below. I noticed a very odd man lugging two heavy weights all the way up the hill and all the way down, perhaps it was his way of acknowledging Jesus’ sacrifice. I was delighted that he stayed for the service. This particular hill is a source of exercise for the majority of those living just under the hill. It rained on and off and yet around two hundred stayed for the service. When it finished it poured. Now the sun is shining and the land is grateful and at rest. Praise God for sending Jesus and praise Him for enduring the cross for us. ...

“But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.” Isaiah‬ ‭53‬:‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I imagine , right now, Jesus being mocked, spat upon, and crowned with thorns. Now weak from the scourging, He does not retaliate or condemn. The darkness appears to be winning, but we know ressurection is coming. Oh praise the One who took my place and raised this life up from the dead. (Song) Thank you Jesus!

“He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” After supper he took another cup of wine and said, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you.” Luke‬ ‭22‬:‭19‬-‭20‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The Passover has several cups of wine in the ceremony. We are not told which cup Jesus took when He took ‘another cup’, however the cup, for Him represented suffering and for us the washing away of all our sins. I am still grateful! I knew what it was like to desperately want to find Jesus and forgiveness. Having found Him, I will not let Him go. Today I am mindful that tonight could be the Last Supper He celebrated with His disciples. The mounting awareness would take its toll on Him. We see this reality as He prayed in the garden, “Father if it is possible let this cup pass from me, ...

“He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” After supper he took another cup of wine and said, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you.” Luke‬ ‭22‬:‭19‬-‭20‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The only covenant the disciples knew was one that they were celebrating and living. For Jesus to introduce a new covenant, confirmed with His blood, would have been horrifying. Would such a sacrifice be acceptable to them? History shows they fought it. Today, the day before this event, the spilling of blood, it is pertinent to remember Jesus’ sacrifice. He did not throw His life away for a ruse, a foolish deception or out of martyrdom. Jesus knew it was the fulfilment of His Father’s requirement for a perfect sacrifice. Jesu had keep Himself sinless and therefore qualified as the perfe...

“You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.” John‬ ‭12‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We can do easily run off with our own understanding. The Old Testament taught caring for the poor, Jesus knew caring for the poor and obviously practised it. However, this was not one of those times. Mary had done an extravagant thing by pouring expensive perfume all over Jesus’ feet and then wiped them with her hair. You could say she had gone overboard in her expression of love to Jesus. She knew Him as saviour and Lord. He had raised her brother from the dead. She had sat at Hus feet hearing the ways of the kingdom of God from Him. She had discovered the way to eternal life. Why would she not be grateful? Judas had run off in his one track way, accumulation of finances .  Jesus was telling Judas, some things are more important than money and what money can do. Adoration of the saviour took precedence. Perhaps at this time of the year when we consider Easter, this is also an importan...

“Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. She did this in preparation for my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”” ‭‭John‬ ‭12‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The words:’ leave her alone’ are so what we would say. They ring true to me because when a critical person is attacking someone we care for or appreciate we defend their actions. Jesus knew the heart from which the accusation came. It was Judas. By now his spirit was becoming darkened as he stole money from the treasury constantly. Mary, Lazarus’ sister  had poured expensive ointment over his feet and wiped them with her hair. Lazarus and his two sisters Martha and Mary were good friends of Jesus. Can you see Jesus’ exasperation with Judas and his greed. Jesus also knew that the time was swiftly coming for His crucifixion. He would have appreciated this act of adoration. It is interesting that Jesus said, “You will always have the poor with you, but you will not always have Me.” Judas had said that the o...

“Then Jesus told them, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen.” Matthew‬ ‭21‬:‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I wonder if Jesus was speaking allegorically here. I have not seen any disciple move a mountain. Perhaps Jesus was trying to illustrate the power of God. Mind you walking on water and raising the dead are up there. However, there was no more walking on water although Peter did raise a dead person back to life.  How do we limit God? We do it by using small thinking, small confessions, small believing. I have rebuked storms and dogs and made them heel. I have prayed for the sick and seen them healed. I have not walked on water or raised a dead person back to life. That would be fun, if God was in on it, as He is very much fun. I love His sense of humour and enjoyment in being God. I am believing for big things and have seen small thin...

“Then Jesus told them, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen.” Matthew‬ ‭21‬:‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Last Friday night I was invited to a Easter hat parade my neice was involved in. There was a young girl at a desk and I went and asked if we had to pay, she said, “not unless you want a raffle ticket”. I replied, “ok, give me one, I have only $2 change”. As she told me to write out my details I said to the Lord, “I’ll have a prize please!” For why I do not know other than I could, I don’t eat them, perhaps it was because I have neices who would enjoy them. Yesterday I received a call, I had won a tin of Easter eggs. When I received them I said to the Lord, “Now what?” I knew they were to give away and not to people who had some. Today they go to the Salvation Army to dispense to a needy child. If I can have faith for Easter Eggs what mo...

“He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves.” Mark‬ ‭11‬:‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We now are the temple of the Holy Spirit. How do we transgresss by making it a den of thieves? Withholding what is due to a person; stealing on our tax; stealing from our employer are a few. How does our insensitivity to the Holy Spirit affect the house of prayer? We tend to not pray, except a few quick words. If we are to be a house of prayer then praying without ceasing would be important to us as well. Are we accountable for our behaviour? Yes! We will stand before the Lord in eternity and give an account of how we cared for our temple and its ministry. Live aware! Amen!

“He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves.” Mark‬ ‭11‬:‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬ My study bible tells me that Jesus was fulfilling prophesy here that given by Ezekiel and Malachi. However the words Jesus speaks and refers to are from Jeremiah 7:11. So much of what Jesus was, did and said was written beforehand in scripture. He is the fulfilment of scripture. I am sure He did not sit down and decide which he was to fulfill, it was a matter of course, it was who He was. Prophesy is still active in the world today. Prophesy of old is still being fulfilled. Right now there is a great outpouring of the Spirit all across the world. Young people are coming to know Jesus in a magnificent way. These are the end times. To be alive now is an honour indeed. Come Lord Jesus! Prophesy is at work in our own lives. We are a part of it and cannot escape it. Praise God that He gives prophesy so that we can know...

Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.”Luke 6:38 NLT Churches cannot help but use such scriptures in helping motivate their people to give. Ay my co next group on Thursday night we were discussing tithing and was it an Old Testament or New Testament law. Of course it was Old Testament and then we all discussed giving as it applied to our lives. A bible teacher said, " if you feel guilty because you have not given a certain amount them you are under law and need to examine your motives". This brought me up short. I do experience guilt around giving. So, needless to say, I am on a journey to solve the issue. I know giving is important and this scripture tells us we will be blessed in giving. I know God has kept me, always. He provides all my needs.  For which I am grateful.  Do not withhold good when i...

“The next day, the news that Jesus was on the way to Jerusalem swept through the city. A large crowd of Passover visitors took palm branches and went down the road to meet him. They shouted, “Praise God! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hail to the King of Israel!” John‬ ‭12‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬ What the people said today changed tomorrow to “Crucify Him!!” The crowd also followed Jesus many places to see what He would do for them.  The crowd cannot be trusted. Although it appears worshipping and accepting it can be fickle. Crowds of people come to hear the gospel in places. Many went to hear Billy Graham. The test was : where were they in 5, 10, 20 years time? We’re they following Jesus as saviour and Lord? I am sure every large gathering has the same issue. Are the people coming for the show or for their king. The crowd called Jesus their king. Yet He was still crucified. It may not have actually been the worshippers who killed Him  and rather those who w...

“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭31‬ ‭NLT‬‬ There are jokes about Christians and bumper stickers that protest sin, who speed and abuse other motorists. I was at a rally to speak to a politician about abortion. Christian men were abusing him. That worked! He voted to abort the babies. What we are in public is also seen. If we are out for a family meal and start to mistreat the waitress, bam! Not good! What we do in private can bring repercussions to the neighbourhood. We cannot abuse our children and think it is ok, we cannot abuse each other and think no one is watching. With so many smart phones now we cannot surmise no one is watching. Behave!

We all must eat, yet how we eat and how we drink is important to God. I am reminded of a parable Jesus told. There was a rich man at who’s gate a poor man called Lazarus lived. The poor man was a beggar.  The rich man went in and out not considering Lazarus. He had parties and ate bountifully. Both died. Lazarus went to Abraham’s arms and the rich man to eternal flames. The rich man begged Abraham to send Lazarus with a drop of water to cool his hot tongue and Abrahm said, ‘No, he si not able to go, there is a chasm between us and you “. The rich man asked for Lazarus to go to his brothers and tell them to repent but again Abraham said, “No! If they did not believe the law and the prophets why would they listen to Lazarus?” If we are rich, and we are, by the standards of the poor, if they were watching us at mealtimes, at restaurants, would they see gluttony and greed or circumspect behaviour, behaviour mindful of the poor. When I go to third world places I see both of these and am...