The day with dianne Louise

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬ My God is urgent in solving my former life in readiness to my move to Nepal next Monday. All finance is being released. Praise God! Today I had a phone call from the real estate office who handled my rental for the last 9.5 years. They are releasing my bond and wanted my bank account. Praise God! I was able to purchase reasonable travel insurance for the time there. I went to a local Gp to have a sunspot burned off on my lip. I was in and out in 15 minutes and did not have to pay as they billed bill and I am covered by Medicare . Praise God! He is good! Amen!

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬ My God is urgent in solving my former life in readiness to my move to Nepal next Monday. All finance is being released. Praise God! Today I had a phone call from the real estate office who handled my rental for the last 9.5 years. They are releasing my bond and wanted my bank account. Praise God! I was able to purchase reasonable travel insurance for the time there. I went to a local Gp to have a sunspot burned off on my lip. I was in and out in 15 minutes and did not have to pay as they billed bill and I am covered by Medicare . Praise God! He is good! Amen!

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬ In brokenness we can feel nobody loves us and that no one is there, however, if we dare reach out to our God, He is there. He has been there for me when I stretched forth my hand.  The gospels tell us that Jesus had compassion on the lost and broken, He was there to heal, comfort and deliver. We are His servants, His vessels. We cannot avoid the brokenness of others in selfishness. What is our mandate today? Who can we bring healing to today? Lord May our ears and eyes be open to that you want us to heal. Amen!

“This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.” John‬ ‭15‬:‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬ How has Jesus loved me? With tough tenderness. He has very firm boundaries and refuses to spoil me, yet, He constantly surprises me with His goodness and grace, forgiveness and love. On Sunday the preacher talked about the discipline he received at the hands of his father and he talked about Mr Spoon. My son and daughter knew of my wooden spoon also. They were  told of my love before a spanking, but I also addressed their bad behaviour. After the spanking they were held close and knew my love. My God holds me close and refuses to give me my lusts and wants. He constantly tells me, “you have all you need”. He prepares a table for me in the presence of my enemies. I do have all I need. Amen!

“This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.” John‬ ‭15‬:‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬ How has Jesus loved me? With tough tenderness. He has very firm boundaries and refuses to spoil me, yet, He constantly surprises me with His goodness and grace, forgiveness and love. On Sunday the preacher talked about the discipline he received at the hands of his father and he talked about Mr Spoon. My son and daughter knew of my wooden spoon also. They were  told of my love before a spanking, but I also addressed their bad behaviour. After the spanking they were held close and knew my love. My God holds me close and refuses to give me my lusts and wants. He constantly tells me, “you have all you need”. He prepares a table for me in the presence of my enemies. I do have all I need. Amen!

“This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.” John‬ ‭15‬:‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬ If we are to love as Jesus loved, we need to know how He loved, and to do that we need to read the gospels with eyes wide open.  Jesu first loved the Father and spent time with Him each day, He was finding out what the Father was doing each day. I need to find out what God is doing and asking Him to use me and place me right where I need to be. It is amazing that if we ask for divine appointments, we will receive them. The Father has need of us to touch hearts and minds for Him. Be available! Amen!

“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We can say the right things, make all the right noises but live in fear when Satan roars. What we do in that time is determined by what we believe. Satan is roaring at present and I must take him out with the word of God: if God be for me who can be against me? (Romans 8:31). My Heavenly Father is for me; Jesus my Saviour is for me and the Holy Spirit who lives inside me is for me. Three to one, I’d say that was a majority.  Tonight I had the young man, who is buying my car, call and try to beat me down a thousand dollars. He told me his family called tonight and asked for money and now he does not have the full amount. However, when I did not budge he asked if I would say the car was less than he is buying it for on the official form that goes to the government and I said “that is illegal”. He agreed to pay me the full amount tomorrow n...

“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭9,10 ‭NLT‬‬ Faith speaks. I remember when, newly saved, I went to a dragon of a head nursing sister to ask for a change to my roster so that I could attend a youth camp. My fellow nurses thought I was bold but crazy. I received the days off and was baptised in the Spirit just through worship. At work I boldly told my patients about Jesus. They could see the love of God on me. Who knows who heard the message and was convicted of the need to receive Jesus. We must go into the world with our testimony of hope. It is a mess out there! Share!

“I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.” Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Today I was roasted by my daughter for not having a tighter plan for Nepal, travel insurance for the whole time I am there and not having anywhere to live if I return. You can see she is a detail girl and not a faith girl (or flighty it will all work out girl). I could see she did it because she loved me, however my daughter in law was annoyed. I was fine. I could see the point. I now have to seek God’s way. I must say I have a lot more fun in my son’s house with his children. We play a lot of games: board games, cards and tonight chess. I leaned a new rule: if a pawn makes it to the opponents end they can make another queen, if another gets there you can have another queen. That lack of knowledge destroyed me, I was winning up to that point. Ah! It was just a game! Off to bed, an early prayer meeting tomorrow. Praise God!

“I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.” Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Knowing I have the Holy Spirit within and that I can draw on His strength is so comforting. Jesus is pure and holy. His Holy Spirit is also pure and holy. He draws me to His holiness. Last night I had a good conversation with my eldest grandson. He told me his plans and his failures. I told Him I knew where he was at and that I am praying for him and asked him to come to Nepal in March, and if he found something worth pursuing that he would rerun home and enroll in WYAM for 6months. He agreed. I know that my grandchildren are the ones to carry forward the work and annointing that God has on me. Myer is the first cab off the ranks. I told Myer how I found Jesus as a personal lover and friend when I was 19. I talked to him about the importance of having that relationship. Although he has grown up in church Myer has struggled. It is now time for him t...

“So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.” ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I heard this scripture and was willing today. He lifted me up! During the week I awoke hearing the prayers of saints in Nepal asking that God would use me to see projects developed in Nepal. I was a little peturbed. I prayed: “God I do not have resources, please provide?” Today I went to my sons church and met a man at the coffee line whose wife was from Borneo. He told me to talk to her. After the service I did and made a divine connection. She told me of a group in QLD that would help with tax deductibility of donations to Nepal. I happened to mention my flight to Nepal was split, I must spend a night in Kuala Lumpur. She said, “I have a niece who works at the Novotel in KL, I will contact her for you”. I waited on for the second service and met another woman after the service, she has trekked in Nepal and has a heart for Nepal. While I waited for my son...

“So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.” ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We might expect honourable because of our status or age, but God is the one who gives honour. Experience and talent does not equate to the right for honour, man’s honour is fraught with self or done under compulsion is shabby and worthless. God-given honour is best. I am reminded of a story in Isiah where God denotes a man and raises another up. She an became proud and God said this to him: ““Yes, I will drive you out of office,” says the Lord. “I will pull you down from your high position. And then I will call my servant Eliakim son of Hilkiah to replace you. I will dress him in your royal robes and will give him your title and your authority. And he will be a father to the people of Jerusalem and Judah. I will give him the key to the house of David—the highest position in the royal court. When he opens doors, no one will be able to close them; when he cl...

“Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭105‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Today was graduation day. My son forgot and did not come to the ceremony. However, he did start out and met me along the way. I was glad to have been at the ceremony , but very glad to leave. Worldly wisdom does not hold me as much these days. My good friend Ros took me by car and beyond to meet my son. She is a special and gracious friend, for which I am truely grateful. We had a lovely lunch beofre leaving to meet my son. We share a lot in common and it is pleasant to talk to her. She is also very passionate about rescuing children and babies as she works for a government agency that deals with fostering abused children. I am now blessed to be a passenger and able to peruse the beautiful landscape near Brisbane. Tomorrow I will attend my sons church with he and his family. I now have a week to rest before my flights. Thank you Jesus! Amen!

“Give thanks to Yahweh, call on His name; proclaim His deeds among the peoples.” Psalms‬ ‭105‬:‭1‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ God is my source and supply. He is my provider. I call upon Him for my health and healing.  Today I begin a new chapter, one following new paths. May Your Kingdom come in Nepal, Yiur will be done Father. My role will be to proclaim His deeds among the people. Jesus must be seen as Lord and master. His miracle working power must reign. King of kings and Lord of all. Jesus is the only God where there are many gods. Jesus is the only God who came to earth to save us from our wicked ways, so that we can walk in relationship with Him. Amen!

“We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ Ingredients of a cake do not perform well on their own: baking powder’s major component Sodium Bicarbonate is tart. Raw eggs are not attractive by themselves, neither is a half a cup of sugar, and flour by itself is dry and unpalatable. Yet, put them all together and a tasty cake is baked.  In my life any one particular thing is not appealing, however, my God sees all and He certainly knows it is needed for the cake He is baking. Today I had my old home sprayed for pests, mopped the floor once more and was done. The agent was amazed at how well the walls came up, little does she know the hours I slaved over them. The inspection went very well, and I am grateful. I had asked the Lord for a good result and He gave it. Praise Him!

“We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ Last night I watched Sound of Freedom. It was brilliant and I highly recommend it. The story involved the heart of a particular man called Timothy who was a police officer involved in bringing paedofiles to justice. He was moved to search for two particular children and eventually rescued 120.  His search took him into a mob’s den in South America. He went alone and bravely rescued a little girl. The girl and her brother had been stolen my slave traders. The brother was rescued first. I have an Australian friend who has done this work in Nepal and South Africa. I have discussed the work with him and am aware that Nepalese children are at a high risk. You might say I go in with eyes wide open. I have a passion for justice, and for children and babies to be saved from this evil. I pray for them daily. Perhaps the Lord will honour me with ...

“Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children.” Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ How do we imitate God? We copy the Son, perhaps. He was not needing to be loved , and yet He was; He was obedient to the Father; He taught the ways of the Kingdom of God; He challenged hypocrisy; He paid His dues and He died on the cross for us. We need to let all these facts challenge us. Dying to our own selfish desires and self-importance is a start. Last night I went out to dinner with a few women who were celebrating a good friend’s birthday. I watched people coming into the restaurant and wondered at their lives. We do not know what people endure day to day. We live our lives and seek what is for us but fail to think beyond that. Today I received an email to say my flight to Nepal is going to be disrupted. I will spend a night in Kuala Lumpur. I have never been there and now I am praying for a divine appointment. This might be exciting! I pray it is. Amen!  

“Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children.” Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ Why is there a therefore? These last two chapters begin with a therefore as Paul confronts Christian living, and they come after his discourse on how much God has blessed us. However, the very next verse sums up the reason to live godly lives: “And walk in love, as the Messiah also loved us and gave Himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.” Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭2‬ ‭ Jesus is our example. He gave His life as a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God. I am hearing the prayers of the saints in Nepal I go to aid in service.  I will be giving my all to serve alongside them. My role will be to motivate friends at home to support us as we work. I pray God will open hearts and minds to serving as Christ served, giving sacrificial. Jesus is our example, the time for His return draws near. Amen! https://bible.com/bible/72/eph.5.2.HCSB

“A man who endures trials is blessed, because when he passes the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.” ‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭12‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ Today I had another trial: I heard my dog was suffering and I needed to release more of my possessions, some that I had particularly enjoyed. I also had to die to offence and become a servant. A challenging day, however, I survived, intact. This period of leaving and cleaving to the Lord is not easy. The funny thing is my memories are all I have just now. I must step into the unknown and trust that it will indeed be better. The Lord tends to take me from good to best, so I must trust Him for that. Faith is stepping into the unknown and trusting our God for His best purposes. Here I go! Amen!

“God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” ‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The crown of life is a treasure indeed. My eternal dwelling with Him is what I long for. I cannot let anything take my affection for Him away. My commentary states that seen in context, these momentary afflictions are nothing compared to that which awaits me. In 2 Cor 4:17,18 Paul states: “For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory. So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” ‭‭ Some of our afflictions are lifetime, some diseases do not yield to healing. My son and his family see Ryan’s autism as lifelong. It is an affliction their family must bear with grace. Some dear saints live in lands where they are constantly persecuted for their faith. There are children born in...

“Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other.” 1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Loving each other requires diligence, forebearance, kindness, gentleness, self-control. Notice most of these attributes and fruit of the Holy Spirt. Therefore, to produce these fruit we need to abide in the vine, because as we do, as Jesus had promised, the Father and He would fellowship with us, not to mention the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, “bad trees produce bad fruit, and good trees produce good fruit”(Matt 7:18).  I am constantly aware of what others are receiving from me and try to present what I have to say in a way they can receive, except when boldness takes over. Then, I can be trouble to myself and others. I must remind myself the ability to receive is our own responsibility, however, kindness does help. When I love others I allow them to be who they are and be who I am in Christ. It is who I am in Christ that makes the difference. I am His wo...

“Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other.” 1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬ How much did God love us? The previous verses tells us: “God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.” ‭‭ Do you acknowledge that you have a ‘sin’ problem? Or do you think this talk of ‘sin’ is out of place? I remember talking to a missionary friend in Japan. She told me that the Japanese people find that concept difficult. I think Western men and women are becoming dull to it as well. It takes a divine revelation of our sin to come to repentance. It was only such an occurrence that I came. It is also only after a divine infilling of the Holy Spirit was I able to love as Christ loved, this also is not natural to mankind. We can love those who do good to us but apart from that others are...

“For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬ People pleasing is a tiring game. However, God pleasing is light. Jesus said, “my yoke is easy, my burden is light”( Matt 11:28-30). We can trust Him to lead us to right paths and correct loads. Today I was back cleaning: I cleaned out my garden shed and sanded and painted the front porch in places. I checked all the interior walls again for missed spots.  I also went into town for water purification tablets to take to Nepal (it saves my stomach from nasty upsets), I also notified a few places of my change of address. Tomorrow afternoon a friend is coming to help me clean out my garage. It is the last place to clean and I am glad of the company, praise God! I think this is the last time I want to move and clean. I wonder if our homes in heaven self-clean? You have self-cleaning ovens so why not walls and floors?

“For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬ God is surely at work in me to will to do His work. He is transforming me into a willing and obedient servant, willing to do His will and not my own. Last night at my farewell street party, a woman who has grown close in friendship asked, “can’t you change your mind and stay?” I replied, “don’t do that!” I love my neighbours but I love the Lord more. Today I continue that walk as I change my registration papers with the government for the new owner, and continue to clean out my old home. My neighbours wonder at my will to go to Nepal and to serve the people there. Many have said, “I could never do that!” God has brought me to will to do His good pleasure, not my own or the will of those I love. I am grateful that I will discover what that looks like. Praise Him! Thank You Jesus for changing me! Amen!

“Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms. Interlude” Psalms‬ ‭68‬:‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Today I soaked up the Lord’s presence and the worship with other believers, went and watched my youngest nephew play soccer, had Momos with my new Nepali friends and my street send off party with folk I have come to know and love. I sold my car for exactly $10,000, just what I specified, and now I am almost ready to move to Nepal. What a day! Sadness and gladness fills my heart. I have so many dear friends and am grateful, I love my dog and he also came to say goodbye. Thank You Jesus!

“May the Lord be praised! Day after day He bears our burdens; God is our salvation. Selah” Psalms‬ ‭68‬:‭19‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ Our burdens are many, at times they are greater than others. When Jesus taught His disciples how to pray He included: a request for provision, a request for forgiveness, a request for protection from evil. Was He saying that all problems fall into these three categories? We are needy of provision, we constantly need forgiveness, as we need to give it, and we are desperately needy of protection from evil. All problems start in the evil one, all provision is in our God. Today I need the Lord’s guidance. Whilst I have listed my car for sale I have men coming to look and attempt to bargain. I have organised my menfolk to be present to assist me.  Today, firstly, is the Lord’s day, all inquiries must wait for Him. I am needing to meet with my church family and to worship, I need that connection and strength. He is my source and strength. Amen!

“For the mind-set of the flesh is death, but the mind-set of the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭6‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ Life and peace sure beats death. However, the modern man would say, “I will make my own way!” And expect life and peace. Or they would subscribe to some guru and go on a retreat to experience life and peace. Both receive the gong. They both are fleshly and not Spirit based. Today I played a game with friends who wanted to farewell me from Australia, many would subscribe to the guru. However, we had a good discussion about palliative care as opposed to euthanasia. I agreed that I cannot make people choose life and I do not have the authority to insist that those who wish to euthenaise themselves should instead choose life. If a person refuses to follow Christ, I cannot insist that killing themselves is wrong. It is for me, as I am a person of faith, however, I cannot make them choose as I would. The Lord gives us free will. He wants us to choose Him and His ways willingly....

“For the mind-set of the flesh is death, but the mind-set of the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭6‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ What is fleshly thinking? Me, mine, I, what I wants, what will satisfy me. What is the mind set on the Spirit? What does God want? What will He have me do today? Today I am up early with soccer commitments, then to lunch with friends who wish to say goodbye. I was planning on a sleep in, but received a request for help from relatives. One week today I leave Tamworth for Brisbane and then another week later off to Nepal. What will I do there? God knows! Yesterday I listed my car for sale, saying to the Lord, “it’s Yours if You want it”. This is a big challenge for me as it will be the last possession I have. I am about to see what God does with it.

“The one who walks with the wise will become wise, but a companion of fools will suffer harm.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭13‬:‭20‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ If our closest friends are not walking with the Lord they will have worldly values. How long will it take for their worldly values to change yours? We are fools if we think this will not happen, it will. In the book of Judges the people groups who did not drive out their enemies from the land promised them by the Lord, found themselves worshipping the foreign gods of these people. How are we different? We may find ourselves like Lot’s family: His wife looked back and became a pillar of salt, his two daughters resorted to worldly ways and made their father drunk and then had sex with him so they could have children. There was no faith, they had absorbed the wicked ways of Sodom and Gomorrah. They had an uncle not too far away who had many men in his camp, why did they not seek out Abraham? He knew the answers. Be wise! Fellowship with Godly people! Amen!

“The one who walks with the wise will become wise, but a companion of fools will suffer harm.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭13‬:‭20‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ What is the voice that dominates in your head? Is it one that challenges you to live worthy of your calling? Or is it one that says, “she’ll be right mate!” (An Aussies flavour there). The last does not encourage you to rise up and run the race with diligence, it is a beer swilling saying that encourages you to stay lax and let circumstances run their own race. Who do you go to for advice? Do you ask for advice? Asking for advice is wisedom. Seeking knowledge is wisdom. Seeking God’s counsel is wisdom.  In the Book of Judges it says ‘every man did what was right in his own eyes’(judges 22:25). They ended up in a mess. They worships other gods. They no longer had Joshua or Caleb to confront them and the elders died. Even with the Spirit of God, New Testament churches went astray. They accepted strange new doctrines. We see in the Book of Acts Paul addressing s...

“He renews my life; He leads me along the right paths for His name’s sake.” Psalms‬ ‭23‬:‭3‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ When God’s people shine He is glorified. Therefore, He leads us along right paths. When we respond and choose to follow those paths , He is glorified. Today I prayed for forgiveness and mercy. Last night I had hastily jammed a vegetable drawer in my old friend’s fridge. The result was that the vegetable crispers were stuck. I was sitting on my bed listening to a Steve Furtik message about suffering and discovering the before moments, what caused this trial to happen? For me it was pride. I repented. My friend had a neighbour visit who helped free the drawer and save us the expense of having a fridge mechanic visit. Praise God! There are times when rest helps us find the path and the answer. My head wanted to keep going but my body said rest (I think my spirit was in agreement also). Take time to discover the why! Amen!

“He renews my life; He leads me along the right paths for His name’s sake.” Psalms‬ ‭23‬:‭3‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ I must remember that God is GOD and He has a plan that is beyond me. Whilst I think I might know His plan, I often don’t, except His plan is always better than mine. I know I am going to Nepal, but beyond that He knows. How long will I be gone? God knows. What will I be doing? God know the detail, however, I do know it will serve to further the gospel. Yesterday I was asked the dates I will stay at the accomodation in Kathmandu, I gave my estimate. God knows my ultimate destination. He knows the plans He has for me, they are for my good and His kingdom purpose. Today is a day to focus on now, and those God puts in my path. Amen!

“Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ When we are afflicted we desperately need comfort. Today I took my aching limbs to my old home and continued to clean. By mid-day I was spent. As I had dropped my car off for a service before registration I had to depend on my old friend. As usual she was delayed in coming, however, I was grateful she came. I collected my car, which was in a much better condition and returned to my friends house. My arms are constantly in pain and tomorrow I will rest them. I had completed the cleaning at my old house. I can afford to rest for a day. I am so grateful for my friend. She is grateful for the opportunity to repay my former kindness. I was there for her many times in the past. My friend and ...

“Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ Paul had every right to write this. He had indeed suffered, but also knew that as he suffered he could then, have compassion on those who suffered and bring them comfort.  Whist the Holy Spirit is our comforter, we are also meant to use our sufferings as a comfort to others, rather than sitting in misery and self-pity. As we learn to reach into Jesus, who knew suffering, we can be comforted us by His Holy Spirit. As He knows well our suffering. There is nothing like the physical comfort of a strong believer who has been where we are going and in compassion strengthens us, and helps us find the way. Wrong reactions to sufferings is a waste of valuable experience. Reach into Jesus and...

““Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11‬:‭28‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ Ooh! I am weary today. Again I cleaned for around 7 hours and my body aches. The joy of a hot shower and fresh clothes. The greater joy of people to share the evening with. The still greater joy of having the Lord in my life. To be without the Lord would be deveststing. His company and presence is the best! Amwn

““Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11‬:‭28‬-‭30‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ Last night as I was ministering to my aching bones and muscles I receive contact from the head of the group I will serve with in Nepal. It brought joy to my soul. A simple word, yet, contact from where I am going was all that was needed to shake off the weariness, and infuse my soul with faith and hope. I awake this morning to hear a call to the power and faith in the gospel. I want to see the move in the Holy Spirit in Nepal. I want to make room for Him. He has the way, He makes the path straight. Amen!

“For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them.” Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭10‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ Divine appointments do occur if we are aware and open to them. I had one today. It was another hard day cleaning and dealing with finding my dogs balls and toys (I have given him away to enable me to travel to Nepal). However, sore and ready to leave the house I took my exhausted body to my car and saw a woman I needed to talk to. She needed to be encouraged to find God’s greater purpose. We chatted and I left her in tears (I trust they were Holy Spirit tears). Back at my old friends home I had a hot shower and a massage with a machine a friend loaned me. I can’t tell you how good it is to have company. It makes the grief bearable. Tomorrow I should finish cleaning my house and will clean my car to make it ready for sale. I will leave it to the Lord as to what transpired next. We can be instruments for the Lord’s purpose every d...

“For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them.” Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭10‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ We are created to do something masterful in the kingdom of God. Yesterday I listened to a sermon which used this text. I am getting the message. I am God’s masterpiece for a work He knows is in my loins. He is sending me to do a work that He has chosen for me, a long time ago. He called me at age 4 to follow Him, and I have done, hungry for His presence. Just as He called Abraham at 75, He is calling me at almost 70 to do His work in Nepal. I wonder what that looks like? I am about to find out. Our God is the master-painter, He produces the best canvasses. I have just stored away all my artwork. Some is good some is average and some is ho hum. However, it is mine and was inspired by Him. His creation inspired me and His creation will continue to talk to me. I can trust Him for that. My God is awesome, His works are all His creat...

“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭103‬:‭13‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ I am reminded of the parable of the lost son. The father had been looking out for His son and when He saw him afar off He ran to him. Whilst the son deserved to be an outcast the Father welcomed him home. This parable reveals the heart of the Father for us. Although we struggle and get in a mess at times He is there waiting to assist, waiting to be asked. He does not condemn us but rather waits for us to turn to Him. He is good! Today I asked my old friend to house me for the next two weeks as I clean out my old flat in readiness to leave for Nepal. As my dog Oscar is now gone the house feels emptier and sad. I am glad for a reprieve, and my friend is glad for my company, as am I. I am grateful she has compassion on me, and she does this because I helped her as she also lost her dog. Good to have friends. Amen!

“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭103‬:‭13‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, Proverbs 1:7 tells us. The fear of the Lord involves awe, reverence, love and trust (Holman Study Bible commentary). Do I trust the Lord today? I must! Launching out into the unknown and selling all, and yesterday giving away my dog has been a big ALL. Emotionally it costs. What am I purchasing? Obedience? I am reminded of the greatest sacrifice: Jesus choosing to obey the Father and go to the cross. He struggled with it, just as I am, but He faithfully completed the task. The Father had compassion on Jesus, I am sure He has compassion on me. I must trust Him for the outcome. The outcome for Jesus was huge. He defeated sin and the grave. He won many sons into obedience, for all time we have a way to the Father.  The outcome for me, I trudt is huge. I pray many souls will come to know Jesus. Compassion does not ...

“That light shines in the darkness, yet the darkness did not overcome it.” John‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ The beautiful thing about light is a match struck and glowing produces enough light to see in the darkness. A candle is better as a match is short lived. Both produce light that cuts through the darkness. Tonight I went to a bonfire night. As darkness descended the air became chilled. Yet, when the bonfire was lit it produced a period of extreme heat, so much so that we had to retreat. As the fire reduced in intensity and became a welcoming log fire, we gathered to enjoy and watch the burning coals. The sky was lit with the Milky Way and the stars were spectacular. It reminded me of my home town. Our skies were just the same. On the way home my friend, who was driving said, “it is very dark tonight!” I replied, “there is no moon that’s why!” The moon makes a difference. We make a difference. Shine your light! Amen!

“That light shines in the darkness, yet the darkness did not overcome it.” John‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ Darkness is working overtime to attempt to obliterate the light, yet, it is failing. The more the Way of Jesus was and is persecuted the greater the light grows. The reason for this is: there is life in the light that is greater than darkness. The universe is vast and would be very dark except for the stars present. They are the  lights that were created by our God when He said, “let there be light!” Jesus was the light that came into the world, and He passed the baton to us saying, “You are the light!” We are meant to shine brightly so that this world sees in this dark time. Shine your light! Amen!

“Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone cheerful? He should sing praises.” ‭‭James‬ ‭5‬:‭13‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ Today I suffered rejection once again. Just when I am dealing with anxious thoughts about selling all my possessions and planning to go to Nepal on mission, family needed to be sure I was not planning to return and live with them. I have to remind myself that rejection is just one method of receiving direction. Jesus faced this and so did Joseph, David and more. I am in good company. As I was suffering I prayed and God sent a miracle. Local family provided me with a mini fridge to keep me until I leave (I had sold mine). I rejoiced that God is leading me, I am grateful for His presence, His leading and His goodness. Amen!

“Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone cheerful? He should sing praises. Is anyone among you sick? He should call for the elders of the church, and they should pray over him after anointing him with olive oil in the name of the Lord.” ‭‭James‬ ‭5‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ Prayer and praise are the antidote for fear, song of praise James tells us are a good way of saying thank you to the Lord in times of joy. Having others to pray for us when we are ill is a comfort. Right now as I pack and clean solo it is a comfort to know friends are praying for me. Prayer chains are a good tool for praying for folk who are sick or in trouble. Being committed to personal prayer is good for each of us, the Lord can then depend on us for covering His kingdom in prayer. Prayer can change a nation and bring revival, turn off the TV and pray! Amen!

“Don’t neglect to do what is good and to share, for God is pleased with such sacrifices.” Hebrews‬ ‭13‬:‭16‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ Sharing is something our parents tried to teach us. Selfishness is natural, sharing is not. Some children do it better than others. Some adults would not even think to share. Generosity is a gift. Generosity blesses others. Generosity is observant and mindful of others. Generosity looks for opportunities to be a blessing. Are you needing others to be generous towards you. If so, prime the pump, and start the process yourself. It will be a sacrifice but well worth it. Amen!

“Don’t neglect to do what is good and to share, for God is pleased with such sacrifices.” Hebrews‬ ‭13‬:‭16‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ The Hebrew culture had a generous element sown into its fabric, one we in the west would be wise to embrace. As the culture was predominantly agrarian they were instructed by God not to harvest their whole fields but to leave the edges for the poor and foreigners. A mindset of giving was a part of who they were. Western Christians give to their churches and to missions in far afield, some churches then do local ministry for the poor. However, giving must not just be apportioned to the anount we give in set places, but to having a mindset that is generous and eyes that see others in daily lives. We can be so preoccupied with what we have to do: our work, play and church, that we do not see the Lazarus outside our gates.  Lord, give me eyes that see today I ask. Amen!

“Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable — if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise — dwell on these things.” Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ Today as I cleaned the enemy was sowing negative thoughts, I recognised it and put on worship music and began to worship, he left. The day has been a challenge, I am tired and know I must keep going as I clean my unit ready to leave. However, having a goal each day brings a sense to f achievement. Today I reached my goal and went beyond, I packed some paintings. I have to fight for the good thoughts, worship sure helps. Amen!

“Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable — if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise — dwell on these things.” Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ While the news constitutes the negative and derogatory, we are exhorted to focus on the opposite. Most forms of entertainment are derogatory, obscene and blasphemous, why watch these? After watching even a few quiz games and the news I have to fight for my faith. The worldly thought patterns erode the glorious hope I carry. Why go there? Our challenge is to find the good, clean and lovely to focus on. This should be our quest! Amen!

“How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!” Psalms‬ ‭133‬:‭1‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ Today I found a lost sheep, no not a wooly one a human one. I had a hair cut and was walking to the grocery store and the thought hit me, “I need a new belt”. My exisiting one was one I bought in Nepal and it was dead, almost. I saw a shop not seen before which had leather goods. I thought to myself, “probably too expensive.” I stsrted talking to the man at the counter and told him I was a missionary on her way to Nepal. Turns out he was a pastor who lost his church and his family. I cried for him even though my story is the same. However, he is not in fellowship. I apologised for my bluntness but told him to come back to church . He was Anglican but hey he might like a lively Pentecostal church. I invited him along. I walked out with a free new belt. I cried some more and prayed that the Lord would bless him and work on him to come home. It is funny that my communion message on Sunday was t...

“How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!” Psalms‬ ‭133‬:‭1‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ David wrote this Psalm. I wonder if it was an encouragement for his children, for his friends and colleagues? Harmony in children is not easily won. As they develop and become their own person they can follow a different path and harmony is absent. David’s family revealed this. He had several wives and children to each. Solomon was his last and the one chosen to take the throne. This was unusual but it was God’s choice. In the very public Royal family of England we have watched this happen with William and Harry. The ideal is harmony. Yet, without the residing Holy Spirit it is not always possible. In church life we have different bents: the musicians like to hang out together, as do the ministry teams, the young people and the old people all have their own groups. Even within the groups some are single, some married. Each has its own path. Working together in harmony comes as we yield to Ch...

“And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then He who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through His Spirit who lives in you.” Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭11‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ Think for a minute about the power that it took to raise Jesus from the dead. He had been in the tomb three days, but that was not a problem to the Holy Spirit. In Genesis we see Him hovering over the face of the deep. When God said, “let there be …” He moved. On this day the Father spoke and said, “let there be life!” ( or did He say, “Son come forth!”) And then the Holy Spirit entered the still body of Jesus and raised Him back to life. This same Spirit indwells us as a down payment of our eternal salvation and life. The Holy Spirit resides in us awaiting the command. As we understand the authority given to us and begin to command He moves. Although my body is groaning because it has been cleaning floor tiles, walls and inside cupboards for about 8 hours, after a sleep I...

“And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then He who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through His Spirit who lives in you.” Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭11‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ As a young Christian I would sing this verse, I think it was a good way to learn and reaffirm the scripture in my spirit. Today I awake to an almost empty house. I still have my bed and one chair. Today I will sell more. Meanwhile I clean walls and encourage my dog who is perplexed and confused by all the coming and going. Fortunately he is going to a loving home, probably at the end of this week. I go to bed stiff and sore and wake alive and strengthened. Praise God for a new day! I praise God for His Spirit! Amen!

“Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves.” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭3‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ Nothing is worth doing if it is tainted with flesh. All ego pollutes the power of the gospel. Desire to be seen, to be noticed, to be accepted or respected all come from a flaw in our lives. In Christ we are totally accepted by Him and it is His opinion that should stand. Humility considers the Lord and others first. We may kid ourselves and even deceive others, but God is not deceived. Be real!! Amen!

“Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves.” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭3‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ Rivalry can be manifested in our talking about ourselves and our accomplishments. Conceit can do this also. Why do I need to boast of my accomplishments, scripture tells me to let others to do this for me. Considering others more important than ourselves takes some doing as ‘what about me’ is ever present. Last night I did a presentation at my astronomy club and had prayed about it all week. I was not sure how it was going, but God knows. I prayed that the words I spoke would bear fruit. I was surprised by a bus load of students staying for my presentation. Who knows what seeds my God planted, I pray He did and  young minds will bear fruit. There was a child sitting right in the front row and he asked some intelligent questions, perhaps he will be the next Einstein . Today I do the communion talk and the Lord woke me up to read this scripture and...

“But let justice flow like water, and righteousness, like an unfailing stream.” Amos‬ ‭5‬:‭24‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ My garage sale ended at 4pm with my Nepali friends bringing others who bought more! Yay! They are coming to church next Sunday as well! Now that is justice! The enemy is being defeated! Well, technically he has already been but experimentally is being. Let the river flow Lord! Let it flow! Let it flow!!! Amen!

“But let justice flow like water, and righteousness, like an unfailing stream.” Amos‬ ‭5‬:‭24‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ Have you ever thought of what comes before this quote? It was not pretty! god was chastising His people for expecting Him to be happy with their performance in front of Him when they cheated and lied to each other. Justice is a part of our God, yes His is a god what f Love and yes Jesus paid for our sins, but a day will come when He examines our records. Will He find justice there? Today I have my clearance sale, May I be just and fair. Amen!

“Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the Lord’s decree will prevail.” Proverbs‬ ‭19‬:‭21‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ My son just posted on Facebook a toy that is called my child’s first ankle monitor. It is very funny but highlights a parents desire to have a child obey. Our God wants us to obey willingly. He will orchestrate our circumstances so that we learn. If we are particularly stubborn then the lessons begin to bite. I’ve had a good day seeing God bring into my life those He wanted me to talk to. The last couple came all the way from a town about 40kms away to collect a few plants. I was grateful that they took the heavier ones and I am being set free from the burden of finding homes for them all. I cooked my nephew a Birthday cake, he saw the second one. For the first I tried a new recipe, and it was none too good. I found a more reliable one and had a success. The recipes we use in life cannot be driven by fear or pride, both produce bad results. Try doing things God’s way, it works real fine!

“Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the Lord’s decree will prevail.” Proverbs‬ ‭19‬:‭21‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ I tend to race ahead in my thoughts at times, but this scripture centres me. Today it was also aided by a word from Steve Furtick, he said, “God wants you to stay in the moment not be anxious about the future”. Bam! Last night I had a visit from a Nepali couple, a doctor and his wife. The bought much of my furniture. I thought it was very poetic of God to send the very people I am going to evangelise to buy my furniture. Earlier I had prayed that God would orchestrate the right people, the people who needed to hear what He had to say. What He had to say was, “remember why you are here and who the people are you are meant to serve.” They have a heart to return to Nepal to help their own people. They have invited me to visit them when they receive my furniture for dinner, momos. Today I have much to organise and a birthday cake to make for my nephew, before the big sale tomorrow. Lord bring...

“But I will sing of Your strength and will joyfully proclaim Your faithful love in the morning. For You have been a stronghold for me, a refuge in my day of trouble.” Psalms‬ ‭59‬:‭16‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ Today I have not had much trouble, but there have been days of great despair over the years. My God has been ever present, tangibly so, during the worst times. Today I finished my preparation for the leaving sale on Saturday. Last night I was inundated with seekers, today not so much. It has given me space to focus on preparation. Cleaning furniture, equipment, garden tools and plant pots all takes time. I managed some study, yay! My language learning is progressing well. I also managed to put on my last crock pot of stew. This lot should keep me going next week. I’ve had people interested in my fridge, so I will freeze my meals tonight and store them across the street in my family’s spare fridge. I am grateful that I am on schedule. It is good to see how God goes before me. God will do it! He is...

“But I will sing of Your strength and will joyfully proclaim Your faithful love in the morning. For You have been a stronghold for me, a refuge in my day of trouble.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭59‬:‭16‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ As I sit and write this a beautiful moon is posed above a pink sky in the early dawn. How great is our God! The fact that He created it all for our enjoyment is amazing. Yet, He did! His love we may never understand, but it is real and it is there for us to feast upon. I am in the mindset of a feeding frenzy. I have listed my furniture for sale in preparation for going to Nepal. The potential buyers are relentless. They were messaging late into the night and have already begun again. They can wait! God comes first, and sleep second. Let us rejoice in God our creator! He is worthy to be praised! Amen!

“Therefore I, the prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, accepting one another in love, diligently keeping the unity of the Spirit with the peace that binds us.” Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ Paul wrote these words whilst in prison. His encouragement to walk with humility and gentleness with patience wa something he also would have had to lay hold of. He was imprisoned the first time because the Jews wanted to kill him, and the then ruler wanted to keep the Jews onside . How did Paul take that? What were his conditions like in prison? It is so easy to read a portion of scripture and never think about the human who wrote it. We need to consider Paul. He had authority to write what he wrote as he had endured much as a servant of Christ. We cannot be so self-consumed that we fail to acknowledge those who have suffered to bring us Godly truth. Godly truth bring understanding and knowledge. Let us no...

“Therefore I, the prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, accepting one another in love, diligently keeping the unity of the Spirit with the peace that binds us.” Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ Do you know the calling you have received? We are called to be children of God, co-heirs with Christ and His representatives here on earth. It does not matter if we are a retiree, or a child, or somewhere in between. We wear our representation like a person serving in the armed forces. We serve the king of kings and Lord of Lords. As a child of God we have access to all of God’s arsenal and all His wisdom, His authority and all of His gifts. We must believe we have these and walk in them. The more faith we apply the greater the boldness to do exploits for the Lord. When Paul exhorts us to walk worthy, do you understand now? The world is gobsmacked that Prince Harry is not walking worthy of his place in the ...

““But I say to you who listen: Love your enemies, do what is good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭6‬:‭27‬-‭28‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ Who are those who mistreat us? We must be careful to understand this completely. If I feel slighted, am I being mistreated? No! It could be that I am being a tad selfish expecting immediate attention. If someone fails to get back to me, am I being mistreated? No! Did we ask for a call back and was it reasonable to expect one? I think the mistreatment Jesus may be talking about would be related to the time He was in. The Roman army occupied Israel and despot kings were given rulership over different provinces. I think John the Baptist would have a complaint about Herod, he was in prison. Yet, even here, John was challenged by Jesus for being offended that Jesus did not rescue him. Only Jesus knew why He did not rescue John. Only God will know what some us will not be rescued. Here the same admonishment applies...

““But I say to you who listen: Love your enemies, do what is good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭6‬:‭27‬-‭28‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ Forgiveness is needed! Forgiveness softens the hardened hearts. Forgiveness cleanses. Forgiveness rescues the bound. It is said a bully bullies because they were bullied. Bullies need God’s touch. They need to know God’s softened and forgiveness. Pray for your bullies! As we forgive we are set free from a hardened heart, we are healed in our bodies. Forgiveness is good for our souls. Forgive tody! Amen!