The day with dianne Louise

“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” James‬ ‭1‬:‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬ What are people really saying when they speak? What are they saying when they post on social media? Are they masking up? Most likely! We have come to know that most people do not really care for how we really are, and so we mask up. How effective is this? Disasterous! We need somewhere and someone with whom we can be brutally honest. We will not find that on social media because most people are ill equipped to handle it, as they have never found a place to be truely honest on SM. We scroll through looking at pictures-and things that make us feel soft or make us laugh. Things that annoy us make us angry, and if politicians are involved they are usually roasted. We do not trust them. They are salesmen.  Where then can we go for honesty? The Lord is the only faithful One who is willing to not interrupt, love us unconditionally and encourage us ...

“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” James‬ ‭1‬:‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Do you see people listening to answer? I do! This shows impatience with my opinion and preference for their opinion. However, are you like this as well? At times we can be. So then how do we practice listening? First we can practice listening for what God is saying through scripture and through people around us. If we expect Him to speak then we are blessed with hearing Him speak. Second we can choose to love the person who is speaking more than our desire to speak and give our opinion. This requires intentional relationships. Does it matter that we give our opinion? Does it help the situation? Is God wanting to use us to speak? If so He will definitely love the person speaking enough to listen, this is respectful. When people came to Jesus He would ask them, “what can I do for you?” He knew what she could do but allowed them to engage. Impatien...

“Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matthew‬ ‭22‬:‭37‬-‭39‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Today I floated my idea about creating teaching podcasts for pastors. Timothy liked the idea and wanted to further that to UTube videos. He has a translator and we have a speaker. My role will be to find source material and push translation along. I will also need to fund it. I know how desperately I rely on podcasts and video clips to sustain my walk, especially during hard times. Pastors have it harder, they have to source their material and preach it, then disciple. I want to feed the pastors. This afternoon I went and looked at an electric scooter for me to buy. I liked it. It arrives tomorrow for me to try out. Today I went by myself in a taxi to a swimming pool and home again. It was a long trip, but the pool was refreshing. It was good ...

“Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭22‬:‭37-40‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Jesus was asked what was the greatest commandment by a man seeking to trap Him. The man had to confess that ahe answered wisely. We see this in Mark 12:32, and Jesus said to him, “you are not far from the kingdom of God”( Mark 12:34) So, if these two are the greatest commandments we would be wise to consider them. Loving God with my heart, soul and mind is with everything. If I love Him with everything then, I love my neighbours as myself. When I return home to Australia I plan on doing housesitting jobs for accomodation. Two particular jobs that I applied for did not answer for the longest time, which was frustrating. However, I thought it through: anythin...

“Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Paul is urging the Philippians to remember and practice what they saw him do. In first and second Peter he does also. Peter and Paul were concerned that the saints not be infiltrated by infidels preaching a carnal gospel. Today, we must be aware of the dangers of carnality also. Modern man lives for self and calls it godliness. However, if we create an idol of our own interpretation of the gospel then we haven fallen into carnality. Today we must heed the call to godliness and holiness because Jesus said, “you must be holy as your heavenly Father-is holy.” Without holiness we will not see God. We need to digest this fact. Amen!

“Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Paul had won converts and disciples them. The above words are urging the Philippians to continue in the discipleship they had received. Isn’t it interesting that Paul cites his behaviour as worthy of copying. In fact our behaviour is an example, it is evidence of our inward condition. Paul was sold out to Christ and this was evident in his behaviour.  If a sweet fragrance flows from our behaviour then people will know God is present and at work in us. If the sweet fragrance is absent and rather a sour stench is present, our words rankle like clanging cymbals. They turn people away from Christ rather than draw them to Him.  Our behaviour matters and revels our time with Jesus. Amen!

“For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.” Psalms‬ ‭30‬:‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I have had times of intense grief and have wept for a night. However, my spirit yearned for the Lord. I needed to find Him as He is my solace. People are nice to hold but are empty of His solace. He is the only one who’s balm heals the soul. Without the Lord I would be so empty. I would have become angry and bitter and vengeful. Praise God He rescued me! As I yield to Him He frees me of bitterness and rage. Self-control is a fruit that can be released within me. His Holy Spirit empowers me. Amen!

“For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.” Psalms‬ ‭30‬:‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬ David writes with understanding.. he is Jessie’s son and now is himself a father. He understands discipline. He likens his relationship to the Lord as a son to his Father.  In verses 6,7 he says: “When I was prosperous, I said, “Nothing can stop me now!” Your favor, O Lord, made me as secure as a mountain. Then you turned away from me, and I was shattered.” Psalms‬ ‭30‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This is so true. We become arrogant when prosperous but God turning away from us shatters our false image. Arrogance prepares us for destruction. Fortunately, our God waits for us to repent. Humility does indeed attract the Lord’s favour. Amen!

“God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Peter makes sure we understand persecution: “Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you. For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.” ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭2‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Peter was there when Jesus said the first, and he came to know and understand the correct meaning. If we are doing and saying stupid things then we deserve punishment, however, if we are making a righteous stance and suffering Jesus is watching and we will be rewarded. Amen!

“God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Persecution is a part of being a Christian. Jesus told His disciples that familes would turn against families; that His disciples would be handed over to authorities for His namesake. However, He also told them not to be anxious about what to say as His Holy Spirit would give them words to speak at the right time. Peter and John were imprisoned for preaching Christ; Stephen was stones for preaching Christ; Paul was constantly chased throughout Asia for preaching Christ. The persecutors in all these cases were the religious Pharisees.  In many countires of the world now, people are chased, imprisoned, killed for Christ. In Nepal pastors are imprisoned by the religious zealots of Hinduism. Religion kills not only those whom it holds but those who refuse to be held it is an evil spirit. Yet, Jesus came to set men free! Amen!

“God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.” Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Jesus said, “ peace I leave you; peace I give you , not as the world gives do I give it to you (John 14:27). I am in Nepal and there are westerners who come here to seek peace by learning to repeat mantras. They will leave with more that they bargained for. A demon or two. I have an Aussie frien who asked if I was going to visit Buddha’s grave. I replied, “probably not!” However, Jesus does not lead us into evil. He is the source of peace. I am grateful for His peace. We can be in the midst of a battle and be at peace. If we let His peace govern us, we will be safe. Amen!

“God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.” Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Peacemakers create avenues of peace, whereas peacekeepers endeavour to keep peace with warring parties. They are reactive where the first are proactive. Joel Rosenberg and a group of evangelical Christians have been used by God to forge a path of peace between Israel and their Arab neighbours. Whereas the Israelis government work to keep the peace as best possible with their neighbours. A few are recalcitrant and determined to destroy Israel, unfortunately. The UN have a group called The Peacekeepers. They are a military group who enforce peace.  God’s people are called to be peacemakers. In Nepal a friend of mine has been asked by the government to attend talks to work for peace amongst religious factions. He is working as a peacemaker. May we actively work for peace, instead of expecting it. Amen!

“God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.” Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I came to Nepal 20 days ago and have not sensed God’s presence on any thing or place, until today. I have been seeking God for His way, and into the sea of nothingness came His presence and glory. I had attended the English church again this morning, had lunch with our new English friends, who leave for England on Thursday, and this afternoon were invited to go along with them on a drive. We went to one of the Koininoa church homes. It was called Martha’s Home. In the home elderly ladies and children live together in a three storey home. We discovered their washing machine was dead. We also discovered that the government was attempting to make them separate children and the elderly because of fear of abuse (to children or elderly I do not know). I felt inspired to pray for a miracle of God for the home. We went up the stairs to look over the home then down to the kitchen for tea. I sensed a boldne...

“God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.” Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Pure in heart have no malice, are not pulled by worldly lusts and attitudes, they are single focussed.  Jesus put a child in the midst of He and His disciples to teach about singleness of focus.: “Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭18‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The disciples were constantly argued about who was the greatest, they were driven by ego. Jesus wanted them softer, more pliable. They needed to look away from earthly lusts to His example of servanthood. Even up to His ascension they thought He would establish His earthly kingdom. The book of Revelation shows us the position that the apostles carry in eternity. When Jesus returns to rule in the millennium, they will return with Him to rule then. However, history shows us they were chastened by the experiences they had before d...

“God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We are merciful when we do not give what is deserved, especially in the negative. People’s mannerisms, personalities and characters can annoy us. Who has the problem? The one who is annoyed. This is an opportunity to show mercy and grace just as our heavenly is merciful and gracious. Our Father’s grace and mercy is beyond our understanding. He is good to the core. When we are not spending time with the Lord we can become unsanctified and carnal. That is when irritability shows. Jesus said, “abide in Me and I will abide in you”. If we are in Him then we are in His grace and mercy. Amen! Abide!

“God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬ If we listen to the voices in our heads, instead of mercy we will dish out judgement, rejection and injustice. However, if we listen to God’s word we will be merciful. If we sow mercy we receive mercy. Everybody needs mercy, Jesus knew that. He came to a broken world filled with sin and selfish pride, walked among us and spoke about His Father. Prior to Jesus there was Yahweh. After Jesus we knew that there was God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Ghost. Jesus presented mercy. He was nailed to a cross for our sin, not His own. He was perfect in every way. He not only gave His life for us, He rose in victory three days later. We can walk in His forgiveness and new life as we receive Him as the price for our sin. Today receive mercy and live in this mercy. Amen!

“God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.” Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We may not all know this level of desperation, however, many who are persecuted would. I have been told that there are about 80,000 people in prison for their faith in North Korea; that persecution in Nigeria is ramping up, people are being murdered for their faith, even in Nepal in some parts men and women who minister the gospel are imprisoned.  The west is seeing the insidious creep of persecution . Christian schools are losing their freedoms, chridtian hospitals are being taken over by governments. I just listened to a Greg Laurie message and said this is all preparing the way for the anti-Christ. I would agree. We will begin to know hunger and thirst for the truth that only Jesus can give. Onky yesterday I read that WA has passed the most horrific abortion laws yet seen in Australia. Babies are far game, and yet when you watch little girls and boys respond to newborn babi...

“God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.” Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Justice is more than me receiving just treatment in the courts against corporate Australia, it is also me delivering justice, the justice that God decrees, towards others. If Jesus paid the penalty for sin, I have no right to hold the sins of others over them. God is their judge . Jesus spent a lot of time teaching about forgiveness, letting go of offence and loving as He loved. He went to the cross in His love to save us and redeem us back from the penalty of punishment and banishment. Faith in this work He did is what gives us  eternal life, a future and a hope. Jesus said He could judge, but would not judge anyone, He would leave that up to the Father. If this response is good enough for the Son of God, it is good enough for me. Amen! Meantimes,  I will fight for justice for the weak, the young and the old. I have a part to play and I will play it! Amen!

“God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.” Matthew‬ ‭5 I am reminded of the biblical story sureounding the demotion of Shebna and the raising up of Eliakim (Is 22:15-25). God was not pleased with the arrogant Shebna and said so. Jesus spoke against the arrogant and self-righteous Pharisees. He was not impressed with arrogance either. Both of these scriptures tell us the outcome of humility and arrogance. If we want to be blessed, we need to humble ourselves, and let God raise us up. Today I met another humbke man, a pastor who lives in a shack. He has four children and a wife. I wonder how many westerners would be prepared to live in a shack?

“God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.” Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I am sleeping in a Chepang village tonight. Diarrhoea has shadowed me and caused me to be unable to partake in the evening meal. I asked for the ability to have a wash before bed and was given a huge bowl of cold water in a little tin shed. Here I navigated a wash the best I could. This outhouse has a western toilet yet to be plumbed in and room for a standing bath. These people are the most gentle and loving. They live in community. There are many young mothers, as the practice of being married at pubity exists here. They do not seem to be aware that they have been robbed of their youth, for even the youngest girl assists in the care of the babies as if it is the norm. The pastor had a stroke two years ago and now has a defunct left arm and leg. He walks with a walking stick. I asked if he struggled with his infirmity and was told, “not anymore , he knows his job is to care for the villa...

“God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT Today I travelled all day to get to a village in the Chitwan district. It is a remote village. The people are Chepang, they are castless, and considered the lowest of the low. Yet, God has visited them and showed them that He loves them as His children. My young friend Timothy came to share Jesus with them and many responded. Tonight the Jesus movie will be again be shown , hopefully those yet to believe will come. These beautiful people have suffered much. Their pastor seems to have had a stroke as he is paralysed down the left side. However, he can talk and walks with a stick. He is a gentle, loving man. I pray that Jesus visits more in this village and blesses them with salvation. This is the greatest gift of all. Amen!

“God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We have all experienced mourning, and it’s associated grief. Grief hurts! Grief is a soul pain. Each time I experience grief I sense a knife-blade into my heart. Tears ensue! I run to the Lord for comfort! He is the best comforter! I have a dear friend going through this right now. A best friend of hers died this week. Her  friend had struggled with stroke after stroke. Although my friend knew that either way she would be blessed, as she knew the Lord,  losing the touch and sight of a dear one hurts. There is also the pain of watching the family grieve. We can comfort our friends, but ultimately, the Holy Spirit does the best job. He is a succor in grief like none other. While we still experience the pain, His loving touch is there for us. His presence is tangible in these times. Thank You Holy Spirit! Amen!

““God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Today was a day of blessing. I decided to believe I was the head and not the tail. My bond refund came thru and I managed to secure flights home for $1000. Most providers wanted double. I also booked and paid for my holiday with grandson Ollie on my return to Brisbane, it also was cheaper than what was on offer. I then completed my profile for housesitting. I had prayed that the Lord would give me a great place to stay over Christmas so that I could be in my own space and not under foot in my sons house. I have two good potentials and am waiting on their reply. This afternoon I made my way to the local supermarket and bought a few provisions as I am to go to Chitwan tomorrow with Timothy. He asked me to prepare a testimony and so I did, in Nepali. It remains to be seen how the delivery goes. I had a young boy who lives at my digs check it for me. I now have h...

““God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This scripture does not relate to finances, though many have taken it to mean it. When we recognise we lack spiritually, that we are desperate for God and all that He is, then we are truely blessed. We become attractive to God when we know our need for Him.  I saw a cartoon in which there was one person in the whole congregation hungry for God and the rest were bored and busy on their phones. The One received God’s love, for that person hungered and thirsted after Him. If we are in church without this hunger we are wasting our time. We are there for Him, to seek Him and find Him, to worship Him corporately. Corporate worship can be so powerful if all hearts are yearning together. In our own private time we need to cultivate this hunger. I am in a place where I need to hunger and thirst after Him. In Nepal sleeping on a hard pillow being challenged with ph...

“I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.” Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬ No shadow of shame! I claim that! The realisation hit me that my enemy has been piling shame and rejection on me. I rebuke it in Jesus’ name! I claim my position in Christ! I claim all that is mine in Jesus name!  I was planning on allowing my enemy turn me away from visiting my family at Christmas. However, I am going! Thank you Lord for my place! Amen!

“I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.” Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬ My constant challenge is facing the voice of opposition: “you made the wrong choice coming to Nepal; where is God in this, it is all your own arrogance; you should have waited; this was not clever!” On and on it goes! It is only a reiteration of the first recorded line in history: “has God said?” Satan’s tactics have not changed. Yesterday was a good surprise. Going to a different church I encountered people from Worcester England. It was a pleasant exchange. However, retuning to my very basic digs and another cold shower was not pleasant. Praise God the weather is still warm and that my friend Warren brought me a large water bottle, I have around 20 litres of fresh water to drink.  I have my mobile and podcasts, UTube and social media. Best of all I can listen to biblical messages...

“And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.” Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭26‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Today I went to English church in Kathmandu. It was refreshing to sing English songs. And to hear a message in English. The people were delightful and after church we were invited to eat lunch with the English folk. We made some good friends. I enjoyed it. My stomach was still a bit twitchy so I kept away from food that might upset it. I hope we see more of these folk. I also met one of the longest serving missionaries to Nepal, an American lady called Miriam who had been in Nepal for around 60 years. I hope to catch up with her this coming week. Today was a complete surprise and I am very grateful. Thank You Lord! Amen!

“And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.” Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭26‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Yesterday I traversed the ciry of Kathmandu seeing abject poverty, hopelessness by the thousands. As ai was driven through these areas I prayed for guidance. ‘Lord your Holy Spirit can change this’. As hearts and minds come to know the power of God they transform. Wherever there are churches there is a different spirit. This is my greatest concern and prayer, the salvation of the masses. The people know how to celebrate. We saw a few celebratory marches with drums beating, banners flying, but dead eyes. Pray with me for a move of the Spirit. I am reminded of the disciples who went at Jesus’ command into foreign lands with the gospel. The gospel changes lives and brings hope. Amen! Since yesterday I have a bout of diarrhoea. I need healing and energy to continue. This is quite ...

“True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life.” Proverbs‬ ‭22‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The author of provers understood the truth of this verse. King Solomon was asked by the Lord for what he would like the Lord to do for him. He asked for wisdom to rule God’s people. God was impressed that he did not ask for riches and He said, “because you did not ask for riches but rather wisdom, I will bless you with riches and honour as well as wisdom”(1 Kings 3:11). (My paraphrase) God did bless Solomon, however, because he married women of all the nations around to keep peace he lost his pure love for God, and started worshipping foreign idols. Obviously the wisdom God gave him did not help him in his idolatry. We are responsible for keeping our hearts free from idolatry.  My new friend Tabitha, in photo, chose to serve the Lord and is currently working as a maid at UVN in Kathmandu. She has been wise for this decision has opened doors for her to learn English and follow the Lo...

“True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life.” Proverbs‬ ‭22‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The opposite, pride, makes us arrogant and self-important. We are enamoured with our position and take liberties that God had not intended. We forget that Jesus taught on true humility, He said, “ take my yoke upon you, learn from Me, I am meek and humble of heart (Matt 11:29). Jesus, the king of kings and lord of glory did not see it fit to Lord it over people like the Pharisees, but rather humbled Himself like a servant. When the apostles were viying for prominence and position He took a little child and placed it in their midst saying, “whoever wants to be first must be a servant, whoever welcomes a child on my behalf welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me also welcomes my Father” (Mark 9:35-37). Jesus had noticed the disciples arguing about who was greatest. Pride causes us to fail to see the importance of the little people to Jesus. Willingness to honour the children keeps us humble....

“So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord!” Psalms‬ ‭31‬:‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Today I knew I needed courage, I was going into the unknown to look at a unit to live in for a few weeks. I had been told that my bedroom was at the top of three flights of stairs, my kitchen down two flights and through a rabbit warren. I am not good with directions or isolation and this morning I was praying for guidance.  My young friend Timothy collected me and took me to the guesthouse. It is called Nehemiah. From the moment we entered the drive I sensed the presence and peace of God. I knew I would be ok. I met the staff and the man in charge who is Korean, a gentle soul. Outside there are beautiful gardens and a shady tree. I love trees. There is place there to sit and spend time in the quiet with the Lord. My bedroom is tiny, however, all I need is a bed and a bathroom, which I have. It will be ample until my proper unit is available, when my friends build their house and move. As...

“So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord!” Psalms‬ ‭31‬:‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬ If we read the whole of Psalm 31, we again find the author in trouble and praying to God for help. This final verse is reminding the author: you have prayed to the Lord for help, now stand and trust that He will provide. Today I find myself in this place. My accomodation is proving too expensive. Yesterday I was told it is extra to use the laundry and kitchen. For the room I have I am paying top dollar in a land that is in recession. It is not the best room and not everything works well. I had persevered because I knew the organisation needed the money. However, when told you cannot use the kitchen after the 22nd of the month as the room nearby is rented out, I knew that I was being given an opportunity to find better. My friends who are already in KTM pay almost what I am an paying in a week, monthly. Their unit is beautiful and I am keen to take up their lease when their house is built. How...

““I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.” ‭‭John‬ ‭5‬:‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬ How can someone be still breathing and be dead? And how can someone still alive pass from death to life? Jesus said these words, therefore, what did He mean?  We might think we are alive outside of Christ, however, our spirits are dead and we are walking towards eternal damnation. The sense of being alive is enhanced when we are joyful and things are good. Yet, the converse is true when things are bad. We must question our grasp of eternal reality. This natural grasp on reality is what causes us to take our lives if we consider them a failure. This is done, however, without a consideration of eternity. We will exist always, our spirits and souls are eternal. If eternity is real, then what do we do to ourselves to in taking charge?  Jesus taught about eter...

““I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.” ‭‭John‬ ‭5‬:‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Jesus is proposing a new way. He is saying He is the way to eternal life, even though we may sin we will not be condemned as we place our faith in Him, instead of our own ability to be right through our own efforts. Paul reiterates this concept when he said in Romans 8:1 there is therefore, now no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. I belong to Him as I walk in faith in what He has done, not what I have done. Salvation is something we all want as is justification. We are justified by faith. Paul again says: “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation.” Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭....

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Today I met the head of UVN and discussed his plans and how I could possibly help. I told him that I also have two other places that will want my help, so don’t feel obligated to find things for me to do. Next I was taken out for lunch by a young man called Andip who has been on mission with me and Warren our mutual friend. After lunch they took me shopping for sunglasses and a backpack. Warren bought me the glasses and I bought the backpack. I am now almost set. It was fun being in the markets and old sections of Patan Durbar, the original secrions of Kathmandu. After shopping we went for a cool drink up five flights of stairs and the view was spectacular. It was a good day. I made the point of talking to Andip about the Jesus movie and also The Cho...

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬ We cannot test and approve what God’s will is, unless we refuse to conform to the world. To be able to do this we must be able to discern what the world is in our lives. The worldly way is to live for self, not for God. Jesus said, “if you are to be my disciples you must take up your cross and follow me”(Luke 14:27). In the prior verse He said, “unless you hate father, mother, brother or sister and even your own life, by comparison”. Did He actually mean hate our families? No, however, He meant not having them before Him. This harkens  back to the first commandment: ‘You shall love the Lord Your God with all you heart, soul and mind’. Fortunately Jesus also said, “and love your neighbour as yourself”.   The world loves those who love them, and not care about ever...

“We love because he first loved us.” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭19‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Today I had my first outing since arriving in Nepal. It was good to go to familiar places and some new ones. My friend Uma collected me on her scooter and took me to lunch at a lovely Christian coffee shop where we caught up and had a tasty meal. I had brought her an Aussie bible and some tea which she had asked for. Afterwards she took me to a coffee house where I bought some lovely coffee beans, had them ground and then went in search of a plunger and a knife for the kitchen. Uma has offered to talk to her colleagues regarding me doing some voluntary work with them twice a week. She also offered to find me cheaper accomodation as where I am staying is expensive. I told her that soon I will have my own flat, praise God! So, already I have two groups wanting my services and probably a third, UVN.  I had befriended Uma way back in 2016 when I first came to Nepal. Since then we have stayed in contact. She is a young wife ...

“We love because he first loved us.” 1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭19‬ ‭NIV‬‬ This chapter deals with love: why we love and how it is evident in us. John knew how to love, and yet Jesus called he and his brother James ‘sons of thunder’. They were quick to want to rain judgement down on a city that rejected Jesus. There must have been many more incidents, they had also asked that in heaven they be seated on Jesus’ right and left.’ They were bold boys. However, John saw in Jesus what He wanted and he loved Him. The gospel of John reveals the love of Jesus. John caught that, and now in this epistle teaches that love.  In verse 20 John states that whoever does not love his brother or sister does not love God, for God is love and if we are in Him then we are in His love. He had learned something. I have been quick to want to deal the paddle to a brother or sister. Usually out of personal frustration. My frustration has to do with my inability to love in a given situation and I therefore need to find God...

“For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah‬ ‭41‬:‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬ I love this verse, I fact most of the chapter. Today I spent time praying and seeking God, studying Nepali and then I had a visit from a young man called Timothy. Timothy is a musician and an evangelist, he is also a uni student studying social work. Gods hand is on him mightily. I know I want to work with this young man. He told me that this morning he asked my friend Warren to buy me a scooter. I had been thinking about a scooter. I also proposed that I take over Timothy’s unit once he moves into his home with Warren. He said I could do that. That interests me. Then I could have my own guests, I imagine I will be able to help young women as well. We will see what God does. We will see what God does. He is on the move! Amen!

“For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah‬ ‭41‬:‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬ The whole chapter is filled with promises; that those who opposed me will be no more; that God will use me as a threshing sledge. I only discovered what one of these were a few days ago when listening to a message by a preacher. This sledge had small stones set in the undercarriage and the ox pulled the sledge around over the newly harvested grain. The stones help crush the wheat and remove the chaff. Last night I awoke with a stiff neck from sleeping in the chair and went and lay on the bed. I slept much better. I had been sleeping in a chair because I had been coughing. Laying on a bed exacerbated it. Last night it didn’t, praise God! I am mending! Today I can begin to meet people and find my purpose here. Already I have a request to meet. This week I hope to meet with UVN and a woman I have known for some time, Uma. She is in a women’s work. My frien...

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬ This morning I crafted how I would ask the housemaid for three bottles of water; can I have my sheets and towels changed and can I have my room cleaned please. Although I am staying in a guesthouse none of these things are done regularly with asking. We had fun with my newness to the Nepali language. Today I paid my account to date and discovered that I would need to reign in house food and cook for myself to save money. I had a friend visit who informed me that he only pays 20,000 rupees per month for his large flat. In other words I could find cheaper, as my rent is 16,000/week and the facilities are not so great. Whilst I want to support the Christian organisation who runs the facility, I may need to think again. I will pray for guidance. God is good! I can trust Him.  I am sure the Lord has a plan and it is not entail m...

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬ I am glad for this scripture. It confronts my tiredness and numb backside; my inability to find my way out of my present predicament. I have been coughing for over a week now. It means I must sleep in a chair overnight and I awake tired and exhausted. However, I do have faithful friends praying for my breakthrough. As I surfaced from deep sleep I sensed the powerful prayer of my good friend Ros from home. I need powerful praying friends. I have had many say they will pray, yet not many know how to truely pray in power. James says that the powerful prayers of the righteous are effective for healing (James 5:16). Today is Sunday and whilst not a church day in Nepal (Saturday is their day off and day for worship), a friend I have here tells me he is going to English church today. I will let him go and report back. I have commitmen...

““You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”” ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭4‬:‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Right here in the book of Revelation we see glory given to God for creating all things. Mankind likes to believe nothing created everything. For me, that concept takes more faith than I can muster. It is good for mankind to give glory to God, it humbles us. My God is glorious! The Book of Revelation sure puts things into a divine perspective. All that has happened and will happen is God ordained, from heaven’s perspective. Whereas what we do here on earth has consequences for what will happen to us personally. The first few chapters puts perspective on the behaviour of the churches. In one particular church the only thing it had done wrong was lose its first love. It had been faithful and true in every other area. This speaks to me. When we face Jesus as judge He sees all and examines all. I rememb...

“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬ What is seen pushes itself forward constantly claiming it is reality and all there is. Sorry! I refuse to follow that logic. My bible is the word of God and it takes presidency. I have been seeking the Lord for what now Lord? Today I was visited by Amos one of the men in leadership here at UVN. He asked me to attrend a meeting, which I did. I was introduced to the leaders and asked to speak to them about what I wanted to do whilst here. I told them my credentials and said, “I came to serve”. They want me to fully recover and will probably call on me then. I said I hope it ai next week. We will see. Next week I meet with Uma the deputy head of a women’s organisation here in Nepal. I also must catch up with Timothy, a young evangelist here who is also a friend to another friend of mine. I want to do what the Father wants me to do....

“So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I am in Nepal and taking a few days to recover from a cold virus. I have a friend who has been here since February. He likes to chat but his conversation is focussed on problems rather than on answers. I find when I gently probe those problems with truth he becomes defensive. If we defend our problems instead of God’s truth we are in trouble. Our God is the source of all answers. How I feel at present and what God has for me to do here both are a problem to solve. However, if I seek Him He has the best solutions and answers. I must be willing to lay down my opinions and seek God. He has the best solutions. He has the future in His hands and I can trust Him. God always provides for my needs. If I mismanage what He provides I will go hungry and become homeless. ...

“No one is holy like the Lord! There is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.” 1 Samuel‬ ‭2‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬ My dear anepali friends are concerned for my health as I cough a lot and it sounds bad. However, I am confident that my God is keeping me from falling fatally ill. Whilst I sound bad, it is only noise. It reminds me of the devil who roams around seeking someone to devour. Satan roars but he is walking towards his eternal doom. I trust is in the name of the Lord. I cannot allow fear to make me surrender my trust in the Lord. I am His reaponsibility. He must rescue me. He is the best doctor. There is none like Him! I have spent today sleeping and when not asleep studying Gods word and writing the first chapter of my book about my walk now I have forsaken all to follow Him. I am pestering the Lord for where to from here. At present it feels different from when I was here before. Before I came to preach and minister. I was annointed for that task. Whilst I had several prophe...

“Then Hannah prayed: “My heart rejoices in the Lord! The Lord has made me strong. Now I have an answer for my enemies; I rejoice because you rescued me. No one is holy like the Lord! There is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.” 1 Samuel‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬ If we read verse 2 by itself we could assume some great man said the words, yet they were spoken by a woman, Hannah, who God gave a son after years of barrenness. She gave the son back to the Lord and he grew up to be the mighty man Samuel. However, he was left under the care of Eli who was not a good priest before the Lord. What faith Hannah had in the Lord! I am grateful for Hannah amd her faith. She encourages me in my walk of faith. If you read the full prayer of Hannah you grow to respect her. I have need of finding God as I begin this venture in Nepal. I am able to be quiet and wait on the Lord as I am recovering from a cold and nasty cough. I read, pray, listen to preaching messages and sleep. I cannot affor to...

“May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus.” Romans‬ ‭15‬:‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Did you read that right? God gives this patience and encouragement. If God gives these things why are they not always evident? Perhaps in places where we are intent on being self-righteous and carving up other Christians there is absence of patience and encouragement. Self-righteousness is a wicked evil that has trapped many of God’s people into webs of darkness. Our enemy the devil claps in glee, he has captured our hearts with his poisonous darts. Today I am in recovery mode as I am battling a common cold and hacking cough. I had a friend visit. He tried to fix my phone’s ability to send SMSs. I had to sit patiently whilst he communed with a young friend on his phone. All to no avail, I suggested he take it and let his friends look at it and return it. A young friend just dropped it off saying it had run out of S...

“May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus.” Romans‬ ‭15‬:‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬ To live in harmony we need patience. Patience and self-soothing is something we need. Self-soothing is a process whereby we aprehend our emotions reactions and submit them to the word of God and His Holy Spirit. Disharmony occurs when we refuse to control our behaviour and just react on people.” Out of frustration. Through dirty, barred windows I see the morning sun rising over Kathmandu. My bed is hard and my sleep has been tough as I am still coughing. Thought flood my mind: what are you doing here? Have you done the right thing? I must trust the Lord for that answer. Let the truth unfold in His time. I am looking forward to meeting and spending time with young Timothy. Timothy is a young evangelist a friend of mine is housing and sponsoring. I met him last night for the first time. I also was reacquainted with a...

“But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬ When we walk in the light the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin. Today I had plenary of opportunity to sin. At the KL airport I left my mobile in the toilet. When I discovered this remiss I was already through customs and unable to go back. I prayed for a miracle and went looking for help. I found it. A Muslim lady took on the task of finding it and she did, with a lot of help from the Lord. As my phone charger had a different pin I could not charge it until I remembered that my computer was fully charged and so I plugged the phone into the computer and voila! It worked! Tonight as I landed in Nepal I discovered that I had been robbed by the Nepali visa office beofre I came here. They led me to believe I had partially paid my visa. However, customs at the airport said No! Pay again! So I did and w...

“But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬ James is confronting us at a deeper level. The two previous verses explain: “This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth.” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭ The evidence that we are walking in the light is that we have fellowship with one another. So, if we find ourselves avoiding a brother or sister then we must examine our hearts to determine why. If we find we just don’t want to talk to that particular person we must ask why. Often it is offence. As I write this I am being convicted about a brother who has called my phone just before I came away and I did not see his call until later. I did not call him because I ...

“Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.” 2 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭15‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Today I travelled for 10hours from Brisbane to Kuala Lumpur. The cough that had developed a few days ago would not leave and became progressively worse. I am tired and I was stumbling around the airport not able to read the signs and with everyone donned with face masks I could not hear what they were saying. The enemy of my soul was out to make me want to go home: “look at you a sick, deaf old lady, what are you doing going to Nepal as you f you were a young woman.” I bucked myself up and looked for things to praise God for. I eventually found the taxi rank and left for the city and hours drive away. I liked my driver and we chatted some. He is as old as me with teeth missing and very little English. He has offered to collect me again tomorrow and take me back to the airport. I am gratefu...

“Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.” 2 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭15‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The word of truth is the gospel. We are commissioned to share the gospel with others. These others can be acquaintances, work colleagues , family and friends. It can also be total strangers.  I had prayed that the Lord would sit me next to people who needed to hear the gospel today.  I am flying to Kuala Lumpur today on route to Nepal. I had asked for this way back when I booked. The fact that my flight is interrupted with a layover in Kuala Lumpur is interesting. I wonder who I will speak to today? Tomorrow as ai complete my journey to Nepal again the right people will sit beside me. Let us see what the Lord will do with me. Today ai will be in the air for 10 hours. Long enough to establish connections. Praise God!

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭100‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬ God is worthy to be praised, unlike us, we were born into sin. However, as children of God we are called brothers and sister of Jesus. This is hard to imagine as we are ever mindful of our flesh and the trouble it causes us.  Being aware of our fleshly appetites and preponderance to listen to the accuser, we must become alert and aware to the need to pull down strongholds. I had a battle today. The accuser was out in force. Fortunately I was aware of his schemes. When he criticises family and friend I see it. Still caught unaware when he pokes fun at me. As we become aware and therefore able to pull down steongholds, we begin to manifest the glory of God. This is exactly what the Father wants us to do.  Arise oh saints arise! Amen!

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭100‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Dear Lord thank You for being my Father today, thank You for You Son and Holy Spirit; the sunshine; thank you for family; housing, food. Thank You for breath to praise You,; Thank You for church fellowship! I have been troubled with a post-nasal drip which causes me to cough. Thoughts about being unable to complete my mission have bugged me. Fortunately I know this is a strategy of the enemy, so I am still going. I have been thanking Jesus for paying the price for my healing instead. His sacrifice was enough!  Our God always has a plan! Always He is in charge and always wins! Amen!

“For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”” ‭‭Zephaniah‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬ There are times in our lives when we desperately want a saviour. We think it is another human, however, after many fail us, we discover it is Jesus. Today I am reading a book about a young boy whose parents were killed creating anthrax for the Russian government. He has just discovered that the man who killed his parents is the man he is forced to serve. He desperately wants to escape his captor but knows, from hard experience, there is no escape. Beofre we come to Christ we are captives to a cruel master, Satan, who uses us mercilessly. Jesus said, “I have come that you might have life, yet, the Devil comes to kill and destroy”(John 10:10). There is only one saviour! His name is Jesus! Amen!

“For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”” Zephaniah‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬ As a parent and grandparent I relate to this sentence. Singing my babies to sleep, comforting them with song and just singing in delight at their presence are all what I share. To have this verse tell me God does this with me is hard to believe, but gratefully received. To know God takes delight in me, just as I am, is gratifying. I do not have to perform in a certain way for His love. Scripture tells us: ‘but God showed His great love for us while we were yet sinners, He sent Christ to die for us’ (Roman’s 5:8) I have just finished reading a true story about Polish Jews in the Second World War. There was a particular Doctor Korzcak who took in little children. He worked with traumatised youths who were hardened and loved them back to childhood. It was a sad but ...

“For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”” Zephaniah‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬ As a parent and grandparent I relate to this sentence. Singing my babies to sleep, comforting them with song and just singing in delight at their presence are all what I share. To have this verse tell me God does this with me is hard to believe, but gratefully received. To know God takes delight in me, just as I am, is gratifying. I do not have to perform in a certain way for His love. Scripture tells us: ‘but God showed His great love for us while we were yet sinners, He sent Christ to die for us’ (Roman’s 5:8) I have just finished reading a true story about Polish Jews in the Second World War. There was a particular Doctor Korzcak who took in little children. He worked with traumatised youths who were hardened and loved them back to childhood. It was a sad but ...

“But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.” Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭20‬:‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Some time ago I had asked the Lord that I would not just stay in Nepal, but travel to many countries. Nothing seemed to come of it, until today. Today I received a message asking if I would be interested in a 6month stint in Borneo next year teaching English to bible students. The lady who I met at my sons church came from there and returns there often . She was asked if she knew anyone and she recommended me. I am honoured ! She has also asked me to return to Australia via Borneo in December this year to meet everyone. Well, I am blessed and gobsmacked. Thank you Jesus! Who knows what God has in mind for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Amen

“But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.” Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭20‬:‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I totally agree! I must finish the race that the Lord has given me. The work assigned to me is to share the good news about Christ. Only Hr can change lives, impart eternal life and free us from our destructive ways. There is power in the gospel. Power in the name of Jesus to set people from from darkness into light; from wickedness into service of the King. He is the only One who satisfies. This world is corrupt and filled with lusts for evil. Intentional living for Christ takes effort, purpose, diligence and determination. It is easy to yield, harder to stand. Stand and strengthen the limbs that hang down, tighten your faith, use it daily, study the word of God and use it to defeat the attacks of the enemy. Amen!