The day with dianne Louise

“Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts.” Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Having a born again experience filled me with joy. I remember the chorus: I’ve got joy and it’s deep in my heart… that is where Gus jiy resides. I am in Kuala Lumpur after a delayed flight and a transit bus that did not eventuate. I caught a taxi to my motel for a few hours sleep. I slept well on the plane. Nothing like an audio book to cause me to nod off. This afternoon I fly to Manilla and wait there for a few hours then fly at 11:30pm to Brisbane. I arrive at 9:30am tomorrow morning. The whole plane slept well through the flight here, even several children, I was impressed. May it be so good tonight. I cannot feel sorry for myself, for my tiredness and the failure of planes and buses to arrive on schedule. I can, however, keep my heart good. Amen!

“Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.” James‬ ‭1‬:‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬ There are people in our lives who cast shadows. They are those who bring outbursts of unseemly behaviour at the wrong time. They are usually stressed, unwell or frustrated because they try to manage their lives instead of surrendering them to the Lord.  Our God, conversely, is steadfast and unchanging. This can be frustrating as we try to manipulate him and fail. However it is greatly appreciated on the receiving end.  Today I experienced this in a friend. He is unwell and sleep deprived. The worst of it is when in this state he does not listen. This in turn can be frustrating and requires patience and prayer. Challenges like this, whilst annoying require me to walk in grace. Tonight I fly out of Nepal towards Australia. I spend around 12 hours in Kuala Lumpur. This time I have chosen a Mo...

“Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.” James‬ ‭1‬:‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬ James, in this chapter, is discussing temptation and blessing, attitude, not just listening to the word of God but being doers of the word. The above verse comes after temptation and trials. The best gift that we have received is the gift of salvation. The gifts we receive are without remorse on God’s part. Today I am grateful for His Holy Spirit and for His patience, goodness and presence in my life. I praise Him for the opportunity to walk with Him and serve Him. He is good and His mercy lasts long. His forgiveness is a treasure I cannot meansure with earthly rewards. Today I pack to return to Australia for a few months then back again in February to what God has for me to do. I await His commands. Meantime I will enjoy my grandchildren and Australian family and friends. They are a blessing! Amen...

“You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Tonight I went to dinner with my two future flatmates and an old friend. My two future flatmates were great. My old friend tired and should have been in bed. The dinner was also my farewell and birthday dinner. I ended up paying as my friends could not. It was a pleasure to pay. I am paying for all the furniture and furnishings for the flat as my flatemates are not able. It is a pleasure. Their company is enough. They are a joy to be around. Two godly women who love and serve the Lord living faithfully trusting Him for all their needs. Some things are more important than money in the bank- relationships! Good friends are worth more than gold. Amen!

“You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Paul was taking up an offering for the people affected by the famine in Jerusalem. He was speaking to Greek believers who had not been raised in the Jewish faith. Tithing was not spoken of by Paul. Perhaps it was a part of the law that he did not expect new believers to participate in. However, he did say a lot about generosity in this chapter. Generosity in a believer reveals their heart towards God. As we love the Lord, who is generous, we become generous. If we love our money more than the Lord we will be stingy. Paul teaches tht the generous will be watered: “For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The Lord is genero...

“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.” 1 Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭10‬-‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The indicator to our gifts often can be found in what resonates with our hearts and what interests us. I love reading the prophetic books and am drawn to prophesy; I love reading the gospels as they show me my most favourite person: Jesus. I love the word of God and eagerly look for what the Holy Spirit is saying to me through the scripture. I love it when the Holy Spirit shows up and demonstrates the power of God. I enjoy reading the epistles as I see the humanity of the apostles, especially Paul. Today I took delivery of my new washing ...

“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” 1 Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬ When God gives us gifts they are to be used for others. They are not to be buried. We bury them when we do not seek Him for the character or nature of that gift. He has given each of us a gift. It is our responsibility to seek Him for the name of that gift and then to use it. I have just realised the parable Jesus told about the ruler giving gifts to his servants before he left on a trip  relate to this principle. We can find this parable in the gospels:  ““Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip. “The servant who received the five bags of...

“Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.” 1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Perfect love also enables us to correctly fear the Lord. This is a healthy respect for Him and His ways. Today I went to the electrical shop where I bought a washing machine and discovered it did not have a pump but rather a hose for water to drain out at the bottom. As this would not work in my future flat I went to exchange it. The manager asked if I had used it, I had not, but discovered that my friend who is currently in the flat I hope to inhabit had used it to see if it would be what he wanted. I wanted to tell the manager this fact but my friend wanted it covered. I wrote to my young Nepali friend who had helped me purchase it and asked him to call the manager and tell him the truth. He agreed with my friend that it was not a huge problem and was disinclined to call the manager. ...

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬ No fear in love! Does this resonate or is there dissonance? If we fear we are not yet perfected in love. The apostle John wrote these words. He was the apostle that was boiled in oil and survived. I wonder how he felt when he was about to be thrown into the oil? Was he confident that God would provide a way of escape? Did he experience any fear? One day I will ask him. As we face fearful futures are we confident of escape or a way through? This week there was a protest march here in Kathmandu. The thought came to me: I wonder if this is the beginning of another civil war here in Nepal? I had only just read about the last one. It went for 10 years. The population was subjected to continuous lockdowns, bombings, lack of fuel and increased poverty. Fortunately nothing so disasterous came to pass. As i return home for...

““ ‘ “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” ’” ‭‭Numbers‬ ‭6‬:‭24‬-‭26‬ ‭NIV‬‬ What does blessing look like to you? Is it financial, relational or spiritual ? When we talk about blessing we tend to think of the natural rather than the spiritual. However, does God want a different blessing for us? Is His idea of blessing a greater measure of His presence? When God blessed the children of Israel He delivered them from bondage, along with it the Egyptians blesses them financially, He fed them and made sure their clothes did not wear out. However, He was visibly present in a cloud by day and a pillar of cloud by night. Yet, still they complained. Were they just plain complainers and ingrates? Or was there a bigger problem? The bigger problem was they needed a new heart, a born again heart. This He promised them. This came to pass with Jesus. However, Jesus warned His followers that...

“May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.’” Numbers‬ ‭6‬:‭25‬-‭26‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This blessing was given to Aaron, Moses’ brother, to use as a blessing to speak over the children of Israel. The Lord said, “when he blesses the people, I will also”. Generally the greater blessed the lesser. Rulers blessed their subjects. Now, I wonder if this still carries today? When we, the sons and daughters of our God choose to bless others, will He will bless them? Yes! Jesus said, “what you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, what you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven”(Matt 18:18-20). Our words carry power. We can commit a a child to a certain behaviour by our words, “you’re hopeless!” Or “you’re a blessing to me!” There are exceptions to this rule. Jabez sought the Lord even though his mother had given him the name which means sorrowful or born in pain, he prayed to the Lord for a blessing and God granted his request. 1 Chronicle...

“Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.” ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We are prone to give our opinions even when we have no counselling experience. This can be devastating to the listener, especially if they take our advice because they share the same outrage or emotional experience. Beer buddies do this well as do coffee mates. ‘I reckon’ is a phrase you hear a lot in Australia. You will hear it from the most ill informed and basic people. You will hear it a lot at barbecues and over pizza and a beer, or even a sausage sanger ( Australian slang for sandwich). However, rarely is this advice good advice.  You can go to a counsellor and may or may not hear good advice, it depends on their view on life. However, if you go to the Lord and seek His counsel, you will not be led astray. When the scripture above says: ‘teach and co...

“Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.” ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Last night I was invited to join a group of people celebrating Thanksgiving in Nepal. The hostess is American and thus she created the event. It was my first, and I enjoyed it, especially as the focus was Christ. We ate outside as there was a large table set up there that could accomodate us. It was a tight fit but the joy of fellowship made it special. After the main meal we went inside and sang Happy Birthday to the hostess’ husband and then we had a sweet time of worship. Again, for the second time in Nepal, I sensed the new wave of what God is doing. It is not the religious gathering of churches I had experienced but a fresh, simple, peaceful enjoyment of our Lord and saviour. The first time I had experienced this freshness is in a group of young Nepali wo...

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.” Psalms‬ ‭107‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This psalm is accredited to king David. It is called a circulatory psalm used in worship. It reminds the people of all manner of things that can happen to people who ignore the Lord, but then come back to recognise Him and give Him thanks. Verse two goes on to say;  “Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭107‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We have a song Let the Redeemded by Josh Baldwin. The chorus says: let the redeemed of the Lord say so.. it is important we speak out our testimony. Has God delivered you from sin, from hardship, from your enemies? Then say so! Each testimony gives thanks to the Lord, it sings His praises. Amen!

“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬-‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Some versions of theirs verse state: rejoice alway! Pray constantly! Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you on Christ Jesus (HCSB). Giving thanks in everything is different from being thankful in all circumstances. Giving thanks in everything places the emphasis on ‘everything’ that happens to us. Some of the everything’s is hard to handle. Paul had his share: shipwrecked, whipped, stoned, starving hungry, freezing cold. Yet, he was able to say give thanks in everything. We may have a lot of everything’s, some of them can be downright brutal, some are rejection, and criticism.  I am reading a book by Bill Johnson and Jennifer Miskov about saint of old. I am currently reading about John Wesley. This man was stoned, rejected and shunned by the established church, yet, God was with him with signs a...

“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬-‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Always be thankful! Even when circumstances are not favourable. Whilst we may not rejoice that people are against us, we can rejoice that God is for us. Yestersay I learned a lesson: always have an agreement in writing. When I came to my current accomodation I was told a certain price. Yesterday, because I asked for a letter a new manager asked for more, stating his own reasons. Soon three different stories abounded, and the price escalated. I have taken the middle ground, whilst knowing that the treatment is unreasonable, I also know that it will be more acceptable, as I have one more week to go before I leave. I can rejoice that my God is good and that I have learned a lesson. The key will be to move ahead with new information. It will also be important to know the nature of the people I am involved with. I happened...

“Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalms‬ ‭23‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Our enemy the Devil seeks to kill and destroy. He aims at tearing apart families, churches, communities, countires. Jesus said He came that we might have life, and have it abundantly. As I near my time of departure from Nepal, and subsequent return next February, I am battling to hold together my faith and those who are linked with me. Our enemy is raging and attempting to destroy. I am to share a flat with two Nepali women, however, the current inhabitants have had their plans thwarted by the enemy. Therefore, we girls are praying and keeping our hearts still as we wait. Today I met my translator who is helping me provide the Nepali pastors with a good supply of biblical teaching. He is struggling with his task, he thought the ongoing project would be too difficult and I encouraged him and explained what it would entail. I have off...

“Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalms‬ ‭23‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬ King David wrote this psalm. For many years he was chased by king Saul who sought to kill him. Saul was driven by an evil spirit. He was insane with jealousy and fear as God had raised David, and Saul could see he had been replaced in the spiritual world of not in the natural. Saul wanted his son Jonathan to reign after him, however, Johnathan recognised God’s hand on David and acknowledged it. Now, for David to write: ‘surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me’ took faith. Faith sees what the natural world fails to recognise. Jonathan recognised it, he was divinely inspired. Jonathan could do this because he loved David. Love enables us to see what we would otherwise be blinded from seeing. Saul hated David and thus he could not see. God had removed His hand from Saul and he knew it, the people recognised God’s hand on...

“Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.” ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭25‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This scripture has captured me. ‘If we are living by the Spirit’, how do we live by the Spirit? If Jesus said he was ‘the Life’ (Jn 10:10), and that He would give His holy Spirit to believers who waited and prayed in Jerusalem, in fact He said:  “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.” Luke‬ ‭24‬:‭49‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The evidence of this infilling was the manifestation of tongues, miracles, mass salvations and the gift of healings, wisdom, knowledge and faith. If we say we are living, how alive are we? Are we alive to God or this world? Are we, like the unsaved, committed to getting more and being entertained? Or are we alive to God wirh ears open to what moves Him? In the Old Testament God said: “chose this day life or death but choose life that y...

“Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.” ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭25‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This verse is the filler ins divine sandwich. On the top is:  “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.” Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬ And underneath:  “Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.” ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭26‬ ‭NLT‬‬ In the whole chapter Paul is teaching on matters pertaining to fleshly desires to walk in acts that oppose the freedom the Holy Spirit brings. They range from circumcision in the belief they will please God, in line with wrong teaching to outright fleshly acts of anger, flighting, envy, drunkenness etc and adds the evidence that one is walking in the Spirit: love, joy, patience, goodness, faithfulness, kindness, peace, gentleness and self-control ( verses 22,23). Fruits are our barometer. If we are walk...

“Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.” Joshua‬ ‭1‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Years ago when in my 20’s I undertook an advanced driving course. I learned how to drive on winding roads, there is a skill and a technique, if you apply it. I also learned to do a 360o turn in a case of danger. I was grateful for the lessons I learned. I know I can trust my God to bring them to the surface when needed. I learned to ride a push bike when I was around five. I learned on a dirt and gravel road. The learning was painful and I absorbed much gravel into my hands and knees. However, I know how to ride a bike. I have Nepali friends who have never learned and are in their 30’s. I learned to swim as a young child and now am a confident swimmer. My Nepali friends never learned and now struggle to even stay afloat. I have been a Christian since I was 19. I have learned to walk ...

“Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.” Joshua‬ ‭1‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This scripture was part of the word God spoke to Joshua as he was being appointed to lead God’s people into the promised land. Joshua would have been around 80 at this time. Joshua amd Caleb we’re the only two left of the original group who went 40 years earlier to scout out the promised land. They remained as they had brought a good report, whereas the other 10 brought a bad report about the size of the people in the promised land. Because the people believed the other 10 they also perished in the next 40 years wandering around in the desert. The Book of Instruction would have been all that God had given Moses. It contained the Laws and how the laws were to be kept. As Moses would have been trained in Pharaoh’s court to read and write, he probably would have been the only one able t...

“As for me, I look to the Lord for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me.” Micah‬ ‭7‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Micah is writing in a forsaken land where sons dispise their fathers and daughters disregard their mothers, daughter-in-laws disregards their mother-in-laws. He begins in despair but comes to this verse and goes on to say all who despised him will watch and see God’s vindication of himself. The above verse is special to me as God is my help. I can wait confidently for Him to save me. He alone is my strength. He alone saves me and lifts me up. No matter what others say or refuse to do, He is God! Amen!

“As for me, I look to the Lord for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me.” Micah‬ ‭7‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Today I went to my church to attend the Nepali service. I made sure I took chocolates along for my old ladies. They loved them! One in particular loved the gesture. She is a woman who had lost her fingers to leprosy. She has taken a shine to me. I showed her photos of my family. She was amazed. Her comment was ‘ramro’ which is Nepali for very good. After church I met my 90 year old American friend and invited her out to lunch. She said she did not get to go out much. It was an honour. I asked her how she came to receive a call to come to Nepali. She said it was while in church as a 15 year old girl. She first completed her schooling, then university studying science. She came at 25 and has remained ever since. She plans to die here. I asked how she came to church today and she replied ‘I walked!’ I did also but was impressed that this older lady is s...

“That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Today, after my lesson, we went shopping for sheets, and a doona for me. We also planned to look for mattresses. The place we went to for sheets was crowded and noisy. A lady was trying to tell me what sheets suited my bed and a loud man came in with four women all talking. My ears were playing up, probably due to the dairy I had eaten. I was becoming agitated. Help Lord! The woman finally came and helped me when I explained I had a hearing problem. We were sorted quickly and left the noise behind. Next, the woman who took us to this area of a Kathmandu thought the same people sold mattresses, wrong. We headed off into the crowd and noise looking for shops that sold mattresses. We found two. The first was no good and the second only took one of the women serving to give me the most gracious smile and I...

“That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Paul is quoting Isaiah 64:4 here. He is talking about sharing the gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit and not with the wisdom of man. That God had a plan way back in the garden of Eden, even when the first sin was committed, is amazing. Yet, even more amazing is that He looked down through time and saw us and determined to reveal Jesus in the scriptures just as He had done.  He revealed enough to me as a small child of four to cause me to hunger after Him until I came to know Him at 19. I am grateful that He pursued me. For in myself I would have been lost without Him.’ Thank you Lord! Amen!

“And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.” Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭15‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Today I have spent time working on keeping peace in my heart and mind. I have had to recognise the enemy’s tactics and seed thoughts, which I have removed. I have refused to judge and kept myself still to listen and learn. Understanding why we fidget and wriggle, why we shout and demand is important. We want our own way because we are afraid of the silence where God dwells. We cannot fill silence with fleshly activities. They fail! The presence of the Lord is in the quiet. He has plans He wishes to birth. Noise cannot hear them. Amen! 

“And let the peace of the Messiah, to which you were also called in one body, control your hearts. Be thankful.” Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭15‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ People in our lives will do and say things that offend our principles, but always we must look at our own hearts and ask why? Why am I offended? Rather than judge the actions of the one who offends ask why I am offended and deal with your own heart, then peace will reign. We can be jealous of attention given elsewhere, we can cover this truth with an external truth, but in so doing miss an opportunity to reign in peace. We are called to love and peace. If this means avoiding certain places and people then so be it. However, what is the deeper truth that exists, what is the motive?  If it is faithfulness to Christ then good, however, if it is a carnal reaction then deal with that reaction and find peace. In Nepal at present Nepali friends are partaking in their Hindu festivals which have various rituals involved. I have chosen to not partake e...

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalms‬ ‭147‬:‭3‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ There is a need to read the whole psalm, otherwise we assume this verse is for us Gentiles. It isn’t in isolation. It speaks of Jerusalem. Whilst we Gentiles can claim the promise, we are grated into the olive branch which is Israel. It is good to read Romans 11 also. It talks about this aspect of us being grafted in ( verse 17). The Christian church is not the only group that carries God’s favour, Israel was always His and always will be. Israel needs us to pray for them in this war and also in this time that they may discover their Messiah.  God has a plan! Let’s be a part of it! Amen!

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalms‬ ‭147‬:‭3‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ Our God cares for the broken-hearted and sends us to bind up wounds and minister to those in need. Jesus said of Himself: “I have come that you might have life and that in abundance”(John 10:10). “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim freedom to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”( Luke‬ ‭4‬:‭18‬-‭19‬) this scripture was Jesus reading from Isaiah the prophet. This scripture tells us His heart, which also can be our heart.  Being pushed along by life and controlled by selfish desires is the enemy’s plan. God’s plan is for us to be His ministers. Today choose life! Amen!

“The one who follows instruction is on the path to life, but the one who rejects correction goes astray.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭10‬:‭17‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ Are you someone who operates an appliance wirhout firdt reading the instructions? Or are you someone who receives a flat-pack furniture item without reading the instructions and end up with spare pieces? Many are they who attempt to live the Christian life without reading their bibles, apart from perhaps a verse presented by a bible Ap or merely relying on Sunday’s sttendance. Some may go even as far as not doing either. When things go wrong, as they inevitably will, there is an outcry: “Lord why have you deserted me?” If we treat relationships as we treat the Lord then we would be friendless in no time. Selfishly spending all our time watching movies, playing games and spending hours in the gym or at sports and not considering our families and friends make us lonely individuals. Faithfulness and loyalty are important, essential and necessary for life ...

“People who accept discipline are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore correction will go astray.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭10‬:‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Discipline comes when we make a step that is proud, cruel, rude or arrogant and built in the flesh. Fleshly attitudes that comes from the pit, inspired by it crafted by it to destroy and carried out by us in a foolish moment need repenting of or removing from our dialogue. Recently I was being besieged by a young worker for help and I said it depended upon the assent of another senior member. He began proposing reasons as to why he had not heard from this member, I disagreed with his reasons as I knew what attacks my mind was undergoing at the time and knew they were from the pit. I surmised that he also was being lied to by our common enemy, I was right. That senior member had no data on his mobile and had relied upon our junior member to top it up. Once the phone was corrected we were able to again communicate and move on. In the past I have been fod...

“Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.” Psalms‬ ‭25‬:‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We all have had many teachers, some good, some woefull. We have been a teacher to our children, sometime a success, sometimes a failure. There is only One who has never failed. His name is Jesus! Jesus said: I am the way, the truth and the life (Jn 14:6). Jesus has the way all sown up, we can trust Him to lead us. As Jesus also said He is the truth, we don’t need to worry about finding the truth, if we find Him we are safe. His word is truth. We can trash all worldly wisdom. He is the best! Amen!

“Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.” Psalms‬ ‭25‬:‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬ When faced with several options of the way forward I now must be still and pray for guidance for a while. Soon I will move forward, but first I must seek the Lord. He delights in showing me His way. Therefore, the path forward is one He is all over. How good is God to reveal many ways we can accomplish a task. I am soon to return home for a short break. Then I will retun to Nepal, planning to stay for as long as ai am able, hopefully 10 years. My visit with a lovely American lady yesterday, in her 90’s and still riding a motor scooter, doing art at the Tribuvan university, teaching nutrition and doing various voluntary projects, has inspired me to trust the Lord for the next, exciting, step. Do I attempt a business visa? Do I apply for a student visa and study art, do I do neither and do something yet to be revealed? The Lors knows! The next step is His. Ho...

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬ I had a pastor once who used to say: “stay in the zone!” He meant: walk in the Spirit; abide in the vine. Recently I went to Baktopur here in Nepal. It is an ancient city that abuts Kathmandu. There, I was able to do some pottery on a wheel and loved it. Today I met an elderly American woman who has lived here in Nepal for around 60 years as a missionary. She wanted to meet me and discover what manner of person I am as I have invited two Nepali women to flat with me and she was concerned for them. I discovered we have much in common, one major things was Art. We talked excitedly on mediums of paint, the university here offering an Art degree, a three year course which also carried a three year visa. I am interested as I sense an exciting path here. One I would love to take. I have asked my Nepali friend Martha to take me to the uni so that I can inquire. Oh! I would love ...

“For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The Holy Spirit brings freedom for all manner of evil attractions. The Holy Spirit is the power that is in God. The Spirit hovered over the face of the waters in the beginning, awaiting the command: “let there be …” and there was! This same power dwells in us when we accept Jesus as our saviour. Our freedom is not dependant on our works but rather faith in His. He purchased our freedom, He gave us His Spirit. Therefore, we are powerful in Him.  Daily, as we choose to believe Jesus is enough, we walk in freedom. As we continue to make this choice in all circumstances we develop His character and become strong in Him. He is enough! Amen!

“Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭3‬:‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We have a saying: ‘Actions speak louder than words!’ It is true. We can send ‘tight hugs’ all we like on social media but it will not feed the hungry, house the homeless or set captives free. Jesus, ultimately, is the answer, but we are His hands and feet. Today it has begun to rain in the earthquake zone in western Nepal. The homeless are doing it tough. The shacks they have built outside of their wrecked homes are leaking and providing no warmth. Our team on the ground are being visually assaulted by the need and crying out for help.  The Lord has an answer. He is wanting His solution. We must seek Him for that solution, as He is the master. I have proposed a temporary solution, whilst we wait for promised money from Australia I can lend money already earmarked for another task. However, we need a consensus. All the team need to agree. Serving in this thi...

“Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭3‬:‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We say things easily. The test is what we do with what we say. Are acrions joined to our words? Yesterday I asked a Nepali friend why the people of Kathmandu did not seem to be bothered about how the earthquake had affected people in the western parts of Nepal. She replied, “we Nepali people are like that, we live for ourselves”. What a confession coming from this poor nation. Yet, would we true Westerners have such a candid confession? Last weekend the earthquakes were real. They were real for us and we determined to help. Yet, a week later it is but a dream for those not living in the aftermath of the disaster. Did it really happen? Yes! It did and people are living in the open air afraid to return to their crumbling dwellings. Living without coverings in winter will surely be a deadly outcome. We have taken supplies to the people: tents, blankets, mats to sl...

“But— When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.” Titus‬ ‭3‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Kindness and love given without expectation is such a blessing. It carries an air of mercy. Mercy given lays out the recipient because it says: “I know you don’t deserve this and have not earned it, but I love you too much to leave you in the state I found you!” Today God showed His kindness to me by allowing me to meet a man who came from England to Nepal to serve the Lord as I have done. He talked about a business idea for me: a language school. Seeing that I have studied linguistics he said it would suit me. He gave me advise on how to do it and he took me o his bank to open an account. How blessed am I. Now Martha, my teacher and her aister and I will be praying for God to provide a house suitable for us to live in and teach in....

“But— When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.” Titus‬ ‭3‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I definitely did not earn my salvation. I tried but when God came to me He revealed my failure and need for His grace. When I accepted His grace I received His mercy. Daily this matter has not changed. Whilst I seek Him for His guidance, I find Him in new ways, ways of His making, not mine. I depend on His grace because I know my weakness and failure. I also know His strength. Today I pray that I might hear Him. What is He saying? Where is He leading. Whilst I gain comfort from knowing the path, my ultimate comfort is in Him. Amen!

“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4‬:‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Bold actions and prayers obtain results. This morning I awoke to the thought contact Samaratins Purse. I have not had anything much to do with SP except donate, once I think. I read their news and follow them in social media. Our efforts to help Western Nepalis who have been hit by two major earthquakes with housing, warmth and medicines, managed to serve 200. Yet, there are 300 more needing our help. I had written to our church and they responded but are having difficulty sending funds due to a government ruling. A good friend has donated and a colleague has had several family members and friends donate. However, getting funds when needed to buy supplies desperately needing by those facing cold weather and displacement  and possible death is frustrating. Two of us are pensioners and have limited resources. I ...

“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 Paul said this when he was saying goodbye to the people from Ephesus. He knew he was facing imprisonment when he reached Jerusalem. Yet, fulfilling the work given to him by the Lord drove him. This selflessness was imparted to him by the passion for serving Jesus. A singleness of focus was something the Lord Jesus had. Scripture says he set His face like flint :  “Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will not be put to shame.” Isaiah‬ ‭50‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬ How can we have nothing else but a passion for doing the work set for us? We cannot refuse the task! We face our Lord in eternity and will need to give an answer for our time here on earth. We are not here f...

“Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God.” 1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬ A very good demonstration of love is generosity. Generosity blesses the receiver but also the giver.  With the current two earthquakes in Nepal we had sent appeals to the folk at home. Nothing had happened after three days. Rather than be upset I prayed. Spirit of generosity upon all who knew us. That spirit struck me first with boldness to pay for the furniture made by Christian’s here in Nepal. This furniture will be a blessing for Martha and Monika and I. When I leave it will belong to my two Nepali friends. This afternoon I went to look at a second hand sofa and when I arrived I discovered it was stained and they wanted way too much. So we left and decided to look at a new one. I checked my emails and there was one from my home church saying they will contribute straight away. I was beyond grateful. Thank you Lord! On the way hom...

“‘May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.’” ‭‭Numbers‬ ‭6‬:‭24‬-‭26‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The blessing of the Lord is His smile, His gracious favour and peace. As an earthy father might look upon his newborn child, the Father looks upon us when we are His through faith in Jesus.  Yesterday as my friends and I trekked we knew God’s favour. We saw His beauty and rejoiced in His glory. We stopped at one place to have a pit stop and a cup of tea with our lunch. The pit was disgusting but we did not let it disuaded us from enjoying our tea and lunch. Along the way there was much rubbish but lifting  our eyes to the hills we exulted in the glory before us. Coming down from the mountain we saw many youths going up and wondered if they would also pollute the hill or pick up their refuse. It is as if many Nepali people are unaware to the need for caring for their land. Even though bins are provi...

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John‬ ‭16‬:‭33‬ ‭NLT‬‬ When we have the Lord in our lives we can take heart. No matter what we experience He is there with us, His peace sustains us. Today my new flat mates and ai climbed a local mountain to celebrate one of the women’s birthdays. At times it was hard going, but we survived. Coming down we stopped at a resort to buy a lassie each (no not so dog - a milk and youghurt shake). When we were leaving we were confronted by a 3 foot long snake which was very active. We alerted the management and they smiled and said they were not afraid as it comes often. One of my friends was quite disturbed. Being an Aussie used to snakes and spiders I was not troubled. We went around a different route to the exit. Satan shows his head at the most inconvenient times. It can be frightful to the uninitiated.  He uses people cl...

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”” John‬ ‭16‬:‭33‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The people in Western Nepal are experiencing hardship above and beyond what normal poverty is to them. They have been hit with not one earthquake and two in succession. Yesterday was the second and a Friday the first. Their poor housing just crumbled away. In the villages there are Christians who will be seeking God for His support and supply. They will need to be a light to their neighbours. We have sent help and we pray others will also as the task is huge. I always think, if this was me I would be crying out to God and trusting Him for His supply. He has a way to supply and I would have to trust Him to rally it. I would also be looking to help the injured and the feeble. Young Timothy has gone from our organisation. He was going to drive, however it is a two day drive to get there. I suggested he ...

“Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.” ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I admit that when someone is using abusive speech towards me they receive a “back in your box “ reply rather than a gracious reply. This comes from years of bullying and a determination to never go there again. Perhaps my edges need softening. This happened yesterday, the speak was told “do not speak to me like that!” I then walked away to talk with someone else.  I think the problem for me was they made me angry and it took an hour to simmer down.  Otherwise I can be gracious. However, I think I can improve, with God’s grace. Amen !

“He was a devout, God-fearing man, as was everyone in his household. He gave generously to the poor and prayed regularly to God.” Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭10‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This scripture describes a man named Cornelius. He was as Roman officer. God had heard his prayers and sent Peter the apostle to him with the gospel. He received it gladly along with His whole household and they were baptised in the Holy Spirit. His name will forever be decided in scripture because he prayed earnestly to God and was generous to the poor. We are told there is a book in heaven called The Lamb’s Book of Life. This man’s name will be there also. I pray that my name may also be there. I wonder how heaven will record us. Do we rate a mention? The test of our devotion to God is often through our hip pocket. If we are generous financially we will be generous in all areas and have a heart soft and open to God’s prompting. Let us stay compassionate and open to the poor, especially in times of their greatest needs....

“So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do.” ‭‭2 Thessalonians‬ ‭1‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Yesterday I was burdened for the earthquake victims and prayed for God to show me what to do in aid. All day I did not hear anything, then this morning as I was sitting waiting for church to start I received a message to say people we were ministering to had been affected and needed help. Straight away I wanted to go. After church I spoke with my friend who was ambivalent, saying last time there was a major earthquake thousands of tons of aid were left on the tarmac at the airport because there was not the infrastructure to distribute it. This time there are competing needs. He also said I would not be able to go as it was a two day trip and probably not hugenically suitable for me to go. So, I did the next best thing, I wrote posts to all I could asking for support a...

“So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do.” 2 Thessalonians‬ ‭1‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬ As a Christian I am viewed by God as His child. We see many young royals portrayed in the media. When one fails to live up to the level of their station we are disappointed. However, when one lives an impeccable life we are impressed and show respect. The world watches us, the children of God, looking for royalty, dependability, purity, wisdom, and integrity. When we live up to our station people are blessed. When we, however, live down to the gutter we have no life, no light to give them. Hungry souls look for us to give life and light. Jesus gave both of these. He gave the hungry food that lasted, drink that caused them not to thirst. This is our role as His brothers and sisters. He gave us the power to live this life when He gave us His Holy Spirit.  Live worthy!...

““But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last.” Job‬ ‭19‬:‭25‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Just before midnight last night Nepal was again shaken by an earthquake. Homes were destroyed and lives were lost. In amidst all the devastion I am sure God fearing men and women lost families. Today they will grieve. I went to a Nepali service this morning and watched gorgeous Nepali Christian’s worahip their Lord. They sure know how to give their all. One woman danced in a saris and so did a little girl dressed in pink. These beautiful people can worship for an hour and think nothing of it. These people know their redeemer lives. Amen!

““But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God!” ‭‭Job‬ ‭19‬:‭25‬-‭26‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The ancient book of Job is still relevant today. It is considered to be one of the first books written. Some scholars believe Moses wrote this book. Yet, as we read this passage it rings true as a timeless piece. The book explaines the spirit world behind the natural world. Job is plunged into suffering and believes God has removed his grace from him. What has actually happened is God has allowed Satan to test Job. He is tested severely. He loses his children, his animals and his property is destroyed, finally his body is inflicted with boils. In his plight his friend come to commiserate. For the first week they sit with him in silence but then they start to judge him. Most of the book is taken with these judgements and Job’s defence. The book ends with God showing up. Job’s questions are not answered, howe...

“And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The insistence that religious routine is enough is a fail; the insistence that brainless prayer is enough is a fail; the insistence that church attendance is enough is a fail. God is only looking for faith. Simple faith, childlike faith. Faith is more than believing God can, or that He might one day. Faith is walking towards that end. Faith is giving before the funds come, faith is making a place of agreement before the other party arrives. Faith is substantial, it has form and depth. It is not wishful thinking, it is faithful confession. Amen!

“And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Faith is important in all areas of life, especially towards God. God uses faith Himself and we are His children. In the beginning when God said: “let there be…” He believed His   word carried power, and there was. Our words carry power either to destroy or build up. Yestersay I saw Israel’s prime minister speak faith over His people. He told the people who they were and what they would accomplish because of who they were. Israeli fathers do this over their children. I saw thee generations of men serving in the IDF. For those who choose to live their faith, there is power. In Christianity faith in our God, His love for us and our future with Him moves Him. His word is full of His promises, His word is true and always consistent. We can trust it! Amen!

“Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭55‬:‭22‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This morning I took this word to heart and gave the Lord my burdens. One of my concerns was that one of my grandsons had an operation yesterday and I wanted to know how he was. I had written to my daughter, but with time differences I had not heard from her. After laying my burden for my grandson at the Lord’s feet I not only received a message from my daughter but a surprising one from my grandson wanting to play a word game with me. I was blessed! My phone had run out of data overnight and I knew I would have a meeting this morning at an undisclosed time, knowing one of the participants I guessed it would be early, and it was. I looked out my window and there was Timothy’s motor bike. I opened my door and there he was sitting waiting. Quickly I explained my phone dilemma and he sorted it for me whilst I changed. We then went to the coffee shop at th...

“Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭55‬:‭22‬ ‭NLT‬‬ How many of us are carrying our burdens continually? We can put them down but fail to do so as worry has tied them to our backs. TA Webb wrote a problem shared is a problem halved. The Apostle Peter said,”cast all your cares on Him as he cares for you”(1 Peter 5:7). What are our burdens? Concerns about tomorrow, regret about today or yesterday. Concerns are usually financial, or relational. We have either done something or not done something.  All of these are worrisome thoughts that bind us and keep us from living in Christ. A solution is to bring them to the Lord and repent of any sins and ask for forgiveness; seek the Lord’s guidance; hand the worry to Him and ask Him for His peace, which He promises to give. “ My peace I give you, not as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27). Lord I give you my concerns an...

“The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” Proverbs‬ ‭11‬:‭25‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Ow can I prosper? Refresh others! In other words be a blessing to others! Then you will b refreshed in turn. What you sow you reap. I needed this word today. I was thinking through a plan I had to buy new furniture for the two Nepali women who are to share a flat with me. I had prayed for guidance and I opened my bible AP this morning and there it was. Thanks you Lord! Today I was taken on a short trip to a place I have not been called Bhaktapur, the oldest city in Nepal. It has ancient architecture. It was built in the 12thCentury. I enjoyed taking photos of various buildings and after lunch I had a turn on a pottery wheel and made a bowl. I left it behind as we were on a motor bike. It was good to be creative again. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I also bought a mug and two paintings that reminded me of a trek I undertook in 2016. My gracious guide invited me on another short ...

“The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” Proverbs‬ ‭11‬:‭25‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The enemy of generosity is: “what if?” What if I need that money or thing later? What if I could sell that thing rsther than give that thing? As I step out to be generous with finances these thoughts come and others say them to me. What if you can find a cheaper way? What if that person can bring their old furniture instead of you being generous with a new bed, for example. Meanness is ingrained in our society, but generosity breaks it. Generosity is prospered. The generous will be watered with more to give. Gerosiry makes rich. Richness in deeds and richness of soul. A rich person is not someone with a lot of money in the bank but rather a person who is rich in good deeds to others. Much is made of celebrities who give generously. However, it is God who is watching and who will reward in eternity. The praises of man last for a day. In the photo is a house being built. An Auss...