The day with dianne Louise

“Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.” Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Everything has a time. Beauty is in that time. God is in that time. We can trust Him for the right time. Instead of struggling for our time, let us surrender and allow His time. My times are in Your hands; deliver me from my enemies and those who pursue me (Psalm 31:15). David wrote this. He had learned to trust God’s timing. In verse 14 he said: but I trust in You oh Lord; I say you are my God. At the beginning of the psalm we can see David is in trouble, his enemies are pursuing him. Yet, he trusted in the Lord. We can do likewise. Amen!

“Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.” Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This chapter in Ecclesiastes tells us there is a time for everything. It is worth reading the whole chapter. It reminds us that God is, ultimately, in control.  Rather than complaining we need to be mindful of the big picture. We cannot order the Lord around. He is God and knows best. May we give Him the glory He is due and let go of the reins and trust Him. Amen!

“The Lord has made the heavens his throne; from there he rules over everything.” Psalms‬ ‭103‬:‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Rather than seeing God included in creation I see Him external and looking down over all He created. What is He seeing, thinking and planning? As I read the Book fo Revelation I see an external God. However, He is vitally involved in our world. He is orchestrating the future. We may think we execute our own plans, however, I am sure we pick up on His plans and are integrally meshed within His plans. Even failure He uses for our benefit. Everything is important. When we see how He orchestrated the fulfilment of prophesy in the Old Testament we are amazed, and yet the players in it all only saw their small part.

The Lord has established His throne in heavens, and His kingdom rules over all. Praise the Lord, all His angels of great strength, who do His word, obedient to His command. Praise the Lord, all His armies, His servants who do His will. Psalm 103:19-21 Again and again I am brought to the place where I must acknowledge that the Lord is God, and I am not. This world attempts to make me believe I am god, yet I cannot save myself. If I came to the gates of heaven without acknowledging Christ, I would not enter. His blood alone purchased my entrance. There are mornings where I find my heart hard and proud and must repent. What makes my heart hard? James tells us our hearts are hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. Pride is a biggie,  it brought Satan down. We could, therefore, imagine it would be one of his major tools against us. I am sure he is offended by God's judgement,  this is also one of his major tools. We are offended when others behave towards us in a way we judge as self...

He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. (Isaiah 40:29) This morning I was able to share this scripture with my autistic grandson. We talked about not listening to the noise and seeking what God is saying. I talked about faith being the size of a mustard seed, and that was enough. We went to the movies as kayaking was beyond him. We watched Wonka. We then returned to the family home amd I went into the pool to cool down. It was a very hot day. My son cooked a delicious barbeque and then brought me back to the house sit. One more week to go. The pool here is still not clear, the hose is in pieces but it seems as if not much has changed. On the way we talked about things that are happening in the family. There is always more going on than we think. I have been blessed to have the car for two weeks, I am grateful. All of us have the Lord right there for us, He is our strength. Amen!

He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.  Isaiah 40:29 This verse is very apt today. My grandson who battles with autism, stayed the night. He is struggling. I pray he finds his hope in his God. If we read from verse 27, we see the prophets answer to the belief the God does not see or care. Verse 31 empowers me: but those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint (HCSB). The Lord is my source of strength. He empowers me, He keeps me well, He protects me. Today is a new day. Today I do not know what will unfold, however, I want to teach my grandson to seek the Lord as his strength. Right now he is feeling weak. The high of Christmas is gone and he is severly depleted. I have had to learn this, perhaps I can impart this: my God is my strength!This is the greatest gift a grandmother can give. Yesterday was oppressively hot. This little house is an oven. As I lay ...

“Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.” Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We can read this scripture and see ‘do good to other Christians’ but it says, ‘do good to everyone, whenever we have an opportunity’. We can main about our plight and judge our circumstances by how we expect them to be, but what does God say? I am doing a house sit and there has been a lot of rain. I have struggled to keep the swimming pool from overflowing and clean. It has defied me in my efforts to keep it clean. This morning I thought I’d best see if the cleaner that scurries around the bottom of the pool was clogged. I pulled the outlet pipe to which the cleaner was connected and the pipe broke. It is not good when things are damaged on my watch. I will endeavour to have it repaired. My other, and main, role has been to care for the owners three dogs. One of them is very much in your face type, another yaps when it says it is time for ...

“My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.” Psalms‬ ‭73‬:‭26‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Have you heard the saying: “He has a strong constitution’? This usually means that the person in question has strong character. Strong character tells us something about the heart of that person. They have chosen to trust the Lord and allow Him to be Lord of their life. “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.” Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We can only rejoice in trials when Jesus is the centre, otherwise we complain. If we see the Lord as our strength and song, then, no matter what we rejoice. Amen!

“My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.” Psalms‬ ‭73‬:‭26‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This psalm was written by Asaph. Asaph was one of David’s chief musicians. He was also the ancestor of a group of musicians at the temple. In the beginning of the psalm Asaph is confessing his jealousy of the rich who only get richer and do not seem to suffer, until, he enters the temple and then truth comes to Him. I am sure there are many of us who desire wealth, believing it will be the source of happiness. However, we can forget how many of the rich end their lives because they have no purpose. All the gold and silver will not buy true happiness, true contentment is found with the Lord, as Asaph discovered. Perhaps Asaph is aging and feeling his body falling apart. The grey generation can say Amen! I praise God He keeps me well. He has work for me to do. I was asked on Christmas Eve how I stay healthy. Yes I take care of my body, but my health co...

“If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord— and he will repay you!” Proverbs‬ ‭19‬:‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬ When we lend to friends, they usually repay us. When we lend to the Lord He definitely repays us. Today I had my son and his family over for lunch. We did gifts, then food, a swim and games. The rain came down in a thunderous roar. My autistic grandson had a melt down. He was out all day yesterday and late last night, he was tired. He started to cry and said he was hopeless. I reminded him that autism has a problem but he is not hopeless. He needed to know he was loved. When my son arrived home he sent me a text message to thank me and invite me over to their home any day this week. I appreciated the attitude. My daughter-in-law was good to me today and I appreciated her loving attitude. If we sow kindness it returns to us. God is good! Amen!

“If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord— and he will repay you!” Proverbs‬ ‭19‬:‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬ In Nepal, the work I do is among the poor. Back in Australia the poor I meet are those who cannot see Jesus, they are blind to Him. Whilst I know there are poor here, I cannot find them. I had offered to visit a disability institute yesterday, however, was told they they would not be there. They were all going home for Christmas. This was good news.  In a land where governments help the poor with benefits the poor are less poor by world standards, but not their own. I know there are homeless and families who have to sleep in their cars, this should not be so. Greed is rampant among the rich and heartless to boot. Rents are beyond the reach of the poor. So, as a church what can be done? We are told to welcome into our homes the poor. Is that happening? I hear pastors tell congregations to invite people into their homes, yet I have not seen it. Jesus and the prophets did not just su...

“And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭1‬:‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Last night I enjoyed two surprises, today I received one. Then I faced alone time. It is hot and uncomfortable and I am caring for three dogs. My children and grandchildren are gathered wirh my exhusband. I could have insisted that I go along, however, I had determined to stay away. That determination cost me amd I pray that a strong perfume was the result. I want to have a pleasant fragrance come out of my heart when it is broken and challenged. It is easy to say but harder to do. I doubt I will even do another house sit. I have not enjoyed the isolation and lonliness. I thought the good times I have had would compensate for the bad. Unfortunately it has not. Hard work on keeping my heart right is required So, therefore, I must seek my God for His goodness and grace. It is there! My Jesus suffered for me; His mother Mary suffered for us, she had the joy of...

“And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭1‬:‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Joseph needed convincing that what Mary had told him was real. Finding out his bethrothed was no longer a virgin, she could not be, she was pregnant threw him. Mary’s faith was tested and proven true. When we say “yes!” To the Lord others will not always agree or believe. Last night I had two surprises: the first was my ex-husband, his wife, brother and sister-in-law came to the Carol Service my son had prepared and executed. It was very good. My ex-husband had not seen me for several years and did not recognise me. The second surprise was I had been invited to share Christmas dinner with my son, and  his family at an Afrikaans home after the Carol Service. I met people I found delightful, their food beautifully spicy, it reminded me of Nepal. Speaking about Nepal had people’s minds goggling. Some did not know where it was. Some people do not know where...

“Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬ There are many varieties of suddenly: suddenly accidents happen; an unexpected visitor is at the door; a surprise windfall; we become ill; a disaster happens; God turns up. The above scripture is a divine encounter for a bunch of misfits. In 2016 when I was trekking to Annapurna Base Canp in Nepal, as we came close to the base camp we saw shepherds and sheep feeding freely on the mountains. This was unusual as sheep are not common in Nepal. The shepherds were young men who filled their time playing volley ball and soccer. They were accompanied by a few shaggy dogs. It was a delightful experience. The hills reminded me of the moors in Scotland. Our Heavenly Father announced to birth of His Son to such a group. They had nothing to give Him, except their worship. I love t...

“Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I’ve often wondered at God’s choice of shepherds to be one of the first to announce the birth of His Son to.  Yet, it fits with His pattern: wise men from the east, an earthy father who is a carpenter; a young virgin mother; a mixed bag of disciples. None would be considered people of influence, and yet they were His pick. If we were given the task we would have chosen differently. It would be like us choosing the Wayside Chapel at Kings Cross in Sydney Australia. Kings Cross is where the brothels are, and where many vagrants live homeless. We would have chosen a large arena where paying customers could come. The homeless would not get a look in. However, God did not choose the affluent. King Herod found out by default and as a result many babies died. The religiou...

“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah‬ ‭9‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Matthew gave us the genealogy of Jesus. He then refers to Isaiah 7:14 I referred tor hat scripture yeasterday. I love what Isaiah says: ‘a son is given to us’. At Christmas we celebrate the gift of Jesus, the Son of God, given to mankind for 33 years. This gift restored us to a right relationship with the Father. No more hopelessness. We now have an eternal hope. No longer is goodness dependent on us. We fail and fail again. Yet, Jesus is our goodness. He is more than enough. We are blessed abundantly! We were given new life, eternal life. We will spend eternity with Him. He defeated sin and death. Sin has been defeated. The victory over sin we appropriate through faith in the finished work of the cross. Amen!

“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭9‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬ As we now celebrate the birth of Jesus, the fulfilment of this prophesy, we know it came to pass, however when the prophesy was given, it would have sounded unbelievable. However unbelievable true prophesy is, it does come to pass, if faith is applied. The current war in Israel is another prophesy in the outworking. It reminds us the Jesus is coming again soon. This time He will rule and reign with authority. Many of us will have experienced prophesy over us. Many are still waiting for the fulfilment with patience and prayer. Jesus had to wait 30 years until...

“All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’).” Isaiah‬ ‭7‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Today I went and inspected two inflatable kayaks that were for sale. Why? I am adventurous, love the water and natural surroundings. I also wondered if the Lord wanted me to meet the owners and have a chat. I think He did, and we did. Before I left and after I had returned I watched a documentary around the discovery of what a black hole looks like. I am interested in astrophysics, but realised that my true interest is in my God’s heaven. Where is His doorway? In the last outpouring of the Holy Spirit here in Australia in around 1995 I came to understand that He is right before my face. I can go into His realm as I intentionally put my face to His. Mind you I don’t see heaven I merely see Him in the Spirit. The sign that the Lord gave us was Jesus being the embodiment of the wor...

“All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’).” Isaiah‬ ‭7‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The unusual thing about this prophesy is it was given to a wicked king who refused to believe God would deliver him from his enemies. Isaiah had gone to him with a word from the Lord, which he disbelieved, and again with this prophesy.  His displays the awesomeness of God. Not only does He speak into events now, He foretells of future glorious happenings. “Then Isaiah said, “Listen well, you royal family of David! Isn’t it enough to exhaust human patience? Must you exhaust the patience of my God as well?” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭7‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬. He then gave the above prophesy. I am glad God knows our weakness and inability to believe at times. He had prevailed patiently with me in the past, I am sure with all of us. God’s word to us is good, it is us who fail to hear the truth and wonder...

“Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy.” Psalms‬ ‭100‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Praise and worship is such a part of our relationship with the Lord. It was with the Old Testament Jews. The amount of times God sent His people out to war in worship and praise tells us this must be important.  As we face our own battles we need to engage praise and worship. It changes atmospheres. I know when I sing in the Spirit the atmosphere around me changes. Spirits of darkness leave those who are being harassed. So, rather than reaching for the wine bottle, the pills, the chocolate etc try singing in the Spirit. Let us see the walls fall! Amen! The photo attached to this post is of a little reef fish who aggressively attacked humans who were where he thought they should not be. He was small, all of six inches long. I giggled to see his brazen attacks on fins. We need to attack our problems with such vigor, using praise.

“Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.” Psalms‬ ‭100‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This Psalm inspired Darlene Zschech to write her now famous worship song- Shout to the Lord. In its day this song went throughout the world and lifted the hearts of many in worship. Then there was not the absolute abundance of good worship we have now.  As we approach Christmas rather than parties and revelries why not quiet worship and contemplation? The most wonderful gift was given to us over 2000 years ago. His name is Jesus! The longing in our hearts is for Him not gifts,!empty sentiments or pretence that a man in a red...

“Exult in his holy name; rejoice, you who worship the Lord.” 1 Chronicles‬ ‭16‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬ What does exult mean? It means to feel or express triumphant elation or jubilation. So, to exult is more than praise.  Many times I have experienced the fervour my country has expressed when our cricket or football team beat the English, especially if it was a  hard won victory and of Olympic standard. When to concerned the Olympics we are also determined to beat the Americans, especially at swimming. We are all glued to the TV and roar at final victory. This is exultation. This is what the Lord deserves. Personally the times I roar as a Christian is when a lost soul finally comes to know their saviour Jesus Christ. For me that is the ultimate roar. I also love it when the Lord show me the success of my prayers. It is a victory over darkness. Scripture tells us that Jesus is seated at the right hand of God until all His enemies are under His feet. As His faithful soldier I delight in de...

“Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.” 1 Chronicles‬ ‭16‬:‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬ The above verse is part of a song David wrote for the establishment of God’s house in a tent among his people. The song runs for 28 verses and reminds the people of all God had done for His people. How does this apply to me, to us in 2023, soon to be 2024? Around three thousand years have passed. Is it relevant still? Yes! More so! As Christians we now have the Holy Spirit residing in our hearts. He reminds us of our saviour Jesus, and the relationship He has brought us into by His coming and dying for our sins. As Christmas Day approaches, we are mindful of His coming. He left His glorious home to come to earth, this earth that was under the dominion of Satan; this earth that was burdened with sin. He not only came here, but He came as a helpless infant dependent upon human parents. He was a son among other sons, a brother to sisters. He worked as a carpenter until he was 30 yea...

“Come, everyone! Clap your hands! Shout to God with joyful praise!” Psalms‬ ‭47‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Psalm 145 speaks of joyful praise. Here are a few verses: “Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power. I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles. Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness. Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness; they will sing with joy about your righteousness.” Psalms‬ ‭145‬:‭4‬-‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Our God’s righteousness has been revealed in Jesus Christ. Having a saviour and being freed from saving myself by attempts at righteousness is a reason for great joy. As we prepare to celebrate Christmas we can be filled with joy because of this awesome freedom. I am no longer responsible for my righteousness, I have been given a divine righteousness that I did not pay for, deserve or earn. All I had to do was trust the One who offered it to me. Joy! Wond...

“Come, everyone! Clap your hands! Shout to God with joyful praise!” ‭ “For the Lord Most High is awesome. He is the great King of all the earth.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭47‬:‭1,2‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This Psalm was written by the sons of Korah. Korahites were first mentioned in Numbers when they led a rebellion against Moses and they died for their sins, the ground opened up and swallowed them. However, the children were spared and served as doorkeepers in the house of God. They opened and closed the doors morning and evening. Interestingly, they also wrote Psalms and these were sung. These Psalms expressed their human woes but also the greatness of God. We can have a history, personally or familiarly, that is full of darkness. Yet, a ‘but God’ moment can change all that was into a new and joyful path. For us in the New Testament we have Jesus. Jesus is our redeemer, our righteousness, our holiness as we walk in faith before Him. We must let go of the history and walk in the new. The new is why life and joy res...

“The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.” Psalms‬ ‭28‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Today was a very quiet day after a house full all day yesterday. I did my household chores, walked the dogs, studied, chatted with my people in Nepal, and watched The Crown on Netflix. The veracity and authenticity of the material is questionable. However, it showed several of the monarchy seeking ‘happiness’ over committment to the Crown. It reminded me of the Christian walk.  ‘Happiness’ is what the world promotes and seeks. However, the walk of a Christian is to take up our cross and follow Jesus. As we do follow and lay down our desires for wealth, pleasure and fame, He gives us joy, the joy of knowing Him. This joy transcends ‘happiness’ as it does not depend on happenings, but rather the presence of he Holy Spirit. I choose His joy over happiness as it lasts. Amen!

“Praise the Lord, for He has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.” Psalms‬ ‭28‬:‭6,7NLT‬‬ Praise God He hears me. When I pray for His goodness and assistance He comes. He goes before me. Today my prayer is about family breakthrough. Our Heavenly Father is about family. He is about restoration and miracles. Rather than self pity or complaining why not pray? ‘I trust Him with all my heart’ requires an action, what will that action be? James said: ‘as the body without the spirit is dead, so is faith without actions’ (2:26). It is no good to say we trust or believe unless we have corresponding actions. How will I act today?

“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans‬ ‭15‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Having an overflow is abundance. An abundance of Hope fills us with joy. This is all possible through the Holy Spirit. As we work in tandem with Him joy is released, pressed down, shaken together and running over. As it runs over others will benefit and be blessed.  Today has been a day of blessing. I went to church ready to worship and the experience was dynamic. The preaching of the word was full of goodness. Then I had three of my grandchildren and one of their friends over to my house sit for lunch and a swim. Although it has been a hot day the pool was refreshing. Having four young people to share it with was a blessing. And then there was more, another grandson came and they all stayed for dinner,  and they are still here waiting for their parents to collect t...

“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans‬ ‭15‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Our God is the source of Hope. We can say: “I hope all will turn out”, however this is not a God-type hope, this is what dribbles from our lips when we lack faith. His Hope is a part of His love. It resides within us. It is usually not experienced by lazy Christians, but those who actively seek Him. The Christian experience is filled with the living word of God, that word resonates in our spirits, it creates a powerful hope in our God. I know I have a hope of eternal life. I know my God is for me because of hope, hope empowers me to step out in faith and boldness. As I trust my God He filled me with joy and peace. As I focus on Him He keeps me in peace, as I praise Him His joy flows. He is the rock from which this river flows. He is the centre. “So prepare your minds for act...

“Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John‬ ‭13‬:‭35‬ ‭NLT‬‬ How does our live for one another prove that we are disciples of Jesus? First we must examine the attributes of love. 1 Cor 13 states that love is patient, kind, long suffering, not envious, rude or boastful. It does not insist on its own way. It believes all things, hopes all things endures long. This sort of love is not selfish. It puts others before itself. It is not reactionary, individualistic, it does not puff itself up or strut around saying “look at me”. Love is humble, merciful, meek and mild. Jesus was all these things. As we yield to the Holy Spirit we show these attributes in our own lives. The world knows that this love is divine, because it does not own it, nor can it profit from it, use it or abuse it.  As we love one another with this love we show forth the glory of God for this love is His. Let it shine! Amen!

“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John‬ ‭13‬:‭34‬-‭35‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Why is ‘so’ there? What came before? Jesus had been telling His disciples He was going away and that the disciples could not go with Him. Immediately after the two verses above we see Peter asking, “but why can we not go with you?” It is as if he did not hear the verses. We can be like this. When we have our own track running in our minds and are interrupted. We can go right back to the track and not hear what has been said. This can be true about us hearing the word of God. Jesus told us about hearing in the parable of the sower. The hearts were those with good soil, those that did not hear were of three types: hard soil, shallow rocky soil and thorny soil. These three types showed where the enemy of our soul works to take away the seed, quickly, should the soil not be...

“And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬ When things don’t go to plan or not to your liking, we tend to grumble and complain. Today I am in a house sitting job which lasts until 5/1/24. I am caring for three dogs. I received a message from the owner: “sorry the house is not as clean as I would have liked for you, but I hurt my arm.” I had fully expected I’d need to clean, and I did. Unpacked my groceries, had a swim, then a nap and watched a Christmas movie. It is quiet here and the neighbours are strangers. I hope to get to know them soon. At first the dogs yapped for quite a while, but eventually quitened down. Now they want my hugs. A vast improvement. I find Christmas movies a tad mmh! However, I’ll go with the flow. I want the reality of Jesus more now than ever before. Empty nonsense doesn’t quite cut it for me any more. Let’s see if I can bring Jesus to the street. Amen!

“And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Most countries send ambassadors to foreign countries to represent them in matters of business, politics and matters important to their home country.  They are sent with a mandate that they will correctly represent their home countries and not bring dishonour to their country. As Christians we are ambassadors of the heavenly kingdom of God. We represent our Father, His words, His heart and His thoughts towards those who do not know Him. As ambassadors we receive power to correctly represent our Father.  In Chapter 3 in Colossians there are instructions as to how to live correctly as God’s representatives. If ever we have questions about our role, herein lies the answers. This is the best instruction book! Amen!

“Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.” John‬ ‭14‬:‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬ When you read this scripture what strikes you? For me it is the way Jesus says it. It is not a ‘do what I say or else’ but rather a welcome to a love relationship. As I take what Jesus said to heart and make it my own, I obey it, and the result is I am in a love relationship with not only Jesus, but also the Father. Rather good! When Jesus was teaching and his mother and family came to visit Him, but could not get through, they sent a message for Him to come. However, when the crowd told Him they were there, what did He say? He said, “Those who hear God’s words and obey them are my mother and brothers and sisters”(Luke 8:21). At that particular point in time Jesus’ family were struggling to believe He was the Messiah. In the scripture in Luke Jesus was making the point that accepting...

“Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker,” Psalms‬ ‭95‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This verse comes out of a collection on Psalms encouraging a worshipful perspective. An indication on the authorship comes from Hebrews 4:7 which quotes a part of a verse calling it a ‘psalm of David’. As we do not have certainity around the authorship of Hebrews, but recognise it was well written, we cannot say who it was who certified the psalm as David’s, but that is was credible. What does it mean for me? It calls me out of my flesh and into my spirit and causes me to stir up my spirit to worship the Lord. I cannot expect to worship in my flesh and find God. I can make a lot of noise, but that would be empty of Him. Each morning I must start with the word of God, I read it and I blog about what it is saying to me, next, I play worship music then worship and pray. David also knew how to worship. His psalms of worship we put to music. He knew the power of music to stir up the spirit. ...

“All who declare that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God.” 1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭15‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This scripture speaks about abiding in God. Jesus spoke about this in John 15 when He said “I am the vine and you are the branches, abide in me and I will abide in you. Those who remain in me will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”(verse 5) Living in a family, a home, a community requires us to live in love. This love has understanding and appreciation for the uniqueness of each person. Yesterday I watched my middle grandson behave in such an amazing way with his siblings. He has insight and understanding. He reads his bible and walks in authority of the word of God. The amazing thing was that when he rebuked them they listened to him. This boy is 15. I praise God for this young man. I am back in Australia for a short break before returning to Nepal. I am watching the family dynamic and appreciating viewing the way God is at work in my family. I ...

““That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?” Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭25‬ ‭NLT‬‬ What is Matthew referring to here when he says ‘that is why’? Verses 19-34 all talk about what we focus on: worry about finance; the kingdom of God. Here Matthew writes that Jesus said: “you cannot serve two masters: God and money;” Your eye is the lamp of the body.” Although different perspectives both deal with focus. If our eye is always on money and how to make more, spend more, get more then our eye is dark and then our whole body is full of darkness. However, if we are seeking God and His kingdom first then we allow Him to take care of the finances. Worry ties us to things which are tied to money: housing, clothing, food, transport and entertainment. Yesterday my grandson spent $ 243 on Leggo without blinking. The desire for the particular model consumed him. He is 11. Fo...

“Listen! It’s the voice of someone shouting, “Clear the way through the wilderness for the Lord! Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God!” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬ When driving down the highway and hearing a siren we pull over to allow the emergency vehicle to pass. We have been educated to understand this behaviour. This scripture is a similar instruction: stop, look and listen and do! How can we clear the way for the Lord? We can live connected to Him, refusing to bow to every noise that comes along. Our enemy the devil makes a lot of noise. He is demanding and insistent, he refuses to yeild unless faced with authority. The authority of a child of God who knows the scripture. Jesus had Himself been tested after 40 days and nights of fasting. He was physically weak but definitely not spiritually weak. Our enemy comes when we are weak. He needs to meet someone who is walking in authority. We can help ourselves by training our minds and hearts to listen to the voice o...

“Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬ What will last? I will die one day, so will we all. The earth and sky will one day be replaced by a new heaven and a new earth, one not subjected to the destroyer. It will be as God had always intended, free from evil and sin. However, this scripture indicated that three things will be unchanged: faith, hope and love, love being the greatest. Why is love the greatest? Perhaps because love is the core of who God is. His love is pure and not defiles by human passion and lust. We have so muddied our concept of love through lust. Young women think they must appear as idols of lust to find a mate, yet all they welcome is use and abuse. Our God had a pure and beautiful plan for us. The apostle James said: Religion that is pure and undefiled is this: to visit orphans and widows and to keep oneself unstained by trh world (James 1:27). Does this challenge you? How does this ...

“No, the Lord’s delight is in those who fear him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭147‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬ As a parent my greatest delight was when my little children would come to me in complete openness and joy. They wanted to share their young worlds with me. When they hurt they trusted my kiss as a healer. When they had a dispute with a sibling they trusted my verdict. They were simple and trusting. When they did wrong and were punished, as long as I loved them, they were complete. My Heavenly Father wants a renewed childlike faith in me. I cannot allow fear or any kind of evil to rule me. I am enjoying learning to come to Him in trust and obedience; keeping life simple and without complicating emotional involvement. Today is our second last day on holiday and I am determined that it will be the best. Yesterday on the ferry I talked to a lady from Melbourne who was struggling. I offered her friendship and had hoped to spend more time with her. Howev...

“Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭10‬:‭23‬ ‭NLT‬‬ If we are honest, we do waver. We wobble like tops coming to a stop and often fall. However, if we keep our eyes fixed and constant we continue in innocence of all except the goodness of God. This is where the power is, simple, unbending faith. I have just completed two of CS Lewis’ space trilogy books and realised what simple, pure faith looks like. It is beautiful! I also saw what our enemy is like. He is persistent, subtle and very close to the truth, but still a liar. He seeks to deviate us from simple faith, and trust in a loving God and the clean, pure relationship He has for us. Yesterday my grandson and I caught a ferry to  Fitzroy Island to snorkel for the day. It started sharing the top deck with a group of teenagers who were having a school outing for the day. The girls were flaunting their bodies as if they were in a meat market. I realis...

“Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.” 1 Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭15‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Winning others to Christ is a blessing. Being ready is a must. Yesterday when my grandson and I booked into our present holiday accomodation the man at the desk looked at me quisically. I sensed that he saw something. I pray he saw Jesus. I am praying for an opportunity to speak to him. When people have this reaction, it is God’s Holy Spirit drawing them. There is nothing in my flesh that draws them, it is Him. Cause the man to ask the question Lord! May Your Kingdom come Your will be done! Amen! 

“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy‬ ‭31‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬ So things happened today that challenged this scripture: 1) as I was waiting for my eldest grandson to take me to the airport my son messaged me to say there was a news report that there is a cyclone off the coast of Cairns, just near where we were planning to holiday. I checked the weather report and could not find the mention of the cyclone. I remembered this scripture and sent it to my son, with the report: “we are still going!” We successfully flew to Cairns, hired a car, bought our groceries and went to our accomodation. We then went to the beach for a swim and found it to be subject to high winds and not at all pleasant. 2) My youngest grandson and I went for a walk. In the process of doing this my grandson disappeared. Panic wanted to have me and again I remembered the scripture...

“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”” Deuteronomy‬ ‭31‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Knowing that God will not fail or abandon me is important. Today I take my youngest grandson on a snorkelling holiday to Cairns. Yesterday I discovered that taxis to and from our accomodation will be expensive and was advised to hire a car, which I have done. I pray that God provides us with the best fish and coral imaginable. When we return I will no longer have the freedom I have had and will also be looking at doing a house sit some distance away from my family without a car. I do not know what Christmas Day will be like or the rest of my time here. It looks like I’ll be going to Tamworth sooner than later, the Lord goes before me! When our plans fall differently to what we expect we must trust the Lord for the outcome. He is in charge. Amen!

“But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭31‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Those who trust the Lord are not those who lean on their own understanding.  Today so was plunged into stomach upsets and a heavy head. I found myself sleeping a lot. Tonight as I prepared dinner for my grandchildren I decided to sit and review today’s scripture. It told me to trust. Tomorrow I fly to Cairns with my youngest grandson for our holiday. As I have prayed for people to met and perhaps share my faith with, I wonder if something wishes to prevent this? It will not prevent this! My grandson is so excited and does not know what to do with himself. He, like all before him must learn to trust that all is well and that he will find himself on the plane. Our God has a plan for each new day! Amen!

“But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭31‬ ‭NLT‬‬  I Believe that as Christians we have an on/off switch. When the switch is on we walk in the Spirit; when the switch is off we walk in the flesh. It is that simple. Walking in the spirit is intentional. Why else would we be encouraged to clothe ourselves or put on? Just as we put thought into the clothes we wear, we must choose the spiritual clothes we wear. Sailing along expecting our spirit to be right because we have prayed the sinner’s prayer is foolish, even reckless. Daily we must choose.  It helps if we take time to read our bibles and pray, worship even. Jesus said to His disciples: “you are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you”( John 15:3). The word of God is sharper than any two edged sword piercing bone and marrow, piercing the thoughts and intentions of the hear...

“I am counting on the Lord; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word.” Psalms‬ ‭130‬:‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The two previous verses are pivotal: “Lord, if you kept a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive? But you offer forgiveness, that we might learn to fear you.” ‭ I eapecially appreciate verse 4. That God offers forgiveness that we might learn to fear or respect Him. I had never thought of God’s forgiveness in this way. His forgiveness softens my heart, makes me love Him and appreciate all He has done for me. However, if I follow that thought I can see that, yes, it does bring me to fully fear and respect His name. I am grateful that the Lord does not keep a record of my sin, as they are a blot on my record book. My own goodness is not something I wish to publish, it is full of holes. Yet, as I stand in the grace He gives me, that my saviour bought for me, then I am confident of His love. I grew up under law and now live under grace. I am very aware of both. The l...

“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.” Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬ For me God made sure that I knew my sin when He saved me. I had spent my life, to that point, endeavouring to earn my salvation. He would have none of my self-righteousness, I needed to know my state wirhout His grace so that when I received His grace I would be so grateful. Grace is free towards us but not free to the one who gave it to us. It cost Him His life. Grace is therefore very valuable. Today I am grateful! This gift is so precious. Amen!

““If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you.” Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Today I landed in Brisbane to be collected by my grandson Myer. I was told my son forgot, he claimed he didn’t, fortunately somone came. I went to the family home and all day my son has been busy with work from home. His wife is away at uni placement for three weeks. There was barely any food in the house, and so I went shopping. I returned ready for a sleep as jet lag was catching up. I asked the teenagers to put the groceries away. I awoke a few hours later to see the grocers on the counter where I left them. Praise God! At 5 three went to youth without dinner and their jobs not done. Mmm! I think I might just become Nan! Now, here is a prime example of when things go wrong and I must act in grace and forgiveness whilst jet lagged. The dog is trying to coax me to feed her as well. Oh Lord you help please! Amen!