The day with dianne Louise

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” Psalms‬ ‭139‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Anxious thoughts bother us. They play around the edges of our minds. Depression attempted to rob us of hope. Both of these we must reject and defeat with the word of God. Today I had a sense of hopelessness attempt to land on me. I sang in the spirit and spoke the word of God. There is no reason for these beasts to home with me, they are unwelcome. I have finished the bookcase (painted), went to the bank to open an account (walked), and listened to a message on UTube by Bill Johnson. A very good word that dealt with the parable of the seed and the sower. Tonight we go to connect group, praise God! Hopelessness is common in Nepal, however, not among God’s people. We have authority to send this guy packing. I am longing for more of Jesus and will go to Connect with an expectant heart! Amen!

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” Psalms‬ ‭139‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬  Just had a dream about a marriage that was struggling. The husband left hints in his sarcastic way that they needed to talk and the wife ignored them as sarcasm that did not bear bothering with. The couple had just had people checking their alarm systems and found that the cover over the alarm system was missing, thus exposing the settings to potentials housebreakers. While the wife was trying to find the people who did the check and regain the covers the husband made a temporary wooden cover. The couple had a female German shepherd who was a beautiful animal and there came a woman into the yard who told them to breed with her. Now this dog was not their own but had belonged to a friend who left her with them. The friend had since passed away and the dog remained with them. In the drea...

“Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever.” Daniel‬ ‭12‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬ What causes us to shine? I suspect the joy of the Lord shines through, as does peace, love and all the fruits of the Spirit. As the Holy Spirit is in control we are a blessing to our world. A skinny Nepali deliver our couch today. Just as I was amazed at the skinny Nepali who delivered our washing machine on the back of a push-bike, so was I amazed that just one skinny man came alone in a truck today. In Australia three would come. The couch was too big for a bike otherwise it would probably have come that way. I helped the man position the couch, smiled and thanked him. What a blessing to finally have a pleasant place for our guests to sit. I finished a second coat of paint on the bookcase and had a lesson in the Nepali language. I am now cooking a fish curry for a guest tonight (Nepalis love fish curry). My innards have been a bit t...

“Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever.” Daniel‬ ‭12‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The wise avoid the uncleanness of the world, they are not tempted by it, they carry restraint in their hearts. They are not given to distractions, they are focused. When they have free time they do not waste it on idle pursuits but fill it with godly pursuits. They know they are on a path that leads to the Lord and look for the ways to walk successfully on that path. If studying for a career they study diligently, if working they work diligently. If a homemaker they do it creatively and diligently. Diligence is important. While adventure is important holidays are made with a godly perspective. The wise welcome others on their travels, however, they lead and not follow. Truth and integrity lead, they guide. There is no compromise with darkness, no shadows or grey areas. Man pleasing is not a trait of the wise. They are God pleasers. Th...

“But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love.” ‭‭Jude‬ ‭1‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Today was an eventful day, our sofa is about to arrive. After returning home last night I thought about the sofa we were going to order and wondered if it suited our modern flat. Today, by chance I sat in one the right colour with a simpler design and the bell went ‘clang’. The salesman gave us a good price and this one is longer (we can fit more people on it).  I managed to put a first coat of paint on a glass and wood cabinet we were obliged to retain in the flat as the owner did not want to move it. As I had permission to paint it, that is what I did. We also took delivery of a toaster, the girls did not have one and cooking toast in a frypan is not quite the same. I also spent a few hours with my transla...

“But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love.” Jude‬ ‭1‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬ These passages are a divine, simple recipe. If we just do these things we will be safe in God’s love. Building each other up in our most holy faith requires us living intentional lives towards others and not living just for ourselves. For we must have community functioning in our lives. As I come to the completion of my first week in Nepal I am seeing community around me. When I walk to the shops I see the man who builds household items, he always smiles and would love a chat. I say Namaste (hello). Yesterday I went to the grocery store for stock cubes and as I exited the store there was a poor man folding cardboard boxes to put on his bike. He takes it to sell. I smiled and asked if I may have a box, he gave me a...

“But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭56‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Today so went to the university and discovered the cost involved in using study at uni to obtain a one year visa. As to be expected it is large but doable. However, the up-front fee of 50,000R must be paid again if I leave Nepal for any reason. I therefore need to be sure that this is the right path. After the uni we went to look at a sofa for the flat. My Nepali friend negotiated the price down by 5,000R, I was amazed. She plans on going further, I was impressed, but said I do not want to rob the poor workers of their wages. I am happy to pay what I consider is a fair price. We returned home and met our building owner, I asked for a reference so that I could open a bank account. He informed me his son worked at a bank and could organise an account as well. I never dreamed this would be so easy. Thank You Lord! Now to pray and seek God for the right solution. His way is best, I must trust Him! While having a ...

“But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭56‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Anxious thoughts are fearful thoughts. When our minds are preoccupied with fearful thoughts we are kept from enjoying the freedom Jesus bought for us. Anxiety is like a film that rolls around and around and keeps our eyes on problems, potential problems and past problems. They keep us away from freedom. What to do?  “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” 1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭7‬ (‭NLT‬‬) Peter is on point here. He knows first hand that what he is saying is correct. He saw Jesus heal his mother-in-law, he had Jesus rescue him on the stormy sea, he had Jesus forgive him for denying him at a crucial time and then he walked in the power of the promised Holy Spirit. Jesus does care! He is waiting for us to give Him our burdens and prayers for divine intervention. Last night my flatmates and I had a time of beautiful worship, the presence of God fell. I asked them what was the Holy Spirit say...

“What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭31‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Offence can separate us from most people, however, if offence happens in our hearts towards God is it us who moves, not God. He can never be made to leave His love for us. It would be against His nature, for He is love!   The earthly love we know can be made to leave. It is not agape love, that is God’s love. Agape love keeps on, always. God promised, “I will never leave or forsake you!”(Deut 31:8). We may feel abandoned and alone but God is there. Elijah felt this after his confrontation with the prophets of Baal. He was depressed and sat down at a brook ready to die, but God sent him food and prepared him for a wilderness journey to an encounter with Him where God met Him in a whisper and encouraged him. God cherished Elijah and used him mightily. However, Elijah was prone to the blues, he thought no one but he was left who served the Lord, the Lord to...

“What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭31‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Discovering love and gratitude in another human is wonderful, however, finding unreasonable love for no reason at all is startling and beyond description. This love is coming from our God who wants to have us in His family and to shower us with His oceans of love. As I read the gospel of John I am struck with such a God of love. I fall in love with Jesus at every word He spoke. These words are full of life and power. Praise Him! Why would I want to read books about anything but Him? I have read many books over my 70 years and none compare to my bible. My bible is full of Jesus and His answers for mankind. His love reaching out to us from every page. He is for us, not against us. We have an enemy and it is not God. Satan is the destroyer and he must be defeated in our lives. We should read all of Romans 8, to grasp the fullness of our God’s love. We should re...

“See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him.” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The world does not know Jesus, the Father or the Holy Spirit. They do not care to know Them. However, they need to know Them. How, then, do they come to know Them? They come to know about Jesus and the Father through us. Firstly through us living close to the godhead and displaying their character, secondly through our testimony of them working in our lives, and thirdly through sharing the gospel with them, with signs and wonders. Worldly people do not come to know Jesus through us living like them. We must choose which god we serve: our God or mammon. Mammon represents the world and its lust for riches, entertainment and fun. If these are what we live for then we are worldly. We are being deceived as we live for the things of the world. We not only destroy...

“See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him.” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬ When my children were little and they became unwell I nursed them tenderly. Yesterday, after praying for a woman to be free from a generational curse I became violently ill, vomiting in the gutter on the way back to our home. Once home I proceeded to vomit every hour or so. My flatemates nursed me tenderly. The love they showered on me was phenomenal. At one of the bouts around 2am I had the presence of mind to contact a friend in Australia who is in the prayer network and asked for prayer. I awoke at 5am wirhout the inclination to vomit. I am grateful for the family of God, thank You Jesus! Our God places us in a family, we need to make the connections available to us so that we are properly cared for. I should have had the presence of mind to contact my c...

“But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.” John‬ ‭1‬:‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬ As an Australian I have the right to vote, to live freely, I have access to health care and protection under the law. As an Australian in Nepal I have access to Australian protection through our Australian embassy as long as I am not dishonouring the country.  For many years now we have watched a man Julienne Asage be denied protection of his home country because of what he has done in leaking government secrets to the world stage. At present our government is looking to create tougher laws for those who leak government material. Governments do not like to be exposed. They do not like the cry, “The king has no clothes on!” As a child of God I am welcome into God’s family. I am the right to walk into my Father in prayer, rights to the authority given to believers, access to the heart of Jesus and the presence of the Holy Spirit who confirms I am a child of God. However,...

“But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.” 1 Peter‬ ‭2‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬ God’s mercy is soooo good! When my heart rebukes me for selfishness, repentance clears the way for me to enjoy my God and His word. I am finally in Nepal. Having just had lunch after waking from sleep, my clock is out of sinc, I sit and enjoy my new surroundings. The lovely people of Nepal need to hear of God’s amazing grace. How sweet is the sound of His mercy and grace. Already I have been for a walk to the local supermarket and touched base with other godly friends. I am about to have a lesson in the Nepali language after being away for three months. My flatemates treated me to a lunch of daa...

“And the Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day there will be one Lord—his name alone will be worshiped.” Zechariah‬ ‭14‬:‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This is a prophesy about Jesus. Although many mock Him, many more receive Him as Lord and saviour. In these last days many are coming to Christ all over the world. Scripture also prophesies about the coming Millennium when Jesus will reign as king over all the earth. That day will be a glorious day. Satan will be bound for all that time and many will have an opportunity to crown Him as saviour as well as Lord. However, right now is a day when we need to receive Him. The Father seated Jesus at His right hand after He ascended to heaven. The cross did not destroy Him, the cross destroyed the power of sin for all who believe in Him. God raised Him from the dead. He is the strength we need, He is our victory. Today I travel back to Nepal. Nepal needs Jesus as much as Australia does. It needs His beauty, His joy and freedom, not religion and noise. ...

“And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭13‬:‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬  Sometimes it is a challenge to determine who those in need are. Today, while waiting for my friend’s daughter an old man became pesky to my friend. My friend is kind to every stranger. She soon found that the old man was more interested in her in other ways and he was also a little tipsy. My friend chastised me for not intervening, I laughed. I have watched this friend take calls from people who only want to talk, she perseveres with them and is sympathetic. I am not so with those who just want to talk. I look for those who I can speak to about the Lord. The rest I leave until they are ready. Jesus did not talk to everyone, He looked for those the Father was interested in. When He is interested, so am I. The challenge I have is to be focused, always. Tomorrow I take a 16 hour flight back to Nepal. I am seated in the midst of a crowd of Indians. I hav...

“And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭13‬:‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We are called to sacrifice not selfishness. Selfishness holds everything to itself and refuses to give to the needy. Who are the needy? The poor. These are those who have next to nothing. They often have only one set of clothes, no access to running water, no sanitation, barely enough food to eat, inadequate housing. Who are the selfish? Those of us who have houses full of things we hardly use and an eye for more. We are shopaholics. We love shoes, clothes, more than enough food, toys in abundance. We say we have none to spare for the poor. Our hearts are cold towards them. What does our say say to this?  ““Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons. I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn’t give me cloth...

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Here is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John‬ ‭1‬:‭29‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ John came preaching a baptism of repentance from sin. People flocked to him to be baptised. Why did they come? His message must have resonated with them. They went into the Jordan river and were baptised. John had a way of discerning true repentance for he rebuked the Pharisees with, “you brood of vipers, who warned you of the wrath to come?” Nice words! However, he was right. When Jesus appeared on the scene these same people persecuted Him. They were self-righteous judges. What was the evidence of repentance? John told those who asked, “if you have two garments share the one with him who has none”, and to the tax agent “do not exact unjust amounts” (Luke 3:11). The evidence related to matters of justice. Amos wrote: ‘let justice flow down like a mighty river, let righteousness flow on and on in a ever ending stream’ (Amos 5:24). Justice is imp...

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Here is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John‬ ‭1‬:‭29‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ Here is the truth! The Pharisees claimed to have the truth, yet they did not have authority when they spoke, Jesus did. John claimed that Jesus was the ‘lamb of God’ and that He  could take away the sins of the world, only the Messiah could do that. Jesus then began to be evaluated by sinful men who claimed to be wise. How did and how does Jesus take away our sins? Even before the cross Jesus would say to a person, “your sins are forgiven!” This required great authority, where did He get this? Jesus said He only did what He saw the Father doing, therefore, the Father must have seen repentance and forgave. No one had even done this, only Jesus did this. Can we trust this promise? Yes! He who the Son sets free is free indeed (Jn 8:36). If we are truely repentant we can trust His promise and we are forgiven. How good is this? Accept forgiveness...

“For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring you to God, after being put to death in the fleshly realm but made alive in the spiritual realm.” 1 Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭18‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ Jesus showed us the blueprint, His example is our way. No! Not dying on a literal cross but dying to the fleshly appetites. For each of us this ‘death’ looks different. For me it is yielding all that I love to put Him first. Today I visited relatives here in Tamworth for the last time in perhaps years (depending on the Lord’s timeframe). I love these people and they love me. Tears flowed as I parted with them. Their greatest desire is that I return to them to live in the street as beofre. That would be a miracle, but then my God is a God of miracles. For now I go to Nepal with a mandate. The Lord has showed me what I am to do and do it I will. I must trust Him to keep them and I until a day when we see each other again. Amen!

“Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit.” 1 Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Sin causes suffering. We suffer, others suffer, but here Jesus suffered. He took our sins and as a consequence suffered the needed sacrifice to cleanse us from those sins. He suffered our consequences. Although He chose to die on a cross for us, then would have been physical suffering not related to the cross but to our sins. He took our mental anguish, our spiritual anguish as well as our physical anguish. When Isaiah says:  “But He was pierced because of our transgressions, crushed because of our iniquities; punishment for our peace was on Him, and we are healed by His wounds.” ‭‭(Isaiah‬ ‭53‬:‭5‬ ‭) Jesus took all our consequences.  I am grateful! All my wrong has been paid for. Thank You Jesus! https://bible.com/bible/72/isa.53.5.HCSB

““For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬ So much of the world are concerned about destruction of the planet, when God says He will create a new heaven and a new earth. Revelations tell us that this earth will be destroyed by fire. It will not be the cows fault, the coal burners fault but sin. When judgement comes it will be in fire. However, what will happen to us? If we believe on the Son of God we will gain eternal life, even though our natural bodies die. We were meant to live forever. Our spirits and souls will in fact do this, not so our earthly tent. Those who refuse to believe will spend eternity in the fires of hell. Hell was made for Satan and his angels not for mankind. Nonetheless, those who follow him and swallow his lies will follow him into his eternity- fire, where the worm does not die and the fires are not quenched. Eternity with Him will be a ...

““For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Last night I received a message with four photos of a family who had lost everything in a house fire in Nepal. I was asked to pray and knew more was required. I am in my last days here in Australia and am surrounded by opulence. Giving is required. The giving I can do is small in comparison to what the Father gave me. He gave me His Son. Having had a son and a daughter I would never have given them up for anyone. I remember when they were small thinking upon this fact. I cherished my children. How could God give His Son? Now I am older and so are they I am rather giving up my own life for the lost, still I could not give my children. As I ask friends to help supply the need in Nepal I know that this will happen again and again as we reach more for the kingdom. A strategy is required. I’ve created one, so that a reserve w...

“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians‬ ‭2‬:‭20‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I will daily by trust in the Son of God, who lives in me. Realising that we are merely a vehicle for a spirit is revelatory instead of little old ‘me, myself and I’. We fill our vehicle with some sort of spirit. If we say we live for ourselves, we are deceived, we are actually partnering with and evil spirit that binds us to pride, arrogance, selfishness, and a host of nasty byproducts. However, when we become born again we partner with the Holy Spirit who brings with Him righteousness, peace and joy, and a myriad of beautiful fruit. Once we ‘get it’ that we are not in charge we are on the road to truth. Jesus is the truth. With Him on board and in control we are connected to the truth. Freedom is here! Amen!

“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians‬ ‭2‬:‭20‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Yesterday two things happened: the first was the funeral of an old church friend and the second was a greater impartation of a vision for my work in Nepal. It was odd that on my way to the funeral I was seeing the new. The funeral was a beautiful celebration of the life of a fine woman, all spoke well of her, the worship was beautiful and the message was Christ. This woman is my age. Yet God has granted me more time to complete a task. As we neared the church a car burst out of a driveway and almost collected my friend and I. Beofre we left her house I began praying in the spirit. I wonder who tried to interfere? The vision I saw was of life for a group of people in Nepal who are the poor in Kathmandu. Who is praying for these people beside me? I love the idea that...

“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.” Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬ If the Jews of the time read the first sentence without the rest, how would they interpret it. God had been determinedly harsh at times; appearing vindictive even. Yet the second sentence calls us to order. Jesus had lived on earth and had shown a different way. Jesus as opposed to God the Father would appear a dichotomy. Yet Jesus said, “ he who has seen me has seen the Father”. Would this have created some tension? If I were a Jew ‘yes’. However, this was primarily written to Greeks. They only knew the God Paul spoke about and that God was Jesus. Jesus did exemplify love. He loved us so much that He gave His life for us as a ransom. He bought back Satan’s control over us and gave us freedom. Whilst this freedom from sin was made, we...

“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.” Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬ When we reach deeply for praise and worship to the Lord in trial and temptation we offer a fragrant offering to the Lord. Some of these trails are excruciatingly painful emotionally. The pain is deep in places seldom visited. Yet when we release our praise and worship instead of self-pity and complaining the Lord is most blessed. Jesus reached this place in the garden before His crucifixion. His pain was so deep He sweated large drops, like drops of blood. However, He said to the Father, “not my will but Your will be done”. Let us make an offering that is fragrant. This fragrance fills heaven and it also fills the world around us. Amen!

“For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Jesus knew what it was like to face temptation, He was tempted. We see Satan try three times in Matthew 4:1-11. Each time Jesus handles the temptation with scripture and while starving after a 40 day fast. I am not able to handle temptation to eat after a few days fast, but then I am not without sin. How did Jesus handle the experience of being made sin so that He could take our punishment? He had never sinned, He did not know what it was like personally. Suddenly He had all our sin upon His shoulders. How excruciating, how dispicable, how below Him! Is that why He was dead before the other two? The soldiers were surprised. I am grateful for His sake. Laden with our guilt and shame He descended to hell and whipped Satan and stole the keys of death and hell. I remember a Don Francisco song about this, He’s Alive. I believe Dolly ...

“For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The bible shows us that no man, no matter how close to God, was able to claim the title ‘sinless’ except for Jesus. He was born without sin and remained without sin until He became sin for us at the cross. Why did He do that? The only reason was love. Love paid the price for me to be made sinless, not by anything I can do, but solely by what He did. Every time I begin to feel pure and holy I realise it is not me that does the cleansing, but it was Him. My flesh will always be sinful, but by faith I walk in His sinlessness and are made clean. This realisation helps me humble myself. Humility is important, as pride destroys me. It took Satan down and it will take me out also. Praise You Jesus!

““You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭43‬-‭44‬ ‭NLT‬‬ It is interesting that the law said to hate enemies. Perhaps it was differentiating between neighbours and enemies. Or perhaps enemies were not mentioned? “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against a fellow Israelite, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.” Leviticus‬ ‭19‬:‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Perhaps the law has been changed by the Pharisees, or was it written elsewhere? Psalm 137 speaks of revenge: “O Lord, remember what the Edomites did on the day the armies of Babylon captured Jerusalem. “Destroy it!” they yelled. “Level it to the ground!” O Babylon, you will be destroyed. Happy is the one who pays you back for what you have done to us. Happy is the one who takes your babies and smashes them against the rocks!” Psalms‬ ‭137‬:‭7‬-‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The fact that Jesus said the saying, it must have been common in ...

““You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭43‬-‭44‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I just had a weird dream about a meeting with estranged family. They had become religious when away from the Lord before. When is saybreligious I mean it in the derogatory sense. They had become weird. In the dream I was running around trying round a way to refill a tub of water in a public place that one of them had emptied against my advice. In the dream I was thoroughly disoriented and lost from trying to keep the peace and provide for the family. On waking Inrecognise that I am trying too hard. Jesus in the above passage advocated prayer. Prayer changes things. People pleasing does not. Amen!

“Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.” Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We honour when we show respect for office, authority and position. How do we honour those on equal standing with us? Perhaps we can honour a gifting they have that we do not have. We can speak well of and to them. Not all about a person is honourable at times, their attitude can be off when hungry to tired. They can go to stress over things we would not be concerned about. Honour is not harassing them for their weakness (message to self). Doing community with fellow believers is not always easy, otherwise we might be dead. So, be grateful for the opportunity! Amen!

“Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.” Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I have two people who I must deal with daily who love to talk and take centre stage. Loving the person and not the problem is a challenge. What ai find myself doing is avoiding both. How do I show I love them? I think that truthful encounters might be a good start. Loving a person is not allowing them to dominate, perhaps it is confrontation, lovingly done, perhaps it is finding God’s purpose. Why are these people in my life? What does He want me to do for them? Genuine love does not avoid it encounters with purpose. What new results will I find? Avoidance is not the answer. Amen!

“Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.” Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Perhaps working at living a holy life is more a life wholly focused on Jesus.  When cooking meals we like to add a special spice to give the meal a unique flavour, this then gives us pride in our composition. I’d like to suggest that Jesus is enough and does not need us to spice Him up. Unfortunately our earthly pride causes us to go one step too far to show how clever we are. Not necessary! Jesus is enough! What is Jesus doing today? What is He saying? Die to self, take up your cross and follow Me? Sounds about right! Jesus said: “He who finds his life loses it but he who loses his life for my sake will find it”(Matt 10:39).

“Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.” Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬ When I see the words ‘work at’ I have to resist the urge to sink into works of the flesh. So, how do I work at living in harmony? How do I make myself holy? I need to read the whole chapter. It tells me the way: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭2‬, ‭NLT‬‬ Keeping my eyes on Jesus fills me with His love for others, gives grace to administer to others. Jesus told us: ‘I am the way,...

“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We can be offended by comments or attitudes of friends and families. Choosing not to take offence releases them to the Lord for His correction. Last night friends came to visit and we played a game of cards. The friend who I am currently residing with made harsh comments about my being selfish. It was because I had a partner in the game and she judged my actions. Initially it hurt and I battled to refuse it home in my heart. I prayed for my friends blessing when I went to bed. This morning when we went to the prayer meeting she was in tears and very sorry for the way she treated me. I accepted the apology and told her how grateful I have been to be a guest in her house. This made a further issue of tears. I suggested we go home and have a time of prayer and communion together, which we did and peace flowed. Whist the who...

“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬ As I come to the end of my time in Australia before returning to Nepal, we are doing some prayer and fasting. The friend I am staying with has a multitude of visitors and entertains regularly. Yesterday another friend and I were working on recovering the dining chairs for my friend and we were tired, hungry and grieving the death of another friend and tempers were being tested. We were needing supplies so I sent the other two out while I stayed and played some worship music. The air cleared! My friends returned to a new atmosphere. I left the music on until we completed the task. What a difference! Why struggle through a bad atmosphere when a godly one can change the dynamics.  So often we need a godly perspective on friendship. All can be navigated with Him in control. I am reminded that Jesus demonstrated good frie...

“This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭25‬-‭27‬ ‭NLT‬‬ In every gathering there can be just one person (or more) who are difficult. They may talk too much, attempting to control the flow of discussion, they can be stroppy and difficult to communicate with, they can be hostile or withdrawn. All of us need Jesus to impact on our lives. Jesus is the healer, the redeemer and judge, not us. Navigating difficult people without love is near impossible. We tend to avoid them or not include them. What did Jesus do? I can think of a few examples: he went out of His way to reach the demoniac in the tombs; he went out of His way to Samaria to meet the adulterous woman at the well; He went and found Bartemeus. How many of us did He go out of His way for? ...

“The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing. He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said. All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it. Here are some of the parts God has appointed for the church: first are apostles, second are prophets, third are teachers, then those who do miracles, those who have the gift of healing, those who can help others, those who have the gift of leadership, those who speak in unknown languages.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬-‭10‬, ‭27‬-‭28‬ ‭NLT‬‬ In the above gifts and parts are mentioned. A part seems to be a functioning role. Much like a motor part. Each part can best function as...

“Where is another God like you, who pardons the guilt of the remnant, overlooking the sins of his special people? You will not stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing unfailing love.” Micah‬ ‭7‬:‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Today in our time of prayer and fasting we focused on forgiveness of others. As we learn to know the absolute love of our God, we are filled with His love and forgiveness. His love cannot hold the sins, His nature is not to hold sins. We are therefore compelled to forgive as He forgives, we cannot hold people in bondage by our attitude and unwillingness to forgive. The above verse reminds us that our God delights in showing unfailing love. I have an old friend who I have persevered with through many years. She had been consumed with selfishness and refusal to seek the Lord. Before I left for Nepal I gave her a Daily Light study to read and she did. As she read she changed. I returned to meet a peaceful, humble woman who was so grateful for all I had done....

“Where is another God like you, who pardons the guilt of the remnant, overlooking the sins of his special people? You will not stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing unfailing love.” Micah‬ ‭7‬:‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬ How amazing that Micah, an Old Testament prophet grasped the true nature of God. When I was raised a Catholic, I believed in God but did not know His grace, I only knew works and fear. When I became born again I was dipped into His ocean of grace and will stay there for as long as I live. When Paul sought the Lord for the removal of the ‘thorn in the flesh’ God told him, “my grace is sufficient for you”. His grace is sufficient for all of us, we must live in His  grace, not our own strength. When we live in our own strength we become prideful. This is what happened to Satan and that is why he fell. Pride is what he tempts us with, if he can have us living in our own strength he is very happy. Jesus told His disciples, “abide in me and I will abide in ...

“For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do.” Hebrews‬ ‭6‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Jesus taught: “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’” Matthew‬ ‭25‬:‭34‬-‭36‬  This story was a part of His teaching about judgement day. Those that did these things for others were welcomed and those who refused we sent to the place of eternal fire. Both groups said to the Lord, “but when did we (/did not) do these things” and He will reply “when you did/did not for the least of these you did it to Me.” How we treat others is important. Be mindf...

“For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do.” Hebrews‬ ‭6‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬ At times we can feel forsaken because of what we suffer. This scripture reminds us our God remembers and will reward us. I am now reading about those brave souls who were the first missionaries to inland China. They went to places far remote from all they knew. Many were women, however Hudson Taylor forged the way. Hudson was scoffed at and heavily criticise for the way he dressed as the Chinese. He was lambasted for sending single women into the frontiers, churches refused to support him in his initial endeavours. He had gone as a non-ordained minister and had failed to complete his medical degree. In their eyes he was a failure, but in God’s eyes ‘what a brave soul’. Hudson’s wife was the bravest and a most stoic woman. She was constantly pregnant and lost several children and eventually died hers...

“The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.” 2 Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I find people can be slow, but then my God has been very slow to answer some of my prayers. Nonetheless, I can see why He has been slow, He was transforming me. His excuse is then valid. I can expect things to be quicker, but then I rationalise that I am perhaps being impatient. There are always two sides to the coin. What prayers do you want answered NOW? Chances are they may take time, especially if you are being impatient. God needs to work in you. What a bother! What a result! Let go and let God work!

“The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.” 2 Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬ As we Christians know about the return of the Lord and the wickedness that is unfolding troubles us, we can long for Jesus’ return. However, our Heavenly Father sees the ones He is waiting for to come and will wait for them. Our selfishness plays no part in His decision, His love does. We must remind ourselves that prayer is important. Our role is twofold: a prayerful relationship with our God and others. Prayer is opening hearts to the gospel in areas where it was previously closed. A willingness to go and share the gospel along with prayer is more beneficial than siting and moaning about the state of the world. As we love the Lord we love others more. Seeking the Lord’s heart instead of our own agenda will compel us to go. Why not change the focus? Amen!

Then David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly: “O Lord, the God of our ancestor Israel, may you be praised forever and ever! Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things. Wealth and honor come from you alone, for you rule over everything. Power and might are in your hand, and at your discretion people are made great and given strength. “O our God, we thank you and praise your glorious name!” 1 Chronicles‬ ‭29‬:‭10‬-‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬ As my church progresses in a time of Prayer and Fasting we have scriptures to read and ponder. The above was one. Today we focused on the greatness of the Lord. How good is it to come aside and spend time seeking the Lord. For me He is already speaking with strategy for the outreach in Nepal. I was surprised, in the past it has taken me longer to find such insight. It brought ...

“I look up to the mountains— does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth! He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps. The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night. The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.” Psalms‬ ‭121‬:‭1‬-‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We look to many places for our help, but only God provides the best, unfettered help. He knows our needs and He provides for them.  The process of learning to trust the Lord alone is one we walk through in life. Just when we think we have the trust factor down pat along comes a circumstance that reveals our fear. When we fear we run. Who we run to reveals our trust. Who do we trust in? Doctors, loan sharks, head shrinks? Yes there a...

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.” Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬ What a beautiful analogy! What an honour! To be considered to be a lighthouse in the dark places. As so prepare to go back to Nepal I am encouraged to know how the Lord considers me His own. The best I can do in return is shine for Him. I am reading a book about a family who were missionaries in the Arabian Peninsula. They were definitely lights in a dark place. I am looking to have the same result as I move in obedience to Him. Thank You Jesus!

““You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.” Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I am currently reading a book about a missionary family who went to the Arabian Penisula. Their sorry is amazing. They were a light to the community in which they lived. They were practical and loving, and obedient to the Lord. In their obedience they saw God move in the hearts of their community. These people inspire me for the work I am involved in in Nepal. I do community. In my last home here in Australia I created community I the street I lived in. I hope to do the same in Nepal. This month my Australian church is entering 21 days of prayer and fasting. I love this time as I am able to seek God, with fellow believers, for more of God. Seek the Lord for ways to impact your community! Amen!

Then he said, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” Mark‬ ‭4‬:‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We truely hear when we understand the speaker and what he is saying. If we hold our tongue and are not quick in reply we may actually hear and understand. When listening to a sermon it is good to lean in and give our full attention. This way we hear and go on to understand. Many times the people heard a Jesus but did not understand. Scripture tells us that the disciples had this problem after Jesus had performed the miracle of feeding the 5,000. Jesus then sent them on ahead in the boat whilst he prayed. They were being swamped by wild waves when He came walking on the water. Scripture tells us that they did not understand the feeding of the multitude and their hearts were hardened.  What they failed to understand was that Jesus blessed the food and gave it to them to hand out. The miracle came to pass as they performed their duty. If they had understood the magnificence of this they could h...

Then he said, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” Mark‬ ‭4‬:‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Our desire is to be heard and understood, however, often we are not. We are consumed with thoughts about us and what is bothersome to us.  The Lord told us:”my ways are not your ways, and my thoughts not your thoughts”(Isaiah 55:8). Previously He also said: “Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life. I will make an everlasting covenant with you. I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭55‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬ To have ears wide open takes work, it takes cultivating a determination to listen to the voice of God when He speaks. My church starts 21 days of prayer and fasting on this Monday. Along with it a hunger for an encounter with our God would be good. This would include clearer hearing. That I might hear will be my quest, that I might know the Holy Spirit more my desire. Amen!

“What do you think? If a man has 100 sheep, and one of them goes astray, won’t he leave the 99 on the hillside and go and search for the stray?” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭18‬:‭12‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ Jesus also told another parable in Luke 15:8-10: ““Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Won’t she light a lamp and sweep the entire house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she will call in her friends and neighbors and say, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost coin.’” ‭ He again told another parable about the lost son. This one zeroed in on the gracious, forgiving nature of God. I think we get the message that God is into finding lost people.  Let’s go on a treasure hunt!

“What do you think? If a man has 100 sheep, and one of them goes astray, won’t he leave the 99 on the hillside and go and search for the stray?” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭18‬:‭12‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ Living in a farming community where the number of sheep are thousands, I wonder if one would be missed. However, farmers do know when wild dogs are ravaging their herds and when thieves come and steal them. If it is a wild dog the farmer will hunt it and kill it without hesitation, if a thief comes he will report the theft to police. In the time of Jesus’ story shepherds were employed and if it was a son of the house he was usually more diligent to watch over the sheep. I remember meeting shepherds in the high country in Nepal. The number of sheep were much fewer and therefore the one would be missed. It is interesting that Jesus likens us to sheep. Sheep and none too bright and easily wander. We wander. Ooh look at those bright lights, I’ll just go and find out what is there! Ooh that sounds good I might follow th...

“If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” Mark‬ ‭3‬:‭25‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ This was probably a saying in Jesus’ day. He used many current and relevant sayings and scripture in His teaching. We could apply this to our own houses, homes, churches, offices, governments etc. Jesus was referring to the accusation made against Him that he worked under the devil’s power. He refuted that as stupid. Why would Satan have Him cast our evil spirits, it was against his (Satan’s) agenda. There are many caustic and critical Christians who lambast pentecostal preachers for allowing the seemingly uncontrolled displays in their church services when the Holy Spirit takes over. As if we could control the Holy Spirit. The evidence of healings is enough to affirm what God is doing. Jesus actually, in this same chapter, spoke about the danger or speaking against the Holy Spirit. As if we have been delegated the role of judge! The unforgivable sin is just that. We should be very careful about wha...

“If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” Mark‬ ‭3‬:‭25‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ This scripture was a part of Jesus’ reply to the accusation that he drove out demons by the power of Satan. He went on to say: “On the other hand, no one can enter a strong man’s house and rob his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he will rob his house.” Mark‬ ‭3‬:‭27‬ ‭ Jesus did indeed tie up the strongman and He Himself was the stronger man. Today many are troubled by evil spirits. These spirits harass peoples minds until they believe a lie and accept a condition that the evil spirit imposes. When given fully to that idea the idea becomes their reality. They will then defend the lie and attack the truth.  When I hear people say, “my arthritis won’t let me … “ I think what a horrible pet! I do not want pets that are driven by evil spirits. The power of God came so that we would be free from evil in our minds, hearts and bodies.  Jesus embodied what a free man looked...