The day with dianne Louise

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” Isaiah‬ ‭26‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The Lord said, “my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are my ways your ways” (Isaiah 55:8,9) We can assume we know what the Lord is thinking, however if we base it on our own reasoning about our circumstances we will be wrong. We are limited in vision and knowledge. We also tend to be very selfish, and so our view is skewed to the flesh. Today I walked around 4 kms to the swimming pool and back, I swam 20 laps of a 50m pool. In times past my body complained about walking, swimming amd walking again. However, now it knows it can do it. I’ve now changed the route to throw in a few hills to lengthen the stretch and am still able. At present I manage two days a week, however, the goal is five days a week. Stretch makes us able to do more. God is stretching us to take greater steps. He can see how able we are, we are limited by our physical and mental beings. There is a s...

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!”  Isaiah‬ ‭26‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬ There are days when we must intentionally fix our thoughts on Jesus, as our minds are under attack with accusations against our friends and family. He brings offence along for the ride and seeks a place in our minds and hearts. Division is his goal and a place for the kingdom of darkness. Worship music works for me, along with worship from my own heart along with gratitude and prayer for all those the enemy accuses. Offence does not work with gratitude and praise. James tells us: “Do you think the Scriptures have no meaning? They say that God is passionate that the spirit he has placed within us should be faithful to him. And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James‬ ‭4‬:‭5‬-‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We hear and know ‘resist the devil ...

“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.” ‭‭John‬ ‭16‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Is so important that we believe what God says about us, not what others say or what we feel. It is also important that we keep our eyes on Jesus and not on our circumstances, circumstances are what we travel through, not truth. David wrote: though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for You are with me (psalm 23). Notice David said, ‘ the shadow of death’ not actual death. If you stand with the sun behind your shadow is large, yet if is before you your shadow is small. Position in relation to the sun (Son) is very relevant. Perspective in travel is important.  I remember arguing with a friend about a road going up when in fact it was going down. There was an illusion that I believed to be correct. Had I been walking or riding a push bike, I would have gained...

“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me. All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I said, ‘The Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me.’ John‬ ‭16‬:‭13‬-‭15‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I appreciate all truth, not partial truth. When my heart convicts me of sin I want the truth that sets me free. I do not want a person who tells me a version of truth that attempts to absolves sin, I need to confess my sin and be healed. The word of God is a source of truth, as is the vocie of God into my spirit. However, if there is ever any conflict, the word wins, no compromise. Just like God the word is pure and undefiled. If you have godly friends you can trust with a concern or problem it is also helpful to share with them and ask them to speak truth to you, God’s truth. Have them speak God’s word and pray...

“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. I’ve promised it once, and I’ll promise it again: I will obey your righteous regulations. I have suffered much, O Lord; restore my life again as you promised. Lord, accept my offering of praise, and teach me your regulations. My life constantly hangs in the balance, but I will not stop obeying your instructions. The wicked have set their traps for me, but I will not turn from your commandments. Your laws are my treasure; they are my heart’s delight. I am determined to keep your decrees to the very end.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭105‬-‭112‬ ‭NLT‬‬ https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.119.105-112.NLT This passage comes under the Hebrew letter N, or the fourteenth part. The writer states that God’s word is the light which directs his path. He further states that God’s laws are his treasures. Jesus told a parable about a man who found a treasure and went and sold all he owned so that he could buy that treasure. Jesus said, “the kingdom of Go...

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭105‬ ‭NIV‬‬ All the words of God are a lamp by which my feet can walk by, not just some or those I prefer, ignoring the difficult ones. Injustices happen when we ignore the difficult ones, playing preference to our carnal natures, and justifying them because they delight us. Jesus said, “where your treasure is there your heart is also”(Matt 6:21). What are our treasures? What do we delight in? What place does food take in our lives, our appetities for good or tasty foods? What do our pastimes show of our hearts? Do we justify any of these and cause injustice to occur to another, more vulnerable person or group of people? Do the young or elderly suffer? Do the poor and underprivileged suffer? What we boast about casually reveals our hearts. What are we boasting about? We may focus on our godly boasting but what about our fleshly boasting? Our fleshly boasting show others the truth about us. Are we aware? Or do we de...

“For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.” ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭1‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Joseph was sold to slave traders by his jealous brothers; he was purchased as a slave by Potiphar. He worked as a slave in Potiphar’s house. However, at the right time, God purchased his freedom by giving him a gift of dream interpretation. This raised him to a status of prime minister at the stroke of a pen, or I should say stylus. Jesus purchased our freedom from sin’s dominion by giving Himself as a sacrifice and dying on a cross. He paid for our debt and set us free so that we could live as sons and daughters of His Father, the King of all kings. Being a child of God has benefits. Today, whilst in prayer, my flatmate remembered a tool in her possession that we needed to remove the filter on our kitchen tap. I knew how to use the tool and was successful in removing the filter, which was clogged wi...

“For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.” ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭1‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬ When Australians are caught in a country that quickly dissolves into conflict, or when that country is hit by disaster, they look to the homeland to rescue them. When rescue is speedy it is greatly appreciated, when slow they feel unloved and forgotten. In the Kingdom of God, when we call out to Him, He hears and comes speedily to us. He rescues us from the kingdom of darkness and transfers us into His kingdom of glorious light. Praise Him!  The day He rescue me was the best day of my life. The previous 19 years was spent stumbling around in darkness, the next 51 I have been dancing in the light,  free from the burden of sin. God’s kingdom is definitely the best place to be. Not only does He rescue us, He also transforms us into the image of His Son. We learn to walk in victorious sonship, b...

“Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.” Proverbs‬ ‭12‬:‭25‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We all appreciate encouraging words. They show us someone cares. Encouragement should be real, not fake. Fake words are used to gain something from us.  They are a form of manipulation. You might hear people say in return, “ok, what do you want?” You also find it is often parents who retort in this manner. I wonder where children learn such behaviour? God gives us encouraging words that are true; they speak to who He made us, and who He sees we will become. His love is different to ours, it is agape love. No strings attached other than seeing us become who we are destined to be. Giving encouraging words requires commitment, involvement and most of all genuine concern for that person. We all long to be seen, heard and most of all appreciated. Try it! What you sow you reap! Amen!

“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.” Proverbs‬ ‭12‬:‭25‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Just as our body carries weight, so do our souls and spirits. Our soul consists of our mind, emotions and wills. Our spirits are where God dwells or where darkness dwells if we have not been born again. Our minds play over and over images of that which we cannot solves, playing out various sensations. This is one cinema we need to avoid. A better solutions is: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Jesus also weighed in on the matter, after illustrating how God clothes the flowers and provides for the small birds He said:   “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭33‬-‭34‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Jesus gave us the Lord’s Prayer in which we pray: ‘give us today our daily bread and...

“I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.” ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭31‬:‭25‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Jesus said, “blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness for they will be satisfied”(Matt 5:6). Why would I hunger and thirst after righteousness? What is righteousness anyway? A definition of righteousness is ‘free from guilt or sin’. Mankind has created a shortcut here and determined that righteousness is what I think it is, what ‘feels good’. God does not factor into the equation. Without a conviction of sin, we will go to our grave judging ourselves to be righteous, and that God should accept our determination. Many will be rudely shocked. However, there are those who have a hunger to find God and in finding Him they find righteousness, true righteousness, His definition and His criteria.  David said, “Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit.” Psalms‬ ‭32‬:‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬ David knew something many do not know, God is the judge and ...

“I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.” ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭31‬:‭25‬ ‭NIV‬‬ This verse comes from an encouraging word spoken by Jeremiah about the children of Israel and the then- coming time of their return, it also spoke prophetically of the time they now find themselves in, never to be removed again. However, as usual, us Christians take heart from this verse as it typifies our saviour’s role in our own lives. “Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew‬ ‭11‬:‭28‬-‭30‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Jesus encourages us to take His yoke upon us, instead of the worry we carry. Now, a yoke sounds heavy, however, when animals are yoked together they share the load. Whereas, when we carry our own burdens we carry them alone. This reminds us of the picture...

“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Today I had the joy of going to a more alive Nepali service. However, the headsets which provided translation did not work, the worship was great. After church I had lunch with a friend, who is always a challenge. This friend is God’s sandpaper. God has a way with of rubbing off reactive bits by using rougher bits. He knows me well. Praise Him!

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬ This passage, and  in fact the whole chapter is a promise of restoration and healing for the children of Israel. However, us Christians also take it to heart.  Each of us will suffer in some way, but the Lord promises to be with us as we go through dark times. The part about walking through the fire is reminiscent of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in Daniel 3. They offended Nebuchadnezzar by not bowing to his idol and were thrown into a fiery furnace. However, the fire did not touch them and in fact Jesus showed up with them. This caused Nebuchadnezzar to praise the Lord God and promote the young men. When we go through dark times they are not wasted. God uses them for a purpose. They touch hearts and convict the persecutors. We must trust G...

“Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God!” Psalms‬ ‭42‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This Psalm was written by the sons of Korah, those given charge for worship in the house of God. This Psalm starts with: “As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. I thirst for God, the living God. When can I go and stand before him?” Psalms‬ ‭42‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Verse 11 is a repeated stanza from verse 5. The writer is struggling with depression because of the taunts of his enemies. We have an enemy who taunts us, accuses us and belittles us. We are faced, minute by minute by an enemy who wishes to destroy us.  Therefore, just as this psalmist has done, so should we  put out focus and hope on God. Worship and praise establishes our hearts in the right place. It is not a matter of how we feel but how good and great He is. Amen! “But each day the Lord pours his unfailing love upon me, and through each night I s...

“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This morning I ate something that caused me to be violently ill, on the opinion of a friend who said it still should be ok to eat. My friend was devastated, she felt compelled to keep apologising. However, I said, “I knew better myself and cannot blame you, do not carry guilt around because of this”. I contacted the prayer chain and knew I would be fine. However, I have never been so violently ill. Sweat poured off my body, my intestines worked hard to expel their contents, I burned up, then I froze. I am now fine. I remember as a child bearing guilt for jumping off the diving board and hitting a girl who had dived deep, rupturing one of her eardrums. Comfort and forgiveness was not give...

“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Paul goes on to tell of the crushing he had experienced in Asia: “We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead.”  2 Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We all come to the place where we only have the Lord to rely on, and when we do we find He is the God who raises the dead. He is the only one who saves, heals and delivers. If you are in need of comfort, seek Him. Press through the pai...

“No one is holy like the Lord! There is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.” 1 Samuel‬ ‭2‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This morning I prayed three prayers for me: Lord help me find a bike taxi driver who speaks English; help my application at language school be accepted; please provide me with English speaking friends. My bike taxi spoke beautiful English and was a gentleman to boot; my application was accepted with minimal fuss; and just now a lady I know messaged and invited me to join their bible study. This woman is an American who I already knew and forgot about, shame on me. The monsoons are here and so I will either take a car taxi or, if weather permits, a bike taxi. I now pray that this will be a good group to join. Prayer works. I, along with all those who are praying folk, have been praying for our Muslim brethren to know Jesus. I just read a report that 200 muslims in Gaza have come to know Him. Ooh! How wonderful is that??? Keep praying! Amen!!!

“There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.” ‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭2‬:‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬ This verse comes from Hannah’s prayer when she took her son Samuel and dedicated him to the Lord and left him, though young, with Eli in the temple. Having a son of my own I can imagine the grief she would also feel at giving up the son she had longed for for years. Samuel was only a little boy and he is left with a man who has two wicked sons of his own. After Hannah’s prayer the scripture goes on the talk about a Eli’s wicked sons. What hope will Samuel have to grow up into a godly man, yet he does. However, his sons are also wicked, perhaps this is where Eli failed him. The whole of Hannah’s prayer is worth reading. Such a prayer speaks of a mighty faith in the Lord. Hannah went on to have three more sons and two daughters. Samuel served the Lord faithfully and was a mighty man of God in Israel. He appointed Saul and Israel’s first king and David as the second...

“Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John‬ ‭8‬:‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬ In the past I have enjoyed Harrison Ford’s movies about the adventurous professor Indiana Jones, who got himself tangled in all sorts of drama. He hated scorpions and spiders and preferred to have a lighted torch when stumbling through caves. I doubt I would go through underground caves without a light of some sort. In Australia we have popular caves, one being the Jenolan Caves. They are as dark as pitch. Unlike a darken sky where at least there are stars, underground there is no light. Jesus told us we do not need to go through darkness without Him. Not only is He the light but He is also the Way. When we find ourselves in a dark place, calling out to Him brings Him and His presence into focus. I would not like to be anywhere without Him. I trust His Holy Spirit to guide and comfor...

“Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John‬ ‭8‬:‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Saying to a group of people that they walk in darkness when in the natural they do not, does not impact unless they have a conviction that they are lost and in the dark. In fact they Pharisees refuted Jesus’ statements as those a man would make about himself. Unfortunately blind guides do that. The Pharisees were blind to their sin. They had exalted ideas on their worth to God. Jesus called them blind guides. When we have a conviction of our sin we know we need the light to guide us. I know that without the light Jesus gives me, I walk in darkness. I cannot trust my own light and wisdom as ai know it is from myself, a natural person. However, as I walk in His light I know I am secure and in Him. His way is truth and life. Contrary to popular belief, do not trust your own heart, for i...

“God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him.” 1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬ An enemy of love is pride. We can be too proud to apologise, to say “I’m sorry!” “Forgive me for offending you?” However, God, who has every right to be offended, chose instead to make a sacrifice. He sent His Son to tell us how to pray to the father,  to make a way for us to be back in the family again.  How can I turn on you, be harsh with you, cut you off, complain about you? I do not have that right when God, the greatest being in all the universe, does not behave like that. I choose to forgive you, set you free from my harsh judgement. I choose to pray for you and love you, just as God in Christ forgave me. Please forgive me and one another. Amen!

“God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him.” 1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Jesus told parables about His own coming and rejection to show those who opposed Him that God saw and would repay. Yet they refused to listen and chose rather to crucify Him to be done with the truth He represented. Today, persecution of the church is happening worldwide becuase men love darkness rather than the light. Yet, the joy that awaits us all as we come to see and understand that God does love us, even in our sinful state. The crazy thing was, this love drove The Father to send His Son to show us what He was really like, and that His Son would give His life to save us from our sins. I say He gave His life as twice we are told of how He avoided those who took hold of Him. He had the power to refuse the cross, but He knew that by His death a perfect sacrifice would be made for sin. His sacrifice set us free from the hopelessness w...

“Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” ‭‭Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭2‬:‭38‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Repentance is a gift. The Holy Spirit shows us our sinfulness and gives us the gift of repentance so that we can be born again as a child of God. Today is Pentecost Sunday, it is the day we remember the outpouring of the Holy Spirit that turned timid fishermen into bold evangelists. As we receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit we are embolden to go into our worlds with the good news. I know when I am bold and I sure know when I am not. I prefer to have the Holy Spirit’s boldness when facing a spiritual enemy or a matter requiring faith. We can hobble along without the baptism in the Holy Spirit, however, His power sure makes a huge difference. Seek Him for this today! Amen!

“Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭38‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Peter said the above words on the day of Pentecost. The crowd he spoke to had come to see what the noise was when the Holy Spirit fell with a mighty rushing wind. The crowd had heard the disciples speak in in their own languages and some had accused them of drunkenness. However, Peter has said, “they are not drunk but this is that which was prophesied by the prophet Joel”. He then went on to speak about Jesus’ crucifixion and ressurection and implicated them with the responsibility. They had asked, “what must we do then?” He replied with the above scripture. Today the Holy Spirit is being poured out again and many are coming to Jesus, repenting of their sins, and being baptised in water. I pray they also receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit, as this will empower them to walk out their new life...

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭1‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬ What form does a witness take? They give evidence of an event they have seen; they tell what they have heard and experienced. What experience have you had of the Lord today? What good things has God done for or to you? Who needs to hear this good news? Many? A few? One? Someone? Anyone? We are good at retelling the football match outcome and our thoughts about it, how about the deliverance we have witnessed? The purification of our heart? The new life? The peace? We have good news. Tell it! Amen!

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts‬ ‭1‬:‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Powerlessness is painful! Longing to see people healed and God to be revealed is grievous without the power to do the work. Jesus waited 30 years to be released into ministey. When He was baptised in water He was also baptised in the Holy Spirit. However, first, He was driven into the wilderness to fast for 40 days and nights, during which time He was tempted by the devil. We are not told about His waiting period, during this time He probably worked as a carpenter, Joseph’s trade. As the eldest son He would have received Joseph’s business.  We have a carpenter living near our home and we see him making all manner of household furniture. He lives in a humble cottage with his wife and children. The home does not have glass windows. He is not educated in English, as most are today. Yet we like to do ...

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” Matthew‬ ‭28‬:‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬ When Jesus said “go”, what did the disciples do? After the day of Pentecost, when over 3,000 were brought to repentance, they stayed and discipled the new believers. What made them go was persecution. Are your eyes open to the one or are you content with what you have done? Being in familiar surroundings can make you content and complacent. Ask Jesus to see what He saw. Making disciples is bigger than taking a person to church, Jesus made disciples over a three year period. He taught them kingdom principles. He taught them to walk with Him and how to serve. Our responsibility cannot be passed to a church. We must learn the art of discipling. Amen!

“Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything.” Proverbs‬ ‭11‬:‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Stinginess is holding all our money close to our chest, believing we need it all. Some go so far as to not give at all. For a Christian this is wrong, and deprived them of all the blessing that could be theirs. A good attitude is: it all belongs to God, and we are His stewards. As we learn to give we find He always supplies all our needs and as we bless others we, in turn, will be blessed. God is good, and we are His children. As His children we can bless as He blesses. He did not withhold His most treasured One Jesus. If He gave us His best, we can also. Amen!

“One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭11‬:‭24‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Giving can be a smile. I find that is the easiest thing to give and find it is rewarded instantly upon the giving. A smile recognises another person as being in my space and worthy of positive recognition. The next is a namasaskaar(a) (hello in Nepali). Giving financial aid to those God inspires you to help brings His blessing, as does tithing. Praise and worship to Him bring joy, and victory. We cannot be so preoccupied with our phones or our own thoughts that we ignore others. Being in tune with the Lord and His thoughts is a bountiful field of harvest. Yesterday, I was on a micro bus crammed with other warm bodies. We opened all windows as when the door was shut as the odour arose. I ignored the smell and started with a smile and pretended to conduct the crowd of women before, me as I faced back towards them all. They smiled in return. I thought, “I must learn...

“He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.” ‭‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Today I would have loved having the role of pruning an organisation, the language school staff were unhelpful, except for one. The walls were filthy, the stairs decrepit, the building looked as if another earthquake would demolish it. It took a long bus trip and a 30 minute walk to reach, and the return bus was found on a different route, up many stairs and down again. Can you see what branch I need to cut off, the complaints department! I think my problem was I am being stretched, massively. A part of me, the 70 year old part, was whining. There is fear there as well. Can I do this, will I find my way by myself, is this the way the Lord wants for me? I think when things are hard we assume that we have misheard the Lord and we look for an easier way. (Can you hear the big baby? Waaa!) Lunch and a nap sorted my attitude, som...

“He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” John‬ ‭15‬:‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Either way you look at it there is a cut, there is no such thing as cruising or status quo. We are being transformed into the image of the Son of God.  Jesus said:  “Anyone who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.” Matthew‬ ‭21‬:‭44‬ ‭NIV‬‬ This sounds more severe that a cut. However, the Father is teaching us to give up the logs in our eyes and learn to deal with our own hearts. If I am in conflict, why? Are self-centered ways ruling my life? Have people, to date, accommodated my selfishness with, “that is just the way he/she is”. We can manage to push our own way if we are a leader of a church or a corporate organisation, or a family. Dying to self must be something we prioritize, otherwise self will rule. Being sensitive to others must be before our eyes, always,...

“But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We are hearing more and more stories of those who see Jesus in a vision or a dream and know He is the One. How do they know? They know in their heart of hearts He is God. However, they will need someone to explain Him to them and lead them to fellowship and teach them His ways. When the Lord was drawing me to Himself He gave me two born again believers who confronted my Catholic theology. It was painful but good for me as it uncovered the truth which eventually set me free.  I will be forever grateful to those two friends. Be that friend in someone’s life. Amen!

“But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This scripture resonates with me. I am here in Nepal to do just that. I am learning the language with five lessons a week but still that is not enough. I have devised a plan for my walk to the pool to swim. I pray for the Holy Spirit to fill the atmosphere where I walk and I look for people to pray for. I am not proselyting, but rather seeking to bless through prayer those who are ill. I was awaken about midnight with the presence of God and an impartation  of faith and power. I am excited to go today. I am also praying for harvesters to come into the field. We are seeing an outpouring of the Spirit of God worldwide. Harvesters are needed, especially with language skills, however, this can be learned. Compassion from our God for the lost is imperative. If you ...

“For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Imagine you are being chased by an axe murderer and you are near your friends house. How would you knock on his door? Timidly, gently or would you bang on it harshly, not caring who saw you? When it is a life or death scenario your energy is spent on arousing your friend. We fail to see our life and death predicament right now. We have been numbed into slumber and are drifting on a bed of flowers towards the crocodile and he is hungry. Wake up! Become urgent! You and your family need you to expend energy in prayer. The time is short and the danger is real. I watched a UTube clip of a journalist who received a prize for his reporting on world affairs, especially Israel. He spoke of the reality that the young in Israel are facing. Death is at the door. They are not woke activists, they are warriors who are fighting for life, family, amd country. We ne...

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬ What does this passage speak of? Endurance, tenacity, determination, and focus. What attempts to derail us? Feelings and emotions. Satan sends images of failure and pictures of those we are in relationship with failing us or turning from us. If we keep our focus on Jesus all the truth will instead keep our eyes. Who do we give our attention to? Whose voice do we listen to? Who do we give authority to? Jesus can be the only focus. Whilst we must obey our leaders, we must see them through a Christ filter. Scripture tells us to obey our parents and leaders as unto the Lord. They will give an account to the Lord for us. In the passage above Jesus instructs us to keep knocking and praying and the door will b...

“You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.” Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭45‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We all appreciate a person who keeps their word, unless it is dad promising the belt. I am one of six and we all managed to enbroil ourselves in various dust up’s. Dad would wade in with his belt to stop the fracas, however, we could outrun him. He always promised we had to sleep sometime, and sure enough that is when he would visit with the strap. Our Heavenly Father keeps His word also. His timing is a little out, according to our measure, but to His it is perfect. There are parameters He sees that are needed, before the promise comes. It is like trying to pour fresh water into a dirty cup, He asks that the cup be cleaned first, and if holes exist, patched up. Today my flatmates made me a special breakfast and gave me a gift of a new T-shirt. At luch we went to a girlfriends house, and my flatmates cooked for us. It was a delightful day. I could not have orchestrated it better. Thank You...

“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭45‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Elizabeth said these words to Mary when she saw her. Both women were pregnant; Elizabeth with John the Baptist and Mary with Jesus. Both carried a seed of promise and the future for all mankind. John would go before Jesus and proclaim Jesus’ coming. We are not told how long John preached but soon after Jesus’ appearing he was imprisoned by Herod and beheaded. However, John had made his impact, he had done the task given to him, he was to prepare the way for Jesus. Today we celebrate Mother’s Day. It is fitting to honour Mary who believed the word of the angel Gabriel that she would bear the Son of God, and was willing to carry the shame of becoming pregnant outside of marriage. I could think of no higher honour for a woman than to be the mother of Jesus. Nonetheless, for the remaining mothers we are blessed to give birth to the children God blessed us with, and any subsequent grandc...

“But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.” Ruth‬ ‭1‬:‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Many people find home to be a place far away from their birthplace. Some leave because of oppression, some for economic reasons and some to serve the Lord. Finding a new family in a foreign land has its struggles, however, finding home in God is peaceful and satisfying. Ruth found a new home in Israel with her mother in law Naomi. Eventually she marries Boaz and raises a family. Boaz was an older man, but a godly man. We are not told what her first husband was like other than he died in Moab. Ruth went from poverty to having her own home. She learned the Jewish religion and made their God her God. When we come to Christ we give up our idolatry (usually self worship) and learn to worship the living God. Living in His kingdom is life and joy as opposed to living without Him.we have come ...

“But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth‬ ‭1‬:‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Ruth’s sister in law, Opha, was given the same opportunity and chose to stay in her homeland. Both of their husbands had died and their mother in law, Naomi, being a jewess, was returning to Bethlehem in Israel. What made a Ruth want to go? Ruth had probably come to love Naomi, her husband’s mother. She would have been exposed to Naomi’s beliefs and probably seen her in worship. What she had seen had impacted her as true and what she wanted, and so she stated she would go and worship Naomi’s God. God had a plan for Ruth and she was in the process of responding to Him. As a missionary in Nepal I’ve seen many American women married to local Nepali men. Each has seen something in the other that they wanted in a marital partner. Ruth, however, had chosen to follow an older woman into an unk...

“But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.” 2 Thessalonians‬ ‭3‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Today I pressed into God for His encouragement and way of thinking about what I am facing. I went swimming and as I swam I was able to pray and think. I had asked the Lord for a way to think about the challenges facing me. He gave me the best idea and I took them immediately and joy filled my being. I am not going to talk about them as they are our secret tools until the war is won, then I will share them. As a I walked home I visited a shop and purchased two colouring books. I like to be prepared for little children. Always, I went prepared with my children to church. People marvelled at the self- control they exhibited through three hour long services. They each had a box full of things to occupy them. These boxes only came out on Sunday. However, here in Nepal it is not practical to haul around a box, and so I carry books and pencils, or pens. It works every time. I so...

“But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.” 2 Thessalonians‬ ‭3‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬ I am so blessed to have the New Testament scriptures to encourage me. I am thinking of David. When he and his men had gone off to war, raiders came and took their families and livestock. Exhausted they returned t‬o see their township of Ziglag burned to the ground. David’s men were thinking of stoning him. Right here would be a time when David could question if the Lord did indeed say he would become king of Israel and if Samuel had heard from the Lord. I face a disappointment and the enemy is providing questions: “has God indeed said?” I praise God I have this scripture. I will strengthen myself in the Lord and seek Him. His word must prevail and I will not accept the word of the enemy. Amen!

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews‬ ‭13‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The power that Jesus displayed was given to His disciples and also to us. That power did not change when delegated. The source of that power was the Holy Spirit. Irregardless of our feelings that power resides with the believer. We are not powerless, as Satan would have us believe. We received the Holy Spirit when we became filled with the Holy Spirit. Father I desire to be used by You for your glory. I have the Holy Spirit residing within. Open my eyes to all you have given me and give me people to pray for. Amen!

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas. Your strength comes from God’s grace, not from rules about food, which don’t help those who follow them.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭13‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬ When we say things are the same, generally this means things have not improved However, when we say a friend is the same, that they have not changed, this is a heartening statement. We are blessed to find the friend we remember, although they may have aged, their personality has not changed. If someone says I have not changed, I would be sad, as I believe I have grown as a Christian. However, they may be referring to my sense of fun, or even my faith. When scripture says Jesus has not changed this is a very heartening statement. He is perfect in all His ways. Our perception of Him would changed as we grow in relationship with Him. However, the work He did for us was complete. The grace He extends to us is totally whole and enough. We do not need to a...

“But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.” Isaiah‬ ‭53‬:‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Our wholeness cost Jesus, He was brutally beaten for us. Can we then say, “I am broken”? No! We must step into the wholeness He bought for us. No complaining about who hurt us, poor little us! Satan’s device is to keep us focused on what was and make us believe it still is. Jesus said: “For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John‬ ‭8‬:‭44‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Jesus, here, was speaking to the Pharisees and Scribes. They continually argued for their point of view which was legalistic and devoid of power. Step in! Amen!

“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” Isaiah‬ ‭53‬:‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Peace was required, peace from agitating passions, accusations and temptation to sin. Jesus suffered so we could find peace through Him. Satan lost his authority. Jesus gives us authority when we come to Him. Satan works on us to give him our authority, through deception. Jesus is our peace, Paul tells us this in Ephesians 2:14. Although we may go to peaceful, serene places, peace in the storm is only found in Jesus. He is the master and storms do not affect Him. Today my peace is in Him. Amen!

“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬ For teh last 20 years God has lead me on walking on water ventures. Tomorrow I begin another. Without the money I am tomorrow venturing to begin a farming business. He has had me doing crazy things before. I remember in 2006 He had me become a mortgage broker and begin a reverse mortgage business that was going quite well until the financial market crashed. Again in 2011 ahe had me approach a large financial institution for a financial planning licence. That business was going well until the provider ended up in court in 2018. Now as the court case finalises I am being nudged to begin again. Now I am walking into another unknown. What an adventurous God I have. I have the offer of land for free, however the government here expects large investments to operate, but God knows a way. He may have to split the sea or this time dry hearts. T...

Weariness is produces from hard work, but also from depressive thinking about appeared failed work.  In David’s last battle before he became a crowned king, it appeared he had lost it all. However, even though his men were calling for him to be punished, he went to the Lord and strengthened himself in Him. Why did he do this, how did he have the ability to do this? Because David had created a habit of strengthening Himself in God from when he was a shepherd. David asked God,” shall I go after those who have stolen our families and herds?” God said, “go after them and you will succeed!” Now David and his men were weary from a long journey and needed sustainenance. Some of his men actually could not go all the way. However, David still shared the spoils with them (1 Samuel 30). We can learn a lot from David in his life on the run from Saul. His psalms and that written about him in 1 Samuel depicts a man who sought God and his ways. Even distraught and weary many times, he went to the...

“Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other.” 1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I have friends who buy tools that thy discover need skill to use. When the discovery that use without instructions is not available it is shelved. Where is the wonder, the interest, the desire to learn something new? Many take this approach tor relationships. Where is the long-suffering? Where is faithfulness? Where is endurance? I have an old friend that God had me endure for 14 years. She stubbornly stuck her selfish ways for years. There were times I would go home after  encounter and yell:”yaaaah! God she is so frustrating! What can’t I move on?” We forget God endures with us, He is patient and long -suffering. We could do with some of that, in fact a lot of that! My old friend is now walking with the Lord. My dad was another case I had to endure. He was bitter and twisted. I confronted his bitterness and it was rooted in unforgiveness. I made him forgive. Then God moved in...

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.” 1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬-‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬ If we study the way Jesus spoke to the disciples, all of it, we discover that there were many times He said, “are you still failing to understand (my version ) or “you don’t know what you’re asking for “. He was continually teaching them and reprimanding them, as a teacher would. Yet, Jesus said, “if you have seen Me you have seen the Father”. Although our God is a God of love...

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬ This morning I said I had no worries, but that the day would produce them, it did. However, my anxieties are small and easily brought before the king for solving. One persistent problem though is a friend who persists in sinful behaviour, refusing to allow God to bring change through His Holy Spirit. I find myself saying, “Lord show me how to pray for this friend?” At least at present the rain is falling. After a long dry, the drops are pleasant indeed. The monsoon rains will come in the next few weeks but right now people are beginning to plant crops and they need the rain. I have not experienced the monsoons, I may live to regret my prayer for rain, but I wait expectantly. I have planted seeds in planter pots on my veranda. I am expectant for a crop also. Nothing is impossible with my God. He is able to change the most hardened heart. His is a God of miracles after all. Amen!

“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he care for you.” 1 Petee 5:7NLT Right now, as I lay on my bed, I have no worries. However, the day tends to produce them without coaching. Today is Sunday, church day. Yay! Yesterday I found a hairdresser and a tailor. I had looked at buying a sewing machine but that did not come to pass, interacting with the locals did. I needed a sewing job done and so went to a local tailor, the job was done adequately. I needed a hair cut and the hairdresser did it better than any before her. In the process I made some friends. Another woman was having her hair coloured and we started chatting. She turned out to be an agricultural professor. Who would have known but God. She gave me her business card and told me to email her. I did and asked her to meet for coffee. Who knows what God will do today? When I returned home last night the girls were out and left no message as to where they had gone and when they would return. I went to bed and slept throught...

“I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night— but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you.” Psalms‬ ‭139‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬ When I was a child hide and seek was probably my favourite game at night, and especially Christmas night at my Nan’s house, as she had the best hiding places and all my cousins were there. As they approached my hiding place I would hold my breath so as to not give myself away. My God loves hide and seek. He loves to hide and me to find Him. He is clever as He can hide right next to me, and only as I sharpen my spiritual antenna do I find Him. Conversely, sin makes me want to hide from Him. It has always been the same for all mankind. Repentance removes the barrier. This morning I made one of my flatmates angry. I challenged her anger and told her she needed to repent as she was being offended at my correction (Yes I can be painful). After having a showe...

                           “I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night— but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you.” Psalms‬ ‭139‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Jonah tried to run from God, but brought problems on the ship in which he hid. He repented, and told the sailors to throw him into the sea, they did, and the sea became calm. God organised a huge fish to swallow Jonah and he was in the dark for three days and nights whilst he fully repented. Perhaps Jonah did not read the psalm above. Sin makes us believe we are hidden from the light, however, we are laid bare to Him. Sin has a voice and it encourages us into further darkness, yet God is there. He waits for us to turn to Him and be healed. The darkness was over the face of the deep and God said, “let there be light!” He turns on the switch and brings illumina...

“Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We can fret about our failures, our inabilities, but God’s grace and forgiveness are enough.  Whilst my Nepali lanaguage is still not A grade, it is increasing and I am going out and negotiating soil, picture frames, shoe repairs and managing adequately. This afternoon I go to purchase a sewing machine. Whilst I had this in Australia bringing it here was too expensive. I hope to train my flatmates on the use of the machine. I may have to go by myself in a taxi and will have to manage the language by myself. God’s grace is enough. Amen!

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬ We are not told what Paul’s weakness was. However, he was now going to boast of it so that God’s power could be displayed. Paul had sought God three times for healing, but God’s reply was the above verse. What weakness do you live with? Are you needing to depend on God for strength? Perhaps, God prefers to reveal His enabling power through you. Perhaps you have seen Nick Vujicic. He has no arms and legs but that does not stop him from preaching God’s word. He has not used his limitation to prevent him from doing anything he chooses. His preaching has set many a person free. I have a hearing limitation, I have tinititus and hearing loss, but I am in Nepal learning to speak the language so that I can talk to the inhabitants about Jesus. Nepalese is a languaga...

“Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.” Colossians‬ ‭4‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬ An alert mind is receptive to prayer requests. People need prayer at all times of the day and night. If they cry out to God for help, the Lord may send through a prayer request to us to partner with Him in intercession. Although He is God and can do all things, us partnering with Him shows a desire to bond with Him in a request. I am starting to see Him sitting at the table with me and the food on the table is the bread and wine and nine different fruit. I can daily choose to eat from this table, in fact many times in the day. Faithfulness is a fruit of the Spirit, so is long suffering. These two partner wirh prayer and love and so do a mighty work. Pray differently! Pray with eyes that see! Amen!

“Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.” Colossians‬ ‭4‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Paul goes on to ask for prayer that he might have opportunities to share the gospel. I could also ask this. In a  land where I do not speak the language proficiently enough, I need creative ways to share my faith. The Lord knows what ways will work, I don’t. Yesterday I went swimming and on the way home visited many shops for things I needed. I made a point of being friendly and trying to communicate. Everybody needs a smile and courtesy. May I remember to ask the Holy Spirit for His clothing and awareness of His purpose. Having an active prayer life for me is important. I have a prayer list and pray in the spirit over each seeking God how to pray for the needs of those on the list. Engaging my heart for them is the challenge and not being caught up with other thoughts. This requires me to pray intentionally. The Holy Spirit knows their needs. Seeking His guidance is imperative for me....

““I hate all your show and pretense— the hypocrisy of your religious festivals and solemn assemblies. Away with your noisy hymns of praise! I will not listen to the music of your harps. Instead, I want to see a mighty flood of justice, an endless river of righteous living.” ‭‭Amos‬ ‭5‬:‭21‬, ‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬ What caused this outrage by the Lord? Israel had again sunk into idolatry. They had begun well but slid into worship of Cannanite gods. Places like Bethel and Gilgal were once places to worship God but became idolatrous. The people then attempted to make an each way bet and turned up to worship God in a half-hearted attempt to fool God. He was having none of it and rebuked them for the outworking of their idolatry: persecution of the poor. What can we learn from this? Don’t think that great songs and singing cut it with God unless hearts are changed and the poor are cared for. Amen!

“But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” Amos‬ ‭5‬:‭24‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Have you read the previous verse?  “Away with your noisy hymns of praise! I will not listen to the music of your harps.” Amos‬ ‭5‬:‭23‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Amos tells the reader what injustice is: “How you hate honest judges! How you despise people who tell the truth! You trample the poor, stealing their grain through taxes and unfair rent. Therefore, though you build beautiful stone houses, you will never live in them. Though you plant lush vineyards, you will never drink wine from them.” ‭‭Amos‬ ‭5‬:‭10‬-‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬ In Australia rents are unaffordable. The owners justify their greed and care little for the poor. Companies care little for their customers and more for their shareholders. They crush the poor with high prices and bad service. Compassion is lacking. True love for God is absent and a show is in place. Let our worship fill all we are and do and be evident in justice! Amen!

“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” ‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬ When we receive a message, a phone call to invite us to a special dinner meeting we dress beautifully and look forward to the dinner. We have such an invitation daily. Our Lord prepares a table for us, in the midst of our enemies. We cannot be too busy to comes. Jesus told a parable about this (Matt 22:1-15). He was serious. Our preoccupation with entertainment or our own agendas will not be acceptable. Remember, Jesus told us the end of the tale. It was not good. Today when you hear His voice do not respond as the rebellious ones and perish. Let us come with joyful anticipation. Amen!