The day with dianne Louise

“Jesus told them, “In this world the kings and great men Lord it over their people, yet they are called ‘friends of the people.’ But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant. Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves. “You have stayed with me in my time of trial. And just as my Father has granted me a Kingdom, I now grant you the right to eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom. And you will sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭22‬:‭25‬-‭30‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Judas was still present when Jesus said these words: “you will sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel”. Where was he in his head? Did he not want to serve? Was the talk of dying and rising from the dead too much for him? He had been one of those commissioned to go out and preach, hea...

““But here at this table, sitting among us as a friend, is the man who will betray me. For it has been determined that the Son of Man must die. But what sorrow awaits the one who betrays him.” The disciples began to ask each other which of them would ever do such a thing. Then they began to argue among themselves about who would be the greatest among them.” Luke‬ ‭22‬:‭21‬-‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Here, at a time of Jesus’ grief over what was before Him the disciples are trying to discover who would betray Him and straight away who was the greatest. What a disappointment! Jesus was alone in His agony and grief. His disciples could not comprehend what was about to happen. They were caught in petty arguments. This would be like us calling a friend who is suffering and in moments begin talking about our own petty annoyances with siblings. Our friend who endure us but would despair of our selfishness. Scripture tells us to weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice. We are to share eac...

“Then Satan entered into Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve disciples, and he went to the leading priests and captains of the Temple guard to discuss the best way to betray Jesus to them. They were delighted, and they promised to give him money. So he agreed and began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus so they could arrest him when the crowds weren’t around.” Luke‬ ‭22‬:‭3‬-‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Judas had gone to the religious leaders saying he wanted to betray Jesus to them. Why did he do that? Judas was disappointed that Jesus did not come as the ruling Messiah. We also know he stole money from the treasury and that he was offended that Mary poured expensive ointment over Jesus. Judas carried an offended spirit. Offended people betray.  The rulers offered Judas money, 30 pieces of silver, he agreed. Not only was he carrying offence he also carried greed. Yet, Jesus chose him to be a disciple. Judas had a corrupt heart. He did not see Jesus as the Son of God, he did not trust ...

“Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware, like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth. Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭21‬:‭34‬-‭36‬ ‭NLT‬‬ As the end draws near we must be vigilant. We watch prophesy unfold before our eyes in Israel. Before these days I wondered why Israel would be alone to fight her enemies, I no longer wonder. The anti-semitism being poured out against her is disgusting. A generation who have not studied history are allowing Islamic sentiments to rule without considering what that same sentiment would do to them and their woke ideals. They so easily forget how Islamic terrorists behaved in America when they flew planes intot the World Trade Centre. Australia had Islamic terrorists kill Australians in Bali and a terrorist hold up a ca...

“And everyone will hate you because you are my followers. But not a hair of your head will perish! By standing firm, you will win your souls.” Luke‬ ‭21‬:‭17‬-‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I wonder if the disciples remembered these words as they boldly proclaimed the gospel in the book of Acts. We see them being jailed for their faith, but released by angels, great boldness was upon them. They confronted the Sanhedrin with their sin on many occasions. When told not to preach about a Jesus they stated  ‘that we must obey God rather than men’. Being hated is not unknown to me. However, the haters suffer more than me. I pray God’s best upon them. Needing to be loved by the wrong people is stupid. God has those who will love and care for us. His kingdom is more important than being one of the crowd. Live for His kingdom! Amen!

“While Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins. “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭21‬:‭1‬-4 NLT When we have an abundance we can smugly give our 10% tithe feeling very righteous; yet the poor, wanting to please the Lord give their small amount when they know that money could buy food they desperately need. Because we, the rich, effortlessly give, we fail to comprehend the immensity of what the poor have done. Further, we do not care to understand as our minset is so far removed. One can practice sacrificial giving pushing beyond 10%, some gradually increase in increments, until they are living on 10% and giving 90%. These people gain an understanding of sacrificial giving. The important thing is giving...

“Jesus replied, “Marriage is for people here on earth. But in the age to come, those worthy of being raised from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage. And they will never die again. In this respect they will be like angels. They are children of God and children of the resurrection.” Luke‬ ‭20‬:‭34‬-‭36‬ ‭NLT‬‬ As humans we cannot imagine a greater relationship than a good marriage, however, there is. The love of God is so perfect and so complete our desire will be for that. Sex is a union between man and woman and whilst it brings great pleasure it also pales. We must trust that this will also fade into insignificance. There have been times when the love of God so surrounds me I can think of nothing better. His love is complete. To know this will be constant in eternity is pure delight. Jesus spoke the above scripture when tested by the Saducees. They did not believe in the resurrection but knew of the law that stated: ‘if a man dies and leaves no progeny, his brother m...

“Jesus looked at them and said, “Then what does this Scripture mean? ‘The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’ Everyone who stumbles over that stone will be broken to pieces, and it will crush anyone it falls on.” Luke‬ ‭20‬:‭17‬-‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Jesus had just told a parable about a vineyard that an owner leased out and when he sent his servants for his portion of the harvest the tennants beat and abused them. Finally he sent his son whom they killed. The Pharisees were listening to the parable and were so angry they wanted to kill Him, they knew He was talking about them. He then spoke the above scriptural reference from Psalm 118:22. No matter how Jesus was rejected He was and still is the cornerstone. A cornerstone was the first stone laid in the building from which all others took their bearings. Jesus was that cornerstone and nothing they did could stop that. They thought crucifixion would end Him but He rose again and his disciples set the world on fire w...

“One day as Jesus was teaching the people and preaching the Good News in the Temple, the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders came up to him. They demanded, “By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right?” “Did John’s authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human?” They talked it over among themselves. “If we say it was from heaven, he will ask why we didn’t believe John. But if we say it was merely human, the people will stone us because they are convinced John was a prophet.” So they finally replied that they didn’t know. And Jesus responded, “Then I won’t tell you by what authority I do these things.” Luke‬ ‭20‬:‭1‬-‭2‬, ‭4‬-‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Jesus’s reply was excellent. The arrogant religious leaders thought they were the masters of truth. Jesus uncovered their motives. However, even then they were unable to embrace a greater truth. We can be so full of our own religious opinions that we miss the greater truth. Jesus sai...

“Yes,’ the king replied, ‘and to those who use well what they are given, even more will be given. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.” Luke‬ ‭19‬:‭26‬ ‭NLT‬‬  This verse comes from the parable Jesus told about the delay in the coming of the kingdom of God. It is interesting that the ten servants the king gave money to differed in ability. To the first he gained 10 times the amount given, the next gained 5 times the amount he was given, and  the next buried it in the ground, fearful of his master, who he deemed a harsh master, some servants did not want him to be their king and presumably did nothing or even spent it on themselves. We see a harsh judgement metered out on the fearful servant and those who rejected him; what he had was taken away and given tor the first and those who did not want him to be their king were executed beofre him. When the Lord returns He will be looking for a return on all He has given us. What have we done w...

“Jesus responded, “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” Luke‬ ‭19‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Jesus said this to a man called Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus was a shorty, much like me. He heard Jesus was in town and could not see over the crowd so he ran and climbed a sycamore tree. Jesus looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, I must dine in your house today!”  The Pharisees were offended that Jesus with dine with a notorious sinner. However, God knew Zacchaeus would respond to this kindness. Zacchaeus told Jesus he would give away half of all he owned to the poor and if he had cheated anyone he would repay them four times as much.  The poor were blessed, Zacchaeus was blessed and those who he cheated were blessed. I imagine there were many clambouring to claim he had cheated them, however, I imagine Zacchaeus was shrewd enough to discern the truth, after all, he was the coll...

“As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind beggar was sitting beside the road. When he heard the noise of a crowd going past, he asked what was happening. They told him that Jesus the Nazarene was going by.  So he began shouting, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” “Be quiet!” the people in front yelled at him. But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”  When Jesus heard him, he stopped and ordered that the man be brought to him. As the man came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord,” he said, “I want to see!” And Jesus said, “All right, receive your sight! Your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus, praising God. And all who saw it praised God, too.” Luke‬ ‭18‬:‭35‬-‭43‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Jesus did not seek this man out, He was walking by. When the blind man asked what was all the commotion the crowd ‘Jesus the Nazarene was passing’, yet, he called out ‘Jesus son of David have mercy on me!’ He recognised ...

“Taking the twelve disciples aside, Jesus said, “Listen, we’re going up to Jerusalem, where all the predictions of the prophets concerning the Son of Man will come true. He will be handed over to the Romans, and he will be mocked, treated shamefully, and spit upon. They will flog him with a whip and kill him, but on the third day he will rise again.” But they didn’t understand any of this. The significance of his words was hidden from them, and they failed to grasp what he was talking about.” Luke‬ ‭18‬:‭31‬-‭34‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Have you ever been on a committee and thought you knew what the goals were and where the vision lay, then, one night, you walk in late to discover the whole group is talking about a totally different vision and you are groping for the thread of meaning in it al? Well, the committee was the whole Jewish nation, Jesus was the new kid on the block with a different Messiah’s message than what the committee expected. They wonder what train he is on. They are so entrenched wi...

“When Jesus saw this, he said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God! In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!” Those who heard this said, “Then who in the world can be saved?” He replied, “What is impossible for people is possible with God.” Luke‬ ‭18‬:‭24‬-‭27‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Jesus had just had a rich man come to Him and ask how he could obtain eternal life. Jesus started with ‘keep the commandments’, the man persisted and so Jesus told him, ‘sell all you possessions, give the money to the poor and come follow me’. This made the rich man sad as he had many possessions. There is a comfort in the lifestyle of the rich that would be hard for the man to relinquish. To give it all up and tramp around the countryside with Jesus was challenging. We are not told if the man manages to do this, because Jesus went on to say, ‘what is hard with man is not hard with God.’ If Judas had heard this conversation...

“Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” Luke‬ ‭18‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬ How quickly we forget these words. Pride in understanding or ability to recite scripture replace humble awe. We also tend to be captured with those who seem important and despise the humble and non-important. Children are often shuffled off to Sunday School and not deemed a part of the church service. However, in places where they are encouraged to take part at home and in church they are ardent prayer warriors. Jesus honoured the children by saying, “whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will never enter it”. Little children respond to a loving saviour with glee. They do not insist on understanding it first, they embrace it. Stay humble and receptive to our God!...

“I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke‬ ‭18‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Who is this sinner? The whole parable is contained in verses 9-14. Jesus had just told a story about two men: one a Pharisee and one a tax collector. Both had gone to the temple to pray. The Pharisee talked about how wonderful he was, he boasted about his own righteousness and put down the tax collector. Whereas, the tax collector beat his chest and asked for forgiveness from the Lord.  The Pharisee had failed to see his own sin: pride. He arrogantly expected God to accept his own pronouncement of righteousness. We do this when we estimate ourselves more righteousness than the friend or person before us who has committed a sin which all know is obvious. Pride is insidious. It infects our hearts and robs us of relationship with God and man, it isolates us, causes us to believe we are b...

“One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up. “There was a judge in a certain city,” he said, “who neither feared God nor cared about people. A widow of that city came to him repeatedly, saying, ‘Give me justice in this dispute with my enemy.’ The judge ignored her for a while, but finally he said to himself, ‘I don’t fear God or care about people, but this woman is driving me crazy. I’m going to see that she gets justice, because she is wearing me out with her constant requests! “  Luke‬ ‭18‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬ My Amplified Bible puts verse 1 as:  Also Jesus told them a parable to the effect that they ought to always pray and not to turn coward. So, a coward gives up. He is convinced that what he asked for in prayer was too much for him; wrong for him; not what God wanted for him. Perhaps, God wanted him to have a moulded character before he received what he asked for. What causes people to give up the prayer? Fear, doubt, disco...

“One day the Pharisees asked Jesus, “When will the Kingdom of God come?” Jesus replied, “The Kingdom of God can’t be detected by visible signs. You won’t be able to say, ‘Here it is!’ or ‘It’s over there!’ For the Kingdom of God is already among you.” Luke‬ ‭17‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The Kingdom to the Pharisees, in fact all the Jews was when The Messiah would come and defeat all of Israel’s enemies. The expectarion was for a militant saviour. However, right in their midst was the saviour of their souls. They failed to discern their desperate need, a need greater than deliverance from the Roman occupation. As we seek God for our physical needs, our visas, our need for a home, our need for finance, a spouse and so forth what need does our Lord see beyond this earthy need? He sees into our hearts and minds. Do we need to rest in Him, find His peace, His embrace, His gentle voice? What new vision is He trying to birth in us? His ways are best! Amen!

“As Jesus continued on toward Jerusalem, he reached the border between Galilee and Samaria. As he entered a village there, ten men with leprosy stood at a distance, crying out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” He looked at them and said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed of their leprosy.” Luke‬ ‭17‬:‭11‬-‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬ In Nepal leprosy is still  active. I remember a woman who had lost most her if her fingers to the disease. She was the first person I had met who had suffered leprosy. The reality of what she has suffered came home to me. These men were all cast out of their communities and homes. They lived by begging and eating scraps of food that they found. They stood a far off from Jesus as they were not permitted to be close to unaffected people. They knew Him and called out asking for mercy. He did not say, ‘be healed’, all he said was ‘go and show yourselves to the priest’. The priest was the one to declare them clean and thus allow the...

“The apostles said to the Lord, “Show us how to increase our faith.” The Lord answered, “If you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘May you be uprooted and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you!” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭17‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬ It is interesting that these verses come after Jesus taught on forgiveness. We would also be joining in this request as to continuing forgiving the same person all day, as they repeatedly sin against us and ask forgiveness, is huge. However, Jesus tells them they have enough faith in the above illustration. They only needed faith as small as a mustard seed, which is very small. So then, what was the problem? Unbelief? Disobedience? Jesus goes on in verses 7-10 to teach about servanthood and obedience. The lesson Jesus gives is of a servant who has been ploughing in the field and then comes in a prepares dinner. He first feeds his master then himself. This illustration and teaching would not go down well today. We ...

“So watch yourselves! “If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive. Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive.” Luke‬ ‭17‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Rather than talk about that person, confront their sin. We have been dumbed down to accept offense and say nothing. However, all this does is build a wall of offense and bitterness. It so much better to confront sin and  be free from offence. Watching ourselves requires us to recognise we are quite able to become offended if we fail to confront the sin. Offense is waiting for us to fal into its trap. As I love marine life and diving I watch video clips of various marine animals hunting. Tonight I watched an octopus hunt crabs. It cleverly hides in a trap waiting for the crabs to jump off the rocks into the sea. Satan is a hunter and we are the prey. Do not be deceived by his line, ‘you can’t confront that person it will be unloving’. Tha...

“One day Jesus said to his disciples, “There will always be temptations to sin, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting! It would be better to be thrown into the sea with a millstone hung around your neck than to cause one of these little ones to fall into sin.” Luke‬ ‭17‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Women have been framed as temptresses in the Book of Proverbs, especially in the realm of sexual sin. Women do flirt and attempt to engage men they are interested in. Conversely men boast about prowess, skill and knowledge. We can all be guilty of wanting attention. It becomes dangerous and wrong when it steps over the god-given line. In the last chapter Jesus said the following: “Until John the Baptist, the law of Moses and the messages of the prophets were your guides. But now the Good News of the Kingdom of God is preached, and everyone is eager to get in. But that doesn’t mean that the law has lost its force. It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the smallest point...

“But Abraham said, ‘If they won’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they won’t be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.” Luke‬ ‭16‬:‭31‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This verse comes at the end of a parable about the poor man Lazarus and the rich man.  Lazarus would have had a terrible life laying at the gates of the rich man. Yet, in death, he was in the comforting arms of Abraham. The rich man also died and was in hell in torment. He was behaving like a rich man, attempting to control his environment asking a Abraham if Lazarus could dip his finger in cold water and put it on his tongue. Abraham said ‘Not possible’. He then asked if Lazarus could go and warn his brothers. Again Abraham denied his request.  We might control our world here on earth but in death it is a different story. Eternity is forever and ever. We have lost control once our last breath is taken. Do not fool yourself. You are not Lord of all, in fact you are not Lord at all. Amen!

““No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.” The Pharisees, who dearly loved their money, heard all this and scoffed at him. Then he said to them, “You like to appear righteous in public, but God knows your hearts. What this world honors is detestable in the sight of God.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭16‬:‭13‬-‭15‬ ‭NLT‬‬ It is interesting that those who love money scoff at the idea that they serve money, however, they do not deceive anyone. The Pharisees paraded themselves around in fine clothing, they were, as a group, generally proud of their status. Jesus saw right through them. His parables poked holes in their veneer. Jesus chose a humble lifestyle and yet He was the Lord of Lords. He had every right to exalt Himself, yet, He humbled Himself to the place of a servant. I am reading a story about two men who received an inheritance. One loves his father and was humbled by what...

“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? And if you are not faithful with other people’s things, why should you be trusted with things of your own?” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭16‬:‭10‬-‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Accusations have been levelled at Nepali pastors saying they take what was meant for the poor to squander on themselves with fancy homes, cars etc. as in the west, not all pastors are greedy for gain, it is that the few tar the whole with them corrupt image. The congregations also are withholding the tithe in the west, claiming greater need for self. We all are responsible for the wealth God gives us. We are His stewards. I remember watching. T D Jake’s oodcast once where he addressed this issue. He said many are in debt to credit cards because people buy the trendiest shoes and cloth...

“The rich man had to admire the dishonest rascal for being so shrewd. And it is true that the children of this world are more shrewd in dealing with the world around them than are the children of the light. Here’s the lesson: Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. Then, when your possessions are gone, they will welcome you to an eternal home.” Luke‬ ‭16‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Jesus had been telling a parable about a rich man who discovered his employee had been wasting his master’s money. The the rich man had decided to fire the manager and the manager, realistic about his own inabilities, organised a scheme to win friends. People who owed the rich man money the manager arranged for them to lessen their bill. Jesus praised the manager as beign shrewd. He even said what the lesson was: use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends so that when your resources run out you have friends to go to. The interesting thing here is that the manager actually used h...

“I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.”’ Luke‬ ‭15‬:‭18‬-‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬  This excerpt is from the parable about the Prodigal son. This son displays two views of his father, both of them wrong: 1) his father existed for his own provision and pleasure                       2) his father ruled his world fairly towards his servants but would no longer consider him as a son. The father’s response was totally magnanimous. Grace plus oozed from his pores. The older brother also had an erroneous view of his father. He considered his father to be a strict father who would not generously bless him. He expected his lot was to work hard and receive the inheritance when his father died. Neither son had a good relationship with his father. He was a mere provider. However, both came to see their father in a...

“In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.” ‭ Luke‬ ‭15‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Jesus had just told the parable about the woman who lost one of ten coins. She swept the house clean and when she found it called her neighbours to celebrate. We may not relate to this parable regarding coins as they are not really of importance in todays digital age. However, a better example would be an engagement ring or some precious item of jewellery. We also do not live in tight knit communities in the west. However, Nepal still has these. Every evening, if you happen to be out ‘roaming’ you will see men, women and children sitting outside talking to neighbours ( children are often playing soccer or cricket). In such a community the loss of paisa (money) would be relevant and the story told. To God the loss of a child, a son or a daughter is a sad event, but the joy of their return is a cause for celebration. To love the Lord is to care for those He cares for and...

“In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!” Luke‬ ‭15‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The closest I’ve come to losing a sheep is losing a dog. Pet dogs have become very precious to us Westerners. I’ve also noticed this occurring to younger people in Nepal. In my block of flats a young couple liver below me. They have spaniel which has it ears decorated with yellow bows. A few days ago it went missing. I was concerned as the neighbourhood is home to many street dogs, many of whom would make short work of the pretty pooch. Fortunately it was recovered alive. My landlord’s grandsons love this dog also. When my siblings and I were growing up, our dad brought home a sheep for a pet. As this sheep we called Barbie grew, it consumed my mother’s roses and became somewhat a nuisance. Eventually my dad returned it to the man who gave it to us.  I am grateful the Lord does not rid Himse...

“Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? Flavorless salt is good neither for the soil nor for the manure pile. It is thrown away. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!”  Luke‬ ‭14‬:‭34‬-‭35‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Here in Nepal salt is used a lot to flavour food. For me now, food without salt is tasteless. Apparently salt enhances the natural flavour of food. The Nepali people love their chili so much it overpowers al other flavours. I don’t mind a little chili but to waste the natural flavours of all foods is a crime, to me. If natural salt enhances flavour then spiritual salt is so much better. I am on this earth as a salt shaker to bring God’s flavour to my world. May the building I live in be blessed, may the road I live on be blessed, may the suburb I live in be blessed, may the city I live in be blessed. Blessed are they who come in the name of the Lord! Amen!

““If you want to be my disciple, you must, by comparison, hate everyone else—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭14‬:‭26‬-‭27‬ ‭NLT‬‬ As a disciple of Jesus I cannot push the responsibility of my life onto others, neither can I blame them for my failures, I must carry my own load. In verse 28 Jesus warned that before we start we must count the cost. Unfortunately this in not something we do. I know I just wanted Jesus, I did not think there would be a cost, but there has been. However, I would still choose Him because He is what I wanted most, and still is. Today, before embarking on a step you believe God is leading you on, count the cost. Also, remember there is an eternity. Where do you want to be? Amen!

“For none of those I first invited will get even the smallest taste of my banquet.” Luke‬ ‭14‬:‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬  In the whole of Chapter 14 Jesus taught about the table, behaviour of guests and response to the invitation. This verse comes after a teaching on the Jewish response to His invitation to come to Him and eat with Him. They, as a group, had refused to accept who He was. The way was being opened up to us Gentiles, we were the ones at the highways and byways, in the hedges. We were considered the scum of the earth by the Jewish leaders, but Jesus was showing that we would be welcomed in. I am so grateful the way was made for me to come in. No longer is God the Father only the God you of the Jews, through His Son Jesus He is God for all. Growing up in a Catholic home and attending a Catholic school, everyone outside of the fence of my school was a heather and doomed, or so we thought. However, I failed to realise that Romans 3:23 says: ‘all have sinned and fallen short of the glor...

“Then he turned to his host. “When you put on a luncheon or a banquet,” he said, “don’t invite your friends, brothers, relatives, and rich neighbors. For they will invite you back, and that will be your only reward. Instead, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. Then at the resurrection of the righteous, God will reward you for inviting those who could not repay you.” Luke‬ ‭14‬:‭12‬-‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬ If we be honest we invite our friends, relatives, rich neighbours and neglect the poor and disabled. How does this teaching of Jesus affect us? Maybe it is time we found out! One Christmas I was alone in my flat for Christmas and instead of feeling sorry for myself I had invited a bunch of misfits. I also invited my brother and he left as soon as he could as he despised the gathering. Those invited enjoyed themselves and in fact stayed on until dinner. None of them invited me back and I did not mind as that was not the goal. I was sowing to the Lord. This year I will celebrate...

“The Lord is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord.” Lamentations‬ ‭3‬:‭25‬-‭26‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I was attracted to this scripture as never do I see Lamentations in ‘word for the day’. Jeremiah the prophet wrote this book. He had reason to lament. He prophesied against the foolishness and sin of his people, warning they would be taken into captivity and for his efforts was thrown into a dry well, chained and laughed at. Thus he could say: “The thought of my suffering and homelessness is bitter beyond words. I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve over my loss. Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!” Lamentations‬ ‭3‬:‭19‬-‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬  Jeremiah consoled himself in the goodness of God. Man...

“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭14‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Jesus said this after He had seen that many people who were invited to a dinner He attended were jostling for the best seats. He advised them to choose a lower seat and then, if the master of the house sees them humbling themselves and invites them higher, all will see. Do you ever exalt yourself? I do, and afterwards am convicted and repent. How much better if I had never let ego out of the cage? We exalt oursleves when we discuss others who are also made in the image of God in a derogatory way. Why do we do it? Because we allow our sinful nature to rule. Pride exalts itself. Satan loves this as it is his nature. Pride caused him to fall and he wants to take as many of the Lord’s followers as he can with him. Jesus said, “it is better to fall upon the rock and be broken than to have the rock fall on you and be crushed” (Luke 20:18). The rock or stone was Jesus th...

“Someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few be saved?” He replied, “Work hard to enter the narrow door to God’s Kingdom, for many will try to enter but will fail.” Luke‬ ‭13‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Matthew records: “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬ To us in this day, what is the narrow gate? Where does liberal theology fit? Where does violent rhetoric  against fellow believers fit? Where does lazy Christianity fit? They don’t! The narrow way is the pure word of God on which we build our homes, our lives, our church lives and our friendships. There is no compromise and no room for egotistical opinions. The only truth is the word of God. What gate have you chosen?

“Then Jesus said, “What is the Kingdom of God like? How can I illustrate it? It is like a tiny mustard seed that a man planted in a garden; it grows and becomes a tree, and the birds make nests in its branches.” Luke‬ ‭13‬:‭18‬-‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Salvador Persica is the name given to a mustard tree in Africa and the Middle East. In photos found on the internet birds were collecting in the tree. There was also a photo of the small seed. Jesus likened the kingdom of God to this tree. When a small seed is planted birds are more interested in eating the seed, however, once the seed produces a tree it becomes a place of residence. The kingdom of God is a place of belonging. We can meet Christians all over the world and not speak their native language but have in common the kingdom of God. We are at once welcome. I look out of my window and see a tree. When I first came to Kathmandu in February the tree was bare. However, perched up in the branches was a nest in which two parent birds cared for the...

“One Sabbath day as Jesus was teaching in a synagogue, he saw a woman who had been crippled by an evil spirit. She had been bent double for eighteen years and was unable to stand up straight. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, “Dear woman, you are healed of your sickness!” Then he touched her, and instantly she could stand straight. How she praised God!” Luke‬ ‭13‬:‭10‬-‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The religious leaders were furious that Jesus healed this woman on the Sabbath. They had missed a compassionate, greater truth. Jesus was setting a woman free from an evil spirit which had bound her for 18 years.  Being caught up in religious performance or religious attitudes can cause us to be harsh towards those who need a touch from Jesus. Jesus showed, again and again, He was not religious. Yet, He was the Son of God. Of all people He had the right to insist on religious performance. After all, His Father had instituted the temple and worship observances given to Moses. However, Jesus ...

“Then Jesus told this story: “A man planted a fig tree in his garden and came again and again to see if there was any fruit on it, but he was always disappointed. Finally, he said to his gardener, ‘I’ve waited three years, and there hasn’t been a single fig! Cut it down. It’s just taking up space in the garden.’ “The gardener answered, ‘Sir, give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I’ll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer. If we get figs next year, fine. If not, then you can cut it down.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭13‬:‭6‬-‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This parable comes after a discussion about people who had died suddenly. The disciples thought that those who perished were particularly bad. Jesus said, “No, and I tell you again that unless you repent, you will perish, too.” Luke‬ ‭13‬:‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Perishing without repentance will be a particularly horrific experience. Hell is real and the eternal fires are not to be scoffed at. Jesus said it would be a place where the fires never go out and the ...

““Why can’t you decide for yourselves what is right? When you are on the way to court with your accuser, try to settle the matter before you get there. Otherwise, your accuser may drag you before the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, who will throw you into prison. And if that happens, you won’t be free again until you have paid the very last penny.” Luke‬ ‭12‬:‭57‬-‭59‬ ‭NLT‬‬ In these passages Jesus is referring to verse 54-56. Here He tells them them know how to discern the weather by the signs in the sky. However, he goes on to rebuke them for not knowning the scriptures about Him. Jesus is coming soon. We must not grow weary and complacent but have our fires buring brightly. We must be ready. Amen! 

““Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning, as though you were waiting for your master to return from the wedding feast. Then you will be ready to open the door and let him in the moment he arrives and knocks. The servants who are ready and waiting for his return will be rewarded. I tell you the truth, he himself will seat them, put on an apron, and serve them as they sit and eat! He may come in the middle of the night or just before dawn. But whenever he comes, he will reward the servants who are ready.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭12‬:‭35‬-‭38‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Have you ever had suprise visitors, even in the middle of the night? I do not remember having any. However, my flatmates have been very late and I have stayed up for them because I know when I first fall asleep I go into a deep sleep and cannot be awaken.  In this scripture Jesus is telling us to be ever alert. He is coming soon. As I watch the events unfolding in the Middle East I am aware we are advancing on biblical times. However, I cann...

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom. “Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” Luke‬ ‭12‬:‭31‬-‭34‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I often wondered why the disciples sold all their possessions in the book of Acts and now I think I understand. Verse 33 gives us a hint. “Sell your possessions and give to those in need”.  Does this mean I am to be without possessions? I am not sure it means all my possessions, as having a bed to sleep on is good, however once we become a little affluent we start buying things we think we might need, but rarely use. Going shopping just to look is deadly; going shopping for...

“Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭12‬:‭15‬ ‭NLT‬‬   This comment Jesus made was a part of a teaching on money and greed. A man in the crowd tried to enlist Jesus’ help to force the man’s brother to share the inheritance. Jesus said, “who caused me to be a judge over you?” He then went on to teach about greed. Our world today is all about how much we have: money in the bank, money in superannuation; homes and cars; jewellery etc. however, God is looking for hearts rich towards Him. Today I had lunch with three refugees from Pakistan. Although they have secured visas to Canada and work in Canada, Nepal will not let them go claiming they owe the government here money. One couple have been detained for 8 years and supposedly owe $80,000. They are still refused permission to leave. This is cruel! Nepal has a big problem with a greed for money. It is sad but true. Churches have even forsaken the right path to fo...

““Dear friends, don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot do any more to you after that. But I’ll tell you whom to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill you and then throw you into hell. Yes, he’s the one to fear.” Luke‬ ‭12‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I have made a decision to veer away from the word of the day in my bible AP and write more about what I am studying. Yesterday, I preached a small message in the little Nepali house church I attended, I actually spoke in Nepali, however, the leader’s wife went over what I said and explained it more, then, to my delight the leader took up my message and boldly preached. I loved it. They love the painting I did of five sparrows. My message was called 5 Sparrows and taken from Luke 6-9. After church I taught my friends how to play UNO. Then they took me to dinner with their relatives. Rupa’s older brother (dai) works with the AOG in Nepal. We had a lively discussion. I discovered that many church pastor’s are compromising the...

“The Lord replied, “I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest—everything will be fine for you.” Exodus‬ ‭33‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Notice God has offered to go with Moses Himself, not sending an angel or a pack of angels. When Jesus left the earth He said He would send us the Holy Spirit who would reside in us to comfort, lead and guide us. I do not need a grotto, an idol, a church building to find God, the living God, He lives within me. That, right there, is worth a WOW! Church buildings are nothing more than building where a group of believes gather together to worship, pray and hear teaching from the word of God. We are not all able to discern the word of God for ourselves and we need people. Today in Nepal is rest day and when Christian Nepalis gather to worship. I am about to go to such a gathering. These people know how to sing and pray. They put the Western church to shame. Tomorrow I attend my English service with fellow English speaking bideshi. I am looking forwar...

“The Lord replied, “I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest—everything will be fine for you.” Exodus‬ ‭33‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Moses had the whole tribe of Israel with him in the desert. He did not relish the task of being their keeper and knew that unless God went with him he was in trouble. This verse is just a part of Moses’ dialogue with God. It is well worth reading the whole encounter. After God had promised to go with him, Moses asks to see God’s glory. The Lord told him to stand on a rock and that He would pass by, hiding him with His hand as no one could see God’s face and live. This made me wonder if Moses was seeing God the Father. If so this was amazing. Today we can encounter God because of the shed blood of Jesus Christ. His blood cleanses is from our sins and makes us acceptable and able to enter into the throne room of God. As a Christian I have my God’s very presence inside of me, His Holy Spirit. What a difference Jesus makes. I can fellowship with Him ...

“Many people say, “Who will show us better times?” Let your face smile on us, Lord. You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine. In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬-‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬ There is a place where God dwells, a place of love and peace. A place where we know ‘God has got this’, His love covers it all. This valley is not filled with agitating passion but peace and contentment. I have just finished reading a book about an American woman who came to Nepal and did wonders for chidren without a home, and for abused women. She built a school, a women’s centre, a clinic and much more. However, she did it without the Lord. She touches on so many of His attributes but misses Him, and it is sad, because He would love her more than she could imagine. We can make a world of our own and fashion it according to a worldly understandings of peace. However, when we lose someone we suffer terribly...

“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.” Psalms‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We see Jesus practice this in a boat amidst a storm.  “Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with his disciples. Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping.” Matthew‬ ‭8‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The disciples were very fearful and woke Jesus saying, “don’t you care, we are perishing” . Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm.” Matthew‬ ‭8‬:‭26‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We can be in a storm of opposition, rejection and opinions of others but why listen to the rabble. Is jealousy causing them to shout for your blood? Is hatred of the true gospel driving them? Satan constantly sought to destroy Jesus, but Jesus rebuked his storms with “Be still!” He was in charge and He answered to the Father, not to them. Last night I was aske...

“No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah‬ ‭6‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I cannot love mercy if I am consumed with self-righteous offence and judgmentalism. Jesus took the Pharisees, Scribes and Saducees to task for their self-righteous stance on all He said and did. He eevwm went so far as to tell they they were just like their father, Satan. This did not go down well and I am sure their self-righteous faces were smirking when they thought they had rid themselves of Him by crucifying Him on a cross. However, just as He promised He rose from the dead. Today, I notice this spirit is alive and well in those who troll the likes of Bill Johnson and Chris Valloten. I am ashamed to say I have a past friend who is one of these. Every time he commented I saw a bitter, religious spirit.  Jesus said that He was not the judge, that that role belonged to the Father. What gives us the rig...

“No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah‬ ‭6‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬ To do what is right, we first must know what is right. How do we know what is right? God tells us in His word. Loving mercy and walking humbly is the right attitude, not assuming we are right because we feel right. Feelings are good servants not good masters. They should follow good behaviour. How do I love mercy? By practising forgiveness. By recognising no one sin is greater than another. The sin of pride is just as dark as murder. Murder comes from a hateful attitude towards others. Jesus taught that if we hate we are guilty of murder. Hate causes gossip and malicious talk about others. These sins are from the same stream. Walking humbly I recognise my own foolishness and motivations. What do I do in an effort to be loved and accepted? What actions come from pure love? What come from vanity? Walking humbl...

“Dear friend, don’t let this bad example influence you. Follow only what is good. Remember that those who do good prove that they are God’s children, and those who do evil prove that they do not know God.” ‭‭3 John‬ ‭1‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬ There are times when we do not live our best lives, however, we need to strengthen the limbs that hang down: “No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.” Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭11‬-‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬   John had cited a bad example lived out by a man called Diotrephes. He was not behaving as a Christian should. We all have these people. They trouble us and make us ashamed. They need our prayer and gentle rebuke. Remember, bad company corrupts good morals. Don’t run with th...

“Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.” 3 John‬ ‭1‬:‭11‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ This beautiful verse is sandwiched in between a report about a man called Diotrephes who opposed John and did not welcome people in the church, and another called Demetrius who had a good report. Imagine being the man Diotrephes who opposed the man whom Jesus loves! How proud! How wrong! What makes men oppose what God is doing and the people He uses for His glory? Offence and pride are two big reasons. Religious Spirits infiltrate the church and present as righteous defenders of the truth. However, Jesus warned that just as He was opposed by the Scribes and Pharisees, they would be also. He warned that family would betray family, that disciples would be persecuted and even inprisoned. The above verse exhorts the readers of John’s letter, to avoid evil and choose that which is good. This word ‘good’ covers all that God is, as Jes...

“So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.” Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Allowing our sinful nature to control our lives is like allowing a seven year old to control the family home. Children generally are selfish and immature. Unfortunately many adults are the same. Discovering my own selfishness is continually a shock. When I discover my unwillingness to share or give away small things, I realise ‘hey! I’m selfish!’ I then repent and pray for the Holy Spirit’s help. The journey to selflessness goes beyond giving up all home possessions and selling my precious car to come and live in Nepal. I thought I had made it to selflessness there, but God saw the deeper pot of tar hiding away out of view. Now He has me where He wants me, and He is working on the tar. Lord, have mercy! Allowing God to shape and mould us is: as He finds the knots of stone in our jar of clay, He then smashes it down and begins again. ...

“So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.” Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬ What is my sinful nature? It is that part that seeks its own way. It is influenced by spirits of darkness. If controlled by fleshly attitudes and desires, the mind will be bombarded with selfish thoughts: offence, anger, lust, greed, envy etc. if we allow the Spirit to control we yield to grace, love, forgiveness, generosity, kindness, patience, goodness, meekness, self-control. There is a constant battle against the attacks that come, when in a battle we must have plan. Right now Israel in under attack on their Northwn borders from Hezbollah. Drone attacks cannot be intercepted by their air defence systems and they are having to restrategise and change their defence. This is similar to what we endure with our enemy, the devil. He will throw all he can at our minds, he will send fear and anxiety, and attacks from others that attempt ...

“He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.” Ephesians‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Jesus paid for all sinners, from the worst to the least. Scripture says: all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Roman’s 3:20). The law shows how sinful we all are. The best and worst thing you can do for anyone is pray for their salvation. It is the best prayer to pray and also the worst thing for the enemy of their soul, you snatch them out of Satan’s hands. When the enemy uses people to oppose and fight against you, love them and pray for their souls. You do not need a bitter spirit and they and you need Jesus. Hand it all over in prayer. Amen!

“He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.” Ephesians‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Reading this scripture today my heart has questions: why did the Father choose to sacrifice His Son? Why did Jesus agree to be sacrificed? I cast my mind back to Genesis and see Abraham do the same thing to Issac his son. God had told Abraham to sacrifice his son and God withheld the knife at the very end. As Issac was just like us, what made him submit in obedience? Did he pray as Jesus did three times for a different way? We are not told he did, however, as he was a prototype of Jesus it is highly likely. The Father gave free will to His creations, the angels had this and pride entered Lucifer’s heart, he led a third of the angels in rebellion and was cast out of heaven. God gave us the same free will and we were enticed, by Satan (Lucifer) to sin. Mankind thus inherited a sinful nature and needed saving.  Jesus came to earth, at the right ...

“On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation.” Genesis‬ ‭2‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The seventh day in Australia is a fun day, lay in day, a picnic day. In Nepal it is a work day. Today I walked 3kms to church. I love to walk as that is how I see people, say hello and see their lives. I participated in a great service, had lunch with friends and walked home again, another 3kms. I saw a lot, I smiled a lot, I spoke the Nepali greeting a lot. A totally satisfying day. It took 51/2 hours out of my day. At lunch I discovered books at the bakery and asked if I could borrow one, as they were not for sale. I now sit on my bed ready to read and possibly fall asleep finishing off a wonderful Sunday. What a good day to prioritise the Lord! Amen!

“On the seventh day God was finished with his work which he had made, so he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. God blessed the seventh day and separated it as holy; because on that day God rested from all his work which he had created, so that it itself could produce. (A: iv, S: ii)” ‭‭B'resheet (Gen)‬ ‭2‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭CJB‬‬ Today is the day the west considers the seventh day, Sunday. However, here in Nepal it is the first day and a work day. Yesterday was the rest day. The New Tesrament speak a little about the Sabbath (rest day). Jesus was continually confronted about the behaviour of Himself and His disciples on the Sabbath. In Mark 2:27 He said: “Then He told them, “The Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath. Therefore, the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.” ‭‭ The apostle Paul said: “One person considers one day to be above another day. Someone else considers every day to be the same. Each one must be fully convinced in his own mind....

“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I just finished watching a Christian movie called  ‘I believe’, about a nine year old boy who believed in Jesus and listened to Him, as a result miracles happened. Being willing to be still and come to know God is a challenge to us all, but for those who do, we are eternally grateful. Miracles are waiting for those who believe. In a world gone mad, consumed with the great ‘I’,  the cross of Christ seems foolish, however, there is power in the name of Jesus; there is salvation in the name of Jesus. Amen!

“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Some versions of this verse actually write:  “Stop your fighting — and know that I am God, exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭10‬ ‭HCSB‬‬. This, then reminds me of my children when they were little. Trying to put warm clothes on a squirming child causes you to proclaim, “Be Still!” We squirm wanting our own way, our own plans. We are manipulated by evil spirits who seek to control our thoughts for conflict and offence. We need to be alert as our enemy roams around looking for someone to destroy (1 Peter 5:8). Our Father wants our attention. What does He have planned? What is He saying? Where would He have us go? Be still! Seek Him!