The day with dianne Louise

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Beofre coming to Jesus my life was not joyful, I had happy times because of happenings, but the joy that bubbles from deep within eluded me.  The night I encountered Jesus was the happiest and most joyful moment of my life. Whilst happiness has come and gone, joy remains. The joy of knowing my future is in His hands, not mine, is satisfying indeed. Yesterday my missionary friend and I spoke of visiting China, particularly Tibet. I have longed to visit China for a long time. Maro Polo revealed a new world to me as a child, the stories of the faithful missionary men and women inspire me as an adult. China is a huge land of beauty and full of faithful followers of Jesus. They have been beaten, imprisoned and abused and yet they love the Lord with a passion. These beautiful people inspire me and challenge all self-pity I experience.  If I had never co...

“So you must remain in life-union with me, for I remain in life-union with you. For as a branch severed from the vine will not bear fruit, so your life will be fruitless unless you live your life intimately joined to mine. “I am the sprouting vine and you’re my branches. As you live in union with me as your source, fruitfulness will stream from within you—but when you live separated from me you are powerless.” ‭‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭TPT‬‬ I needed to read this! I have been struggling to overcome a fleshly appetite and found myself powerless. However, this scripture reminds me that by abiding in life-union with Jesus I have His power to overcome. The Lord has a work He wants to accomplish and as I abide with Him I see an impact that I could only dream about.  My flatmates and I are conducting a New Year’s Eve outreach. We have sent out our invitations. All except one are Hindu folk who we live in community with. They are lovely, cherished folk. We will do the expected Daal Bhat and I...

“Christ’s resurrection is your resurrection too. This is why we are to yearn for all that is above, for that’s where Christ sits enthroned at the place of all power, honor, and authority! Yes, feast on all the treasures of the heavenly realm and fill your thoughts with heavenly realities, and not with the distractions of the natural realm.” Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭TPT‬‬ Our natural realm has many distractions: travel, food, enetertainment, and work. However, a whole heavenly realm is waiting to be explored. When I was a child I remember one school holidays watching a series about the explorations of Marco Polo. He was an European who travelled across Asia to reach China in the Middle Ages . This series opened my eyes to foreign lands. I wanted to explore and have the same adventures also. I now am. However, I also had an encounter with the Lord as a child and longed to know Jesus. He made Himself known to me when I was 19. Since then I have longed for heaven. Nonetheless, I am confine...

“Always be eager to present yourself before God as a perfect and mature minister, without shame, as one who correctly explains the Word of Truth.” ‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭15‬ ‭TPT‬‬ Yesterday my fellow missionary and I met with a woman from Britain who is here in Nepal short-term to support a local church community. She was struggling with a vision and motive to help blind Nepalis. After much discussion we discovered the root problem, our friend had attended church but had not accepted Jesus as Lord. Her life was full of peripheral Jesus. By this I mean, she believed in Him but did not allow Him ownership.  We spoke of committment and the need to forsake all. We explained that Jesus at the centre gives correct vision and enables us to endure trials. We offered to pray with her, but she declined. We told her we would be praying for her. We did not hold back from the truth and now we are praying that the truth will set our new friend free. Our God is faithful and He honours His word. Amen!...

“We cross the threshold of true knowledge when we live in obedient devotion to God. Stubborn know-it-alls will never stop to do this, for they scorn true wisdom and knowledge.” Proverbs‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬ ‭TPT‬‬ Obedient devotion is not hard when you love. A practice of a loving relationship results in obedient devotion. It also brings the best results. Yesterday when I returned to my flat in Kathmandu, my flatmates told me that our landlords son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren went to their church. They arrived in time for the fellowship lunch and enjoyed themselves. This was a huge blessing to us all as we had prayed for them. They have also agreed to come to a New Year’s Eve party we will throw. We are planning games, food and the gospel. I am now sleeping well and my blood pressure is down, praise God! While other healt issues attempt to rule me I confess: ‘it is well’! How good is our God! He overcomes all the plans of the enemy of our souls. It is well!

“For God has graciously given you the privilege not only to believe in Christ, but also to suffer for him. For you have been called by him to endure the conflict in the same way I have endured it—for you know I’m not giving up.” Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭29‬-‭30‬ ‭TPT‬‬ We all suffer is some way: from rejection by those we love to being imprisoned for our faith. We perceive suffering differently. Our perception is based on our expectation. If our lives are based around people loving us, we will be disappointed. There is only One who truely loves us and will always be faithful to us. We will be hurt by the level of our expectations. Yesterday was Christmas Day here in Nepal. I spent the day in a lovely motel in a place called Nagarcot with a fellow female missionary. My family all live in Australia. I was surprised that I did not long to be back in Australia. This is good. As much as I love my family, my path is different to theirs and we all know that. As my friend and I have given all to be i...

“But when the time of fulfillment had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law. Yet all of this was so that he would redeem and set free those held hostage to the law so that we would receive our freedom and a full legal adoption as his children.” Galatians‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭TPT‬‬ Before I received Christ I was under law and judgement. I wa miserable because I wanted a relationship with Jesus. When He came to me and revealed Himself I was the happiest girl alive. Today, although feasting and gifts abound, nothing takes the place He has in my life. Knowing Jesus, His ways and His peace is all I need. He keeps me and brings me into a relationship with His people. May today be filled with Him and His goodness, as we are celebrating His birthday after all. Amen

“Then all at once in the night sky, a vast number of glorious angels appeared, the very armies of heaven! And they all praised God, singing: “Glory to God in the highest realms of heaven! For there is peace and a good hope given to the sons of men.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭TPT‬‬ Out on a lonely hill if this happened to me, well I would be overwhelmed. The shepherds to whom the angels appreared were simple folk. Had they been discussing the Messiah? Was there a longing for Him to come? Or were they completely taken by surprise? I know my God loves to surprise me. I have many prayers that await the answer. Sometimes God chooses to answer one in the most unexpected way. Often I am gobsmacked. He waits until my attention is elsewhere and ta da! His surprise arrives. What joy the Lord would have experienced, what resounding joy the heavenly hosts were experiencing. The Son of God had been born in human flesh. What love! What a divine connection! Thank You Father for sending Jesus to earth, t...

“Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared in radiant splendor before them, lighting up the field with the blazing glory of God, and the shepherds were terrified! But the angel reassured them, saying, “Don’t be afraid, for I have come to bring you good news, the most joyous news the world has ever heard! And it is for everyone everywhere!” Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭TPT‬‬ The message the angel brought was for everyone everywhere. The Lord has many messengers, His angels and we His people. Yesterday I met a gorgeous young woman who has been in Nepal for seven years as a missionary. She was selling all her goods. I asked her where she is going now, expecting to hear, ‘home’. She said ‘Iraq’. I was gobsmacked! I will now pray for her as her boldness and faithfulness demands my prayers. Last night I met a messianic Jew and we had a wonderful discussion. I asked her why she was in Nepal, she said ‘to teach Hebrew’. Again I was gobsmacked. How my God orders His kingdom amazes me. His messengers are f...

“The previous generation has set boundaries in place. Don’t you dare move them just to benefit yourself.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭22‬:‭28‬ ‭TPT‬‬ Generations who went before us had more respect for God and His word. They laid a good foundation in laws that respected God’s heart towards the poor and towards all. Greed in our hearts for selfish gain would tempt us to dismiss these laws. If we proceed, our gain would be temporary, for what we sow we reap. Another will come along in our old age and weakness, and inflict their greed on us. Christmas is awash with movies about Christmas. They usually include greed amd avarice. Being caught in a mad rush to get the ‘last toy’, the ‘last turkey’ shows a generation caught in a ‘me’ mentality. Where is God in this? Where is God’s purposes? Today I hope to be able to buy a mirror for my flatmates and I. It was posted in a group I belong to for sale by a woman leaving Nepal. She had posted many things for sale but most were taken before I saw the post. Howev...

“So, dear friends, don’t let this one thing escape your notice: a single day counts like a thousand years to the Lord Yahweh, and a thousand years counts as one day. This means that, contrary to man’s perspective, the Lord is not late with his promise to return, as some measure lateness. But rather, his “delay” simply reveals his loving patience toward you, because he does not want any to perish but all to come to repentance.” 2 Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭TPT‬‬ We are governed by the clock, and the seasons. God is outside time and sees all. The ones we pray for, He is working on their lives. It may be invisible to us, but it is happening. The circumstances we long to see changed, are being changed in the way that is best. I have many loved ones outside of Christ, but still I pray. He reminds me how He works when I think of my son and his family. They have gone from casual Christians to evangelists. I am constantly rejoicing over the work God has put before them. I did not see this coming when...

“And everything I’ve taught you is so that the peace which is in me will be in you and will give you great confidence as you rest in me. For in this unbelieving world you will experience trouble and sorrows, but you must be courageous, for I have conquered the world!” John‬ ‭16‬:‭33‬ ‭TPT‬‬ Yesterday I boldly proclaimed my God to more than 100 members of my astronomy club and was immediately slapped down by an atheist. I went to the Lord and He said, ‘I am capable of defending Myself and My word’. I did not need to say any more. I am now praying for an outpouring of conviction and truth to come to the group. Last night I attended a Nepali Christmas Carol outside a business here in Kathmandu. Many came to watch and listen. One even took many films. I prayed for an anointing on the singing and the word spoken by the pastor. Nothing can be wasted. We must proclaim the good news, not hide behind closed doors. Jesus is the message, He is the reason for the season. Ring the bells! Sing the s...

“Trust in the Lord completely, and do not rely on your own opinions. With all your heart rely on him to guide you, and he will lead you in every decision you make. Become intimate with him in whatever you do, and he will lead you wherever you go.” Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭TPT‬‬ Today’s Bible verse in the Advent study helps me discern my next steps. My Visit to the cardiologist yesterday showed blood pressure on the high side. I am 71 and have been blessed with low blood pressure up until now. I know stress was a major cause and now, in that light have to discern the way forward next year. I have three options: keep doing the same thing- college language study; art- a no- stress no commitments course; or a research visa- medium level stress. I am blessed to have a fourth option- tourist visa, but this will only last for five months. In Nepal to stay you have to have a lot of money, a business or be married to a local. I know the Lord wants me to start a sheep farm but first I need a place...

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the herald, who proclaims peace, who brings news of good tidings, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’ (Isaiah 52:7) In this time of terrorism and wars we can receive peace. Jesus said: “I leave the gift of peace with you—my peace. Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world, but my perfect peace. Don’t yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts—instead, be courageous!” John‬ ‭14‬:‭27‬ ‭TPT‬‬ The peace Jesus offers is the peace we need, not the fragile agreement not to fight, but the peace found in walking with Him. The last two nights my flatmates and I have studied the Bible together in an agreement that we will seek the Lord for His ways for us. We have had a time of tension but now God reigns. The peace we struggled to create is now here. Jesus is back in charge. As families approach Christmas offense needs to be destroyed so that God’s grace flows freely. Grace is the only atmosphere we can live in true ...

“The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.” Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭20‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The whole story about the shepherds being the first to hear God’s good news takes much of the first 20 verses in chapter 2 of Luke’s gospel. Why did God choose shepherds? I wonder if, around their campfires that night they had been discussing the Messiah, did God see a longing in their hearts? Whatever the reason I am grateful Luke included them in the Christmas story. Paul answers this puzzle in 1 Corinthians: “God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭28‬ ‭NLT‬‬ In this day when the making of money and security of its flow is paramount our Heavenly Father sent His angles to announce the most important news ever given to Israel: “but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you...

“The king speaks with divine wisdom; he must never judge unfairly. A king detests wrongdoing, for his rule is built on justice. The king is pleased with words from righteous lips; he loves those who speak honestly.” Proverbs‬ ‭16‬:‭10‬, ‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬ These words were written by Solomon the wisest man to have ever lived, and a royal king. Perhaps he was reminding himself of the correct behaviour, perhaps he was writing this for his sons who would follow. They, unfortunately, did not follow in wisdom. Solomon’s latter life was away from the Lord, his sons probably followed that path. Nonetheless, these worlds were written under divine unction. They are worth hearing and taking to heart by all. Fathers need to hear them, as do mothers. Christians need to hear them as they are called to rule and reign with Jesus. We are told: “For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.” Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬...

“A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.  Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.  The lips of the wise give good advice; the heart of a fool has none to give.  The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words.” Proverbs‬ ‭15‬:‭1‬, ‭4‬, ‭7‬, ‭28‬ ‭NLT‬‬ How we use words is important. It is wrong to wait until you are so angry to confront, because then you spew out poison. It is better to be guided by godliness than anger and vindictiveness. When do you know the time is up to end friendships? When grace for wrong behaviour is never enough. When the aggressor is intent on destruction of you and your world at the expense of a bitter heart which refuses to give up hatred and offense. Empathy can stretch only so far, but taking the blame for wrong behaviour in others is submission to the darkness they carry. An unwillingness in a person to confront darkness wit...

“And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭1‬:‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬  This scripture is part of a message Joseph received after finding his betrothed pregnant. Joseph did not accept that Mary was pregnant by the HolySpirit, however the angel spoke to Joseph in a dream to accept the word as truth and keep to the plans to marry Mary.  “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” ‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Joseph would have been caught with fear, hurt and disbelief, however, he believed the message and became the father of Jesus. Only Jesus saves us from our sins, and empowers us to defeat fear. When we have to act in the face of fear we can trust our Lord to empower us. Amen!

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭37‬-‭39‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Today is the last day of my Nepali language exams. It has been an interesting week. I have had to battle overwhelming fear and sleeplessness with worship, reciting scripture and praise. I have found a new depth of overcoming, a deeper appreciation for my God who goes before me. I’ve had conflict in the house and high blood pressure that refused to bow, but God overcame all my enemies. I refused to entertain the thoughts of retribution and God did an amazing work. A miracle happened before my eyes. I am speaking down my blood pressure and prophesying that after today it will be well, and it will. Tonight I celebrate with good friends c...

“But— When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior.” ‭‭Titus‬ ‭3‬:‭4‬-‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Have you received mercy! I have! My God showered me with His mercy when He brought me to Himself and poured His love all over me. Have you given mercy? Mercy is given when someone who deserves our wrath receives grace instead. You probably have someone right now who is causing you angst, a family member, a friend, a neighbour? What will mercy given to them look like? Jesus did not treat me with the justice I deserved for my sins, He forgave me and gave me His mercy. In Australia there is a couple who lost three of their children to a drunken, unlicensed driver. They were in the news. People could not believe such grace. This couple are Christians. The pai...

“These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.” 1 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I am in a trial right now. I am attempting to sit a series of four exams and fear and anxiety are plaguing me. They will not win as my God is greater! I look to Saturday when all this stress will be done for 6 weeks, praise God! Meantimes, I am spending a lot of time in worship and prayer. My enemies have to sit and watch as I worship my God for His victory! Amen! Although I may be suffering, I rejoice that my son and grandson are winning souls to Jesus. Their evangelism is in full swing. What good news they bring me as a daily feast! God is good! Amen!

“Not one promise from God is empty of power. Nothing is impossible with God!” Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭37‬ ‭TPT‬‬ The angel Gabriel said these words to Mary after telling her that her elderly cousin Elizabeth was also pregnant. What man considered impossible, with God was possible. Sarah was Elizabeth’s proof. Sarah conceived and bore Issac in her 90’s. Issac means laughter. Laughter ensued when Sarah became pregnant. John ensued when Elizabeth became pregnant. Sarah and Elizabeth speak to God’s amazing ability to do the impossible. As a woman in her 70’s I can look to this amazing fulfilment and know God is not finished with me yet. Whilst I do not need to bear more children, naturally,  I can bring forth more disciples to Jesus and thus spiritual children. Today I start my exam week. The study I am doing will further enhance my language ability and understanding. I am learning the Nepali language so that I can converse with the Nepali people. The task has been fraught with physical difficultie...

“Jesus answered him, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with every passion of your heart, with all the energy of your being, and with every thought that is within you.’’  Matthew‬ ‭22‬:‭37‬ ‭TPT‬‬ Loving my God first and most passionately comes before sitting in a struggle to understand what is happening in relationships and what is happening in my physical body. High blood pressure has been threatening me, and I refuse it’s athority as I’ve not had a problem with it ever before, except under stress. Whilst I am under stress with exams this week, the stress is not great. However, I live in a volatile environment where offense dwells. The endeavour not to cause offense is too great and its force must be dealt with spiritually, not naturally.  When I love my God with all I am, I can trust Him in this challenge. He is my keeper and my protector. As I read about Israel’s latest challenge with the fall of Syria I recognise their need to trust their Lord as well. “With you as my strength I c...

““The One whom God has sent to represent him will speak the words of God, because God has poured out upon him the fullness of the Holy Spirit without limitation. The Father loves his Son so much that he has given all things into his hands.” John‬ ‭3‬:‭34‬-‭35‬ ‭TPT‬‬ The words that capture me here are: ‘God has poured out His Holy Spirit without limitation’. When the Holy Spirit came in Acts 2 He poured out the Holy Spirit, it seems without limitations. Peter, in Acts 2 preached to the crowd and he referred to a scripture from Joel which states: in the last days I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh…’(Joel 2:28-32) can we say God has limited His Holy Spirit or can we embrace Him without limits? The passage in John goes on to say: ‘the Father loves the Son so much that He has given all things into His hands’. I am challenged to believe that Jesus bought us the same privilege. Jesus told His disciples: ‘  Receive this truth: Whatever you forbid on earth will be considered to be forb...

“But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬ In an age where secular mankind believe they are good, and that Heaven should allow them admittance, this scripture confronts a truer picture. Claiming self-righteousness is not enough when confronted with scriptures such as: “No one is righteous— not even one. No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God. All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one.” Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave. Their tongues are filled with lies.” Snake venom drips from their lips.” Romans‬ ‭3‬:‭10‬-‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬ That is very confrontational. Snake venom drips from their lips? That is strong! Then who is to judge? And by what standards? John taught  “If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleans...

“We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.” 1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Have I put my trust in God’s love? Or have I continued without the full realisation of His love? Coming from a Catholic background and growing up in a critical family I did not know love like Jesus gives. I searched for it for 19 years but when He found me, I was the happiest girl alive. At times I know I need more of an awareness of His love for me, especially as the greatest critic of all plays upon my sensibilities. He comes to condemn, shame and destroy, but my Jesus gives me life in His love. Daily I must choose love, I must decide to live in His love irregardless of what others may feel towards me or do. I am loved by the King of heaven, He died for me, He saved me from my sins. I am wholly trust Him. Amen!

“Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?” ‭‭John‬ ‭11‬:‭25‬-‭26‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Your name may not be Martha, however, you could insert your name here. I am now in my 70’s and am, perhaps closer to eternity than you. I have the joy of knowing Jesus paid for my sins, and made a way for me to be in heaven with Him when my earthly body relinquishes its hold. Nonetheless, right now I can live a resurrection life, I have a new heart, a heart that seeks God and not it’s own way. I can walk in the position of a child of God and know my prayers will be answered. I am positioned in Jesus in the heavens, right now. I am known, I am accepted, I am blessed with a heavenly blessing. All that is in my Father’s house is mine to use. His goodness and grace are mine, His miracles are mine, His abundance is mine. I am His daughter. Amen!

“Jesus said to them, “I am the Bread of Life. Come every day to me and you will never be hungry. Believe in me and you will never be thirsty.” John‬ ‭6‬:‭35‬ ‭TPT‬‬ Jesus is talking to the crowd who followed Him after He fed them through a miracle. He fed 5,000 people with 5 barley loaves and two fish. Jesus steps up His revelation by telling them He is the bread that f life. He tells them in verse 51: “I alone am this living Bread that has come to you from heaven. Eat this Bread and you will live forever. The living Bread I give you is my body, which I will offer as a sacrifice so that all may live.” John‬ ‭6‬:‭51‬ ‭TPT‬‬ The people were thinking naturally. They could not fathom how Jesus’ body could be bread, and how could they eat Him every day.  Yet, we know Jesus also is called the ‘word of God’. John refers to this in chapter 1:1,2: “In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God.” John‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭2‬...

“For your heart will always pursue what you esteem as your treasure.” Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭21‬ ‭TPT‬‬ I once said, ‘I do not need diamonds and jewels, people are my treasures!’ I love winning friends, souls and making disciples; I love Jesus and want my friends to know Him and His way. Today is my birthday and I awoke to a message from my son in Australia wishing me a very happy birthday and telling me he loves me lots. My flatmates knocked on my door and when I went out they had baked a cake and had gifts for me. They also greeted me with a shooting candle and song. My family and friends on Facebook all wished me a happy birthday and it is now only 7am. I am promised lunch with my flatmates, and who knows what else. Most importantly I can spend time with my Jesus and read His word. I value loving relationships above all. My Jesus loves me with a pure and fathomless well of love. Amen!

“But we thank God for giving us the victory as conquerors through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭57‬ ‭TPT‬‬ What do we need victory over? Our enemy Satan’s wiles and our flesh. Fleshly attitudes can dominate, I, me, mine the biggest attitude traps along with offense when others interfere. Always, when someone is offended by my behaviour I have to ask: is it true that I have caused this offence, or is the offence in the other their problem? Our flesh would like it always be the other’s problem, however, if there is an element of truth then I need to find repentance. Sometimes it is both. Over the weekend this came up, I was caught in the middle of friends; one being offended at the other. I then had insight into my own processing as I watched  the friend who was blamed for the cause process the accusation. She was now, herself, battling offence. I counselled that it is best to go to the Holy Spirit for insight and take His decision. Allowing Holy Spirit to g...

“And this Light never fails to shine through darkness— Light that darkness could not overcome!” ‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬ ‭TPT‬‬ In Australia there are caves called the Jenolan Caves not far from Sydney. When in the caves you need a light to guide you. Once when I was in the caves the guide turned off the lights and it was pitch black. To proceed without certainty of death would not have been possible.  We live in a very dark world, one that darkens every day. Without a light to guide us we are fearfully lost. This scripture from the gospel of John tells us there is a light. Who is that light? The previous verse relates:  “A fountain of life was in him, for his life is light for all humanity.” John‬ ‭1‬:‭4‬ ‭TPT‬‬ Who was John speaking about? Jesus. Jesus said of Himself:   “I am light to the world, and those who embrace me will experience life-giving light, and they will never walk in darkness.” (John‬ ‭8‬:‭12‬ ‭TPT‬‬) He also said: ‘I way, the truth and the life, no man com...