The day with dianne Louise

“for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬ We see in Genesis that God rested on the seventh day after working for 6. This is our first concept of God working. We can imagine He susta around all day watching us. However, He is at work in all of us: bringing us the awareness of our need for salvation; outworking that salvation in our lives through His Holy Spirit. He corrects, challenges, comforts but never controls.  I can be in a day of fleshly attitudes and His Holy Spirit will usually wake me in the wee hours and show me my sin. As we are not all on the same time scale His work is continual. Jesus is seated at the right hand of God, and whilst He has finished the work of redemption for us, He intercedes for us, constantly. The Holy Spirit also intercedes for us. I am so grateful that I have such powerful intercessors, as without them I would not make it complete, to Heaven. I may be disappointed with my o...

“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭21‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Jesus became sin for me, so that I could be free from it’s power. We all sin in many ways: in word or deed, however, when we confess our sin to Him we are set free.  If I know Jesus has made me righteous (without sin) then I do not need to stay under it’s control. I do not need to yield to it’s power. Satan lies to us and tells us we are guilty of sin just because he plants an idea in our minds. However, we only sin when we act on Satan’s idea. He does this regularly in relationships, he suggests our family, friends and colleagues are doing selfish things to us and proposes we become offended. We only sin when we act on his suggestions. Know we have an enemy who prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Tel him to get lost. Amen! Greater is He that is in you than he who is in the world! 1 John 4;4. Rely on the Holy Spirit’s w...

“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”  John‬ ‭15‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬ How does one remain in Christ? How do you remain married? How do you stay friends with people? By being faithfully connected! How do you stay faithfully connected? By being in constant communion with that person. We cannot abide by casually reading our bibles, praying when the mood strikes. We need a love relationship with Him, a vital love relationship. This is found as we seek Him as our life force, our breath, our thought, our comfort. Comfort is not found in food or drink, drugs, spending money, or casual sex. When we give ourelves to these we allow them to take up residence, and we become their slave. Jesus does not enslave us, He welcomes us into a love relationship...

““But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.” Jeremiah‬ ‭17‬:‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Ah but there is more: “They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah‬ ‭17‬:‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬ As rumours of war swirl, God is faithful and I need not fear. Today in Kathmandu there are two protest groups assembling, both hate the other and oppose the other.  China is reading for war to take back Taiwan and oppose those who would try to intervene, Australia being one. Australia is surrounded by Chinese war machines should they dare. Australia is caught with minimal defence, but God! This event will purify the church and get her focused on her God! Currently she is distracted with ease. Ease dulls the minds and comfort isolates from truth. However, it does not prevent the enemy from preparing to devour. Today ...

“The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers.” ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Peter believed that the end was coming soon, perhaps he thought it would come in his lifetime. As we Christians study the scriptures and watch the unfolding of godlessness in our world we also say, “the end is near”. However, Jesus said when the gospel has been preached to all nations, then the end will come. We , therefore, need to go and preach the gospel, but, importantly, we should pray that all will hear. Jesus said, ‘stay alert for you do not know what day your Lord is coming…. You must be ready, because the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect’(Matt 24:42-44). A way to stay alert is to stay in prayer and reading the scriptures. Jesus used the analogy of a man who, if he knew when the burglar was coming to break in, would have stayed already and not allowed it to happen. Satan wants us lulled to sleep.  Jesus warned that the devil roams around s...

“You are always and dearly loved by God! So robe yourself with virtues of God, since you have been divinely chosen to be holy. Be merciful as you endeavor to understand others, and be compassionate, showing kindness toward all. Be gentle and humble, unoffendable in your patience with others.” Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭12‬ ‭TPT‬‬ My challenge is staying gentle. When I see compromise with the devil, allowing him to steal, kill and destroy I become angry. This causes me to be harsh and it is not the people I should be harsh with but Satan. I invariably have to repent and apologise. Jesus became angry at the hardness of heart:  “Then looking around at everyone, Jesus was moved with indignation and grieved by the hardness of their hearts and said to the man, “Now stretch out your hand!” As he stretched out his hand, it was instantly healed!” Mark‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬ ‭TPT‬‬  This is what I want to walk in! Unbelief really gets my goat! Therefore, I want to display the kingdom of God and not retaliate a...

“Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.” 2 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭15‬ ‭NLT‬‬ These words were written to Timothy by his father in the faith Paul. Paul knew how to work had and he suffered in his doing.  What has God given you to do? Are you applying yourself diligently? I am in Nepal learning the language so that I can speak fluently to Nepali people the word of truth. However, whilst being a student I am advocating for three Pakistani families. Today I travel 40 minutes on a motorbike taxi to visit a Lutheran group who works with UNHCR to assist refugees. I am hoping to obtain a grant to assist a couple who are tailors buy their own sewing machines. I have been told to keep knocking, and so I will. Later in the year I hope to have obtained a research permit and visa to travel to a place called Mugu in western Nepal. It is remote and inhabited by Tibetan descen...

“We all experience times of testing, which is normal for every human being. But God will be faithful to you. He will screen and filter the severity, nature, and timing of every test or trial you face so that you can bear it. And each test is an opportunity to trust him more, for along with every trial God has provided for you a way of escape that will bring you out of it victoriously.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭13‬ ‭TPT‬‬ I have found that investigation of solutions and seeking God in prayer works. However, sitting in the problem and wailing does not provide an escape. Neither is, ‘I’m going to beat this thing!’ Sometimes I must seek to understand the source of the temptation before I can solve it. Not feeding on certain movies or books can keep you from the cliff, as in sexual temptation. Refusing to entertain fantasies about potential mates is another. I cannot give my mind to fantasies. I can only focus on what God has before me. Food and drink can be a temptation to gluttony and greed. ...

“Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.  Mark‬ ‭2‬:‭27‬ ‭NIV‬‬ God rested on the seventh day of creation and all He had made was good! It sure was, it was perfect! When I gaze into the heart of an orchid and see a bird, I wonder at my God who created it. When I see very small birds I wonder at their structure, when I see small sea dragons I am amazed that God created the male to birth hundreds of young, very tiny creatures, all able to swim and live. What a mind that designed all creatures great and small. So many intriguing creatures! What a work. We are worn out after designing one thing let alone thousands. This past week I had to design an 18 day holiday in China, booking hotels, trains, planes, tours. It was exhausting! There were difficulties in Tibet as we had to leave on the last day of the tour, no looking around. I had to reschedule our train trip back to Beijing. As I had two spare days I slotted in Xian and the Terracotta Warriors....

“It takes a grinding wheel to sharpen a blade, and so one person sharpens the character of another.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭27‬:‭17‬ ‭TPT‬‬ I have a strong personality when it comes to defending the defensless and making a way for them out of poverty. In my work with the Pakistani refugees I am fighting for their good. However, my opinion on a matter is not the only one. I see the situation close to the refugee, I feel their pain, but God sees where they have been, how they have managed what He has given them.  I am an advocate in a group called EDC (empowering displaced communities). I have to bang on doors for the refugees. I am good at banging on doors, however, not all doors open with provision, some with a question, some with advice. I am allowing this process to mould me into the person God wants me to be. He has a future task for me which requires me to learn my lessons well in this phase. It is not easy when a family has no food but what is the best solution? Nepal has many professio...

“And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭13‬:‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I am in a team of people who advocate for displaced refugees in my church. Last night we had a meeting. I have a refugee family who has asked for money for food and for two weeks now I have been unable to secure them food because they must answer what have they done in the past seven months to feed the family. This is a valid question and one I must ask them. I secured an employment for the father on Tuesday, however in Nepal, where people are hungry they are paid once a month. As a woman this is difficult. I am being trained to in turn train my refugees that there is no easy ask. We want them to be able to stand independent and not become beggars. We are teaching them to think and search for how best to school and house their children. How to find stable employment when you do not speak Nepali but rather Urdu, is a challenge. In Nepal refugees cannot be ...

“Listen! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and have dinner with him, and he with Me.” ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭3‬:‭20‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ When I go to visit anyone I take with me a gift. It may be food, drink or something I know will bless. Jesus is standing outside the door, knocking and bringing gifts. You do not know what they are, there is an element of surprise here, and for me, joyful anticipation. When God created Adam and Eve He met with them daily in the garden to talk over their day. He brought His glory and majesty with Him, perhaps choice fruit. I am only imagining what it would be like. Each day I have my Jesus comes for fellowship. Jesus said, ‘I will come in and eat a meal with you’. This indicates He is bringing something to eat. Have you ever had a friend turn up at your door with a cooked meal? Wasn’t it a delightful surprise? What joy you had eating together! Now for a difficult verse:  “The one who eats My flesh and dri...

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ Our Jesus is described as the Word of God by John. The introduction passage in John 1 makes for intriguing reading. I am still intrigued as to how Jesus was described as ‘The Word of God’. We read in Genesis how ‘God said, and it was so!’ Therefore, It infers that Jesus spoke, and it was so. This ensured God’s word as very effective. What was spoken came to being in a mighty way. Jesus said of Himself: ‘I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no man comes to the Father but through Me!’ If we study the words of Jesus we see them full of power and life. We can trust ourselves totally to this powerful God. He also called Himself the Son of Man. Jesus was the second Adam, He came to redeem all that was lost in the garden of Eden. When He said, ‘it is finished’ on the cross, He knew what He had won. He paid the price for our return back into a garden relationship with Him. Praise You Jesus...

“Have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; have mercy on others but with fear, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.” Jude‬ ‭1‬:‭22‬-‭23‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ Mercy triumphs over judgement! (James 2:13) this is how our God behaves, and this is how we must behave. It does not mean we dismiss sin, or correction but our hearts must lean towards mercy. If we need help to be merciful, remembering the times God has not judged us for our behaviour helps. The times we fail to keep our mouths from criticism, the times we speak negatively, the times we fall into fleshly indulgence and sin. Our God did not rush in with judgement, but rather waited for us to see and repent. In giving mercy we must not embrace the sin and think it a trivial matter. Sin is abhorrent but grace towards the sinner loves, and gently leads to repentance. Amen!

“One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple.” Psalm‬ ‭27‬:‭4‬ ‭ESV‬‬ The beauty of the Lord is more satisfying than all things of the flesh. Food and drink are temporary, sexual fulfilment is between  and man and woman but a relationship with our God is with the eternal One. Our God desires relationship with us. We determine to what extent we are willing to relate to our God. He is willing to share who He is with us. Christian’s do not need to hunger for being in a physical building to find God. When Jesus because our way to eternal life His Holy Spirit lives within us, we are the temple. We must take care of it. Church is where we have fellowship with others the same. There we can sing, worship, hear good biblical teaching and enjoy being with others who love Jesus. However, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord is a choice. Do I want t...

“Be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭6‬:‭36‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ When I consider mercy I look at a friend who aggravates me because of his persistent flaunting of the law. Where I would have put him in jail, God continues to give him mercy and plucks him out of the mire. This causes me to repent and keep out of judgement. If we are prone to obedience and have an ear for the word we will find it difficult to tolerate those who have walked in their own ways. Whilst we can bring a matter to their attention it is the Holy Spirit who convicts. We do not have the Holy Spirit’s job, it belongs solely to Him. While we are in the way, He will not, in fact cannot act. Our role is to walk in obedience to our God and follow His convictions. We are also told by Jesus: ‘be merciful as your Heavenly Father is merciful’. He is merciful so why am I being judgemental? Self-righteousness is a sin. It stinks just as much as fleshly behaviour. Neither are good. Grace and mercy follow me, how a...

“Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him.” James‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ It is important we realise God’s love for us. For, who else would give without reserving the right to condemn? Especially if we had been foolish up to the time of asking? I have relatives who are caught in wrong and destructive places. However, I know that humble repentance will remove all guilt and a prayer for Godly wisdom would be given. Our God is like that! I am ever mindful of John Newton, the writer of Amazing Grace. He had sunk low and was a slave trader, but turned and came to Christ. He went on to work in the ministry, greatly humbled by the grace and forgiveness given. Our God’s love and willingness to endow us with His grace and wisdom never ends. We can come to Him today. Repentance opens the door to a loving Father! Amen!

“If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” Esther‬ ‭4‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Esther had reached a place where it was not glory and good times. She received word that a wicked man called Haman had a plat to kill all the Jews (isn’t it amazing that a group called Hamas are wanting to exterminate the Jews again). Esther was implored to speak to the king and ask for mercy. Esther knew the court rules: ‘if you went before the king without an invitation you could die’. Esther had to trust God to give her favour, and He did. The king welcomed her suggestion of a dinner she would provide for him and Haman. It was not at the first banquet did she speak but rather she asked for a second and was granted her request. As the king was joyful and enamoured with love and grace she told him of Hamans plan to kill her people. The king rose ...

“Now the Lord had arranged for a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was inside the fish for three days and three nights.” Jonah‬ ‭1‬:‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Jonah rebelled against God and ran. God provided a lesson in the rebellion. A huge storm arose and swamped the boat on which a Jonah was travelling away from God’s purpose. He knew the cause of the storm was himself and told the captain of the boat, ‘throw me overboard’. He may have thought his end had come, but God had a plan. Jonah was swallowed by a huge whale and he spent three days inside repenting. What a smelly place to sit and contemplate his sin! Imagine sitting inside and being washed constantly as the whale swallowed plankton, it would have been a wet, disturbing experience. However, Jonah was an irritation to the whale and needed expulsion. After three days he was vomited up on the beach, back where he started. This time he went to Nineveh, the place God wanted him to go. He did not go with a good heart nonetheless. He did as t...

“For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.” Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I want more boldness for Christ. Being wary of prosecution makes me cautious. I don’t want souls to miss God’s best for them. I want my life to honour Christ. Only He knows if I have been successful. I am aware that recently I was in a coffee shop and one Nepali man was trying to engage me in conversation. I carry a small card on which is written: ‘Jesus loves you’ on one side and on the other: ‘for God so loved the world that He gave His Son’. I had purposefully put that card in my bag that I take swimming. I felt a prompt to give the man the card but didn’t because I was unsure of the environment. I should have trusted the Lord. Please bring the man back Lord! I have a frien...

“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Here is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John‬ ‭1‬:‭29‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ John was able to recognise Jesus as the Messiah. How was he able to do that? “And John testified, “I watched the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He rested on Him. I didn’t know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The One you see the Spirit descending and resting on — He is the One who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ I have seen and testified that He is the Son of God! ” John‬ ‭1‬:‭32‬-‭34‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ Jesus was John’s cousin. As John had grown up in the wilderness perhaps they had little to do with each other, John’s parents were old at conception and although they knew about Jesus, John may have not. Or else he was stating that he received his revelation from God and not man. How do we know Jesus is the Messiah? We also have a divine revelation, our eyes are opened to the fullness of Jesus in the scripture. The H...

“The one who lives under the protection of the Most High dwells in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalms‬ ‭91‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ Several nights ago I was awake early praying for my children and grandchildren who we caught in the path of cyclone Alfred. I saw the Lord as a great bird with wings spread shelling them from the damage intended. I had a wonderful time of fellowship with the Lord and sensed His intense love. I knew He had this, and He did, the cyclone lost strength and was downgraded to a low. Praise Him! I must always run to Him for shelter.! Yesterday whilst helping a good friend move house Kathmandu had another earthquake. We did not feel a thing. My friend is moved into a beautiful new flat, the first and only one to occupy the units as the landlord lives in America and wants the flats upstairs to be his holiday home. She has complete control of the whole building. Now, that is a blessing for my dear...

“Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord! ” And she told them what He had said to her.” John‬ ‭20‬:‭18‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ Mary had had several demons cast out of her. She knew such gratitude and love because of the freedom Jesus gave her. She was at the tomb early on Easter Sunday morning and when she found Jesus gone she was grief stricken. Jesus had compassion on her and met her need to find Him. He had not ascended to he Father and told her not to hold Him, or attempt to.  We find that people who know great deliverance love much and those who have come from a relatively good life love less. I am one of the latter but am grateful Jesus revealed my sin to me before I came to Him. I am grateful for Him rescuing me when I see so many caught away from Him. I look at my siblings and know I would be just the same if not for Jesus.!I grieve for them and pray they find Him. Right now my family are caught in the midst of cyclone Albert. They are safe praise God. I ...

“Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.” ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭25‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Every part means every part not just those areas that are ever present before our eyes. I cannot take liberty whilst in Nepal and ignore the road rules. If I cause an accident and people are injured how will they be compensated? If I am driving illegally then I will face prison and eventual deportation. I know foreign nationals who flaunt these rules. What is their behaviour saying about their hearts towards others? Towards their God? The above scripture saying to follow the Holy Spirit’s leading in all areas.  If we say we cannot hear Him correcting our behaviour what does that say about our hearing? Have we dulled our ability to listen because of self-will? Because I am sensitive to following the law I am not free to walk around in critical judgement of those who do flaunt the rules. My challenge is to get out of the way of the Spirit and let Him rule....

“For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭3‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We cannot comprehend God’s holinesss. We think we know holiness by our own judgement of what we think that looks like. Every judgement we make is from a selfish point of view.  Yet, it takes a revelation from the Holy Spirit to understand what holiness really is. He does this as He reveals our sin and we then know we have fallen short of God’s glorious holiness. Only repentance opens the door to God’s holiness. We now become set apart for Him. As we read our bibles we gain insight and understanding of how holy God is and what His plan for us is. He transforms us from sinner to saint as we become more like His Son Jesus. Only Jesus can set us free from the penalty of sin. As we accept His gift we are liberated from the penalty of our sin. No a...

“Jesus, the Anointed One, is always the same—yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews‬ ‭13‬:‭8‬ ‭TPT‬‬ Jesus is revealed throughout the Old Testament as a golden thread, in the New Testament He is the manifestation of God as the Son. The gospels show us His character. He came to heal, restore and deliver, to manifest the true nature of God, and to ultimately die a cruel death in our place, only to rise again victorious on the third day. As we read the gospels we find Him in opposition to religious hypocrisy, having compassion on the people who He called ‘sheep without a shepherd’. He offered Himself as the shepherd. Although God He humbled Himself to the role of servant. His authority, nonetheless, cut through the darkness. The demons recognised Him even if the religious leaders denied Him. He gave life to all who believed in Him and this life continues now. He is the way, the truth and the life. He is the only way to heaven. He is the answer to all questions, the eternal God. He is com...

““Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭ESV‬‬ This scripture is full or warning! The easy way leads to destruction. What is the easy way? The way of comfort, where many friends are found, all sliding down the hill to destruction. This way is full of deception and ease, the gospel of God’s love and tolerance, an absence of the cross. What is the narrow way? The cross. The daily choosing to lay down my life for my neighbours, family and friends. Few are found here. It is lonely, difficult but filled with Jesus. Today I choose to visit a Pakistani refugee family and love them. I pray I can be their ears and hear their hearts. Today I refuse my flesh prominence, no laying around, no ease. My flesh loves ease, comfort and lack of trouble. My spirit knows I need the path to the cross....

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Joshua had reason to be afraid: he was given the leadership that had rested on Moses’ shoulders. Joshua have lived 40 years in the wilderness under Moses. He had seen the challenges, but he had also wistnessed the power of God. God slew those who disobeyed Him. Fortunately Joshua loved the presence of God, he is now being instructed to keep the word of God ever before him and to go trust God to be his deliverer. Each of us faces fear, if we didn’t there would be no need for faith. We would rely on our own strength. When we face dismay at failed outcomes we could be inclined to back away. However, if God has spoken into our lives then we must be faithful to follow Him, keeping the word of God before us and relying on the Holy Spirit to guide us. I am going through a difficult time at present: my flatmates are sick, ...

“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 How do you make disciples? What did Jesus do? He spent time with those He had chosen and taught them His ways, He settled disputes and taught them Kingdom values. It is not enough to march into town and do a crusade and leave without discipling converts. Paul spent time discipling. The writers of the Epistles were attempting to disciple converts and deal with disputes and sinful behaviour. Teaching and preaching both convey biblical truths but time is an important factor. Along with time is genuine concern for the welfare of the disciples. Jesus’ prayer to the Father in John 17:12 shows these. Jesus said, ‘I have not lost one except the son of perdition’. He was referring to Judas. He was left with 11 disciples. This is not a huge crowd. Yet those 11 were enough to spread the good news. Be encouraged! Make a few disciples! Amen!