The day with dianne Louise

“Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.” Isaiah‬ ‭60‬:‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬ This is part of a prophetic word about Israel. In the whole chapter it speaks of a time when there is no need for Sun and moon will not be needed but the Lord will be their everlasting light (vs 19). This possibly speaks of the-millennium. When Jesus is ruling and reigning from Jerusalem al the points mentioned in the chapter will be evident in His reign. Some commentators believe this period is the time of the Christian church. However, this might sit well with replacement theology, I don’t agree (humbly).  Replacement theology believes that the church is the new Israel and that present day Israel is no longer relevant. Not so! Whatever opinions we have, the only one that matters is the Lord’s. He is the beginning and the end, the alpha and omega! What He determines will come to pass. I can trust Him! Amen! His light is shining forth across the earth. He must be God, His ways we mu...

“For, There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time.” 1 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Paul went on the say the following: “And I have been chosen as a preacher and apostle to teach the Gentiles this message about faith and truth. I’m not exaggerating—just telling the truth.” ‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬ As a missionary I could say the same thing. My heart longs to speak Jesus to the locals here in Nepal. Even though my language skills are small, they are growing and complemented with my acts He is speaking. He has shown me His focus for now and I will go there! He loves these people with a passion and I am following His footsteps. This is the safest place to be! It is amazing that lack of language skills is not a stop for Him, He makes His ways known without it. Praise Him! Amen!

“And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations.” ‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭36‬:‭26‬-‭27‬ ‭NLT‬‬ These beautiful verses are a part of a prophesy God gave through Ezekiel thousands of years ago and around 500 years before Jesus came to fulfill this scripture. Part of the chapter has been fulfilled and part remains to be filled wiheen Israel turns to her Messiah. However these are important to us Gentiles as a new heart was made possible by the death and resurrection of Jesus. He redeemed us! He made a way for us to be included in God’s house. Praise Him! A new heart is exactly what salvation gave me. My heart was hard to God’s truth before salvation and after it was soft. Now it loves Him and His word and His creation. Now my heart delights in worshipping my saviour.  Lord I worship You! Y...

“There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God;” Hebrews‬ ‭4‬:‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Verses 1-11 speak of entering God’s rest. He is not talking about the Sabath as it was, he is talking about resting from our own efforts to earn salvation. We cannot earn salvation, it is a free gift from God. Verse 12, the famous verse: for God’s word is living and active, sharper than any two edged sword, pierces through bone and marrow revealing the thoughts and intentions of the heart (My version). Today happens to be Saturday, the day traditionally taken as the Sabath. It also happens to be the only day’s rest in Nepal. Except today is in Dashain, the annual festival here where families go back to their homeland. It usually lasts for 10 days. The place is at rest with less busyness. What does the Sabath mean for me? It means I do not strive to earn my salvation but accept it by faith in Jesus. He is enough! Amen! I love Sarudays, anyway, as I don’t study on Saturday and usually do fun things. Toda...

“‘Men and women who have lived wisely and well will shine brilliantly, like the cloudless, star-strewn night skies. And those who put others on the right path to life will glow like stars forever.” Daniel‬ ‭12‬:‭3‬ ‭MSG‬‬ This scripture comes in the midst of end times prophesy. Prior, Daniel received a prophesy about the then future of the known world. It was full of wars and intrigue. Reading a study Bible helps explain all the various figures mention. However, suffice to say that the anti-Christ appears. In light of the present days it is a good read. Living wisely refers to leading others to Christ. Jesus is the way to eternal life. There is no other way. Unfortunately, the prophesy shows that many Israelites will die at the hand of the anti-Christ. It is only when they turn to Jesus to save them are they saved. He steps in and defeats the anti-Christ. The prophesy in Daniel shows the futility of the kings of the north and south posturing and fighting against each other. It speaks t...

“Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” ‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We all value maps. Nowadays I use Google maps extensively. Gone of the days of swatting over heavy books filled with street maps, and gone are the many arguments between spouses. However, we, at times, need to rely on others for directions. These directions are not just about the road ahead but the way to live in foreign countries. Last night, after Bible study I was talking to a new missionary. He was about to go out into the countryside to investigate more of Nepal. I gave him a few tips on things to take. Some things are essential, like hand sanitizer and packets of tissue, anti emetics and meds for diarrhoea. In the road to eternal life we need directions. Fortunately we have our bibles and the words of Jesus. He said, He was the way. That is comforting. It means that if I get to know Him and follow in His footsteps I will find the way. When the world s...

“If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.” James‬ ‭3‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We have a saying: ‘the proof is in the pudding’. In days gone by the original saying was: ‘the proof is in the eating’. Basically something may look good until you taste it. I have struggled to produced gluten free cakes with varying results. My latest attempt at a chocolate cake turned out like a mud cake. It was good if you like a thick cake. However, I could tell by those who tried it they were not fans. I had included xanthan gum. It turns flour into a rock. I may make the right sounds but how do I behave? Yesterday I uncovered a friend’s motives to a small group on social media. I believed her motives were wrong and not disclosing the full picture. I wrote to her privately about the matter. However, she persisted in her front. I disassembled it. I thought to protect others in the group. However, I am left with a fleshl...

“Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us.” Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬ In this chapter Paul is talking about two groups of people: Jews and Gentiles. This, basically, encompasses all of mankind. There is no other group, although some may claim there are. Jesus came as a Jew and lived His life, preached the Kingsom of God, died and rose again in Israel. Prior to Jesus God had only made Himself known to the Jews. After the desth of Jesus, all may come. The Muslims are Gentiles! They are not the chosen people, the Jews were and still are. All the rest are Gentiles. The door to God has been opened by Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but through Him ( John 14:6). Now, we, Jews and Gentiles, all have access to the Father through Jesus. He paid our debt of sin, He freed us from the penalty of sin. We can now approach the Father in bold confidence because of Jesus’ sacrifice. Amen...

“Jesus said to him, “What do you mean ‘if’? If you are able to believe, all things are possible to the believer.” When he heard this, the boy’s father cried out with tears, saying, “I do believe, Lord; help my little faith!”” ‭‭Mark‬ ‭9‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭TPT‬‬ My sympathy has always been with this man. He had lived years with an evil, tormenting spirit that sought to destroy his child. He had been conditioned to believe no one could help him, even the disciples could not help him.  The spirit controlling the boy had grown strong, we repeated confessions of strength from those around the child. The spirit was not willing to go just like that. However, it met the master. Jesus knew His authority over demons and was not going to allow this spiteful demon to remain. He was not intimidated by evil. Today, I am challenged to believe in the power of God. What is He saying about my belief? How do I weed out areas of unbelief? Lord, show me Your way to deal with all unbelief I pray, in Jesus’ nam...

““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 Lately, I have been harvesting moss and small ferns in brick walls as I walk and converting them into terrariums and bonsais. I’ve been a little concerned that I should ask permission, but as these walls are long and the owners do not seem to be evident I have not sought them out. However, so that I am honouring this command I will endeavour to seek them out. I want blessing on all I do. Therefore, integrity is inportant. It would not do for me to cause others to do the same and a problem to arise. The money I receive is the Lord’s and I am the manager. I must use it as He would want...

“You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.” Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭5‬-‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Desth to self is the message. We have no claim to fame as Jesus had, He was God. Yet He humbled Himself and became a slave. I have read books about African slaves in the cotton fields in America. Their constant desire and effort were to be free. They risked their lives to be free.  Here we have the Son of God, willingly become a baby and grow up submitting to earthly parents. Finally, at 30, He stepped into His own ministry. He preached the gospel, healed the sick, raised the dead, opposed the religious leaders, and for this was crucified on a Roman cross. Yet, God raised Him from the dead. We...

“Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.” Matthew‬ ‭28‬:‭18‬-‭20‬ ‭MSG‬‬ I must live my life in a way that shouts Jesus! His glory, goodness and life must be all over me! In all I do and say, He must be Lord! As I walk I must be praying in the kingdom of God, breaking strongholds and releasing God’s presence. As I deal with people I must shout ‘Jesus’ by my behaviour. When asked about the joy within me I have a response, ‘Jesus!’ Jesus is the only Way, the only Truth, and the only Life. No one can go to heaven without Jesus. He is the door! I cannot treat anyone in any other way that what Jesus would do. I must respect al...

“There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.” ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭3‬:‭28‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Before God we are souls. We do not carry race, colour, station in life, money. Praise can have us believe we are better than some. We are not! Currently, as we college students are on an enforced holiday in Nepal I am making use of my time by creating terrariums. Whilst some plants I buy most I harvest from the rock crevices. The most humble of all is moss. In the rainy season moss is everywhere on wet brick surfaces. Even though it is not considered by many to be of worth, to me it has high worth. It is the final touch. Our God knows what He is doing! He is creating a masterpiece. In Australia my son is involved with a group called Fishers of Men. They minister to the homeless. They consider them much like I consider moss, of high value. When last in Sydney I went to Central Starion and waited for my train. I sang to the homeless. They loved it! I watc...

“So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭MSG‬‬ For me, the pattern of the world that I am to resist is selfishness. The world deifies self and places it above the Lord and His kingdom. Allowing self to make rulings,  on how I will behave to others, how I will give to others, how I will work with others, is wrong. I am a fallen creature in myself and no good things ...

“Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.”  Deuteronomy‬ ‭11‬:‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Our foreheads indicated where our minds are and the place we process thought. Our hands represent doing. Our hands can do good or evil. Out of our mouths can come forth good and evil, we must choose to do good. The Jews went on to forget the Lord. Although he had brought them into the promised land after the desth of Joshua and the ones who knew this experience, men did what was right in their own eyes. Obviously the people did not heed all they were told in the chapter. The second verse of this chapter warns the people that their children did not experience God like they did and would need to be taught. This did not happen. Orthodox Jews wear little boxes called phylacteries on their foreheads and wrists that contain scripture when they go to morning prayer, so as to obey this command. We Christians study our bibles and memorise scri...

“The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.” Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This verse is a part of a set of verses talking about grass withering. It starts at verse 6. Isaiah heard a voice saying, “cry out!” Then another said, “what should I cry out?” The first voice continues, “all humanity is like grass, and all goodness is like the flower of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fade when the breath of the Lord blows on them; indeed the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of the Lord lives forever.” How does this apply to us? To me? All the years of striving come to nothing when we consider that we will soon pass away. I am closer than some. However, the assassination of Charlie Kirk, a young man in his 31st year tells me we never know when out time will come. Charlie was ready to go, as I believe I am. Yesterday in church we heard a message about Gideon. Gideon was not a particularly righteous man or a God see...

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭19‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Did you know the context of this verse? The Philippians had been wonderful financial supporters of Paul. No one else had done what they did. He was very grateful and ended his discourse about the matter with this verse. We have so quotes this verse out of context. God was going to supply the needs of the wonderful givers so that they in turn would be blessed to be a blessing. This is not just about me getting! What is The God Ask in your life? What has He been calling you to give to others? In support, in blessing? Now is  the time to lay down our selfish grasping and offer ourselves as a living sacrifice to God, including our possessions, and finance.   Come!

“Hallelujah! You who serve God, praise God! Just to speak his name is praise! Just to remember God is a blessing— now and tomorrow and always. From east to west, from dawn to dusk, keep lifting all your praises to God!” Psalms‬ ‭113‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭MSG‬‬ We cannot forget God! The rising sun reminds us of His glory, as does the setting sun. In Tamworth Australia I would delight in the setting suns every day. My flat looked to the west and it was glorious. My photos on my phone speak of His glory. Here in Nepal we do not see such glory. Although whilst walking yesterday, the sky was pink. That was the best effort the sky could make. This morning is a wet morning, as was yesterday and the tree I look out on is losing its leaves. In winter it will be empty, save for the birds who nest there. However, the light in the day tells me it is morning. I will rejoice that my name is written in heaven, that my God chooses to know my name. I rejoice that my God is still God in this land where thieves and ...

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” 1 Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Each morning as ai walk I see the local Nepal people collecting flowers to take as an offering to their gods. As ai pass the temple I see them respectfully worshipping their gods. In Christian Nepal churches I see them come in and bow in worship before the pulpit. These people know how to respect their God. If I am asked to explain why I do not worship their gods, or give an explanation for the joy in my heart it must be done respectfully. The culture has levels of respect here. The language has levels of respect. Whilst they do not give preference for me in lines at shops they show it in other ways. I think respect is missing from many Westeen churches and their people. I think I can learn respect whilst I am here. Respect for our God is important. Respect for each othe...

“Here’s what I’ve learned through it all: Don’t give up; don’t be impatient; be entwined as one with the Lord. Be brave and courageous, and never lose hope. Yes, keep on waiting—for he will never disappoint you!” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭27‬:‭14‬ ‭TPT‬‬ Others may fail you, and they do. However, God never fails. His presence is always there for me when I seek Him. He alone is faithful, loving and true. Today is another day post the uprising in Nepal. It is quiet and people with cool heads are calling for calm. The army is patrolling and bringing the wicked to account. We wait for a good government. The old have fled and a vacancy exists. Prayer into this space are not wasted. Our God has an answer. The hunger for the young for good governance, without covertness, is required. What they really hunger for is Father God. May they find Him. Last night we had a zoom Bible study. It was good to see one another. One lady said she had, ‘cabin fever’. I understand. Fortunately I and my flatmate go out walkin...

“So if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective.” Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭MSG‬‬ This scripture is challenging me! Right now Nepal’s government has fallen and the potential for anarchy to reign is present. Nepal has a king who stepped down for a democratically elected government to rule. However, the government was corrupt and has been overthrown by the youth of the country. Whilst the youth might prefer a more liberal leader the king may be what they get. As of yesterday we were confined to our homes by a curfew, we spent a lot of time monitoring the outside situation on our phones. This scripture calls us to focus upwards. What is God doing in the midst of the chaos? He has called us to prayer, to ...

““Don’t worry or surrender to your fear. For you’ve believed in God, now trust and believe in me also.” ‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭1‬ ‭TPT‬‬ Yesterday tens of thousands of youth stormed Parliament House here in Nepal. It has been reported that 20 were killed and hundreds were injured. I had stayed away from the area believing it to be unsafe and it was. Today, now that young people have been killed, there will be a greater strife brought about by parents of those who went to the protest. Milling children is never a good idea. Nepal has had a long history of strife. It has a civil war that lasted 10 years not so long back. Corruption fills the government and the people are not happy. However, underneath there are lovely human beings who need salvation. As in any race of people, there are people who have needs. I cannot be afraid of the uprest. I have a God who is the master of peace. He is good! I must trust Him. Amen!

“Even when your path takes me through the valley of deepest darkness, fear will never conquer me, for you already have! Your authority is my strength and my peace. The comfort of your love takes away my fear. I’ll never be lonely, for you are near.” Psalms‬ ‭23‬:‭4‬ ‭TPT‬‬ Over the past few days two things have happened: the Nepali Government had declared it was turning off social media platforms not registered with the government, and secondly that all foreign nationals were to be registered from 17 September. On the surface this looks dangerous. Today people are protesting the first in a massive protest March in Kathmandu. The second they will not care about as it affects us foreigners. Five star motels will be the first to be obligated to take digital records of foreigners, in November it will be expanded to all forms of accomodation and transport. In other words our movements will be tracked. The second I am praying into and preparing for. All I do in Nepal will be seen should I us...

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts‬ ‭1‬:‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬ We can trust Jesus’ words. He is faithful! He sent the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. We can go to Him for than outpouring of the Holy Spirit. It is called the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit has gifts to give: wisdom, insight, healing, miracles, faith, discernment of spirits, tongues and interpretation of tongues. These are to be used to building up the church and minister. There are gifts of calling, gifts of giving, serving, teaching and more. Most importantly we have His love inside us to govern us. Who would be without the Holy Spirit? His divine wisdom is impassable. Amen!

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” ‭‭Micah‬ ‭6‬:‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Below is the Passion Translation of the same verse: “No! Listen, O Adam’s offspring, Yahweh has made it plain to you what is best. He has shown you what he really is longing for from you— only to promote justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah‬ ‭6‬:‭8‬ ‭TPT‬‬ The Lord is longing for me to do this. Why is He longing for me to do this? When we pray ‘May Your kingdom come, Your will be done’, we are proclaiming God’s ways and rulership over the earth, and in particular our own lives and the world we live in. Yesterday, as I left the swimming pool in Sadobato I saw a small jacaranda seedling growing under a pot and thought, “I’ll take that it will only die if left there.” I felt justified. However, the Lord thought otherwise. The plant withered and began to die on the way home. In His eyes I ...

“Lord Yahweh says to you: “ ‘I am now going to breathe into you, and you will live again! I will attach muscles and sinews to you. I will make flesh grow on you. I will cover you with skin. I am going to breathe into you, and you will live again. And you will know that I am Yahweh.’ ” Ezekiel‬ ‭37‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭TPT‬‬ These verses are taken from the valley of the dry bones encounter Ezekiel had with God. It is an amazing encounter and one worth reading in its entirety. In this section God had given Ezekiel a prophesy to speak over the dry bones. As he did the bones came together into bodies, muscle and sinew came on the bones and when the bodies were formed God breathed life into the bodies and they came alive. The Talmudic records stated that these bones were from the handsome young men Nebuchadnezzar had taken back to his land. However, these young men were executed because of the jealousy of Nebuchadnezzar because the women in Babylon were falling in love with them. The Talmud teaches th...

“Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” James‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We live in a day where acknowledgement of sin is s hurdle. What me?? Sin??? Yes we do sin! Every time we open our mouths we have the potential to sin. As James tells us: “And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.” James‬ ‭3‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The word for tongue in Nepali is ‘jibro’. It reminds me of jibber, and jibber reminds me of chatter. We do like to chatter. I have a friend who chatters at speed. However, just because I do not chatter at speed does not absolve me from hurtful comments. On Sunday I happened to say to her husband, ‘ next week you can have a turn to speak!’ At the time I thought that comment was innocuous, however, it ...

““Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I have a prayer list. I seek the Holy Spirit to help in prayer. Some things on that list I see answers for, others I do not and have to believe He is working. Almost a month ago I wrote to my church asking for help to obtain a vehicle to navigate the difficult terrain in Sindhulpalchok. It seemed as if I had been forgotten but yesterday I received a reply. Praise God He is working to help me. A plan is underway. In some areas, namely family, I have not seen progress, but must believe God is at work. He is faithful and will work all things out. Salvation is high on the list. In other areas, namely Muslims coming to Christ, I am seeing results. I am sure I am one of many praying  into this area. Meanwhile I have the honour of advocating for Christian refugees from these lands.  Ther are so many things to ray...

“Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.” ‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭7‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This verse is a part of God’s response to Solomon’s building and dedication of the temple. God warns that at times, if the people turn from Him, He would send famines and plagues to get the people’s attention, then if they turned to Him and humbled themselves in prayer He would listen and heal their land. Many Christians have taken this scripture for themselves to be a reminder that they can see their land healed through repentance and prayer. Yesterday, in Australia, there was an uprising of ordinary Australians parading in capital cities to tell the government they had lost their way. One of the major parties was having its annual conference and absent. I noticed that the churches went on as usual with their services. Did they also miss what the people...