The day with dianne Louise

“See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The Lord God is my strength and my song; he has given me victory.” Isaiah‬ ‭12‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I am learning how much my God has come to save me! When faced by insurmountable odds He is there. Sometihing Joyce Myer said in a message struck a chord with me: “if the problem seems too big for you, it is, it is not your problem it is His!” Amen to that. I face so many things that are too big for me. I will give them to the Lord! He is well able to solve them! Nepali language is one such problem, caring for refugees is another. Buying a four wheel drive with no money is another. Praise God He is able! Give it all to Him! Give it up, give it up! Amen!

“See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The Lord God is my strength and my song; he has given me victory.” Isaiah‬ ‭12‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This verse comes from a song of salvation. The chapter before speaks about Jesus and all He would do. It is fitting that this chapter comes directly after the description of Jesus. How does this apply to me, now? It aptly describes what Jesus has done for me. For all He has done, is doing and will do, I praise Him. Yesterday college was difficult. My teacher speaks in Nepali as if he is speaking to another Nepali and this is very challenging. However, in the previous night’s homework I had to write about a friend. I chose my friend Chelle, an American who has lived in Nepal many years and speaks the language very well. He had taught Chelle and when he saw her name he became very excited. He asked after her and I was able to satisfy his curiosity. At the end of class he was telling us about our upcoming exam. At one point he loo...

“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John‬ ‭8‬:‭32‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Knowing Jesus and His ways is knowing the truth. When we struggle with what appears to be truth, we can go to Him for His version of truth. Only His version has the power to set us free. I have made a stand on what I have known to be truth, but there is no peace there. Therefore, I must go to Jesus for His truth. Jesus said, “My yoke is easy, my burden is light.” If I am feeling heavy laden then I must examine my load in His light. What is He saying? What would He have me do? Lately I am pressing on towards my final exams and the work is challenging. However, pressure from outside of school coming from people with financial needs are attempting to make me angry and frustrated and lose my peace. Just because someone says they are in trouble and need my help does not mean I must be the source of their help. Wisdom in management of one’s own affairs could solve some of the problems. I am not God and do n...

“I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. I will be filled with joy because of you. I will sing praises to your name, O Most High.” Psalms‬ ‭9‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬ David, at times chose to praise when all around him was falling apart. Yet in all his grief he would turn and praise the Lord.  We can move so quickly past things that have happened and not stop to ponder how God was in the midst showing us His love, patience, goodness, favour and comfort. Yesterday I went to college as I have done every weekday for nearly six months. We are nearing the end, and preparing for our exams. The day started well with a topic I well knew then, suddenly switched to a test scenario. As I do not understand much of what the teacher said I dutifully copied down the questions on the board. The silence that followed revealed to me I was being required to write answers. Panic filled my heart as I struggled to find relevance. Suddenly I was reminded ...

“What a glorious God! He gives us salvation over and over, then daily he carries our burdens! Pause in his presence” Psalms‬ ‭68‬:‭19‬ ‭TPT‬‬ I am grateful for my God’s forgiveness and salvation. I knew what it was like to be without it. Now, I can go to God with my burdens. He listens and gives me wisdom. Today I am burdened with a particular refugee. I have tried and tried to help this man and his family. They do not follow advice and then get in a mess and want me to pay for it for them. I am reminded of my own children. If they did not listen and got into a mess, they had to work it out themselves.  Whilst this sounds harsh and is hard to follow through on, I am not in Nepal to fund a wayward refugee. I have other responsibilities and missions. I must teach this man wise ways. In doing so I must say, “No!” My God gives wisdom to those who ask. He is good! I can trust Him for the way to go! Amen!

“Give generously and generous gifts will be given back to you, shaken down to make room for more. Abundant gifts will pour out upon you with such an overflowing measure that it will run over the top! The measurement of your generosity becomes the measurement of your return.” Luke‬ ‭6‬:‭38‬ ‭TPT‬‬ Generosity must be a way of life. We can be generous with our time, our attitude, our finances. We are constantly provided with people we can bless, we just need to open our eyes to see them. At times I am overwhelmed with the needs of others. This is where I need God’s wisdom. There are some needs that just can’t be ignored, like food and housing. There are others that require wisdom. As I am an advocate for four refugee families I am constantly on notice. I also have a ministry work to be reaponsible for. What would God have me do? I know that as I pay my tithe faithfully my God stretches all that comes in to the maximum. He makes sure it is all used for the best. My needs here in Nepal are ...

““I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭10‬:‭16‬-‭20‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Jesus said this to His disciples. We are also His disciples. We are being sent in His name. Even those who live in ‘safe’ countries are now finding jail for speaking what is the truth but is a truth that societies no longer accept as truth. In some countries like China, it is no longer acceptable to be a Christian, children are now prevented from going to church and hearing the gospel. They must hear it at home. As the outpouring of the Spirit contin...

“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 I have travelled through many deep dark places over the years, but my God is always with me. He is my strength and song. Many times I have said to Him: “I have no strength today and so I will walk in Yours !” As I step out in faith He meets me. When times are dark and unsure, I trust He will light my ways, and He does. When my hearing is playing up I say, “I need to hear my teacher today” and I do. He is my comfort when I am lonely. His presence is full of love. I sense it tingling with potential power waiting to be unleashed. As I pray and speak in boldness of faith He joins me in a victory shout. When I am fearful He is my comfort. He encourages me to step out in faith. Faith conquers! Our God is waiting to engage ...

“Be faithful to pray as intercessors who are fully alert and giving thanks to God.” Colossians‬ ‭4‬:‭2‬ ‭TPT‬‬ I have just read a post about a Chinese man who had ministered to North Koreans for many years and was abducted by North Korea and jailed in North Korea for 11 years for crimes against the regime. He was lifted up in prayer for all that time. I pray God used him mightily in jail. As a westerner I am continually convicted of the many who suffer for Christ and how small are my troubles. The beautiful souls who face such futures with boldness and faith remind me that this is what a Christian should be like. Laying down our lives for others is what we are called to do. North Korea is a brutal place. Yet this bold man cared for the people. He took them into his home, clothed and fed them, taught them about God. For the grace he bestowed on the needy he paid 11 years in prison. However, I am sure God used this mighty man in that prison. I was just contacted by a Muslim woman I minis...

“When you pass through the deep, stormy sea, you can count on me to be there with you. When you pass through raging rivers, you will not drown. When you walk through persecution like fiery flames, you will not be burned; the flames will not harm you,” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭2‬ ‭TPT‬‬ This is a word from the Lord given to His people. It is a promise of restoration. As a Christian I have claimed it and will stand in it. Today I have lost my second bike helmet. Each time I have been with others in a taxi and left without it. It is not a storm or a fiery furnace. However, it comes as I have poured out finance to the needy. Although each time I have contacted teh taxi company not a word has come in reply. However, the Holy Spirit whispers, “Don’t worry I will look after you!” In Nepal it is not obligatory to wear a helmet as a passenger. I wear one because I believe Nepali drivers are very dangerous. However, my God promises to keep me. I will buy another one but for now I must take His word and g...

“Looking into their eyes, Jesus replied, “Humanly speaking, no one, because no one can save himself. But what seems impossible to you is never impossible to God!” Matthew‬ ‭19‬:‭26‬ ‭TPT‬‬ Jesus had just told the disciples that it would be harder for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven and He used an anology of a camel passing through ‘the eye of the needle’. The disciples were horrified and said, “well then! Who can be saved?” The eye of the needle was a gate where, for a camel to pass through it had to be unburdened and squeezed through and then reloaded. It was difficult but not impossible.   A rich man would be caught with all his possessions and his eyes would be on his money instead of God. However, we have heard stories about rich men and women who do come to Christ. I recently read about two Muslims in Saudi Arabia who were so empty amidst all their riches that they hungered for a reality that would fill them with peace. Jesus revealed Himself to them and they gave up...

“For God will never give you the spirit of fear, but the Holy Spirit who gives you mighty power, love, and self-control.” 2 Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬ ‭TPT‬‬ I needed this today! I had been safely saving for my next study program and visa and whamo God has me give a large portion away. It followed by another need in which I believe He wants me to give half as much away. You might say He is stretching my faith in finance. I am praying for a four wheel drive vehicle to use in ministry in Sindhulpalchok next year. I have no idea where the money will come from. I will need $20,000AU. The Lord has me giving away a 1/10 of that. It it amazing that I can give this much when only receiving a pension, but the more I give the richer I become in faith. Yesterday I told a friend I would be unable to help her as I had just give away a thousand. However, here I am again and what is God saying? Stretch! Bless God! He is taking me somewhere! Amen!

“When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.” ‭‭Mark‬ ‭10‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Some versions have Jesus being indignant rather than angry. Indignation is classed as a specific anger against injustice. Therefore, indignation fits better than anger. What caused this indignation? The disciples decided that mothers bringing their children to Jesus to be blessed as an annoyance. His statement: ‘for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these’ shows how much Jesus valued the children. In Nepal in many churches children do not have their own program, they endure the long services that adults participate in. However, they do tend to run around in the service when bored. My flatmates have been involved with children’s ministry for a long time, I must add I have done my time there as well. We are devising a puppet show to take the message about traf...

“For we have the living Word of God, which is full of energy, like a two-mouthed sword. It will even penetrate to the very core of our being where soul and spirit, bone and marrow meet! It interprets and reveals the true thoughts and secret motives of our hearts.” Hebrews‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬ ‭TPT‬‬ We like to hide our thoughts and intentions away from others, we cover them with fancy words which are really lies, we seek to appear glorious to others but to our God nothing is hidden. In the Lord’s Prayer, we pray: ‘May Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven’ and fail to realise we are attempting to construct something different: a house on sand. We are in a hurry and don’t take time to dig deep foundations with our God. We gloss over our beautiful abodes and live like there is nothing that will rock our foundations, until the storm comes. Then we wail and cry out for help. Do we realise how shallow we really are? Do we realise how much God wants us to dig deep and know Hi...

“Not one promise from God is empty of power. Nothing is impossible with God!” Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭37‬ ‭TPT‬‬ I can trust my God to fulfill His word, even when others rebel or fail through fear. His word is powerful and mighty to save. His word is strong and reliable! We can fail to believe and trust God, but His word is still powerful. It sits waiting for one who will take it and use it and trust it to perform all it promises. When God’s word says: ‘no weapon formed against you will prosper’, it is right, if I stand in it and allow it to be great on my behalf. Faith activates God’s word in my life! Hebrews tells me: ‘God’s word is living and active, sharper than any two edged sword, piercing bone and marrow, it judges the ideas and thoughts of the heart’ (Hebrews 4:12). That is powerful! I can trust it and use it. In Ephesians when Paul tells people to put on the armour of God. The sword of the Spirit is the word of God! (Ephesians 6:17b).  Our God has given us all we need to stand and figh...

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Today I read in the news about people from Gaza being flown out of Gaza to Africa and that they were not allowed off the plane in Africa because they had no documents. I have sat on a plane on the tarmac waiting. It is not pleasant when you do not know why and for how long. My situation was the flight navigator was ill and we were stuck in Yemen on a flight back from England to Australia. Eventually we were taken off the plane under armed guard and kept in the airport whist we waited for a new flight navigator to arrive from England. We were fed cold scrambled eggs and pita bread. Our God knows how to love and care for us! He is not surprised by sin, instead He offers a way to salvation from sin, Jesus! He is a safe place to run to, hide in and find solace in. I know He will never throw me out, because I believe in His gi...

“Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!” Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭MSG‬‬ We know how to revel in New Year celebrations; the end of war celebrations; the winning of games celebrations, the winning of the political party celebrations, however, heaven celebrates when a lost one comes home. This is the best reason to celebrate. As we approach others we can encourage them to see Jesus is the answer to many problems. Yesterday, my flatmates visited friends who complained about the pastor ruling the flock with an iron hand and not caring for the sheep as he should. As is often the case when my friends visit church members from other churches there are disputes. I know that there are two sides to every story.  Why do fights arise? James gives us an answer: “Where do you think all these ...

“Be cheerful with joyous celebration in every season of life. Let your joy overflow!!”  Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬ ‭TPT‬‬ There are set times when we are prone to be cheerful: the end result f a school year, holidays, birthday celebrations, New Year and so on. However, in every season of life we are not joyful. Paul, writing this in jail, encourages us to be joyful. What makes him believe we can be joyful? Paul knew that those who have Christ and His I dwelling Holy Spirit have the source of joy living within. At this present time I have many unanswered prayers. Currently I am ambulating on sticks due to a painful Archilles tendon, I am having to study from home. Yet, James tells me: “My fellow believers, when it seems as though you are facing nothing but difficulties, see it as an invaluable opportunity to experience the greatest joy that you can! For you know that when your faith is tested it stirs up in you the power of endurance. And then as your endurance grows even stronger, it wil...

“Because of this, encourage the hearts of your fellow believers and support one another, just as you have already been doing.” 1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭11‬ ‭TPT‬‬ Beacause of what?! “He gave his life for us so that we may share in resurrection life in union with him—whether we’re awake or asleep.” 1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭10‬ ‭TPT‬‬ Jesus gave His life for US! So that WE may share in resurrection life in union with HIM. We are not isolated little bumps but are in vital union with Him!!! I love the study of anatomy and physiology. It was this study in high school that took me nursing. I understand how vital all the organs are, the importance of blood vessels and lymph vessels. Many would know about blood vessels but few would understand lymph vessels and the inportant role they play. Yet, our God made them and put them in place. Many people in church feel hidden and useless but they carry vital lymph throughout the body. Google tells me: Lymph glands (nodes) and vessels work together to  ...

“Love joyfully celebrates honesty and finds no delight in what is wrong.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭6‬ ‭TPT‬‬ God’s love does not need to tell lies, it is always truthful, yet gracious. I have been, at times, brutally honest, causing hurt to those I spoke. Fortunately, the Lord took hold of my tongue. Being truthful with others is important but so is being kind with it.  Here in Nepal lies are a way of living. You are told what you want to hear. As foreigners we must be careful not to cover what we are doing with lies. The temptation is there when we find ourselves helping the Nepali people in a way that could cause us trouble.  I am being constantly told, “I can help you, I will do that.” Unfortunately, it is rarely done. I find that if I want something done I do it or steer it actively myself. Keeping a good attitude in this is important. Not delighting when someone gets justice, especially when they have hurt us is the biggest challenge. Praying for those who hurt us is a comman...

“Listen! It’s the voice of someone shouting, “Clear the way through the wilderness for the Lord! Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God!” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Luke refers to this verse in Luke 3:4 in reference to what John the Baptist was proclaiming. John called people to repentance in preparation for Jesus. Jesus was the focus. People’s hearts needed to be repentant and cleansed from sin in order to receive the truth of what Jesus was about to preach. Unfortunstely, many were not prepared. In seeing they did not see and in hearing they did not hear. Now, is a good time to come to repentance from our own works to faith in Jesus’. We cannot save ourselves from a hellish eternity, only Jesus can. We cannot heal our hearts, only Jesus can. We cannot make all things new, only Jesus can. Today I must walk by faith in the Son of God. He is my savour, my ability to understand Nepali, He is my ears today! Today I have an exam. I have diligently studied but there are so...

‭‭ “He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed.” 1 Peter‬ ‭2‬:‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Sin has no power when we realise we are dead to it, it has no appeal! We are bought with a price!!! Jesus bought us freedom on the cross! Amen! Have you been lied to and convinced you are a sinner? If you believe you are a sinner, then sin still has its hold on you. However, if you believe that Jesus’ death was enough, that when He took your sins, they were not free to come back, then they are defeated. Now, we must live by faith in the finished work Jesus did for us. We walk by faith, not by sight! Amen! Dig out your faith and use it!

“He himself carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we would be dead to sin and live for righteousness. Our instant healing flowed from his wounding.” 1 Peter‬ ‭2‬:‭24‬ ‭TPT‬‬ When we have a huge load and someone offers to carry it for us, are we grateful? Yes! I am grateful when I have repair jobs that need doing around the house and a male friend is willing to complete them for me, I am grateful when I need friends to carry me through rough health periods and not worry about financial concerns. I am grateful when I sense friends are praying for me.  I have a greater advocate, the Holy Spirit. I have a greater saviour, Jesus Christ. I have a great heavenly Father who is concerned for me. I am eternally grateful! There is a reason why the godhead bothers with me. That I might live to righteous ways. This I can do as I stay close and walk in faith. The righteous ways are not my own but divine. In myself no good thing dwells, but by faith in the one who loves me I can walk ...

“You take over. I’m about to die, my life an offering on God’s altar. This is the only race worth running. I’ve run hard right to the finish, believed all the way. All that’s left now is the shouting—God’s applause! Depend on it, he’s an honest judge. He’ll do right not only by me, but by everyone eager for his coming. * * *” 2 Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬-‭8‬ ‭MSG‬‬ These are Paul’s words to Timothy. Paul was in prison in Rome  and facing death at the hands of Nero. He was able to say he stayed faithful. I am approaching the age of 72 and can say I know the time is coming, but not yet, when I must depart. I have stayed close to the Lord and sought His path constantly. The closer I get the closer I want to be. When I sense I am not close I determine to rid myself of what hinders me. I am reminded of the scripture in Hebrews about running the race and throwing off all that hinders. I cannot allow darkness to consume me. My God has an excellent plan and it is that which I must follow. Amen!

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Although this verse is a favourite for the church, it was written as a part of a letter Jeremiah sent to the people of Israel who had been taken by King Nebuchadnezzar to Babylon. In the letter Jeremiah tells the people to prepare to stay in Babylon for 70 years, to marry and have children and have them marry. God, through Jeremiah also tells the people to pray for the city so that all would go well for them there.   God’s plans for us may be a period of removal, isolation from all we know. However, if that is the case, it is for a period of time only. Restoration is coming! Amen!

“Within your heart you can make plans for your future, but the Lord chooses the steps you take to get there.” Proverbs‬ ‭16‬:‭9‬ ‭TPT‬‬ As I had spent many years writing financial  plans for people, I am used to plans. However, as a Christian I am well aware of how wrong I can be in my goals or my ideas about how I will achieve those goals. I, now, tend to wait on the Lord for His plans, His heart about a matter, and not be too frustrated when my ideas fail or take forever to materialise. For six weeks now I have been waiting for my ministry colleague to organise an NGO. Each fortnight when I am paid my pension I have the money ready for that purpose. However, God has had other plans. There are many needs here in Nepal. He would have me spend according to His need, not my perception or plan. As I willingly go along with His plans my money stretches and lasts and is able to fulfill many needs, it is quite fun! Yesterday I had a dentist appointment as I had broken a tooth. I was tryi...

“Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.” 1 John‬ ‭2‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Here is the ‘rub’ so to speak. We cannot say we live in God but live in hate for others. We are deceiving ourselves. John goes on to say: “If anyone claims, “I am living in the light,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is still living in darkness. Anyone who loves a fellow believer is living in the light and does not cause others to stumble. But anyone who hates a fellow believer is still living and walking in darkness. Such a person does not know the way to go, having been blinded by the darkness.” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭2‬:‭9‬-‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Love must guide our behaviour. God’s love in us should be reaching out to break down walls. It should not allow us to build walls of offence and disagreement. If there are walls of division they must be broken down. We should allow God’s Holy Spirit to rule in our hearts. He will show us the best way! Amen!

““Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭19‬-‭21‬ ‭NIV‬‬ We can be so focussed on our finances that increase brings euphoria and loss devestation. I know both of these. I worked as a financial planner in the past and the task was to make people’s earthly wealth grow exponentially. Unfortunately, the opposite often happened due to market fluctuations and people became very upset with me. Now, God has me relying on His provision of and expansion of a fortnightly pension. However, the goal is not so much to save for retirement, but help others as well as save for the next visa here in Nepal. When you are faced with a starving family and their needs for rent and food, you cannot choose blindness over perso...

“But in the day that I’m afraid, I lay all my fears before you and trust in you with all my heart.” Psalms‬ ‭56‬:‭3‬ ‭TPT‬‬ Fear is being generated: claims of ufo sitings; claims about unusual activities by a comet; claims that the earth is ready to explode with massive earthquakes and more. To top it off earthquakes are happening in Australia, a reasonably safe place from earthquakes. Jesus said, “Expect to witness amazing and perplexing signs with the sun, the moon, and the stars. The raging of the sea will bring desperation and turmoil to many nations. Earthquakes will bring panic and disaster. What men see coming to the earth will cause the fear of doom to grip their hearts, for they will even see the powers of the heavenly realm shaken!” Luke‬ ‭21‬:‭25‬-‭26‬ ‭TPT‬‬ What do we do? Do we submit to the fear? No! We need to use our biblical understanding and trust God. The Bible does not tell us that men from outer space will come and destroy the earth, it tell us the God will destroy...

“If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We tend, as a people, to not be very wholehearted about relationships. A relationship with a God we cannot see is hard work, much harder than one with people we can see. However, the fruit is there! The benefit of seeking God is there! I had sought the Lord from childhood. I wanted to know Jesus. For the longest time I used the only means I had, the Catholic Church. However, it failed me. At the right time He came to me, showed me my sin and welcomed a repentant heart in. Having found Him I cannot turn away from Him. The Lord has me use the same principle with people. I have to search for their hearts and bring them in. If I fail I lose an opportunity to know the special deposit God has placed within them. This is the part I love! When I succeed I am able to fellowship with that beauty and become a better person. In the process they benefit as well. I also have a deposit of God within me. As we fellowsh...