The day with dianne Louise

“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.” Psalms‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Trusting in the Lord alone is the best strategy. Other can and will fail you. People remember being double booked; a sudden, urgent need etc but with God He is always present and never later than He intends, not as  I demand. David was a warrior and constantly had enemies to fight. In this psalm he addresses God, then his enemies and then himself. He knows only God is faithful! Amen! Today I travel by train to Brisbane. I am looking for people to talk to. I am trusting God to keep me safe. He is good!

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬ A master craftsman makes vessels fit for a purpose. Our God has done just that with our lives. He has a divine plan and it is our challenge to discover that purpose and walk in it. I have seen beautiful works of art: vases, pots, paintings, clothing, landscapes. All of them are for the use of man. However, there is just one that was made for God’s greatest purpose, mankind. We are made in His image to display His glory. We have been crafted just right for that purpose. He wants His glory to shine. Our role is to do just that thing that will bring Him glory. Amen! May He be seen in me today!

“So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬ A humble heart God can use. A humble heart says, ‘Lord You have your way and may Your will be done!’ A proud heart says, ‘I can do this, I will succeed!’ I have spent the week renewing bank cards, purchasing train tickets, renewing licences, Medicare and government entitlement cards, visiting people, walking my old dog, helping a friend clean out his house and tomorrow at my home church presenting a PowerPoint presentation of what I am doing in Nepal. I redid the presentation around three times until I sensed the Holy Spirit’s hand upon it. He knows what the heaters need to hear. He knows what He wants to say to people. Last night I was able to speak to my girlfriend’s daughter, who is unsaved. She is a teacher. I pray she hears what the Holy Spirit is saying. The time is short and she needs to welcome Jesus into her heart. Souls are what we are here on earth for. Jesus is the only sav...

“Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.”  Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Being back in Australia and in my home town it is easy to think of things I need to do and buy for my trip to Denmark and then back to Nepal. However, my God’s mind is on people. I must keep my eyes on people and look for what He would have me say and do. God’s agenda is people’s hearts, knowing them and bringing them into eternity. Yesterday, I met many people. I talked to many people about what I needed them to do for me, but to none did I ask what I can do for them. When needing new licences, new credit cards etc when can be all business. However, what is God wanting to say to these people? He has something for everyone. Lord please keep me mindful of You and Your words to souls. Amen!

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Being a refugee in a foreign land and breaking your foot does not help. A refugee I know in Nepal just had this happen. He managed to eak out a small wage through labouring. However, a recent fall down stairs left him incapacitated. He reach out to me in Australia. I spoke with my friend and we sent finance to help. Whilst there is another couple who refuse to work and constantly ask for finance, this man is genuine. He sent photos to prove it. If no one cares what happens? We see plenty of needs constantly on social media. Some are fake. They are very good fakes, but fakes nonetheless.  However, when the wonderful God I know cares for the ails of one of His, so must I. He cares for me, but life is not just about me!  I must love justice and mercy! Amen!

“Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.” Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Many are suffering for their faith. Africa is particularly suffering terrorism. Asia is suffering from Muslim domination. Indian Christians are suffering from Hindu radicals and it is seeping into Nepal. Chinese Christians and North Korean Christians are being imprisoned for their faith. Now, the western church is suffering persecution for making stands for Christ. Laws to inhibit are being made. The lawless one is sneaking into churches and teaching false doctrines. The end is near! We see the world turn against Israel. The nations will come against her as if to wipe her out and will be dealt with by her God alone. Ezekiel 38 and 39 are fast approaching, as is 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17. The church will soon disappear, ushering in the Tribulation. Are you ready? The glory that Paul speaks about is the glory we will experience in the Rapture. Jesus will take his church to Himself....

“Away with your noisy hymns of praise! I will not listen to the music of your harps. Instead, I want to see a mighty flood of justice, an endless river of righteous living.”  Amos‬ ‭5‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This chapter is a judgement against Israel for its pretence at honouring the Lord and injustice to the poor. The Lord does not like outward pretence whilst our hearts are far from Him. He diesires mercy and justice above false hymn singing. Singing songs without engaging my heart are worthless. He wants my heart. He wants a life engaged with Him and His ways. I am mindful of this in my prayer life. At times I find my mind wanders. It needs to be present in what I am doing and who I am talking to. Amen!

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”  Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭33‬ ‭NLT‬‬ First things first!!What is God doing today? What does He require me to do today? Today is my first full day back in Australia. Last night I had dinner at a restaurant next door to my motel. While I waited for dinner I felt led to sing quietly. Close beside me was a man all by himself. I thought to myself, ‘ Fod only knows this man’s situation’. However, I sensed he needed to hear from the Lord. He drank no alcohol, onky water. Which was unusual in the environment as most drank alcohol. He could have been a son of God needing encouragement. So I sang. He turned quickly to look at who was singing. Today I want to go and sing for the homeless at Central Station while I wait for my train. I did this last year and several came to talk. I am praying for an opening to share Jesus. While on the train I will do the same. Jesus has people He wants to touch. The...

“But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.”  1 John‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬ In Nepali the word for sin is ‘pap’. It is interesting that of all words I can remember that word. In fact I can remember what Jesus did for me in Nepali: Yeshu, mero papko laagi marnu bhayo. Jesus died for my sins. Jesus gave us liberty from sins, all we have to do is confess our sins and receive His forgiveness. He wants us in a right relationahip with Him so that we can be together for all eternity. I cannot save myself! That is His role! He was the perfect lamb of God who was slain for all sin for all mankind. However, it is not ours until we humbly accept His sacrifice as being the only way. He changed my life as I allowed Him to be Lord. It meant a constant dethroning of self. Self wanted to rule, but there can only be one Lord! Amen!.

“For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬-‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬   In this chapter Paul is comparing the glory of the Old Testament to that of the New. He speaks of those Jews who have the veil removed from their eyes and see Jesus as Saviour and Lord. As believers in Christ we have a veil removed when we have the revelation of Jesus being all that we need. He gave us eternal life and delivered us from the dominion of darkness. He forgave our sins and empowered us to live for Him. The Holy Spirit fills us and guides us. He directs us. He is ever present and closer than anybody. We have a constant friend and ally.  Tomorrow I leave for Australia. As I prepare to go He directs my steps. Yesterday I planned on being out most of the ...

“Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.”  1 John‬ ‭2‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The previous verse adds clarity: “But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him.” 1 John‬ ‭2‬:‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Jesus did not hold grudges, He obeyed His Father, He gave Himself for us, He healed the sick and delivered those oppressed by Satan. This is our act to follow! Total submission, total surrender. We can do this through the power of the Holy Spirit. I come to do Your will O Lord! Amen!

“This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.” John‬ ‭15‬:‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This is the bottom line! We need to love as Jesus loved. To understand how Jesus lived we need to read the gospels. If we want to know how much we love, the next verse tells us: “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John‬ ‭15‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬ What are you willing to give up for your friends in Christ? Opinions? Attitudes? Determinations? This world tells us to be individualistic. This is not what Jesus taught. We must love each other and look out for the needs of each other, being prepared to make changes for our friends and family. There is more to every story than our own part. What is or has happened in the lives of others?

“No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah‬ ‭6‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬ How do I know what is right to do? I read my Bible. Jesus taught a lot about relationships and more so did Paul. What does ‘to Love mercy’ actually mean? God is a God of mercy. It was His mercy towards me that drew me into a relationship with Him. As I confessed my sin and asked forgiveness, I received His cleansing flow of grace. How do I walk ‘humbly’? Think of others as better than myself.  This life is not all about me! Meism has flooded the world. It has made us very selfish and myopic. We look at the world through a ‘me’ lense. What will others do for me? Why don’t others bless me? Why is God not doing all I ask? Jesus told us, ‘take up your cross and follow Me!’ He is not a gennie whose tummy we rub and ask for three wishes. He is God who wants us to be changed into His image. He was God on the ea...

“The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” 1 Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬-‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Peter thought the end would come in his lifetime, perhaps in my lifetime, God only knows! Like Peter I see the wisckedness around us in this world and know it must be soon. However, the Father knows who He wants brought into the kingsom, then the end will come. Meanwhile, I am exhorted to continue to show deep love for other Christians. I am to be hospitable and use my gifts to bless God’s people. The Lord has a plan, I am part of it! I must do my part! Amen!

“What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭31‬ ‭NLT‬‬ What are the wonderful things Paul is talking about? “For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.” Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭29‬-‭30‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We know we have an enemy, Satan, and he works against us. However, as Paul says, “if God be for us who can be against us?” In other words Satan’s efforts are paltry. He may kill the flesh but cannot take the soul and spirit. If we cling to our God, He will be our eternal reward. Today, Sunday, is a good day to worship the Lord and put Him first. As we yield to Him He is able to display His glory through us. Our world needs to see Jesus, we can be hi...

“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This is part of a prophesy given to Israel by the prophet Isaiah. They were about to face more disasters but God would be with them. What can I learn from it? As a child of God I still go through things, however, they do not consume me.  This past week at college had been hard. I was troubled with a blocked head and yesterday my back started to act up. Seriously?? Nepali language classes are difficult when you are expected to learn by rote and not with understanding. My mind thinks with formulae’s and logic. ‘Just because’ is not a good answer for why something exists. However, I do believe in my God because He is personal to me. I have to hold tight to Him and trust Him for every move I make. Next Saturday I travel back to Australia for a...

“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud”  1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Paul the apostle wrote these word. He was dealing with a problem in the church at Corinth. There were factions in the church. This chapter sums up his address with the attributes of divine love. This verse begins his list of what love is and is not. Love is patient and kind. When tempted to act impatiently we measure it against this word. God is not impatient. He is well able to avenge, but holds back so that people can come to repentance and salvation. In doing so He shows His kindness, mercy and grace. Love is not jealous causing the owner of this love to act out of jealousy. Jealousy is when you want what someone else has and begin to denigrate them or look for a way to steal their glory. Love is not arrogant or boastful. It does not need to strut the flesh around. The flesh loves to boast and crush others with’look at me, I am the greatest!’ Yesterday I had a divine miracle. I h...

“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” ‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬ It is so simple! Just ask! What happens when you ask is not a type written answer or a loud ‘this is the way’ voice. Sometimes it is a quiet knowing. I have need of wisdom for a flight I have booked in July that travels through Dubai. So far there has been no cancellations or changes, apart from a 30 minute earlier flight time. I want the opportunity to go to Dubai. In fact I am praying into this space. I will fly onto London and them Denmark for a friends wedding. I see every time in the public space as an opportunity to share Jesus. Flying is a very good opportunity. Saturday week I fly to Australia for a month. It will be good to visit my hometown and seek opportunities to speak to those who do not yet know Jesus. I will then train it to Brisbane and then fly to Cairns and then back to Sydney for a flight to Singapore and then to London, via Dubai. I nee...

“Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭27‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This is the last verse of psalm 27, written by David. In it he speaks of being surrounded by his enemies but kept by the Lord. One of the most lovely aspects of Thai psalm is the following verses: “My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.”” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭27‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬ In the midst of conflict and turmoil David’s heart is in the Lord’s presence. This is where I must be!  Yesterday I started my term final exam. The formulae’s for each examinable grammatical topic were crowded together in my brain. Before I left for my exam I was trying to memorise five types of भनन् . My brain did not want to compute. I trusted the Lord and went into the exam and sure enough there was a question on this. I had to write five sentences using each of the words. I remembered something a friend had told me. She said, “often the examiner w...

“God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬ There are many who are persecuted for being a Christian. Many die in Africa and many are imprisoned in other countries for daring to leave the Muslim faith or the Hindu faith. In North Korea you are imprisoned for becoming a Christian when the leader expects worship himself. However, the west is seeing people who are Christian persecuted for speaking truth. Christianity is following Judaism as the second most persecuted religion in the world.   Satan really wants the absence of Christ in the world. His minions are glorying in being released to crush truth. Unfortunately for him, Jesus is God, always was God and always will be God. Without Christ in the world it will fast become a brutal place to live. I just finished Amit Tsarfati’s latest book, The Next War.Although fiction, it paints a picture of that last war. In it the people of Israel realise they are far out...