The day with dianne Louise

“God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.” Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬ To be able to truely make peace we must be humble in spirit, for sometimes the peacemaking requires an apology. We cannot apologise if we are full of arrogance and pride. We may not realise we are proud in a matter. I was recently made aware of my own pride by the Holy Spirit. I was able to repent and apologise. This then led me to an outstanding silencer between a loved one and myself. I needed to apologise. I did and felt freer than I have for a long while. As a child of God I aslo have the ministry of reconciliation, that is sharing the good news with others. Bringing those far from God into a relationship with Him is the best experience we can have. What joy is found in repentance and opening up to the love of God! True peace so only found in God alone! Amen!

“God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.” Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Pure here indicates focused devotion. The more we long for God alone the more focussed we are, the more inclined we are to sense God’s presence. There are times when I see Him everywhere. His presence is real and tangible. He is my everything! When I become anxious and fretful about my circumstances I struggle to see Him, and my peace is gone. However, if I restrain myself from attempting to organise my life and allow Him to do that, I am at peace. His goodness, grace and mercy are my food. He is enough! Amen!

“God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬ What we sow, we reap. If we are impatient with others we reap impatience from those we desire patience. If we are kind to others we will reap kindness; if we are generous to others we will reap generosity. Finally if we sow mercy to others, we receive mercy. Mercy is not being hard on the weaknesses of others. Mercy is kindness in failure, mercy is a godly trait. We pray for mercy and receive grace.  I have been learning to be merciful. I am the type that plans and gets things done. I have been working with Nepali people who don’t plan and take a long time to get things done. It has been a lesson in mercy for me. When I was involved in church leadership in Australia I expected things to be done when required. When I was in business the Lord started to work on my attitude. I had a young man who did not believe in his ability to sell. I worked hard of showing him the way. He became quite good,...

“God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.” Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This verse is not about ‘poor me’, it is a deep hunger for justice for others. It is a driving hunger for God’s righteousness, for God’s kingdom to come here on earth. I am in a country where justice for all was not practised. The youth rose up and fought for that justice and many died. A new government was formed and now attempts to give justice for all. I see many changes taking place and will pray continually for the government to remember they are here for all Nepal. There are so many poor and marginalised in the world and many suffer because of brutal, greedy men and women who seek to exploit them. Human Trafficking is evidence of that greed. Our babies are aborted because of our inhumanity, our children are sacrificed for food. Have mercy Lord! I hunger for justice that only God can give. His justice is right and fair to all. He is good, He alone is good! His ways are best f...

“God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.” Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We in the west do not understand the full meaning of humility (meekness). The original meaning is full and not shallow. It has ‘ the idea of the proper balance between anger and indifference, of a powerful personality properly controlled, and of humility’ (Enduring Word commentary). Moses was considered the most humble man on the earth. How did the hothead who killed an Egyptian overlord become this person. By the hand of God. Moses spent forty years in the backside of the desert, tending sheep. When God called him from the burning bush he was reluctant to be the man God would use to set His people free from the Egyptian system that had them bound as slaves. How does a strong personality become humble? By submitting to God’s hand. He is the only one who can teach humility. Yet, walking humbly before our God has benefits, the whole world is ours, as it belongs to our God. Allowing God to m...

“God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬ As I write this there are many in our world who mourn the needless deaths of friends and family. There are wars and terrorise attacks constantly. Nigeria has suffered greatly as have the people in Ukraine. There are 70-80,000 Christian’s in prisons in North Korea, theri children sent to retraining camps. These are typical of the onslaught of Satan and his troops. Here in Nepal there are families still mourning the death of their young people who dared to protest agains the last wicked government. Mourning does not go away because the news headlines change, or the focus of the media changes. Mourning is a process. It is painful but a necessary part of loss. I’ve been there several times now, and am sure I will be there in the future. Jesus is telling the disciples and the crowds that those who mourn will be comforted. I lost my mum during the beginning of COVID and had to mourn alone, but He was there. Hi...

““God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬ What does poor in spirit mean? It means I am aware of how spiritually I am bankrupt and in need of salvation. This was the first beatitude from Jesus’ sermon on the mount. It was His introduction to the Kingdom of God. The realisation of sinfulness is the first step. It was for me and would be for many. It caused me to cry out to God for mercy and salvation. It brought me to Him. The beauty of this verse is the promise. Upon recognition of sinfulness I am given eternal life and the knowledge that the Kingdom of Heaven is mine. What a promise! https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=is_ccOVNOgU&si=q6ZDrthbwBbnvZQC

“Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God!” Psalms‬ ‭42‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This psalm was written by the sons of Korah. Korah was a clan of God’s people who rebelled against Moses. The earth opened up under them and swallowed them up. However, a remnant were left, the sons. These were Levites and they served in the house of God. This psalm depicts a separation from the house of God. It starts with: ‘as a deer pants for water so my soul longs after thee’. It is a beautiful phrase. For some reason the sons of Korah were unable to be in the house of God. They may have gone with David when his son was attempting to usurp the throne. In their day they believed God’s presence was in His temple. We who have accepted Jesus as saviour have His indwelling Holy Spirit. We are now God’s temple. He never leaves. Yet, there are times when we long to feel His presence. He places that hunger there. The psalmist reminds himself, af...

“Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Paul had sought the Lord for healing/deliverance from what he called ‘a thorn in the flesh’ three times. However above was God’s reply. I have sought the Lord for healing of my ears again and again but still they ring and block my ability to hear people. I must admit that my faith is getting a good work out. They have not stopped me from attending college, going out and learning to communicate to people.  “This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength. But you would have none of it.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭30‬:‭15‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The scripture in Isaiah reminds me to trust in the Lord only! He is my refuge and strength. He is my provider. He is the way! Judah was wanting to ...

“Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.” Isaiah‬ ‭1‬:‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The Lord was reproving His people in Judah with these words. Sacrifices without heart He despised. He wanted their hearts for what matters. Where are our hearts? Do we think if we come to church, sing a few songs and put a bit of money in the offering we have completed our duty? My church back in Australia doe not take an offering. It relies on the hearts of the people being honest. They either pay online or put it in the box at the back of the sanctuary. I wonder how that works? However, what God is saying: care for orphans and widows first! Help those wrongly oppressed. Is that being done? I have attended a church here in Kathmandu that has homes for orphan children and widows. I was impressed! It seems God cares for such as these. Amen!

“He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.” ‭‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I understand this principle but then I am not always sure what He, God, thinks is a non-viable branch. When I think a branch just needs pruning it is cut off. In all our lives we constantly need pruning. Whilst it is painful, He sees it as necessary. Even though I do not understand I must submit to His ways. He sees the fruit He wants on His vine, He is the gardener, I am not. Jesus told His disciples that the Father is the gardener. It is interesting that the Father is typified by being a gardener. I love gardening. I do not have a plot of soil but I do have a balcony and pots. My flatmates and I are now growing coriander, chillies and hope to source some mint. We have attempted to grow things in the past with a modicum of success. When things fail they are dug up and removed. I love bonsais and have created several. These...

“Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.” Proverbs‬ ‭9‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Jesus said, “ Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭33‬ ‭NLT‬‬ There is a lot of worldly wisdom floating around. It deals with finance, health and fitness and relationships. However, it does not give the life that is available in God’s kingsom. Wanting Him and His ways of doing and being right brings life and godly wisdom. If we want good judgement seek the Lord! If we want eternal life, seek the Lord! He is the source of all that lasts, fulfills and makes rich. Rich is relationships, rich in doing good to others and rich in our relationship with Him!   https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=dQdfs5S6jyA&si=i1ZijSys3UGBb4cq

“You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This was a special offering for the poor in Jerusalem during a drought. Paul was collecting throughout the area he had ministered in to bring aid. This request comes with a promise of God’s provision. Prior to these scriptures Paul said: “Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Generosity produces a harvest, an abundant harvest. God will provide back in response to our giving:  “Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. T...

“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. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭5‬-‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Whilst ever I see myself holding the Lord’s hand, I know I am in Christ and allowing Him to steer my life. When I sense I am surrounded by a destructive attitude, I must repent and go back to the Lord. He is my solace and safety. Sunday night I did not sleep well and woke with a foggy head and sinus pain. I was determined...

“He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.” Psalms‬ ‭23‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I am at a place of needing the renewal of my strength. I am watching those I love be taken away to new ventures, my need is to keep going as I have exams coming up, my head hurts, I have a friend facing possible jail time for telling the good news, and have other friends suffering because they defended me to those greedy for easy gain. All that can be shredded is being shredded. But, my God is ever present and faithful! He is my strength and song. Although I do not know, fully, the path ahead, He goes before me! He is my solace! I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever, I will sing, I will sing! I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever, I will sing of the mercies of the Lord! With my mouth will I make know, His faithfulness, His faithfulness! With my mouth will I make know His faithfulness to all generations! (Chorus) I am grateful I have those who love me. My flatma...

“After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness.” Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭4‬:‭31‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Jesus waited 30 years to be filled with the Holy Spirit at His baptism, He was then driven by the Holy Spirit into the desert to fast and pray. The disciples had it easy, they prayed for 10 days. Jesus, the forerunner did the leg work, they benefited. However, the disciples had started with five hundred and on Pentecost Sunday there were only 120. Today is Pentecost Sunday! Today we remember, today we can step into the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. I cannot treat today as an ordinary day, I must be expectant of what God wants to do through me here in Nepal. Will you seek and pray with me? https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=MMmpcAqeNZE&si=834_fQIbOSmvj1X_

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭1‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬ When Jesus said, “even to the ends of the earth”, He saw in His mind what that looked like. I am sure the disciples had a more limited version. However, they did find themselves in far flung places. Paul had purposed to go to Spain, James the greater went there, Matthew was sent to Ethiopia, Thomas went to India, Andrew went to Russia and Ukraine, Jude and Simon the Zealot went to Iran and Iraq and Batholmew went to Armenia and India, Peter went to Rome and John to Ephesus. The Americas were not mentioned, nor Australia. However, the English, French and others took the gospel there. Their forebears had received it from the Apostles. God took untrained, unschooled fishermen, tax collectors, zealots and other unknown people and used them to take His ...

“But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Last year a friend of mine an I attempted to go to a remote village to do research and speak to the people in a particular village about Jesus. We were prevented. It was most frustrating! However, I then picked up a call to another area to educated the children about trafficking. It has had its own challenges. Every move has been resisted. When we want to go with good news into an area that is bound in darkness we face an enemy who resists us. This does not mean, “Don’t go at all!” But it means pray and see what God will do. If I have a cure for disease in an area then it would be cruel not to take the news to the people. I have such a cure for the blackened soul. I have a light in the darkness. I have a healer for all maladies. Yesterday I sensed someone praying ...

“Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety.” Proverbs‬ ‭29‬:‭25‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Fear rather what God thinks is better! The fear of God is deep respect and honour. I am aware that as a child I grew up very timid. I had a school bully who kept me in line until I was 17 and she left school. The freedom I experienced was amazing. Until I finished school and became a nurse. The nursing system has it own bullies, which I discovered in management at the hospital. We all have a bully and his name is Satan. He and his minions seek to keep us pushed down and believing that  are worthless and unable.  However, how does God see us? How does He see our situations? What does He call us? He calls us beloved! He calls us sons and daughters! He goes before us and follows us with love and mercy! When He brought me to Himself He began to show me His freedom. He does not judge me but lifts me up. People may form opinions about me but He knows me! I am His! He is mine! Opinion...

“So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.” Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Paul spells it out plainly here! He goes on to tell us what the attributes of both flesh and spirit are: “When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.  But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in ...