two better than one

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. Ecclesiastes 4:8-12

We can understand the concept of two, back to back defending each other, however the finish can be a puzzle, except a Christian will recognise the third man in the middle is Jesus. God in Jesus, is the glue that holds all things together.

For me, who God told to stay alone for as long as He determined, this has been hard. I have had to rely on Jesus to be my second and the Holy Spirit my third. It has worked but I have had to stay close and also rely heavily on fellowship in the body of Christ. My greatest concern has been deception that grows in isolation. By being accountable I have avoided self righteous isolation. Praise God!

Fellowship is so important. Amen!

new lands

For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, Colossians 1:13 NLT

We se people escaping from their lands because of war, famine and loss of income. We, as Christians,  were in the land of darkness and were rescued by Jesus. We were brought into His kingdom of light and freedom.  We have been saved from a life of sin.

How good it is to be in a land of light and freedom. I have friends who escape from Nigeria where Christians are constantly being killed for their faith. These friends were at first fearful of being sent back because of their visas. Fortunately a university degree ensured that the mother was able to secure a new life for her husband and family by completing a nursing degree.

We do not need to fear being cast out of the kingdom of God. There is nothing that will cause us to lose of citizenship, unless we walk away from it. Just as my Nigerian friends need to live as Australians now, we must live as kingdom believers. Amen!

rescued

For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, Colossians 1:13 NLT

Oh! So grateful! Thank you Jesus! I still remember how dark my world was before Jesus spoke into my heart. It all changed in an instance as I repented and asked Jesus to be my saviour and Lord.

So many are caught in darkness, so many need to find the light, and many will. Yet I watch those around me, where I live, still there. I pray for them and seek opportunities to speak to them. 

Jesus is Lord! We lift Him up in our own lives and our communities and people see. May they see faithfulness and love, committment to a faithful Lord. 

As we prepare for Christmas may we make an opportunity to see Jesus! Amen!

everything I need

The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.

Psalms 23:1‭-‬2 NLT

Everything I need can be more than finance,  it can be relational. Emptiness and lonliness can be a hazard, it is for me at times, especially when I step into being out there for Jesus. My enemy turns others against me, usually those I have depended upon for love and support.

However, as I follow Open Doors I am constantly kept mindful of those who lose all for Christ. I am cheered to read about a saint in China who was imprisoned for his faith in solitary confinement, so he preached Into his pit toilet in the corner, and won 96 souls to Christ. Now that is brave! I am so looking forward to meeting these saints in eternity. 

Only Jesus is worth the pain! Amen!

lacking nothing

The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.

Psalms 23:1‭-‬2 NLT

Our challenge is to believe we lack nothing when a car needs fixing or something goes wrong in our home etc. Will God provide is always the question?

If we read historical accounts of God's provision,  we cans say yes! If we cast our minds back to all God's provisions, we can say Yes! Provision comes for areas God is involved in, not for lusts  or foolish pursuits. 

Yesterday I was committed to having my dog clipped,  I did not have the surplus but went anyway. I was checking my bank account and noticed a deposit of $50. I was expecting a $4.50 refund but received $50. I contacted the depositor and was told it was a gift. Praise God! The money was there for the dogs haircut (this appears trivial but even in the having of a pet, God is there). Trust Him for the car!

glory

Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.

Romans 8:18 NLT

We have no way of comprehending God's glory. We have a taste when we are surrounded by His presence,  it is glorious. However, always and forever being in it! Wow! 

In God's glory all questions cease, there is utter contentment. Job found this. He had so many questions before God came, then they disappeared. It is as if he knew God has got this, and all would be ok, and it was. God restored all that had been stolen and more besides.

I remember the day my mother had a stroke.  The Lord's presence was so strong on me, preparing me for what was about to happen. I was delighted thinking He was telling me church was going to be awesome that morning, as it was a Sunday. In heaven it won't be to prepare us for pain and suffering but rather it is who He is.

Ah! Lord! You are good! I am so looking forward to it! Amen!

suffering

Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. Romans 8:18 NLT

This is hard to imagine, and must be taken by faith. There are many that suffer terribly at the hands of their oppressors. A revelation of God's plans and promises, by Him alone suffices.

Our country is suffering terrible losses with continual storms. The waterways are over supplied, the dams over-full. I am safe as I live on a hill, many are not. There are many with nowhere to sleep as there are not enough available houses. Yet, there are empty houses where landlords use them for holiday rentals only. Inequity is everywhere. Yet, God has a plan.

How would our God have us behave? He wants us to care for the lowly, give to the poor, bless those less fortunately, and live satisfied with enough, and not be greedy for gain. If Jesus was ruling this would be a part of the expected norms I am sure. I can allow Him to rule in my heart. Amen!