God moves the pieces

“But as for you, be strong and courageous, for your work will be rewarded.”2 Chronicles‬ ‭15‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

These words were a part of a ‘word from the Lord’ to King Asa of Judah, who ruled from around 911-870 BC. Asa succeeded his father Abijah. He was a godly king for 35 years and then became arrogant and jailed the prophet of the Lord for rebuking him in around his 36th year of reigning. He brought Judah back to the worship of the Lord and removed corrupt worship practices however he tolerated heathen gods.

The above word was given him at the beginning of his reign and he had peace for 36 years. In the 36th year he had an enemy come against him and he did not seek the Lord but resolved it by taking all the gold and silver from the house of the Lord and his palace and giving it to Ben-Hadad of Aran who ruled in Damascus to create a treaty and have him assist Asa against his enemy. It worked but the prophet Hanani came and rebuked him and Asa became angry. God’s word said,’ because you did not seek the Lord now you will continue to have war.’ In his 41st year Asa developed serious foot disease but still he did not seek the Lord. He had become a proud man.

I am watching various leaders in the world seek longevity of tenure in their rule. Some do it by legalising their rule by creating laws, some control and contrive. Macron from France looked like losing his rule to the far right but now is clawing his way back. What compromises will he make?

When we resort to carnal ways we will live in fear and end badly. In Israel there is a push to remove Netenyahu, however, while they are at war wirh Hamas and Hezbolah it is probably not a good idea. Political upheavals whist at war is a destabilising force. Praise God He is involved and we can trust Him. We play our war games and contrive to control but God moves the pieces. Amen!

The power of heaven

“I will send the fulfillment of the Father’s promise to you, so stay here in the city until you are clothed with the mighty power of heaven.”Luke‬ ‭24‬:‭49‬ ‭TPT‬‬

The mighty power of heaven was in the manner of the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. He came upon them with fire and wind; their spirits came alive and they began to speak in unknown tongues and tongues of foreigners current in Jerusalem. As they were unlearned the fact that they could speak languages they had not learned was a miracle. A greater miracle was the boldness of faith in which they operated.

The baptism of the Holy Spirit is still available today. Speaking in tongues is a part of the package, as is bold faith; miracles, words of knowledge; words of wisdom; discernment of spirits; healings; prophesy. All gifts are available to those who seek them for the ministry of the gospel.

Working with the Holy Spirit is a real privilege. We do not control, Him but submitting to His control is a wild ride. Try it! Amen!

Reaching past doubt

“While they were still discussing all of this, Jesus suddenly appeared right in front of their eyes! Startled and terrified, the disciples were convinced they were seeing a ghost. Standing there among them he said, “Be at peace. I am the living God. Don’t be afraid. Why are you so frightened? Don’t let doubt enter your hearts.” Luke‬ ‭24‬:‭36‬-‭38‬ ‭TPT‬‬

In a culture that believed in ghosts seeing someone who was dead would cause you to fear. Not understanding the full measure of scripture and what Jesus had been telling His disciples caused them to think naturally. Knowing that the same people who crucified Jesus could easily come for you would cause an amount of fear also.

When we don’t understand all there is to a matter, we can be caught in doubt and fear. When we find ourselves in a difficult place we can tend to rely on what we know rather than reach out to God for the more.

In the more is spirit and life. Once the disciples understood scripture, as Jesus took time to enlighten them, joy and hope replaced doubt and fear.

Today I choose to reach into Jesus, past circumstances and fear, for a future and a hope. He has the life, the answers, the hope. I must confess these not what I see or feel. Amen!

In every season

“So now, beloved ones, stand firm, stable, and enduring. Live your lives with an unshakable confidence. We know that we prosper and excel in every season by serving the Lord, because we are assured that our union with the Lord makes our labor productive with fruit that endures.”1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭58‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Nepal is not fully plunging into the Monsoons. Heavy rain began in the night and continues all day today. Whilst this is the season of abundant new growth it is also the season of floods.

My flatmates tell me that in this season these is no need to go hungry. There is an abundance of new shoots from various plants. I have now eaten pumpkin vine shoots; many plants we would consider as weeds in Australia are also eaten. This is a time of new learning.

One week tomorrow I begin to attend language school, the trip there takes 35-45 minutes on a motorbike taxi. This may also be a very wet period of time for me. It will be a time of making new friends from all corners of the world.

Tonight we have friends from Chile and US visiting for dinner. They are attempting to obtain a US visa for the wife, the Chilean. I pray good success on them. My flatmates are cooking up a feast and if there is time I will make cookies. May our fellowship be sweet! Amen!

I await His promise

“So now, beloved ones, stand firm, stable, and enduring. Live your lives with an unshakable confidence. We know that we prosper and excel in every season by serving the Lord, because we are assured that our union with the Lord makes our labor productive with fruit that endures.”1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭58‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Our labour in Christ is productive through our union with Jesus; for apart from Him we can do nothing. I am labouring in the learning of the Nepali language, it is hard, harder than I imagined, however, as I take a step at a time it is absorbed into my consciousness. I am learning the language so that I can communicate with the Nepali people and do whatever work the Lord tasks me with.

I have one work: translation of David Pawson’s teaching videos, however the work to date had been fraught with difficulties. My translator has gone from too busy to work to quiet, and wants four times the work. This means four times the cost for me. I know that if God is in this He will provide. He has so far.

I had my interview with two women from my church last night, in view of me becoming a member. We had delightful fun. One was a young mum from USA who has been in Nepal 6 years, one a young bride from Brazil who has been here 3 years. Despite the age differences we clicked in our common goals and vision.

I am becoming more focused as I go. My heart is becoming set, praise God. I am no longer a tourist, I am a student of language and of God’s ways.

I return to Australia for a month in September to attend two conferences, to on-board tools for the duration and visit family and friends. I will return with renewed thrust.

The word ‘endure’ has been a part of my vocabulary sine my early twenties when God gave me Hebrews 10:36 as my life scripture:

“You need the strength of endurance to reveal the poetry of God’s will and then you receive the promise in full.”

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I await His promise in full! Amen!

Sad and gloomy

“Jesus said to them, “You seem to be in a deep discussion about something. What are you talking about, so sad and gloomy?” They stopped, and the one named Cleopas answered, “Haven’t you heard? Are you the only one in Jerusalem unaware of the things that have happened over the last few days?”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭24‬:‭17‬-‭18‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Cleopas and his friend were sad and gloomy because they misunderstood prophesy. Can it be that we also misunderstand scripture and words over our own lives, and become disillusioned and miserable when our expectations are not met?

These men had the living Son of God walking beside them, their heart were buring as He spoke, but still they did not understand until God opened their eyes.

We cannot take scripture and prophesy out of context, causing misery for ourselves and others. One misunderstanding of scripture in my life time has been the timing of the retun of Jesus. Just as a Cleopas and his friend had expected Jesus to come as the king to deliver Israel from Roman occupation, we can, in our longing, assume a timing that is wrong. Jesus will retun soon, but how soon, even He said He did not know, it is up to the Father.

Meanwhile we must be active in prayer and obedience to the call on our lives. Staying in fellowship under wise leadership, not given to speculations, and working at what is in our hands, will bring contentment as we wait. Amen!

The living One

“Terrified, the women fell to the ground on their faces. The men in white said to them, “Why would you look for the Living One in a tomb? He is not here, for he has risen!”Luke‬ ‭24‬:‭5‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Why indeed would you look for the living in a tomb? As Jesus foretold He rose from the dead. Jesus’ mother Mary was one of those who went to the tomb. She, also, did not understand that her son would rise from the dead.

Many years ago, when I was a child, my grandmother was pronounced dead and moved to the morgue. She startled a worker when she sat up alive on the trolley. I agree it would have been terrifying. Unfortunately, this grandmother lived in self-pity and eventually died an alcoholic. It was my father’s grandmother who was a godly woman. She lived to an old age, a woman of prayer.

Jesus is a living God. He said of Himself: I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no one comes to the Father but by Me (John 14:6). He is all we need. When we are lost, He is the Way, when we doubt, He is the Truth and when we struggle with life He is the Life. Seek Him and you are safe! Amen!