Because of this

“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

I must investigate the ‘because of this’; why is it there? Verse 9 and 10 tells me:

“For God has not destined us for wrath but to possess salvation through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One. He gave his life for us so that we may share in resurrection life in union with him—whether we’re awake or asleep.”

I cannot do anything for those who are asleep- dead, but I can encourage those who are awake.

While I am here in Australia I have friends back in Nepal who are diligently working. We need to read more of the word of God, not less, we must study it and make ourselves ready for the bridegroom. Meanwhile, we have an important task, share the gospel.

I am watching our Lord fashion each of us to make us ready. I love the people I share this task with. I love their dedication. Yesterday, a fellow missionary shared with me the message she will preach today, a good word. I pray God’s anointing on her message to the Nepali people. 

I pray for the beautiful Nepali people I live near for open hearts and minds to see Jesus the One true God! May they see Him, not us. Amen!

‭‭

Words, words, words

“And never let ugly or hateful words come from your mouth, but instead let your words become beautiful gifts that encourage others; do this by speaking words of grace to help them.”Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭29‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Back in Australia it is hard to discern God’s goodness. It seems as if the land is covered by a layer of pleasure and entertainment. Living for pleasure can be so blinding. This is not the real world. Here in this world people speak before thinking, in other words they react. Where is restraint?

We need to find our way to Jesus, He is the gate, the way, the life. Jesus lived a life mindful of others, but importantly mindful of what His Father was doing.we can live like this. What does the Father want to use our hands, feet and mouths for today?

Let us find the path to life! Amen!

Kindness to the poor

“If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord— and he will repay you!”Proverbs‬ ‭19‬:‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

In Nepal there are plenty of poor, in Australia there are those who have lost all and cannot afford housing, they are also poor. However, being one who cannot afford housing in Australia, I do not consider myself poor in comparison to the Nepalese poor. I can receive government support here, they cannot receive much in the same way there. The cast system predudices their chances, whereas in Australia we are all equal, more or less. Our aboriginal people receive good benefits, new Australians receive good benefits, this is a land of opportunity.

Having been back in Australia for almost a week and staying with my son and his family I can see how insulated we are here from the realities worldwide. The houses are massive and clean, wide, clean walkways abound. The poor in Nepal would be happy to live in the garages here.

I’ve read a book my Heidi and Roland Baker about the conditions in Mozambique, they remind me of some areas in Nepal. Kathmandu is not representative of all Nepal. The houses in Kathmandu valley are huge in comparison to those out in the countryside. The more affluent live in Kathmandu. Surprising the affluent do not care for the poor.

However, what would God have us do? Jesus was asked this and so was John the Baptist. If you have plenty sell it and give to the poor. Do not hoard it and create bigger barns for yourself for you might just be called into eternity and hear the indictment ‘fool’.

We have been sold the line, ‘you need more.’ It is a lie! Amen!

A clean heart

“Keep creating in me a clean heart. Fill me with pure thoughts and holy desires, ready to please you. May you never reject me! May you never take from me your sacred Spirit! Let my passion for life be restored, tasting joy in every breakthrough you bring to me. Hold me close to you with a willing spirit that obeys whatever you say.”Psalms‬ ‭51‬:‭10‬-‭12‬ ‭TPT‬‬

I will always remember Keith Green’s rendition of this Psalm. Keith sought holiness and was sold out for Jesus. His music greatly impacted my life as a young Christian.

Australia is in a time of Awakening. Next week there is an Awakening conference here in Brisbane at the Showground. My son is heavily involved and his children will be going along also. I pray the holiness of Jesus impacts hearts and minds.

I am spending a week with my son’s family. Two of the boys still like to hang out with Nan. The youngest Ollie and I walk down to the Bay every day. Yesterday we both did a painting. As we walk we talk about Jesus and the Bible. As I listen to a song every morning in worship that song seeps out as I walk.

We must influence our surroundings for Jesus, not be drawn back into a place we do not belong! Amen!

Flourishing

“Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life, then God’s wonderful peace that transcends human understanding, will guard your heart and mind through Jesus Christ. Keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising him always.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬-‭8‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Yesterday I had what seemed an unreasonabl request, it was a stay out of my face request. My immediate reaction was anger but then I remembered how anger does not work the righteousness of God. I handed it over and gave the Lord freedom to work.

Yesterday my youngest grandson and I went for a long walk, we will do it again today, this time we might do some painting. I am grateful that I have one grandchild who still wants to hang out with me.

Today I want to praise my God for His love for me, His faithfulness and patience. My Bible shows a God willing to interact with us and one who is so patient and non-judgemental. I can flourish in His courts. He is so good! Amen!

Doing well with little

““The one who faithfully manages the little he has been given will be promoted and trusted with greater responsibilities. But those who cheat with the little they have been given will not be considered trustworthy to receive more.”Luke‬ ‭16‬:‭10‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Each of us has a portion of worldly wealth. For me, living in Nepal, the money that went nowhere in Australia stretches wide in Nepal. I keep my mind and heart positioned to being led with the distribution of it. Being back in Australia I see gross waste of time and money, compared to that of missionaries in Nepal. We are there to work at service.

However, I know, with God, He sees differently. His kingdom must be the focus. This week I am spending time with grandchildren, who are gamers. As the school holidays are in place games and movies rule. Next week will be different. It is a week of church and outreach. This is why I am here. This week I will concentrate on my Nepali studies as my classes continue at home in Nepal.

Lord show me and lead me in this time. Amen!

A strong refuge

“The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him.”

‭‭Nahum‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Trouble does come. It has many guises. We must remember the 23rd Psalm. Though we walk through the darkest valleys, He is with us. He prepares a table for us in the midst of our enemies. 

Our enemy Satan is made watch as we feast with our Lord and saviour. Jesus faces off with Satan and defeated him at the cross. Satan knows this and we must know and remember this. In our trials we can sing and rejoice for He is with us.

Today I join my son and his family at his church and then outreach afterwards. I am seeking total healing for my right carpal tunnel. I will show up any way. I may be a tad jet lagged, I’ll show up anyway.

I will worship and rejoice in God my saviour. Amen!