Living Sacrifice

“Keep in mind that we who belong to Jesus Christ have already experienced crucifixion. For everything connected with our self-life was put to death on the cross and crucified with Messiah.”Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭24‬ ‭TPT‬‬

This means dying to the ‘right’ to be offended, to retaliate, be angry and vindictive. It does not mean we become door mats, we can make a gracious stand for righteousness.

It means that when nasty thoughts about others come, we do not entertain them, we rebuke them. We pray God’s blessing on others.

Our appetites, we put to death. If we lust after clothes and shoes, if we lust after various foods and entertainments, these must die. It is no longer I who lives but Christ who lives in me. Amen

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=mfpCMSoPNp0&si=ApFlT7PPOyXriGLq

Fruit

“But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions: joy that overflows, peace that subdues, patience that endures, kindness in action, a life full of virtue, faith that prevails, gentleness of heart, and strength of spirit. Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless.”Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭22‬-‭23‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Last night I heard from a fellow Aussie friend serving in Nepal. He is trying to raise funds to feed 200/day of flood victims. This friend has struggled to walk in the Apirit and now is flying. I am so proud of him! For the longest time he was bound in depression and deception but now he is free.

The Hoky Spirit, when given free reign in our lives, produced the most lovely fruit. This fruit is tasty to the lost. They can taste and see how good our God is.

Last night I spent time talking to a dear old friend who claims to be an agnostic. I told Him about my lovely Jesus. I pray Jesus is revealed to him as he will absolutely love him. Amen!

Pure hearts

“God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.”Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

““What bliss you experience when your heart is pure! For then your eyes will open to see more and more of God.”Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬ ‭TPT‬‬

I, personally like the Passion Translation. 

Right now I have determined to be single in focus, that is, laying down secular entertainment and only reading Christian literature. My heart wakes every morning with a new song to the Lord. Joy fills my heart and lightens my steps.

My Jesus is guiding me and showing me His glory. Gratitude fills my heart, I am grateful for all He has done and is doing. I am released to give to His passions. 

Yesterday, I went to a secondhand bookstore And asked if they would send books to Nepal for me. They said yes! I have a vision of creating a library for my neighbourhood children. I pray this will open a door into their lives to share Jesus. Amen Lord Jesus!

All my heart

“So above all, guard the affections of your heart, for they affect all that you are. Pay attention to the welfare of your innermost being, for from there flows the wellspring of life.”Proverbs‬ ‭4‬:‭23‬ ‭TPT‬‬

There are many pulls on my heart. Many in Nepal expect my heart to be theirs. Because I am an a Australian it is expected that I will do what they want and fulfill their needs. However, I listen to my God and what He wants is what I do. If they both coincide then they are blessed. When I stand before my God at the end of my days I want to know my heart was His.

In Australia my heart is for my grandchildren, for their future with Him. The Lord also gave me three responsibilities; an elderly friend to disciple, lost to win and family to care for. In the process He gave me a beautiful, loving friend who cares for me. I am so grateful.

My first space belong to my lovely Lord Jesus. He is my all in all. Amen!

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=SrsOdDylwN0&si=Jg_1mpXJ65oODopF

Demolishing strongholds

“We can demolish every deceptive fantasy that opposes God and break through every arrogant attitude that is raised up in defiance of the true knowledge of God. We capture, like prisoners of war, every thought and insist that it bow in obedience to the Anointed One.”2 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭5‬ ‭TPT‬‬

We are challenged on every front by attitudes. For me, situations in Nepal and people there who look to me to provide for their needs cause me to withdraw and harden my heart. Yet, before God I must have a soft heart, and be willing to give to what He directs.

In the last few days torrential rain has caused untold damage in Nepal, many have died and much infrastructure destroyed. The needs are great.

What will bring glory to God? What will bring souls into the kingdom? What is the Lord doing in these times?

Fear God and…

“The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”Ecclesiastes‬ ‭12‬:‭13‬ ‭ESV‬‬

This scripture is true but makes it sound so mechanical and cold. We are to love God with al our hearts, souls and minds and love others as we love ourselves. Loving God like this, with our all is putting Him first above all else. Loving others as ai love myself is the big challenge as I love myself and think about the world through a view of how it impacts on my life. We seriously love ourselves a whole lot!

Loving God is loving my Heavenly Father, my wonderful saviour Jesus and the blessed Holy Spirit who lives in me. All three are mine to fellowship. 

I am blessed to have this connection through accepting Jesus as my saviour. Jesus fills my heart with love for others. He is good and His goodness is mine. Amen!

Be a blessing

“Take advantage of every opportunity to be a blessing to others, especially to our brothers and sisters in the family of faith!”Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭10‬ ‭TPT‬‬

I have good friends in Nepal caught in bad weather situations. Roads are washed away, houses damaged but they are well. I have been attending church meetings all week seeking the Holy Spirit’s power to take home to Nepal. Meantime my Christian friends need to know they are loved and cared for.

God is moving in Australia. Last night I spoke to a homeless man who found Jesus. How grateful he was. He said, “why did I wait so long?” Last night he was baptised into Christ. Sooo good!

As the return of Jesus comes close, let us make the main thing (Jesus), the main thing. Amen! Love God and those He loves!