Minister

“Always be eager to present yourself before God as a perfect and mature minister, without shame, as one who correctly explains the Word of Truth.”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭15‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Yesterday my fellow missionary and I met with a woman from Britain who is here in Nepal short-term to support a local church community. She was struggling with a vision and motive to help blind Nepalis. After much discussion we discovered the root problem, our friend had attended church but had not accepted Jesus as Lord. Her life was full of peripheral Jesus. By this I mean, she believed in Him but did not allow Him ownership. 

We spoke of committment and the need to forsake all. We explained that Jesus at the centre gives correct vision and enables us to endure trials. We offered to pray with her, but she declined. We told her we would be praying for her.

We did not hold back from the truth and now we are praying that the truth will set our new friend free. Our God is faithful and He honours His word. Amen!

True knowledge

“We cross the threshold of true knowledge when we live in obedient devotion to God. Stubborn know-it-alls will never stop to do this, for they scorn true wisdom and knowledge.”Proverbs‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Obedient devotion is not hard when you love. A practice of a loving relationship results in obedient devotion. It also brings the best results.

Yesterday when I returned to my flat in Kathmandu, my flatmates told me that our landlords son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren went to their church. They arrived in time for the fellowship lunch and enjoyed themselves. This was a huge blessing to us all as we had prayed for them. They have also agreed to come to a New Year’s Eve party we will throw. We are planning games, food and the gospel.

I am now sleeping well and my blood pressure is down, praise God! While other healt issues attempt to rule me I confess: ‘it is well’!

How good is our God! He overcomes all the plans of the enemy of our souls. It is well!

Suffering

“For God has graciously given you the privilege not only to believe in Christ, but also to suffer for him. For you have been called by him to endure the conflict in the same way I have endured it—for you know I’m not giving up.”Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭29‬-‭30‬ ‭TPT‬‬

We all suffer is some way: from rejection by those we love to being imprisoned for our faith. We perceive suffering differently. Our perception is based on our expectation. If our lives are based around people loving us, we will be disappointed. There is only One who truely loves us and will always be faithful to us. We will be hurt by the level of our expectations.

Yesterday was Christmas Day here in Nepal. I spent the day in a lovely motel in a place called Nagarcot with a fellow female missionary. My family all live in Australia. I was surprised that I did not long to be back in Australia. This is good. As much as I love my family, my path is different to theirs and we all know that. As my friend and I have given all to be in Nepal we gave ourselves a treat. We had a hot spa, a trek to look at the Himalayas, and fine food. Leading up to yesterday we were both busy and gave ourselves to others to bless them with the true depth of Christmas.

Before we left for the mountain retreat I shared a special breakfast with my Nepali flatmates and we exchanged gifts: slippers and socks as our floors are very cold. We plan to invited our Hindu landlord and his family to visit New Year’s Eve. They had been invited to church but had not accepted.

2025 is the year of outreach for me, both in my immediate neighbourhood and in a remote community in western Nepal. I want to share the joy that I have with others. I will continue my language studies with a private tutor instead of college and then begin my research project.

Daily I pray for the persecuted church. I know that what they suffer is the most extreme form of suffering. When Paul wrote the above passage he was in prison in Rome. He knew suffering.

Let us embrace the walk before us and not behave like emotional cripples when suffering comes. Amen!

Good News

“But when the time of fulfillment had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law. Yet all of this was so that he would redeem and set free those held hostage to the law so that we would receive our freedom and a full legal adoption as his children.”Galatians‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Before I received Christ I was under law and judgement. I wa miserable because I wanted a relationship with Jesus. When He came to me and revealed Himself I was the happiest girl alive.

Today, although feasting and gifts abound, nothing takes the place He has in my life. Knowing Jesus, His ways and His peace is all I need. He keeps me and brings me into a relationship with His people.

May today be filled with Him and His goodness, as we are celebrating His birthday after all. Amen

Surprise!

“Then all at once in the night sky, a vast number of glorious angels appeared, the very armies of heaven! And they all praised God, singing: “Glory to God in the highest realms of heaven! For there is peace and a good hope given to the sons of men.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Out on a lonely hill if this happened to me, well I would be overwhelmed. The shepherds to whom the angels appreared were simple folk. Had they been discussing the Messiah? Was there a longing for Him to come? Or were they completely taken by surprise?

I know my God loves to surprise me. I have many prayers that await the answer. Sometimes God chooses to answer one in the most unexpected way. Often I am gobsmacked. He waits until my attention is elsewhere and ta da! His surprise arrives.

What joy the Lord would have experienced, what resounding joy the heavenly hosts were experiencing. The Son of God had been born in human flesh. What love! What a divine connection!

Thank You Father for sending Jesus to earth, thank You Jesus for coming. You brought grace unknown to earth, You brought forgiveness and mercy. Best of all You gave us salvation from our sins and the eternal punishment that was due to us.

Thank You Jesus!

The messengers

“Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared in radiant splendor before them, lighting up the field with the blazing glory of God, and the shepherds were terrified! But the angel reassured them, saying, “Don’t be afraid, for I have come to bring you good news, the most joyous news the world has ever heard! And it is for everyone everywhere!”Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭TPT‬‬

The message the angel brought was for everyone everywhere. The Lord has many messengers, His angels and we His people. Yesterday I met a gorgeous young woman who has been in Nepal for seven years as a missionary. She was selling all her goods. I asked her where she is going now, expecting to hear, ‘home’. She said ‘Iraq’. I was gobsmacked! I will now pray for her as her boldness and faithfulness demands my prayers.

Last night I met a messianic Jew and we had a wonderful discussion. I asked her why she was in Nepal, she said ‘to teach Hebrew’. Again I was gobsmacked. How my God orders His kingdom amazes me. His messengers are from everywhere.

At church yesterday I watched a pageant performed by Pakistani Christians. Our church has a large contingent of these refugees. The pageant was beautiful. I have dear friends in this community. They shine.

May my life shine for Jesus. May He be honoured in all I do! Amen!

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=djQqN4t2Ol4&si=eVgEuw20s1PR6ysH

Greed or grace

“The previous generation has set boundaries in place. Don’t you dare move them just to benefit yourself.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭22‬:‭28‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Generations who went before us had more respect for God and His word. They laid a good foundation in laws that respected God’s heart towards the poor and towards all. Greed in our hearts for selfish gain would tempt us to dismiss these laws. If we proceed, our gain would be temporary, for what we sow we reap. Another will come along in our old age and weakness, and inflict their greed on us.

Christmas is awash with movies about Christmas. They usually include greed amd avarice. Being caught in a mad rush to get the ‘last toy’, the ‘last turkey’ shows a generation caught in a ‘me’ mentality. Where is God in this? Where is God’s purposes?

Today I hope to be able to buy a mirror for my flatmates and I. It was posted in a group I belong to for sale by a woman leaving Nepal. She had posted many things for sale but most were taken before I saw the post. However, the one thing I know my flatmates will love is a mirror. My challenge is getting it home. Do I dare try that on a motor scooter or will I take a taxi? Now, if the mirror goes before I arrive then I trust the Lord to provide another way in another time. Church is first.

My God provides all I need. He is the best Father. I can trust Him! Amen!