Come

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭19‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Did you know the context of this verse? The Philippians had been wonderful financial supporters of Paul. No one else had done what they did. He was very grateful and ended his discourse about the matter with this verse.

We have so quotes this verse out of context. God was going to supply the needs of the wonderful givers so that they in turn would be blessed to be a blessing. This is not just about me getting!

What is The God Ask in your life? What has He been calling you to give to others? In support, in blessing?

Now is the time to lay down our selfish grasping and offer ourselves as a living sacrifice to God, including our possessions, and finance.

 

Come!

Praise

“Hallelujah! You who serve God, praise God! Just to speak his name is praise! Just to remember God is a blessing— now and tomorrow and always. From east to west, from dawn to dusk, keep lifting all your praises to God!”Psalms‬ ‭113‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭MSG‬‬

We cannot forget God! The rising sun reminds us of His glory, as does the setting sun. In Tamworth Australia I would delight in the setting suns every day. My flat looked to the west and it was glorious. My photos on my phone speak of His glory.

Here in Nepal we do not see such glory. Although whilst walking yesterday, the sky was pink. That was the best effort the sky could make.

This morning is a wet morning, as was yesterday and the tree I look out on is losing its leaves. In winter it will be empty, save for the birds who nest there.

However, the light in the day tells me it is morning. I will rejoice that my name is written in heaven, that my God chooses to know my name. I rejoice that my God is still God in this land where thieves and murderers roam. My God protects me.

Yesterday an interim government was sworn in here in Nepal. However, because most of the jails were vandalised and the proisoners escaped, we remain in a curfew. The army is attempting to round up the prisoners.

Even in all this I will praise the Lord! May Your kingdom come Lord! Your will be done! Amen!

Respect

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,”1 Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Each morning as ai walk I see the local Nepal people collecting flowers to take as an offering to their gods. As ai pass the temple I see them respectfully worshipping their gods. In Christian Nepal churches I see them come in and bow in worship before the pulpit. These people know how to respect their God.

If I am asked to explain why I do not worship their gods, or give an explanation for the joy in my heart it must be done respectfully. The culture has levels of respect here. The language has levels of respect. Whilst they do not give preference for me in lines at shops they show it in other ways.

I think respect is missing from many Westeen churches and their people. I think I can learn respect whilst I am here. Respect for our God is important. Respect for each other is also important. In all my conversation respect must be evident. 

Lord help me to understand the respect I must show You and Your word, and Your people. Amen!

Wait patiently

“Here’s what I’ve learned through it all: Don’t give up; don’t be impatient; be entwined as one with the Lord. Be brave and courageous, and never lose hope. Yes, keep on waiting—for he will never disappoint you!”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭27‬:‭14‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Others may fail you, and they do. However, God never fails. His presence is always there for me when I seek Him. He alone is faithful, loving and true.

Today is another day post the uprising in Nepal. It is quiet and people with cool heads are calling for calm. The army is patrolling and bringing the wicked to account. We wait for a good government. The old have fled and a vacancy exists.

Prayer into this space are not wasted. Our God has an answer. The hunger for the young for good governance, without covertness, is required. What they really hunger for is Father God. May they find Him.

Last night we had a zoom Bible study. It was good to see one another. One lady said she had, ‘cabin fever’. I understand. Fortunately I and my flatmate go out walking every morning early. The markets are open them.

Today I am praying for a godly outcome. Lord, may a your kingdom come, Your will be done! Amen!

No shuffling

“So if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective.”Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭MSG‬‬

This scripture is challenging me! Right now Nepal’s government has fallen and the potential for anarchy to reign is present. Nepal has a king who stepped down for a democratically elected government to rule. However, the government was corrupt and has been overthrown by the youth of the country. Whilst the youth might prefer a more liberal leader the king may be what they get.

As of yesterday we were confined to our homes by a curfew, we spent a lot of time monitoring the outside situation on our phones. This scripture calls us to focus upwards. What is God doing in the midst of the chaos?

He has called us to prayer, to keeping our eyes on Him. Whilst much of the world is suffering similar fates, we can be thrust into turmoil if not careful to stay focused. 

May a righteous government arise! Amen!

No surrender to fear

““Don’t worry or surrender to your fear. For you’ve believed in God, now trust and believe in me also.”

‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭1‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Yesterday tens of thousands of youth stormed Parliament House here in Nepal. It has been reported that 20 were killed and hundreds were injured. I had stayed away from the area believing it to be unsafe and it was. Today, now that young people have been killed, there will be a greater strife brought about by parents of those who went to the protest. Milling children is never a good idea.

Nepal has had a long history of strife. It has a civil war that lasted 10 years not so long back. Corruption fills the government and the people are not happy.

However, underneath there are lovely human beings who need salvation. As in any race of people, there are people who have needs.

I cannot be afraid of the uprest. I have a God who is the master of peace. He is good! I must trust Him. Amen!

Dark places

“Even when your path takes me through the valley of deepest darkness, fear will never conquer me, for you already have! Your authority is my strength and my peace. The comfort of your love takes away my fear. I’ll never be lonely, for you are near.”Psalms‬ ‭23‬:‭4‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Over the past few days two things have happened: the Nepali Government had declared it was turning off social media platforms not registered with the government, and secondly that all foreign nationals were to be registered from 17 September. On the surface this looks dangerous. Today people are protesting the first in a massive protest March in Kathmandu. The second they will not care about as it affects us foreigners. Five star motels will be the first to be obligated to take digital records of foreigners, in November it will be expanded to all forms of accomodation and transport. In other words our movements will be tracked.

The second I am praying into and preparing for. All I do in Nepal will be seen should I use public accomodation or transport. We will be obliged to enter our details into an App provided by the government.

I wonder who helped create this system? It is huge for a country like Nepal. Who will it exclude? 

How. Am I to remain and be a light in Nepal? The comfort of your love Lord, takes away my fear. Amen!