The day with dianne Louise

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, and look, new things have come. 2 Corinthians 5:17 HCSB We have another 'therefore.' Why is it there? Verse 15 tells us: And He died for all so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for the One who died for them and was raised. 2 Corinthians 5:15 HCSB I live for Christ, not myself. Yesterday I went to spend time with a delightful couple I met through astronomy. I sensed God's love on this couple. The woman is delightful but the husband can be overbearing when on his pet topic and will not give room for others to speak. I had to confront him because he was not allowing for conversation. In his working life he had been a teacher. Now retired he fills his time with pet hobbies, of which there are many. I was there because of the Lord. What did He have me do? We talked about the Lord and their experiences with Him, which were varied but needful of rest. Whils...

Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time. Hebrews 4:16 HCSB It is always good to read the whole chapter from which an individual scripture is taken. As I have said before: "When you see a therefore, find out why it is There. What is it referring to." Having just read the whole of the chapter 4 I again visited some of my favourite verses and found more. Probably one of my most favourite is: for the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. Its is able to judge the ideas and thoughts of.the heart.verse 12. Perhaps because I love the word of God and because I first discovered this verse as a young Christian. I wrote a song about it and performed it in the church where I began the journey in Wollongong NSW. The word of God does indeed penetrate my very being and I deli...

but those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 HCSB Yesterday we were admonished with: fear not. Today we are given a reason to not fear. When we are in control and we either make a mistake or think we may have, fear is present. Fear and self-effort go together. Yet trusting in the Lord and His efforts have nothing to fear because He never fails. It is our ability to trust that fails. Yesterday I discovered I had left myself quite a bit short in my business bank account, by paying tax early and giving as planned. I had forgotten a business loan payment due. So, I contrived to correct the mistake. My efforts failed. A payment that was due to me and promised to come in, did not materialise. As I read this verse I was reminded of the many times I threw myself into God's care and seen a miracle. When I trust him, all is well. When I endeavour to control, ...

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 HCSB Have you even woken up with a start and realised you have forgotten something? Suddenly fear grips you. I have experienced this. Yet in it my God whispers to me spirit, "I was there when you did that mistake and allowed you to do it just so I could reveal my goodness to you." When God whispers these types of messages I still struggle with them. In my mind when I stuff up i bear the consequences. Yet my God is offering grace and mercy once again. You have to know that even in these times God wants to reveal Himself to you, He is so good, all the time, and He wants you to know that. We expect the stick and reprimand, or is that just me? I suppose it depends on your upbringing. God is offering to strengthen us with His righteousness. How does that work? He is righteous through and through. There...

Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Matthew 28:19 HCSB We have just celebrated the birth of Christ, the good news. This is what we must share. The fact that God came to earth in the form of a baby, grew up, as we do, and then chose to step into His purpose- to show us the Father's heart for us, die for our sins, rise again on thr third day triumphant, this was His purpose. What is my purpose? To accept Christ as the Way to the Father, die to self, live for Him and others. How this living for others works out will be displayed in my ordinary life; being switched on to others, not indifferent to others and self-indulgent. This life is not about me, but my God and my neighbour. In the process He brings delight into my life; He opens doors for me and fills me with all His abundance. His blessing is better than any I could contrive. Amen!

The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had seen and heard, just as they had been told. Luke 2:20 HCSB Perhaps the first to witness about the coming of the Messiah in the New Testament were these humble shepherds. In their simplicity they heard the call of the angels and went and saw. They then returned glorifying God and giving Him praise. Who did they tell? Who were they meant to tell? Who was waiting to hear such good news? Who had hungry hearts? We can never tell if who God sends us to have hungry hearts or not, until we see them respond to the good news. I am currently reading 'Pure Gold,' a book about Eric Lidell, the Scottish Olympic champion who had a heart for China and cut short an athletics career to become a missionary. Eric had a heart of an overcoming champion. When an obstacle was found he saw it as a God given challenge and overcame it. Eric was a man of faith and fortitude. Even though China was being overrun by the Japanese, he s...

For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 HCSB Today Christians celebrate this wonder. His name is Jesus! We honour Him for He came and revealed the Father's heart toward us. For God so loved the world that He sent His only Son. He came as a baby, grew up like us all. Went to work and went into ministry at 30. His ministry lasted for about three years then evil men plotted to destroy this beautiful One. He was nailed to a cross, not because He was evil, we were amd are. He bought us back, He paid the price of our redemption. He is worthy of all glory and honour. Amen! He is Wonderful. Thank You Jesus for coming! Amen! Those who know Him, know Him as Prince of Peace. Amen. Happy Christmas!