The day with dianne Louise

Leave inexperience behind, and you will live; pursue the way of understanding. Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will learn more. Proverbs 9:6‭, ‬9 HCSB Some people keep having the same experience, round and round, like Groundhog Day; yet some see and know the experience is an opportunity to learn. Learning bring life. Learning unties the knots of pain in our lives. Understanding comes as we realise: this has a purpose. Then we understand all the more, we see the big picture. A godly man or woman will learn more from the events in life than those given to self-indulgence. Deny self, get to know your purpose and live! Amen!

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10 HCSB Fearing the Lord is not like fearing cancer ie hoping you never get it or fearing bankruptcy. Fear here is deep respect. It is knowing that God, the One who holds the universe together, is capable of holding your world together. Please note: it is the beginning of wisdom. Someone who holds God in His rightful place is wise. Someone who seeks God's presence above all others is wise. Someone who seeks His word above all others is wise. When you know God you understand a lot more than when you operate out of your own limited knowledge. Amen! You start to understand His ways, His thoughts and attitudes and if you are really smart, begin to adopt these ways. Knowing God is the best thing you can do for yourself. Amen!

Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2 HCSB Devote, have you devoted yourself to anything? Ever? Devote means to give yourself to, totally! Mr Google says: give all or most of one's time or resources to (A person or activity). We see sportsmen and women devote themselves to win gold. It requires discipline, singleness of focus and sacrifice. This scripture tells us to stay alert, in prayer, with thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is good for our souls. Thanksgiving in prayer keeps our heart from selfishness and grumbling. It is hard to be thankful and complain at the same time. We cannot afford to be slack in prayer. Be diligent and see answers! Amen!

Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. Your speech should always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person. Colossians 4:5‭-‬6 HCSB I find it humorous that Paul writes this in jail. He obviously is not meaning: be wise with what you say to avoid jail. Outsiders are non-believers. I could imagine the struggle if you were in a country that did not allow Christianity but rather oppressed it and those who believed. Wisdom comes from God. Perhaps we should ask for it as James tells us in His epistle; Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him. James 1:5 Wisdom gives us the right answer at the right time. Wisdom knows the need of the one to whom we speak and will touch their innermost parts with the life-giving gospel. Amen!

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you. James 4:10 HCSB Humility is good medicine. If we do it ourselves it is stringent but if we refuse we get an enema. (Sorry nurse Di speaking). I am always grateful when I remember to swallow my pride. It bring good fruit. The Lord respects the effort and blesses. When God exalts you and honours you, no-one can complain as they know it is divine. Opt for a divine appointment. You will not be disappointed. Amen!

Therefore, submit to God. But resist the Devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, double-minded people! James 4:7‭-‬8 HCSB James, the brother of Jesus, is one choleric dude. When they speak you can feel a sword in their mouths. They don't mince words and unless bathed in grace, can feel rather harsh. Jesus was elder brother to this guy. I am elder sister to such a sister. I have a choleric nature tempered by a melancholic nature so I usually let her win, unless it is important. This same James was one of Jesus' biggest critics. Scripture tells us that Jesus' family did not believe in Him, until He rose from the dead. I would have loved to have been in the room. Back to the text. If I am fully submitted to God, abiding in Him, I can resist the devil, and He will flee. There is no sin or temptation too great for God. Amen!

God in His holy dwelling is a father of the fatherless and a champion of widows. Psalms 68:5 HCSB Giving mental assent that something is so and experiencing it are very different and the key ingredient is Faith. Faith is active not passive. For me to know my God as my father I have to change my view, my attitude and my confession. Self-pity does not reside in the heart of a daughter of God. Faith leaves no room for 'poor me.' If I am who He says I am then I must act like He says I am and get my armour on, pick up the sword of faith and fight for my right as a daughter. My enemies are laziness, self-pity, indulgence and willingness to comply with abuse or neglect. These all must be driven out of my life. I am a child of God. Jesus is my example. He came to seek and save the lost and did not compromise. I cannot compromise. Amen!