"..They Done Me Wrong.."

I'm not sure why the Lord has me posting this sort of blog at this time of year, but I have to obey..


1Cor 13 verse 5 has got to be one of the hardest scriptures in the bible;

"..It (love) takes no account of the evil done to it, and pays no attention to a suffered wrong.."
 (Amplified Version).


When something heinous is done toward us..and seemingly 'out of the blue,' particularly, when it's someone you've previously had a good relationship with, it's hurtful, and there can be feelings of outrage..

First thing to say is, Father God understands our initial reaction, but will be waiting to see what we're going to do about it..

Plus, our adversary (the devil) who most likely instigated the thing in the first place, is now going to remind us every 5 minutes about the evil deed because he wants to make our spiritual lives ineffectual and weak, and this is exactly the way to do it..

Jesus told us in Matthew 18 v 35; That, if we refuse to forgive our brothers and sisters from our hearts, neither will He forgive us..'

"..But you don't know what they did!"

It doesn't really matter what they did, if God told us to forgive, then it is within our ability to do it..because He is going to help us if we will just lay aside our emotions and simply 'choose' to obey..

A good few years ago, the Lord spoke something into my heart and I can remember exactly where I was when He said it..

He told me;
"..Some people are walking round with such grievous wounds in their emotions that if they were to suddenly become visible, everyone would start calling for an ambulance.."

But He understands, and not only wants to heal and restore us, but will also take care of the situation on our behalf if we will purposely commit it into His hands..


I hope the following testimony will help..

Years ago, when I was involved with horses, I was good friends with another livery on the yard called Maggie (not her real name). Then one day, quite out of the blue, she did something totally unexpected..

Led of the Lord, I had recently given up the Conamarra pony we were currently loaning, and had sold him to a woman on the same yard who was a hotel owner and already had two horses of her own.

It was upsetting to let Connor go but was blessed when the women told me I could still ride him whenever I wanted..

Meanwhile, this friend Maggie was suddenly becoming extremely pushy and unbeknownst to me, had begun finagling around in an effort to take over the pony for her own ambitions..

The first I heard of it was when she approached me one day telling me I could no longer ride Connor (as he was called) because she and her daughter would now be training him to compete in the local shows..

It was hurtful because, not only had the new owners said nothing to me regarding this, Connor, who was used to being brought in from the field along with our other horses, was now to be left to her, and if she was late (which was mostly the case) he was left out on his own..

It got to the point, I dreaded coming to the yard..

I remember walking round the village where I lived one day, and hearing that 'still small voice' saying; 'You're going to have to forgive her..'
I said; 'Lord, I just can't..'
However, through His 'gentle wooing,' by the time I got back home I'd made the decision to forgive..

Well, after that initial confession, the memory kept coming back of everything she'd done (along with the hurt) but every time I just kept saying; 'No...I refuse that thought, I have chosen to forgive!'

It took 3 weeks. But at the end of that time, there was no longer any hurt associated with the memory because the Lord had healed it..

Eventually, the woman who had bought Conner, left the yard taking him with her. Afterwards, Maggie continued to badger other liveries in an effort to take over their horses until one day she was ordered to leave the yard..

Another encouragement is that once you've been hurt at the very deepest place and have come through it with a contrite heart, nothing after that will ever be as bad and you will get over it much faster..

A few years ago I was romantically involved with someone to whom, in my heart, I had given my all, holding nothing back. It wasn't enough, and, sad to say, for some people it never will be!

Yes, it took a long time to work through...years even, ...but whenever I thought about it, I kept on choosing to forgive, and so The Divine Physician was able to thoroughly heal and restore my heart, which He will always do if we will just cooperate with the process..

Peace returned...which is what Jesus came to give us..and so I have been able to 'move on' with my life. But we cannot move on with offense in our heart..it will just fester, infecting all of our relationships, and most likely, further down the line, our health..

Separating the person from the thing they did, does make it easier to forgive..

Yes, the thing they did may have been unforgivable..but we can choose to forgive 'them'.

The trick is, not to consult with your emotions which will only say; 'No way!'
You have to just use your will to do it...just because the Lord said so!

If you don't, or if you've stuffed it away, undealt with, somewhere in the deep recesses of your soul, you will be tormented by the memory, and remain anchored to it the rest of your life because, sad to say, you will now be in the hands of the devil who will be cock-a-hoop he's managed to bring you under his control..

It's vital we treat offence like an ugly stain on our clothing that needs to be gotten rid of at all costs...because that's what it is!

That's not to say, just because you've forgiven the person that the relationship will resume the same as it was before, because it very well may not.

Particularly, if it was some sort of willful abuse, or a breach of trust, then that should be a matter to prayerfully sort out between you and the Lord, and maybe a trusted church minister..

No one is exempt from offence because we live in a wicked world that's getting darker every day, so we may as well decide up front that we are not going to accept it, in any way, shape or form and, more importantly, recognise where it's really coming from (which is the pit of hell!)

I mean, where would we be now if the long-suffering Gromit had not chosen to forgive Wallace? (Many times!!)

It's unthinkable.. (Hahaha)

"Merry~Christmas!"

'..Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men..'
Luke 2 v 14

'..For the thief (the devil) comes only to steal, kill and destroy;
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full..'
John 10 v 10

'..Great peace have they which love Your law; and nothing shall offend them..'
Psalm 119 v 165

'..Consider Him (Jesus) Who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart..'
Hebrews 12 v 3

"GRINCH ALERT!"

As Christmas approaches, it's so easy to despair at all the 'excesses' we see around us, on the TV, in our workplaces, and along the High Street. Not to mention the 'side-lining' of our precious Lord and Saviour, without Whom there wouldn't even be a Christmas!

Yes, it's tempting to lose heart whilst our adversary, the devil (or grinch) is busy at work doing all he can to take our focus away from being a blessing and 'showing off' our Saviour during this special season..

The bible says the enemy comes only to 'steal, kill and destroy' (John 10 v 10) - in this case, 'our Christmas' so we must be vigilant to guard against cynicism and any bad attitude at all costs which will rob our focus away from Jesus, and if we're not careful, we may start entertaining thoughts like;
'..Well, Christmas Day isn't really that day...and Christmas trees are just pagan..and it's all about money, anyway..'

If that's you...catch yourself, then start thinking instead how you can help someone, reaching out with the love of Jesus...whether that's a generous tip at the restaurant...a smile, or a hug..prayer for healing...food for the homeless...even an unexpected gift for someone..whatever!

If our thoughts are taken up in this way, there'll be no room in our mind for anything else!

I remember once, moving home a few days before Christmas, and was just expecting to be on my own on the day..
However, the Lord had other plans!
Through a seemingly random set of circumstances (in a completely new area where I knew no one) I found myself on Christmas Day along with other Christians, serving and having dinner with some elderly folks in the town. It was completely unexpected, but such a blessing!

If you are about to face Christmas without a loved one this year..that is not easy.
Lean yourself heavily on the Lord, allowing Him to carry you through, as only He can do, obeying His Voice in however He leads..

Be encouraged! Whatever our situation, the Good News is, God has a good Christmas in store for each one of us! All we have to do is to trust Him! Does it look like it's going to be lonely? Well, 'cast the care' (according to 1Peter 5 v 7) believing He already has something planned, because He does! Meanwhile, 'stay in the rest of God.' (Hebrews chap 4)

Are you going into overload? Be easy on yourself and lean on His Grace..
"..My grace is sufficient for you..for My strength is made perfect in your weakness.."
2Cor 12 v9

Whatever the problem there's a good path all the way through. Praying in tongues not only keeps us strong on the inside, but also allows the Lord to prepare a good path ahead of time so we can walk through with ease..
So just pray and obey...expect and believe!

Then do whatever He says..

One final word the Lord prompted me to add;
We need to be aware that Christmas is always a time of heightened of warfare, being a great opportunity for evangelism, and so the enemy is working overtime to keep Jesus under wraps every way he can..

Yes, there is much to do in the way of preparation for the day, but 'first things first'. We must make sure we're spending quality time 'refuelling' in the word of God and prayer to keep up our levels of faith and ensure we go through the season with a good attitude!


"..Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God.."
Carry the light-giving Message into the night.."
Phil 2 v 14 (Message)

"..Be mindful to be a blessing, especially to the household of faith.."
Gal 6 v 10

"..For unto us a Child is born..
To us a Son is given..
And the government shall be upon His shoulders..
And He will be called;
Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace..
And of the increase of His government and peace,
There shall be no end.."
Isaiah 9 v 6 - 7

"..Time for a latte.."

Recently, as I was going about my day, I kept hearing;

'..I want you to enjoy your life!'

Sometimes, when going through one trial after another, it's too easy to get into 'survival mode' where for myself, I can get too intense and find I'm spending most of the time 'standing on the Word'..praying, and all the while, endeavouring to maintain a good attitude..

'..Okay, Lord....so I need to watch a film..go and get a latte..'

This is why it is so important to remain close to the Lord for Him to be able to adjust us whenever things are getting out of balance..

In fact, if I had to describe, in one word only, what the Christian walk is all about, it would be 'balance'...and that, if we want to remain pleasing to God, all the rest of our lives on this earth we will always be making adjustments as the spirit leads..

Why is this? It's because satan (our adversary) is always seeking to get us into one ditch or another, and also, why it is good to 'know ourselves' as to our own weaknesses and frailties, in order to be able to more easily recognise when our lives need yet another adjustment!

'..for we are not ignorant of his wiles and intentions...' 2Cor 2 v 11

All sorts of things can get out of balance..

Exposing Islam as being a false religion, but at the same time, reaching out to Muslims with the love of God..

We're supposed to spend time with friends and families, but not to the point we are hardly in fellowship with the Lord..otherwise, without that vital time in His presence, feeding on the Word of God, our faith will begin to diminish and weaken to the point, we will not have the necessary spiritual stamina to face an unexpected trial..

Another good word is in Proverbs chapter 4;

"..Consider well the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established and ordered right.."
Verse 26 (Amp)

Notice the word 'let'. This means we are not to go around being worried in case we're doing something wrong, because if we are living our lives in surrender to God's will, He will soon convict us if anything is amiss.

So..if we are not aware there's anything wrong, there isn't..

"..Whenever our hearts in tormenting self-accusation make us feel guilty and condemn us. (For we are in God's hands). for He is above and greater than our consciences (our hearts), and He knows (perceives and understands) everything (nothing is hidden from Him).
And beloved, if our consciences (our hearts) do not accuse us (if they do not make us feel guilty and condemn us) we have confidence (complete assurance and boldness) before God..
And we receive from Him whatever we ask, because we (watchfully) obey His orders (observe His suggestions and injunctions, follow His plan for us and habitually practice what is pleasing to Him.."

1John 3 v 20-22

".Be well-balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring (in fierce hunger), seeking someone to seize upon and devour..
Withstand him; be firm in faith (against his onset...rooted, established, strong, immovable, and determined, knowing  that the same (identical) sufferings are appointed to your brotherhood (the whole body of Christians) throughout the world.."
1Peter 5 v 8-9 (Amp)

"..Where's My Ginger Bread Man?"

As a self-employed gardener, I recently discovered that I'd missed an important dead-line with regards to my tax situation. Anyway, having been advised by the local post office the location of the tax dept (which is in the centre of Reading) I decided it would be a good idea to seek out some face-to-face counsel..

With a garden booked for that afternoon I was earnestly praying the consultation wouldn't take too long, so I could do some shopping in town before returning home..

I arrived at what I thought was the nearest car park to the building only to discover it was £8 to park there for more than two hours! : {
Not having lived in the area for very long, I endeavoured to head back to somewhere I knew would be cheaper. However, on the way, I passed another car park but as I drove in, found it was also £8!
No way!! (I like to be economical) : D

I backed out and drove off, unsure of my bearings...and the thing about Reading is, if you happen to dither at all about where you're going, the cars come up close behind you with a loud BEEEEEP!!
So now I'm having to repent for all the negative stuff I'm saying about this...amazing...wonderfully blessed town...ha ha...

Well, after parking up at the place I normally go, I asked a couple if they knew where this tax building was, and the guy says;
"..Oh yes, well it's rather a huge trek straight down the main road through the town centre and out the other side.."

I set off feeling all stressed, and as I reached the shops, suddenly heard;
"..Go and get a latte.."
I thought;
"..I can't do that as I've no idea how long I'll be at this place...anyway, I'm fasting today.."
I carried on walking then heard it again..
"..Go and get a latte.."
At which point I turned and headed into The Oracle..
'..Okay, I'll go and get a latte..'

In the meantime, I'd had a call asking if the garden booked for that afternoon could be postponed until the following week (oh thank You, Lord!)

Whilst in queue at Costa, I thought;
     '..I know, I'll have my first 'gingerbread latte' of the season..'
So here it came covered with lovely thick whipped cream...but no wee gingerbread man on top!
I love gingerbread men!
I asked the assistant who just shook her head and turned away..

Last year there was no longer the shiny golden sprinkles, and now no gingerbread man...could this be the meaning of that word, 'austerity?' (Haha)

Well anyway, the latte was still lovely and now, with peace fully restored, I set off again for the tax dept which only seemed to take about 5 minutes..

I walked in to find a large, youngish man lounging back on his chair behind a tall desk..
"..Oh, there hasn't been anyone here to speak to since 2014.." he said, most casually, "..you'll have to ring or go online.."

Heading off back into town, I thought;
'..Of course You knew that all along, didn't You, Lord..'

"..Wisdom is justified by her children.." as Jesus once so wisely said.. (Luke 7 v 35)

Well, after a nice relaxed wander around the shops, I returned home to quite a prolonged, 'frustrating' session online. Unbelievably complicated process, and still I really needed to speak to someone about my personal situation..

However, led of the Lord, I managed to avoid the '50p a minute call charges' by locating a person on the government web site with whom I could 'chat' to and ask all the appropriate questions.
The added bonus being that, my tax form, if completed online, would not now need to be in until the end of the year!
Oh, the relief!

With Jesus always so close at hand, why do we ever worry..

"..And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counsellor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby) that He may remain with you forever.."
John 14 v 16 (Amplified Version)

Oh, and the third car park was only £5 for 3 hours (marginally better!)

The Tooth, The Whole Tooth, and Nothing But The Tooth

     Recently, I had to go to hospital to have a wisdom tooth removed, plus another, that had
somehow, got broken through biting on something hard (no more crunchy cereal bars for me!)

I had the choice of either full anesthetic or a local. I opted for the local thinking;
'..I don't want to come round to hear them say;
'Oh, we decided to whip out a couple more whilst we were at it..'  :D

I was surprised at how quickly I got an appointment after the consultation, but it was because there is only a waiting list if you wanted to be 'zonked out' under the general anesthetic..

Anyway, I arrived at the facial surgery dept at the hospital, and was surprised to find no one else there! Although I was at peace knowing I was right in the centre of God's wonderful grace, I was still nervous as I've always had good teeth and have never been through anything like this before..

After five injections, here, there, everywhere, the young woman dentist set about tugging at the wisdom tooth which just wouldn't seem to budge..

As I lay back staring up at the ceiling tiles covered in hundreds of  tiny dots, I thought of Abraham the night God took him outside and showed him all those stars that were to be his future descendants...I thought; '..hmmm..now here am I, - one of those descendants...a daughter of Abraham.!

Meanwhile, my dentist wrestled on, trying this implement, and that tool, but still the tooth remained..
"..Well, we didn't expect this on a nice quiet Friday afternoon.." she quipped to the nurse..
.I thought;  "..Neither did I!

Eventually, a colleague was called upon for help and advice. She tugged and pulled. All to no avail..
"...You'll have to cut the gum and drill into the bone.." she said as she left..

"...Oh, Lord Jesus..help.."

Well anyway, a while later, finally, out it came! The dentist was triumphant!

It took forty minutes..

Next thing, her and the nurse were marvelling at the length of the root!
"..Look at this...no wonder it wouldn't come out..!"
I didn't want to look but did momentarily glance...uurrghhh..

Then, she goes;
"..Do you want to take it home?"
I said, "..No, I do not want to take it home.."
I thought; 'Who would want to take it home?!'

(Now I realise I've missed the opportunity to gross everyone out on FB with a photo).
Hahaha..

All in all, the two women were very reassuring and chatty throughout, commenting how brave I'd been, whereupon, I told them I was a Christian and that I'd prayed about the whole thing..

The dentist may possibly have been a Muslim lady, so this would have been a good testimony that God is concerned about every detail of our lives and not this distant angry 'being' somewhere up in the sky..

I can certainly testify to that!

God is our Refuge and Strength..
An ever-present help in times of trouble..
Psalm 46 v 1


                                                       Dental Fun (Found online)


When's the best time for an appointment at the Chinese dentist?
I don't know..
2.30
Why?
Tooth hurty very much!

'..Your teeth are like stars...they come out at night..'

What did the dentist see at the North Pole?
A molar bear

What is a dentist's favourite film?
Plaque to The Future

What is a dentist's favourite song?
Fangs For The Memory

Knock, knock..
Who's there?
Dishes
Dishes who?
Dishes how I talk since I lost my teeth..

Dentist;
"..I'm going to use helium.."
Patient;
"..Will it kill the pain?"
No, but it'll be funny when you scream.."

"..May The Floss be with you!"
Star Wars

"..A Christian Response to 'Gender Fluidity' and Gay Issues.."

With all this recent wave of 'gender fluidity' and gay issues erupting in our nation of late, I am challenged as a Christian, to evaluate my position and have been prayerfully considering how I will respond..

It's clear that our adversary (the devil) is ever-seeking to sideline our testimony and back us into a corner with 'political correctness.'

We are constantly being 'guilt tripped' into thinking 'we are not being loving' then intimidation is used if we refuse to agree (well then, you hate us).

I keep seeing in my spirit this like, 'tennis match' going on as if there's this ball keep being batted into my side of the court?

But I will keep batting the ball back..

It's their ball..not mine..unless a person wishes to become free..

It's worth noting that Jesus never defended Himself, or the Truth of scripture.
He just taught it then left the people to decide how they would respond..
Similarly, we do not have to defend our position, but we do need to take a stand..

This is my 'stand'..

First of all, I believe we are to love all persons regardless of sexuality and choices in life. Period.

God loves us all so much but, contrary to what some folk think, is not going 'buddy up with us' in our sins..

Time, and time again, it says in scripture;
'..The Lord is uncompromisingly righteous and rigidly just..' (References below)

...But He is also gracious and merciful (Psalm 145 v 17) and that's why Jesus had to die on a Cross to save us from our sins and in order that He might bring us into right standing with God..'
(Romans 5 v 1)

In other words, God has done all He's going to do by sending Jesus to 'bear all our sins in His body on a tree..'
(1Peter 2 v 24)

All that's left for us to do is receive Him as our personal Saviour. Simple.

Things I will say, if challenged;

That if a 'hate label' is pinned on me, '..it will drop off as soon as they walk away..'

Are smokers going to start naming non-smokers 'haters' when they're asked not to smoke in their cars and houses?

I would challenge someone calling me a 'hater' but that it is in fact them that are 'hating' me for my opinion, because everyone has a right to an opinion..

If they don't believe such things as anal sex is sinful I would say;
'..ask Him yourself...He will tell you..'

People can live however they choose (which has always been the case) but I don't have to agree with them..

I will keep on 'batting the ball back!'

How about you?

If our God is uncompromisingly righteous and rigidly just, then so must we be with regards to sin...whether our own, or someone else's, because of the necessary high price paid to take it away..

I hope this has strengthened and encouraged someone to take a stand for themselves..

Amen..

Daniel 9 v 14
Jeremiah 12 v 1
Isaiah 45 v 21
Psalm 145 v 17
Psalm 116 v 5
Psalm 11 v 7
Ezra 9 v 15

"..Fulfill Your Destiny!"

May I encourage you today to fulfill your destiny with boldness and courage!

God has an exciting plan for each and every one of our lives..its all just a matter of seeking it out, staying close to Him, and being obedient along the way..

Recently, I have just completed a project (of almost twenty years) on part two of my novel Lydian Hall which is currently going to print. I have now resumed work on another book, which is all about a time a few years ago when I was working with horses..

Lydian Hall was always a project initiated by God whereas, the horse thing was something I just 'got into' (or so I thought at the time). So, its with regret that there are hardly any pictures to accompany the testimony..

Horses can be a dangerous hobby particularly, when you are as green and fearful as I was back then, but with hindsight, now know that God was endeavouring to 'toughen me up' and at the same time, deal with some character issues..

Anyway, it wasn't until I began researching back in diaries etc and seeing all the challenges we faced, along with some of the unwise decisions we made, have I realised how miraculous it was that we not only emerged unscathed, but that the horses themselves turned out to be healthy and well-balanced too!

All due to the grace of God..to Whom I give all the glory!

Meanwhile, Ephesians 2 10 says it all!

This is from The Amplified Version;

"..For we are God's own handiwork, His workmanship, recreated in Christ Jesus, born anew that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us (taking paths which He prepared ahead of time, that we should walk in them, living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live).

Be encouraged!

"How To 'Name It And Claim It.."

I hope the following testimony will be of help and encouragement to those who may have been confused and even put off by 'the name-it-and-claim-it, blab-it-and-grab-it' controversy that seems to surround the 'Word of faith' doctrine..

First of all, the Good News is, that it is within the DNA of every human being to want to prosper.

How? Because it was spoken into the first man at his creation. If you don't believe me, look with me at Genesis chap 1 v 27-28;

'..So God created man in His own image,
In the image of God He created him..
Male and female He created them..
God blessed them and said to them;
'..Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth,
And subdue it..'

So, you may ask, how can this happen?

Well, it's true to say that, where there's the real and genuine, there is always the counterfeit..meaning in this case, endeavouring to lay hold of the blessings of God (like some try to do) without obeying the basic principals of God..

An example of this is failing to tithe and give as the Holy Spirit leads..

Abraham, our 'father of faith' was very wealthy (Genesis 13) and it was because he was obedient to God, the best he knew how, and was also a tither. See Hebrews 7 v 2.
                        
So anyway, on with the testimony, when I arrived into 'the world of horses' some years ago, it was not by choice as I am not what you call 'a horsey person', in fact, quite the contrary.

Looking back I now understand that it was because the Lord was dealing with my character. (Apparently, I needed a lot of work!)

Having a horse is different from owning any other animal because of course, you have to keep them in another place which is governed by the owner's rules and also within the limitations of their facilities.

At that time, my daughter and I had two horses, Chandler, a Warmblood, who at almost 17hh was still pretty much a youngster and needed a lot of exercise in order for proper muscle development, and it was even more of a problem for Slipper (slightly smaller) who, as an abused Thoroughbred ex racehorse, was quite highly-strung and therefore, more of a handful during the winter months if unable to give vent to all that pent-up energy out in the fields!

Most of the livery yards around the Fylde Coast area where we lived were limited for land therefore, as soon as the autumn 'weather' arrived, the horses were off the fields and back in their stables until springtime to give the land sufficient time to recover..

If the winter was longer than normal, the horses were oftentimes, out for only five months and inside for seven..

During this time of moving round livery yards with boggy paddocks, cramped stables, small fields and insufficient facilities, I was prompted of the Lord to write a list of the sort of livery yard I would choose for our boysies (as we called them!)

The main things requested were;
1;   Winter grazing (out in the day and inside at night).
2;   Large school for exercise, plus, spacious fields and roomy stables.

So every night before bed, I would lay a hand upon my list, along with certain scriptures given by the Holy Spirit, then pray, decree the promises and thank God for His provision..

Two important things to recognise in this 'name-it-and-claim it' situation is, that this was a spirit-led assignment, not some random project of my own..

The second thing was in being obedient to the leadership of the Holy Spirit who had instructed me to be a blessing whichever yard we were on..

I cannot remember how long it took, all I know is, it didn't happen overnight..

Galations  6 v 9-10 tells us;
'..And let us not grow weary in well doing, for in due season you will reap if you faint not..'

In the meantime, my daughter had relocated to North Lancashire due to a change of occupation.

One day I received an excited email from her saying that after searching around for a while, she'd discovered a certain livery yard nestling among the hills that was also a dairy farm. On visiting one day, she was told the owners were currently away on holiday and that she should try again in a fortnights time..

When we eventually went to visit the yard we found to our surprise, that there were all these smart, freshly-built stables but no horses in them! The owner of the yard, a farmer, was a kindly man, and was as bemused as us that although they'd advertised around, nobody seemed to want to take the places!

So there we were with the pick of whichever stables we wanted! Our horses were then designated a large field where they could graze all year round. There was also a brand new full-sized paddock for exercising....oh, and there was automatic water in the stables too! (No more lifting heavy buckets).

It was a blessing!

God is no respecter of persons, and what He does for one, He does for another. He just wants us to trust Him to do it His way, and in His timing..

"..All things are possible to him who believes.."
Mark 9 v 23

I would like to finish by pointing out that when 'naming and claiming' it is because there is a devil loose in the world whose whole mission in life is to 'steal, kill and destroy' every which way he can (John 10 v 10)  and although Jesus legally defeated him at Calvary by the shedding of His Precious Blood, he is still out there in the world acting like an outlaw until Jesus returns and deals with him once and for all..

Hence, Ephesians chapter 6..
Selah

"...Oi'll Be Walking By Faith!"

Last weekend, led of the Lord, I was to drive up north from Reading to visit a church in Manchester.
So, early Sunday morning just before 7am, I got in my car, started the ignition and on comes the oil warning light!

Oh, nooo...

Normally, I don't have to do a thing about my oil in between yearly services, and the next one was due in September. Meanwhile, it's Sunday so the garages are closed...also, the following day when I would be returning, it was Bank Holiday. Garages still closed..

I don't know much about cars, but what I do know is that, if there is a problem with the oil and you carry on driving, it can wreck your engine..

Speaking to myself, I said; '..The Lord told you to make this journey...you pray over your car every day..what are you going to do?!

There was nothing for it, I switched off the warning sign, foot on the accelerator..then off I went..

Arriving in Manchester on time, I stayed overnight as planned, then after a rather protracted 5 hr journey back avoiding roadworks and 'incidents,' I arrived safely home.

Meanwhile, every time I'd switched on the ignition...there the warning sign would be!

My faith had been sorely challenged..

So, today at the garage I told the man about my situation including how I always pray over my car every day..

He checked my oil levels, which were good. Also clean!
He said;

"..How much is your mileage..?"

"...I don't know.."

After enquiring as to how much I drove, he figured I'd probably only have done about 10,000 miles. But on checking found it was over 13,000!! (Eeeek!)

My car should be serviced after 12,000!

So I thank the Lord for His kind protection, particularly, for us ladies on our own..

'...For your Maker is your husband - the Lord Almighty is His Name;
And the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer;
He is called the God of all the earth..
Isaiah 54 v 5

'..God is our refuge and strength..
A very present help in time of trouble..'
Psalm 46 v 1

"Love, Love Me Do.."

The human psyche is an extremely complex thing. Each of us is a unique product of the way we've been raised, our personal experiences, various influences, not to mention the hurts, pain and rejection we may have suffered over the years..

All of this has played a part in forming the person we are today, - along with all of our 'irks and quirks!'

Oftentimes, we can react to a situation in a seemingly inappropriate way which we ourselves cannot properly comprehend.

This is all the reason why we need to give one another a break, and bear these things in mind whenever we ourselves have been hurt by some thoughtless action, or seemingly hurtful comment..

It's as well to remember also, that our adversary, the devil, knows exactly what winds us up or upsets us and is often the instigator of such attacks. Plus, he is working amongst Christians 24/7 to bring every kind of division in the form of misunderstandings and offence..

'...but we are not ignorant of his devices..' 2Cor 2 v 11

As Christians we are all being gradually transformed (or should be) as daily, we pray, study the word and obey what we know. But we are still 'a work in progress' and will not be made perfect this side of heaven!

Meanwhile, I need your love as much as you need mine!

1Cor 13 v 8 says that; '..Love never fails..'

It isn't easy, and will always be a constant challenge. But if God tells us to love, then it's doable..

Love is a command of God, a commitment, not a mere feeling, but when we choose to do the right thing, God's grace is always present to help us (and in some cases, we may need a lot!)

In the recent US and UK elections we saw (and still do) the heightened passions of Christian against Christian, in bitter disagreement about who should be in power over our land. Some of the comments were quite shocking. This should not be. When Jesus exhorted us to love one another, He meant in spite of our opinions, political, or otherwise.

In John 13 v 34-35 He said; "..I give you a new commandment that you should love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too should love one another. By this shall all men know that you are My disciples, if you love one another (if you keep on showing love among yourselves.." (Amp)

Now we see why it's in the devil's interest that we are not united in love as the body of Christ!

So why is this another 'faith adventure?'

Well, let's see what we can do to 'out-love' one another!

"..Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted.
Stay wide awake in prayer.
Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it.
Love makes up for practically everything.
Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless..cheerfully.
Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around, so all get in on it.
If words, let it be God's words, if help, let it be God's hearty help.
That way, God's bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and He'll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything...encores to the end of time.
Oh, yes!"
1Peter 4 v 7 - 11 (Message)