Dayle's Blog

We can learn a lot about ourselves while we wait for things to happen in our lives. Are we trusting God and being patient. Are we waiting with a good attitude or losing heart and getting distracted. Are we being pulled onto the wrong path, doing unproductive and even harmful things?

Regardless of what is happening (or not happening), I’ve discovered it’s our character and what sort of man or woman we are becoming that God is interested in, just as much as what we’re waiting for.

God knows everything has an appointed time, and rather than grumble, complain or have a bad attitude, he wants us to grow in the wait, learn to lean on His goodness, and trust Him even when the answer or dream looks long in coming.

God’s promises can come to pass in a moment, suddenly and seemingly out of nowhere.

But it’s in the wait that our characters are sharpened, refined and worked on. However His work is done much easier when we don’t keep running off doing our own thing or throwing a hissy fit because we think everything is taking too long.

“Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.” ( Proverbs 14:29)

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)

Today, whatever or wherever you are in life, I encourage you to grow in the wait. Choose to trust God’s appointed timing and that when you have finished waiting, it will be all the sweeter for the testing and proving of your character and your increased appreciation for what you’ve waited for.

Prayer: Lord, I’m choosing to trust your perfect timing and to have a great attitude as I wait. Please work in me and create a right heart and attitude in me today. In Jesus name Amen

Picking up a bible will reveal that God looks at people’s hearts above all else. We’re prone to look at outward appearances; how intelligent, attractive, clean living, successful, and even “spiritual” people are. But that doesn’t seem to be all that God sees when you examine some of the accounts of the men and women who became friends of God.

Take, for example, men like Abraham, a pagan sun-worshipper who God called to follow Him, Rahab, the town prostitute, King David, who one minute was playing worship songs and then the next chose to commit adultery resulting in getting a married woman pregnant and then organised to have her husband killed in battle to cover his tracks.

Mary Magdalene, who was demonically afflicted, Zacchaeus, a thief and a cheat, Peter, a loud, sometimes bumbling fisherman, and a crazy possessed man who hid naked in a cemetery. (Gen 12; 2 Sam 11:1-27; Joshua 2; Luke 8:1-3; Luke 19:1-10; Matt 14:18-22; Mark 56:1-20)

All these people were not the type you would expect to be wanted and chosen by God to be or do anything, and yet their lives are recorded as precisely whom and what God wanted in a relationship with Him.

Why? Because God looks at the condition of our hearts and He sees who he has made us to become. That is what is most important to Him, and all He asks is, “Do you want me and the life I have to offer you?”

Because He offers it with an outstretched hand for you to walk with Him step by step. He doesn’t expect you to be perfect or never make a mistake but to do your very best to follow and get to know Him and then learn from Him how to live the abundant life He wants for you. (John 10:10)

Today, choose to follow Him with your whole heart. Let God know you want Him in your world and His type of life, and then invite Him to show you how to live that out everyday.

“But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)

“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29 NLT)

Prayer: Jesus, even though sometimes it’s difficult to understand why you would want me, I’m choosing to believe you do because you gave up your life for me. Help me choose the life you offer me, and then please help me walk with you every day. In Jesus name Amen.

God moving in our life is much like a potter working with clay. The potter sees that lump of clay as something far more than just a piece of clay while everyone else is still seeing a blob of brown dirt.  

David in the bible is an example of this. Everyone else thought he was the least of his brothers, not even important enough to be invited to a special celebration. He was regarded as an insignificant kid who sang to the sheep. But long before anyone else saw his potential and bravery, God saw him, began working in him and starting speaking to anyone who bothered to listen, “He’s to be the next king.”

If we study God and see how he works in us, we’ll soon discover there are no shortcuts to the process. If we try to sidestep what God is working to mold and shape in us, we’ll usually end up having to go back around again until we are developed in that area of our life. I guess, much like a piece of clay on the potter’s wheel.

The thing about clay is that it’s easier to mold when it’s been softened. It’s pretty hard to create anything when the clay is rock hard. It won’t yield to the potter’s hands, and the potter won’t force it, for if he does, it will break into pieces.

People are the same. Unless our hearts are soft and we are prepared to deal with our issues and anything that causes hardness and resistance to our growth, it will limit God’s ability to work in us. 

God will not push it; He never forces us.  He loves us and will allow us to keep spinning around on the “wheel” as He gently pours out His love on us like water until we yield to His “potters”  hand.

Then we can receive what He is saying deep down on the inside of, so that His words, which hold creative power, can go to work in us.

• Today when God speaks, listen up.
• Where we know there is hardness of heart, let him soften us up.
• Don’t push him away, and quit jumping off the potter’s wheel. God has a plan for each one of us, just as He did David, Abraham, and all the others. We’ll only end up eventually feeling like a blob of clay on the floor that has to be picked up and put back on the potter’s wheel again anyway. Stay put, and let God speak and work in you.
• Trust Him, for He is after all the “master craftsman, and He knows what He is doing. It’s all for a purpose; nothing has to be wasted. For God sees who we are, but also who we will be. He continues to speak those things that are not, as though they are.

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do”. (Ephesians 2:10)

“Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand” (Isaiah 64:8)

Prayer: Lord, I want to quit jumping off the potter’s wheel. Please help me listen to you speaking, trusting that you will mold and shape me into all that I can become. In Jesus name Amen

We are all a work in progress, and through our relationship with Jesus we are holy, but we are also being made holy.

In the process God promises to never give up on us, and our part is to not give up on ourselves and being open to change and growth.

To change, however, requires a soft heart that is open to correction and God working in us. Rather than life being all about what we want, choosing to have a growth mindset and a desire to respond to God helps us adjust our focus off ourselves and onto Jesus.

I’ve also learnt an important key to transformation is concentrating our gaze upon Jesus; upon who He is, and what He says.

As we behold him and how amazing He is, we are changed to be more like Him. As we listen and respond to His words, we are transformed from glory to glory.

“And when God is personally present, a living Spirit, that old, constricting legislation is recognized as obsolete. We’re free of it! All of us! Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of his face. And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him.” (2 Cor 3:18 The Message)

“Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” (Romans 12:2 NLT)

Today if you want to walk in the fullness of life and lasting transformation then focus your gaze and attention on Jesus.

• Look to Jesus first in all your ways.

“But seek first God’s Kingdom, and. his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)

• Read and listen to His words and choose every day to follow in His footsteps.

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” (James 1:22)

• Cultivate a soft heart that responds to Jesus and is open to correction and Him speaking to you.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10)

• Ask yourself, “What would Jesus do in this situation, and what wouldn’t He do?

“Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers and blessed is the one who trusts the Lord.” (Proverbs 16:20)

“Nearness to God brings likeness to God. The more you see God the more God will be seen in you.” (Charles Spurgeon)

Prayer: Lord, I choose to take my focus off myself and what I want all the time and onto you. As I look to you, I trust that you will continue to work in me. As I see how amazing and beautiful you are, I am changed today. In Jesus name Amen

A few years ago, there was a popular saying “What Would Jesus Do”, and numerous merchandise appeared with W.W.J.D. on it to remind people to think and then choose to do what Jesus would do in every area of their life.

W.W.J.D makes me stop and think about Jesus and His best way to live. One of the things that impacts me most is Jesus’ kindness, especially his kindness to women, children, the marginalized, the sick and the everyday person on the street who may feel unseen by others.

Jesus’ example is one of honour and respect and in the Gospels you can read about Jesus sharing with people who society said were of little consequence. For example, Mary broke societal rules and came into a gathering of men to sit at Jesus’ feet. Instead of ignoring or sending her away, he honoured Mary in front of everyone for who she was and her decision to sit in His presence rather than be in the kitchen or out of sight as expected.

He honoured the poor for their giving even when others were able to give far more, performed the miracle of feeding the five thousand through the gift of a young boys’ lunch and repeatedly healed the outcast and forgotten. He extended grace to all who came from every section of society, from the rich and educated to the abused, needy and sick.

Today I encourage you to read through the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) and seek out Jesus. Learn from Him how he behaved, engaged with heaven, valued woman, took time with children, taught men to be better men, and encouraged everyone to step up to their purpose and calling.

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:1-2)

Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Cor 5:17)

Prayer: Lord, please help me have the mindset, and attitude of “What Would Jesus Do” every day. Change my heart Lord so that I will value and honour people as you do regardless of their status in life. In Jesus name Amen.

I’ve discovered that it’s God who opens doors of opportunity for us to venture through. However, some opportunities can come disguised as problems and will require effort. They demand our energy, time and finances.

But a big key to embracing opportunity, overcoming and breaking though to the promises and plan of God in our life, is our attitude.

Take, for example, Jesus as he set out on his ministry. He experienced great triumph, amazing miracles at his hand and the crowds hanging on his every word and deed. He also endured beatings, torture and eventual crucifixion upon the cross. Yet despite everything, Jesus knew the opportunity he had – an opportunity to preach the truth, set the captives free and bring healing and salvation to all mankind.

His attitude was to do the will of heaven and to fulfil His cause and purpose for being here. Jesus’ cause inspired and motivated him more than any desire for comfort and he and his followers changed and continue to change the world for good.

Today I encouraged to run towards all God has for you. Seek Him for the cause and purpose He has for your life. A cause that will motivate and empower you to make the most of every opportunity to achieve it, even if that means forgoing comfort.

You have an opportunity to make an impact and to live the life God has for you. There is no, “I can’t” in His vocabulary, only “You can do all things, and greater is He that is within you. (Philippians 4:13; 1 John 4:4)

Determine to:

• Commit to your relationship with Jesus and to build a solid prayer life.
• Ask Jesus to help you to become a reader and doer of His Word. Renew your thoughts with what God says in his Word and choose to listen to Jesus rather than any other voice that says, “You can’t”. God has a plan, so seek Him to reveal it and commit your life to his path and cause for your life.
• Seek Him first – be the person who wakes up each morning, seeks Jesus, and listens for what He would have you do today. Then do it with all your heart and mind and the strength He gives you!.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for opportunities today. Please reveal the cause you have for my life. Help me to have a great attitude and keep moving forward even when there are obstacles or difficulties. Thank you that I can do all things today as you give me strength. In Jesus name Amen

I want to be like the man who built His house on solid rock so that regardless of what “storms”  come, they will not cause my house; my life, relationships, marriage, family, and purpose in life to fall.

I’d hazard a guess most people also want their lives to “work” and to not fall in a big heap of rubble.

The good news is that Jesus gave comprehensive insight and advice on how to have a life that “works” when He said, “Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them will be “okay”, (actually rock solid), regardless of what happens around them” (Luke 6:46)

Jesus wants our lives to reflect Him because not only us but also the rest of the world desperately needs to see how love works. He said, behave like a follower of me, instead of yourself. “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honour giving preference to one another.” (Romans 12:9-10)

Today, practice building the kind of life that Jesus promises will establish a life built on a foundation of love and preferring others before yourself, and which causes you to withstand any storm.

Jesus said, “Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against the house, and it could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock”. (Luke 6:46)

Prayer: Lord, help me build foundations in my life so I can stand firm and be fruitful in every season of life. Please help to choose to prefer and love others today. In Jesus Name, Amen.

There is an essential ingredient to staying balanced and healthy in life regardless of what is happening. It’s the art of keeping the basics as a key foundation to what we believe, value and consistently build our life upon.

When we allow ourselves and our everyday lives to get too busy and complex, we can easily lose focus on the core essentials of who we are and what we believe and stray from our foundational truths, practices and beliefs.

Then when we face a challenge or experience a “faith hit”, we find ourselves on shaky ground, feeling much like we are on “quicksand”, sinking fast and frantically needing to reach out for something or someone to grab hold of.

Today, if you feel like you are sinking or feeling shaky and trying to get yourself onto solid ground, know that help is available.

Stop what you are doing, reach out and grab hold of the hand of Jesus. Life is not meant to be complicated and full of toil and burdens. Jesus said, “my yoke is easy, and my burden is light”. (Matthew 11:30).

That means when you are attached or yoked to Him; it’s easier to move in time with Him, go where He goes and able to do what He does. His way is “light and easy”. Let him teach and remind you of the basics of spending time with Him, reading His words in the bible, talking to and listening to His voice and then doing what, and only what He says.

Keep it simple and determine to surround yourself and to listen to people who encourage you, know God and His word and whom God will use to help you.

“Get back to basics” today and plant your feet and future on solid ground.

“He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand”. (Psalm 40:2)

Prayer: Jesus, please grab hold of me today and help me get back to basics so I build and continue to establish my life and future on a solid foundation that will see me through every phase of my life. In Jesus name Amen

“May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13)

“If you have the foundations right, the rest you can build on”. It’s a quote from the movie Money Pit, about a house that seemed to have everything wrong with it. However as the painters, plumbers and carpenters were leaving from their renovation work the head builder said those words to his owners because the core of the house had always been there. They’d simply built and rebuilt upon good foundations.

I think our lives are like that too. Every relationship, belief and pursuit we have can only be successful and stand the test of time and pressure it will inevitably come under, if the foundations are strong and built right in the first place. Without basing who we are, what we do and whom we choose to share our lives with on core, solid essentials eventually we are going to find ourselves on shaky ground and face inevitable collapse.

My husband and I have been together for over thirty years and we have definitely weathered some storms together. However our relationship and who we are together and separately always seems to be able to bounce back and just get stronger. That’s because from the outset we recognised God’s hand and calling upon both of our lives.

When we chose to build our life upon His promises and the way He asks us to do things we soon discovered that we would always have a steadying and guiding hand to come back to. The base is there and regardless of any pressure from family, finances, health issues, work or just life in general we know that we’ve built our “house” strong and we can always rely upon and lean on those solid foundations.  Even if our life get buffeted about or perhaps needs a coat of paint or some renovations done on it, we have the core of who we are right, so we can always just keep building, cleaning up and tweaking things if necessary to move forward.

Take the time and effort to build your “house” right from the beginning, whether that is in your character, relationship, career, studies, friendships or future plans. Build solid foundations, put in the work now, pray lots and follow God’s building guidelines found in His Word, and you will build something that has far more chance of standing the test of time and the pressures of life.  If you need to go back and firm up any areas of your life and strengthen and correct unstable core values, practices and beliefs, rather than trying to hide weaknesses or flaws, for eventually the cracks will show and whatever you’ve built will likely fall over.

Remember, “If you have the foundations right, the rest you can build on!” 

Jesus said it this way, “Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great.”  (Luke 6:47-49)

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” (Psalm 18:2)

Prayer: Lord I’m choosing to make you my final authority and to base my life upon who you are and what you say about me. Please help me to build, and if need be to strengthen my foundations in you so that I can continue to build strongly regardless of what may be going on around me. In Jesus name Amen.