Dayle's Blog

If someone commits a crime and messes with or steals what is rightfully yours, would you just sit back and do nothing? Or would you stand up, use the legal system available to you and take your case to the courts?

The question is, if we are prepared to do that in the earth’s system why are we not doing that in the spiritual court system available to us when the devil steals from us? The devil has no business messing with our lives, because Jesus defeated him when He died and rose again. But if we allow it he will try and steal from us and attempt to infiltrate our territory. He will attempt in every area of our lives to deceive, entice and try to make us think we must live under the curses of sickness, lack, addictions, brokenness and toil, instead of in The Blessing that God says is rightfully ours. (Galatians 3:13)

What we need to do is stand up and take the devil to court. Wherever we have had things stolen from us; our health, finances, family, relationships, our future, our peace and joy then we need to get hold of God’s word which is our legal document, gather our defence and bring the devil before the courts of heaven so that he will be shut down from messing with our lives and the places where we live.

The problem is that many people struggle to do this because they don’t know who they are; they don’t know that if they come to Jesus and ask him to be part of their lives, and confess their sins, that He is faithful and just to forgive them and cleanse them from all wrongdoing. (1 John 1:9)

They don’t know that every curse has been broken, and that The Blessing of heaven is theirs. (Galatians 3:13; Duet 28: 1-14).

They don’t know that by trust and faith in their covenant agreement with God they win every time! So the devil goes on stealing, killing, and destroying, constantly looking for ways to infiltrate and ruin people’s lives.

However all anyone needs do is get hold of their legal document, which is found in God’s word, and present their case, (just as you would in an earthly court of law), to God the righteous judge, in the courts of heaven.

If you know Jesus then you have access, and every right to bring your case before God our righteous judge. Jesus is our advocate in the heavenly courtrooms and His sacrifice on the cross speaks for us. (1 John 2:1) Whatever the enemy may have to bring against you cannot stand against Jesus’ finished work on the cross. Simply confess any sin, then come to God, plead your case and speak out your legal rights. The devil is judged according to our covenant agreement with God, which means that we get to take back what is rightfully ours. Take back your relationships, your health, your future, your children, your city, and your nation.

Today stand up, research your case and legal rights and authority in the Word of God, and take it to the courts!

^“If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises], and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness [our wrongdoing, everything not in conformity with His will and purpose]”. (1 John 1:9 AMP)

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” (Psalm 100:4)

“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)

Prayer: Holy Spirit would you please guide me in researching and understanding my legal rights found in your Word. Teach me how to stand against the tactics of the devil and to take it to the courts of heaven to receive what is rightfully mine. In Jesus name Amen.

Today is our 29th wedding anniversary and if there is one one thing I’ve learnt over 29 of being married it is to look at the bright side of life.  This may sound obvious, but for me it did not come naturally. I am a details person and if left to my own devices I have been known to fixate on problems and to worry far too much for my own good.

However it’s the ability to look on the bright side and to realise that the things I’m stressing over I probably won’t even remember in 20 years time that has been one of my greatest lessons. Most things are as Paul says in the bible, momentary concerns and if we choose to look on the bright side. To look for the positives, on what we have learnt through our difficulties, and how we can do better next time that will give us strength and understanding to keep growing stronger and stronger as the years go by. Looking on the bright side also means recognising God’s hand upon our situations and then searching for His strategy to bring us out the other side of any trouble or pain.

We will no doubt be tougher from gaining some bumps and bruises, but we will also gain some faith muscles to show for our journey.

Today choose to look on the bright side; to look for the positives and even the smallest sliver of light that you can then head towards. God is there and He always has a way through. He promises strength and comfort for the journey, better things ahead and a  strategy to walk you out of darkness and into the light.

“For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!” (2 Corinthians 4:17)

“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 thank you that anything I may be facing doesn’t have to last, and that you have a way through. Help me to look on the bright side today; to look for your hand and presence in my situation and for your strategy to overcome whatever I may be facing as I grow stronger in you every day. In Jesus name Amen.

We’ve just waved goodbye to our fifth child and youngest teenage daughter as she heads off to her first ball. All week she’s been in preparation and organising her nails, hair, makeup, high heels and little black dress. But what her Dad and I were thinking as we waved goodbye was, “how did that happen, she was our little girl yesterday and now look at her?”

Which made me reflect on the importance of living in the moment and not allowing life to crowd out what is really important in our lives.

Take for instance the fact that a child has 940 Saturdays between birth and finishing high school. 940 Saturday’s may sound like a lot but if you have or know a 5 year old, 260 Saturdays have gone by already in their life.

It’s so easy to go into automatic pilot with our lives, especially when you have kids, are busy studying or are working crazy hours at your job. If our minds are elsewhere and preoccupied during all those moments we share with others or our experiences then we’ve missed making the most of those times.

Instead I recommend trying to stay in the moment. Focus on seeing those around you, hearing them, enjoying them and understanding them. Focus on what you are doing right now.

We do seem to continually need to remind ourselves that everyday is a gift from God. Most of the things we stress about or allow our time and energy to be spent on are things we for the most part won’t even remember in 20 years time. So if it isn’t going to be significant in 20 yrs time perhaps we shouldn’t allow ourselves to be consumed or distracted by it now. 

God’s word encourages us to; “Look carefully how you walk! Live purposely and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people). Making the most of the time (buying up each opportunity) because the days are evil. Therefore do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is”. (Ephesians 5:15-17 amplified)

Living in the moment engages us with God; we are focused on Him, His plan for our life and what He is doing and we don’t look back so often and have regrets.

Our undivided attention in the moment says we love and care. We have this one moment and then it is gone forever so I encourage you today to practice living in this moment and trust God with all the things that so often scream for your attention and time. Seek to give your life and energy to those people and things that are important, long lasting and life giving and not simply what seems urgent or attractive at the time.

Prayer: Lord help me to embrace the day and to take some time with you. To make moments with those I love and to understand what and who is really important. Help me not to miss those people and experiences that are right in front of me simply because I get too distracted and weighed down with things that don’t really matter. In Jesus Name Amen.

One of the main ways I have learnt to trust God and to keep standing even in the face of contrary circumstances is to take hold of His word on the situation I am facing. Just one word from God believed on and spoken forth can and will literally move mountains, silence demons, shrivel up sickness, release provision and bring God on the scene. One word from God can change everything. 

Simon Peter one of the first disciples of Jesus discovered the power of believing and trusting in a word from Jesus. He and his friends had spent all night fishing but had caught nothing and were returning home when Jesus called from the shore, “put out into deep water and let down your nets for a catch again”. Simon was tired, probably annoyed and just wanted to go home to bed, but he chose to stop, listen and receive that one word from Jesus and it paid off.

“When Jesus had finished speaking, He said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and let down your nets for a catch. ”Master, Simon replied, we have worked through the night without catching anything. But because you say so I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to tear.”(Luke 5:4-6)

Just one word from Jesus can change your life. Today I encourage you to spend some time with Him. Get to know Jesus better by reading His Words in the bible and spending time in His presence and around others who know Him too. If you are facing a situation or you are feeling afraid or unsure about the future search out and ask Him to show you the answer in His Word regarding what you need or are facing. God says He is “alert and active watching over his Word to perform it, and that the angels hearken to the word of the Lord” when it is spoken in trust and faith. (Jeremiah 1:12; Psalm 103:20)

Hold onto that one word, ask him to bring revelation and clarity into your situation and then determine to believe and trust in His love and ability to bring it to pass because when Jesus speaks it changes everything!

Prayer: Lord I know that one word has the power to change everything. Please speak to me and help me to trust in your love and faithfulness today. In Jesus name Amen.

This is a repost from a blog my husband Philip wrote for me. He’s the real deal and has always inspired me to reach for my dreams and to keep seeking to be the best I can be. He practices what he preaches, working full time in the corporate sector as well as being a pastor and ministering to people every weekend and throughout the week. He is also studying full time for his MBA, is an amazingly supportive husband and awesome Dad to our six kids. If I could recommend someone to listen to and take notice of then he’s your man… 

As an executive coach and pastor I have met some very talented and gifted people. Yet the gifted and talented do not always shine. I have seen people with extraordinary talent in certain areas of their lives walk away from using and developing their gift because there was too much work involved. I can recall an extraordinary musician leaving a music school because there was a mix up when they enrolled. I have seen a brilliant mathematician (averaging 97%) leave higher education because it was too much work. I have seen talented sports people leave their sport because they didn’t want to put in the effort to train.

Talent is not the answer to achieving in life. Being gifted is not a guarantee of becoming who you were made to be. Every body has a God given dream inside them. But having a dream and being gifted and talented isn’t enough. We need to understand that there is also a price to pay to be who God made us to be.

To achieve the dream that is inside us takes dedication, sacrifice and commitment. Talent and gifting may get us started, but it is character, commitment and sacrifice that will achieve the goal.

No doubt you will experience setbacks and disappointments because it takes commitment, dedication and sacrifice to fulfil our dreams, especially when it looks like it can’t and won’t happen.

What is your dream? What would you like to achieve? Are you putting in the time and effort to position yourself to achieve it? If the dream is worth it then there is sacrifice involved. It may mean not buying items you want because you are saving for a house. It may mean having to study at night after work to get the job you desire. It may mean getting up earlier in the morning to exercise to become fit and healthy.

Everything has a price. Will you stand out from the crowd and pay the price or will you settle and probably regret it. The choice is ours. No one said it would be easy, but when we achieve the goal, the sacrifice is forgotten, and we get to enjoy the achievement.

Make a decision today. Write down your goal. Work out the next step to achieving it and go for it! Make the commitment, decide you will overcome the setbacks, push forward and attain the prize.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.” (1 Corinthians 9:24)

Tonight I’m doing something a little different in that I’m running a creative workshop and teaching people a technique called Paint Pouring. Primarily  because I want to share what I’ve discovered and the fun I’ve found in it.

Albert Einstein once said, “creativity is intelligence having fun”, yet in a world filled with stereotypes we often find ourselves labelling people and in doing so perhaps shutting down our God given ability to create.  It’s as if  people think they are capable of only being one or two things, yet we are multi dimensional creatures and far more capable than we imagine, with gifts and talents we often haven’t even discovered yet.

I believe God’s gift to us is to be creative in some way and I’ve discovered it’s often His way of renewing, restoring and strengthening our lives. Because we are created in the image of God I believe that within each one of us rests creativity far more than we imagine. Some would say the human spirit lives on creativity and dies in conformity and routine.

When we open ourselves to exploring our creativity we open ourselves to God. When we don’t seek to be creative it is counter to our true nature.

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them”. (Genesis 1:27)

When we think about being creative its helpful to remember that:
We don’t create for others.
We don’t create to impress or be the best.
We create, because we can.

What if you don’t know what your gift is — what you’re supposed to create? The answer is simple: Just try something!

A great way to unleash our creativity is to make a creativity date.  A time set apart to explore. Creativity is coaxed and not forced from within us, and it helps to give ourselves permission to stop “working” and to take an adventure.

I encourage you today to not get too comfortable in the space you are in. Creative people don’t settle for seeing things for what they are, they choose to see things for what they can be.

We so need to give ourselves space to breathe, flourish and grow. Keep experimenting  and looking at things in a different way, dream, invent and explore until you find something you enjoy, something you love — and then keep doing it. It doesn’t have to be world-class or a work of genius. It doesn’t even have to be “artistic” — because creativity can be found anywhere. It just has to matter to you..

I love this quote by Julie Cameron, “One only need observe the natural world to see that God revels in adventure: cliffs, jungles, waterfalls,  deserts,  mountains, seas. When we take time for discovery we put ourselves in the presence of the Great Adventurer.  As we are outward bound, we sense an inward grace.”

Be blessed as you take some time out this week to connect with your inner adventurer and creative self.

“And he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and with all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold and silver and bronze” (Exodus 35:30)

“For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; (Psalm 139:13-16)

Prayer: Lord would you please help me to make time and space in myself to be creative in whatever form that most suits who you’ve made me to be. In Jesus name Amen.

Some things we only learn by repeatedly doing them. Like our youngest son Isaac learning his timetables. If he doesn’t repeatedly use his timetables he will be unable to recall them when he needs to, and will therefore struggle to learn and master the next concepts he learns in maths.

There are many instances where repetition in our lives is actually necessary. If we don’t do some tasks or disciplines in life repeatedly we either lose that knowledge and skills or we simply don’t have the needed resources when we require them.

From learning our timetables, choosing to consistently eat well and exercise to strengthen and care for our bodies, practicing an instrument, technique and/or ball skills in sport, to reading and learning God’s Word and His ways, the power of repeatedly doing something should not be underestimated.

Sometimes we may feel like it’s boring to repeat something over and over and this can be true. That’s when we may need to consider whether we need to be creative and “mix it up a little” rather than lose interest and give up or do we need to just get on with it and do what we know to do.

The question to ask ourselves when faced with a dislike or boredom of repetition is, “will I regret it later if I give up now and stop doing and committing to what I set out to do? Will I regret not learning and repetitively practicing that skill? Will I regret allowing myself to be distracted from reading and spending time with God and His Word? Will I regret and wish I had just stuck to my commitment a year or even five years from now?”

The truth is that most repetitive things in our lives we don’t see the results of straight away. It takes time to build skills, knowledge, relationships and disciplines as part of our lives, but when they are positive the benefits are far reaching, and even life saving.

Just as Isaac is going to benefit from knowing his timetables as he learns more complex maths, we also for example benefit from reading God word and knowing Him. When faced with a decision, difficulty or a need in our lives if we have repetitively and consistently chosen to store God’s Words in our hearts and built a strong relationship with Him we can call upon that understanding, strength and the faith it’s generated whenever we may need it. It’s however difficult to draw from the resources of heaven and our faith if we haven’t bothered to build those things into our lives on a day-to-day basis already.

Today ask yourself, “What things do I want to build into my life? Am I willing to pay the price to consistently and repeatedly do what I know to do.” “And am I aware and prepared to face the consequences and any regrets if I don’t?”

For what we do every day matters more than what we do once in a while.

Don’t make the mistake of looking back five years from now and wishing you’d stuck to those things you knew you wanted to do and be. Each day ask God to help you be steadfast in your commitments; be creative if you need to be and just do it.

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. “(Galatians 6:9)

“And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:4)

Prayer: Lord thank you for the power of repetition, and what I can achieve when I remain steadfast. Help me to see the value in repeatedly spending time with you, in reading your Word, and in focusing on the things you have called me to do and be. In Jesus name Amen.

Comparison- a consideration or estimate of the similarities or differences between two things or people.

The danger of comparisons are that they are never fair. Primarily because each one of us is a unique individual with circumstances, characteristics, life events, health advantages or disadvantages, responsibilities, and God’s individual plan for our life that is vastly different from anyone else’s.

By comparing or allowing ourselves to be compared to someone or something else we negate the very things that make us unique. Rarely are any of us are on the same playing field, or have walked the same journey up until this point. In comparing we demand that we become like those we compare ourselves to which inevitably leads to feelings of diminished self worth or the tendency to become judgmental and harsh of others.

People’s so called perfection is an illusion. What we see or what others allow us to see is just a snapshot of their lives. It can be the truth, but not the whole truth. Perhaps if we knew everyone’s whole truths we wouldn’t feel so inadequate or feel like a failure in comparison. Most people, unless they are in a close honest relationship with someone, will only allow other people to see their best self on any give day, post on social media or the mask they choose to wear. Therefore we can actually be comparing ourselves to a carefully marketed and crafted image of “perfection” that is not real.

Our kids often say when they feel they’ve experienced an injustice that, “its not fair”. In actual fact life is not fair. Each one of us is born with looks, skills, social advantages or disadvantages, family and financial demographics, life events and different upbringings that when put on the playing field of life reflect a very uneven playing field. Some have a definite advantage, others have disadvantages and comparing ourselves or others will only cause damage to self esteem and relationships.

When we don’t allow comparisons we are far more likely to cheer one another on, to keep our focus and to make lasting friendships and healthy relationship choices. We step away from competition and choose to spur both ourselves and others on.

The only person we should ever compare ourselves to is ourselves and where we’d like to be in the future. Then we can structure our goals and strategies accordingly.

We can compare ourselves on how far we’ve come and honestly analyse where we are positioned in relation to our unique dreams and goals. This helps us to celebrate our wins, to stay on track, to assess any obstacles and to adjust our lives where necessary so we can be our best.

Today instead of falling into the comparison trap or allowing anyone to compare you to others, focus on self improvement and celebrating who you are. Allow some time to dream, talk to God about your life and then set some SMART goals.

Goals that are: Specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timed. Prayerfully build into your week strategies that enhance and build into these goals and that will encourage you in who you are, where you are going and in the dreams God has placed in your heart.

And be wise and gather around you those people who will neither compare or diminish you as the unique individual you are, but instead will offer their support, love and encouragement along the way.

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, Gods special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.” (1Peter 2:9)

“May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.” ( Psalm 20:4)

“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance.” (Proverbs 21:5)

Prayer: Lord thank you that I am both unique and special in your sight and that I don’t need to compare or allow myself to be placed in comparison against others which only causes rivalry, diminished self esteem and judgement. Please help me to see myself as you see me and to be both real and honest with both myself and others as I continue to grow to become all that you created me to be. In Jesus name Amen

We are all going to experience some level of discouragement at some point in our lives. Especially if we are ever going to attempt to be or do anything. It goes with the territory of stepping out, of taking risks and of following our dreams and God’s leading for our lives.

Actually we are in very good company whenever we may feel discouraged. Noah preached for decades and only 8 people ever responded favourably. (Genesis 5; 2 Peter 2:5) Joseph helped someone, and when they had the opportunity to assist him in return they left him forgotten in an Egyptian prison for years. (Genesis 40:5-15; 23) Moses came down off Mt Sinai after having a “full on” encounter with God to discover that all the people he was responsible for leading were busy worshipping a golden calf. (Exodus 32:1-8) Jeremiah was thrown into a well for speaking the truth, and for doing what God had told him to do. (Jeremiah 38:1-6) David, Job, the early disciples of Jesus, Paul and many others all suffered from discouragement.

So how do we deal with a what the dictionary describes as a: loss of confidence or enthusiasm; dispiritedness, downheartedness, dejection, depression, demoralization, disappointment, despondency, and hopelessness. Jesus sets an example for us in the way He lived while on the earth.

He refused to give up – the key to overcoming obstacles and disappointments in every situation is not “where you are, but what you are”. Joy and happiness is not to be dependent on our circumstances, but rather upon what we are within us. It’s why it is imperative we know who we are in Jesus.

He had perspective -Jesus looked at every situation from a heavenly viewpoint. He said for us to “lift up our eyes” (John 4:35). And to set our mind on things above, and not upon earthly things. God’s got all our needs and even the secret desires of our heart under control. He just says to seek him, amd He’ll add to us all the things everyone else spends so much energy and time trying to make happen. (Colossians 3:2; Matthew 6:33)

He kept walking – Jesus knew what he was on earth to do and he just kept his focus on sharing the good news and ultimately in dying so as to release mankind from the bondage of sin and the devil.

“And Jesus went about all Galilee, preaching the Gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people”. (Matthew 4:23-24)

He drew aside and prayed – when faced with decisions or sorrow such as when John the baptist was murdered, Jesus draw close to the Father and received strength and comfort.

“When Jesus heard what happened he withdraw by boat privately to a solitary place”. (Matthew 14:13)

“And rising very early in the morning while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed”.(Mark 1:35-36)

He kept doing good, and speaking love, joy and blessing – In the midst of opposition and discouragements Jesus just kept right on doing what He was called to do, and ultimately He triumphed over sin and death.

…”Jesus went about doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him”. (Acts 10:38)

If you ever feel discouraged; lift your head up and look to and learn from Jesus. Know and remind yourself of who you are and what you are here for. Learn to wait and to draw your strength from a loving God who sees all. He says, “don’t grow weary in doing good for in due season you shall reap if you do not give up”. (Galatians 6:9 NIV)

Plus be on the alert and watch out for God’s unexpected blessings and surprises to encourage you. He is a good God, and if we just hold steady and keep walking with Him He promises He’ll make it all work out better than we could ever of thought, dreamt or imagined. (Ephesians 3:20)

Prayer: Jesus thank you for your example of how to navigate and walk through discouragement. Help me to remember and to keep my eyes on the truth of who I am, and what I am here for so that I don’t give up. In Jesus Name Amen.