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When it comes to test prep, the week before testing is crucial. There is so much you want to review but so little time left to do so. How do you decide what to cover in your whole group lessons? Should you pull small groups, and if so, what lessons should you review? What type of activities should students work on? I'll answer all of those questions and more. In this week's episode, I share how I used the data from the practice test I discussed last week to help me quickly plan my test prep week. I explain what I did for my whole group lessons, small group activities, and choice boards. You'll learn about a unique choice board, called a TEAM-work activity board, that helped my students get the extra practice they needed on heavily tested skills and how I held them accountable for their work. I also share an idea for a morning meeting topic that will have you covered for an entire month in the Teaching Tip of the Week. Related Blog Posts:4th Grade Math Test Prep Kit Resources Mentioned:Test-Taking Strategy PostersFree and Editable TEAM-Work Activity BoardTest Prep Kit on TPT To view the show notes with the full transcript, head to https://krejcicreations.com/episode31. P.S. Has this podcast been helpful for you? If so, screenshot an episode, add it to IG, and tag me @krejci_creations. This helps spread the word to other teachers!

The most challenging things we face in life are not obstacles, but relationships. No matter the age, or stage of our lives the most important and transformative thing about us is the people we relate to and the way those relationships inform us and unfold over our life. Our entire life is summed up by the way we relate to God, and people. The most important thing about us is what we think of Jesus, and people, who are created in God's image. Relationships have layers, and spheres in which they exist. Not all interactions are the same, but the way we interact is a sum of what has shaped our thoughts and feelings. Relationships are meant to be transformational, not transactional. This was so eye opening and felt like it answered a soul deep question of what has been wrong in many of my relationships. We are meant to be ‘Iron sharpening iron' as it says in Proverbs, speaking words of life, and “discovering creative ways to encourage others and to motivate them towards acts of compassion, doing beautiful works as expressions of love.” Hebrews 10:24 TPT. I believe that the greatest factor in interacting transactionally, which keeps people at a distance and views them as tools to get what I want instead of a BEING to be enjoyed, is an orphan spirit. We have divided souls. We compartmentalize and guard our hearts in ways that build walls and keep others out. We choose to be our own security and provision and protection. We believe that no one will really look after us or give us what we need, so we have to take it for ourselves. We have a scarcity, lack, poverty mentality that keeps us from asking for what we need and reinforces that there isn't enough (love, care, protection, encouragement etc) to go around. We are all lost children wandering around trying to find a home with support and protection. The first step in healing this Orphaned heart is to be reconciled to God. There is no help and hope for sonship apart from being reunited to the Father. Jesus came to redeem us from the brokenness and separation of this world. We have been given the spirit of adoption. “And so that we would know that we are his true children, God released the Spirit of Sonship into our hearts—moving us to cry out intimately, “My Father! My true Father!” Now we're no longer living like slaves under the law, but we enjoy being God's very own sons and daughters! And because we're his, we can access everything our Father has—for we are heirs because of what God has done!” ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭4:6-7‬ ‭TPT‬‬ “...And you did not receive the “spirit of religious duty,” leading you back into the fear of never being good enough. But you have received the “Spirit of full acceptance,” enfolding you into the family of God. And you will never feel orphaned, for as he rises up within us, our spirits join him in saying the words of tender affection, “Beloved Father!” For the Holy Spirit makes God's fatherhood real to us as he whispers into our innermost being, “You are God's beloved child!”” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:14b-16‬ ‭TPT‬‬ As an adopted child you have been hand picked, specifically chosen to be a part of God's family. You are not one of many in a sea of children, but you are the one that God created to be in relationship with Himself and share the inheritance of Jesus as a dearly loved child. God intends to set the lonely in families as it says in Psalm 68:5-6a TPT “To the fatherless he is a father. To the widow he is a champion friend. The lonely he makes part of a family. The prisoners[a] he leads into prosperity until they sing for joy. This is our Holy God in his Holy Place!” Reading at the end of the podcast was Romans 8:14-35 in The Passion Translation --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/rhiannon-staal/message

What has God put on your heart to do today? Is it something you regularly do, or is it a little 'out-of-the-box'? This is a story about having the courage to do what God says, no matter how 'weird' it seems, and then witnessing how God blesses others through that obedience. I pray this simple story encourages you to follow through on promptings from the Holy Spirit, trusting that your obedience will bring blessing to yourself and others. Walking and praying One of my weekly activities is twice a week walking and praying around the school grounds, normally with a couple of other mothers from school. Most of the time we have no idea how God uses our prayers. We just walk and pray in faith that He is at work in the supernatural. We may never know the outcomes of those prayers, but we trust that in this season it is what God has asked us to do. Plans change The presence of COVID-19 put a stop to the walking around the school grounds. But it did not stop us praying together, as we like many others around the world quickly worked out how to pray together online. No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper. Isaiah 54:17 NKJV And, again, as I'm sure many people found during this time, the stretching and having to do things a little differently, actually became a blessing. In our school prayer example, praying online enabled more mums to pray than could usually be present at school, which led to more conversation and deeper relationships. It's a bit like, the enemy had a plan, and God used it for good, sound familiar ... And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 NKJV More changes Now as the restrictions from COVID-19 are slowly reducing, we can walk and pray at school again, albeit in a specified area, the school oval, and with a maximum of three prayers. We are just so grateful to be allowed to pray on school grounds again. Normally we commence our prayer walk by going around the boundary of the school. Our starting place is the oval. For the past couple of years we have done this on Friday afternoons when sport is on, so the children and teachers were used to seeing us walking and praying. Last Friday was my first time returning to pray at school, and I was by myself. When I completed my first lap of the oval I thought, "How silly is this going to look, when I walk around the oval again?" As I couldn't go on our normal route around the school due to the COVID-19 restrictions. It's not about me! But then, with the prompting of the Holy Spirit, I remembered that it wasn't about me! But rather it was about what God wanted to do in that moment. And I had no idea what that was, so I asked Him, "God, why is it that we are allowed only here, on the oval? I know from a COVID-19 safety perspective why we are here, but why have You got us only here? What is it that You want me to do?" Pause for a moment and picture this - a sports oval filled 7 classes of children and their teachers, and one woman walking around the perimeter of the oval praying. What do you think God wanted me to do? We have all been impacted by COVID-19 in different ways, especially teachers who had to completely re-think the way they deliver education very quickly, and implement new strategies effectively and efficiently. Pray for the teachers So God's answer to me was simply, "Pray for the teachers on the oval." So I started on my second prayer lap of the oval. As I walked past each teacher, God gave me a word of encouragement, very specific, which I madly scribbled on a piece of paper. As much as I wanted to, I knew it wasn't appropriate to walk up to them in the middle of their sports activities and say, 'Hi, I felt God wanted to say to you .... ' Previously I had received specific words of encouragement for teachers, normally one or two, but never seven during one prayer walk. This was a little unusual. What was God doing? What next God? As I drove home from school I asked God about those words of encouragement, and how specific they were, and what to with them. Do I email each teacher individually, or send a group email including everyone's word of encouragement? You may think, what does it matter how you deliver the words of encouragement? But more and more I am learning that God is interested in the details. It mattered to Him how they were delivered, because, as He was about to tell me, He had another message to deliver to these teachers. God's response to my question about the specificity was something like, "This is My body – each one with a role to play and a gift to bring." The diversity of the body of Christ I got it! God was wanting to not only deliver a word of encouragement to each teacher, but He wanted to send a message about the wonderful diversity of His body. It is the same Holy Spirit who continues to distribute many different varieties of gifts. The Lord Yahweh is one, and he is the one who apportions to believers different varieties of ministries. The same God distributes different kinds of miracles that accomplish different results through each believer's gift and ministry as he energises and activates them. Each believer is given continuous revelation by the Holy Spirit to benefit not just himself but all. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 TPT God's response to the 'How' question was 'send as a group email' to illustrate the diversity of the body. Later in the afternoon I sent that group email with the words of encouragement and supporting scriptures. The responses I received confirmed that God's message had been delivered and understood. All glory to God, He knows what we need and when we need it. The 'takeaways' from this story So there are plenty of 'takeaways' from this simple story. I've listed them below with the supporting example. Make space in your life for God to speak to you (e.g. purposefully set aside time to pray and listen to God) Trust that God is at work in the unseen (e.g. praying for people, students and families, that we don't know) When seemingly barriers arise, be expectant that God will use it for God (e.g. temporary move to praying online) Take your eyes off yourself and put them on Jesus (e.g. worrying about what others will think about repeatedly walking around the oval). When plans change, ask God what He wants to bring from the change (e.g. What were God's plans for us praying only on the oval?) Be ready for God to do things differently (e.g. God's words of encouragement for each of the seven teachers on the oval) Keep asking God for the next step (e.g. how to deliver the words of encouragement to the teachers) God has a bigger plan (e.g. this was about more than words of encouragement, it was about giving a picture of Christ's body - unity through diversity) Obeying leads to blessing others (e.g. obeying God's call to take time to pray lead to His word of encouragement for others). Obedience will bring blessing This is a very simple story of how when we obey what God asks us to do, we can be a blessing to others. Just as God wanted to encourage these teachers that they all have gifts and are part of one body, it is the same for us. We all have gifts, gifts to bless others with, however sometimes we just need a little bit of encouragement to get out there and use them! So I pray that this story encourages you to do what God has put on your heart, and know that He has gifted you for a purpose, far greater than you could have imagined. And whatsmore, you may never know how far the blessing ripples will travel from your step of obedience. But God has carefully designed each member and placed it in the body to function as he desires. A diversity is required, for if the body consisted of one single part, there wouldn't be any body at all! So now we see that there are many differing parts and functions, but one body. 1 Corinthians 12:18-20 TPT To find out more please visit https://wendyrobinson.com.au

Once again this week I have been reminded of the importance of taking time to give God space to do what only He can do. Picture this... a group of women silently communicating with God. Writing messages to God, including things they want to be set free from in their lives and their family's lives. I write something on my paper, and then throw it in the fire (literally), declaring quietly, "God you've got this.' Then about five minutes later I see a child peeping in the door. So I leave my cosy chair near the fire and go to her. The tears come and she confesses the exact sin that only minutes before I had written and thrown into the fire. What's surprising to me, is that I had no idea that this particular sin was an issue for that child! I was completely overwhelmed with God's love for us, how intimately He knows us, and how mysteriously He works. The seed for this night of group quiet time with God, confession and throwing in the fire, was planted over month a go. God knew then what He was going to do on that night. It is good and right to remember that His ways are always higher than ours. “I don’t think the way you think.     The way you work isn’t the way I work.”         God’s Decree. “For as the sky soars high above earth,     so the way I work surpasses the way you work,     and the way I think is beyond the way you think. Isaiah 55:8-9 The Message God hears our prayers. Since we have this confidence, we can also have great boldness before him, for if we present any request agreeable to his will, he will hear us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we also know that we have obtained the requests we ask of him. 1 John 5:14-15 TPT God wants us and our family and friends to experience the freedom that only He can give. The next part of this scripture explains the importance of prayer in that process. If anyone observes a fellow believer habitually sinning in a way that doesn’t lead to death, you should keep interceding in prayer that God will give that person life. 1 John 5:16 TPT I was not expecting what happened in our daughter's life that night, that she would have greater revelation of the truth that she is fearfully and wonderfully made. I had expected God to do some heart work within myself (that is always necessary!); and to see some answers to the other prayers over the coming weeks and months. But not within the following five minutes. Clearly I need to take all my delivery timeframes off my prayers! So let's remember that we have a God who can do the unexpected, the unimaginable, but always the best. I believe we do have a part to play in that too, just as 1 John 5:16 said ... you should keep interceding in prayer that God will give that person life. If I analyse what happened on that night and the choices that I made (prompted by the Holy Spirit), there were six distinct actions. Now this is not a formula to follow, rather some principals that could be applied when wanting to be more intimate with God and see breakthrough in our lives and the lives of those that God connects us with. 1. Make time to hear from God - Prioritise time with Him Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, And He shall hear my voice. Psalm 55:17 NKJV 2. Being silent so can hear - Quieten your voice so you can hear His Be still, and know that I am God; Psalm 46:10 NKJ 3. Confession - Be real, God knows everything anyway But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 1 John 1:9 NLT 4. Awareness - Look around, observe what is happening around you "Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” Mark 14:38 NLT 5. Obey the prompting - Act on what the Holy Spirit is nudging you to do “Yes,” said Jesus. “But God will bless all who listen to the word of God and carefully obey everything they hear.” Luke 11:28 TPT 6. Love and reassure - That's what Jesus does, everyday. But Lord, your nurturing love is tender and gentle. You are slow to get angry yet so swift to show your faithful love. You are full of abounding grace and truth. Psalm 86:15 TPT So those are some choices we can make. But ultimately God is the one in control. His perfect love manifests in so many different ways, bringing freedom into our lives. Remember our salvation. Let's never underestimate what He can do. But God still loved us with such great love. He is so rich in compassion and mercy.  Even when we were dead and doomed in our many sins, he united us into the very life of Christ and saved us by his wonderful grace! Ephesians 2:4-5 TPT To find out more please visit https://wendyrobinson.com.au

I used to think about courage in terms of doing 'big' physical things, like going on the giant swing at a Sport and Recreation camp, climbing out on the yard arm of a tall ship, and jumping off the 10m diving platform (I've never done that!). But then I heard a sermon about having courage for the 'little', but often life-changing moments, like starting a conversation with someone you don't know, opening a letter that you know you may not like the contents of, and learning how to confidently say how you really feel. Hearing that sermon, and it was quite a few years ago now, changed the way I approached the 'little' yet 'big' moments in my life. I started to see these moments as opportunities to build courage - essentially building a greater trust in Jesus. However, these moments/opportunities required more than trust, they required me to actually do something. I could say to myself, I trust You God, and then leave the letter unopened on the table for days. Am I really trusting God? No. It was not until I actually opened that letter that the trust went into action and I became courageous. And wow did that feel good! In my listening appointment with God this week, one of the things I felt God say to me was, 'have courage to let me do the work I want to do in you.' My immediate response was, 'Need more courage - I need to get more equipped!' . I know that over the years God has increased my courage, but this sounded like I was soon going to have some God-given opportunities to grow that courage to the next level and I didn't want to have fear sabotage the work God wanted to do in me. Earlier in the week I had set up a playlist called 'Courage' and it included songs like, 'You're gonna be OK' by Jenn Johnson; 'Take Courage' by Bethel Music; 'Your grace finds me' by Matt Redman; 'Lions' by Skillet; 'This I believe' by Hillsong Worship; 'Whom shall I fear' by Passion; 'No Longer Slaves' by Bethel; 'Break every chain' by Jesus Culture and 'Another in the Fire' by Hillsong United; 'Oh Fear (My God is Near)' by Moriah Peters. So I added some more songs to the list and started playing them and declaring their truth Then I made a list of some scriptures relating to courage .... Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6 NKJV The Lord is my revelation-light to guide me along the way; he’s the source of my salvation to defend me every day. I fear no one! I’ll never turn back and run from you, Lord; surround and protect me. Psalm 27:1 TPT Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 NKJV Also David told Solomon his son, Be strong and courageous, and do it. Fear not, be not dismayed, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail or forsake you until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord. 1 Chronicles 28:20 So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15 NLT Remember to say alert and hold firmly to all that you believe. Be mighty and full of courage. Let love and kindness be the motivation behind all that you do. 1 Corinthians 16:13 TPT We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be evident in our dying bodies. 2 Corinthians 4:8-11 NLT For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV So now I daily worship and mediate on these truths, declaring that God has indeed not given me a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind, and when the prompting from the Holy Spirit comes, step out trusting that He has gone before me. No fear, in Jesus Name. Perhaps there is something in your life that requires you to step out and be courageous, and yet you hesitate. I pray that as you read this post and take time to read again the truth from our God, that trust and courage will rise up and you will be able to just do it - in Jesus Name. Trust that God has gone before you. For God will never give you the spirit of fear, but the Holy Spirit who gives you mighty power, love, and self-control. 1 Timothy 1:7 TPT To find out more please visit https://wendyrobinson.com.au

So the other morning I woke up at 2am, things on my mind, people on my mind. Prayed for the people. Mulled over the things. Finally went back to sleep at 3.30am, which wouldn't of been too much of a problem, except I had to get up at 4am to get ready to take a child to swimming training! Who needs sleep?????? Sitting at swimming training, my new location for quiet time with God, started mulling over those things again. And then I felt that Someone was asking me a question, 'Do you trust Me?' Yes, I trust You. 'So why are continuing to mull, actually worry, about these things. Do you trust Me?' Well, ...................... maybe I'm not trusting You with everything in my life. I'll write down what I need to trust You with. And so on a blank piece of A4 paper I begin the list. Surprise surprise it didn't take long to fill the paper with the things and people that I wasn't trusting God with. Down the side of the page I wrote Proverbs 3:5-6 ... Trust in the LORD with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV Our Heavenly Father, in His gracious way, in the quiet of the swimming centre, had drawn my focus back to Him. He caused me to put Him in his rightful place, and to put my list of concerns in their rightful place - under the name of Jesus Christ. Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:9-10 NKJV I don't know where you are at, but just maybe you have a list of things and people that runs around and around in your head. A list that needs to be submitted to Christ, and left with Him. A casting of your cares, not to the wind, but to the One who has the power and authority to take action at the perfect time. Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 NKJV Or as The Passion Translation says, Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 TPT Trust. Something that doesn't always comes easily. Something that we sometimes assume we are doing, when we aren't. Something that is always safe to do with God. Choose to trust Him today. Trust in the Lord completely, and do not rely on your own opinions. With all your heart rely on him to guide you, and he will lead you in every decision you make. Become intimate with him in whatever you do, and he will lead you wherever you go. Proverbs 3:5-6 TPT To find out more please visit https://wendyrobinson.com.au

Some days we just feel sad. Recently I had one of those days. There were many reasons, a funeral the day before; a conversation that left me wondering once again about this world that we live in; an ANZAC day ceremony that gave pause for thought about the sacrifices so many young people made; and a movie that reminded me of the crucial role parents play in their children's lives. There was a heaviness that I had not felt for a long time. And it was difficult to shake. I was having a constant conversation with Jesus, telling Him how sad I was feeling, knowing that He would understand. As the afternoon progressed, and we enjoyed a beautiful few hours with friends out on the glorious Lake Macquarie, the conversation and laughter ministered to my soul. Along with the appreciation of how blessed we are to live here, in this country. Home again, and the heaviness started to return. What an effort to prepare dinner for the family, I really just wanted to crawl into bed, and rest for a new day. It took every ounce of emotional strength to put the meal together and gather the family to sit at the table for dinner. But as we did gather and eat, the most amazing things happened. Firstly there was reasonable conversation for more than five minutes (very unusual for us); then there was some serious discussion about the business of providing for a family; then there was an outpouring of emotion prompted by the funeral we had attended; then prayer with everyone thanking God for whatever was on their heart; and finally a family game of Scrabble that lasted for at least an hour. The heaviness had gone. Hope restored. Thank you Jesus. So much in that little story .... sadness, heaviness, talking to Jesus, the power of friendship, pushing through, setting the table, tears and the faithfulness of our Heavenly Father. He is there in the midst, we need to keep our focus on him. We look away from the natural realm and we fasten our gaze onto Jesus who birthed faith within us and who leads us forward into faith’s perfection. His example is this: Because his heart was focused on the joy of knowing that you would be his, he endured the agony of the cross and conquered its humiliation, and now sits exalted at the right hand of the throne of God! Hebrews 12:2 TPT To find out more please visit https://wendyrobinson.com.au

On Mom Pods with Oluseye, you can join us every week to pray on Moms Prayer Circle. This week, we are starting off at the very beginning! Praying for Mom. Our Theme for this week is ‘ME FIRST - Get Your Prayer Groove On’ Do you agree that Mom should be top on the list so we can focus on the rest of the world? Yes! “Pray passionately in the Spirit, as you constantly intercede with every form of prayer at all times...” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6:18‬ ‭TPT‬ To join the live prayer sessions visit bit.ly/momsachievingpurpose

  There is a beautiful song by Christy Nockels, Wonderful Name, through which I have cried out to God many times over the years .... "There is healing for all who ache There is comfort for all in pain There is freedom There is grace Here in Jesus and the power of His name All who are broken, His love endures All who are weary, His rest is yours All who are hopeless, run to His name He is Jesus You will never be the same" How true those words are. Once again this week I am in awe of Jesus, the power of His name and His love for us. Please be encouraged, if your family seems like it is broken beyond repair, it is not. It is just in the process of receiving the love and reconciliation that Jesus freely offers each of us. For it was only through this wonderful grace that we believed in him. Nothing we did could ever earn his salvation, for it was the gracious gift from God that brought us to Christ! Ephesians 2:8 TPT But we have to be prepared to hang in there for the long haul. Choosing in every frustration, disappointment and seemingly backward step, to trust that God is good and He does have a plan. And know that He is drawing us closer to Him and maturing us in the process. But that's not all! Even in times of trouble we have a joyful confidence, knowing that our pressures will develop in us patient endurance. And patient endurance will refine our character, and proven character leads us back to hope. And this hope is not a disappointing fantasy, because we can now experience the endless love of God cascading into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who lives in us! Romans 5:3-5 TPT From what I have observed over the past 8 years, the outworking of His grace is so absolutely unique to each of us. He completely understands what each of us needs and when we need it. Lord, you know everything there is to know about me. You perceive every moment of my heart and soul, and you understand my every thought before it even enters my mind. You are so intimately aware of me, Lord. You read my heart like an open book and you know all the words I'm about to speak before I even start a sentence! You know every step I will take before my journey even begins. You've gone into my future to prepare the way, and in kindness you follow behind me to spare me from the harm of my past. With your hand of love upon my life, you impart a blessing to me. Psalm 139:1-5 TPT While Jesus' grace is the same for each of us, the way that Jesus gives it to us in our every day lives is a beautifully individualised gift. Think back to yesterday, how did Jesus show you His love - in a way that only you needed? And then think about all the people you know, and how He is doing the same for them, even if they don't recognise it yet. Now, think about all those people you don't know - the other 7.53 billion or so, on this planet, and how Jesus is doing the same for them too. I don't know about you, but for me it is simply a mystery as to how He knows and loves each of us so well. I have difficulty with understanding the needs of just four children! But I do know that His grace is simply amazing ... This is just too wonderful, deep, and incomprehensible! Your understanding of me brings me wonder and strength. Psalm 139:6 TPT It is that wonder and strength that enables us to keep pressing in to God despite what is happening in our lives. His love for us. The truth is that He loved us first and His love endures. Let's choose to stick with Him and be expectant for what He is going to do in and through our lives. Give thanks to the only miracle working God! His tender love for us continues on forever! Psalm 136:4 TPT To find out more please visit wendyrobinson.com.au

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 NKJV There is a song, "Take Courage" by Bethel Music, here are some of its lyrics, 'Hold on to your hope as your triumph unfolds' Oh that can be so hard to do, hold on; press in; stand. But sometimes there is no other choice. We have to believe that our triumph will unfold. And that we can learn to worship God in the waiting, something that I believe we only truly learn in those deep dark moments. I remember a milestone moment in my constant journey of learning how to trust God more, and more, and more, and more. It relates to our daughter Victoria, and happened  about 4.5 years when we had just found out that the tumour had started to grow for the third time. There was a choice to be made - continue to live in fear that the tumour would continue to grow, or choose to live each day to the full - trusting God that no matter what happens He would get us through this. God helped us with making that choice by taking us to a Camp Quality camp where His Word - John 10:10 was displayed on posters in the dining hall. "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10 That visual message was the starting point for helping me to change my hopeless thinking. I say starting point, because although God had given me that clear sign with the posters, those feelings of hopelessness didn't just go away overnight. They had to be attended to, and over-time they got quieter and quieter and God's truth got louder and louder in my head. Here is a bit of what that process required ... An Awareness of what my focus was on - diagnosis vs declaration of faith (John 10:10) Action to replace those thoughts of hopelessness and fear with God's truth Acknowledging that I couldn't do that replacement in my own strength. Asking God daily to help me take that action. Allowing God to do that work in me - not resisting, but instead surrendering. And only then I could .... Authentically worship God, despite the circumstances because He was restoring my hope in Him. Pressing into Him in the waiting season, learning to trust that not only would He get us through, but that His triumph would unfold - no matter what - here or in Heaven, has been a huge journey - and it continues now only in different spheres of our lives. But it is a journey that despite the pain, I would not swap because it has grown a greater hope, a stronger faith and a deeper understanding of God's love for us. So today, as you face the circumstances in your life, why not take a deep breath and say to God, Okay God, I'm trusting You with this, please help me to grow in hope, faith and love through this situation. I choose to worship You. Thank you that you are with us wherever we go and that will get us through this day. Thank you that our triumph will unfold because of Who you are and what you have done. In Jesus Name, Amen. Lord, I will worship you with extended hands as my whole heart explodes with praise! I will tell everyone about your wonderful works and how your marvellous miracles exceed expectations! I will jump for joy and shout in triumph as I sing your song and make music for the Most High God. Psalm 9:1-2 TPT To find out more visit https://wendyrobinson.com.au

A little story .... this week I have been reminded once again of what it means to do life 'in your own strength.'  Those times when you are pushing through, but doing it the hard way, often with a really bad attitude - resentment being a key factor. Over the past couple of years I have become more involved in our business, which has been great for me, Ken and the business. But not always great for our children especially when school holidays come around. During the school holidays resentment can creep in as I have a strong desire to complete the day's work jobs well, but also have a strong desire to actually have some fun with our children as they are out of the normal school routine. One moment I am resenting the work, but then God reminds me this is the means by which we have a warm, dry home and food to eat. The next moment I am resenting the children being at home, but then God reminds me that they are a blessing from Him and how different my life would be without them! This morning I realised that the source of that resentment is actually a lack of trust in God.  That is, I'm not trusting that God will give me enough time in my day to do the things that He wants me to do (not the things I think I need to do).  But rather I am trying to work out myself how to fit it all in (ie doing it in my own strength), and getting very impatient and frustrated with everyone around me. The funny thing is, yesterday morning I expected that I would have to work all day to get various tasks done before we closed for the Christmas holiday period. The stress levels had risen by 8am when the children started waking up and my time of non-interrupted work suddenly became 10 minutes slots of concentration in among children's requests. Then I went to a 10am appointment, only to find that the appointment was for today! So there was 45 minutes wasted. Home again to work on some financial reporting, which turned out to be a lot simpler than I thought it was going to be. Finished! I looked at the clock on my computer - midday. Not the 6pm that I thought it was going to be. I felt pretty stupid. I had caused angst to myself and my children for nothing - other than for me to be reminded that it is always better to walk with God through the day, rather than try to run my own race and cause havoc in the process. A simple matter of getting up in the morning, taking a deep breath, giving all the tasks I think I need to do to God, and saying, 'Please show me which ones I need to do, and how and when to do them.'  And then waiting to hear what He says, and be guided by Him. Not charging off on my own agenda - doing it in my own strength. "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways." says the LORD. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9 NKJV Thankfully God is gracious and merciful, and there was a time of restoration with the children in the afternoon as I switched off from work and we watched some Christmas movies together. My grace is always more than enough for you, and my power finds its full expression through your weakness.  2 Corinthians 12:9 TPT Hopefully when we re-open the business in January I will remember this lesson and trust that God has it all sorted! Trust in the Lord completely, and do not rely on your own opinions, with all your heart rely on him to guide you, and he will lead you in every decision you make. Proverbs 3:5 TPT To find out more, please visit https://wendyrobinson.com.au

2018/12/2 Ps Yoh Takatori 高取　蓉牧師 Categories: Video: https://osaka.mylifehouse.com/tv/message/marys-new-family Mary’s New Family 1.God created and it was good Genesis 1:31 (NKJV) Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day. 2.So when man and woman disobeyed God and broke fellowship, God started a plan of redemption (buying back) Mark 10:45 (NKJV) For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. 3.Jesus was born 2018 years ago to be that Savior Luke 2:19 (NKJV) But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 4.It was a family that Jesus came to. It was a family that God wanted Psalms 68:6 (TPT) To the lonely he makes them part of a family. To the prisoners he leads into prosperity until they sing for joy. This is our Holy God in his Holy Place! But for the rebels there is heartache and despair. Mark 2:17 (NKJV) When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” マリヤの新しい家族 1. 神様が造ってそれは非常に良かった 創世記 1:31 (新改訳) そのようにして神はお造りになったすべてのものをご覧になった。見よ。それは非常によかった。こうして夕があり、朝があった。第六日。 2.男と女が神様に従わなかったとき、その関係が崩れた。しかし、神様は関係を修復させる計画を立てた（買い戻す） マルコ 10:45 (ALIVE訳) この人は、仕えてもらうためではなく、仕えるために来た！！！それは、俺の命と引き換えに、人が救われるためだ・・・！！！」 3.イエスは2018年前にその救世主となるために生まれた ルカ 2:19 (JCB) マリヤはこれらのことをすべて心に納めて思い巡らしていました。 4.イエスは家族のところへ来た。神様も家族を望んでいた 詩篇 68:6 (JCB) 身寄りのない者に家族を与え、囚人を牢獄から解き放ち、その口に喜びの歌をわき上がらせてくださいます。しかし、神に背く者の行く手には、ききんと悩みが待っています。 マルコ 2:17 (新改訳) イエスはこれを聞いて、彼らにこう言われた。「医者を必要とするのは丈夫な者ではなく、病人です。わたしは正しい人を招くためではなく、罪人を招くために来たのです。」

The other week, actually in the middle of the night, we had a child who needed comforting. She suggested we sing some worship songs to help shift the focus. Great idea! We quietly sang some worship songs we had recently been singing at church, mainly just the choruses as we couldn't remember the other lines. She led. I followed (half asleep). Then she asked, 'What's that song? It's a simple one, you know.' Yes I did know, and started to sing, 'Jesus loves me this I know .... for the Bible tells me so.....little ones to Him belong.... we are weak but ..... He is strong.' I think the words are actually, 'they are weak'. But for us, we knew that it was definitely a 'we'. Eventually she went back to her bed, and I could hear singing from her room .... 'Jesus loves me this I know' over and over, softer and softer and eventually the silence of peaceful sleep. Thank you Jesus. Lifting up the name of Jesus, always helps us. He doesn't need a fanfare. He just wants us to call on Him because he cares for us. Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 TPT Day or night, He is there, ready and waiting to respond to our call. He isn't half asleep, half attentive. He is fully attentive always, ready with mercy and grace. So here's what I've learned through it all; Leave all your cares and anxieties at the feet of the Lord, and measureless grace will strengthen you. Psalm 55:22 TPT Measureless grace. Available to you and me. But he answered me, "My grace is always more than enough for you, and my power finds its full expression through your weakness." So I will celebrate my weaknesses, for when I'm weak I sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ living in me. So I'm not defeated by my weakness, but delighted! For when I feel my weakness and endure mistreatment - when I'm surrounded with troubles on every side and face persecution because of my love for Christ - I am made yet stronger. For my weakness becomes a portal to God's power. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 TPT We are weak..... but ..... Jesus loves me this I know. And today we have access to His love and power, so let's surrender and lean on Him, allowing our weakness to become a portal to His power. Let's live with the certainty that He is with us now - Emmanuel, and forever, beyond our life in this place. So why would I fear the future? For your goodness and love pursue me all the days of my life. Then afterward, when my life is through, I'll return to your glorious presence to be forever with you! Psalm 23:6 TPT To find out more please visit https://wendyrobinson.com.au

Are you searching for a safe place to express exactly how you feel today? Sometimes when the circumstances around me are in turmoil I picture myself being wrapped in the strong arms of my God, protecting me. His peace settles in me and I am assured of His overwhelmingly tangible presence.   Psalm 91 says it this way, His massive arms are wrapped around you, protecting you. You can run under his covering of majesty and hide. His arms of faithfulness are a shield keeping you from harm. Psalm 91:4 TPT Talking about running, at other times I want to run away, saying to myself, "It is all to hard, I want to have a simple life - with no responsibility and commitments." But that's not really life is it? In those moments I know there is one place I can always run to - that place of worship and abandonment, that place where I commune with Jesus, that place where the tears come, grateful for His grace and mercy in my life. Grateful for who He is - the one who saves. Knowing that He has the big picture and I need to keep my focus on Him. Philippians 4:6-9 reminds us of that,Don't be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life, then God's wonderful peace that transcends human understanding, will make answers known to you through Jesus Christ. So keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising him always. Follow the example of all that we have imparted to you and the God of peace will be with you in all things. Philippians 4:6-9 TPT A few words that jump out at me as I read that scripture ...Don't be pulledBe saturated in prayerOverflowing gratitudeTell every detail God's wonderful peaceMake answers knownThrough Jesus ChristThoughts continually fixedFasten your thoughtsPraising HimGod of peaceWith you in all things Well actually, that is more than a few words - that is a high level summary for finding that safe place, Jesus, who helps us to push through and find that place of feeling those massive loving arms of God around us. When you sit enthroned under the shadow of Shaddai, you are hidden in the strength of God Most High. He's the hope that holds me and the Stronghold to shelter me, the only God for me, and my great confidence. Psalm 91:1-2 TPT To find out more please visit https://wendyrobinson.com.au

Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, for in You I do trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You. Psalm 143:8 NKJV What a great prayer to start the day with. In fact we have it on the wall in our toilet room - one of my homemade signs. Here it is again, this time from the Amplified Bible ... Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, for on You do I lean and in You do I trust. Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk, for I lift up my inner self to You. Psalm 143:8 AMPC Cause me to hear ... This means we need to be listening. What a temptation there is some mornings to get up and get started on the long list of jobs that sit on my desk. I've worked out that I can't be thinking about all those jobs and listening to God at the same time. If I am not purposeful in shutting out the thoughts about the jobs list, they will take over. Your lovingkindness in the morning, How beautiful to hear first thing in the morning, before the family awakes and the chaos starts, that you are loved - regardless of what you did or didn't do the day before. To hear that you are forgiven, that His grace is sufficient and that His mercies are new every morning. That is good food for the soul. for on You do I lean  Sometimes things in life can feel too heavy to lean on others, but Jesus is always strong enough and more than willing to support each of us..... So here's what I've learned through it all: Leave all your cares and anxieties at the feet of the Lord, and measureless grace will strengthen you. Psalm 55:22 The Passion Translation   And in You do I trust. We need to choose to trust Him, no matter what. It's simple - I trust you God, or I don't trust you God. Well it's simple to say the words, but sometimes it's not so simple to trust with our hearts, because we have emotions, disappointment, fears, grief and anger. They need to be processed to enable us to come back to that place of trusting God. Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk, How many times have you said to yourself, 'I wish someone would show me what to do next,' or 'I wish someone would tell me which option to choose.' Well, there is a God in Heaven who will show us the next step if we ask Him and listen... Trust in the Lord completely, and do not rely on your own opinions. With all your heart rely on him to guide you, and he will lead you in every decision you make. Become intimate with him in whatever you do, and he will lead you wherever you go. Don't think for a moment that you know it all, for wisdom comes when you adore him with undivided devotion and avoid everything that's wrong. Proverbs 5:3-7 TPT for I lift up my inner self to You. What does it mean to lift up our inner self to God? Proverbs 5:6 and 7 give us a couple of beautiful phrases like 'become intimate with him.' Think of those people you are intimate with, what does that relationship look like, feel like? Do you have that sense when you commune with God? Here's another one, 'adore him with undivided devotion', again think of those people you are devoted to, how does that compare with your devotion to Jesus?  We have a God who is jealous for us, He loves us and desires us to love Him wholeheartedly.  So let's pray Psalm 143:8 with a heart that wants to know more of His love, so we can move further towards that place of fully trusting Him in all things, and love as He loves. Let the dawning day bring me revelation of your tender, unfailing love. Give me light for my path and teach me, for I trust in you. Psalm 143:8 TPT To find out more please visit https://wendyrobinson.com.au

Last night I was really looking forward to going to bed, possibly because I'd had a patchy nights' sleep the night before. Anyway, two children were in bed (not asleep), one was doing homework with Ken and the other was chilling out.  Bed was looking like a good option for me, until I felt the Holy Spirit say, 'Go to your desk and finish the work you started today.' That work was probably going to involve at least an hour and a half of 'non-creative tasks, going through the motions, ticking all the boxes type' of work. I wasn't overly enthused. But I obeyed, thinking 'Yes Holy Spirit, you are right, if I complete this now it will ease the load tomorrow.' I opened up the programs I needed, found the paperwork required and turned on my worship music and started on the work. It wasn't long before it became very evident that I was not at my desk to work (even though somehow the work was completed - thank you Holy Spirit), I was there to worship. Overcome by His Presence, there were tears and deep cries, interceding for those He put on my heart. I will probably never know what happened in the spiritual realm at that time. But I do know this, had I ignored the prompting of the Holy Spirit and gone to bed, God would probably have had to find someone else who was willing to be obedient. The point of this little story? We don't always know what God's plan is. We don't always know what He is wanting to bring out of a situation - for us or others.  For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,' says the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9 NKJV What's important is that we listen, recognise His voice and obey. Sometimes one, two or three of these three actions are not easy to do. Listen - we have to have space in our thoughts. We need to stop our own dialogue or the noise around us so we can hear that still small voice. Recognise - we know who is speaking. We know something of God's character and His love for us, so we know what He would be saying to us.   Obey - we choose to do what He asks - no matter what we think, understand or what our flesh says. As I'm writing this the Holy Spirit is reminding me that there are some areas in my life where it is easy for me to listen, recognise and obey.  In that story about last night, even though I was tired, I am a task focused person who likes to be organised so it wasn't too much of a stretch to obey. However, when it comes to food, that is a different story - my flesh wins way too many times. That is definitely one of the thorns in my side. We are all a work in progress. So let's ask God today to help us listen more, quickly recognise His voice and obey Him, because our obedience could help lead to breakthrough in our life, or the lives of others. A portion of Psalm 86 .... You are the one and only God. What miracles! What wonders! What greatness belongs to you! Teach me more about you, how you work and how you move, so that I can walk onward in your truth until everything within me brings honour to your name. With all my heart and passion I will thank you, my God! I will give glory to your name, always and forever! Psalm 86:10-12 TPT To find out more please visit https://wendyrobinson.com.au

Building a quality relationship takes time, purposeful actions, truth, revelation, mercy and grace. As I review the final layout of my book it is becoming more and more evident to me how God has been doing that in my life over the past eight years. Especially in the first three years from when Victoria was diagnosed, which is the focus of the book. At one stage in the book editing process I identified 'feature sentences'. These are sentences that were to be highlighted on every few pages. We have since parked that idea, however yesterday as I was checking other formatting I wondered what it would look like if all the feature sentences were pulled out into a list. What journey would they show? Let's have a look .... January 2011 - Diagnosis Victoria had virtually no control over her left foot. He told me to take Victoria to hospital straight away. "The CT scan showed there is a mass in your child's brain" "This is a very unusual tumour, in a very unusual place" We did not know what our future would hold past next Thursday I made some signs saying, 'This is a big trust God time.' All I could think was, 'Will she be able to do this after the operation?' How do you tell a five year old and a seven year old that their sister may not come home again? But that is the sad reality of having a seriously ill child with siblings. As a parent you have to make choices with your time. Fear was starting to set in. What was going on in her brain? February 2011 Nothing spectacular about this day, other than our daughter was living and breathing.  Victoria is now including her left hand more often in play rather than ignoring it completely. March 2011 I needed to give myself permission to grieve for the plans and dreams I had for Victoria. April 2011 So now we have a chart on the fridge, an idea of the psychologist, called 'Let people help.' August 2011 Once again we praise God for His healing power I still cry when I watch her swimming. February 2012 We were not expecting this news. It is a shock. June 2012 I am so grateful for the wonderful support network who responded to my request for help. The scan indicates that the tumour has grown by approximately 40%. July 2012 - Chemotherapy starts As the nurse explained, if the first port access is traumatic for the child, then subsequent accessing, in our case initially for three months, maybe twelve months, continues to be traumatic. August 2012 This journey may not be a short one. Of course during this time there have been some moments of joy. October 2012 The tumour has reduced in size since commencing the chemotherapy November 2012 I felt so loved by God, and so reassured of His love and provision for Victoria.   December 2012 While in hospital I had plenty of time to think about the impact of these hospital visits on our family One of the biggest blessings of 2012 is that every member of our family has finished the year in a much better state emotionally that when the year started. January 2013 "Some of the mums do blogs to keep people updated" During the past couple of weeks Victoria has started to ask questions. I can't express the disappointment that was in my heart. February 2013 It is God whom we choose to put our faith in. It was equally good to have some laughs as a family. As for the tears, there was only one moment in the day when I felt the tears well up, while talking to one of the beautiful caring school mums. March 2013 I don't want our children to fear death. April 2013 I fully believe that God can help me get to the point where I can live each day like that, and no longer live 'from scan to scan.' One big concept I am only starting to get a handle on is that God really does have it all under control. June 2013 I spent the first half hour of the session crying as I watched Victoria do her best in the running relay races. God has definitely been our rock during this journey, and He will continue to be. July 2013 Victoria's wish is to go to the snow and throw snowballs at everyone.   I felt that God was telling me that He already knows the outcome with Victoria's health, and I am to rest in that truth.   August 2013 We will be leaving Mt Buller with so many wonderful family memories, and knowing that despite our circumstances, God is always in the midst.   One place we receive a lot of support from is the local church that we belong to. September 2013 It is amazing the difference it has made to us all not having had Victoria in hospital for over three weeks. October 2013 - Chemotherapy stops The doctor nonchalantly said, 'This will be the last treatment today, and we will reassess after the scan.' I just sat there a bit stunned, that was not the plan last week. I grieve for Victoria, she has been amazing throughout this time, but her childhood is not as it should have been. As I have said many, many times before, Jesus is the Rock I stand on.   And that is where the book ends, three years of pain, fear, grief and disappointment, intertwined with God gradually drawing us closer and closer to Him. With a growing understanding of how to be content and grateful no matter what is happening in our lives, looking unto Jesus. It's clear to me that there was a pivotal time in early 2013, when after two years of journeying through pain, I really start to see and believe in that God is bigger than our circumstance!  I believe that one of the catalysts for that change was an altar call I responded to in early 2013. At that time Victoria had completed six months of weekly chemo and I was starting to struggle emotionally, where was God? How much longer was this to go on for?  We had a visiting preacher at church. After preaching he invited people to come forward for prayer. I went forward. He said to me something like, "God says, You can trust me."  And that was it. But God knew that was all I needed to hear. That was what I needed to know. I could trust God. From that point, I can see that my focus started to gradually shift to be more on God and less on our circumstances. It was a gradual change, starting with moments in the day, which over the years grew to be minutes, eventually days, weeks and now months.  Saying that there are still moments of grief and pain, such as the other day at school when Victoria shared her testimony with the Secondary School - so young and so much to share about God's faithfulness, but it has come at a cost.  So it's necessary for him to increase and for me to be diminished. John 3:30 TPT That is certainly what has happened on this journey, there has been an increasing of Christ in my life in every conceivable way. He must increase, but I must decrease. [He must grow more prominent; I must grow less so.] John 3:30 AMPC A stronger relationship has been built, where I have greater revelation that I am really nothing without Christ. Jesus. So intimately interested in each of us. Wanting us to surrender completely to His love and His ways. The cost we pay is nothing compared to what He has done for us. For this is how much God loved the world - he gave his one and only, unique Son as a gift. So now everyone who believes in him will never perish but experience everlasting life. John 3:16 TPT To find out more please visit https://wendyrobinson.com.au

In the past four days God has spoken to me in four different ways about being in the world but not of the world. But now I am returning to you so Father, I pray that they will experience and enter into my joyous delight in you so that it is fulfilled in them and overflows. I have given them your message and that is why the unbelieving world hates them. For their allegiance is no longer to this world because I am not of this world. I am not asking that you remove them from the world, but I ask that you guard their hearts from evil, For they no longer belong to this world any more than I do. John 17:13-16 TPT   Saturday night ... After dinner on Saturday Ken and I escaped to his office (aka man cave) for some peace and quiet. We were watching some of the analysis of the political antics of the week, Ken promptly fell asleep (we are getting older!) and I managed to just stay awake (it was only 7.30pm) to watch the next show, Australian story.    The episode was Leading the way - Love over hate: We step inside the Wayside Chapel to see what’s in store for the new man behind one of the toughest, yet most rewarding jobs in Sydney. Sunday night ... At church we were blessed to have a visiting pastor, James MacPherson preaching at the 6pm service. He spoke about where our identity comes from - our intrinsic value, not externals. And building on this he also spoke to us regarding what we do in our day to day lives and challenged us to ask how God would go about doing that job/profession? Lots of food for thought.  Monday night ... Not really sure what I was doing (it was at least 36 hours ago), perhaps taking a brain break from work. Anyway I was skimming through the Eternity News website, which I find is a great alternative to the ABC news website, and I found this video "Prominent pastor Carl Lentz on fame, criticism and #MeToo When watching this video the word that God highlighted to me was demonstrate.  Tuesday morning ... I had a couple of hours waiting for my car to be serviced, so after doing some work, I took a brain break and continued reading a book that a wise lady has lent me ... Kid's Ministry is for Real, a collection of true stories that show the 'why' of kids' ministry, by David Goodwin. There is so much gold in this book, such as... I understand from Erickson's psycho-social stages that children in the middle childhood years need to experience success to have a healthy and confident transition to adolescence. It doesn't mean they need to be top of the class, but they do need to shine in one or more areas. Sadly, we all know many children who have experienced little or no success. Those of us in kids' ministry are in a unique position to help them. There are a couple of reasons I have shared this today.  Firstly I found it interesting that God would use four different ways to communicate the same message to me, be in the world, but not of the world, love people my way. I am not sure what this means for me in terms of actions. I have an inkling, but will continue to seek Him for direction. Secondly to encourage you to look at what and how God may have been speaking to you recently, is there something He has been communicating to you through different ways? Are you listening? Do you know what He wants you to do next? And will you have the courage to do it, knowing that He has gone before you and is with you? Let's finish with prayer Jesus prayed for us ...   And I ask not only for these disciples, but also for all those who will one day believe in me through their message. I pray for them all to be joined together as one even as you and I, Father, are joined together as one. I pray for them to become one with us so that the world will recognise that you sent me. For the very glory you have given to me I have given to them so that they will be joined together as one and experience the same unity that we enjoy. You live fully in me and now I live fully in them so that they will experience perfect unity, and the world will be convinced that you have sent me, for they will see that you love each one of them with the same passionate love that you have for me. John 17:20-23 TPT To find out more please visit https://wendyrobinson.com.au

Can you remember when you first heard The Lord's Prayer?  For me it was when I was aged 5, at either the local Anglican church mum took me to or at school assemblies at the public primary school I attended.  Up to about 30 years ago, The Lord's Prayer was something that most people in our society knew. Something we learned, just like learning the alphabet... Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Matthew 6:9-13 NKJV Sometimes though I know for me as a child it became just a reciting of some words that I had learned. The heart behind the words, the understanding of what I was actually praying as missing.  I was saying the words, not praying them. Today if I asked our children to pray The Lord's Prayer, they would probably have no idea what I was talking about. But if I said, 'Let's pray, who'd like to start?' they would respond with starting a conversation with God. And that's great, but sometimes the prayers become a bit self-centred, just as mine to do. We focus too much on our needs and wants.  There is something about The Lord's Prayer that, when prayed from the heart, very quickly silences our flesh and enables us to position God in our lives exactly where He should be - acknowledged as our Father in heaven, Lord of all, provider, forgiver of sins, rescuer with complete sovereignty over our lives. When I am in that place of wanting to connect with God, but don't have the words to pray I often do one of two things, either pray in the spirit, or play a worship song (sometimes both). One of my favourite songs to play in these moments is Our Father/The Lords Prayer, recorded by Hillsong in 1997 on their Simply Worship II CD. I bought that CD just after I was saved. It is simply the piano and vocalist, and always takes me to that place of exalting our God. Hillsong have also recently done another version of The Lord's Prayer on their album, There's more.   So today, lets pause and pray The Lord's Prayer from our heart with a complete focus on our Father in heaven. This version is from The Passion Translation. Our Father, dwelling in the heavenly realms, may the glory of your name be the centre on which our lives turn. Manifest your kingdom realm, and cause your every purpose to be fulfilled on earth, just as it is fulfilled in heaven. We acknowledge you as our Provider of all we need each day. Forgive us the wrongs we have done as we ourselves release forgiveness to those who have wronged us. Rescue us every time we face tribulation and set us free from evil. For you are the King who rules with power and glory forever. Amen  Matthew 6:9-13 TPT To find out more please visit https://wendyrobinson.com.au

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! Matthew 7:7-11 (NIV) “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8 (NIV) Humbly request Acknowledge our longing Ask, and the gift is yours. Seek, and you'll discover. Knock, and the door will be opened for you. For every persistent one will get what he asks for. Every persistent seeker will discover what he longs for. And everyone who knocks persistently will one day find an open door. Matthew 7:7-8 (TPT) To show up and be present “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! Matthew 7:9-11 (NIV) The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:1-6 (NIV) So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12 (NIV)