You've enough on your plate

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"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow ,for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble"  Matthew 6:34 NKJV

Worry and fear are killers. They kill faith for one thing. Fear is the exact opposite to faith. If fear is hanging around in your life, it gives way to worry and faith goes out the window. Worry and fear also injure our health and bring on all sorts of medical issues.

At times, our load for today is so large that we physically don't know how we're going to get through it all. Do you feel like that? It may be your job or it may be the busy work load at home. It can be stressful unless we take control of it.
I remember one time when I was a social worker in a very busy city office. I had been on leave for just over two weeks and the night before returning to work, I was fretting about all the work that would be in my tray at work. The life of a social worker is busy and, unless there's an emergency in your case load, the work stays in your tray until your return. That can be a nightmare.
So I lay in bed worrying about all I had to do and God took me into  dream, I was awake but only aware of Him leading me into my office and picking up my work tray. 'My what a lot of work we have,' He said. He then led me to my desk and He helped me get through it all. When I did go to work the following morning, the tray was full, as expected, but there was nothing really pressing and I cleared it all up within an hour. Amazing, but I'd fretted for nothing and I learned that God is in control, if we let Him be.

In Proverbs 16:3, it says, 'Commit your works to the LORD, and your thoughts will be established.' The word 'Commit', gives the picture of a camel, with a heavy load on its back.When it comes to remove this load, it kneels down and rolls over onto its side, depositing the load on the ground. What a lovely picture of rolling our many worries and cares over to God.

We need to learn from this picture. God does not want any of us stricken with worry and care; loaded down with problems that are causing us all kind of upset. Instead, He wants us to roll them over to Him. He is capable and He is interested and He is willing to help. However, He's a gentleman and waits for us to allow Him into the situation. He doesn't usually burst in of His own accord. He can do, but usually He wants us to call to Him.

Why don't you try this today? You cannot take on worries from tomorrow. You can only Cope with what you have today. Give it to God, NOW!

I would love to hear from you. dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

Rejection

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"Can anything good come out of Nazareth?"  John 1:46 NKJV. (read John 1:19 - 51

Jesus had been walking around Bethabara, (Bethany) which was beyond the Jordan, when John the Baptist pointed out to them that Jesus was the 'Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world' John 1:29. The next day, Andrew and probably, John, followed Jesus, who turned around and asked them who they were seeking. They asked Him where He was staying and He replied, 'Come and see.' Andrew later went to tell his Brother - Simon Peter who went to meet Jesus. They were His first disciples.
The next day, Jesus wanting to go to Galilee, met Philip and asked him to follow Him too. Philip found Nathanael and excitedly told him that they had found, who the prophet's had spoken about, Jesus of Nazareth. Nathanael's reply sounds rather rude, 'Can anything good come out of Nazareth?' However, it wasn't derogatory. He knew the birthplace of the Messiah was not Nazareth but Bethlehem and he also knew the history of the place.

Nazareth had only been a village at the time with only a small population of a few hundred. Following the death of Herod the Great in 4BC, the Roman armoury had been robbed and the Roman's had retaliated by crucifying 2000 Jews to pay the price of such a revolt. Less than a decade later, when Jesus was only a boy, another Galilean instituted a tax revolt, resulting in further crucifixions. Therefore, it is not too difficult to understand Nathanael's words.

The main thing is, Jesus had been born in Bethlehem, as the prophesied Messiah but with His parents, moved to Nazareth where he trained to be a carpenter, and He continued doing this until He was ready to fulfil God's Word when He was around 30. Therefore, it was quite difficult for people who knew Him. In fact, when He visited His home town with the disciples, He was rejected by the people, who believed Him to be just the carpenter, Joseph's son. He said to His disciples, 'A prophet is not without honour except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.' Mark 6:4.

If Jesus was rejected, so will you be, especially by those who knew you before you became, 'religious'. Many fail to see that religion covers a multitude of faiths and myths, some of which are questionable. To follow Jesus, we are Christians.
However, for some, there is a price to pay. Some people may turn against you and that includes family and friends. When I became a Christian and was training with a bible college to be a minister, close family members were heard saying, 'We don't want a vicar in the family,' which was quite funny really because I didn't wish for this either. I was more led to evangelism. However, God has a way of changing things around.

It can be quite difficult at first, when people know you're a Christian. Some can make you feel like an alien from another planet. Some can be very hurtful and if you were to take a look at what is happening in Third World countries, many Christians are suffering terrible ordeals because of their faith. Some are imprisoned until they denounce the Name of Jesus. Some suffer death.

You may be suffering rejection in many ways. 'Can anything good come out of Nazareth?' Yes, His Name is Jesus and He is worth the rejection. He is worth the suffering. He is worth what you may be going through at this time. If you're a Christian, He rescued you from Death - from your sins, by dying on the cross in your place. He paid the price. And that is worth every bit of suffering.

He knows what you are going through. You may be the only Christian in your family, in your street or in your job. However, you're not alone. He is right there beside you - always.

I'd love to hear from you. Contact me at dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

Pay attention part two

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"And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, 'Look at us.' So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them."  Acts 3:4 - 5 NKJV (Read the whole chapter)

Peter and John helped the disabled man to be pro-active. They determined that they had his attention and that he was expectant, and then they lifted him onto his feet. This act brought life to the man's legs and he went leaping and praising God. Wouldn't you, after a life time of not being able to walk?
This pro-activeness helped the man to receive and also realise that, giving God his attention and being expectant had brought him healing. Do you want healing? Or is there someone close to you who does? Are you willing to pay attention; be expectant, be pro-active and receive the healing you so want? Then 'In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk - or be healed.' In other words 'Get up!'

I once met a lady at a healing crusade who was lying on a mattress. I spoke with her as she laid there and she told me that she had come because her family wanted her to get well. However, she didn't want healing as she would lose all of her DSS benefits. I couldn't believe what I was hearing but she was serious. Was she healed? No she wasn't, because she didn't want it. She wouldn't get up.

Some times, we can get so used to being ill and dependent on others that we can't envisage a life of good health. People may have been looking after us for so long that we've got used to it. ENOUGH! GET UP IN JESUS" NAME and receive the healing that Jesus wants to give you. "Yes, but not everyone is healed are they,' you may be saying. 'Jesus doesn't heal everyone, does He.'
Well my answer to that is two-fold, I can't understand when healing doesn't come to a person and I've seen that many times. However, I believe that when a person is prayed for - for healing - that something happens deep inside of them. I will never doubt Jesus. Is there something in your life preventing the healing power of Jesus. I say this, not to lay a trip on anyone, but just out of genuine concern, because the Word of God says we are healed by the stripes of Jesus 1 Peter 2:24. So is something blocking this? It may be in your interest to investigate this. 
Some people drink far too much drink, get splattered on drugs, commit adultery, watch pornography and then go to church on a Sunday and expect God to meet with them This cannot be. Sin is blocking the way. Firstly get rid of the sin and try again.

Finally, be willing for God to make some changes in your life. Nobody likes change, it takes us out of our comfort zone; but then, maybe that is needed. Also, get to know what God wants you to change, and then go ahead and do it. I promise you, make this sacrifice and you'll never look back.

Let me lead you in prayer:

'Lord Jesus, I've lived my life for myself- too long. It's time to make some changes. Firstly, I ask You to be my Lord and Saviour; forgive my sins and fill me with Your Holy Spirit. I give my life to You, today. Amen.'

Alternatively, 'Lord, I've been a Christian for sometime now but I've only learned the basics. I mean business with You now Lord and ask You to help me forge forward in Your Holy Spirit. Amen'

If you would like to contact me dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

Pay attention - Part one

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"And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, 'Look at us.' So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them."  Acts 3:4 - 5 NKJV (Read the whole chapter)

This man had been lame from birth and daily was laid at the gate Beautiful to beg for money. He knew nothing else. When Peter spoke to him, he gave them every bit of his attention because he thought he was going to receive some cash. But what he did receive was his healing and a life changing experience.

In verse 5 there are some very important points to consider:

HE GAVE THEM HIS ATTENTION. This is what Jesus wants us to do - to fully give him our attention without the distractions of the world around us, taking away our focus. We must find a time and a place to spend time alone with Him - for our own preservation. God has so much He wants to show us. He's our friend. If we have a friend and don't speak to him or her and you don't meet together, how long is that friendship going to last. Friendships don't usually survive this type of behaviour. With God, He wants to spend time with us, listening to our problems and receiving our praise and adoration.

EXPECT TO RECEIVE FROM HIM. God has so much to give us and tell us and we need to get into a place where we can receive this from Him. He wants us to receive His love and friendship, after all, He created us and we are his children. You want to spend time with your children, don't you? You want to give them all your love and attention too. Well, God is the same. He's our Father and longs to be with us everyday. Tony Campolo says it's almost like God carries a photo around of us and can't wait to show someone a pic of His children. I can't back that up, but I feel God is very much like this.

GET INTO POSITION. God has so much that He wants us to know and He wants to share it with us. However, we need to get into position in order to hear from Him. Quite simply, how we do that is to determine a set time (if this is possible) to read your bible and pray. Don't just rush in and bombard Him with, 'I want, I need, NOW!' He'll listen and probably answer you. But it is far better to grab a cup of coffee and spend a 'Quiet time', with Jesus. Praise Him, play a worship CD and sing along with it or just listen - praising Him. Laying flat out on the floor may seem alien to you or someone else if they see you. But it's a wonderful way of showing God that we submit to Him.
After you've praised and worshipped him for a while, read the bible. It helps if you read it in conjunction with a daily reading - such as this, or one that suits you better. Allow God to speak to you; speak back to Him. Let Him love you and take the burdens from your heart and shoulders. Pray, pray and pray some more. But, listen, listen and listen also. He doesn't speak in a loud audible voice but one in which you feel inside your heart that He is speaking to you. He may speak to you through a bible reading and you'll know without doubt that this is for you.

Give it a try. Tomorrow in part two, we'll look at this a little deeper. Have a great day and be blessed.


If you would like to contact me, email dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com or leave a comment

Hang in there

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"The armed men went before the priests who blew the trumpets, and the rear guard came after the ark, while the priests continued blowing the trumpets . Now Joshua had commanded the people saying, 'You shall not shout or make any noise with your voice, nor shall a word proceed out of your mouth, until the day I say to you, 'Shout!' Then you shall shout' " Joshua 6:9 - 10 NKJV.

The people of Israel must have felt they were facing an impossible task. They, together with the priests were to march around the city of Jericho once each day, for six days. Then on the seventh day, they were told they would march around the city seven times and on on the seventh journey they were to shout - loudly and the walls of the city would fall down.

Now let's look at this carefully. The city perimeter was 600 metres long. Around the city there were two walls, 15 foot apart and between 12 and 17 feet high. The walls were over 6 feet in thickness. On the outside of the walls was a ditch 27 feet wide and 9 foot in depth which was cut through solid bedrock. Adding to this, there were armed guards around the top of the walls. The very idea of it was quite absurd to them.
Then Joshua told the men that as they marched they were not to speak - at all. There was to be complete silence, not a word was to be spoken out of their mouths.

Why did they have to remain silent until the last walk around the city? Quite simply, because Joshua would have remembered the moanings, groaning and complaints of the former generation who had been led out of Egypt by Moses. They never stopped moaning and paid the price of not getting to the promised land because of their insolence and disobedience. Joshua didn't want a repeat of this. He didn't want faithless talk being spoken. He wanted faith not doubt. If they had been allowed to speak they would probably have been speaking doubt and failure to the task ahead. Therefore, he told them to be silent until he gave the command to shout. And it happened this way, on the seventh day and the seventh march around the city, Joshua gave the command and the walls came tumbling down.

Unbelievable? Not really. Not when we have a God who can take the impossible and bring victory. Joshua had been given a strategy by God. He followed it totally - obedience. The people did what Joshua commanded - obedience. Joshua believed God totally and he carried out God's Word of being bold and courageous, meditating on His Word and God gave him success.

He was patient. He didn't give up. Many of us may have given up on the sixth time of marching around Jericho. We would then have lost the blessing. Don't give up in your own lives. You don't know how close you are to receiving what God has promised. If you give up now - before you get there, you'll miss out on what God wants to give you.

Your time is coming. be patent and do all that God is telling you to do. It may be taking forever, but it will come if you don't give up. Stay close to God; be obedient to His Word and the walls will come tumbling down on your own, personal Jericho.

If you want to contact me, put a comment below, or email me at dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

You need the Power

'Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of hosts.'   Zechariah 4:6 NKJV

We can have the greatest army of soldiers around us, the best pastor in the world and a church full of friendly Christians backing us, but at the end of the day, without the Spirit of God they are to no avail.
Don't get me wrong, we need people praying for us; people who are discerning and full of God, but without the Power of God inside us, handling the situation it is like a giant before us and we are going nowhere.

The word 'Might', which in Hebrew is chayil, is interpreted as strength, power, force, might (especially an army) valour, substance and wealth and gives us an idea of what I am saying. Notice the word 'Might' in our reading above. We can have all these characteristics but they will not perform what God can perform. The very best of human effort is incapable of doing what God's Spirit can do.

Therefore, what are you facing today? Whatever it is, God can handle it but you and others can't, not without Him. Just think of all the great things that have happened to great men and women of God in the bible. They were all accomplished by the Spirit of God. So how do we go about getting this help. Unlike the world, where one has to make telephone calls requesting help from various organisations and then have to undergo the terrible monotony of pressing this number followed by the hash key and then facing another set of recorded messages, God's office is not like that. In fact, His door is always open 24/7 and He is always pleased to hear from us and offer His help. Even if a million people are requesting his help at the same time.

God is there for you. You know what you're facing today. It's worrying you. You know it's important and you may not be able to share it with anyone else either. You may have tried all you can to solve this issue but nothing has worked. Call out to God, NOW! Ask Him to help you. He is the God of the impossible. He knows what you're going through and He's been waiting for you to recognise your limitations and ask him for help.

You may need healing. You may need help with finance. You may be in a threatening position and need urgent assistance. Your marriage may be crumbling. You may need employment, re-housing, someone to understand your position. God has all the answers and what's more He cares and wants to help you.

Call on Him now, ask His Holy Spirit to come with His power to knock this giant; this mountain out of the way. It may be instant or you may have to wait. Be patient. He's heard you and is working out all the nitty - gritty elements. Say this prayer with me:

'Lord Jesus, I need You. Please come and help me to sort out this....................................................
I give my life to You today, please fill me with Your Holy Spirit. I know I may have said this before but it's important to me today, to say it again.
Lord I ask in Jesus' name. Amen'

Why not leave me a comment below or send me an email if you need prayer or just need to comment in private. I'd love to hear from you.   Mail me at dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

Don't rush around

'Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.'
                                                                                                                  Luke 10:40 NKJV

Mary and Martha, the sisters of Lazarus, both loved Jesus but acted in different ways before Him. Martha was a servant, and had to 'be doing,' all the time - cooking this, cleaning that, making sure everything was spick and span for when Jesus visited. Mary, on the other hand, was the learned kind and wanted to spend time around Jesus' feet as he spoke. She wanted to learn as much about Him as she could and didn't want to miss out on God's Word. Martha was easily distracted in her efforts and tended to miss out on His teaching.

Jesus replied to Martha, 'Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.' Jesus was not telling Martha off - not at all. He was concerned that all of her worries and troubles and wanting everything to be perfect for Him, was taking her away from the main thing - spending time with Jesus.

We all rush around in our everyday lives, going to work, doing the shopping, ironing, cleaning the house, car and garden. And that is ok. But not if it is taking us away from spending time with Jesus. He's the main part of a Christian's life and time must be spent with Him. It's getting our priorities right, and Mary had done this. Martha, was a good lady but she was easily distracted and felt that 'this had to be done, before I do that,' type of thing.

What about you? Do you rush around like a headless chicken at times? Feeling you have got to do this and then that and it must be done yesterday? Do you realise that you're stressing yourself out by this behaviour. Life is not stressing you - you are! Why not step off the fast train and settle for one that takes you on a slower, relaxing and fulfilling journey. You know it makes sense. You also know that God is speaking to you, right now. But what will you do? Will you be a Martha - rushing around making sure everything is ship-shape. Or will you be like Mary - more composed and relaxed in all you do? Yes, jobs need doing but there's a time and a place for everything and it's allowing Jesus to help you to do these important things.


Let me have your comments please. dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com