Don't take the bait

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"My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent."   Proverbs 1:10. NKJV

In other words, don't take the bait. It would be awful to be a fish and realise, too late, that the tasty morsel floating in the water that we have just bitten into, was actually a trap and we've fell for it and this is the end. This is how it can feel to Christian people who have given in to their craving desires and committed sin.

Solomon here, speaks of sinners. Well we're all sinners, but Christians are sinners, saved by grace. Here Solomon is speaking about people who act in a very sinful way. He is saying, they are the ones to be careful of. 
All around us are temptations and people scheming to get us to do a particular thing that we know we should not be doing. A Christian needs to avoid keeping bad company. Friendships need to be made carefully. Rather like it would be foolish for an alcoholic to keep friends with someone who is a heavy drinker; likewise it would be unwise for a Christian to keep company with someone who is likely to drag them away from their faith.

There used to be an old saying, 'Show me your friends and I can see your future.' There is a degree of truth in this statement. We need to be careful where we go and avoid areas which would do us no good at all. No harm can come to us unless we allow ourselves to join in and consent. So wisdom is the name of the game. Wise people distance themselves from risky situations. 

There has always been risks around in the Christian and non-Christian circuits. It is being careful about what we do and where we go that matters. It is maintaining our values. Men and women can so easily wind up in adulterous relationships, whatever their beliefs. There are many predators out in the world who are skilled in tricking people into things that they would usually avoid. It only takes a few drinks from the wrong people and things can go very wrong. Young Christians become involved in sex and drug taking if they fall into the wrong crowd. Abusive situations happen all over the place, as the media is constantly showing us on a daily basis.

It is not only young Christians who fall to temptations; men and women who have been believers for many years can become involved in adultery and viewing porn on the internet.   
Many Christian marriages are falling foul to the devil, as are Christian ministries where pastors become involved in extra marital affairs. Lives and families are broken in two by unwise behaviour such as this. Daily, Christian marriages are biting the dust because of adultery, alcoholism, drug taking and abuse.The devil is not our friend and if he can force a marriage apart, he will. If he can cause a partner to become involved in adulterous relationships, he will. If he can ruin people's lives and see children placed into a care situation because parents can't say no, he will.

Solomon, who was full of wisdom, had the answer to these temptations many years ago. He clearly said, 'Do not consent.' And that is the bottom line. Be watchful and careful wherever you go and whatever you do. The price is way too high to blow things. Wise up!

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

Vindication

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"No weapon formed against you shall prosper. And every tongue which rises against you in judgement, you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me, says the LORD."  Isaiah 54:17  NKJV

This is a promise from the Lord to His people. He will foil accusations and evil plots against us. Oftentimes, we become very hurt when we hear that people have been critical about us and our work. It brings great pain and very often it us uncalled for. People will always be people and can become jealous because we appear to be thriving when they're not. Therefore, this jealousy comes in the form of personal attacks against us. Mostly this is malicious gossip behind our backs but also it can involve false accusations that soil our integrity. Now this can come from a non-believer or a fellow believer. When it's the latter, it can be doubly hurtful.

The devil uses people, Christians and non-Christians to mount up against His people and this can bring FEAR. Bob Gass uses the acronym of fear as: FALSE, EVIDENCE, APPEARING, REAL. and it is so true. Criticism can come against us so powerfully that it appears so convincing and the sad thing is, many people begin to belief this. It is a weapon sent by the evil one - an arrow sent to bring harm to God's people (Ephesians 6:16). It comes in the form of a SCUD missile and can cause all sorts of damage to our reputation and integrity.

God can thwart these attacks before they begin to do much damage. However, He will sometimes allow these piercing arrows to strike us and cause all kinds of chaos for us. We often wonder why but we should realise that if God hadn't have been with us in the first place, it could have been far worse that it was and He will always give us the ability to get through the situation. Whatever happens, He will vindicate us and whether or not we see it, He will deal with the person who has been this bad to us. Their punishment may not be the way we would have expected and may not be until they stand before the judgement seat of Christ. But they will answer for this behaviour. This is why, we should always let God handle these things instead of blustering in and causing more trouble than there should be. Leave it to Him, we'll always make a mess of things.

The weapons that may come against us, may be, sickness and all sorts of problems. They may also be curses that have been made against us. However, as the above scripture tells us, they will not prosper against us. We can simply pray against these attacks as follows:

'Lord, I refuse to be afraid of this weapon the devil has brought against me because I know that according to Your word, it cannot prosper. I trust You to protect me and I thank you for it now, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Whatever happens, whether God deals with the weapon now or at a later date, we can be sure that we are protected and can move on without any fear.

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard 

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

The Name of Jesus

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"9 Therefore, God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name  which is above every name, 10 that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow of this in heaven and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the Glory of God the Father."  Philippians 2 9-11. NKJV

The power in the Name of Jesus is amazing. It is the Name above all names. Let us look at  the name of Jesus in a breakdown form:

  J - Justice. Jesus brings justice to everything that we place in His hands. The world may
                       use and abuse us but as we cast things over to the King, He takes care of 
                       every issue, and brings us out on top. He is totally committed to us and will
                       stop at nothing to bring justice into our lives.

  E - Elite.     This can be classed as the best or most skilled members of a group. One only
                       has to take for example, the Special Air Service (SAS). They are considered
                       the best fighting group in the world, therefore Elite fits their reputation very
                       much. 
                       Jesus has given us a place in His group (family) and we are the Elite. We lack
                       for nothing and through Jesus, we can do all things. We are Elite members of 
                       His Kingdom and we need to recognise and receive that.

  S - Salvation
                       Through His death on the cross, He has made the way possible to have a
                       a place in Heaven. We have done nothing to gain this place. Jesus did it for
                       us. Salvation is a Greek word meaning Soteria. It means deliverance, preserv-
                       ation, soundness, prosperity, happiness, rescue and general well-being. It is a
                       present possession with a fuller realisation in the future. 

  U - Unmerited Favour
                       There was or is nothing that anyone can do to obtain a place in Heaven. For 
                       all who believe, God gives this freely. It is called Grace. Just stop and think 
                       for a moment. Your insurance premiums are paid up to date. Jesus paid them
                       with His death on the cross. He was delighted to do it too. Why? Because he 
                       loves us with all he has. He opens His arms to us and those nail- pierced 
                       hands, reach out and embrace us with His love and compassion. 

  S - Sinner's friend
                       Jesus was a radical. he went where He chose to go and that was to people in
                       need, just like us. Many times, He was seen in tax collectors homes - the 
                       scum of the time, also prostitutes gathered round Him, not to offer their
                       favours but because, here was a man who knew how to treat a woman with 
                       respect and honour. They had never seen anyone like this before. 
                       Everywhere He went, there was always a host of people following Him. They 
                       just couldn't resist Him and He couldn't resist them either.
                       And He is the same with you and I. He simply cannot resist us. He loves us
                       more than we could ever imagine. He is our friend and wants us to be His too.

Now if that doesn't move you, nothing will. The Name of Jesus. The one and only true God, the Word made flesh, the one who would go out and search for you, if you were the only one lost in the whole world. He loves us. Wow!

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

Growing Tomatoes

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"26 The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground, 27 and should sleep by night and rise by day and the seed should sprout and grow; he himself does not know how. 28 For the earth yields crops by itself ; first the blade then the head, after that the full grain in the head. 29 But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has now come."  Mark 4:26-29

Planting seed and eventually having a harvest is quite an experience. In fact, it is some kind of miracle in itself. We plant little seeds and if we have prepared the ground and taken care of things, eventually, we have an abundance. It's amazing. Take for example tomatoes. We can buy the plant, that is true, but there is something challenging about planting your own seed.

We plant the seed in small pots, water when required and then wait until a plant comes through. Life is seen then, although, the life began when they were planted. Next, when large enough, we transplant them to the ground or a grow bag. After preparation, the plants are planted on and we then nurture these little gems until they are a fully grown plant. 

It's important that attention is paid throughout the whole growing process in order to get healthy fruit. We need to break off the side shoots, check for bugs, continue to water when needed, before harvest. At anytime, especially in a greenhouse, the plants can become too hot and wilt; they can also be overwatered and rot. The plant will not bear fruit until the right time. It takes time and patience; diligence and dedication in order to receive a good harvest. 

This is so similar to our lives as a Christian. We need nurturing. We need to know what God has for our lives. We need to pray and study God's Word in order to know this. We also need to be on guard 24/7 to ward off attacks. Rather like vegetables growing in the garden, bugs and slugs can attack and ruin the plants. Likewise, the devil can and will attack us at times because he doesn't wants us becoming too powerful towards him. If we're powerful in God, we'll pray him out of situations and spoil his plans to hurt us and others. 

The important thing is, if we don't put in, we won't be able to take out. We need to invest in the kingdom of God in order to inherit victory. This is why, reading our bibles, praying and spending time with Jesus is so very important. It really should be the first thing we do each morning. Rather like a breakfast, that sets us up for the day, a quiet time with Jesus will do the same and more. 

Get into the habit of spending each morning with the King you will then be well on the way to your harvest. God has so much for each one of us. We need to seek Him so that we can found out what that is.

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard  

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

'I can't do this - yes you can' Part three

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"16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. 18 He who believes in Him is not condemned, but he who does not believe is condemned already , because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."  John 3:16 - 18

These are Jesus' words and it is most important how a person reads them. They carry life or death They determine where a person will spend eternity when they die. A person has the choice to believe in Jesus, as their Saviour, or reject Him. This determines whether a person will spend eternity in Heaven, with Jesus and the rest of the saints; or in hell with the non-believers. The choice must be made while we are alive. It'll be too late when we die.

Some may say, 'I can't do that, I've got a life to live, I can't spend it reading the bible and going to church. How boring is that.' My reply to that would be, 'You can do that, if you want to. It's your choice; no one is forcing you.' The person may continue, 'I can't find the time in my busy schedule to fit church and Christianity in as well. Life's too busy.' That is very true. It is. But the busy-ness can end, just like that, and if it ends as a non-believer, then you will not go to Heaven.

'Well, that's just not fair, I've always lived a good life; I've not hurt anyone and I give regular to charities.' That's commendable, but God's Word says in Ephesians 2:8 'For by Grace you have been saved through faith and that not of yourselves. It is the gift of God.' Basically, it's great to give our time and finance to for instance, third world countries, but it will not get you into Heaven. We can't buy our way there. It is by Grace, which means God's unmerited favour. We don't deserve this. It's His free gift to us, we cannot buy it, earn it or win it in a raffle. God gives it freely but we need to give our lives to Him.

'I can't do that.' Fine, that's your choice but the price is a very high one to pay for unbelief. Eternity is a very, very long time. While believers will be enjoying life with Jesus, whatever that will be like, non-believers will spend eternity in regret, separated from their loved ones, who believed. Is it worth the risk?

The first part of the title of this commentary, is, 'I can't do this,' and believe me, no one can get to Heaven except through Jesus. 'I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.' (John 14:6) You may be a millionaire in this life, but you can't take it with you when you die and if you don't know Jesus, there's no way that you'll be with Him, except for the judgement, where everyone will have to stand before Him and give an account for their lives. (Romans 14:10-12)

So as we come to the end of this series on, 'I can't do this - yes you can;' give some serious thought to where you want to be when your life ends. If there were two trains going to two different destinations, one a great place, the other horrible, you would need to make a choice. Likewise, a choice has to be made for your salvation. What will it be?

If you want to be sure of your salvation, say this prayer with me:

'Lord Jesus, I realise that I need You. I can't live my life without You. I want to be saved; I want to know You and have You as my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart and forgive my sins. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and help me to follow You for the rest of my days. In Jesus' Name. Amen'

If you said this prayer, you're born again. Get yourself a bible, join a church and get to know the best friend you'll ever have - Jesus.

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

'I can't do this.' "Yes you can.' Part two

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"O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You."
                                                                                                            2 Chronicles 20:12 NKJV

Carrying on from yesterday, we find Jehoshaphat in a great dilemma. a great multitude of armies were coming against him in battle. It looked certain defeat. Surely nothing or no one could save them from this. However, Jehoshaphat had a 'I can' attitude about him. He didn't know what he could do about this predicament but he wasn't about to give up. He declared a fast and and sought the LORD for guidance. That's a good move. Whenever we are in a situation that appears to be an impossible one, God is the one to seek. He is the God of the impossible.

Jehoshaphat united the assembly in prayer. His attitude was one such as, God has done great things in the past, I know He will do it again. He was honest as he stood before the people and prayed. He told them that he didn't have the answer to this. He could only trust God. He prayed:

"O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You."

He humbly laid it before God and told Him basically, 'Lord we don't know what to do here, but You do. I trust You LORD. Our eyes are upon You. We're counting on You, LORD. (We're just casting this burden on You.'  Psalm 55:22)

That is the way to pray; honestly and humbly. Jehoshaphat wasn't saying he 'Can't'. He was telling God, 'We can't do this alone LORD, but with Your help we can defeat this enemy and claim the victory. And God answered his prayer.

Let's put this into today's perspective. What is it that is causing you fear or anxiety? Jehoshaphat feared and no doubt was quite anxious but he had a, 'I'm not giving up," attitude. He was not going to give in. Yes, he was human and he feared but he did the most responsible thing. He called God into the equation. He called on His help. He cast the burden onto the Lord's shoulders, because God is able- very able.

Don't you think He can handle this difficult situation for you? Of course He can, but if you don't give it to Him, you'll have to struggle alone. He wants you to pray, to humble yourselves and pray: 

'If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.' ( 2 Chronicles 7:14 ).

Come on, it's time to remember that you are more than a conqueror but you can't do it alone. You need God to give you the victory. You can do this. Give it a try, right now!

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard 

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

"I can't do this - Yes you can!"

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"Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us."  
                                                                                                                Romans 8:37. NKJV

To be a conqueror means you're one who overcomes by gaining control. Does that sum you up? Are you a person who quickly gains the control over things that come against you so quickly that you don't really have the time to think? Yes you are but you may need to re-tune a few things.

As a Christian, one who has the power of God Almighty dwelling within your heart, you should never say, 'I can't do this', because you can - with God's help; because you are more than a conqueror. The bible says you are and that does not lie. It is full of truth. Therefore, in the words of Smith Wiggesworth, 'if God says it, I believe it and that settles it.'

Bob Gass says, "Life will either bless you or bury you. The difference lies in having the right attitude. When they throw dirt at you - and they will, just shake it off and step on it."

A conqueror stays in control of things. A more than a conqueror person has Jesus in them and therefore has the help of Heaven at his or her grasp. The thing is we need to be dead to reaction. A hot-headed person reacts without thinking first and makes a complete mess of things, stirring up hurt and destruction wherever they may be. There is no control in this. This person is not a conqueror, let alone a more than conqueror. A more than conqueror takes things on the chin and thinks things through before acting, if at all. Where do you fit in this? Is there room for improvement?

A more than conqueror never says, "I can't'. He or she knows that they can do all things through Christ who strengthens them. (Philippians 4:13) However, this verse must be read as doing things in Christ's power, not in your own. He is the superior one, not us.

God wants each of us to have the victory through Jesus. He wants us well; He wants us holy; He wants us honest and truthful; He wants us humble, not puffed up; He wants people to see Jesus in each one of us by the things that we do and say each and everyday. 

Ask yourself, 'Do people see Jesus in me - in my reactions; in how I speak and handle things; in how I live my life? Self evaluation is a good thing. Here, the question is, 'What do people see in me?' 'Do they see Jesus?' You may say, "I can't live up to His expectation of me." Yes you can, because if Jesus lives in you you are more than a conqueror. 'Yes, but you don't know what I have to put up with in my life.' No, I don't; but God does and He still says that you are more than a conqueror through Him who loved us.

So change your, 'I can't,' into, 'I can'. Watch your reactions and be in control of every situation by allowing Jesus to operate through your life more and more. A final thing, make sure that your time with Jesus is regular, every day; praying, reading the Word and spending time with Him. More than conquerors need this daily!

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com