The Stronghold of your life

"Though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war may rise against me, in this I will be confident."   Psalm 27:3.  NKJV

Many things come against us as we live each day of our lives. We hear of wars and rumours of possible wars. Countries push the boundaries and threaten the livelihood of its people. Politicians squabble in parliament and refuse to see eye to eye. Most places we look, there is unrest and tensions. Everyone seems intent to be better than anyone else.

In our personal lives, tensions may come against us; our own family may all of a sudden have a major problem. Our working life may take a nasty turn and the bank manager may not be our friend of the month. In addition to this, our neighbours may all of a sudden decide they are going to move and new neighbours with a reputation of being a major, problem family, may move in. To top all of this, the dog and cat may have to see the vet, giving us a bill the size of the national debt and our child may come home from school giving us the news that they have been excluded. Problems and more problems piling up against us until we're at screaming pitch and in danger of having a nervous breakdown.

In our text today, King David outlines how he handled the many problems and attacks that came his way. He says, 'Though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war may rise against me, in this I will be confident.' David had learnt the benefits of living by faith and placing God first in his life. He may have blown a few things - after all, he was a human like us. But, nevertheless, God was his mainstay; the stronghold of his life.

Jerry Vine writes:
'Psalm 27 is a psalm written by David clearly at a very difficult time. He describes the wicked coming against him and an army encamping around him and a war rising up against him, yet his heart was not afraid. He had learned through the years that the God who cared for him in the past would continue to care for him in the present moment. And the troubles of today would strengthen him for the troubles of tomorrow. The same is true for us.'
                (Strengthened by Trouble - Copyright 2018 Jerry Vine, The Vines Epository Bible)

David strengthened himself in the fact that, what he had been through in the past, he had survived because God was with him. This gave him the confidence to know - without doubt - that God would not let him down, He would be with him, again and again. He had no need to worry. And neither do we! God is the same God who rescued King David and He will rescue us when we get into any particular problem - if we call on Him. That's the secret. Romans 10:15 says:

'For whoever calls on the Name of the Lord shall be saved.'

If we don't call on Him, how can we expect Him to come and rescue us? Strangely enough, whenever we are going through problems, one of the last things we do, is call on Him for help. This is probably because we are so absorbed in what is happening to us, that our focus is stolen from us, with the shock of it all. Ask yourself, who would steal your focus? Who is the thief? Who steals our faith? Yes, you're right, it's the devil and he will do all he can to take your mind off Jesus so that you come down with a crash. King David, knew better. He focused on his past victories; on the many times that God had performed amazing rescue acts for him and he knew God would never let him down.

And this is the same for us. In times of trouble, we need to seek the giver - God. Just a thought here, we need to seek the giver, not the gift. It's no use having the gift if the giver is not present in our lives. Seek God - the giver, and then He will give you the rest.

Now have a good day with the Stronghold of your life - Jesus.

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

The Breath of The Holy Spirit

"4 Prophesy to these bones and say to them, 'O dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! 5 Thus says the LORD God to these bones: "Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live."   Ezekiel 37:4-5. NKJV.  (Read verses 1 - 14)

Ezekiel had just entered the Valley of dry bones and all around, the bones were scattered and they were very dry. God asked him if he thought that these bones could live v3; and he told him to prophesy to them. This may have appeared a daunting task.

William Barclay says in his commentary to Matthew about Jesus' birth:

'The Spirit is the creator of the world and the giver of life. So, in Jesus there came into the world God's life-giving and creating power. That power which reduced the primal chaos to order, came to bring order to our disordered lives. That power that breathed life where there was no life, has come to breathe life into our weaknesses and frustrations. We could put it this way - we are not really alive until Jesus enters our lives.'  
                                                                                                      William Barclay

At times, life and people can drag us down. Some people, who have the world's problems on their shoulders, have the capability to drag us down with them if we're not careful. There is a story of a Christian man who when out walking, noticed a chap standing on the edge of Beachy Head. It was obvious he was going to jump off. The Christian man rushed over to him and after spending some time talking to him, they both jumped off.

We may smile but time spent with someone who has depression, can rub off onto us unless we're careful. They are very dry; their situation is very dry and after endless times of trying to help them, we can become very dry too. Therefore, when we meet with people like this, we need to cover ourselves in prayer and go at their pace, not our own. Just offering a listening ear - one in which we listen with the third ear, thinking, 'what are they really saying here,' and not interrupting them; and also allowing them to see the love of God, can be a recipe for success. Going in with Bible open and prayers of deliverance may be the wrong move at the time!

As time goes on, the person may allow us to pray with them. This is the time when we can speak to the situation (see verse 4). Broken things and people can be mended but it may take some time. When a person is broken, there's nowhere for them to go; they've reached rock bottom and are hanging by a thread. We have no answers so don't try to find one. Like the bones here, very dry and dead things can be restored but there's only one - Jesus - who can do this. Our job is just to be there offering our friendship and allowing them to realise that there is a way forward.

You may be the person that is needing help at this time. Life may have robbed you, kicked you and trod you down in the dirt. Let me just say this, even though you may not want to hear this at the moment, there is life out there and it's for living. You may feel very dry and very torn apart. This is what happens when you're broken. But you can be mended. New breath can fill you again and put you back on the road.

I want to pray for you right now because I feel God wants me too. As Ezekiel was told:

"I prophesy to these bones and say to them, 'O dry bones hear the word of the LORD'

'In Jesus' Name, I ask the Holy Spirit to breathe new life into these very dry areas today. Holy Spirit, breathe and fill these people with Your love, Your joy and Your peace. Dryness, we command you to depart in Jesus' Name and Lord, I ask You to fill this vacant area with Your life, Your power and Your fire.

In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Now receive it!

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard 

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

He's right beside you

"The LORD is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?"    Psalm 27:1.  NKJV

There is no reason at all why we should tremble, or be fearful of anything or anybody. God is always right beside us wherever we go. 

Whenever we have to go somewhere we've never been, or we don't really fancy going, it's so much better to have someone to go with us. Somehow, it makes us feel safer and to have more confidence. This is helpful for hospital appointments but can cover a multitude of other venues. This is why it is comforting to know that wherever we go  or whatever we have to do, Jesus is right there, next to us. We're never alone. 

We may have to go to some really difficult and dark places at times; places that make the hairs on the back of our necks, stand up. However, Jesus is there to light the way through the darkness for us; and it's almost as if He says, 'Don't worry, it'll be ok - we'll do this together. The words of the song which has been a favourite with the Liverpool Football Club for years, goes:

'When you walk through a storm, hold your head up high, and don't be afraid of the dark'

I can hear you singing this. Joking aside, the words of the song say it all. Darkness and fear may be all around at times, but there's no need to fear. Jesus is there with us.
Part of the meaning of 'Salvation', in the Greek, is a word called Soteria which among other things such as our eternal outcome, is deliverance and rescue. Therefore there is no need to fear; to panic or to get ourselves all in a state. He will deliver us or throw a lifeline to us, whenever we need it.

Sometimes, we just cannot help but fear some things. After all, some life events are massive and cause us to tremble a little. It can be daunting. Yet, God doesn't want like this for too long. Initially, we may feel that way because we are human. But we must be quick to check this and let Him lead the way. It's His strength - the joy of the LORD that gets us through each and every obstacle.

Are you afraid of someone or something? It may be a human being who is intimidating you. Try and shrug it off and cast your care upon Him, for He cares for you.  (1Peter 5:7). You may be starting a new job, going to uni or preparing to do something for God. Again, cast this care; this fear, on Him. You can do this, right? Yes you can!

Are you a worrier? Do your worries give you sleepless nights? Jesus tells us not to worry. It serves no purpose, except to lead us to sickness and possibly an early grave. Instead, meditate on Matthew 6:34:

'So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today.'  (Matthew 6:34   NLT)

When you consider things, worry is just a distraction which takes us away from who we should be focused on - Jesus.

By the way, Jesus loves you so much!

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard 

daily;ifewithjesus@protonmail.com

'They're making roads that lead to nowhere'

"I am the way, the truth and the life."  John 14:6a.  NKJV

In Gerald Healy's play The Black Stranger, the government, for something to do, have set men to digging roads to no purpose or no destination. A dignified gentleman called Michael, says to his father, 'They're making roads that lead to nowhere.'

This is most certainly not, what we as Christians are doing. We know the way. We know the road where we're going. Following Jesus, we know the destination. We can be certain of it. The title here, may be said of an unbeliever, but not people who know Jesus Christ as their Saviour.

We've all seen the chap with a news board strapped to his front and back declaring the message, 'The time is nigh.' We may smile but Jesus did similar to this, when He came to Galilee. He preached, 'The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the Gospel.' (Mark 1:15)

The chap with the board, nearly always ridiculed, is doing what Jesus did. He is attempting to make roads for people, that lead to somewhere - to Heaven.

Whatever you do for God is not wasted. You may offer hospitality in your church by serving tea and coffee after a service. Or you may be on the welcoming team that greet people who come to church. Some may say that is not a lot, but it is. It's a vital role and it's a road that leads to somewhere - you are serving people; something Jesus loves.

Alternatively, you may be on the 'Subs bench,' waiting to be asked or released to do what you feel you're called for. There's a lot of waiting but you're on a road that leads to somewhere. One day, it will be your time. Until then, pray, praise and build yourself up in God. Get to know Him better. Time with Jesus is never wasted and, let's be grateful that we live in a place of freedom where we can do just that. Many people throughout this world can't. It could cost them their lives just to mention the name of Jesus. But even though they are restricted in following their faith, they are still on a road that leads to somewhere. One day, they will receive their reward.

You are so special and God loves all that you do, or try to do for Him. Don't walk along that road that leads to nowhere any longer.

Do you feel that you're on a road that leads to nowhere? You're banging your head against a wall because life can be so cruel? If so, stand up; yes stand up. If you know Jesus you are a son or daughter of God. Throw off the blanket of despair - yes it is hard to do, but you can do it! Don't let life keep you on a road that leads to nowhere any longer.

If you don't know Jesus, be a son or daughter today. Fix your eyes on the road that leads to somewhere - life in abundance, right now:

'Lord Jesus
Help me to walk with You on the road that leads to somewhere - life in abundance with You.
Forgive me my sins, fill me with Your Spirit and be my Lord and Saviour. I give You my life, now.
In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard

dailywalkwithjesus@protonmail.com

Be an Encourager

"When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours."   Romans 1:12.  NLT

When you have an opportunity to encourage someone, make sure you take it. You never know what that person is going through at the time. People tend to become what special people in their lives, think of them. So let's always think, believe and express the best towards them. 

The same is true of what we think of ourselves. We may have had so much discouragement in our lives that it just seems natural to believe that we're useless or a failure. The majority of people want to hear good things spoken about them. Many children in social care have suffered emotional abuse, where their parents or carers have ridiculed them all their lives and told them how bad they are, that they begin to believe it. Many kids grew up trying their best to do this and that, only to hear that their best wasn't good enough. Where does a person go when their best isn't good enough?

Marriages fall apart because one partner believes that the other partner isn't good enough. This can be a recipe for adultery and seeking comfort as the wounded partner seeks someone who feels they are good enough.

Yet, when someone hears on a regular basis complimentary comments, it boosts their moral and they begin to believe it. The world breaks people down, but encouragement helps them feel ten feet tall. 

Who do you think needs encouragement today? Can you offer this? If so, do it! Just a few kind but honest words can bring healing and joy to someone who has been trampled on. This may be you. If it is, I want to tell you right here and now, God loves you so very, very much and He thinks you are absolutely wonderful. These are not just empty words; they are honest ones. 

If you want to be encouraged, encourage someone else today. What you sow, you reap. When you give, you receive. Encourage and be encouraged.

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

God's Strategy for a Short Fuse

"19 Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry. 20 Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires."   James 1:19-20.  NLT

We are all susceptible to losing our tempers at times, or generally throwing a wobbly. We wouldn't be human if we didn't. However, if it goes too far it offends the Holy Spirit, so we need to examine ourselves and make some adjustments.

Losing one's temper can render someone out of control at times. We say things we don't mean and then regret them when we've cooled down. The trouble is, we can't take the words back that we've spoken and they may have either, damaged someone quite badly, or blown our Christian witness to pieces and then we end up apologising about fifty times to try and make amends. It is far better if we can analyse our behaviour and attitudes before things get that far.

There are certain characteristics that trigger our tempers, or let people know that we're in a bad mood. Let's look at these:

Aggression
We can often walk around in this manner showing our aggression. It can show through our  body language - how we present ourselves to other people; how we look at people and how they view our faces when we act this way. Some people may have been brought up in a rough area, where they had to stand up for themselves at an early age. They may have been bullied at school and since made a vow that never again will this happen. Also ex servicemen may act this way if they feel threatened in any particular way. 

Retaliation
Some of us, may feel the need to retaliate when someone has hurt us in any way. Instead of turning the other cheek, retaliating is one of the key issues that leads to mayhem. Most marital rows could be diffused very quickly, if the partner on the receiving end didn't retaliate. This is difficult, I know, but is a wonderful way to quickly end arguments. It's difficult for a person to argue when the other person isn't arguing back.

Bad-mouthing
This speaks for itself. Criticising, slagging things or people off or generally being 'gobby', leads to chaos. Really, we need to be careful what comes out of our mouths. It may take some time to correct this but, eventually it is possible to take control of the tongue and get our hearts right. Think, 'Does my words build people up or fire bullets at them?' Ephesians 4:29 has the answer: 'Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. ' Learn to choose the right things to say; get your heart right with God and be in control.

Threatening
We can be threatening towards people and situations. Basically, if we chose to remain quiet instead of blowing a gasket, things would very quickly quiet down. However, if we don't stay quiet, all of the other things above, kick in and we have a war on our hands.

How do you fit in with the above mentioned? Are you squeaky clean or are you cringing with shame. If you belong to the latter, of which I am a founder member, don't beat yourself up. We have a Saviour who knows all about this, and let's face it, He had His work cut out trying to teach Peter a better way at first. Jesus knows each one of us very, very well. He is wanting to help us but we have to make the first move. 

Firstly, determine in your heart that there will be no more Mr or Mrs Nasty Guy.
Secondly speak to God about your short comings - He knows anyway, but wants us to confess.
Thirdly pray about how you handle things.
Finally work on these areas until you have overcome them.

Father, bless each one of us as we deal with these matters. Help us to get things right.
In Jesus' Name. Amen

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

You will get through it!

"When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you."  Isaiah 43:2.  New Living Translation

This reminds me of when Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the hot furnace that King Nebuchadnezzar had placed them in, 'Not a hair on their heads was singed and their clothing was not scorched. They didn't even smell of smoke.'  (Daniel 3:27. NLT). This is just one example of the protection and help that God offers us each day.

It's difficult at times. Life seems to throw up all kinds of things that are determined to maim and rob us of our peace. It can be unbearable and we're tempted to believe that we'll never be able to get through this. Don't forget though, Satan throws darts at us to try and take us out. Therefore, we need to have the shield of faith raised, at all times. (Ephesians 6:16), although we can't blame him for everything that happens. Often, it is just life. But you can bet your bottom dollar, that he's looking for an opportunity to get involved.

God knows what He is doing! He is with us all the time; we just need to trust Him more and more and also, be patient. He's working a way through for us. There used to be a Christian song we sang in church, 

'God will make a way, where there seems to be no way; 
 He works in ways we cannot see, He will make a way for me.'  Copyright 1990 Don Moen

And this is so true. The water may be wide and deep but He's a lifeguard, qualified for saving us and putting us back onto dry land. We won't drown.

What are you struggling with at this time? 
If it's illness? He's the best doctor around and has a great track record at healing people. 
Is it financial worry? He doesn't want you worrying because that will solve nothing. Give it to Him and He'll get you through.
Whether it's, family problems; people problems; work problems, housing problems or whatever else. He is there to help, and you don't need to fill in forms to receive this help. It is there and free. He will make a way through for you. He's promised us:

'Seek the Kingdom of God, above all else and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.'  (Matthew 6:33. NLT)
Bring your problem to Him now:

'Lord Jesus
I need your help with__________________________________________________________
I don't know what to do, but I know that You do; and my eyes are on You. Please help me to get through this situation.  Amen'

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com