Our Place of safety

"The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; for You LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You."                                                                                                Psalm 9:9-10.  NKJV

The word 'Refuge,' can also be interpreted as, being a safe place, a shelter, protection and a place of relief. In other words, it can be known as a hiding place. At times through our lives, we have all needed a place to hide. For some this may be from different kinds of abuse. For others it may be a hiding place from being bullied.  A refuge is usually a safe place where one can take time out from the rest of society for a while, until there has been some kind of change to circumstances. A study of Psalm 46 gives us a very good insight of God's care and protection of His people.

We do not always need to go running into a hiding place for protection. If we need this, God provides it. Oftentimes, we just need some space, a time to get away from the cares of the world and take some time out. Where better than to allow God to take us to this place. Psalm 91:1-2 give us a more deeper understanding of God's care and protection for us:

"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, 'He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust."
                                                                                                                Psalm 91:1-2.  NKJV

Where is the secret place? Basically, it's where God is. It is the place where you go to seek Him in your quiet time, that place where you feel safe and encouraged. This can be anywhere but it must be a place where you can be alone with Him and seek some friendship, love and encouragement from Him. Note that when we are with Him, we abide under the shadow of His wing. (Psalm 91:4). Psalm 31:20 says, 'You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence, from the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.'
At times, life can be hard. People may become far too demanding of us; and may also say unkind words about us - words that are not true but are said in such a way that people believe them. These are the times that when we need to seek God in His secret place - His sanctuary and pavilion.

Psalm 91 gives a great insight into the safety of abiding in the presence of God. May I encourage you to take some time out and study and meditate on this Psalm. There is so much to be gained by going through it and it will most certainly give you an understanding of just how much God wants to protect and take care of you. It is also a Psalm of warfare as it gives you promises that you can stand on and oppose any evil that may come your way. Take a look at these three verses from the Psalm:

"Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; for He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your way - "    Psalm 91:9-11   NKJV

Whether you're battered and bruised from what life has given you or you're just needing some time out - in need of refuge - let me encourage you to call out to Jesus; determine to spend quality time with Him on your own. Get into the secret place and let Him build you back up, piece by piece until you're ready to go out again and fulfill the commission that He has placed upon you.

Every Blessing

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

Does your mouth need a service?

"But I say to you that, for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgement.'                                                                                                    Matthew 12:36.  NKJV

Our words matter. They either do good or do a lot of damage. Proverbs 18:21 says, 'Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.' We will reap what we sow. If we sow bad words, word that cause hurt and upset, we will be judged at the end of the day. But actually, things will not go well for us before that, because we will be in a place of unrest, a place where God cannot bless us fully until we repent, if at all. A closer look at this verse shows that, when we speak life, we're speaking about God's perspective on the issue. When we speak death, we're declaring defeat and constant complaint. We need to make our words productive.

Many people speak what they want to without considering what they're about to say first. Once it's out in the open, it's too late. We may see the news as it discusses the latest case of violence or theft and look at the people involved in a judgemental way. 'They need to get a job instead of filling their minds with violence from watching endless videos. This is where they get all this violence from,' we may say. There may be some truth in this but we are not called to judge. Actually, we don't know the circumstances; where they've come from and judging a person before they've been declared guilty is not the way forward. Racial hate is on the increase and God is not pleased. There is enough violence in this world without Christians standing on a soap box, until they have the facts. Yes, we need to make a stand for justice, but firstly, God would want us to find out the whole story before we rush in saying all the wrong things,

'Therefore, be imitators of God as dear children, and walk in love as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.'
                                                                                                         Ephesians 5:1-2

We do well when we consider what Jesus would do in any given situation. Oftentimes, things come at us so quickly that we hardly have the time to process what is happening. To shoot our mouths off in an example such as this, without at least giving the matter a thought, let alone prayer, is the wrong thing to do. This is why we need to be in charge of our mouth. We also need to root out what is happening in our heart, because this fills our mind and our mind feeds the mouth with words. If the heart is not right, it is feeding the wrong stuff to our minds and our thought-life becomes a volatile tool. This volatile tool, if not serviced well can run out of tune with what the Holy Spirit wants us to say. When this happens, words of death are spoken - words that kill and destroy and damage any type of chance of introducing Jesus into the matter. 

Ask yourself this question: 'Am I in control of my mouth - what I say?' Don't just brush over the question. Put it before God, meditate on it and allow the Holy Spirit to give you an MOT. If you pass, you can drive on. If you fail, you need some type of repair and Jesus is a great mechanic. As you submit to Him and allow Him to carry out some work on you, in no time at all, you'll be back on the road.

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

Nothing is impossible

"being fully convinced that what He had promised, He was able to perform."   
                                                                                                                       Romans 4:21.  NKJV

When you look at some issue that is massive, it can look so immovable; so impossible to negotiate that we can be tempted to give it up as a bad job. Don't do that!

God told Abraham that he would father a child (Issac) in his old age. Sarah just laughed at the idea. Let's face it, Abraham was getting on for a 100 years old and Sarah nearly 90; it must have seemed an impossibility for this happen at their age. But Abraham believed.

Just a look at Romans 4:17-22, we see Abraham get into a position where, 'Contrary to hope, in hope believed.' (V18), 'And not being weak in faith,' (V19), 'He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God,' (V20), 'but was fully convinced that what He had promised, He was able to perform.' V21).

You may say, 'Yes, but Abraham was a friend of God, it was different for him.' No, it wasn't, he was the same as you and believe it or not, you are a friend of God's too. 'No longer do I call you servants for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends..' (John 15:15). You are a friend of God as well so believe it.

Supernatural hope (biblical hope) overcame natural hope. We serve a God who gives life to the dead and calls the things that don't exist as though they do! (V17) And He expects us to operate in this same kind of faith; to see things differently; to speak out things differently. 2 Corinthians 5:7 says, 'For we walk by faith not by sight.' Again, 2 Corinthians 4:18 comments, 'while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.' We look at things through the eyes of faith because the natural things are subject to change. In other words, we call things that do not exist as though they did. (V17). And that is faith and this is the way God expects us to live.

We should never consider our limitations or what people may say to negate our faith or what is around us trying to intimidate us. We should press on keeping our eyes on God and speaking the Word of God - the Words of faith. Where sickness is concerned, we need to speak to that sickness and make it get in line with God's Word that says by the stripes of Jesus we were healed. (1 Peter 2:24). Speak to the problems and mountains that you will face in the same manner too, all of course, in the Name of Jesus. 

Receive your healing; receive your blessing; receive that promise that God has given, that dream that God placed on your heart some time ago. Be careful though of the dream-killers; the ones who will try to convince you that God doesn't work this way; that you have heard wrong. Keep pressing on in belief. Be careful though, if you get involved in sin - you come out of God's presence - you may lose what you have achieved. Stay in the presence of the Holy Spirit and get you bible out' seek Him; pray to Him, praise Him. Focus on Him, not the problem. Tell God how big and wonderful He is, that is praise.

Don't forget your angels. They are around waiting for you to get into position, when you are and speak the Word of God, POW! - they will step in and help you as you praise God. Remember Paul and Silas in Acts 16. They were in stocks in a filthy dungeon. But instead of moaning and groaning, they sang and praised God. The result was, their chains fell off. God had spoken - the angels had obeyed and they were set free. And so will you be too.

God has given you all you need to get on and do the job, so position yourself for victory!

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

The Lord's Prayer Part 8

"For Yours is the kingdom, and the power and the glory, forever. Amen."
                                                                                                                    Matthew 6:13.  NKJV

This is the final major topic in our prayer outline:

DIVINE PARTNERSHIP - Praise God for sharing His Kingdom, Power and Glory with you.

God is willing to give His children the best and wants us to share our lives with Him. In John 14 we read:

'Let not you heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions, if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you. I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also'.  John 14:1-3

Jesus is actually preparing a place for us to live in Heaven. It must be a magnificent place because He has been preparing this for over 2000 years. Note the word, 'Mansions'. Have you ever thought that you would live in one of these? Well you will! When He has finished the preparations, He will return to us and take us there. This will be in the End Times - the end of the age. People have been talking about this for many years but it is getting close. One only has to look at the state of the world right now - terrorism, wars, abuse, floods, earthquakes, people stabbing people and beheading them. Total evil, bloodshed and hurt. There will have to be the rise of the anti-christ firstly, but with all of this chaos and pain, even that may be just around the corner. Kenneth Copeland said very recently that, 'We are in the end of the end times,' and I believe it.

But, Jesus will take care of all bible-believing, born again, Spirit-Filled Christians wherever they are. He is sharing His Kingdom with us. He has also shared with us His Power - 'But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you’. Acts 1:8, then, ‘Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy and nothing shall by any means hurt you.'  Luke 10:19. He is also sharing with us, His Glory: 'So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord - who is the Spirit - makes us more and more like Him as we are changed into His glorious image.'  2 Corinthians 3:18 NLT. Wow, look in the mirror and you'll be looking at Jesus. You are a mirror-image.

There is some question as to whether this doxology is in the original manuscript. Some theologians believe Matthew wrote it; others believe that it was added by a scribe at a later date.  There will always be debates about whether this is right or the other. The way forward, I believe, is that it should be accepted that it was in the original text and believed to be what Matthew meant to say. Until God says different, that is what I believe is the right route to take here. Don't forget that there is a thief about (John 10:10). He will rob us of every gem that God gives us if we allow him to. Don't let him. Stand on the Word of God.

We have now come to the end of our study of the Lord's Prayer. There is so much more to reap from this text and I encourage you to meditate on it and expound the scripture until you feel that you have squeezed the life out of it. When you feel this, you'll be wrong, because it is a Living Word and there is no end to it.

Be very Blessed

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

The Lord's Prayer Part 7

"And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one."   Matthew 6:13.  NKJV

Our sixth major topic in our prayer outline is:

POWER OVER SATAN: Pray a hedge of protection about yourselves and your loved ones as in Job 1:9-10 and Psalm 91, and verbally put on the armour of God (Ephesians 6:13-18)

The term, 'And do not lead us into temptation,' has been misinterpreted a few times by people who are unaware of what it really means. Let's set the record straight, God will never tempt us or lead us into temptation:

'Let no man say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God", for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone". 

God will never lead us into temptation, neither will He tempt us. However, He will allow us to be tested. Trials come our way and God provides every way for us to overcome them. Let us not forget, that Jesus was actually led into the wilderness to be tempted (Read Matthew 4:1-22). Actually, in the New Testament, the word for 'temptation,' was often meant to be 'tested,' However, from the devil's standpoint, this was an enticement to sin. From Jesus' standpoint, it was a challenge from Satan to test God's sovereignty and plan. The devil probably felt that he could excel over Jesus in His weakness. He offered Him things that could well have seemed quite intriguing. However, Jesus passed this test.

It is the same with each one of us, trials will come our way and oftentimes, God will allow this. As Jesus did, we need to overcome these trials or tests with the Word of God - 'It is written', before they turn into temptations, We have great comfort in God's Word at this time, because He will not allow us to be tested or tempted beyond what we can stand:

'No temptation has overtaken you except, such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.'  (1 Corinthians 10:13'

An Amen is called for here, I feel! God is faithful and watches over us, cheering us on to overcome but if things get too tough, He has a rescue plan. Isn't that good? Each and everyday, we need to ask God to protect us and our family and all that we have and will be doing. Psalm 91 is a great place to start. Place a hedge of protection around yourself and your family. Also, remember to put on the armour of God. Some may say there is no need to do this as it is already on. Forget that, and get dressed properly, each day. Read Ephesians 6:13-18 every day and ensure that you are protected. It's no use going out to your day, getting into problems and then realising that you are not protected with the armour. Put it on!

Don't forget that the devil will continue to fire his fiery darts at you, wherever you are and whatever you're doing. Stand up man or woman of God and go out in the power of the Holy Spirit and get the day's job done. 

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

The Lord's Prayer Part 6

"And forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us."   Matthew 6:13.  NLT

Our fifth major topic in our prayer outline is:

GOD'S FORGIVENESS - 'AND FORGIVE US,'  You need God's forgiveness and you need to forgive others. Daily set your will to walk in love and forgiveness.

Think about the worst thing that you have ever said or done to someone. As a Christian, did you ask God to forgive you? If you did, He has. Think back to the worst thing that someone did to you or said to you. Have you forgiven them? If you have, then God will forgive you your sins. If you haven't, then neither will He forgive you yours. It cannot be any clearer. It is set in stone and can't be brushed aside. You may say, ‘Yes but you don't know what happened to me, it was awful.' It probably was. But if you don't forgive the person, no matter how awful it was, you will not be forgiven yourself. We can't pussy-foot around with God. He is true and He means business. Jesus Himself said:

'If you forgive those who sin against you, your Heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.'    Matthew 6:14-15

I suppose that we can all think back to the times when we have been devastated by someone when they hurt us so badly. Some people's lives have been ruined to a degree by the volume of hurt that they have suffered. You may be one of these people. Really, the only way forward is to let the hurt go, by forgiving the person who did this to you. What you do, is release the hold they have on your life - your thought life. It will only lead to bitterness, if it hasn't already. Just a mention of that person's name and it transports you back to that time and you re-live what happened. That is no way to live. God does not want that for you; but you have the answer. You must forgive in order to survive. This is God's law. It's hard to believe, but He loves that person as much as he loves you. That's unthinkable to us but it's true. And because of this, you are keeping yourself in bondage to this memory and the hurt it caused. Also, because God wants forgiveness, He can't bless you the way that He wants to until you release that person by forgiving them.

I know its difficult but, as we forgive the other person, we give God the chance to deal with this situation. Don't worry, He will handle the situation for you, but not in the way you would do. He's more loving and understanding and believe me, the person will not get away with it. But that is none of your business. Your business is to forgive and then move on to a better life free from the anxiety of it all.

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

The Lord's Prayer Part 5

"Give us this day our daily bread"                                                 Matthew 6:11.  NKJV

Our fourth major topic in the prayer outline is"

GOD'S PROVISION - 'GIVE US'    Jesus the need meeter, told us to pray daily, asking Him to supply all our needs.

Jesus encourages us, to daily ask for our needs to be met, not our 'greeds'. Therefore, this reinforces the need to pray The Lord's Prayer on a daily basis, but not as a ritualistic prayer but as an offering of worship to Him, an intimate moment in His presence. He will then make sure that we are looked after.

This part of the verse has been misinterpreted in several ways over the years. One of the most common was that it was associated with Holy Communion. There may be a certain truth to this but in general, it is a request where we ask our Lord to supply the food and other such things that we need for the day. This is a prayer that God will answer.

It shows that Jesus is anxious to take care of us in every way. It is a personal thing but covers every believer in general. It shows His heart. Remember how concerned He was when a massive crowd were following both Him and the disciples and He was wanting to ensure that they had enough food so that they would not go hungry: 'And when Jesus went out, He saw a great multitude , and He was moved with compassion for them' Matthew 14:13-21.

His compassion never fails and He is interested in each and every one of us. Let us not forget that He tells us not to worry about what we will eat or wear (Matthew 6:25-34). He takes delight in supplying all we need. He encourages us to put Him in such a place in our lives that we will know, without a shadow of doubt, that what He tells us, He means and He will fulfil His words. 

Get into the daily habit of bringing The Lord's Prayer into your daily routine. Further, get into the habit of trusting Him like you never have before. You can work for 20 hours a day, every day, but never achieve what God wants to give you each and every day. You see, He gives us peace, whether we receive it is up to us, but it's on offer all the same, everyday. He offers us protection. We can't earn peace and protection, Jesus gives it to us freely every day.

The term 'Give us', is not some greedy request. It is our request to Jesus to give us what He has promised. And he loves to do so.

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com