Daily life with Jesus by Grahame Howard

Monday 2 March 2020

A Stumbling Block

"Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they laid hands on them and put them in custody until the next day for it was already evening."
Acts 4:1-3. NKJV

Wherever you go, if you mention the Name of Jesus, you're going to cause a division between yourself and somebody. There'll always be someone who takes offence and lets you know about it.

Here the Sadducees are not happy because Peter and John have been talking about Jesus and how He was resurrected from the dead. They are in no way pleased that a lame man has been healed. This doesn't come into their religious thinking. If we look at Acts 4:18, Peter and John are actually forbidden to speak or teach in the name of Jesus.

This happened to me some years ago when I was working. I had been speaking to someone who was upset and this person brought up the subject of Jesus. I therefore considered they had given me permission to do the same and the person was very comforted. Later, my boss took me on one side and threatened that if I spoke about Jesus again, disciplinary action would be taken against me. I was forbidden to do this.

There is a fear about the name of Jesus. People who do not know Him or want to know Him, feel He is a threat and will do all they can to prevent this. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out who is pulling their strings. In Isaiah 8:14 and 1 Peter 2:8 we read:

'He is the stone that makes people stumble, the rock that makes them fall' Isaiah 8:14

'They stumble because they do not obey God's Word and so they meet the fate that was planned for them.' 1 Peter 2:8. NLT

There it is in a nutshell. Jesus is a stumbling block to them. Their lifestyle and their actions trip them up whenever the name of Jesus is around. If they know you're a Christian, they will either give you a bad time or will avoid you at all costs. Someone once told me when I was first going to University, 'Oh they eat Christians there. Be careful." And that pretty much sums it up.

Peter and John were forbidden to speak about Jesus anymore. Peter's reaction was:

'Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.' Acts 4:19-20

In other words, we will never be persuaded to stop speaking about Jesus and neither should you either. The devil may try and stop you; he may bring all sorts of power things against you in order to prevent the name of Jesus being spoken about. But don't ever let him stop you. Jesus may be stumbling block to those who are against Him, but He is our Rock:

'The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer. My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.'
Psalm 18:2

Never, never, ever be tempted to water down the Gospel of Jesus Christ, just because it offends someone. It is their problem, not yours and if they don't wish to hear about Him, fine. One day they will meet Him!

Copyright 2020 Grahame Howard

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Sunday 1 March 2020

Atmosphere of Expectation

"Look at us." So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them." Acts 3:4-5 NKJV

The lame man that Peter and John enountered as they went to the Hour of Prayer at the Temple, had an expectation as he saw them approach. When Peter looked at him, he thought he was going to receive some money. But he received more than he had bargained for - his healing. He would never be the same again.

When you have an expectation, you can have that feeling that something might happen. When you have a Godly expectation, you can be sure that something is going to happen. God actually wants us to live in an atmosphere of expectation. We only have to study Mark 11:22-24 to realise this:

'Therefore, I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.'

There is no magic formula. We live and walk in the Spirit of God and should always act as such. This is not a game, it is fact and God takes this seriously. Each and every day, we come against mountains and we need to be prepared. Mountains are not easy to negotiate; they take planning and exercise to do this. We take great risks as we attempt to take them on.

In our daily lives, we come up against 'Mountains,' from time to time. These are the obstacles in our Christian life that cause us unrest. They may be health issues, financial problems, family, jobs or church life niggles, just to name a few.

There are no quick fit solutions to these 'Mountains,' we have to face them head on. But hey, we're people of God and that means that we are accomplished mountaineers. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. (Philippians 4:13).

We'll always have 'Mountains' in our lives so we need to adopt an atmosphere of expectation - an expectation that whatever comes our way, we can overcome it. Often, we will be surprised, rather like the lame man who was expecting money but received healing. But God is full of surprises and wants us also to catch the excitement that comes with carrying an atmosphere of expectation.

When you wake up and until we go back to sleep, ensure that you carry this expectation. It is that great feeling that something wonderful is going to happen. It can also help you to be alert to what may be trying to attack you.

If you want to be ready; if you want to carry excitement wherever you go; if you want that expectation that, no matter what 'Mountain' may come your way, you will overcome it; then start living in an atmosphere of expectation - today!

Copyright 2020 Grahame Howard

Saturday 29 February 2020

Learn to Prioritise

Come aside by yourselves, to a deserted place and rest a while: Mark 6:31. NKJV

There were hostilities from religious Jewish leaders, Herod and demanding crowds of people. Jesus recognised that His disciples were very tired. They hadn't even had an opportunity to eat properly. Jesus knew when it was time to work and time to rest. Do you?

Life can be demanding; whether you work, are retired or in between jobs, you need to be careful that you don't take on too much. It's a recipe for burnout. Things that are indicative of this are, possessing the necessity to do all you have planned, and the other things that come along, all in one day. If you're a good planner, this may be achievable but only for a limited time. Plates will only spin for a short time before they come crashing down.

Just take an average day. If you have children, they need washing, dressing and feeding and then, if of the age, taking to school. The dog needs a walk and he's letting you know it too. Then there is shopping, washing and ironing to be done. And don't forget, your friend is calling in for a coffee, but the weather is dry and the grass could really do with cutting.

As you consider all of this, the telephone rings and you know you're in for a long conversation. There has been no time to eat, so you decide to skip this as the perfect opportunity to diet.

Later in the day, you manage to get a little time for yourself, so you open your bible to see what God has in store for you today - even though it is now past lunchtime and you haven't done the shopping yet. Then the 'phone goes again, and once again it's going to be a long conversation. Your brain is screaming, 'What about the shops and the grass and the dog still needs a walk?' And don't forget, it's almost time to pick the kids up.

If you're working, you may have a busy schedule but at the back of your mind, you know that all of these things need doing. Your partner is stressed out and you're getting that way. The thing is, there is no time - no time for anything, life is so busy.

Sorry, the problem is not lack of time, but your inability to not handle it properly. Your time-management is all out of sync and you're heading for burnout. The answer is, learn to prioritise. Things still need doing in your life but not all at once. You need to decide what is the most important chore for the day and filter out all of the side issues and distractions. If the 'phone rings at an inconvenient time, learn to say, 'I'm sorry but I'm busy right now; I'll get back to you.' Re-arrange your diary for the day if need be - cancellations are allowed you know.

Make sure that you have time to eat - properly; not snatching a bite while you're driving or doing another job. Heed your body. If you're tired, sit and have a rest, even if a ton of guilt falls upon you.

Conclusion, prioritise your day, learn to move things around in your plans, say no, rest, eat but most of all, spend time with your Father; read His Word first and foremost and allow Him to direct your day. (Proverbs 3:5-6). AND NEVER, NEVER IGNORE THIS OR YOURSELF!

Copyright 2020 Grahame Howard

Friday 28 February 2020

Nothing to give?

"So the LORD said to him, 'What is that in your hand?"
Exodus 4:2. NKJV

Do you feel like you have nothing left to give, that you're empty with nothing left to offer? Well, you're wrong; there's always something.

In Exodus, God had told Moses to go to Egypt to rescue the Israelites and after much debate about, 'I can't do this,' and 'Who am I to go there,' he is still wriggling. Here in chapter 4, he says, 'What if they won't believe me or listen to me?' verse 2. God answers, 'What is that in your hand?'

You know, despite many knock backs that we may encounter, there is always something that you have that God can use. You may not feel this yourself, but God does because He thinks you're amazing and knows how valuable you are to Him!

Consider if you will, the feeding of the five thousand. (John 6:1-14). There were many more than this figure when you think about it, because of the women and the children too. Jesus wanted to feed this multitude and asked, 'Where shall we buy bread that these may eat?' v5. Andrew replied, 'There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?' But as we know, as the loaves and fish were placed in Jesus' hands, everyone had their fill and what's more, there were lots left over - 12 baskets full.

Jesus said in John 10:10 'I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly.' Again in Psalm 23:5 it says, 'My cup runs over.'
There is nothing that God cannot do, even when you feel that you have nothing to give. You have something to give - always and that is yourself. As you offer yourself to Him, to be used to His glory, He will always take you up on your offer.

Today, you have something to give, put it in His hand.

Copyright 2020 Grahame Howard

Thursday 27 February 2020

Dry and Boney but ready for a come back

"Son of man, can these bones live? V3
Ezekiel 37:1-3. NKJV

It would be helpful to read verses 1 to 14 in order to get the whole story and meaning, but today, I address this to the individual.

We see here, old bones; bones that are very dry. It's almost as if the bones have become used to the way they are. They're happy to just put up with what they have, and not go any further. Yet God wants more!

'Can these bones live'? In other words, could there be a way forward? Answer - yes! Although mostly, God wants us to make the initial move, we have to have something to work with. We need to know where we're going; what we're going to do. There is life out there but we need God to open the way and guide us through a door. This means getting close to God and listening to Him; seeking Him and ascertaining what is the next step - and there is one, believe me.

Speaking to a load of old, dry bones may have seemed foolish. But really, no more foolish than doing something that God may or may not be in. Take Noah and the ark for instance. To onlookers, they would have felt that Noah was barmy.

This whole act, was not the creation of life from nothing. It was the restoration of life to something that had been dead a long time. Someone's faith strikes a chord here. You may have been feeling that you don't hear God anymore; or He isn't interested in using you again. That is very wrong thinking.

Maybe your walk with God has become similar to dry bones. But it could also be that you've given up on your dream. God told you something, probably promised you something but the years have gone by and nothing has happened. Therefore, that promise lies in the valley of dreams, or should we say, the valley of dry bones.

I'm sorry, but it's time to get back with God - big time. It's time to encourage yourself and let Him encourage you as well. It's time to dust off your bible and start reading and BELIEVING IT. It's time to bring that dream back to life. People may have crushed you and we're talking about Christian people here. You may have felt humiliated and suffered the indignity of it all. But wise up. It wasn't God who hurt you, it was people. Are they so important that you have given up on your dream - your God-given dream? Come on, get back up. Get the devil worried again.

You have something so important that to stop you, the devil used someone or something, to reduce you to a load of dry bones. But be encouraged, when bones are shaken up, they make a lot of noise and God is shaking you right now, so let those bones rattle and roll and make a lot of Heavenly noise. At the moment, there may be no breath in them (V8) but ask God for help; tell Him you're sorry; let Him know that you're back and open for business and allow Him to breathe, fresh new life into your spirit. Then, before too long, you'll be heading for victory. Yay!

Lord Jesus
Breathe on my bones that they may live. May the dryness turn into spiritual oil that anoints and refreshes my life once again. I am ready to get back into business with You Lord. I'm ready to rattle those bones.

In Jesus' Name, Amen

Copyright 2020 Grahame Howard

Wednesday 26 February 2020

True faith, is taking God at His Word

"So the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and he went on his way." V50
John 4:46-54. NKJV

Let us briefly check out what we know here:
A certain nobleman came to Jesus and begged Him to come and heal his son, who was close to death. At the time, many in Cana, gathered around to see what was happening and Jesus made the statement, 'Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe.' V48.

But Jesus, seeing the man was genuine, told Him to go back home to Capernaum where he would find that his son was well. He did this and, to his delight, it was as Jesus had said, his son had been made well.

In the Greek, the meaning of nobleman was basilikos which meant that he was royal. He may have been a king but was more likely a royal official - a man of high standing in the court of Herod. He was a somebody, who chose to swallow his pride and ask a humble carpenter for help. He had even travelled 20 miles or so from Capernaum, which was some distance to travel in those days. The Courtier didn't care what people thought, and let's face it, he was putting his life at stake trusting in Jesus. If Herod found out, he could be executed. But he loved his son and trusted Jesus.

Jesus' response may have seemed harsh to him, but Jesus was referring to the people of His home town, who knew Him but never honoured Him but if there was a miracle about to happen, they wanted to see it. Jesus was also testing the nobleman's faith in order to see if he was genuine.

This didn't bother the nobleman, he just wanted his son healed and when Jesus said, 'Go your way, your son lives,' he believed it and set off home. Now this is interesting and shows the level of the nobleman's faith in Jesus. He took Him at His word - he asked, he received and he believed and his son was made well. This is faith. If he had taken offence and walked off in anger, his son would have died. It would have been hard for the Courtier to just go back home. He had wanted Jesus to go with him. But he accepted it and reaped the reward. It took him a while owing to the distance, but when he realised that his son was healed at the exact time that Jesus had told him to go home, he rejoiced.

The people where Jesus lived just wouldn't believe in Jesus, despite Jesus' many attempts to tell them. They gave Him no honour. But stop right there; weren't we like this before we accepted Jesus. We had heard about Him but never gave Him much thought until that day we needed Him the most.

True faith is taking God at His word. The nobleman did just that and his son was healed and he and his household became believers in Jesus Christ V53.
When we humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, He exalts us 1 Peter 5:6 and James 4:6, 'God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.'

Copyright 2020 Grahame Howard

Tuesday 25 February 2020

He knows your heart

"Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did. But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men, and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man" John 2:23-25. NKJV

Many people in Jerusalem believed in Jesus. He drew crowds wherever He went. However, many only wanted Him for the signs and wonders that He performed - the spectacular. Unlike His disciples, they had not been taught that to follow Jesus sometimes meant giving all of themselves; giving everything up and following Him. If they had, they would have been gone like a shot, and Jesus knew this.

Many had been waiting for the Messiah and in Jesus, it was felt by some that - quite rightly - He was the one. But they would want to promote Him as such straightaway, together with having status for themselves. This Jesus definitely did not want. He had work to do and this type of person would cause hindrances to His work. Jesus knew what was in man. He looks at the heart. He looks for commitment, for dedication and loyalty. Many of these people wanted the prestige and the power that Jesus displayed.

Jesus knows our hearts and He knows our motives. He is looking for people who will stay the course, not be here today and somewhere else tomorrow. Many people are like this today. They join a church and quickly become involved. However, when they can't attain what they are seeking - recognition, they leave and try another church.

Jesus knew their hearts and He knows yours too. If you have a gift that He wants to use, don't worry, in His time He will open the way for you to use it. There's no need to shove yourself forward. He has noticed you. He has seen your desire to serve Him. He has seen your heart and that's all you need.

Jesus doesn't need man's approval and neither should you. As long as Jesus approves you, that's all you need. Just hang in there until the right moment. Don't be tempted to be drawn to spectacular things. be drawn to Jesus. Because when the spectacular fades, He wants to know that you're still there with Him. Many deserted Him at the lead up to the cross. He's looking for people who will stick with Him through thick or thin - no matter what.

By now, He knows what is in you. He has seen that flame that is flickering and as you wait patiently, praying and reading His Word. He is going to fan that flame until it is a mighty fire within you. When that happens, there will be no stopping you and things will ignite wherever you go.

Are you ready for that? Well it is coming!

Copyright 2020 Grahame Howard

Daily life with Jesus by Grahame Howard

Monday 2 March 2020

A Stumbling Block

Sunday 1 March 2020

Atmosphere of Expectation

Saturday 29 February 2020

Learn to Prioritise

Friday 28 February 2020

Nothing to give?

Thursday 27 February 2020

Dry and Boney but ready for a come back

Wednesday 26 February 2020

True faith, is taking God at His Word

Tuesday 25 February 2020

He knows your heart

Grace

Daily life with Jesus by Grahame Howard

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