This is a blog that centres on Jesus Christ - my Lord and Saviour. My aim is to describe how He has helped over the years, together with offering daily teaching and encouragement
Thursday, 23 July 2020
Stand Your Ground
"O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you." V16
Wednesday, 22 July 2020
Take the right way
"But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's delicacies nor with the wine which he drank Daniel 1:8. NKJV
Daniel refused to defile himself with the king's meats and wine. It was a forbidden act for a Jew. He therefore humbly requested that he and his three friends could have vegetables and water instead. After a ten day trial, it was accepted that this was an acceptable diet for them. (1:15-16).
Charles F Stanley says, 'We should never compromise. Godly obedience begins with absolute commitment to honouring God above all else. When we purpose in our hearts to put God first, then the particular temptation or challenge cannot control us.'
This was quite a dangerous thing for Daniel and his friends to do. They were captives in a hostile country with a domineering king. This could have been a fatal issue for them. However, God was with them and Daniel was trusting Him in his new governmental role as an advisor to the king. He knew that trusting God meant looking beyond what we can see, to what God sees, (Romans 4:17 and 2 Corinthians 5:7). For us to serve God properly, we too need to walk by faith and not by sight. Sometimes, the things we see are not very nice and can appear quite daunting. This is where our faith kicks in.
When we have an attitude such as, 'I can do this;, then nothing can stop us from fulfilling what we set out to do. We may not accomplish everything we hope for but we'll be that much further ahead than when we started. It's having that, 'get up and go', that counts.
We've probably all had times when we've been close to rock bottom - when things have not gone our way. But be thankful that you're still here and have another chance to get it right. God is right beside you, but you must determine that you will never compromise; you will never go against what you believe. Stand up and make a declaration - 'I'm going to conquer this. I have God beside me and nothing can stop me from trying to get back on my feet - I'm a winner!'
Don't go the way of the world; go the way of Jesus. He knows the road ahead and if you will only let Him, He will show you the way too!
Copyright 2020 Grahame Howard
Tuesday, 21 July 2020
Your Faith Part 2
"Do not be afraid, only believe," Mark 5:36. NKJV
Why didn't Jesus comfort Jairus when people from his house came to tell him that his daughter had died? Because fear robs a person of faith. Jairus had come to Jesus fully assured that Jesus could and would, heal his daughter. Jesus didn't want him to lose that faith. Instead, He challenged Jairus to remain faith-filled.
Regardless of our circumstances, God will always urge us on to faith and away from fear. This can be seen in His comments to the woman with the issue of blood. 'Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace and be healed of your affiction.' (v34). Also, in the example of the wind and the waves obeying Jesus, He said, 'Why are you so fearful?' (Mark 4:40).
Be aware, faith offends many people. When we talk about faith stuff, they look at us as if we're crazy and an alien from another planet. They have no concept about Jesus healing people today, let alone, raising them from the dead. But it happens. When they hear about this, they try and explain it away coming up with many reasons why a certain thing may have happened. These people will rob you of your faith. Avoid them, they're doubters and robbers of faith. We get an example of this in Genesis 3:1. The serpent said to Eve, 'Has God indeed said that?' This left Eve confused and these people will do the same to you. Keep a wide berth.
Faith and fear can never operate together, they're opposites and repel each other. Before we can really trust Jesus, we have to decide to put away fear.
Jesus said:
'ONLY BELIEVE'
(1) Don't try believing and being afraid at the same time. Doing this, fear will take over.
(2) Don't try to believe and figure it out at the same time. You'll never do it, fear will take over.
(3) We have to trust Jesus when everything around us seems hopeless. If we don't, fear is released.
Oftentimes, it all appears daunting. It's not easy hanging on to your faith when all around you is crashing down; but it really is the only way if we want victory.
Whatever is happening in your life, take Jesus' words to heart. 'Do not be afraid, only believe.'
Copyright 2020 Grahame Howard
Monday, 20 July 2020
Your Faith
"Daughter your faith has made you well - Do not be afraid, only believe' Verses 34 & 36
Mark 5:21-43. NKJV
I want us to look at two things that were happening here. The woman had been ill for twelve years or so and needed healing to survive. Jairus begged Jesus to come and heal his dying daughter. Both used faith statements. Jairus said, 'My daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay hands on her that she may be healed and she will live' v23. The woman said, 'If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.' v28. They didn't use phrases such as, 'Hopefully she will be healed and live,' or 'If I can touch His clothes, I might get well.' No, they were certain about their statements. They were in faith, so they went to Him.
There's a lesson here, we don't always have to go to a pastor or elder to receive healing, we can, and should, go straight to Jesus. Obviously, if we are at church and there is a call for people to come and be healed, then it may be appropriate to go forward. Other than that, if you're sick you don't have to ring for people to pray - although that is always helpful. But you can just speak to Jesus and tell Him what you need and receive it.
Check out what Jesus said here, 'Daughter your faith has made you well,' and 'Do not be afraid, only believe.' He didn't say, 'go to church and get the pastor to lay hands on you and you should be ok.' You may say, it says in James 5:14-15, to call for the elders of the church to pray for anyone who is sick, and that is correct, but as I've mentioned earlier, that is usually in a church setting, although some may prefer to do this and that is ok.
What Jesus said here, complimented their faith and is very similar to what the Apostle Paul said in Ephesians 3:20: 'Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us'. Underline in your bible the 'According to the power that works in us'. It is kindling that power - Jesus - within us, reading His Word, praying, walking daily with Him in such a way that this power manifests a strong faith within us. This is why Paul said, According to'. It is up to us to live in such a way that the power of Jesus is manifest all the time within us, wherever we go. It is living the life, not just once a week but every moment of everyday.
When we can live in such a way as this, wherever we go, Jesus will be seen within us. Demons will tremble at our presence; people will be saved and healed, lives will be changed. The world needs a shake up, it needs Jesus. We have the power of Christ within us; don't let us ever hide that Light under a bushel. These are not pipe-dreamed words, they are the Words of God!
Copyright 2020 Grahame Howard
Sunday, 19 July 2020
Lessons from the Prodigal Part 4
"But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him." v30 Luke 15:11-32. NKJV
There is always someone who will burst the bubble. The older son displayed anger, resentment and bad feeling towards his father and his brother. He had a Pharisaical attitude - one of unforgiveness, judgementalism, hostility and a total lack of grace. Just by his words, 'this son of yours', it shows how he felt about the situation. There was no compassion, no respect, no joy that his younger brother was safe and now at home. Just a sulking hostility.
To a degree, one can understand how he felt. He had remained faithful to his father and the work and had witnessed his brother with a, 'want, want, want,' attitude, pressuring his father for the inheritance. However, he was totally out of line with his attitude, which must have put a dampener on the celebrations. One thing this whole example shows us, is the love of the Father. His joy and compassion know no end. . He lavishes us with good things - abundantly. (John 10:10b). Everything that He does for us we don't deserve but we get it anyway. Each new morning is a fresh start with Him. (Lamentations 3:22-23) In fact, as Jeremy Pearsons says, 'My mistakes may be great but His faithfulness is greater.'
God's mercies are never-ending. The Hebrew word for mercies is hesed and it can be translated as 'Covenant Love or Steadfast Love'. It is linked with compassion, truth, faithfulness and goodness. With God hesed will always remain and be available to us.
Don't allow a bad attitude to ever enter your existence. Refuse to harbour a grudge against anyone. The devil may try to convince you that you are right to feel this way, but who do you follow - Jesus or him? Yes that's right, it's Jesus so act like Jesus would.
We're only human and God knows this and often we are tempted to have a good old moan and criticise session. But is it worth losing the joy, peace and hesed that God offers each day? Let God deal with the difficult person, He's pretty good at doing that. You just focus on the greatest thing that has ever happened to you. His Name is Jesus!
Copyright 2020 Grahame Howard
Saturday, 18 July 2020
Lessons from the Prodigal Part 3
"But when He was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him." v20 Luke 15:11-32. NKJV
Just focus on this verse for a moment. While the Prodigal was deciding that he would go back home, his father was waiting and looking for him. He was not going to give up hope. He expected his son to return and was so excited about it. The Prodigal had come to his senses and had seen that the grass is not always greener on the other side. He had rehearsed what he wanted to say but, as his father ran up and kissed him, he didn't have the opportunity to say it all, because the father was busy arranging a celebratory party.
This is how it is when we return to Our Father. We may have drifted away for some reason, but He stands there watching and waiting, never for one moment doubting your return.
Think back to the days when you didn't walk with Jesus; those days when you lived for yourself. You may have been happy to a degree but there was always something missing. Whatever was happening in your life at that time, Our Father was watching. He saw the hurt and possible abuse. He saw that broken relationship and the way you were ripped off by society. He was watching when a drug dealer was trying to supply you with something. Some of you may have taken this offer - the Father saw this and His heart was breaking. 'COME BACK TO ME - COME TO ME,' He was shouting but through all your pain and problems you never heard, or if you did, ignored the voice.
But the Father still waited; He still watched in hope that you would return to Him. To you, God was very far away, but actually, He was standing right beside you. Can't you remember the times when you felt someone or something drawing you in. It was a nice, warm feeling if you remember; a feeling of hope. It was God. Some of you said, 'Yes', to Him and Jesus flooded your heart - changed your lives, and even though the road has been a bumpy one at times, it has been so worth it. When you accepted Him, He showered you with His love and compassion and even threw a party. The whole of Heaven rejoiced.
There are still many others He is hoping will come to Him. He's watching and waiting. If that's you, come home, the Father is preparing a party for you. Just say, 'Yes Jesus, I return to You, forgive me. I am yours.'
Copyright 2020 Grahame Howard
Friday, 17 July 2020
Lessons from the Prodigal Part 2
"I will arise and go to my father and will say, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you." v18 Luke 15:11-32 NKJV
The Prodigal had hit rock bottom. Nothing he did was right and he was penniless, broken, miserable and unloved. It's at times like this when we realise that we've done things wrong and we don't know what to do to put things right. The answer is staring us in the face - prayer - but sometimes it's the last resort because we don't want to admit that we got it wrong.
The Prodigal realised he had got it wrong and was fed up eating pig food. He was lonely and hungry and that day he made probably the wisest choice that he had ever made - he would return to his father, repent and ask him if he would allow him to be one of his servants.
Admitting we got it wrong can be difficult. We have to face all of the, 'I told you so's' and 'If you had only listened, but no, you know best.' We have to humble ourselves; get rid of the pride and be ready to take all of the ridicule on the chin. It's not easy but it can be life-changing.
Elton John wrote a song entitled, 'Sorry, seems to be the hardest word,' and it's so true. It takes grit to admit when you're in the wrong. Married couples can struggle in this area quite a lot. One partner may be quick to admit they were wrong and say they are sorry. The other partner may not be so willing to give in for hours or possibly weeks, inwardly fuming until they calm down and accept the apology. The 'sorry' word seems to stick in our mouths.
When we accept someone's apology, we set two people free - the person and yourself. We daily ask God to forgive us for the wrongs we have committed and expect Him to forgive us. But why should He if we are holding a grudge against someone and won't forgive them. (Mark 11:25-26)
Perhaps things are not going well in your life at the moment. Do you think that you need to go to someone and say you're sorry or, 'I forgive you?' Until you do, things won't change. We have to come to the Father first, He will then do the rest. Until then, there is an impasse; things are going nowhere.
As we shall see tomorrow, things certainly began to improve for the Prodigal as soon as he returned home to his father and apologised. You know they'll change for the better for you as well!
Copyright 2020 Grahame Howard
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