Defeat your Giants!

"Then David said to the Philistine, 'You come to me with a sword, with a spear and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel whom you have defied.'                                                     1 Samuel 17:45.  NKJV 

Losers talk about what they'll do but never do it. Winners take action and this is what David did that day when he faced the awesome sight of Goliath. Have you ever considered the scene; what it would have looked like to see this giant of a man walking towards David. Let's face it, if it had been us, we would have been tempted to run away in fear, such was the sight. David ran too, yes, he actually ran, but not away; he ran towards Goliath with a stone in his sling; and he killed this intimidating person.

Now David was only a little guy but he had a big heart sold out to the Lord and he ran forward in the name of the Lord of hosts and defeated him. Nothing was going to stop him. He was fearless while others trembled in fear as they watched from a safe distance. 

David relied on God; he shifted the battle from the natural into the spiritual realm. He wasn't a talker, he was a doer - a winner, and he went into this battle trusting God and expecting a victory. And that is how God wants us to be. David refused armour because it was man-made, heavy and awkward to wear. He depended on God and the armour that he would cover him in. For us, it is slightly different, David didn't have the written Word of God, where we have the spiritual armour of God as described in Ephesians 6:13-18, and we're unwise if we don't put it on each day. 

There are giants around us and battles that need to be fought and won. These battles are not ours however, they're God's. (1 Samuel 17:47) if of course, we put them into God's hands. If we do, we rise up as champions and fight; nothing can stop us.

What are your giants? What is defying the Army of the Living God? Remember, you can address and change this in the name of Jesus. Take on board the fact that for courageous people, defeat is never a viable option. Courageous people recall past victories and remember how God helped them. They have the right attitude. They trust God. They refuse to fear and they're confident in the Lord.

These are the hallmarks of giant-killers. Does this sound like you? God thinks so, but it takes the attitude that declares, 'I'm not having this, it's not part of my life. It'll reign in my life no longer.' Like David, determine that nothing will mess up your life, your family, your health, your finances or your walk with God.

You're a warrior; a champion, nothing can stop you defeating your giants!

Copyriight 2020 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

Be a Giant-Killer

"But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God."        1 Samuel 30:1-24   NKJV

It's not easy being a leader; when things are going well, the leader is everyone's friend. But when things turn sour, they may get shot at.

This was the case here. When David and his men came to Ziklag, they found that the Amalekites had burned the place down, taking their wives and children into captivity. Everyone, understandably, was distressed but David all the more. Firstly, he was responsible for his men being away from home and now they wanted to stone him and David's own wives had been taken too. 

When the chips are down, the one in charge can always be at blame. Why? because it goes with the territory. However, David was a warrior, a man after God's own heart. Nothing would stop him from standing up. He called on God, thus strengthening himself. He knew God had rescued him many times in the past and would do so again. This was the difference. David never gave up.

He inquired of God about whether they should retaliate and God said yes, 'Pursue" v8. So he did and through a series of events, defeated the Amalekites and returned with the wives and children, victoriously.

Note what David did:

(1)  He remembered his past victories, thus strengthening himself

(2)  He prayed asking God what to do

(3). He listened clearly for God's direction

(4). He was then pro-active in battle

David was totally in control. He didn't flap or run away. He faced things head on, committing it all to God, and he didn't waver with God's direction. There's some lessons to be learnt for each of us here. It's so easy to throw the towel in and begin blaming other people for what has happened. Becoming bitter solves nothing. God is looking for fighters, not quitters. He wants giant-killers and this episode was a giant for David. Learn from it. 

Notice in verses 22-23, that David's men wanted to punish the 200 men who were so exhausted that they didn't go into battle with them. They felt that having their wives and children back, was enough. They was not entitled to the spoils of war that had been gathered. David would have none of this and demonstrated God's compassion by giving them the same spoils. 

This is the hallmark of a good leader. 'I'm not a leader,' you may say. Yes you are. As followers of Jesus, we're kings and priests unto God. (Revelation 1:6). So stand; learn to be a giant killer. When the going gets tough - be tougher; don't quit, go ahead with Jesus. 

Copyriight 2020 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

Water Walking

"Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water," so He said, 'Come.' And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus." 

                                                                                                Matthew 14:22-33.  NKJV

Are you a Water Walker? Would you step out of the boat to walk towards Jesus, if he said, 'Come?' Probably you would, then again, maybe not. It would depend on the type of person you are. Peter was a person who acted on impulse, quite a lot. 'Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.' And he did. Then there was his statement to Jesus in Matthew 26:33-35, 'Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You.' And don't forget how he cut off the ear of the servant of the high priest, in the Garden of Gethsemane. (John 18:10). Yes, Peter often acted hastily, without thinking thinks through properly.

Here we see him again acting this way. Now, it was very early - the Fourth Watch of the night, probably around 3am. It is thought that the period was around mid-April, when the moon would have been full, giving lots of light. This would account for the disciples seeing Jesus walking on water towards them. Whereas the disciples were afraid, Peter was pretty sure it was Jesus, and called out to Him. When Jesus responded with the word, 'Come,' he obeyed and actually walked on the water. The thing is, he then began to sink and had to call on Jesus to help him. Faith was reduced to Fear. Why was that? It was the result of taking his eyes off Jesus and walking by sight, not by faith. (2 Corinthians 5:7). The sight of the raging waves scared him.

But what made Him volunteer to get out of the boat in the first place? It was that one word, 'Come.' Peter knew and trusted Jesus. He was sure if Jesus said, Come,' everything would be alright. That was the key. There is always a key to every problem and it is Jesus. He knows the way because He is the way. (John 14:6). Jesus is the password you should never forget, it opens and closes doors.

Jesus is the answer to all you are seeking; but there must be no doubt. If there is, He will say, 'O you of little faith, why did you doubt?' Don't live in Little Faith, move to Big Faith. It's better there. Time and again, He tells us to, 'Be of good cheer, it is I; do not be afraid.' (V27, Mark 5:34 & 36).

If you want to be a Water Walker, you'll get your feet wet, but don't get your whole body wet by doubting. You know that Jesus won't let you down. You know He won't. Activate the key - trusting Jesus by faith. Tap in your password - J,E,S,U,S, and walk towards Him when He says, 'Come,' 

Keep your eyes focused on Him and nothing else. Water Walkers walk by faith, not by sight, (2 Corinthians 5:7).

Is that Jesus walking on the water towards you? 

Copyriight 2020 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

The feeling of being loved

"I in them and You in Me that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me and have loved them as You have loved me."

                                                                                                           John 17:23.  NKJV

Everyone likes the feeling of being loved. The majority of people want this, together with being liked and popular. It's a normal reaction. But sadly, that is not always the case and for some, it's easy to begin to feel a little insecure, especially when you're ignored or not chosen for a particular task.

Today's text is an extremely profound statement, in fact, it is amazing. Just stop and think, the God who created the universe and sent His one and only Son to save our souls, actually loves us as much as He does Jesus.

God said to me on 9th November 1999, 'If people would grasp and believe this truth, it would revolutionise their whole life.' And it is true. Just stop and meditate on this fact for a moment or two. It has the potential to blow you away. Dare to believe it.

One of the big things that the world suffers from, is insecurity. We need to feel that we belong and that we are valued. If not, it can mess us up completely. When we're insecure, we can walk into a room and see a bunch of people laughing and joking and we can convince ourselves, they're talking about us. On occasions, this can be true, but many times it is our own imagination running wild. 

Insecure people find it hard to believe that someone loves them because they're always looking for an ulterior motive. At some particular time in their life, they were hurt badly and they've grown to believe that this is life and nothing will ever change. Just looking at a social worker's  caseload   would prove my point here. Their whole life is built around mistrust and this can cause problems in future relationships.

Most of the time, the things that an insecure person struggles with, are lies from the devil and there is a need to stop believing these lies. However, there may be a root buried deep within a person that needs prayer, in order to be set free from it's clutches. 

If this is the case for you, bring this before Jesus right now. Seek the help of a trusted friend if possible but if not, come to Jesus and begin to grasp the fact that God loves you as much as He does Jesus, and He wants you to be free. Why not say this prayer with me:

Lord Jesus, please break the power of insecurity in my life. I realise that I am loved dearly, so I ask for Your help in delivering me from this place of hurt, doubt and confusion. I forgive anyone who may have hurt me so much that it made me feel this way; and I receive Your love and blessing from this moment. I am free.

In Jesus' Name. Amen

 Copyriight 2020 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

God doesn't use empty words

 "So shall My word that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it."

                                                                                                              Isaiah 55:11.  NKJV

God never uses empty words; His words are backed by faith and full of power. God's Word, 'Seals the Deal'. His promises and plans are as sure of fulfilment as the fact that it rains and snows. (v10). The rain and snow water the earth, bringing refreshment for the crops to bear fruit, giving seed to the sower. Note this, it accomplishes what it is sent to do and it's the same with God's Word.

Smith Wigglesworth used to say, 'If God said it, then I believe it and that settles it.' He trusted that God's Word was the final authority. God doesn't speak empty words, or 'Just talk'. When God speaks, His Word accomplishes His intended purpose. It never fails. 

If God has told you something, then it will come to pass accomplishing what it was sent for. Therefore, if God tells you something, then get in place for this to happen. Look for example at Noah. God told him to build an ark in the middle of dry land. On completion, he was to fill it with his family and two of all creatures. It must have appeared ridiculous to many people but to Noah, God had spoken and he would obey. True to His Word, the great flood came and only those who were in the ark survived. The others perished. God's Word never fails.

Some things that God tells us can appear quite strange at first but as we trust Him, He gives us more awareness of the situation and then it comes to pass. It really comes down to our faith, this is when we're tested. But we serve a 'God who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist, as though they did.' (Romans 4:17). Faith really is the only way to live because, 'Without faith, it's impossible to please God.' (Hebrews 11:6). 

There's a world full of unbelievers and God loves them. We need faith to reach them, to speak with them and to pray with them. God has called you to bring people into the Kingdom. Yes you! (Matthew 28:19-20). This is our mandate and it can't be ignored or altered. Yes it's true, some are pastors, teachers and evangelists, but we're all called to tell people about Jesus. People need healing, setting free from demonic possession, loving and much more. God has sent His Word out, so grasp hold of your mandate that His Word will not return empty.

We're in Team Jesus. Speak to whom you can about Him; pray with them, even if it's in the street. If you are obeying His Word, it will accomplish what it is sent to do. You may not see the harvest, but healings will happen, lives will be saved and changed, all because, you believed and obeyed.

Copyriight 2020 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

Contentment

"Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. (12) I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or with little.                                                                                      Philippians 4:11-12.  NLT

True contentment can be called a source of satisfaction in which happiness and peace reside. Here, Paul is saying how he learned to live with nothing and with everything. He had learned the art of true contentment.

Many people today are desperately searching for some form of contentment. Some seek it in  nice houses paid for by highly paid jobs and every conceivable luxury to accompany this. But deep down, are they really content? Other people, work all hours under the sun just to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table. Many are content, but many aren't.

Bob Gass comments, 'When your contentment is based on status or possessions, it can be taken away in an instant. But when it's based on your relationship with Jesus, nothing, absolutely nothing, can rob you of it.' You see, the contentment that the world seeks is built on riches - what size is their bank balance, the size of their house and what top of the range car they're driving at this time. This very comfortable life style can be so temporary. As we see now, with the Covid 19 pandemic, businesses are folding on a daily basis and there are more redundancies and threats of losing homes than there has been for many years.

There is no contentment in placing our trust in worldly things. People who do this are building their houses on sand. When flood and high winds of life come along, their house may collapse. However, who builds their house on the rock (Jesus), withstands all that is thrown at them. (Matthew 7:24-27). 

There is only one true source of contentment and that is in Jesus Christ. He is the only one that can truly satisfy our need. What's more, when we put our trust in Him, He takes care of us. Yes, it may be difficult at times, with many struggles. But Jesus never promised that it would be plain sailing to follow Him. He suffered, so we can expect to suffer as well, at times. But one thing He did promise us was eternal life. As Christians, we will live forever with true contentment.

Are you a Christian who is struggling at the moment. If so, keep going because your success may be just around the corner. Don't give up now, you may miss it. The tide's coming in with your ship on the water. Things will change for the better. Just keep your eyes on Jesus. He won't let you down. 

Sit and rest a while in His presence. Be quiet and let Him talk to you instead of you doing all of the talking. You will be blessed by what you hear!

Copyriight 2020 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

The Pessimist

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."              Philippians 4:13.  NKJV 

A pessimist has a tendency to stress the negative or unfavourable or to take the gloomiest, possible view of things. This person habitually sees or anticipates the worst or is disposed to be gloomy. Their motto can be, 'Whats the point, it'll only go wrong.' Let's look at further examples:

'How will I ever be able to do that, it's too much of. task?'

'I could never go to university, I would fail.'

'I'm not going to apply for that job, I'm not qualified enough and even if I was, I'd never get it.'

'If I buy a house then lose my job, how will I pay the mortgage?'

I can't, I can't, I can't. If this is you, turn this around so that you know and believe Jesus Christ will enable you to do anything He asks you. Nothing is impossible for Him who believes. Let's face it, Jesus wouldn't lead you to do something if He didn't think you were capable.

Many Christians are pessimists and doubt their own worth. Thomas fell into this category a little. One thing you shouldn't do however, is beat yourself up feeling that you have no faith. You have a measure of faith that is appropriate for the task Jesus has for you. Therefore, if He leads you to do a certain thing, He will give you the faith to accomplish this. (Romans 12:3).

However, at times, we look at something and are tempted to think, 'I can't do this,' and you're probably right. On your own you can't (John 15:5). But with Jesus on your side, you can perform great things. Bob Gass says: 'How many times does something look impossible simply because you think it is?' Did you get that? You think it's impossible and so it becomes impossible. We have to change this mentality, but how?

2 Corinthians 5:7 says, 'We walk by faith, not by sight.' We have to learn to look at situations through the eyes of faith. It is too overwhelming otherwise. How do you think King David killed Goliath? He was around ten feet tall, a mountain of a man, but with faith, it was no problem for David. Even though he was only a little guy, he claimed the victory.

The pessimistic mentality has to be put to death and replaced with one of optimism and faith. You can do what you feel God is calling you to do. You can, because your friend, Jesus, says you can. So stop listening to the negative lies of the devil and get built up in the Holy Spirit.

You have a faith-filled job to do!

Copyriight 2020 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com