Now for a bit of gardening

"I am the true vine and My Father is the vinedresser. (2) Every branch in me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes that it may bear more fruit."                                                                                      John 15:1-2.  NKJV

The garden can be a place of joy and escape for many people, but it needs regular attention so that the best can be obtained from it. Trees and bushes need pruning so that they bear more fruit the next season. Dead wood needs to be removed so that it doesn't affect growth and cause damage. Then, of course, there is the weeding. If this is neglected, plants can become unhealthy and choke. Also valuable energy is used up by the weeds and the plant can perish. There is much watering to take care of, especially when it is very hot. Care needs to be taken that watering takes place first thing in the morning and last thing at night so that the plants don't burn up. Also there is a need to avoid overwatering. It's a never-ending chore to run a busy garden, what with hoeing, feeding and all other maintenance that is necessary, if we're to enjoy a healthy looking garden.

This is not unlike our Christian walk. Daily we need to attend to things such as:

Pruning. Things that are in our lives but shouldn't be, need to be cut out. There are things that we are doing that we know is wrong, but find hard to release ourselves from. God is gracious and may not intervene. He may do though, if we continue in an ungodly manner. His wish is for us to bear good fruit, at all times.

Weeding. It is a similar thing with weeding. The things that we hang on to, can easily choke our Christian life and then we become unfruitful. Periodically we need to check out the company we keep; the places we go and the things that we do. It is so easy to be led astray.

Feeding and Maintenance. If we fail to feed and maintain our garden properly, then things can get out of hand and trees, bushes, fruit and our vegetables can die. It is the same with our Christian life. We must feed our spirits with the Word of God. Every now and then does not work, the same as only watering the garden once a week in hot weather, doesn't either. The garden needs regular water, the plants regular attention and we need God's Word everyday.

We need to practice walking with Jesus daily, praying and also listening to Him. Seeking His advice and direction is a must. The Christian life is all or nothing. We can't take a day off, let our hair down shouting, 'Yippee, today is Sin Day,' and then do all the things we know that we shouldn't. God would know and would be devastated and hurt. He sees all. He's not an ogre, not at all. He's a loving Father who wants the very best for you - His child.

Copyriight 2020 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

Paradise Part 2

"My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."   2 Corinthians 12:7-10   NKJV

Following Paul's amazing revelation of Paradise, three times he pleaded with God to help him with something he described as a messenger of satan - a Thorn in the Flesh. He said that this was sent to buffet him. We don't know what this was and many have tried to speculate but all to no avail. What we do know, is that it was an intense, wearying difficulty or afflction. Paul was not delivered from this and again, this raises many questions of, why not? Many scholars believe that God allowed this so that Paul might avoid being exalted above measure by the abundance of this revelation. (v7).

Instead of being disappointed or frustrated over this, Paul accepted it, realising that because he had been on such an amazing journey to Paradise, that God was right, he could so easily begin to boast about it all. God allowed it - Paul accepted it.

Paul said in v10, 'Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.' I like The Message version of this text, 'I just let God take over. I quit focusing on the handicap and begin appreciating the gift. The weaker I get, the stronger I become.'

This may account for the times when some people's prayers go unanswered. We pray endlessly and yet, we do not seem to get a breakthrough on the request we are making - or like Paul, the pleading. It may be that God wants the individual/s to accept His grace instead. It is food for thought and may bring a freedom to the anxiety of it all.

Whatever, we need to realise that when we are at our weakest point, God is always stronger and has the answer that will see us through. As we can see in this passage, at times we have to accept that God is in charge and knows best. Things can begin to get on top of us some times though, and this is when we need to say, 'God, I can't do this, I really need Your help.' 

You may have a disability that without a miracle, will not go away. But this is the time when you need to let your relationship with Jesus completely take over. It's not easy to live with a disability, believe me, I know. But God gives us the strength to climb mountains, to conquer giants and to do all things through Jesus.

Don't let any 'Thorn,' prevent you from praising and walking with God. Shout praises and strength will come. Feel sorry for yourself and nothing will happen. We have to stand. Remember, 'The weaker I get, the stronger I become.' Quit focusing on the problem and appreciate all that God gives you. And it will seem like, another day in Paradise!

Copyriight 2020 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

Paradise

"Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city supposing him dead. (20) However, when the disciples gathered around him, he rose up and went into the city. And the next day, he departed with Barnabas to Derbe."

                                                                                                                   Acts 14:19-20.  NKJV

Paul and Barnabas had been on a preaching assignment and in Lystra, encountered strong opposition. The Jews there had been stirring up the people against them and eventually, they stoned Paul and left him for dead. But God wasn't finished with Paul and he led the disciples to gather around him and pray. The result was, he rose up and went back into the city.

Many scholars believe that Paul was describing this near-death experience in 2 Corinthians 12:2-5. They believe he was raised from the dead. At the very least, he was miraculously healed.

Paul's account in 2 Corinthians 12:2-5, gives a startling account of a man he knows (himself) who was caught up into the third heaven (Paradise). He finds it difficult to explain the experience, stating that he may have been in the body or out of it (v3). What he does know was that he heard 'inexpressible words', and the whole experience was life-changing for him. This is the time that Jesus told him, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness'. (v9). 

I tend to believe Paul's experience in Paradise because I had a similar experience back in 1996. My wife and I, were listening to a worship CD when all of a sudden, I found myself at the back of a great hall. In front of me, were what looked like angels and they were bowing down and standing back up, over and over again. The music was amazing, better than I had ever heard. At the opposite end of the hall, was a very large figure clad in dazzling white clothing, and the angels were worshipping Him. I knew this was God. 

Before this happened, I had been quite worried, because I had been on two weeks leave and the next morning I was due back at the busy social work office I worked at, and I knew my work tray would be packed full of work, stamped urgent. The very next moment, I was in my office and this very tall man beside me, picked up my tray and said, 'My what a lot of work we have here.' I felt that the work was nothing, because He would help me. I felt so relaxed, a really wonderful feeling.

The next moment, I was back with my wife and the same worship song was playing. Rather like Paul, I wondered what had happened, had I dreamt it, did it happen? Deep down I knew that It had and I knew that, His grace was all I needed for anything. He would give me the strength, if I trusted Him. And He did, when I arrived at work the next day, my work tray was full of very simple tasks which took no time at all to complete and I had a happy return to work.

Realise this, whatever you are facing at this time is nothing when God is around. He will take care of it for you. All you need is His grace which will strengthen you. And that is on free offer all the time.

Copyriight 2020 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

Short Fuses

"So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath."     

                                                                                                               James 1:19.  NKJV 

When we're in delicate situations, we should always ensure that we are in control of ourselves. Otherwise, things can go very wrong as we launch in without counting the cost.

James here, encourages us to be quick to listen properly. 'What's happening here?' type of thing. Resisting the urge to retaliate  can help prevent disastrous consequences. We need to listen clearly and process what is happening. Watch the quick talking; when we're not in control, loads of bad stuff can come out of our mouths. We need to think things through quickly. We may only have a minute or two but there's always time to make the right reaction.

RT Kendall comments, 'Will my flesh rule this moment, or my spirit?' If we handle things badly, what does it portray? As people of God, we are Ambassadors of Jesus and should act accordingly. To act in any other way, we are presenting a bad image of life as a Christian. Unbelievers love this scandal. They love to be able to place the 'Hypocrite' label on to us.

We are important people, remember that, this is why the devil has to prowl around like a lion seeking who he can devour. (1 Peter 5:8). This means, if he can, he will discredit you and point the judgemental finger of accusation at you. He likes nothing better than ripping our reputations to shreds with scandals and lies. Don't give him the opportunity. Resist him, be sober and vigilant, be on guard, steadfast in faith.(1 Peter 5:8-9).

We need to analyse the way we react to situations. We need to train ourselves to receive in a more positive way. The way to do this, is to realise your importance to God. He chose you and called you His friend. (John 15:15-16). Own this and be confident of this fact. You are special and are on special business for Jesus. You are trusted. Take all of this on board; understand it and act accordingly. You signed up to serve Jesus. Now, this doesn't please the devil one bit; you are a threat. Did you get that? You are a threat to him and what he is planning.

The devil will only attack who is important, the one who means business. If that's you, and I'm sure it is, get your reactions sorted. Hone them down. Watch the short fuse attitude. Who is going to rule the moment, your flesh, or your spirit? 

You have a lot of work to do for Jesus. He is counting on you. Don't let people put you down, don't let the devil have his way. Be in control of every moment and point the way to Jesus Christ!

Copyriight 2020 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

The Secret Place

"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."                                                                                        Psalm 91:1.  NKJV

There is so much that goes on in our world; so much stress and anxiety that attempts to latch itself on to us and so much deception and hatred, that we need to be able to stay on top of it all. As we've seen from our studies this past week, David used the skill of strengthening himself in the Lord, and it really is the only way to survive.

When his men were threatening to stone him, even though he was grieving himself at the loss of his two wives, he began to remember past victories, praise God and thus, strengthen himself in the Lord. 

This is a skill that we all must learn if we are to be of value in kingdom business. We must learn to minister to ourselves if we're going to develop the character to reach our potential. It is impossible to reach this destiny in life, without first learning to minister to ourselves.

A great place to start to learn this skill is in the Secret Place - that special place where you meet with God on a daily basis in order to pray, study the Word and give Him all the things that are of concern to you. Where this Secret Place is, is very much dependant on you - what fits in with your routine and what is convenient. It really needs to a place where you can be alone with your Father. It doesn't work when other family members have the TV blaring, the latest Green Day or Metallica song full blast or mobile phones activating.

Check out today's text. It is an encouragement to live in the Secret Place - God's presence, living under the shadow or shelter of the Almighty. The Secret Place is a safe place; a place where there is nothing to fear. A place where we can rest and be refreshed. It's a place where God is, not that He isn't everywhere else in the world, because He is, but it's a place where exclusively He is ours!

It is said that the Eye of a Storm is the most peaceful place on earth. This is why Jesus slept in the middle of the storm (Mark 4:38). He was at peace, He knew the storm couldn't take Him under.

And this is how we can live each day, strengthening ourselves in God. This is how we become strong and victorious. Whatever comes our way, we flick it to the side with God's Word. But we must put it in to ourselves before we can give it out. We must get built up in Him to be of use to ourselves and whoever God leads us to.

If you don't have that Secret Place where you spend time with Jesus everyday, then find one; create one. It may be a room in your house, a shed, a car, on a walk - wherever. But it is far better to have a place where you can have your bible and notes handy, because you will need them. Ask God where is the best 'Secret Place' for you.

Copyriight 2020 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

 

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