Watch the doubting spirit!

 "Jesus said to him, 'Thomas, because you have seen Me you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."                             John 20:29   NKJV

One of the things the devil is likely to do to us, is cause us to doubt. We see him trying to tempt and confuse Jesus when He was in the wilderness. He thought Because Jesus was tired, worn out and hungry, he could get Jesus to believe him and bow to Him; but Jesus was having none of it. Again, the serpent, who represented the devil, caused Eve to doubt in the Garden of Eden, 'You shall not surely die.' Genesis 3:4. If he is given an inch he will take a mile, you better believe it. Faith is how God wants us to live. We can't see Him but we believe He is here, in our hearts. This is faith. To doubt that, is to lose our way completely.

Thomas, who was also known as Didymus - the twin, because of his uncanny resemblance to Jesus, was a doubter. We see him in action in this chapter. The others had seen Jesus following His crucifixion - He had appeared to them. They excitedly tried to tell Thomas about it all, but he was not having it, 'Unless I see in His hands, the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.' Thomas had to see it before he would accept it.  A lot of us are like this. We want to know that it is safe before we take a step of faith. Some give out fleeces, 'Lord, if you want me to do this, please let someone knock on my door and tell me this. Also let them provide me with financial support too.'

God rarely responds to such things. He has told us that, 'We walk by faith not by sight'. 2 Corinthians 5:7. This means that we look through the eyes of faith as we discussed yesterday. Jesus reinforced this when He later showed up to Thomas, one of the few times that He did respond to such a request. He told him, 'Thomas, because you have seen Me you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen Me and yet have believed.' Note that second part, 'Blessed are those who have not seen Me and yet have believed.' This is you and I. Very few of us have actually seen Jesus and yet we trust Him; we believe in Him and that is great. Yet, why do we still have doubts about certain things.?

Some may answer this by saying, 'Because we are only human, we're doing the best we can do.' And that is a good answer. Yet Jesus wants more. He wants you and I to have a certainty that He will do what we ask and give us what we need each day. I'm not saying here that if we believe and ask Him to allow us to win the Lottery, He will do this. That is ridiculous and selfish. I'm talking here of our needs for each day. For Him to protect us and walk with us wherever we go. Take for instance, the centurion who came to Jesus in Matthew 8:5-10. He told Jesus that his servant was very ill. Jesus responded by telling him that He would go with him and heal him. The centurion said, 'Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word and my servant will be healed.' The centurion's faith astounded Jesus, He had not seen such faith in all of Israel.

And this is the faith that Jesus wants from each of us. To have the confidence, that certainty that Jesus will take care of us, watch over us and supply our needs. 

He wants us to be blessed.

Copyriight 2020 Grahame Howard

grahamehoward@hotmail.com

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com 

*If you would like to contact me, then please send me an email😄

Don't give in to despair

"Simon Peter said to them, 'I am going fishing.' They said to him, 'We are going with you also.' They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing."                                                                                    John 21:3   NKJV

Following Jesus' crucifixion and appearance to many of the disciples, Peter and some of the others were sitting around totally full of despair. What had it all been about, was uppermost in their minds? They were bored, broken, lonely and desperate. They had walked with Jesus and it had been wonderful. Now, He wasn't there. They would have been confused. Had they really seen Him again? If they had, where was He now? They were gutted; they had lost everything and there was nothing left. It had all been meaningless. You can hear the despair in Peter's words, 'I am going fishing.' 

Yet on the other side of the coin, there was still a fighting spirit left within them. Just the fact that they decided to go out with there boats, showed that they were not going to lay down and give up totally. They had a survival spirit within them. It wasn't very strong but, it was still there. However, it was short-lived. They went out fishing and they caught nothing. These were experienced fishermen; if they couldn't catch fish no one could. Yet they didn't. Why? It was because their hearts were not in it. It was all meaningless.

When we become this way, it is hard to see the point in anything. It is not a case of feeling sorry for ourselves. It is more deeply-rooted. We have had everything; life was good and business was booming. Suddenly, it has all changed and there doesn't seem to be much point. But there always is. Deep down within you, there is that fighting, survival spirit. That spirit that tells you never to give up. It is there.

Life may have been a little unkind just lately. But it has to others as well. The same rain that falls on you, falls on them too. No one is exempt times of despair and heartache. It is universal and we have to find a way through it all. There is life out there and we have to grab it with both hands. A fighting spirit never gives up. Peter and the others used this when they got up and went out fishing. They would not surrender. And what did they get in return? Initially, a smack in the face when, after their efforts, they caught nothing. But watch this, Just moments later a mighty blessing came their way and they had a major catch of fish when Jesus spoke to them, directing them what to do.

And this will happen to you as well. As you refuse to give up, He will take your hand and lead you to blessing. 

Don't give in to despair.

Copyriight 2020 Grahame Howard

grahamehoward@hotmail.com

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com 

*If you would like to contact me, then please send me an email😄

Creativity - through the eyes of faith

"God who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did."                                                                                          

                                                                                                    Romans 4:17   NKJV

We serve a creative God. He created the whole universe; our whole world and all that is in it. Even today, with the wonderful things that are invented, God created them. He did this by giving man the knowledge to perform such things. It's amazing.

A writer of fiction books, has to use creativity to be able to put together the characters and the plot. There are antagonists and protagonists. It has to be this way otherwise, there is no story. The writer must have imagination too and this comes from the creative side. I heard a fiction author say recently, 'When you look at something, what do you see? It may be just a landscape to the normal eye but, with imagination and creativity, it can be very different. So, when we look at something - see what's not there, that is the secret that creates books.'

And it is very true. God wants us to be the same. 'God who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist, as though they did.' This is faith. Don't forget, 'We walk by faith, not by sight'. 2 Corinthians 5:7. This type of faith affects our whole life. Your faith may be dead but God can bring it back to life, so that you are on fire for Him. Your health may be really bad but, God can repair it. He can breathe new life into every sickness and make you whole again. Your marriage may have lost that zing, in fact, it may be falling apart. However, if you trust God, He can make it feel like you have just been married, with that excitement and endless love.

God can do whatever he chooses to do. This is why He says the words of our text today. It all comes down to what you believe; what your level of faith is. If your level of faith is weak, then what you receive will be weak. If it is strong, the sky is the limit.

The Apostle Paul said, 'We walk by faith, not by sight.' This is the ability to look at something - some situation probably - and see it through the eyes of God. At first you look and everything may look the same; but as you look in faith, seeing what you believe, it will happen. These are not my words, they are God's; and He doesn't lie. He always speaks the truth.

What are you facing today? If Jesus is your Saviour, pray and then look at what you're facing, seeing it through the eyes of God. Be creative; be faith-filled; be transparent, giving all of yourself to Him. Remember, if God said it, believe it and let that settle it. 

Begin looking through the eyes of your faith from now on. Be creative! 

Copyriight 2020 Grahame Howard

grahamehoward@hotmail.com

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com 

*If you would like to contact me, then please send me an email😄

 

2021 is about to erupt in Godly power

"But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD, I say, 'You are my God'. (15) My times are in Your hand."                                                                                       Psalm 31:14-15   NKJV

Times of trouble and times of triumph are in God's hands. People can oppose us, harass us and give us a really bad time; but they cannot take God on and win and sooner or later, if people keep on harassing or hurting us, they will find this out as He steps in and takes over.

We must though, keep in contact with Him on a daily basis. We can't keep on walking on our own and expect divine intervention. We must keep the connection with Jesus; we will then be safe. King David knew his God; he had a close relationship with Him. Subsequently, God protected him and he was able to confidently say that, 'My times are in Your hand.'

And this is where God wants each of us to be. We have a New Year approaching with new opportunities. Don't be tempted to think, 'Yes, we thought that last year and look what it brought us.' That is negative thinking; it is the type of thinking that the devil wants us to think - the bottle half-empty saga.

The Apostle Paul said, 'forgetting those things which are behind and, reaching forward to those things which are ahead,' Philippians 3:13. We need to forget what was in the past and, by faith look ahead to all the opportunities that the 'God, who gives life to the dead and calls these things which do not exist as though they did.' Romans 4:17, will bring us. And remember, we walk by faith, not by sight.' 2 Corinthians 5:7.

2021, may still contain Covid 19 problems. Restrictions may still be in place; but are you forgetting - God is bigger than any virus! He is in control although it may not seem so at times. He is, so don't give in to fear. Do not give in to disappointments or discouragement. We are the elite - the children of God, we serve a big God who is able to perform whatever He chooses.

On this 27th day Of December 2020, get into position for the explosion of Godly power that is going to erupt over this world. Get your faith sharpened. Get yourself ready to discover that your times are really in God's hand.

Copyriight 2020 Grahame Howard

grahamehoward@hotmail.com

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com 

*If you would like to contact me, then please send me an email😄

No one should go without

"Nor was there anyone among them who lacked"                       Acts 4:34   NKJV

Today is Boxing Day, but what is the origin of this name? It is thought to come from a time when the rich used to box up gifts to give to the poor. Boxing Day was traditionally a day off for servants and the day when they received a special Christmas box from their masters. The servants would also go home on Boxing Day to give Christmas boxes to their families. Wikipedia tells us:

'The origins of Boxing Day are somewhat debated. The most likely story dates back hundreds of years to Britain. One version says that on December 26 wealthy families would give their servants and tradespeople a gratuity of either money or a “Christmas box” full of food and gifts to thank them for their service and for working all day Christmas Day. According to another tradition, churches would set up boxes to be filled with gifts on Christmas Day, which would then be distributed to the poor the following day. Regardless of which tradition is correct, each of these stories shows that Boxing Day had its origin in gift-giving to others.'

It is not unlike the early church recorded in Acts 4. The multitude of those who believed were of one heart and would share openly, with others who had little. No one went without. Some richer people would sell what they could and give the proceeds to the poorer people. 

We can see this in a lot of churches today, where food is distributed, along with clothes, to the people who are in desperate need. There are many people homeless today and benefit greatly from what people can give them. It is what Jesus would do. Remember the feeding of the five thousand? Mark 6:30-44. Jesus was faced with a mass of people who had followed Him and He was concerned that they should not starve. He provided for them and that is the heart of Jesus.

Me and my wife Hazel, when we pastored a church, turned the basement into a place where the homeless could come, get warm and receive hot meals and clothing if they needed it. These people were who society had forgotten about but Jesus hadn't. He guided us to set up the work, provided the kitchen equipment, carpeting, central heating, shower and the workforce. When Jesus asks you to do a task for Him, He gives all you need to put this into action.

Perhaps, you may have been wondering about becoming involved in this type of ministry. It is not easy and you can get ripped-off along the way, but there is nothing quite like seeing the faces of the people who are genuinely grateful for what you have done for them. And if they're grateful and pleased, Jesus is too. Remember His Words in Matthew 25:40: 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'

Jesus sees what we do, what we say and how we act and He will reward all that serve Him.

Copyriight 2020 Grahame Howard

grahamehoward@hotmail.com

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com 

*If you would like to contact me, then please send me an email😄

Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday Jesus

"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." 

                                                                                                                Isaiah 9:6   NKJV

Many people throughout this world are today, celebrating Christmas Day and the birth of Jesus. Even though He was born 2000 or so years ago, it is like He has been born again this day. Why? Because He is a living God. His energy and vitality know no end. However, many only know Him as a baby. They are wrong because that baby, turned into the almighty and everlasting, powerful God who chose to come to earth so that He could be with His people - you and I. Family are meant to be together at Christmas and Jesus is family. He is our brother but in His status of Mighty God, He is our Father too. He is everything to us, He is all we need and he chose to spend Christmas with you.

You may be alone this Christmas, but really, you are not. Your brother, your Father, your Counsellor and your Prince of Peace has decided to spend Christmas Day with you. In fact, He is willing to spend each and every day with you. Everyday can be like Christmas Day with Jesus in your life. Note the the words, 'Everlasting Father'. He is not your Father for a day and then decides to go away again. Many people throughout this world know what it is like to live life without their father in their family. I'm talking about, the father's who for one reason or another, have walked away. My heart goes out to you; but more importantly, Jesus' heart is broken because of this fact - because you have an emptiness within your life. Right now, I want to tell you, that Jesus wants to fill that void; that empty, emotional space. If you will allow Him to, He will be Your Father - a Father who will always be there for you and He will build you back up again. This could happen this day.

Furthermore, there are other people who are lonely this Christmas period. A death may have brought about an emptiness that you find hard to live with. There are no words that can make this better to live with, no magic wand can be waved as in the movies where everything goes from gloom to happiness in the blinking of an eye. But, on the other hand, no one can help you more than Jesus can. Look at His names again, Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace. One of the names, if not all, can address your pain and loneliness if you'll reach out and take hold of the hands that want to lift you up.

On this Christmas Day, Jesus wants you to celebrate with Him, His birth and His birthday like you have never done before. If you are willing; if you feel you are needing a Father or someone to give you love or just someone who will give your life a spiritual boost, why not receive the best Christmas present of all:

Lord Jesus, I need You. Things have not been the way that I planned them to be. I have an empty heart, I have pain, I need your help and I need your love. Please come and live in my heart today. Forgive me my sins and fill me with Your Holy Spirit. May this Christmas, be the best ever. Amen

Copyriight 2020 Grahame Howard

grahamehoward@hotmail.com

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com 

*If you would like to contact me, then please send me an email😄

 

What will be your gift this year?

"And after entering the house, they saw the child with Mary, His mother; and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then after opening their treasure chests, they presented to Him gifts (fit for a King, gifts) of gold, frankincense and myrrh" 

                                                                                       Matthew 2:11 Amplified Study Bible

Note here, that these visitors to Jesus, were not the shepherds; they were the Magi - wise men from the east. They would have been of the same class as the 'wise men', of Babylon over whom Daniel was made ruler. Note also, that they didn't visit Jesus in the stable but Jesus' house. This would have been some time after Jesus' birth and He probably would have been around two years of age. Prior to this, Herod the Great had been murdering all male children over the age of two.

These wise men brought Jesus amazing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Herod had spoken with the Magi beforehand and asked them to report back to him, where exactly, Jesus was. However, they ignored this following a warning from God and, went by another way to their homeland.

Christmas is a lovely time of year. Usually - pre-Lockdown - we happily choose presents to give to our loved ones and they do for us too. It really is an exciting time of year. It is also the time people think about Jesus. They may not be believers but, they cannot fail to hear about Him as carols are sung and Christmas services attended.

Think about the members of your family who do not know Jesus as their Saviour. Wouldn't it be the greatest Christmas present - ever, if they were to receive Him this Festive time? Why not pray for them right now: -

'Lord

Thank you for Christmas and the birth of Jesus. Lord, I pray now that --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

will receive the greatest present of all, as they receive You, Jesus, as their Lord and Saviour. Please do this for us Lord.

In Jesus' Name, Amen

Now go and get ready for tomorrow - Jesus' birthday and look out for the opportunities the Holy Spirit will give you, to tell them about Jesus.

Copyriight 2020 Grahame Howard

grahamehoward@hotmail.com

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com 

*If you would like to contact me, then please send me an email😄