You're safe and protected

"9 Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place, 10 No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling." 

                                                                                                     Psalm 91:9-10   NKJV

Just lately, I have heard some Christians talking in fear about how the Coronavirus is getting worse and how scary it is. To the world, it is scary, there is no doubt about that. It is a plague and if not conquered will cause a lot of death and heartache. However, we belong to Jesus, and because of this, Jesus lives in our hearts and gives us the protection of His Blood too, as long as we claim it and dwell in Jesus. He is available also to everyone who makes the choice to invite Him into their lives.

Look at our verses today. The LORD - Jehovah - is our refuge. A refuge is a safe place; a place that we can hide and shelter from any evil that may be going to attack us. A refuge is a kind of fortress and fortresses are very difficult to penetrate. Do you get the idea? As long as our eyes are on Jesus, we have a hedge of protection - a fortress - around us. No evil and no plague can come near our dwelling - which is Jesus, unless we invite it in by dropping our guard, causing a gap in this hedge. 

God is love 1 John 4:8, so therefore, if God is our refuge we are surrounded by love, and perfect love casts out fear 1 John 4:18. So, the God of love casts out all fear, which includes the torment that we may catch Covid 19. 

So, we can rest and be content in the fact that we have the protection of Jesus Christ in our lives. However, this does not mean that we can be slipshod in our approach to it all. At this time, we are in Lockdown and that means there are severe restrictions that we need to take notice of. God would expect us to do this. We are still subject to the law and, these restrictions are made in law. So we need to obey them. This doesn't mean that we have to be frightened out of our wits, not at all. We rest in the knowledge that our God protects us. But when we hear about people who are scared about it all, a word via text or a telephone, encouraging them, can be a lifesaver. 

Everyone needs Jesus, they just don't know this at the moment. So therefore, there is a harvest field of people who need to hear about Him. Perhaps, God is calling you to this, at this time.

Copyriight 2020 Grahame Howard

grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com 

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

Jesus knows what He is doing

"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."                                       Ephesians 3:20   NKJV

One thing is for sure, at this moment in time, you may not know what the Father is doing but, Jesus does and He's the one to trust. He knows the Father far better than we could ever do, and what's more, as we continue to trust Him, He will reveal more and more of what He has for us. He does it in stages because if he told us everything at once, we wouldn't be able to comprehend it; it would be too overwhelming.

Take for example Ephesians 3:20. He can do more than we could ever think; more than we could ever desire and much more than we could ever dream about. But note the latter part of this verse: 'according to the power that works in us' - and that is the Holy Spirit. God the Father sent Jesus and Jesus, when He had ascended into Heaven, sent the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit is the one that works the power within us. Without Him, very little will happen. With Him, He is our total power and guide, our truth-bearer and our friend.

God the Father, loves to surprise us. He is our Daddy and most Daddies love to thrill their children with gifts and love. Our Father loves to surprise us - His faithful people, with answers to our prayers that far exceed anything we could have hoped, imagined or asked Him for. He has wonderful plans for our lives so, refuse to be discouraged by disappointments that come your way. They are temporary, they are gone in a flash and sometimes, they are sent by God as a test to ascertain just how much we trust Him. When He sees our trust, when we pass the test, He can open the gates of His blessing towards us. So keep faithful to Him and continue to believe that He will answer any prayer in a manner that is better than you could ever have dreamed about. In fact, more than your wildest dreams. Why? Because, He is totally for you.

Just a quick word about disappointments. Sometimes thay come as tests from God because He wants us to learn something or overcome a particular point. However, at times the devil has a hand in the disappointment and if we allow him to, will completely wreck our minds with his lies. Don't let him do this. You have authority as a believer of Jesus Christ, to give the devil his marching orders. You can tell him to leave, and he must do this. He may cause some trouble in the process, but use your armour (Ephesians 6 - you should be wearing it all the time) - a believer clad in the armour of the Lord is a powerful warrior and when you prayerfully order him to be evicted from your presence, he will have to leave.

So, don't give in to disappointment because, following each disappointment there will be a blessing if you are in the right attitude spiritually. Jesus knows what He is doing and if you give Him your all, you too will know what you're doing.

Copyriight 2020 Grahame Howard

grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com 

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

The Words we Speak

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it, will eat its fruit". 

                                                                                                             Proverbs 18:21   NKJV

We have addressed this area many times over the past year but, it is so important that we could spend the rest of our lives studying it. Words bring death or life. Our lives largely reflect the fruit of our tongue. When we speak life, it is to speak God's perspective on any issue that we are faced with. To speak death is to declare a life of negativity; this includes declaring defeat on something or complaining constantly about whatever we see.

Proverbs 12:14 NIV says, 'From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him.' The notes on this verse tell us, A man who speaks with wisdom, will reap a harvest from his words, just as a farmer enjoys the crops he planted.' NIV Study Bible.

From this, we see just how important our words are. We can actually curse ourselves with what we say in the negative. Phrases such as, 'My back is killing me.' 'I think I'm coming down with the flu,' I am sure that I've got Covid.' These are negative words and it is possible that we will reap what we are saying here. Other phrases such as, 'Our David will never make anything of himself, everything he does fails.' "It's a waste of time going to Uni, I'll never pass the exams.' Can you see what is happening here? We are speaking negativity over ourselves and others and it is akin to cursing. We reap what we sow and we also get what we confess; we are prophets of our own doom and we need to stop this, right now!

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. In other words we are to be faith-filled people, living and speaking the Word of God. Seeing things as God sees them and only speaking things that build us up. Be careful that nothing comes out of your mouth that is negative. Furthermore, do not be tempted to speak anything that could be classed as gossip. 'He who goes about as a gossip reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy and faithful, keeps a matter hidden.' Proverbs 11:13 Amplified Study Bible. 

God has so much for you and I. As we move with Him, walking in the Spirit and speaking Words of Life, we will begin to see things happening in our lives that we never thought were possible. Therefore, speak only what God wants you to speak.

Copyriight 2020 Grahame Howard

grahamehoward@hotmail.com

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com 

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

He will not give up on you - that's a promise!

"being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you, will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ."     

                                                                                                        Philippians 1:6   NKJV    

At times, being a Christian can be so difficult and daunting as we continually fail at every hurdle we attempt to jump over. We try so hard to get it right but it seems, the harder we try, the harder it becomes to succeed. 

My dad, when I was very small, used to sing me a lullaby every night before I went to sleep. The words were:

At the end of the day, I kneel and pray

thank you Lord for a lovely day,

I try to be good, for I know that I should

that's my prayer at the end of the day

I've never forgotten it, because the words are so real - 'I try to be good, for I know that I should'. This is where we are at times, trying to be good because we know that we should. However, when we attempt this, many times we end up making a blunder and we feel a heavy weight of condemnation upon us that is so hard to free ourselves from.

But, 'There is therefore now, no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.' Romans 8:1. Don't fall for the lies the devil will throw at us. It doesn't matter how long we have been a Christian, we can still fall for this lie, 'He'll never forgive you now, you've blown it. You might as well give it all up.' Don't listen to this old codswallop - it's a lie.

We have a promise, as our text shows us today, that we can be confident that the work He has begun in us, He will continue until He returns for us. He knows how hard it can be at times but we must keep pressing on to obtain that crown.

De Garmo & Key, a Christian band from the 90's, wrote and sang a song called 'I'm accepted'. Some of the lyrics go like this:

I'm accepted, accepted

I'm accepted by the One who matters most.

If you think you're a loser, when you fail it seems, at everything you do

just remember there's a Saviour and you are worth enough, He gave His life for you.

I'm accepted, accepted

I'm accepted by the One who matters most

                                                                      Copyright 1990 De Garmo & Key

We won't be perfect or fully functioning as Jesus intended us to be, until He has finished His work in us. However, we are ordained to be His witness on this earth, no matter how many mistakes we may make because, we are accepted by the One who matters most.

Now stand up straight, hold your head up high and get on with what your friend, Jesus, has given you to do. 

Copyriight 2020 Grahame Howard

grahamehoward@hotmail.com

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com 

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

Let God direct you

"5 Trust in and rely confidently on the LORD with all your heart. And do not rely on your own insight or understanding. 6 In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognise Him, and He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].                                                                  Proverbs 3:5-6   Amplied Study Bible

We all have important decisions to make from time to time; and this may be where you are. ‘Should we move house?' 'Should I take that job or not?' 'Should I go to a different church?' There are many more questions to add to these important ones and at times, we just do not know what to do. As we share the dilemma with people, some say, 'Oh be careful, you could get it wrong.' Another says, 'Yes, that would be the best thing for you, go for it.' With such diverse counsel, we can become so bewildered. Really, there is only one source that you should be seeking, and that is God. He has all the answers and He can help you know the way ahead. 

Take a look at our two verses today from the Amplified Bible. We not only trust in God to show us the way but we can rely on what He tells us. We can be confident in His counsel. It is helpful to share with friends the plans that we have and the issues we are struggling with; but we should only use them as a guide. The advice that they tell us, should be weighed and thought through properly.  The first place of call though, should always be Jesus. He not only shows the way ahead  but will remove any obstacles that may block our paths along the way.

You may be interested in buying a house. As you share this with people, they can cloud your mind with all the reasons you should go ahead with this deal. But it may be their wishes for you, it may be what they want. What about God? He may not want you to buy a house for some reason known only to Him. But as you seek Him, He will show you the right thing to do and give you the expert counselling that you need.

We should never rush in with big decisions; they affect our lives and if we get it wrong it can cause a lot of heartache. I know, I've got the t-shirt. Never be hasty in making your mind up; count the cost first, look at the possible pitfalls; do a 'FORS and AGAINST' list. It gives you a good insight. Don't be hasty, it can lead to disaster. 'The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.' Proverbs 21:5.

The right thing for you to do today, is to get before God, lay it before Him and allow Him to expertly guide you in what decision to make. He will show you, this is a promise He makes.

Copyriight 2020 Grahame Howard

grahamehoward@hotmail.com

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com 

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

Do it to others first

"And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise." 

                                                                                                                   Luke 6:31   NKJV

We reap what we sow, did you know that? What we do and say to others reflects back to us too. So, if we treat some people unfairly, sooner or later they're going to want to do the same to us. If we speak to them in a bad way, they will do the same to us as well. This is the law of the world. But Jesus changed all of that by telling us to love people and show them the peace of God. We are different, or should be. If we only show them love when they show us love, then we have got it wrong.

Someone once told me that, 'We should be courteous on our way up because you never know who'll you meet on your way down'. And it is true. Leaders who bully their people may find this later on in their ministry. The person they were horrid to, may take over from their leadership.It's the same for bosses in companies. You just don't know who you will meet in the future. We should always be courteous to people we meet, whether we know them or not. At times, we may meet people who we don't really get on with or even don't particularly like. It's true, we can't always connect with people. But one thing we should do, is show them respect and the love of Jesus. This is having a Christ-like character.

God wants us to show all people His love and we do this by being Jesus to them. Remember, if you want to be treated kindly, then show kindness to others. If you want good things for yourself, then you must want them for other people as well. We are called to bless people not curse them Romans 12:9-21. Don't just send someone a greetings card because they sent you one first. Be the first to send that card. We should always be showing examples of Jesus.

We should not attempt to change people and put them into our mould. The mould we should attempt to direct them to, is Jesus' mould. Bob Gass once said, 'The only thing you can change about others, is your attitude towards them'. Did you get that? We need to accept people for what they are, we not here to judge, and furthermore, we should not expect too much from people either. At this moment, they may be doing the best they can do. Just love them and be courteous to them. This is how they will see Jesus.

If you want to be blessed, bless others!

Copyriight 2020 Grahame Howard

grahamehoward@hotmail.com

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com 

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

Be equipped for this New Year

"For you shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth into singing before you and all the trees of the field shall clap their hand."                                                                                             Isaiah 55:12   NKJV

As we open up this verse, we can gather a lot of information that will feed our hungry souls. The first part, 'you shall go out with joy' refers to the exile from Babylon and how this freedom would have put joy into their hearts. 'being led forth', meant that they would be led by the LORD Himself.

Further to this, I have highlighted three words; Joy, Peace and Singing, which are significant to our survival in this world of uncertainty. Let's look at each one:

JOY. Nehemiah gives us the meaning of this word - strength. It is the joy we have in Jesus Christ that gives us the strength to get through each and every situation. It is a mighty weapon. If at all possible, we should endeavour to laugh and praise our way to victory. Joy is mighty and powerful. But it is ourselves that need to get into a position of joy and we can only do this in Jesus.

PEACE. Isaiah 26:3 says, 'You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.' As we focus on Jesus Christ, giving Him the first place in our lives, we will receive this perfect peace, which is interpreted as Shalom, Shalom in the Hebrew. Jesus told us that He would give us this peace. John 14:27. As He was getting ready to depart from this earth, He promised us that we would have perfect peace. This is the peace that surpasses all understanding; the peace that guards our heart and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 

SINGING. Psalm 150:6 says, 'Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.' There is power in praise. It can bring down walls, Joshua 6. It opened locked doors and broke chains Acts 16. As we praise God, mighty things happen. As we sing to the Lord, He opens up the way, which is the only way - the way to victory. Things are defeated  and taken over as we praise, not only walls, prison doors and chains, but as we read here, the trees of the field clap their hands. Have you ever seen this? No, me neither, and it may just be symbolic but it has happened and can happen as we praise God. If God's Word says it, I believe it and that's the bottom line.

This New Year, God wants us to walk in Joy; He wants us to live and walk in His peace and He wants each one of us to live in an attitude of praise. As we do, our lives and our situations will change for the better. We'll be led forth by Jesus Himself. 

Have a Happy and Blessed New Year

Copyriight 2020 Grahame Howard

grahamehoward@hotmail.com

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com 

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