Three Aspects of Temptation

"So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food; that it was pleasant to the eyes and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate." 

                                                                                                                Genesis 3:6    NKJV  

Disaster struck that day in the garden. The devil convinced Eve that it was ok to eat the forbidden fruit. One can just hear his words, 'It's ok, you won't die, God didn't mean that. And anyway, who will know?' I am sure we have all heard the latter part of this statement, 'Who will know?' Bottom line? God will; if you become involved in something you know is wrong, sooner or later, it will be revealed. You will be caught out!

That day, God's Word was fulfilled. Adam died; but not physically as one would think, but spiritually. He no longer had that special relationship with God. He had let sin into the world and therefore, the whole human race would suffer because of it.

Man fell by choice. There was no one to blame except man. Not even the devil could be blamed. There was a choice to be made and Eve made this choice and subsequently Adam. We all like to blame others for wrong decisions and mess ups. However, we have choices and they may be good or bad choices that we make. What we choose determines our outcome. The choices we make today will determine - to a degree - what will happen tomorrow.  This is why Proverbs 3:5-6 says, '(5) Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. (6) In all your ways acknowledge Him and he shall direct your paths.'

We really have nothing to complain about when we make a bad choice. We've all done it. However, it is accepting this and learning from our mistakes. We can easily be distracted and hoodwinked into wrong decisions. The devil is only too pleased to fool us. There are three aspects of temptation he may use:

IT WAS GOOD FOR FOOD

Eve looked at the tree and saw that it was good for food. Actually, she would have been familiar with this tree because her and Adam tended it but were never tempted by the fruit at all. But this day, she fell for a smooth talker. Be careful.

IT WAS PLEASANT TO THE EYE

Whatever we can't have can have the habit of letting us feel that we can. 'It'll be ok, no one's going to find out.' God knows and if that doesn't worry you, it should.

DESIRABLE TO MAKE ONE WISE

Many people want to be a 'Somebody'; a film star, pop star or famous author to name a few things. However, it is not possible for us all. We have our limitations and we need to accept them.

That day in the garden, the devil impregnated Eve with a carnal appetite and visual enticement. She fell for it. Make sure that you don't.

Copyriight 2021 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com 

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

grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

 BLOG UPDATE

It would appear that something has gone wrong with today's issue of my blog - Three Aspects of Temptation. Some of you may been able to read the blog today 28 January, but since then it has ceased to display. I can't re-load it again, as my copy was wiped too.

I am so sorry that this has happened but promise that normal service will be resumed tomorrow morning. I will publish Three Aspects of Love at a later date, possibly February.

Once again, many apologies. These things happen but we still praise Jesus!

God Bless

Grahame

PS. If anyone was able to open today's blog, is it possible to make a copy and send it to me. It would save having to re-type and reset a new one.

Thank you.        grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk 

The Transfiguration - Jesus in His Glorified State

"as He was transfigured before them, His face shone like the sun and His clothes became as white as the light."  v2                                                                   Matthew 17:1-13    NKJV

Transfiguration may denote spiritual transformation. However here, it indicates a visible transformation affirming the essential glory of Jesus the Messiah.

Jesus took Peter, John and James up the mountain - geographically more than likely Mount Hermon so that He could show them in His gloried state. As He did, His face shone like the sun and His clothes became as white as the light. The three disciples were witnessing this incredible transformation. This really clarifies His time in Gethsemane, where the arresting officers met with Jesus, drew back and fell over. (John 18:6). They were seeing Jesus in His visible state, not as a man but as the Son of God, the King of kings. 

The appearance of Moses and Elijah signifies that the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah) were there to discuss Jesus' impending death and support Him in His redemptive mission.

Peter - the one who was always the first to defend Jesus and offer his advice, once again let his words come out of his mouth without considering them said, 'Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish' let us make three tabernacles, one for You, one for Moses and one for Elijah' v4. Peter may have been suggesting a desire to prolong this visit. In a way, he had taken charge of things and quite selfishly he was guilty of making Jesus an equal with Moses and Elijah by suggesting three tents for them. This brought a rebuke from the Father, 'This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him.' v5. The disciples on hearing this, fell to the ground in fear, but Jesus touched them and told them to get back up and not be afraid. When they did, Jesus was on His own.

Then in v9, we see Jesus telling the disciples to suspend talking about what happened until after the Resurrection. The others would understand much better then about all they had witnessed. To tell them now would lead to them being overwhelmed and bewildered.

Conclusion

(1)  Jesus revealed to them His glorified state. An amazing privilege to the three He probably trusted the most.

(2)  Moses, was a representative of the Old Covenant and a promise of salvation which was soon to be fulfilled in the death of Jesus.

(3)  Elijah, was the appointed restorer of all things and essential in the discussion of Jesus' death.

(4)  Be slow to speak and think things through fully before speaking out. Don't try to organise Jesus in your plans. He's a far better organiser than we can ever be and knows what He is doing.

(5)  When someone tells you something in confidence, keep it that way. Don't go telling others in the guise of praying for them. In the same way, if God shares something to you about someone, honour this by keeping it secret unless He tells you otherwise.

Copyriight 2021 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com 

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

grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

Be ready - demons will attack!

"But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out, because of the heat, and fastened on his hand." 

                                                                                                             Acts 28:3    NKJV

Paul having survived being shipwrecked, found himself on the island of Malta. They were drenched because of being in the sea and because it was raining too. Islanders had laid a fire for them and so Paul began gathering some firewood. 

Paul gathered the sticks and was immediately bitten by a viper as he laid them on the fire. This snake had probably been hiding or sleeping within the undergrowth and Paul hadn't noticed it. This is characteristic of a snake, they are very crafty and wriggle into situations and because of their small size and colouring, it can be difficult to notice them before it is too late. This snake, alarmed by the heat of the fire, fastened itself on to Paul's hand and wouldn't let go. However, Paul shook it off and threw it back into the fire. He wasn't harmed at all.

Let us look at this more closely. Wherever God is, the devil and his demons are present to try and counteract everything He is doing. Think for a moment, if this viper had succeeded in killing Paul, it may have been a totally different story. But Paul was filled with the power of God and living this way, he let nothing get in his way. That is food for thought for a start.

The snake could be described as a serpent and, as we assume in Genesis 3, that the serpent was the devil, then we can see that a demon was out to put a stop to Paul's work. Be aware, that wherever God is working 'big time', the heat is on and demons (snakes), will come out and attempt to attack. Note that they can't remain in the heat, this is impossible, because this is where God is. Therefore, they crawl around in the darkness ready to strike and bite whenever they can. Notice also, that they can only crawl so a foot can easily be placed on their neck. More food for thought.

Keep your eyes open and be alert. If things are going well in your Christian walk, you are a candidate for attack. This is not said to make anyone panic but to emphasise the necessity of being ready and alert. The attack can come from anywhere. When things are becoming heated in a Godly manner, make sure that you tread carefully and be at full strength in God. This way, when it comes, like Paul, you can shake it off.

Copyriight 2020 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com 

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

grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

A Simple Yet Determined Faith

"O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire." 

                                                                                                     Matthew 15:28    NKJV

If you read the whole of this section, Matthew 15:21-28 & Mark 7:24-30, you will see how Jesus appears to speak quite harshly to this Gentile woman, who had come begging Jesus to drive a demon out of her daughter. The woman was actually a Syro-Phoenician, a Gentile from Syria. Jews referred to Gentiles as dogs. To the Jew 'dog' was a term of contempt. To the Gentile, 'dog' meant shameless and audacious.To a Jew, the term 'dog' was utter contempt for a Gentile.

The word 'dog' that the Jews used, referred to the wild and scavenging type. Jesus here, took the sting out of the word and instead of using it as an insult, he used the term known as 'household pets - lap dogs'. Jesus' words appear quite harsh but He would be overcoming the prejudice  by using this kinder term so that He could draw out a confession of faith from her. In other words, he was testing her. His tone of voice would have determined how she received what He said too. It could have been said and received as an insult - as many people who have not studied this piece deeply, have felt. Or it could have been said and received as an affectionate address. My understanding is that it was the latter. Jesus could never be accused of being so rude to anyone who came for help. We therefore, need to be careful how we speak to people. At times, what we say can be received as harsh although it probably wasn't intended this way. It is a thought that we need to ponder.

There was a metaphor used here; in Mark 7:27 Jesus said, 'Let the children be filled first, for it is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the little dogs.' He actually said to let the children be fed first because there will be food left over for the household pets (Little dogs). Israel had the first offer of the gospel, but only the first, there were others to come - the Gentiles.

In those days, knives, forks and napkins didn't exist; people ate with the hands and then wiped the excess from this on chunks of bread and threw it under the table for their pets. The woman said that she knew this and asked if she could have the scraps the children threw away. Jesus loved this statement and her daughter was delivered that day. He saw her simple, yet determined faith and His heart melted the way it does when He sees you as well. 

This woman was tested to the hilt. She didn't back down; she knew what she wanted, in fact needed, and she went for it. He faith and determination set her daughter free that day and she found her newly found faith to be real.

Copyriight 2020 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com 

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

grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

Servanthood

"If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there, My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honour" 

                                                                                                            John 12:26    NKJV

Pay particular attention to the phrase, 'where I am, there, My servant will be also'. If we are truly wanting to follow Jesus then we must be willing to do what He wants and go where He goes, no matter what the road may be ahead. Jesus was pointing out here that, faithful servants follow without hesitation. This means continuing to follow wholeheartedly wherever, whenever, day or night, thus conforming to Jesus' example. This may indeed mean suffering for our faith or even dying. Jesus suffered and died for us, Is it too much to ask to do the same for Him if we have to. We can see many examples of this in Labour Camps in North Korea and parts of China just to name two places. In these countries, it is not only illegal to be a Christian, but is unthinkable to possess or read a bible. The allegiance should be to the leader of the nation, not God. To disregard this law and live as a Christian could lead a person into brutal Labour Camps and even execution. And yet, many are willing to serve Jesus and die rather than give up their faith.

God honours our wholehearted servanthood. When we serve this way we can be identified as servant-spirited. Service is a part of love. We do it because we have a deep-rooted desire to place someone, especially Jesus. It's not just a calling, it is our whole commitment to Him. If we have a job, we serve our employer at our place of work too. When we do this, we should be working at our job as if, we are working for Jesus, regardless of what their attitude may be towards us. This is called serving and the world does not understand this type of behaviour. It is more concerned with, 'me, me, me'. But, as we continue to serve someone such as this, we are serving God to the best of our ability. After-all, not everyone is called into church type ministry but we all have a ministry in our own everyday workplace and home.

Sociologically speaking, a servant is one who accepts and acknowledges a place beneath those whom he serves. However, every servant of Jesus will be honoured by the Father in Heaven and this may be in their lifetime, not later when they go to Heaven. Blessings are due to many servants of God and many are going to be receiving these blessings when they least expect them. Why, Because Jesus had a servant's heart and He loves this type ministry.

Someone once said, 'The way to the Throne Room is through the servant's quarters' (Source unknown). What an amazing statement. Understand, the things that you are doing at this moment, may go unnoticed, but God sees all. We really don't need a 'thank you' from anyone, for He is the one that we serve and He is the one who will reward us.

Copyriight 2020 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com 

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

grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

How would you have handled this situation?

(22) "And behold one of the rulers of the synagogue came, Jairus by name. And when he saw Him he fell at His feet, (23) and begged Him earnestly saying, 'My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay Your hands on her that she may be healed, and she will live.'"                                                                                              Mark 5:22-43    NKJV

Jesus had just completed one mission and crossing over the sea, walked straight into another - crowds wanting His attention. A ruler of the synagogue - Jairus, came begging Him to go with him and heal his daughter, who was close to death. Jesus did this.

As they went on their way, a woman who had been suffering a serious blood issue, came up to Him. She also had a need but came up from behind Him and touched His gown and she was totally healed. Jesus wanted to know how power had gone out of His body and looked around. After a short time, the woman came forward and  bowed down, telling Him her story. Jesus was touched and told her that her faith had made her well.

Now, this would have taken a little time and Jairus must have felt like he wanted to get home where Jesus could heal his daughter. However, he remained quiet and didn't even show any impatience. 

Just then, some people came from Jairus' house (v35) telling him not to bother Jesus anymore as his daughter had died. It is hard to imagine what Jairus must have felt at this time - deep-rooted pain, anxiety and total bewilderment - 'This is not happening', type of thing. But it had. 

Jairus could have become so overwhelmed with the pain, and shouted and screamed at Jesus, and especially the woman, who had held them up. But he remained quiet. He never said a word. Let me ask you, How would you have handled this situation if you had been Jairus? Would you have said some words to the woman, blaming her for holding you up? Would you have blamed Jesus for becoming distracted on the way? Jairus was human, he knew pain, he would have had his feelings shattered. But something was happening to him. Somehow, he felt strength and total trust in Jesus. He knew in his heart that Jesus could change this situation, so he didn't panic. This was further reinforced into his thinking when Jesus straightaway, after hearing this bad news, told Jairus, 'Do not be afraid, only believe'.

Those words to Jairus were like healing balm, they were like a bolt af living power and strength that helped him in this situation. He knew that he had nothing to fear. And neither do you, in anything. Jesus is well and truly in charge, if you remain quiet and give Him the reins.

We know the result of all of this, the little girl was raised and healed. (v43).

Let's conclude with this: Whatever is happening in your life, don't lose your faith, don't negate it by panicking and saying doubt and unbelief. Keep a guard over your mouth. The devil will try to block your faith but don't even give him a chance. Stand firm and confess and believe what you know is the truth. You will then have the victory.

Copyriight 2020 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com 

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

grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk