Do we just sit and let it happen

"But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God."                                       Acts 7:55     NKJV

If you are not familiar with the account of Stephen, can I encourage you to read Acts 6 & 7 so that, you can see what a shining example he was. So shining in fact, that Jesus, who since He  ascended into heaven sits at the right hand of God, is reported here as standing. Such was His excitement at the courage of this young man that He couldn't contain Himself. He had to stand and cheer him on. Charles Swindoll comments on this by giving an example of what Jesus may have been shouting to Stephen: 'Come on home, sweet Stephen. Come on home, dear servant of mine.' Obviously, we have nothing to back this up, but Jesus was standing and was possibly excited about it all; and furthermore, Stephen was His disciple, dear to His heart, so it does make sense that He could have said something similar to this.

Stephen did great signs and wonders among the people. He was full of faith and the Holy Spirit. Certain people didn't like this. You'll find this out for yourself if you do something for God, whether it be to preach, teach or just tell someone about Jesus. People don't like it and will stab you in the back. They did this to Stephen and falsely accused him of blasphemy; they even paid people to back this up to the Sanhedrin. Stephen gave a full account of the whole scriptures to date and even accused them of murdering Jesus on the cross. He was sentenced to be stoned, such was the rage of the people.

However, this was not a legal trial, it was more like a lynching. It was true that a person could be stoned for committing blasphemy, but the Sanhedrin had no rights to put anyone to death. Just like Jesus suffered trumped up charges and a very unfair trial, Stephen underwent a similar experience. Total injustice.

There comes a time when we, as Christians, have to make a stand for Jesus. There is a lot of injustice in this world and, no doubt, in the area where you live. Abortions for one thing, we cannot get away from the fact that it is murder and we need to be standing against this. Christianity cannot fully be taught within schools, it has to be multi-cultural, and yet, alternative sex can be taught as a satisfactory lifestyle. There is no discipline in schools and very little in certain homes, because smacking a child is a no-go area and you can be fined and receive a visit from Social Care. This is one of the reasons that there is so much violence on our streets. Come on, isn't it time that we spoke up about certain things? Isn't it time that we stopped thinking that someone will do something about it. Isn't it time that we got down and prayed about all that is going on instead of just the everyday issues that the church building needs?

Jesus made a difference. Stephen and the others also made a difference. Does it stop there?

What about: 

If My people who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways , then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.'    2 Chronicles 7:14.

This is a good place to start!

Copyriight 2021 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com 

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

Jesus trusts you, do you trust Him?

 "24 But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because he knew all men, 25 and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man."   

                                                                                                                 John 2:24-25   NKJV

Jesus was at the Passover and, being in such crowds, many saw the signs which He did. John, the apostle, used the Greek word semeion which means 'signs' for the miracles that Jesus performed because, these works were not just super-natural, but were signs that unveiled the glory and the power of God working through, Jesus the Messiah.

Check out verse 23, 'Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did.' Notice the last part of this verse, 'many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did.' This was what Jesus had to beware of. Jesus was famous and drew crowds wherever He went. Many wanted to be with Him because of His fame and for the signs that He did. They wanted to see dramatic healings and demons being cast out; they wanted to witness the paraplegic being able to walk. They wanted to be in where it was happening - the in-crowd. And for this, Jesus had to be careful because, if they had their way, they would seize Him and make Him their king in order to take on the authorities. This was how they perceived the Messiah. Jesus therefore, did not trust them. They only wanted Jesus for what He could give them. If He didn't deliver, they would abandon Him and find someone else. They were not seeking the giver but the gift.

It is quite similar today in some circles. Some people will go from church to church, meeting to meeting, country to country, just to be where it is all happening. If things are not happening where they are, they will go looking for it. In a way, we can't blame them. If a church is dead and not going anywhere , it is good to go where spiritual food and fire are being given out. However, think for a moment, we serve the same Jesus, if things are not happening where you are, why not pray pray and pray a bit more until revival comes. Why not seek God to enquire if there is something that you may be able to offer. Why not trust Jesus, like He trusts you. Why don't you seek the giver and not the gift!

Over the years, there has been outbreaks of the Holy Spirit and many have survived and grew into massive outreaches. Sadly though, many haven't and a lot of people have been misled and had their faith squashed. Just think a moment, Jesus trusts you, if you trust Him, then He can bring about a change in your spiritual life and home wherever you are. The fire just needs stoking.

Copyriight 2021 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com 

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

 

Believe, Receive and Have

 "We walk by faith not by sight"                                               2 Corinthians 5:7     NKJV

We need to live our lives in a manner consistent with our belief in God's promises. 2 Corinthians 5:6 says, 'So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord.' To be absent from the Lord doesn't mean that we are not with Him, we are. Christ is with us spiritually. His physical absence means we do not perceive Him as clearly or as fully as we will in the future, when we are with Him in Heaven.

Until then, we must walk by faith and live it at every moment of every day. We need to avoid the distractions that will come our way. They are hindrances that are sent to take our eyes off the main route we are walking on. Walking by faith helps us to never doubt God. Walking by faith helps us to believe that those things we say, will be done. It means we will have what we say. Walking by faith, helps us to believe, receive and have what we ask for. Mark 11:23-24.

Walking by sight, is a complete opposite. It makes us believe what the doctor has just diagnosed; that awful prognosis that can take all hope away. It gives us a limited vision of whatever God wants for us. Walking by sight, will cause us to make statements such as, 'It can't be done, it's impossible.' It can be done, and nothing is impossible for God. If we believe that things are impossible for God, we might as well throw our bible away, as reading it is a pointless exercise.

Can you see the difference? Walking by sight, flags up all of the problems, all of the 'Yes but's'. 2 Corinthians 4:18 comments on this: 'While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things that are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.' With God, things are subject to change. He can turn around any bad news and make it good. Bill Winston says,'Don't comment on the problem, just thank Him and declare the solution which you can only see with your spiritual eyes.'

Make it a daily thing to focus on walking by faith. The tide may go out but it will come back in again and today, may be the day when it brings you what you desire. If it doesn't, don't give up, you're closer that you were yesterday.

Copyriight 2021 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com 

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

He reigns forever

"Holy, holy, holy, [is the] LORD GOD THE ALMIGHTY, [the Omnipotent, the Ruler of all], who was and who is and who is to come [the unchanging, eternal God]. 

                                                                                     Revelation 4:8. Amplified Study Bible

The four living creatures (Rev 4:8-9) are cherubim, the highest ranking celestial beings cry out the praise above, all day, every day, eternally. As they do, the twenty four elders fall down before Almighty God and worship Him. What a picture that is - a picture of true worship.

I've chosen the Amplified version for this verse as it expands it well, giving us a closer view of Our Lord. He is the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY. He is omnipotent - all powerful and this power is unlimited. The devil may feel that he has things stitched up here on earth, but God is the Ruler of all. One day, Satan will meet Jesus face to face in battle. He knows about this and must be shaking from head to toe just at the thought of it. One day, he will be cast into the lake of fire with all his demons and the people who refuse to accept Jesus as Lord.

Just think for a moment, God was there at the beginning, before creation and Jesus and the Holy Spirit were also there. He was God then and He is now. But what is more encouraging, is that He will be God in the future too, for eternity. He is unchanging, what He says is true. He doesn't change His mind. If He has promised you something, that promise will come about, that is a fact.

Have you ever stopped and thought what Heaven is like? We get a picture of it in Revelation but, it is impossible to grasp it all. However, one day, you and I will share this wonderful place; we will see Jesus face to face and even be able to talk with Him. We will want for nothing and with time ceasing, we will dwell with Him forever. Even in a billion years time, we will be there, worshipping and praising Him and throughly enjoying every luxury that is possible. In fact, what we class as luxury now, is nothing compared to what we will have then. 

However, just pause for thought, we will have eternity forever in Heaven, we will be blessed beyond our wildest dreams. But those who refused Jesus, will also have eternity, but theirs will be in the lake of fire; totally separated from God and their loved ones who believed.

Share this commentary today, with as many unsaved people you can think of. Family, friends, neighbours, whoever you know who doesn't know Jesus. Encourage them to read it and say the following prayer:

Lord Jesus, I give my life to You right now. Please forgive me for every sin I have committed, fill me with Your Holy Spirit and, be my Lord and Saviour. When I die, may I spend eternity with You Lord. In Jesus' Name. Amen

Copyriight 2021 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com 

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

 

The words we speak

"For we walk by faith not by sight"                                            2 Corinthians 5:7      NKJV 

We have to be in control of the words that we speak. Once we have spoken, the words cannot be taken back. Our words can build someone up and they can also curse them. It's the same for us. We can be tempted to say things like, 'I am dead tired'. You may be tired but you are not 'dead' tired. Again, 'My feet are killing me'. Your feet may be sore, but you don't want them killing you. "Oh you're just splitting hairs,' some may say. Really? Why then does scripture say, 'Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit'. Proverbs 18:21.  

The Moody Bible Commentary focuses on this verse by saying: 'A man's words have repercussions for himself. He will feed on the produce of his mouth and lips. The tongue has the power to bring death or life to the speaker. Those who love making use of the tongue, whether for good or ill, will eat its fruit. That is they will live or die (i.e forfeit the abundant life ) with the consequences of their words.'

This is serious stuff. We need to choose what we say carefully. (Ephesians 4:29) They carry faith or fear; blessing or cursing and life or death. Our text above, tells us that 'We walk by faith not by sight'. Therefore, we should watch our investment by speaking positively, not negatively. Remember, what you confess, you will get. Don't allow your tongue to take a destructible route; tame it and make your words productive.

To say, 'I can't do this,' is a lie, when God's Word tells you that, 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me'. Philippians 4:13. Do you get the idea? If we are walking by faith, we need to be confessing faith-filled things. You may have prayed for healing. If you have, don't keep asking God to heal you, He already has heard you. Just receive it, believe it and from there keep confessing that you are healed, despite your body tell you different. We walk by faith, not by what we see or feel. 

Change your words; change your thinking, think of the times when Jesus said, 'Your faith has made you well.' This is what I am saying, receive it, believe it and keep confessing that you are healed by the stripes of Jesus. You'll be glad that you have, when your healing manifests!

Copyriight 2021 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com 

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

Just be content

"1 Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious  of the workers of iniquity. 2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb."       

                                                                                                            Psalm 37:1-2      NKJV

It seems at times, that we Christians get all the flak, the heartaches, the discrimination and the 'second bests', while others who do not believe and have no desire to believe also, have the fancy lifestyles, big house, fat bank balances and live like kings and queens. It can be easy to envy them or feel bad about it. However, as we saw the other day, whatever a person has now, will remain here, they cannot take it with them. 

I remember a few years ago, when I was fired from a job by my boss. It was a week before I was to be married and for no reason whatsoever, he told me that he didn't need me any longer. I had done nothing wrong, in fact, I had been diligent in my job and worked very hard, for very little pay. I was gutted. A few weeks after we were married, I received a telephone call from the head office of where I had worked. They felt that I had been unfairly treated and asked me to re-join them and the first thing they wanted me to do was to go to the office where I had worked and sack the manager who had fired me and replace him. I couldn't believe it. I wasn't a Christian at that time, but I believe that God had witnessed the unfairness of it all and honoured my hard work.

We do not have to be envious of what another person has. We do not have to try to compete or pay back a wrong. God is our secret weapon. He will avenge any wrong against us as long as we leave it to Him. Romans 12:19.  People may  feel that they are  champions, they have reached the pinnacle of success. However, they fail to recognise that it can be taken off them in the blinking of an eye.

There is no need to fret and worry about anything. If we allow God to be the first place in our life, He will take care of what we put into His hand. He will feed us, clothe us and bless us beyond our wildest dreams. Matthew 6:33 & John 10:10b. He is for us - totally. Worry causes disease; it can kill; it gives us sleepless nights and heartache and fear. Jesus offers peace John 14:27, and really, that's all we need.

Copyriight 2021 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com 

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

 

Put your hope in God

"Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Saviour and my God."                            Psalm 42:5    NIV 

Today, I want to speak to all those people who seem to have lost all hope. Things may have happened and you feel so devastated by it all. Don't give up, God is with you. I also want to speak to those who through various life events, have become worn out, battered, walked all over, tired and bruised. God is still with you.

The Psalmist here, is encouraging praise, but not so much in the private sense but in public. It is good to allow your praises to become public, it lets the devil know, without a shadow of doubt, that you are not beaten, Jesus is right there with you and you should never surrender no matter what.

This is easier said than done, however. When we feel like things are hopeless and that there is nowhere to go or anyone to make it feel better, a darkness, rather like a cloud can come over you. This can be in the form of depression; and this can force a person into a shell that is very hard to break out of. The thing is, the only one that can get you to come out of that shell, is yourself, with God's help.

Look at what the Psalmist has written. He is speaking inwardly, searching his very soul. 'What has happened to me? Why am I like this? He examines everything that has led him into this position, He determines that nothing is worth him feeling this way and decides to put his hope back in God. His spirit then begins to revive. 

Be careful here, we all speak to ourselves, and what we think and say determines what the outcome will be. One part of us speaks in the positive, as above. However, the other part remains in the negative, the part where Satan manipulates and feeds us lies. But be encouraged, "He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.'  1 John 4:4.

Therefore, no matter how you may feel, breakthrough it with a shout of praise; speak God's Word to yourself, praise Him some more. There is hope and His name is Jesus.

Copyriight 2021 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com 

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE