Do you need restoring?

"He restores my soul"                                                          Psalm 23:3    NKJV 

Part of the word restoration means, 'an act of being restored from damage' as  recorded in The Free Dictionary. Anyone who has seen the show The Repair Shop on TV, will have an idea of what people bring to the crafts people. Many things are so damaged that one wonders if they could ever be repaired and restored, but they are.

In biblical terms, everyone needs daily restoration of the anxious, weary soul. Pressures can be quite strong at times. The soul is made up of the Mind, Will and Emotions; and to use a psychological term, it is the animating and vital principle  in humankind credited with the faculties of thought, action and emotion The Reader's Digest Universal Dictionary. The mind can produce thoughts that trigger our will and shatter our emotions if allowed. When like this, restoration is called for.

The Psalmist cries out in Psalm 42:5, 'Why are you cast down my soul and why are you disquieted  within me?' The writer was carrying out some self-analysis because of His distress and this is not a bad thing to do from time to time. We need to know what makes us tick; what troubles us and why things have all of a sudden gone pear-shaped.

If we're not careful, anxiety, worry and fear can play a big part in our downfall. If we allow it, we can fall to rock bottom and find it very difficult to move on; the distress and the depression have become so severe. We can end up a wreck needing professional help. In other words, we become damaged and broken up.

However, there is hope in God's word, Isaiah 61:4 says, 'They shall rebuild the old ruins, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the ruined cities.' If you have been undergoing distress, anxiety, fear and pain just lately, then perhaps you need to be restored - the damage needs to be repaired. I know a good restorer and He doesn't appear on The Repair Shop. His name is Jesus, a former carpenter that is true, but fully God. He is the greatest restorer of all time and He wants to help you. As I mentioned, it is not a bad thing to consider that each of us needs restoring on a daily basis. This way we have a chance of remaining sharp.

Why not go to Him right now and tell Him what you need.

Copyright 2021 Grahame Howard.                                 

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com          

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Changing the world

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."                                                                    Matthew 5:16    NKJV 

The pop group 10cc, in the 70's, had a track on one of their albums called 'I wanna rule the world'. The main verse went:

'I wanna be a boss, I want to be a big boss,

I want to boss the world around, I wanna be 

the biggest boss that ever bossed the world around'

                       Lol Creme, Kevin Godly and Graham Gouldman

Not the most ideal of words to be singing but, over the years, some people have taken on this mentality in their attempts to rule the world. Hitler was one of them. Even Satan, as Lucifer, tried to be equal with God and no doubt, would have attempted a takeover bid, giving half the chance. This type of behaviour will never win on a permanent basis. To be a light in this world, following the Light of the world - Jesus, is the only way. People do not need dictators, they need love and Jesus offers this through each one of us.

Jesus, being the Light of the world, expects His followers to be lights too (John 8:12). There should never be such a thing as a private Christian; you are a light to every one you meet in this world of ours. Would you consider yourself to be a light to your family, acquaintances or workmates? Then, what about your community, do you stand out shining your light, or is the light hidden? To hide the light is contradictory to its purpose - 'let your light so shine' v16.

There is 'good works' and there are 'good things' that people do. So what does Jesus mean by 'good works'? Good works are connected to kingdom work, 'For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them'  Ephesians 2:10. Understand this, 'good things' are what non-believers do in this world. If God is in something, then they are called 'good works,' - He gets the credit. If not, it is just a 'good thing'. There is a big difference.

You may feel that the world needs changing. There is a lot going on in the media at present with climate change and such. We obviously can all help in this area, but perhaps the most important of agendas are people. This world will end one day when Jesus returns to take His church. There are many who do not understand about Jesus and they need to before it is too late. Be a light to them by letting them see Jesus in you!

Copyright 2021 Grahame Howard.                                 

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com          

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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What to do when you feel angry

"If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; 22 for so you will heap coals of fire on his head, and the Lord will reward you."           

                                                                                                  Proverbs 25:21-22    NKJV 

Paul reinforces this when he gives his speech in Romans 12:14-21, and it is well worth studying this in line with today's commentary. It can be so difficult to act this way towards someone when they are being blatantly rude and arrogant to you. Your natural reaction wants to rip their head off, but as Christians, you wouldn't be so unwise, would you? Solomon mentions heaping coals of fire onto their heads. At the first sound of this, it feels justified to do so. However, he was giving an example of making a person burn with shame at what they are doing or saying to you. Note they may only feel this way if you, keep your cool and act as Jesus would towards them.

Pouring hot coals of shame upon them, instead of having a free for all, is a way of overcoming evil with good. This, as you know, is not an easy thing to do. Once your anger has begun to surface, it can be difficult to hide or control it but, it is possible with practice and, let's face it, as a Christian you get plenty of opportunities for that.

What you are considering here is contrary to your thinking. If you take a look at what Jesus says about it in Matthew 5:43-48, it can seem impossible; but it is not. As believers, we are different, we are not natural, we are supernatural and this is where the difference takes place. You are called to do good to people who hate you and leave their judgement with God; He will repay them, not you. You have to love them.

In fact, you have to unselfishly seek the best of your enemies and pray for them as they persecute you. Why is this? It shows them that you are a child of God, that you are not natural but supernatural, something they are not used to. Think about this for a moment; acting in this way, declares that you are different, you stand out in the crowd. You give a good indication of who you belong to.

Did you get that? Analyse yourself and ask, do I give a good indication of who I belong to? Search your soul with this question and if you feel that you fall short in this area, speak to God about it. He is so willing to help you change this. You will get immediate help.

Copyright 2021 Grahame Howard.                                 

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com          

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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You are not Superman, or Superwoman; you are Super you!

"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right hand will save me."   

                                                                                                           Psalm 138:7    NKJV 

Some days, life can be so demanding and difficult to live through. The demands that are put on you can be so overwhelming, that you wonder if they will ever end. You can end up feeling unappreciated and walked all over and, feel like you would like to throw the towel in and disappear to a desert island. Sadly, life is not like that; you don't live in a movie where fairy tales can happen. You have to face reality.

The great thing about being a Christian is, the fact that Jesus Christ understands you totally. He has been there and knows the pressures of life and how they can affect you. He offers you advice:

'Let not your heart be troubled, ye believe in God, believe also in Me.'    John 14:1

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.'    John 14:27

'We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.'   2 Corinthians 4:8-9

'And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.'  Gal 6:9

'Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.'  Ps 31:24

Just the fact that these verses are in the bible, confirm to you that others have felt the way you do as well. You are not unique, bad things happen to every type of person at some time in their life. The thing is, how you handle them. As we saw a couple of days ago, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit dwell within you, three persons in your person which equates to one super person - you. You are not superman or superwoman, you are super you, that's how God feels about you; you might not, but He does. You need to see yourself the way that He does. Grab hold of that confidence that He has placed within you. You are a super person. You may not have a red cloak or red pants over a blue suit but, to God you are super.

Be encouraged; some days can be like walking through cement so, don't get stuck in it as it sets or you will remain there. Force your way through it all and live the way Jesus sees you.

Copyright 2021 Grahame Howard.                                 

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com          

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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How?

"With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."   

                                                                                                     Matthew 19:26    NKJV

Time after time, we are faced with the question: 'How can I do this, it is impossible, I'm only one person?' Well, that is not strictly true, you are one person but have three person's living within you - the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. So really, you are one person with three other person's to help you. We tend to forget this very important piece of information. So therefore, you can confidently declare, 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me' Philippians 4:13. In addition to this, Jesus told Paul (and us too) 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness' 2 Corinthians 12:9. Paul was so enthusiastic about this information, that he went on to say, 'For when I am weak, then I am strong' v10. And so are you. You may be feeling weak at this time; you may be worrying about how a certain thing can be approached or accomplished. It is normal to feel concern at times like this. However, you need to  claim the promises that God has given you. The whole force of God dwells within you and He is ready and willing to help you, if you'll ask Him.

All of us need to tap into the knowledge that God is for us, not against us. He is not some great, unapproachable ogre that wants to dominate and bully us into submission; not at all. He is our friend and as we walk in relationship with Him, He shows us His love and companionship. Read and digest this next verse: 'Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand'  Isaiah 41:10.  

Now personalise it as I have done:

 'I will not fear anything because You are with me Lord, I need not be dismayed at all, because You are my God. I know that You will strengthen me and I am confident that You help me. I know that You will take hold of me with Your righteous right hand, which signifies justice, power, victory and salvation'

Make this a personal prayer whenever you can, especially on the days when you lack confidence or face a difficult time and are thinking, 'how?' You are special to God, this is why He chooses to dwell with you

Copyright 2021 Grahame Howard.                                 

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com          

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers

Why not order my Daily Commentary from Amazon - Paperback or Kindle 

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When?

"Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry" v3    

                                                                                                     Habakkuk 2:1-4    NKJV 

Habakkuk was not pleased that the Babylonians were treating the people unjustly and felt that God was allowing this, to a degree. God took the time, although He did not have to, to reply to Habakkuk's complaint and let him know what He intended to do about it. The Babylonians, would invade at the appointed time 2:3. Tony Evans comments:

'The Babylonian king was being given free reign to an evil nation that does not give Him glory. In Habakkuk's mind it is not fair that God is using an ally of Satan to judge the people of His kingdom.'                                  The Tony Evans Bible Commentary

Habakkuk's opinions were right but, he and all of us who follow God, need to realise that we need to have faith and trust in God's instructions, even though we do not agree or have the patience to wait for something significant to happen. It's not about 'When', but about, 'I trust You Lord, whatever'.

We all have those times when we ask God, 'When Lord. How long will it be, I've been waiting for ages?' Waiting can be agony, especially when we are enduring injustice and we have asked for God's help. Sometimes, He will act immediately; at other times, it can seem an age. What are you waiting for, have you been waiting long? Allow me to encourage you, like our text above says, it will come, that is a promise. However, we have no certainty of the time and this is where the problem begins.

King David mentioned waiting in Psalm 27; in verse 13 (NKJV) he says, 'I would have lost heart unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living'. He could so easily have given up except, for one thing, his trust in His God and in his lifetime too. From there, he tells us to: 'Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord' v14. Also check out Isaiah 40:29-31. for more meat.

You may be asking, 'When Lord?' my answer to that is, I don't know. However, what I do know is if God has said it, He will do it but in His time - which is always the right time. Don't give up - look up; it will come!

Copyright 2021 Grahame Howard.                                 

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com          

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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Why?

"There is a season (a time appointed) for everything and a time for every delight and event or purpose under heaven"     Ecclesiastes 3:1     The Amplified Study Bible

People all over the world utter the phrase: 'Why, why has this happened?' It is a universal thing and one of the most spoken of phrases. Just the word 'Why?' drums up the curiosity within us. Of course there are positive 'Whys?' and negative ones. It's the negative ones that probably cause the most pain whereas the positive version are more of a study term.

The definition for the word 'Why' is usually, 'For what purpose, reason or cause, has this happened?' We need to know if something that has happened is our fault or not. Have we done something that has caused this thing to happen to us right now. Little children can be so curious about things and live their earlier years asking, 'Why, mummy, why?' And when we try to give them the reason we can receive another 'Why?'

When we ask God for something and He doesn't deliver, straightaway, we can begin to wonder why, especially if someone is ill and we pray for healing and nothing happens. We are left with the petition, 'Why?' This is where you may be at this time. Sometimes, it feels like God has gone on a long journey leaving us to manage on our own. Perhaps one of the best things to do, is to draw on past victories that God has given you. You know for a fact that God would never leave you, that is just a lie from the evil one. Remember when things were pretty grim and you were asking God, 'Why Lord?' David drew on God's strength when his men were considering stoning him because the enemy had taken their wives and families. He could have kept asking God, 'Why, and getting nowhere. Instead, he inquired of the Lord, strengthening himself and asking for His direction and help. Read this in 1 Samuel 30. 

God always has a way out. It may not be what we would have chosen and it may not come straightaway, but it will come. He won't let you down. There is a reason for things that happen and sometimes, we never find out the answer. We just move on, standing in the strength of Jesus. 

So for you today, whatever has happened or whatever you are going through, try and remember the past victory days, encourage yourself in this and remember the God who rescued you then, will do the same again

Copyright 2021 Grahame Howard.                                 

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com          

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers

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