God uses the nobody's in life (2)

"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us."    

                                                        Romans 8:37   Christian Standard Bible (CSB) 

Let us continue our discussion about Ananias who bravely confronted Saul and brought him to know Jesus. Although unknown, he became famous; although concerned and frightened, he walked in obedience to God's word. It must have felt like walking into the Lion's den to Ananias. Saul was a religious bounty hunter; he was seeking out Christians who were making a mockery of his strict, religious upbringing. For Ananias to walk into this situation seemed like sudden death. However, he went.

Ananias would probably have felt very insecure coming up against this powerful, religious figure. He was an unknown, Saul was a fearsome somebody. Saul could have said to him, 'Who are you, you have had no bible college training and you're speaking to me about scripture?' This happens in Christian circles as you may well know. Some people and churches too, can make a person feel so inadequate because of their lack of qualifications. This is probably the way Ananias would have felt this particular day - fearful and unqualified. Don't allow this to happen to you. Remember, God can act like a skilled chess player and can place you where He wants you to be and, when He does, and you realise this and accept it, you will be a force to be reckoned with. Don't write yourself off.

Moses was a little like this when God instructed him to go to Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of Egypt. 'Who am I,' he asked God. God's reply was, 'I will certainly be with you.' Moses' greatest need - and ours too - was not self-confidence, he needed God-confidence.Look at our text for today. God didn't say, 'No matter what happens, I will be with you', although this would have been the truth. What He said was, 'in all these things'. This means, 'In the Lion's den', or like Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego in the very hot oven, 'In that work situation', "In that failing marriage', ' In that lack of finance situation and in that scary, dangerous situation,' YOU ARE MORE THAN A CONQUEROR'. There was William the Conqueror but, you are William (or whatever your name is) the more than a conqueror. He is with you! 

Sometimes God rescues us from things. Sometimes He rescues us out of things. And sometimes He changes us in things. Let Him choose because he knows best. If you allow Him, He will give you the wherewithal to perform whatever He wants you to do, because He is in this with you and you are more than a conqueror.

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God uses the nobody's in life

"Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. 12 And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight."                                                                       Acts 9:11-12   NKJV

Ananias was an unknown believer in Damascus. He went about his ordinary life in a very ordinary way but, God was about to change his ordinary existence and turn him into someone extraordinary, a man who is still talked about today when the salvation of Saul is discussed.

God spoke to Ananias in a vision and called him to go to the house of Judas in Straight Street and lay hands on Saul of Tarsus. Ananias was understandably concerned as he knew of Saul's reputation for having people killed, persecuted and thrown into prisons because of their faith in Jesus Christ. However, he was a faithful man and after receiving assurance from the Lord, he obeyed God and went to Judas' house.

On arrival, he went into the house and explained to Saul that Jesus, who had spoken to him on the Damascus Road, had sent him to pray for him. He then laid his hands on Saul, prayed for his healing and baptism in the Holy Spirit. At once, Saul's eyes were opened and he received the filling of the Holy Spirit. 

Many unknown believers have influenced many well-known people of God. It is not fame that God seeks for them but, faithfulness in serving Him. God is like a very skilled chess player and places people in strategic positions to fulfil His work. You may well have been one of these chess pieces - what a privilege! When God says 'Go', we must go. Just think, it's possible that we may not have heard about Paul if Ananias had refused to go, and also, Ananias would not have received the blessing from Jesus.

God can change things in a very dynamic way; there was a bright light - Jesus' voice and this persecuting, strict Sanhedrin member was knocked off his high horse by Jesus and ministered to by an unknown obedient believer. Many evangelists have a great harvest and are well known; but no one knew of Ananias but God did and made him instrumental in setting Saul on the road for an amazing preaching ministry and book writing career.

Never underestimate God. You may feel that no one knows you, never uses your ministry and you'll never accomplish much. But this thinking means you are leaving God out of the equation. Be obedient, be open, be ready and be humble; God likes this attitude and you may be the next one that God uses. You don't think so? I bet Ananias didn't think so either, but God turned up big time. YOU ARE IMPORTANT!

Copyright 2021 Grahame Howard.                                 

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How's your faith?

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

                                                                                    Romans 4:17-21    NKJV 

God promised Abraham and Sarah a child of their own and yet, it never seemed as if it would happen. At this present time, Abraham was almost 100 years old and Sarah was 90. Can you imagine this happening? Can you imagine if a lady of this age in your church, came up to you and said she was pregnant? It would be incredibly difficult to be believe her; and this is how it was in Abraham's time, yet, he was absolutely determined that this was God's word to him and it would happen. Sarah, had her doubts. Wouldn't you? But it happened, Sarah gave birth to Issac.

Abraham's faith is one that we need to emulate; just look at what the scripture says about it: 

'Contrary to hope, in hope he believed' v18. 'Not weak in faith' v19, 'He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief but, was strengthened in faith' v20 and Abraham was, 'fully convinced that what He had promised, He was able to perform.' This is how faith works.

Abraham didn't walk by what he could see around him, he walked by faith as Paul mentions in 2 Corinthians 5:7: 'For we walk by faith, not by sight'. The things around us that we can see are temporary, but the invisible things are eternal 2 Corinthians 4:18. This is how it is with Jesus and heaven. We can't see them but, we know, by faith that they are there. Like Abraham, we simply take God at His word knowing that, He would never mislead us.

William Barclay said, 'Jewish Rabbis had a saying to which Paul refers. They said, "What is written of Abraham is also of his children." They meant that any promise that God made to Abraham, extends to his children also. Therefore, if Abraham's willingness to take God at His word brought him into a right relationship with God, so it will be with us.'

It is God's desire that we walk by faith; without faith it is impossible to please Him (Hebrews 11:6). What has God promised you? If it was recent then you may be in exciting days. However, it may have been some time ago and it seems like it will never happen. Don't give up; fly the flag of faith because the fulfilment of God's promise may be just around the corner. If you give up on it, you are negating it and you may never see it. It may be difficult but, keep on thanking God for the promise and NEVER GIVE UP ON WHAT HE HAS PROMISED.

God's timing is always perfect. He works on a much different time-basis to which we do. To Him, it may be only a few minutes, to us it may be years. There really is no time as we know it, in heaven. You're on God's time and His timing is always bang on time. So don't lose heart: 'And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.'   Galatians 6:9. Your 'due season' will come, that's a promise.

Copyright 2021 Grahame Howard.                                 

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What is Truth?

"Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth."     Ephesians 6:14   NKJV 

The word 'Stand' in this verse, means to stay in the area where victory has been achieved under the cover of God's armour, God's Word is truth. When dealing with the truth, the things that we may struggle with, can be in the mind - what you believe to be true. The problem you may be struggling with or facing, may show up anything, but the real problem may be in your mind, what you believe to be true. This is the root, and what can cause a lot of damage through thoughts that appear true but are just lies from the devil. This is why we need God's armour, particularly the belt of truth.

We need to remember that, we can't trust our thoughts or our feelings at times, because our mind, will and emotions - which make up our soul - may have become distorted. We need to be on full alert and deal with these thoughts as soon as they come into our mind (2 Corinthians 10:3-6). Therefore, we need the Holy Spirit. He always leads us into the truth, as Jesus told us:

'However, when He, the Spirit of Truth has come, He will guide you into all truth, for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever he hears He will speak and He will tell you things to come.'    John 16:13   NKJV

The belt that a Roman soldier wore around his waist helped him to tuck in his tunic when he went into battle. This allowed him the freedom to move properly and be ready for action. He also used the belt to support his sword, dagger or any other useful weapon. This belt was very important to him and the belt of truth is also important to each one of us.

Jerry Vines says, 'Truth serves as the central point of battle at hand. If truth is lost, the battle is lost.' These are very profound words and one's we need to take on board. Truth is a reference to integrity, a life of practical truthfulness and honesty. Victory in spiritual warfare stands with the truth. Don't ever take off your belt. It serves the purpose of allowing you to see, 'What is truth'.

Copyright 2021 Grahame Howard.                                 

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Who do you serve God or man?

"I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His Kingdom."     2 Timothy 4:1    NKJV 

Paul was still very much looking to the Second Coming of Christ when he wrote this letter to Timothy from his damp, cold and dirty cell. However, he would still have had in mind the fact that each one of us will have to face the judgement of Christ at the end of time.

It is well documented in the bible that we will all face God and our works will be judged. This can be a scary thought as we can automatically begin to feel that we are not worthy and will not make it. We will, as long as we remain in Jesus. However, this surely encourages us to carry out our work carefully and faithfully. One of the things that has to change is our fear of people. Our final judge will be Jesus, not those who feel we didn't do this right or, we should have done this instead of that. After all, at the end of the day, we are serving Jesus not man or ourselves.

Criticisms from people can offend and hurt us but, it is what we do for Jesus that matters. If He is satisfied then it really is satisfactory, despite what people think. We should never seek the approval from man, over God. We all like to be told that we have done a good job but, that is where it should end. God is the one who is our ultimate satisfaction.

Actually when we begin to seek the approval of man it demonstrates our insecurity. Constantly asking if this is all right and if we did something ok is a weakness that we need to overcome. It is honourable to do the very best for someone, this is what Jesus would want us to do. But, if we continually need to go and demonstrate what we have done for someone, we are seeking approval. Our strength is in Jesus; He is the one that says, 'Well done'. In fact, this should always be our goal. To do something for Jesus that brings Him pleasure is our aim.

At the end of each day, wouldn't it be nice to hear Jesus say to you, 'Well done'. There is nothing greater than knowing that we have pleased Jesus and it is not hard to accomplish this. As long as we live for Jesus, we are on the right road to hear this daily; and one day, when we stand before Him, hear the phrase once again when He opens the book with our name on it.

Copyright 2021 Grahame Howard.                                 

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A Lesson in controlling self

"Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God."         James 1:19-20    NKJV 

These two verse are probably read over and over by many people but, do they reach the mark; or do they just go over your head? Think about your conversations with people, do you always listen to them or, do you keep chipping in with your own point of view? Sometimes people say things that we don't wish to hear; whether they are right or wrong, we refuse to take it on board and if the subject is pushed, it can end up an argument.

When we are having a conversation with someone, we need be swift to hear, or quick to listen. This means that we need to concentrate and sharpen up our attending skills by listening properly.  Now this takes self control, honour and respect. We may not agree with what the person is saying but, we show them honour and respect by allowing them to get things off their chest, otherwise we can have an argument on our hands. Along with this, self-control is required to keep quiet while they are speaking to us. If we are not in control of our mouth, pretty soon we are going to jump in and say the wrong thing, or the right thing but at the wrong time. This again is where honour and respect play a big part. If we don't take control of our emotions, wrath will set in and angry words may be spoken and our witness goes out of the window. People say, 'count to ten' or 'bite your tongue', however, it is ok to say this but, when we're in the thick of it, this all gets forgotten. 

But it has to be possible because God's word tells us that nothing is impossible (Matthew 9:26). However, it takes training and commitment on our part. If you don't put something in, you can't take it out. We have to practice and train our minds on God's Word. We all want to get our own point of view over; but we may be wrong and we need debates to tackle this. You may not like what someone else says but, if they are right, you need to hear and receive it, or it will go wrong and you'll have a reputation of being difficult to speak with. 

It's the same with God, we talk to Him and He listens until we are finished. However, He doesn't always agree with what we say and this is where friction can rear its ugly head. We can't always expect to be right, especially with God. He won't change His mind no matter how long we argue with Him. 

What are your reactions like? Can you receive criticism or does your back go up and you get the war drums out? Being swift to hear, slow to speak and slow to wrath is all about reactions. It is something that many people have to address and this may include you as well. Don't be ashamed, none of us are perfect, we all have defects but nothing is impossible for God to change. Study these two verses. Play the video back on areas where you fall down on. Perhaps you blew it today. Take a look at the video, analyse where you went wrong and what you could have done better. Then keep doing this, and pretty soon, your coping skills on this subject will improve. However, it won't happen overnight, so get training.

Copyright 2021 Grahame Howard.                                 

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Rest in the LORD

"Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings schemes to pass."    Psalms 37:7    NKJV

We should not fret neither, should we fear because God understands our position. Rest describes a calm surrender. Warren W Weirsbe writes: 'Creative silence is a rare commodity today, even in church worship services. People cannot tolerate silence, but unless we learn to wait, silently before God, we will never experience His peace.'

God has faithfully promised to take care of us when we put our trust in Him and wait patiently for Him; instead of fretting and believing He has forgotten us. This should be a 'rest of silence', as Weirsbe says. When we're silent we avoid coming out with negative words that are a waste of time and will probably negate all of our faith and progress. So, be silent and refuse to moan or complain. All this does is open the door for Satan to come in and say, 'I told you God didn't care and would let you down'. 

In George Home's book, 'Commentary on the Psalms' 1997, he writes:

'If the spotless Lamb of God was silent, before those who were divesting Him of His honours, and robbing Him of His life, "silent" resignation cannot but become one who suffers for his sins'

Therefore, we have a challenge - silence. It is so difficult to remain quiet, even for a moment. Our brain races ahead of our thoughts and instead of controlling our mouth, we let rip with something that would have remained better unspoken. So therefore, we need to practice the art of being silent before God when it is called for. Many is the time when we do all the talking anyway and God can hardly get a word in. So be quiet.

Over the past few days, we have looked at ways to help prevent us being fretful and worrying all the time. We have discussed the first 7 verses of Psalm 37 which covers:

Trust in the Lord

Delight yourself in the Lord

Commit your way to the Lord

Rest in the Lord.

These four topics can act as a replacement for worry and as the Amplified Bible puts it:

'Be still before the LORD; wait patiently before Him and entrust yourself to Him. Do not fret,(Whine, agonise) because of him who prospers in His way.'  Psalm 37:1 Amplified Version

Copyright 2021 Grahame Howard.                                 

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