Ensure your thoughts are wholesome (2)

"My soul bless the LORD, and all that is within me, bless His Holy Name."    

                                                                                                  Psalm 103:1    CSB 

As we know, our soul is made up of our mind, will and emotions. Therefore when a thought comes into our mind, we have a choice. If it is a negative thought, we can discard it. If it is a good thought, we can take it on board. What we think determines how we will act; so, a bad thought takes up residence in our minds and, if we're not careful, we choose to believe it and we 'will' to do something about it. Our emotions are then governed by this and can lead to anger, anxieties and upset. Alternatively, we can choose to capture that thought (2 Corinthians 10:5) and make it obedient to Jesus. By this 'will' our emotions are at peace.

Warren W Wiersbe, famous for the Back to the bible series several years ago, says, 'The Christian who fills his heart and mind with God's Word, will have a built in radar detecting wrong thoughts.' I like that. 

As we saw yesterday in Philippians 4:8, the Apostle Paul shows us the correct way that we should focus our minds on. However, imagine if you will, the alternative to this. What if we refuse to think and believe in what is true, what is honourable, what is just, what is pure, what is lovely, what is commendable - if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy? What if we refuse to dwell on these things? The devil would have us believe this way; he is a truth-twister and wants to see you destroyed.

This is why Satan plants bad thoughts in our minds; thoughts that are so convincing that we cannot fail to believe them. If he can split a marriage, a relationship, a church or a family, he will do with devilish joy. Therefore, may I ask you, are you struggling with your thought life? Is the devil playing mind games with you and you are believing it? Rather like gossip can appear very true, the devil's lies can also. He is a master trickster. Don't allow him to cause you this pain and upset. Focus on a scripture such as Philippians 4:8 and tell him, 'Devil, it is written', then tell him to leave; he has to do this when you command him in Jesus' name.

Start believing the truth - Jesus and start receiving all of His benefits (Psalm 103:2); His benefits are not means-tested.

Ensure your thoughts are wholesome (1)

"Whatever is true , whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable - if there is any moral excellence, and if there is anything praiseworthy - dwell on these things."           Philippians 4:8    CSB 

Note the phrase, 'Dwell on these things'. The word dwell can be described as to 'live in these things - living the Word of God'. The NKJV uses the word 'meditate' which again is very good practice. The word Meditate in the Hebrew is Hagah, which means to reflect, to moan or mutter, or to ponder, to make a quiet sound such as sighing or to meditate as one repeats the words. In Hebrew thought, it means to do this while abandoning outside distractions. To the Jew, this is called 'Davening', which is reciting texts, praying and getting lost in communion with God. This behaviour can be observed at The Wailing Wall in Jerusalem, where Jews speak out loud as they nod their heads.

Let us select a phrase from this, 'reciting texts, praying and getting lost in communion with God'. This practice can be so helpful in focusing our thoughts in the right direction - God. Living or dwelling in God helps us carry out what Paul is teaching us in our text today - getting our thought life right. Remember, 'as you think, so you are'. So if you think that you are a failure, you'll become one. If you think you could never earn a degree at Uni, then you probably won't. We need to get our thoughts aligned with how God sees us.

As always, when you begin to do something such as this, there will be distractions so that it will stop you getting closer to God. The culprit may be engineered by Satan. Don't let him stop you. This is why the 'reciting texts, praying and getting lost in communion with God' is imperative. It helps to block out these distractions. Tony Evans writes: 'You cannot dwell on both the things of God and the lies of of Satan.' So there you have it; one of them has to go.

Tomorrow we'll look a little deeper into this but, until then try and memorise Philippians 4:8 so that you can quote it whenever you want to. Failing that, in your prayer time, read it out aloud making each word counts and, be determined that whatever; you are on course to only have positive thoughts from now on.

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

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The Son revealed to you

"Blessed are the eyes that see the things you see! 24 For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see the things you see but didn't see them; to hear the things you hear but didn't hear them"                                            Luke 10:21-24   CSB 

Remember if you can, the time when you didn't know Jesus - you couldn't see Him or hear Him but, He was there. There may be times that you can pinpoint God overseeing you - when you felt His presence. It may have been something happening that you couldn't explain; something very wonderful that changed your circumstances for the better. You may have prayed to God at the time. I remember doing this myself, and things did change for the better but, I never thanked God. I never knew that I had to; it was just something that had remained in my mind from Sunday School or an RE lesson. You may have had similar experiences.

As we look back it's possible to see where God was involved, yet at the time we didn't know this. Now that we are born again, things become more significant, we can see and hear God's work. However, this time we go by faith. 'For we walk by faith, not by sight' (2 Corinthians 5:7). We must live life based on what God's word teaches us to believe, instead of on what we can see. We can't see what He has promised but, we act and obey because we have confidence in Him. Also because, 'For without faith it is impossible to please God' (Hebrews 11:6).

Now there are possibly things that God has told you about but at this present time, nothing has happened. It is always possible that you may have it wrong but, if that certainty is still there, don't back away from it - don't quit. God has His own timing and it's not like yours; His is perfect, He is always on time. Until the fruition of what God has told you manifests keep on soaking that promise in prayer and worship.

We walk by faith; we see and hear things that the natural world has no knowledge about. We are Kingdom people, Warriors of the Lord Jesus Christ. Just a glance at how Jesus walked the earth demonstrates that He was and is different. He saw, sees and hears things others cannot. We belong to Him; He lives in us therefore, it is expected that as we walk by faith and not by sight, we will do the same.

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                 

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When problems come, remember the Lord

"But David found strength in the Lord his God"                 1 Samuel 30:6    CSB 

When we are suffering loss, grief can easily turn to anger after a time (1 Samuel 30:4-6). One of the stages of grief is anger. This may be displayed when the mind cannot work out or come to terms with what has happened - a loss. David and his men returned to Ziklag following a battle to find their wives and children had been taken and the place, destroyed. They were understandably distraught and this led to them blaming and threatening to stone David for this incident. David remembered his past blessings and victories; how God had delivered him from bears, lions, Goliath and Saul. He knew where to turn when trouble came along. Who do you turn to at such times?

Think back on the many blessings you have received from God. Also, think back on how God turned up at that time when you were going under; that time when you thought it was all over. You may have been rescued from death or perhaps, it was a dangerous situation. You may have been on the verge of bankruptcy or a similar situation. Whatever it was, God may have turned up for you.

As we remember those times, we learn to strengthen ourselves in the Lord and this is how David coped that day in Ziklag. You may be going through a difficult time at the moment. Remember your past victories. If you don't know Jesus as your Lord, then turn to Him now so

that He can help you. You will then have memories you can turn to in the future. Remember, problems may come but none of them is too great for Jesus to handle. 

If you don't know Him and want to, why not say this prayer with me:

Lord Jesus, I ask You to come into my life right now. Forgive me for every sin that I have committed; fill me with Your Holy Spirit and, be my Lord and Saviour from this day.

I ask in Jesus' name. Amen.

If you said this prayer, you are now born again. Get yourself a bible; read a daily commentary such as this, find a church and then walk with Jesus for the rest of your life. You will never regret it. 

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                 

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The fuller meaning of salvation

"Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; 10 for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."  v9 

                                                                                            Luke 19:1-10    NKJV

Zacchaeus was a wealthy chief tax collector, quite a hated man by most. However, there was something in his heart that wouldn't go away - it was the Holy Spirit. He had a burning desire to see Jesus and when he heard that He was about to pass through Jericho, he raced ahead towards the crowds. However, he was only a short man and because he couldn't see Jesus properly, he climbed a tree to get a better view; not many people can use this fact in their testimony.

As Jesus walked by He noticed Zacchaeus and called him down telling him that He wanted to stay at his house. Zacchaeus was beside himself with happiness and ran towards Jesus and, 'received Him joyfully.' Probably you have always believed that Zacchaeus was saved after spending time with Jesus and hearing the words, 'Today salvation has come to this house.' However, Zacchaeus was saved when he accepted Jesus' offer to come down the tree and allow Him to stay at his house.

As always happens, there are the criticisers. They complained that Jesus was staying at the house of a sinner. Jesus agreed, telling them this was the reason He had come - to seek and save that which was lost. Zacchaeus felt he must justify himself and and told Jesus that he would restore whatever he had taken from anyone illegally. This was the repentance Jesus was seeking and this was the reason He said, 'Today salvation has come to this house.'

You see, we must dig into scripture more deeply to understand that salvation has a fuller realisation. It doesn't only mean getting saved. The Greek word  is Soteria and means deliverance, preservation, soundness, prosperity, happiness, rescue and general well-being. Soteria has a material temporal sense and a spiritual eternal sense, which means that salvation is a present possession with a fuller realisation in the future.

When we accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour, we are born again; however, there is more to come and this is what Jesus was telling Zacchaeus. He had accepted Jesus but, this was only the beginning and; this is what it is for us too. If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord that is brilliant. You are saved and have a place in Heaven. However, there is more and if you don't take hold of it, it is like having money in the bank and never, ever touching it. Jesus wants us fit, healthy, happy and full of His Spirit. He wants us joyful because, this is where the strength comes from. 

Jesus wants you prosperous in all areas; He wants you happy and blessed; He has rescued you and will continue to do so whenever it's needed. He is committed to your well-being and preservation and for whatever hangups, addictions or problems you have, He wants to provide deliverance. Allow Him to do this, it's part of the bundle. In fact, from today, walk in the fullness of your salvation.

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

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Lessons from the fox

"Catch us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines, for our vines have tender grapes."                                                            Song of Solomon  2:15    NKJV 

The fox is a wise but, sly and cunning animal. It manipulates situations in order to be a qualified hunter. It is a strategic planner and skilful hunter that knows who it is and accepts the situation it is in; therefore it gets on well in its environment. The fox uses its wisdom to plan for the future by burying or hiding food that can be used for the future in harsher times. 

From one point of view, for the nature lover, it is nice to view on rare occasions, especially if one is fortunate to see the dog or vixen playing with its cubs, It can be a joy to watch. The fox is adaptable and thrives on whatever type of environment, even coming on to housing estates in search of food. It is persistent  and makes the best of every situation. At times, the fox has a particular way of catching a rabbit. It is called 'charming' and when it spots a rabbit, it will start chasing its tale, running round and round, even jumping. The rabbit is mesmerised as the fox carries out this ritual, with each movement getting closer and closer to the unsuspecting rabbit; until it is near enough to pounce and claim its prey.

The fox can be a destructive animal and as we see from our text today, it can destroy crops and chicken houses, killing and destroying what is in sight. 

The analogy in the Christian word is that, the devil is like the fox. He will steal, kill and destroy whatever he can John 10:10. Peter tells us, 'Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour' 1 Peter 5:8. Marriages are one area that he will attack. If he gets the chance, he will rip it apart, completely destroying this bond. If he can create a logger-head situation between a husband and wife, he can win in that household because there is no prayer or fellowship.

Peter tells us to be sober and vigilant, in other words, be alert in how you live. When we are walking with God, He places a hedge of protection around us. However, this hedge can quite easily be broken down when we take our eyes off Him and go our own way. When this happens, the devil has a way to get through to us and will take this opportunity. So be careful. When things are not going too well, check the hedge. Has it been broken; is there a slight chink in it that this crafty old fox has crawled through. If that is the case, command him to 'Get out of my garden, now!' He has to go, 'Resist the devil and he will flee from you' James 4:7.

Be wise, be alert, plan ahead and understand the art of 'Charming.' Don't allow the devil to creep up on you. Be aware of his ways and submit to God more and more. Remember, when we 'Draw near to God, He will draw near to you' James 4:8.

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                 

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Lessons from the mole

"But when the sun came up, it was scorched, and since it had no root, it withered away."    

                                                                                         Matthew 13:6     CSB

The mole is a digger. It creates tunnels deep underground and can cover a 20 metre area in just one day's dig. Quite an area for such a small animal which is larger than a mouse but not as big as a rat. One positive characteristic of the mole is it eats the grubs and insects that would otherwise prevent healthy growth from plants above. It also aerates the soil, providing healthy drainage that helps alleviate flooding or huge puddles on the ground. It is though, a nuisance to the gardener who has healthy lawns in their garden because it creates mounds of soil as it surfaces. One must though, admire this hard working little chap as it goes about its busy schedule of digging all of the day.

It brings to mind the importance of the Christian digging into God's Word in order to reach a new depth into their understanding of scripture. Jesus told us in Matthew 13:21, that we can hear the Word of God and can receive it with joy thinking it is the answer to what we have been seeking. However, if there is no root in our relationship, the Word can be short-lived. This may be because of distress, persecution or distraction; and as soon as this happens to us, immediately the joy and the revelation can be lost as we fall away burdened by whatever has happened to us. In other words, we have no staying power.

To be able to allow the Word of God to reach within in us, we need to dig more deeply improving our root with God. The deeper we go, the deeper our strength in Jesus and the  better our walk with Him. It is a matter of having an openness in our hearts to receive His Word allowing it to permeate our spirit. As the mole aerates the soil providing a healthier class of soil for plant life, we can do the same, improving our spiritual walk by allowing the Holy Spirit to align with our spirit creating a treasure of wisdom, love and sustainability; so that, when things come our way threatening to do us damage, we can stand tall and deal with this with the authority of Jesus.

Remember, the mole digs all the day; it deals with the things that may cause problems, such as grubs and insects; and it provides a ground that is both healthy and productive. This is the hallmark of a well-seasoned warrior of Jesus Christ. When we live in such a way as this, dealing with the grubs and insects and whatever else may come against us, we find that we are a force to be reckoned with, we don't give in and we fight to the bitter end knowing, that we have the victory whatever happens. 

Wouldn't you like to have a deeper and healthier root in your relationship with Jesus? If so, start digging and don't stop.

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com          

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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