Things will get better

"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   NKJV

You may have been going through difficult times just lately and, when this happens it's hard to believe that things will get better; but they will! Remember what King David wrote in Psalm 23:4, 'Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.' This verse doesn't only address the subject of death but, any difficult experiences in life. It's comforting to know that God (the Shepherd) doesn't go before us or behind us, but He goes with us, 'For You are with me'. God intends to get us through the difficult times and He takes our hand and leads us.

With that positive note in mind, we need to realise that during the time it takes God to change matters, we need to stay afloat. This is not the time to give up and sink, not at all. There is also a promise within our text for today that reads, 'we shall reap'. Note this; it doesn't say, 'We might' or 'there's a possibility things may get better.' It doesn't say that, it says, 'we shall reap'. Therefore, instead of sinking, Jesus has thrown us a life line. Rather like if you were drowning and someone threw you a rope, you would need to grab it to survive; Jesus has thrown you this promise, grab hold of it.

The sun will shine again in your life. Where it may be a gloomy existence for you at the moment, God is moving and His intention is to take you with Him. So, 'Do not lose heart' v9. When you lose heart it is like you are empty, there appears to be nothing left to live for. 'What's the point?' The point is, you are special to Jesus; you may not feel like your are, but it's a fact. Why else should the King of kings call you His friend? (John 15:14-15). Why would He do that unless, He considers you special. He also said, 'These things I have spoken to you, that in Me, you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world  John 16:33. Notice, He has overcome the world and that includes your difficult situation. They're history so, just accept that things will get better!

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Keep your cool

"A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."   

                                                                                        Proverbs 15:1   NKJV 

This is an incredibly important area to manage. We can either blow the situation out of all proportions, or we can pour peace on a difficult situation. Warren Wiersbe comments:

'Our words can bring peace instead of war, calm rather than chaos. This verse isn't advising us to compromise the truth and say that what's wrong is really right just to avoid conflict or confrontation. Rather it's counselling us to have a gentle spirit and a conciliatory attitude even when we disagree with others. This can defuse the situation and make it easier for us to settle the matter peacefully.'         The Warren Wiersbe Study Bible, Thomas Nelson NKJV 

It's not so much what we say but how we say it that prompts various responses. Word can either have life-giving or death-producing results. One's tone of voice makes all the difference. This is why Solomon's wise counsel recommends a soft answer in response to someone's wrath.

Think back to a past example you have had. Play the video back and pinpoint certain aspects of how you may have acted or said things differently. A little basic psychology can help in these situations:

SITUATION    What is happening? What is being said? What can you do about it?

EMOTION      How does it make you feel, anger to hurt? Will reacting in a negative way help?

RESPONSE  This will be determined by how you have dealt with the previous two  

Of course, this is easier said than done and requires a quick reaction on your part; not quick to respond but quick to make sense of what is happening. This is why James tells us to to be: 'Swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath' (James 1:19). 

At the end of the day, we are not called to be walked all over but, we are called to bring about the peace of Jesus wherever we are (Romans 12:18 NKJV).

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

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Use your time wisely

"making the most of the time, because the days are evil."   Ephesians 5:6    CSB 

'Yes, I'll do that in a minute, it's on the list'. Do these statements sound familiar? These statements made in reply to someone who is relying on us, are rarely carried out. There is always something else that crops up and the requests for help go unattended.

Ask yourself a question, 'If Jesus were to ask you to do a particular thing, would your answer be the same? It's doubtful. What about the neighbour who asks for help, in your, 'want to please' mode, the neighbour would probably come off best. It's easier to say this within your own household, to your wife or husband. Why is this? Because you no longer need to prove anything. When you first met, nothing was too much trouble, you would probably have swum the ocean to please them if you could. But, when you've been together for a long time, the desire to please wanes; familiarity takes over.

If this is happening in your marriage, put an end to it - now! If you don't, there may come a time when you wish you could please them but, they are no longer around. Use your time wisely, it is over in a moment. Think back 20 years, it may seem a long time when you say it but when you consider what your were doing then, it can feel like it was only yesterday.

What are the things you are putting off? Why not get around to them today. You'll be surprised at the response you will get from your partner because they will feel so blessed by it all. It will also make you feel good as well.

Thank goodness God is not like this. Can you imagine asking Him for something and receiving the answer, 'Yes, I'll do that in a minute; it's on the list?' I know it can feel this way when we ask God for something but, there is no chance He is like that at all. He hears and responds; His priorities are always right. Perhaps He is wanting you to do the same and do that task today, while you still have the time.

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

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Let Your fire burn within me

"Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and make me willing to obey You."  

                                                                                                     Psalm 51:12  NLT 

We have times that we feel we have nothing left to give, we are exhausted and need a re-fill of God's Spirit. If you feel this way, perhaps you have been doing too much in your own strength. Don't forget Jesus said, 'without Me you can do nothing' John 15:5. Everything you do in your own strength doesn't carry the anointing that it does when in the strength of Jesus (2 Corinthians 12:9). Subsequently, we run out of steam and the joy fades.

Don't worry, we all do it from time to time. It comes from a desire to do everything right, almost to perfection. Someone once said that the root of perfectionism, is the fear of failure. The perfectionist attempts to do everything right; to have everything in place - rather like OCD - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. They go to great lengths to avoid judgement and criticism because they are so scared of failing. The problem is, they can never meet the full potential of perfectionism and, are candidates for burnout.

Avoid this at all costs. You can do all things, as long as you do it in God's strength (Philippians 4:13). Doing things in His strength, takes the pressure away and opens the way to joy - the joy of the Lord which He offers in Nehemiah 8:10. This way opens up the joy of God's salvation - that wonderful feeling you had when you first became a Christian.

Psalm 92:10 says, 'But my horn, You have exalted like a wild ox; I have been anointed with fresh oil.' The word 'horn' is defined as strength and notice God can exalt this strength to the likeness of a wild ox. That is some strength. It is reinforced by the fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit, which in turn means you have been reignited with the fire of God.

Stop trying to be perfect, you'll never make it on your own. Anyway, God already thinks that you are perfect and that, is all that matters. Just ask God to reignite you in His Spirit according to Psalm 92:10. The fire will come!

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

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If you don't know what to do - don't do anything

"For we have no power against this multitude that is coming against us, nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You" v12       2 Chronicles 20   NKJV

Jehoshaphat was in a fearful position; armies were coming against him and his people and he didn't have the power to be able to defend and fight back. He just didn't know what to do, therefore, he did what we all should do, he called on the Lord 'Call to Me and I will answer and show you great and mighty things which you do not know' Jeremiah 33:3. 

Quite often, we can find ourselves in situations where we don't know what we should do. This can be a crucial time and one we have to approach with caution. We need to 'Wait on the LORD' Psalm 27:14. We should never be hasty rushing into something blind because it can have a devastating effect. Lots of people have rushed into making decisions only to find it was the wrong one and the result has been very costly.

Take a look at how Jehoshaphat handled a 'I don't know what to do' situation. He:

Prayed  

He called on God to show him what to do and what course of action to take.

Received a Word from God  

Jahaziel, one of his men, had a word from God with directions of the route that they should take. He accepted the word as from the Lord.

Bowed his head in prayer and worship  

Jehoshaphat and all the people bowed in prayer and praise to Almighty God for His direction.

Acted on God's Word  

Jehoshaphat put into practice what God had ordained.

Received victory from God  

Jehoshaphat didn't act in haste, he waited on God and thus, received the victory.

Never be tempted to make your own decision of the way forward. God wants us to wait and trust in Him, no matter how long it may take. We should never be manipulated to move forward when we haven't received the direction. Wait on God and don't do anything until he says so!

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

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If you don't know what to say - say nothing!

"Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut"   

                                                                                  Proverbs 10:19    NLT

Ecclesiastes 3:7 says there's, 'A time to keep silence and a time to speak.' This is a wisdom-packed word from God. We need to watch what we say or, we can end up in hot water. The Criminal Justice System, allows a suspect being questioned by police, to say, 'No Comment' to a particular question. The solicitor defending, knows that the suspect may say something that would go against their case if taken to court. This obviously prevents the police receiving an answer and they proceed with the interview. However, the suspect knows that it could harm their case as the jury could think that they have something to hide. At times, this method can help the suspect because, if they were to answer, they could say something that will entrap them later.

Our words are very powerful and there can be wisdom in remaining silent. We too, could open a can of worms by saying the wrong things when in a conversation. A glance at how Jesus handled His accusers concerning the woman caught in adultery, gives us a good example how to act (John 8:1-12). In verse 5, wanting to test and accuse Jesus, the Scribes and the Pharisees asked Him for His opinion of whether she should be stoned as Moses had commanded in the Law, or not. Jesus remained quiet for a few moments and then gave them a more, convicting answer, 'He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.' This cleared the place.

We too can be forced into a similar situation and if not careful, can blow our whole witness by not remaining quiet. Once we retaliate to someone's accusations, we can be entering the devil's territory. We can end up saying things that will cost us at a later date. It is far better to have control over yourself.

Be honest, how many times have you been drawn into some volatile conversations and ended up with egg on your face. When this happens, fingers point, there may be no words said about it to your face but, behind your back the jungle drums begin to sound and you walk around with a heavy load of shame. Shall I put my hand up first?

Isn't it better to train yourself to keep quiet; to consider the situation and decide if it is worth becoming involved? You know it makes sense.

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

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Gratitude

"Oh, Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever."   

                                                                                        Psalm 136:1   NKJV 

Think back to that time when everything seemed against you. No one seemed to care or even realise that you were there; they were so wrapped up in their own problems. Just before you felt you could take no more, He was there - Jesus Christ, to rescue you.

We have so much to thank Him for; you may not be in good health but you still have life and, while you have, Jesus has the time to heal you. You may not have a lot of wealth but, He looks after you; feeds, clothes and takes care of you. You may let Him down most days but, He forgives you and treats it like it never happened.

Where else could you find such love and faithfulness? The answer is you can't; it is only available through Jesus. You see, the world is false, it will tempt you and lead you into everything that you need to avoid. Once you are there and addicted by this world, the devil has a hold on you. He will tempt you with your weaknesses. When you succumb to this, you are hooked into a double life. You will spend a lot of time hoping you will never be found out but, you are already because Jesus knows about it. What can you do? Call on Jesus and repent, He loves to forgive and rescue you from these habits.

You are a special person, a person Jesus calls you His friend (John 15:14-15). Look at yourself in the mirror and say to your reflection, 'Jesus is my friend.' Once you've done this, say 'And I am Jesus' friend.' Then start praising and thanking Him for this and all He has done for you and, will do in the future. Keep speaking this way, in a loud voice; one thing that you can be certain of, Satan will be nowhere around, he can't stand this type of thing. 

Think about that last sentence, Satan can't stand praise and thanksgiving, so do it more and more; it's the one time you can be sure he is not creeping around ready to pounce. This is a way of thanking God and keeping the devil at bay. Speak in tongues and you'll really do his head in.

Just keep on thanking and praising God.

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com          

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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