Don't be troubled Part 1

"Don't let you heart be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in Me."  

                                                              John 14:1   Christian Standard Bible 

Why do we allow ourselves to become troubled about things? It's understandable when we do, but hasn't Jesus told us not to allow our hearts to be troubled? In fact, Jesus actually says, 'Don't let your hearts be troubled.' There is an emphasis on the ''Don't let'. It means that we ourselves, allow our heart to be troubled. It is we that become all frustrated and confused, frightened and panicky. Take control and don't allow yourself to be this way.

The word.'Troubled', here means to be distressed. From this, we can see how important it is to be in control of ourselves. The disciples on the boat that night, met a storm and were distressed and scared. Whereas in reality they should have taken control and prayed against this fear. Admittedly, it is not easy to do this. I can hear the familiar, 'that's easier said than done', and its normal to feel this way. But we are not normal are we? We belong to Jesus and, He is in control of what is normal. We are not abnormal though, not at all, we have the power of God within us - that Dunamis power, and this is very much, not normal.

There comes a time in our walk, when we have to believe what we cannot see. Let me explain:

'So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal'.  2 Corinthians 4:18

We cannot see faith but, it is there. We cannot see electricity but put your finger inside a socket and, you'll soon discover it is there, ok? We are of the unseen. We live by faith and when we do, we are looking at the unseen which will be seen. Bartimaeus, couldn't see, he was blind, but when he believed Jesus for his sight, he saw. He looked and believed in the unseen.

And we must do this. There are many people today, some possibly reading this, who are in trouble (distressed). They may be in need of healing and are tempted to feel afraid. Others may be in debt or have lots of frightening issues. Jesus said, 'Don't let your heart be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in Me. Why don't you do that right now and then watch Jesus move at your request.

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

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The Unexpected

"Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring - what your life will be."  James 4:14   CSB 

The unexpected can hit us when we are totally unaware of it. It may be in the form of good news or bad. Therefore, we need to make the best of what we have got, and appreciation is the key!

It is so easy to take things for granted, expecting things to take place without even thinking about it. Married couples can be prone to do this. Maybe, they have been together so long the things are just expected to happen when they happen. The shock comes when they don't, because the one we were expecting to do a particular thing has been taken, or left home. 

Appreciation needs to rule high in a person's life. We need to consider: 'Have I taken things for granted?' 'Do I expect my spouse or significant other, to do this without me having to ask?' Do I appreciate what I have got - what God has given me or, do I take it all for granted?'

In our relationship with God, it is so easy to get into a situation where we expect God to do things for us, just because He told us: 'If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it' John 14:14. Don't get me wrong, God wants us to live expectantly but, this doesn't mean that it is all taken for granted. When we ask, we need to expect Him to do things with appreciation and thanksgiving in our hearts. We read in Philippians 4:6:

'Don't worry about anything but, in everything, through prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.'

Paul tacked on to this verse, possibly the most important part 'Thanksgiving'. Actually, 'thanksgiving' is a key part of praise and worship. We are so grateful for what He has done, and will do for us, that we can't stop the appreciation.

Don't forget, the unexpected can visit at anytime. This may be in a positive or negative manner. Just be appreciative for what you have, for what God has done and what He will do in the future

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

        

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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God has a great plan for you

"For I know the plans I have for you - this is the LORD'S declaration - plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."   Jeremiah 29:11    CSB 

We read it often but, do we really believe 100% that God has plans to bless us in our lives? His intention is to bless us as we seek Him with all we have got and, we will find Him when we do this. The very reason that we get up each morning is to fulfil His purpose. As we spend time with Jesus in our quiet times, we begin to realise how special and committed to us He is. He has some great plans for us and although it may have been a bumpy ride for some up to now, it will get better.

This scripture was written to God's people who were in exile in Babylon. Jeremiah wrote to them, letting them know that if they will seek God with all of their hearts, they will find Him. He will show them that they are not, a forgotten people but, people who have a hope and a future. This praise was made to them in the midst of a great pagan culture.

This is also meant for us; we live in a pagan culture. All around us there are many non-believing people worshipping nature with many gods involved. This is why we need to stand out in the crowd; possibly unlike these people, we have a certain hope which, if we walk closely to God, He will fulfil in our lives. He has a bright future for us, our well-being is in His hands.

Do you realise that God has placed you where you are for a reason? You are part of His plan. You may have an idea what God wants for you but, things may be preventing your progress. Think for a moment, if you can't change what you feel needs changing, then perhaps God has allowed it so, find a way to prosper in it - find a way to make it work, find a way to work with it instead of beating your head against a wall in frustration. This may be the way forward.

Remember, He is in charge, let Him show you the way, instead of vice-versa. He really does know best!

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

        

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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Coming soon

COMING SOON 

A STUDY ON THE FEAR OF GOD

Be sure to watch out for it

Are you too busy for God?

"But Martha was distracted by her many tasks, and she came up and asked, 'Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to serve alone? So tell her to give me a hand." v40    

                                                                                               Luke 10:38-42   CSB 

Taking on too many tasks can be a problem. We've all heard of the plate-spinner. For a time the plates are spinning well, perhaps a dozen or more. The person doing this, moves quickly as soon as a plate begins to wobble. However, it is inevitable, pretty soon they are all going to come crashing down and, this is what it's like when we take on too much. Attempting to be a multi-tasker can appear impressive at first but it can eventually lead to the person becoming stressed out, quick-tempered and disrespectful. When we get like this, it is time to re-assess.

Mary and Martha were opposites; Martha was the one who would get up and prepare a meal or make a cup of tea when someone called in; and, it had to be done properly, so the best china would be used. Mary was more laid back and was more interested in having a close relationship with God. She was desperate for further teaching, this was why she would spend as much time with Jesus as possible. There were two temperaments here, Mary was quiet and studious, whereas, Martha was a servant and a dynamo of activity. Both were acceptable to Jesus in their own way.

Here, Martha begrudged Mary sitting down in fellowship with Jesus. This is why, quite rudely and disrespectfully, she spoke to Jesus the way she did: 'Lord, don't You care?' Mary on the other hand, may have looked down on Martha for being the way she was, dashing around and causing  stress when she was trying to read or talk. The thing is, there was no right or wrong way; and it's the same today. We're all different and, God needs the Mary's and the Martha's. What type are you?

There are two thoughts here (1) Martha wanted the best for Jesus hence, a nice meal and clean house. (2) Mary recognised that Jesus was burdened and needed rest, therefore she gave it to Him relaxing and having a general chat. Both were right in their own way, perhaps a little communication between the sisters may have helped.

It highlights the fact, that we should never be too busy for Jesus; we need to spend restful and resourceful times with Him. Taking on too many tasks is a recipe for things to go wrong. Share the workload when you can. There's a need to balance what is happening at home - within the family. Neglecting things may cause arguments, the same as doing too many jobs or meetings can do.

The bottom line is, always be available for your Daily Life with Jesus.

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

        

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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How secure do you feel?

"No, in all things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us" v37   

                                                                                  Romans 8:31-39   CSB 

Charges against you can come from all directions. People, all of a sudden can turn against you saying hurtful things, which are false. It may be via gossip. which can be perceived as the truth or, it may be directly to your face. When this happens, remember, there is only one accuser and his name is Satan; and he manipulates people, turning them against one another. Then, the lies and accusations begin.

But if you are secure in God you can ride the storm. Tony Evans writes, 'Sometimes God rescues us from things, sometimes He rescues out of things and sometimes He changes us in things. Let Him choose. He knows best'' Tony Evans Study Bible,  CSB, Holman Publishers. 

God may rescue you from any situation that comes your way, then again, He may come into your situation and deliver you out of it, but He may choose to ignore the former two and change your heart in order for you to be able to cope with any situation. The secret is allowing Him to be in control because, He is far more knowledge-able than you could ever be. He knows the answer and if we allow Him to, He will makes some changes on your behalf. The thing to remember is, whatever anyone may say about you, or accuse you of, Jesus declares you 'Not Guilty'. Therefore, we don't just get by, we conquer. 

Our text verse is amazing and if you allow it to, can change your lives forever, 'in all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.' You are not only a conqueror of your situation you are 'More than a conqueror' in Jesus. This brings us security. There is nothing anyone can do or say about us that will ever make Jesus think differently. Think about this when you next meet a crisis point. Jesus has given you the power and anointing to be a "more than a Conqueror'.

There isn't anything too bad in your life because Jesus is in the driving seat and He knows the way, He doesn't need a Sat Nav, it is all in His thoughts. Go in the garden and shout out loud, 'I’m more than a conqueror'. This is guaranteed to have a response!

Copyright 2022 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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Use your gift

"A person's gift opens doors for him and brings him before the great."   

                                                                                      Proverbs 18:16    CSB 

We all have certain gifts within us that God has placed there and, they are valuable to Him. What is yours, do you know? Some people go through life and never appear to realise their gifting.

Our text today, can be read, 'Acts of kindness can open doors otherwise closed.' It's true, someone may be hard to get to know and difficult to get alongside. An act of kindness shown them can in time, win them over. It may not happen initially, but consistency can be helpful in winning the day. We never know what is happening in a person's life or, what they have been through. Kindness may open up the way and, if you manage this, it may just be your gifting.

You may not be a gifted preacher, teacher or evangelist, but you may be a great welcomer to people who visit your church, group or home. Where the main people are in the spotlight, you may be better suited working undercover. This is quite exciting to do.

When I worked in a hospice, I would attempt to support people who were dying and their families. It was a great privilege to share this time with them. I was able to share the Gospel with many of them. No one knew what I was saying or doing, except God and the people I was working with. The work led me to meet Prince Charles on one of his visits. He spoke to me for a short time asking me about how I came to do this work. I was amazed afterwards because, the second part of this verse says, ''and brings us before the great'. I didn't know that I would meet him, but God did.

Your gifting is valuable; what God has given you is vital to the Kingdom of God. Whatever your gifts are, God gave them to you and you are qualified to perform them adequately. Your gifting may be laying dormant within you and may need a kickstart; or you may already be working it and haven't recognised it yet.

It may be helpful to spend some time with God, asking Him to show you clearly what your gifts are. They may be obvious to other people but you cannot see it. Why not ask a trusted friend what they think about this.

Copyright 2022 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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