Be like the Bamboo

"For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again, but the wicked shall fall by calamity."                                                                       Psalm 24:16  NKJV 

In my daughter's garden, there is a Bamboo bush. It is actually rooted in her neighbour's garden, who brought this over from an Asian land when he was in the services. It has spread to my daughter's side. She has cut her side down many times, all to no avail, it just grows back more vigorously.

This is what Bamboo does. I'm reminded of a film I saw some time back. It was presented by a Christian organisation. I forget the title but, it concentrated on an Asian country. Many of the Christians were being persecuted because of their faith. The authorities imprisoned many in Labour camps, others were beaten and shot because they would not renounce their faith in Jesus. One particular man, just before he and his family were killed said, 'We are like the Bamboo. You can hack and cut us down but, we'll just grow back taller and stronger.'

Just let that sink in for a few moments. Our text today is very similar, 'For a righteous man, may fall seven times and rise again.' The enemy can rip a person apart but it should not stop them. As they get back up they will be doubly effective for God. A Christian in this mode is unstoppable. 

All over the world, at this moment, Christian people are being tortured, imprisoned or killed because of their faith. Yet, it doesn't stop them, they press on as much as they can. Why? Because they are like the Bamboo - they are unstoppable. Many Christians in the Western world, threaten to give up and walk away when they're hurt. We need to re-assess ourselves. 'We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us'  Romans 8:37.

So we need to stand our ground and never give up. James 4:7 says, 'Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.' Again in 1 Peter 5:8, 'Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith - '

So, be on your guard, the devil's around somewhere. When he attacks, stand your ground and defeat the moment. If you're caught out and fall, get back up again straightaway, don't lie there. Be like the Bamboo - unstoppable!

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

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Don't be scared or overwhelmed

"The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them." v7      

                                                                                        Psalm 34:1-8  NKJV

Things overwhelm us at times and the problem is, we find it difficult to cope in these dire circumstances. We've all had days - possibly weeks, where whatever we do appears to be wrong or, we resolve the issue only to find another arrives to take its place.

This is the time to stop and re-focus. God may be attempting to gain your attention by allowing things to go pear-shaped or, the devil is attacking you, causing mayhem. This is why you need to re-focus and seek God's counsel. Try it, and as you focus on God, ask Him what is the way forward. God's Word says, 'I will instruct you and teach in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye'  Psalm 32:8. Grab a coffee and wait on God for the answer. Ask yourself, would God allow me to become upset and angry over what is happening? He may allow things to go wrong in order to get your attention but really, would He want to upset you? Possibly not; therefore you know who the culprit is - the devil.

Now focus on the fact that, 'The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them'. The angel of the Lord is no ordinary angel. He can do much more because, He is the pre-incarnate Son of God - our deliverer Jesus. Look what v4 says, 'I sought the LORD and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears'. Then again in v8, 'Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him.' I like the CSB's interpretation, 'How happy is the person who takes refuge in Him.'

Are you fearful at this time? Fear is the opposite of faith. So, anyone who is fearful, will find it difficult to move in faith because the fear will rob the faith. This is how Peter sank after walking on the water (Matthew 14:22-33). He took his eyes off Jesus (faith) and put his eyes on the raging sea (fear), and he sank.

So, today you need to recognise that the angel of the LORD is all around you. He is with you and will not leave. Your flesh wants to fear when problems arise but, we must learn that, we are no longer servants of the flesh, but obedient to Jesus. He is far greater and will give you His peace about what you ask. Get on and have a good day

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

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Just Praise Him

"Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous! For praise from the upright is beautiful."  

                                                                                       Psalm 33:1-3  NKJV 

Did you catch that? Praise from the upright. Who are the upright? You and I, if we have Jesus in our hearts. God recognises us as upright people and when we praise Him, He receives it as beautiful. God also recognises us as righteous (v1). 'For He made Him who knew no sin, to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him' 2 Corinthians 5:21. You are righteous because of Jesus.

You may not be a composer and you may not be a singer either. However, the latter we all do when in church as worship bands make their music. But to write a song is another story. We can all have phrases go through our minds, especially when we are having our quiet times with God. But have you ever tried to put these phrases - which contain praise and worship unto God, into a song? It would appear that we can (v3) 'Sing to Him a new song, play skilfully with a shout of joy'. Now this may be referring to a new worship song that you have heard. But, are you open to the possibility, leading you to singing your own song? It doesn't have to be a No1 best seller, it is just your intimacy coming through for God. Try it, you may be surprised.

You may feel that your singing ability is not good but, as we have seen, He finds your praise as beautiful - a sweet lullaby from an upright Child of God. I'm reminded of an old black blues singer - Blind Willie Johnson, from the deep south of America. He used to play his steel guitar and sing his own praise songs in churches, street corners and wherever else he was invited. I have an album of his and when I first played it, I wondered what I was listening to. He was an amazing guitarist but had a voice like sandpaper. Often, his wife would join in. One of his popular songs was 'Praise God I'm Satisfied', recorded on the veranda of his own cabin. I heard it a few times and was struck by the love and intimacy he had for Jesus. His wife would often join in while she swept the cabin floor and in church. She had no singing ability. However, it is pure joy just to hear them praising their Saviour. It was like a Heavenly choir and I know God loved it.

Blind Willie and his wife were upright people and, so are you. Therefore, start praising Jesus; write your own songs and make your own music. God will think it is beautiful and, others may too

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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When God speaks

"For the Word of the LORD, and all His work is done  in truth."   Psalm 33:4   NKJV 

Has God been speaking to you lately? Has the Holy Spirit been stirring within you, leading you to get up and get on with what he is leading you to do? And, you know what that is too, don't you?

It can be scary but, very exciting when God calls you to move into your talent, your gifting or your ministry. People may have knocked you in the past but, God hasn't and, never will and anyway, it's God who counts not anyone else. 

As we see from today's text, His Word is spoken in truth. He will never mislead you. God spoke to Moses and instructed him to bring His people out of Egypt and into the Promised Land. No easy thing! Moses wrestled and disagreed with God but, in the end he knew he had to do this. After many meetings with Pharaoh, he managed to secure their release and they all set off on their journey. Eventually, they reached the raging, Red Sea. After much discussion, Moses obeyed God 'Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea into dry land and the waters were divided. 22 So the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground and the waters were a wall to them'  Exodus 14:21-22.

God spoke and the water formed into walls on either side of a roadway through the sea. Amazing. In Psalm 33:7 it reads, 'He gathers the water of the sea together as a heap,' v9 says, For He spoke and it was done; He commanded and it stood fast.'

When God speaks, things happen, what He creates, stands. You are a created person aren't you? Then what He says to you; you will stand. You will achieve what He sends you to do. I believe God is saying to us, 'When I speak, if you will obey Me, it will be done - it will happen!'

God created many amazing miracles in the past and, He hasn't finished yet. What's more, you are included in this, if you do what He asks. There is something that you used to do or dreamed about doing, but because of lack of support and encouragement, you stopped. God wants you to begin again; He wants you to write that book or song, play that instrument; go to college or whatever else. When God speaks, His words are full of encouragement. So do it!

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

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End Times are near Part 2

"Most assuredly I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."                                                                           John 3:3   NKJV

Nicodemus, a Pharisee ruler of the Jews, came to see Jesus by night. He no doubt didn't want people disturbing his discussion with Jesus, or to be seen to be associating with Him. He was drawn to Jesus and recognised Him as a teacher from God v1-2. Jesus told him that he must be born again, which confused Nicodemus because, he saw the the physical limitations of this. 

Jesus went into a lengthy discussion with him and said, 'For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life' John 3:16. He reinforced this with these dramatic words, 'He who believes in Him is not condemned, but he who does not believe, is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God' John 3:18. And there it is. We can either have salvation or condemnation. The choice is ours. Either of these offer a place of eternity; but only salvation will take you to heaven. The other will lead to hell.

The times, as we saw yesterday, are evil and nearing the end. The only certainty is in Jesus Christ. Think about this, if you were dying and a doctor offered you a miracle cure, but you turned it down; as you faced death, you would only have yourself to blame. It is the same thing here; you need Jesus! The Apostle Paul, quoting Joel 2:32, wrote in Romans 10:13, 'For whoever calls on the name of the LORD, shall be saved.' And this is the way you need to go if you want to spend eternity with Jesus. To be left behind when Jesus has been for His church, will be hell on earth; it's called the Tribulation, read about it. There will be suffering like the world has never known and then will come the judgement. If a person doesn't know Jesus as their Lord, there will only be a place in hell for them - no second chances. But you don't have to go through all of this. 

The world as we know it, is coming to an end pretty soon. You have a choice to make. Jesus will create a new heaven and a new earth. Do you want to be part of it? Then say this prayer:

Lord Jesus, I am aware that we are nearing the end times. You will be returning for Your church when the Father gives the go ahead. Lord, I want to be with You, therefore, I confess my sin to You and ask Your forgiveness. Please come and live in my heart from today and, fill me with Your Holy Spirit. I give myself to You, in the knowledge that I am are Yours, the King of kings; and I have eternal life. In Jesus' name. Amen

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

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End Times are near Part 1

"Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually" v5    Genesis 6:1-8  NKJV

In verse 4 of the NIV version of the bible, the giants were known as the Nepthilim - people of great size and strength (Numbers 13:31-33). The Hebrew word means Fallen ones. A popular

thought of bible scholars is that the Nepthilim were fallen angels who took on the human form of men who married the women - the daughter's of Adam. They were extremely lustful. The fallen angels were demonised and, their sexual activity and intimacy, led to a demoralised society. They were given over to the powers of darkness.  Sourced from the NIV, NKJV & CSB notes

God looked at the evil that was over the earth and was extremely hurt. People had become corrupt, shameful, obscene and full of depravity. This brought God into action, hence the flood. He issued a decree of total destruction. There was one man who pleased God and this was Noah, a most righteous man. God gave him the task of building an ark, miles away from any water, to save the animals and Noah's family, when the floods came. 

We have fallen a long way since then. Even though God wiped the earth clean, sin was still rampant and still is today. There are corrupt governments throughout the world. Evil spreads like a virus. Many people are totally controlled by greed and corruption. In addition to this, computer technology has made it possible to view pornography, sick videos and opportunities for certain people to groom children while online. Some websites promote the sick practice of encouraging children to commit suicide or take part in dangerous sexual practices. 

Then we have drugs, human trafficking, murder almost daily; stabbings on the streets, terrorism, people targeting groups in schools and churches and shooting them. Added to this, there are rapes and wars where family life is ripped apart by dictators intent on gaining power. To be a Christian in certain parts of the world is very risky with the threat of imprisonment, torture and even death unless they renounce Jesus. Gender values are being ripped apart with many church leaders, wanting to re-write part of the bible to bring it up to date.

When we view the current situation in the world today, one has to ask how long will God put up with all of this? We are living in a decaying world and the signs point to the fact that, Jesus may return very soon, to claim His church, His Saints, every person who has accepted Jesus as their Lord.

We've read the book, we know that we will have victory in the end. However, it leaves us with the questions - 'What about those who don't know Jesus?' 'What will happen to them?' The bottom line is - if they don't know Jesus, they will be left behind. Be determined to take as many people with you as you can, by telling them about Jesus. They need Him and if they or you, don't know Jesus as your Lord, then accept Him into your life right now.

More on this tomorrow. 

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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How we speak

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer."             Psalm 19:14   NKJV 

Most versions of the bible replace the word, 'Strength' for 'Rock'. Of course, both are right. The New King James Version gives us a fuller meaning by stating 'Rock', which is our strength. The other versions use the word 'Rock' which when you think about it, gives us a solid foundation. When we know that we are building on the Rock (Matthew 7:24-27), we can be sure that this will give us and our situation, strength.

As we walk closely with Jesus, He gives us a rock-like strength to live our lives victoriously. However, we need to be careful how we speak - what comes out of our mouth. We can study the Word of God on a 7 day a week basis, read the bible through each year and go to church each week. But, if we allow foul words to come out of our mouth, it undoes everything we have accomplished. We become like a clanging cymbal (1 Corinthians 13:1). People notice.

The Living Bible says, 'May my spoken words and unspoken thoughts be pleasing even to You'. The Amplified ends the verse with, 'O LORD my [firm, immovable] Rock and my Redeemer'. Therefore, we have to be alert to check our thoughts about anything before, we process them and they come out in words. The Lord is a firm, immovable Rock and this is what we should be building on; if we mean business with Jesus.

Yes, we will speak unedifying words at times by reacting to bad comments from people and the situations that we find ourselves in. But, we are only human and open to mistakes, in fact, we are still a work in progress. But, as we pray about this, we can eventually become more like Jesus. It is though, very difficult to achieve this high standard. But, we don't give up; we keep on trying. This is why James said in 1:19, 'let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.' This is actually very much like the old, 'Count to ten before you say anything.' And it works.

We will never be able to tame the tongue, 'But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil full of deadly poison' James 3:8. However, Jesus can master our tongue if we ask Him to help us. It happens by prayer and meditating on Him, giving Him every part of ourselves. You'll never do it yourself. It's far better to seek our personal tongue-tamer - Jesus Christ. He can teach us how we speak.

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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