Oak Tree People

He shall be like a tree, planted by the rivers of water, that bring forth its fruit in its season, whose leaves also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper" 

                                                                                                Psalm 1:3   NKJV 

You will have good days and bad days, these are common to everyone. We can call them seasons because we have to go through them until we reach our next season. Never forget, that blessed people are prone to negative experiences too. Leaves do wither from time to time but, for Christians, the negative things don't cause you to wither and die.

A tree planted by rivers of water is not easily swayed. There may be spells of dryness but, they are sound because they have a regular source of life from the river. We too as Christians, have regular access to this river of life because of Jesus. We may go through dry times where we are thirsty for life, encouragement and hope but, when this happens we need to reach out to our everyday source of life  - Jesus.

We are trees of righteousness (Isaiah 61:3). When we are firmly rooted in good ground and watered through our source of life, we become like oaks of righteousness that are sturdy and able to withstand the tests of time - the hardships and the seasonal troubles. We will endure the storms of life because, we are Oak Tree People!

We need to be observant; we will bear fruit but is that fruit good or bad? You will know that you are bearing good fruit when you are a blessing to others; this is the sign. When we begin to bear bad fruit, nothing really happens and people may avoid us. When we are firmly rooted in Jesus, whatever may come our way, we are able to endure. Yes, we may suffer but, we remain standing like the oak tree because, we have a continuous source from the river of life. You may have a rough time but, Oak Tree People remain standing; trials may come and they may maim us but, we bounce back and carry on standing.

Notice this, our leaves may wither as time goes by. However, this is excellent because when they wither and fall, they are replaced in the next season with fresh ones. Dead trees finish with dead leaves; trees of life continue to produce new, fresh one's ready to face the new season with fresh fruit. And if that's you, you are in Jesus and are an Oak Tree Person!

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

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Avoid dead religion

"Therefore, Jesus also suffered outside the gate so that He might sanctify the people by His own blood 13 Let us then, go to Him outside the camp, bearing His disgrace v12-13          

                                                                                         Hebrews 13:10-13. NKJV

'The priests in the tabernacle served at an altar. Yet, we have a better altar - Jesus Christ, who nourishes us with grace (13:10). After the priests sacrificed the blood of the animals, the animal's bodies were burned outside the camp (13:11). Similarly, Jesus also suffered. But He did so outside the gate of Jerusalem (13:12). His blood was shed outside, not inside the tabernacle or temple. There is no refuge in the old covenant sacrificial system. Jesus isn't there. Thus, we also need to go outside (i.e. away from dead religious activity) with Him, identifying with Him and bearing His disgrace (13:13). Being a serious Christian will mean enduring ridicule and reproach at some level, even by the religious establishment. But take heart, you're in good company'

                                                                         Tony Evans Study Bible (2019), Holman Publishers

For our own benefit, we need to avoid dead religion. Jesus is not dead, He is very much alive and wants us to be too. In fact, He offers us life in abundance but, not just abundance but, super-abundance. 'I have come that they may have life and, that they may have it more abundantly' John 10:10. Note the word, 'More'. This is over the top abundance - 'My cup runs over' Psalm 23:5. His abundance is brimming over, hence, super-abundance; it is more than enough and, there is much more to come as we spend more and more time in His presence.

If you were to be in the presence of someone who has only had a 'religious experience' of God - not the earth-shattering encounter with Jesus; you would probably come against a brick wall because, they come from a legal perspective. If we spend too much time with such people, they may rob us of all the joy and truth that we have. Be careful! The Pharisees were a good example of this. They were 'faith dampeners', as you can see throughout the Gospels. Avoid these areas; they can be quite knowledgeable (Head knowledge), but it's obvious that Jesus doesn't figure in their lives.

So, get outside of that - where Jesus is and receive life in abundance. This is what makes an impact on people. People are desperate for this kind of love and joy and, you possess it. Therefore, be the bible to them, let them see Jesus in you.

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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It is time to Pray

"If My people who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."                                         2 Chronicles 7:14  NKJV 

God is calling the nations to prayer. He is shaking Christians up all over the world, to take notice of His Word. It is vital that we respond, this is not a game. Christianity is a way of life, not a club. A prayer meeting is a war office where we do battle in the heavenlies. 

The world as we know it is crumbling and it has little to do with Global Warming/Climate Change. The cause is man's sin. We are living in a world of decay. Look around and check out what is happening in the media. Everyday, there is some type of disaster somewhere. 'Well, it's always been like that'. Well, something should have been done about it at the time.

Values have slipped to an all-time low. There is little respect or love. We have murders, stabbings, terrorism, rapes, and abuse covering all categories. Many schools are not allowed to speak about Jesus anymore, or say The Lord's Prayer. We're living in a time when future generations will not have heard about this prayer at all. There is greed, envy, covetousness, homosexuality, same-sex marriages and abortion. As a Christian, can't you guess who is behind all of this? That's right, it's the devil and he will continue to rule over this until we - God's people, who are called by His name, will humble ourselves and pray. If we're called by His name, let's live up to it. We need to seek His face - His presence and turn from our own wicked ways - and we have them, and pray. When we do, God will hear and heal.

We should be concerned about our world - Climate Change and the threat of terrible floods. But, let us remember we have a promise from God; He will never flood the earth again (Genesis 9:8-17). The greatest urgency is what is happening with mankind in our world? Some influential, Christian leaders want to bring the bible up to date, which would allow for same-sex marriage, gay rites and everything else that goes along with it. "For a time will come, when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers 14 and they will turn their ears away from the truth -' (2 Timothy 4:3-4).

The bible can't be re-written to fit in with the trends of today. God's Word is the truth and we need to ensure it stays that way. Jesus is coming soon; when, we don't know? But with the advanced world decay, we need to be getting ready and refusing to accept anything other than God's truth. Let us not compromise!

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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Willing to Change

"And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church" v18 

                                                                               Read: Matthew 16:13-19 NKJV 

Peter could be described as outspoken, brash, arrogant, impulsive and loud. However, he was rock-solid in his love and dedication to Jesus. Jesus knew this and called him, the rock, and told him He would give him the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Now that is some calling.

But, at times Peter remained just the same outspoken person and even cut off the high priest's servant's ear with a sword when Jesus was arrested (John 18:10), and then went on to deny Jesus to save his own life, using course language, 'Then he began to curse and swear, "I do not know this man of whom you speak"' Mark 14:71.

No doubt when Jesus had spoken with Peter about his future role within His kingdom. he was encouraged and elated about this accolade. But his behaviour was short-lived, as we've seen. because he had a short-fuse. He wanted to change and be more like Jesus but, he found it difficult. No doubt, you can identify with this. You want to live for Jesus and you are willing to change but then, something comes along and delivers you back to your old self. You feel ashamed, guilty and like a person with no hope.

Romans 12:2 says, 'do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind - '. Notice that we aren't conforming or transforming our minds, someone else is. When God has all of us and when the world has none of us, God does the work of renewing our confused minds. He brings our thoughts into line with His own so that we think God's thoughts.

Therefore, if we are willing to change, we must live a God-centred life, sold out completely to Him. Once we determine to live for Jesus in this way, He meets us in the middle and begins the transforming work. We can't change ourselves but, we can be determined to change. When we are, God will help us achieve our goal. It took Peter a little while to achieve this and it came as Jesus reinstated him (John 21:15-19).

You will still make mistakes because you are not perfect, but you will have registered your choice and determination to change and Jesus will take you up on this.

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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Whose face do you seek?

"Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His face evermore"   Psalm 105:4   NKJV 

To seek God's face is to seek His presence. This is to seek God's face, not His hand. It's easy to get into the habit of asking Him to do this and that for us, instead of seeking God the person. We need to be seeking God the giver, not the gifts he may bring us. We need to seek His face, His very presence and bring Him the honour and respect that he deserves.

When we pray, how many times do we make our requests more important than our worship? God knows what we need before we even ask Him. The is why in Matthew 6:33, Jesus said, 'But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.' Notice that the emphasis is on seeking God first - His face, and then He will take care of our needs.

Whose agenda do you follow, God's or your own? We create plans because of the excitement we feel to please Him and help develop His kingdom in our area. We have an agenda. However, is it God's agenda? Jeremiah 29:11-13 says, 'For I know the plans I have for you,' says the LORD. 'They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you future and a hope.' 12 'In those days when you pray, I will listen, if you look for Me wholeheartedly, you will find Me' NLT. God expects us to seek His face - His presence and He wants us to do it wholeheartedly. This means with all we have got. When we do, He says, we will find Him, He will listen to our requests. But we must ensure we stick to His agenda, not our own because, His plans are good, ours, without God in the driving seat, can be disastrous.

Jesus gave us the blueprint of requests in Luke 22:42, 'Father, if You are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from Me. Yet, I want Your will to be done, not mine' NLT. Did you get that? Jesus' wanted His Father's will to be done even though, at the time in His human form, He may have wanted to be spared from this.

Seek Jesus' face; seek His presence and seek His agenda, in all you do. It is by far the best route to take!

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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Be an Encourager

"Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing."  

                                                                              1 Thessalonians 5:11   CSB 

Everyone needs encouragement from time to time. Life can be difficult and demanding. It has the ability to drain us of all of our energy. When we get this far down, we can reach for a bottle of wine or whatever else can be a short-time fix. However, better still, a friendly voice full of encouragement can work wonders.

If you feel encouragement is helpful, does this make you want to be an encourager? If so, here are a few pointers that may help:

BUILD SOMEONE UP  Whatever a person's problem may be, it is always difficult to change their situation but, it may be possible to assist them to view the situation in a more positive manner. Help them to see themselves differently. A positive move can be to say, 'You always impress me how you manage to handle things. Others would fall at the first hurdle but, you are more focused. How do you do this?' This is helping them to be more positive and may help them realise this, so that they can see a way forward.

LET THEM KNOW HOW PRECIOUS THEY ARE  Remind them how God feels about them and others around them. Think of a time that they may have encouraged you, or someone else. This again is a more positive approach, especially if you tell them how grateful you all were for this encouragement.

REMIND THEM OF THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS  This may be to do with their work or college status. It may also be as a mother or husband or some other way that they have succeeded in. Listen to their negative conversation but don't try to be a major problem-solver, otherwise if what you advise doesn't work, they may lose their trust in you. Try to counteract their negativity with positivity without, making them feel a failure or responsible for what may have gone wrong.

REMIND THEM TO BE FOCUSED  Advise them that things will improve as they look through faith-filled eyes. God is with them and so are others. Tell them that you are praying for them and, if appropriate, invite them to a Home Group or Coffee Morning. Finally encourage them to try to speak positive words, not negative ones. Words that will build them up, not the opposite 'Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them'  Ephesians 4:29  NLT.

CONCLUSION  Is there anyone you could encourage at this time? If there is, don't try to be a counsellor, just be a friend and listen more than speak. When you do speak, ensure it is positive.

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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Remembrance

"Then he said to Jesus, 'Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom' 43 And Jesus said to him, 'Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.'" 

                                                                                      Luke 23:42-43  NKJV 

All over many parts of the world today, people are honouring the many veterans who were injured or died in the wars that have taken place. It is right to honour these heroes and pay our respects because they helped bring us freedom and gave us a better future.

Jesus is into remembering certain things. Here, He assures a criminal, who was also on a cross. 'He said to Jesus, 'Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.' Jesus' reply confirmed that he would be with Jesus this particular day, in Paradise.

War is a great disaster to mankind. It destroys respect and love as servicemen battle to do their job. People are terribly injured and many killed; families are torn apart forever. Just check the current situations in the media today. Lives and futures are ruined in a moment. Sadly, this is unavoidable and must take place to protect the individual countries. The servicemen are veterans - heroes, who are placed in strategic positions to bring about victory. These servicemen deserve the honour, they deserve to be remembered because they gave their lives for their country. Therefore, remember them with pride and don't forget the servicemen of today who bravely do the same.

But, in remembering, let us not forget Jesus who paid the ultimate price for each one of us. Without hesitation He suffered terribly at the hands of His captors. He was beaten, whipped, humiliated and had His beard pulled out. He was hung on a cross with long nails in His hands and His feet and hung there for hours in dreadful pain while He listened to the insults hurled at Him. He then died.

Why did he do this? So that we could be free of our sin, we could have freedom with a hope and a future, when He rose again. So today, as you remember the fallen heroes of the wars, along with the many injured, spare a thought for Jesus who suffered also. Jesus is the only one who can give us true freedom and eternal life.

THANK YOU JESUS - THANK YOU SERVICEMEN

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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