Are you an optimist or pessimist?

"Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the LORD. 6 They are like stunted shrubs in the desert, with no hope for the future. They will live in the barren wilderness, in an uninhabited salty land. 7 But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence.'                                                 Jeremiah 17:5-7  NLT 

Is the glass half empty or half full? Are you an optimist or a pessimist? What you decide will describe the way you look at your life, in general. When faced with a major problem, many cry out, 'It's impossible, it can't be done'. This is the usual statement of the pessimist, the one with the half empty glass. This person from the start, finds loop holes that will turn into traps further down the line. It is good to view the situation and plan to avoid the risks because this is wise. However, when a person blatantly refuses to accept the possibility that it can be overcome, it turns into pessimism.

The person who has a half full glass is the optimist. No matter what, this person sees a way through situations because of positive thoughts. This is the hallmark of the optimist. Whatever faces this person doesn't stop them, no matter how difficult things may be. They are always looking for solutions and never give up trying. This is the person God can use in His army. He or she have the shield of faith and the sword of the spirit  (Ephesians 6:14-17).

Mind you, rain falls upon the optimist and the pessimist, the difference is, the optimist remembers to take his umbrella with him. The optimist has the same kind of troubles, which include, illness, lack of funds, accidents and other problems. However, the optimist doesn't sit around moping about it, He prays and seeks God's help and stands up and remembers how the Lord has helped in the past and knows, He will again. Yes, he can be tempted to attend 'pity parties' but, he decides against this because it will only drag him down lower than he already is. Therefore, he stands and continues to stand.

Where are you at this time? The SAS have a motto, 'Who Dares Wins'. How about applying this to your service for God and adopting the motto, 'Who Prays Wins' After all, we are in a battle and He has called each of us to His Elite troop, the SGS - Special God Squad. You may smile but, the SAS are one of the best in combat but God is calling believers to be the best in His Elite troop of believers. So pray and be optimistic.

Copyright 2023 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 

Check it out

 https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B084G9S4FD/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2

 

   

 

And then 'Suddenly

"And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind."   

                                                                                                                  Acts 2:2    NKJV 

The 'Suddenly's' figure in most people's lives from time to time. Everything can appear peaceful, when 'suddenly' something happens. Do you know what I mean? I remember one of these 'Suddenly's' a few years ago. I was walking along the seashore with my dog during Storm Brian, when 'Suddenly' the dog broke free and tried to run into the water. Well, it couldn't really be described as water but a raging torrent with very high waves. I rushed to pick him up and 'Suddenly,' the biggest wave I've ever encountered swept over me and dragged me out to sea. By the time I realised what was happening, I was in deep water about forty feet from the shore, The tide took me back to shore and before I could get out, it dragged me back out again. This went on for a few minutes and I didn't think I was going to get out. 'Suddenly,' there was a woman there, from nowhere and she took my hand and pulled me out.

That was a scary 'Suddenly' I can tell you. Thankfully, not all 'Suddenly's' are like that. The Apostles were sitting in the upper room when 'Suddenly' there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind.' The power of God came upon them with tongues of fire and their lives were changed forever. In fact, that day, more than 3000 souls were saved. That is a great 'Suddenly'.

Like we've seen, 'Suddenly's' can come when we are least expecting them. We can be broke one minute and rich the next, all in the blink of an eye. You may be at work, at home or minding your own business, when all of a 'Sudden,' God turns up. It can be exciting but also scary too. 

We can encounter both positive or negative 'Suddenly's'. Some may have an accident or be taken very ill quite quickly. We never know what's around the corner. Therefore, we need to make the best of what we have got. Life can change quite 'Suddenly'.

The great thing though, as Christians, we know that God has our back. He is watching our every move and, as we involve Him daily in our lives, He will guide and protect us. He is our Shepherd (Psalm 23).

Today, determine that you are going to live every moment walking in the power of God. Everywhere you go, everything you say, allow Jesus access to each moment. Then, when the 'Suddenly's' turn up, you will be more in control of what happens.

Copyright 2023 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 

Check it out

 https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B084G9S4FD/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2

 

   

 

All things have become new

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, behold all things have become new."              2 Corinthians 5:17  NKJV 

Happy New Year!

Normally everyone you meet at this time of year is saying this. Whether it was when the clock struck twelve or, whether it is now, as you walk down the street, meet someone in the supermarket or at church. But when you say this statement, do you really mean it? When someone says this to you, do you receive it as such and declare 'I will have a Happy New Year' or is it just said and forgotten the next moment. It is the same when you say, 'Good Morning' to someone. Do you say it because it is normal to say it or do you say it with meaning - that their morning will be a good one.

Let's look at Paul's teaching here. If you are in Christ - believe in Him and He lives in your heart - then, old things have passed away and all things have become new. However, this is not a one-time exercise, it is an ongoing process. Let me explain, when you have been hurt, disappointed or let down badly by someone, this is a 'present thing'. As long as you hang on to it, it will continue to torment you -  the memory will not go away. But, as you forgive that person, this 'present thing' will become an 'old thing' and you will be free.

Don't get me wrong, when you forgive someone who has hurt you, the memory - the scars, may continue to be there. However, once you have forgiven someone, it is your duty to set them free from this just as Jesus forgave you and remembers it no more. Your 'old things' He took away and turned your life into 'new things', He made you a brand new person.

Therefore, take this on board. If you are in Christ, you are a new creation and the old things have gone. He has given you a future full of new things, in fact, a hope. What more could you ask of Jesus at this time. Whether you accept it or not, Jesus has a brand new start to give you; if you allow Him to have you fully, He will turn 2023 into a year of new things. Of course, we do not know what He has planned; we just have to trust Him. So today, when someone says, 'Happy New Year' to you, receive it with gladness and, don't forget to return the blessing to them as well.

Happy New Year!

Copyright 2023 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 

Check it out

 https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B084G9S4FD/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2

 

   

 

A Prayer for the New Year

"in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."  

                                                                      1 Thessalonians 5:18.  NKJV

Carrying on our theme of praise from yesterday, let us take this verse as our guideline for a personal prayer to Jesus:

'Lord Jesus, what can I say except, thank you for being my friend and, for being there whenever I needed You. When I remember where I have come from - a world of flesh and now, where I am, Your friend and a member of Your Heavenly family, I cannot comprehend how it could have happened.

  

I don't consider that I was a bad person before I accepted You as my Lord and Saviour but, I do acknowledge that I was not eligible to be classed as a servant of the Most High because, I was covered in the sin of the world. But You, took me and washed me clean and gave me a new song to sing - a new life and a everlasting hope. Thank You Jesus.

  

You have rescued me from death and disaster and placed my feet firmly on solid ground. I shudder to think what would have happened if you had not have been there to drag me from the miry clay that was sucking me into its jaws. Praise You Jesus.

One thing that I am very sure of is the fact that I would never have made it on my own; Oh, I thought that I could in those early days of blindness and arrogance, but I soon came down with a great bump. I was reduced to nothing, broken, unwell, lonely and lost. However, instead of walking by me when I lay as if in a gutter, you picked me up and carried me until I was able to stand again. You lifted me up. You gave me back my self-respect and made me feel confident again; and you healed me. Hallelujah Jesus.

And even though I have not always behaved as well as I should have since meeting with You, You have always shown me Your love and patience and believed in me. You never judge me; You never accuse me and You never gossip about me when I share my heart with You. Where could I go to equal this love - nowhere! It is only found in You  the King of kings and the Lord of Lords. You are all I need. Bless You Jesus.

And now Lord, as I approach 2023 - a New Year, please help me to make the most of it for You. I re-dedicate myself anew, You are my Lord and my Saviour. I give you thanks for what you have done in my life and, I salute You, my Lord. And look forward  to what You have planned for me this coming New Year’

In Jesus' Name Amen

Copyright 2023 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 

Check it out

 https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B084G9S4FD/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2

 

   

 

Praise is the way forward.

"I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth."   

                                                                                                 Psalm 34:1 NKJV

We are approaching another New Year and, where many people will be making New Year's Resolutions, why not consider inserting into your agenda for 2023 - Praise. Just look above to see how David described praise. He made a commitment to praise God 'at all times' and that praise 'shall continually be in my mouth.' Now that was some commitment, with all the stuff that was being thrown at him.

Imagine committing yourself to do this. Your life would never be the same again Satan hates praise so, he would be driven away and each time he returned, he would be forced away again. You would have heavenly angels all around you, joining in the praise. You would be unstoppable. It is worth a thought but, how would you be able to do this?

The answer to this is, by sheer determination that nothing will stop you from praising the King of kings, the Lord of Lords, the Son of God - Jesus Himself. Your life could still go ahead as normal, you would still go to work if you had to; you would still be with your family. The only thing that would change is bringing Jesus to the forefront of your daily life, ensuring you have a 'quiet time' before your day begins and then just being in touch with Jesus all through the day, just silently talking with Him, allowing Him to show you the way. I remember one time that I was doing this; I had been in some quite intense praise as I drove my car. Arriving at my destination, I saw someone I knew, 'Hey Jesus', I shouted across the car park. Everyone within hearing distance turned round, including my friend. All I could do was laugh at my mistake, while the people who didn't know me, thought I was some weirdo. When I first was saved, I was praising God in tongues out loud as I walked down a corridor. As I turned a corner, I came face to face with someone. I just started to hum a tune to try to hide the temporary embarrassment, while this chap just stared at me.

But, now, what the heck, Jesus is worthy of my praise and I don't let anyone make me feel embarrassed. Jesus saved my soul and that is all that matters. He saved your's too and He is worthy of your attention - your praise, your thanksgiving and your gratitude. Start off the New Year incorporating praise into every second of your life. It can be done but, it takes determination. When the devil does attack - and he will, just stand your ground and submit to God, resisting the devil every inch of the way. He must flee, don't forget that (James 4:7-8).

We were created to praise God so let's make a start, right now!

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 

Check it out

 https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B084G9S4FD/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2

 

 

Whatever!

"Finally brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things."                                                                          Philippians 4:8   NKJV 

Paul tells us that we need to meditate on the above things - whatever they are and whatever they mean to us. To have any attitude of being able to praise and thank God, whatever has happened or is happening, is good counsel. Of course, we don't praise Him and thank Him for the bad things that happen to us. But, it is good practice to do this whilst we are going through them because, as we do, God carries us through these difficult times, 'Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks ; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you"  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NKJV.

Although, the times may not always be difficult, when we can do this, we are realising and accepting that God will work something out for the time we are going through and, that is whatever. Imagine having this attitude 24/7, where things come at us but whatever they are, we know, fully well, Jesus our friend and King will work them out for us because, He always has a plan; and the plan that He has is reliable and interchangeable. When something comes at us unexpectedly, we may not be ready for it but, Jesus is and He is able to change course and take us through the thick of it.

What is whatever in God's eyes? It is all that is good or bad; whatever is massive, it contains everything that a human being may go through - believer or unbeliever. The believer has the edge because they have God on their side. He is the AA man, the RAC man, the Doctor, the Paramedic, the Fireman, in fact, He is everything that constitutes a breakdown. If you breakdown in any of these areas or more, Jesus our Saviour is there to fix it for us, whatever it may be.

When we make Jesus the very being of our life - the director, the helper, the advisor and the counsellor, we are not being irresponsible by this. He wants the control; He wants us to trust Him through whatever we may face. Let us not forget what Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs us: Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."

In other words, whatever you do, involve Jesus in it and you will be successful!

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 

Check it out

 https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B084G9S4FD/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2

 

'I have a plan'

"Commit your actions to the Lord and your plans will succeed". Proverbs 16:3 NLT


Many people throughout the world come up with excellent plans and put them into action very quickly. Many succeed from their actions and make lots of money. Many don't and fail. Thomas Edison was a great pioneer of inventions and tried and failed many times with his quest to produce the electric light. When questioned about his exploits, he told the people, that he had not failed but just found 1000 ways that didn't work. A great answer and attitude. There are the doers and the thinkers. The doers get down to business and put their plans into action. The thinkers, just think about it and never try.


God has given us a brain and the ability to create great things. There are colleges and universities where we can go to pursue study and learn the process of developing our God given talent. That doesn't mean that the person who hasn't been to these establishments cannot dream big and be successful, not at all. Many who haven't had academic training have become successful with their plans.


For us as Christians, the best place to start is with Jesus. He is the greatest inventor and creator of all time. Just look at the world and all that is in it for testimony to that fact. Therefore, if you have a plan, it makes sense to go to Him and give Him this and allow Him to help you develop it. The difference between you and the person who is of the world, is that you have given Him your life and that, includes your thoughts and your dreams. He has charge of them but, still allows you to go ahead on your own if you choose this route. However, if you want to be successful, God's way is the best route to take.


Perhaps you have a plan at this moment. It may include a new job, a move to another area, even emigration. You may also have thoughts about starting your own business. Don't rush ahead and try to put it into action. Discuss it with God first. Get His opinion on this new venture. You see, He knows the way ahead - the pitfalls, and He will guide you expertly if you let Him. Your intentions may be the greatest thing that could happen to you. However, they may be your worst nightmare. Check it out with your Life Manager - Jesus right now

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 

Check it out

 https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B084G9S4FD/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2