Saturday, 11 February 2023

Just be Yourself

"Do not be afraid. Stand still and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today."                                            Exodus 14:13    NKJV 

When I was a young man, in a Pentecostal church, prior to training, I used to feel inadequate when I was among older Christians. I used to have the feeling that I was too young and inexperienced to be in leadership with these people, who knew far more than I did at the time. Then, when I was much older, I began to get the feeling that I was too old to be of any use to younger people. I had to take a look at myself over this and, through speaking with God, I realised that I was being insecure. It doesn't matter whether we are young or old, we can suffer insecurities and it can hinder the work of the Lord. I had to overcome this insecurity, and I felt God saying to me, 'Just be yourself.'
Exodus 14:13 says: 'Do not be afraid. Stand still and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today.' This verse, very much needs underlining in your bible - it's a life verse. Fear will always try to stop us, but do it anyway. Don't let fear control you; God will always honour you even though, you may have to do it afraid. In other words, go forward and cross over into a new way of life; receive freedom by abandoning the 'slave mentality'. You are not in chains, Jesus broke them off.

Just be yourself. If God is leading you to do something, then go ahead and do it. Just be yourself, not, I stress, a copy of someone else. When we try to copy someone else, it's almost like God doesn't know us, because we are trying to flow in the other person's anointing. Be yourself, you're an original not a copy. Sometimes, we do model ourselves on another person. Treating them as a mentor is ok, copying them is not. You have your own anointing: 'But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things' (1 John 2:20). Jesus has personally anointed you and, your anointing is different to any other. Look at it as DNA, no one else has the same DNA, this is how criminals are captured. Likewise, we all have a different anointing, no anointing is the same; you are unique.

Armed with this knowledge, you have the ability to do whatever God leads you to do. He never sends us to do something that we are unable to perform. He knows our qualities and what we are anointed for and, if we are willing He will appoint us to carry out His wishes. But it will be you doing it, not anyone else. There is no need to ring someone up and ask for assistance and guidance. He has chosen you, therefore, He will guide you and show you the way He wants the mission done.

Cast off any insecurity, God's not into this, that's the devil. Grab your bible, put on your armour and go and get the job done. You are very capable!

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











  


 







Friday, 10 February 2023

Hope returned

"This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope."     Lamentations 3:21   NKJV 

Jeremiah really hit rock bottom at one time in his ministry. He wasn't wanted anywhere, in fact, he was your true 'Billy no mates'. However, he believed in God and despite all of his bad feelings and comments from people, he knew God was on his side. It's hard to believe this fact when you are going through unpleasant times. Why does God put us through such things? I believe that it's all about learning processes. We need to realise that, whatever may come our way, God is always with us and, despite what is going through our head, He cares and delivers. It can be a difficult road at times though.
Tony Evans says:
"In addition to the pain of Jerusalem's destruction, Jeremiah had physical and emotional scars from decades of prophetic ministry to people who'd refused to listen. He was the most hated man in Judah, the person everyone wanted gone.'  
                                                                                                          The Tony Evans Study Bible

I know that you have heard me say this more than once, but when we think back to how God rescued us from various things, it gives us hope - hope that He is watching over us and right beside us. To remember these times reinforces the hope within us. Sometimes that hope may be dwindling a little, but it is still there. Therefore, build upon it by thinking back and praising Him. Read the words of Psalm 42:5. (NIV):
'Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put you hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Saviour and my God.'

Jeremiah lost hope initially, which does happen. However, he took back the control of his mind and focused on God. We must remember that, each morning is a reminder of God's compassion towards us; they're new every morning no matter what (Lam 3:22-23). He is so very faithful. This memory of God, gave Jeremiah the realisation of God's mercy, compassion and faithfulness. It generated his hope in his soul - and it will yours also. 
Warren W Wiersbe writes:
'Unbelief causes us to look at God through our circumstances and, this causes hopelessness but, faith enables us to look at our circumstances through the reality of God and, this gives us hope!'               The Wiersbe Study Bible

So, if you want to live in Godly-hope, keep your eyes on Him; when the going gets tough - and it will, then focus on the times when Jesus was rock-solid for you and rescued you and placed your feet on firm ground. 

There really is no need to fear - for God is near!
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











  


 








Thursday, 9 February 2023

Life Issues (4)

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of deathI will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."   Psalm 23:4   NKJV

Our fourth and final Life Issue is grief; how we feel at this sad time and how, if possible, we manage to go through the trauma of it all. Colin Murray-Parkes says, 'Grief is the price we pay for love'. It affects us all and, although we are all different, it is nevertheless a difficult part of our lives to overcome. We can class grief as loss, and when we have a loss there is always change and this is where it becomes hard. The old environment must be given up and a new one accepted. We can define transition as a discontinuity in a person's life space. Therefore, to be able to cope with this, we need to find a way through the hurt and the changes forced upon us.
We may feel that because we are a Christian, it will be easier because God will help us. It is true that He will help and lovingly guide us through. However, it is a road that we must walk through; there is no way around it. Someone once said: 'The terrible anguish of losing someone we love is something almost every person goes through. It is the love they shared that makes the death so hard to bear. Being a Christian does not shield a person from the sadness of bereavement and the sense of loss. It is not wrong to grieve. It is not a sign of physical or spiritual weakness or failure. But in the midst of pain, Christians have hope and comfort to help them as they grieve. Christianity teaches that God knows all of humanity, right down to the numbers of hairs on our heads. (anon)
There are different stages that people go through in their grief walk. I will work from Transition Theory by Barry Hopson - Leading UK Psychologist:
IMMOBILISATION. This is a feeling of being overwhelmed, rather like being numb. Decisions are difficult to make and a person may feel 'Frozen up'.
MINIMISATION. This can be described of being in a kind of denial. People may try to shrug off what they are going through and have a false view of the way ahead.
DEPRESSION. When realisation begins to kick in, there can be a great fear because of the loss and this is not helped by the fact that they cannot change what has happened.
LETTING GO. Eventually, there comes a time when a person begins to think more rationally and believes that they may be able to handle the loss and change. It is the feeling that, there is life out there and it can, be attained. It is a case of unhooking themselves from the past and looking towards a future. However, this is not easy.
TESTING. When people do let go and make their way forward, they may test new areas of life - joining a club; going to the gym, having a new hobby. They are attempting to find a new way forward.
SEARCH FOR A MEANING. There will always be the, 'Why did this have to happen?' The answer to this is, you just don't know and one must make the best of what they have left.
INTERNALISATION. Finally, a person reaches the point where they internalise it all and begin to accept - albeit, reluctantly, what has happened. (Transition Theory, Barry Hopson)

This of course is only a compressed look at this coping technique. It may help to obtain a closer look by buying a book. As Christians, we need to remember that, we are not given a pass to avoid these issues - they are real and will happen at some stage. However, Jesus is right beside us and will take our hand through the pain and loss, if we allow Him to. In fact, He is the best counsellor, helper and friend that we will ever find.
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











  


 






Wednesday, 8 February 2023

Life Issues. (3)

"For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. 14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvellous are Your works, and that, my soul knows very well."              Psalm 139:13-14    NKJV 

In our third part of Life Issues, we look at the area of Abortion - what do we feel about this area; what does God think and what is happening in the world regarding this?
Many say that life begins at conception. There is then a progression of development that goes on into adulthood. Abortion is definitely wrong. It is the taking of human life. Both Jeremiah and Paul were called by God before they were born (Jeremiah 1:5 & Galatians 1:15. John the Baptist leaped in his mother's womb when he heard the voice of Mary, the mother of Jesus (Luke 1:44); and what about when a baby kicks the mother before birth?
Pat Robertson writes: 'From the moment of conception there is a progression of development that continues through adulthood. God condemned the Israelites who were offering their children as sacrifices to the heathen god Molech. Such children were burned up in the fires of sacrifice (Lev 20:2), offered to a god of sensuality and convenience. The same is occurring today and by acting in this way we are saying that human beings are not worth anything. This is a terrible blot on our society. All through the Old Testament, women yearned for children. Children were considered a gift from God. Women prayed not to be barren. How could a righteous woman turn against her own children to destroy them? Abortion is not only unthinkable, it is also the height of pagan barbarity'.    Copyright Pat Robertson (The Spirit Filled Bible, Spiritual answers)
The Christian Institute writes: 'The bible teaches that all human life is created in God's image and so is intrinsically valuable from conception. At the Christian Institute we therefore seek to defend the sanctity of life. Abortion - destroying life somewhere between conception and birth, is wrong. The bible states that the deliberate taking of an innocent human life breaks the sixth commandment: 'You shall not murder'. In total, there have now been almost 9 million abortions in Great Britain since the 1967 Act was posted'.     Copyright The Christian Institute
Further to this, Christian Evidence.Org write: 'The main debates in Christianity about abortion surround this important question: 'When does life begin?' Many Christians believe that a person's life begins from the moment when a sperm fertilises an ovum and the development of the foetus begins (the moment of conception). These Christians are generally opposed to abortion at any time. Roman Catholics, who take this view believe that there is a God-given 'natural law' that conception leads to birth. They believe that to intervene ar any such time in that natural sequence is wrong. The morning after pill would be unacceptable for this reason. They do, however, allow for a pregnant woman whose life is at risk, to have life-saving treatment, even though this may result in the termination of the baby's life. Known as the 'doctrine of second effect', this insists that it is only allowable if the first aim is to save the mother's life and not, to end the pregnancy.   Geoff Marshall-Taylor, Christian Evidence.org

And there we have it. People will still argue and debate the area of Abortion but, as a Christian, we can't get away from the fact that to abort, is to end a child's life and as God is against this act, as believer's of the Lord Jesus, should we not be making a heavy stand against this?

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











  


 







T




The Bible teaches that all human life is created in God’s image and so is intrinsically valuable from conception. At The Christian Institute we therefore seek to defend the sanctity of life.

Abortion – destroying life somewhere between conception and birth – is wrong. The Bible states that the deliberate taking of an innocent human life breaks the sixth commandment: “You shall not murder”. 

In total, there have now been almost 9 million abortions in Great Britain since the 1967 Act was passed

The Christian Institute


Different Christian beliefs about abortion

The main debates in Christianity about abortion surround this important question: ‘When does life begin?’

> Many Christians believe that a person’s life begins from the moment when a sperm fertilises an ovum and the development of the foetus begins (the moment of conception). These Christians are generally opposed to abortion at any time. Roman Catholics, who take this view, believe that there is a God-given ‘natural law’ that conception leads to birth. They believe that to intervene at any time in that natural sequence is wrong. The ‘morning-after’ pill would be unacceptable for this reason. They do, however, allow for a pregnant woman, whose life is at risk, to have life-saving treatment, even though this may result in the termination of the baby’s life. Known as the ‘doctrine of second effect’, this insists that it is only allowable if the first aim is to save the mother’s life and not to end the pregnancy.


The Bible teaches that all human life is created in God’s image and so is intrinsically valuable from conception. At The Christian Institute we therefore seek to defend the sanctity of life.
The Bible teaches that all human life is created in God’s image and so is intrinsically valuable from conception. At The Christian Institute we therefore seek to defend the sanctity of life.

Abortion – destroying life somewhere between conception and birth – is wrong. The Bible states that the deliberate taking of an innocent human life breaks the sixth commandment: “You shall not murder”. 

In total, there have now been almost 9 million abortions in Great Britain since the 1967 Act was passed

The Christian Institute


Different Christian beliefs about abortion

The main debates in Christianity about abortion surround this important question: ‘When does life begin?

> Many Christians believe that a person’s life begins from the moment when a sperm fertilises an ovum and the development of the foetus begins (the moment of conception). These Christians are generally opposed to abortion at any time. Roman Catholics, who take this view, believe that there is a God-given ‘natural law’ that conception leads to birth. They believe that to intervene at any time in that natural sequence is wrong. The ‘morning-after’ pill would be unacceptable for this reason. They do, however, allow for a pregnant woman, whose life is at risk, to have life-saving treatment, even though this may result in the termination of the baby’s life. Known as the ‘doctrine of second effect’, this insists that it is only allowable if the first aim is to save the mother’s life and not to end the pregnancy.

Christian Evidence.org.

GEOFF MARSHALL-TAYLOR

Formerly Executive Producer, BBC 


Sent from Outlook for iOSAbortion – destroying life somewhere between conception and birth – is wrong. The Bible states that the deliberate taking of an innocent human life breaks the sixth commandment: “You shall not murder”. 

In total, there have now been almost 9 million abortions in Great Britain since the 1967 Act was passed

The Christian Institute


Different Christian beliefs about abortion

The main debates in Christianity about abortion surround this important question: ‘When does life begin?’

> Many Christians believe that a person’s life begins from the moment when a sperm fertilises an ovum and the development of the foetus begins (the moment of conception). These Christians are generally opposed to abortion at any time. Roman Catholics, who take this view, believe that there is a God-given ‘natural law’ that conception leads to birth. They believe that to intervene at any time in that natural sequence is wrong. The ‘morning-after’ pill would be unacceptable for this reason. They do, however, allow for a pregnant woman, whose life is at risk, to have life-saving treatment, even though this may result in the termination of the baby’s life. Known as the ‘doctrine of second effect’, this insists that it is only allowable if the first aim is to save the mother’s life and not to end the pregnancy. B

The Bible teaches that all human life is created in God’s image and so is intrinsically valuable from conception. At The Christian Institute we therefore seek to defend the sanctity of life.
The Bible teaches that all human life is created in God’s image and so is intrinsically valuable from conception. At The Christian Institute we therefore seek to defend the sanctity of life.

Abortion – destroying life somewhere between conception and birth – is wrong. The Bible states that the deliberate taking of an innocent human life breaks the sixth commandment: “You shall not murder”. 

In total, there have now been almost 9 million abortions in Great Britain since the 1967 Act was passed

The Christian Institute


Different Christian beliefs about abortion

The main debates in Christianity about abortion surround this important question: ‘When does life begin?’

> Many Christians believe that a person’s life begins from the moment when a sperm fertilises an ovum and the development of the foetus begins (the moment of conception). These Christians are generally opposed to abortion at any time. Roman Catholics, who take this view, believe that there is a God-given ‘natural law’ that conception leads to birth. They believe that to intervene at any time in that natural sequence is wrong. The ‘morning-after’ pill would be unacceptable for this reason. They do, however, allow for a pregnant woman, whose life is at risk, to have life-saving treatment, even though this may result in the termination of the baby’s life. Known as the ‘doctrine of second effect’, this insists that it is only allowable if the first aim is to save the mother’s life and not to end the pregnancy.
Abortion – destroying life somewhere between conception and birth – is wrong. The Bible states that the deliberate taking of an innocent human life breaks the sixth commandment: “You shall not murder”. 

In total, there have now been almost 9 million The Bible teaches that all human life is created in God’s image and so is intrinsically valuable from conception. At The Christian Institute we therefore seek to defend the sanctity of life.

Abortion – destroying life somewhere between conception and birth – is wrong. The Bible states that the deliberate taking of an innocent human life breaks the sixth commandment: “You shall not murder”. 

In total, there have now been almost 9 million abortions in Great Britain since the 1967 Act was passed

The Christian Institute


Different Christian beliefs about abortion

The main debates in Christianity about abortion surround this important question: ‘When does life begin?’

> Many Christians believe that a person’s life begins from the moment when a sperm fertilises an ovum and the development of the foetus begins (the moment of conception). These Christians are generally opposed to abortion at any time. Roman Catholics, who take this view, believe that there is a God-given ‘natural law’ that conception leads to birth. They believe that to intervene at any time in that natural sequence is wrong. The ‘morning-after’ pill would be unacceptable for this reason. They do, however, allow for a pregnant woman, whose life is at risk, to have life-saving treatment, even though this may result in the termination of the baby’s life. Known as the ‘doctrine of second effect’, this insists that it is only allowable if the first aim is to save the mother’s life and not to end the pregnancy.
 in Great Britain since the 1967 Act was passed

The Christian Institute


Different Christian beliefs about abortion

The main debates in Christianity about abortion surround this important question: ‘When does life begin?’

> Many Christians believe that a person’s life begins from the moment when a sperm fertilises an ovum and the development of the foetus begins (the moment of conception). These Christians are generally opposed to abortion at any time. Roman Catholics, who take this view, believe that there is a God-given ‘natural law’ that conception leads to birth. They believe that to intervene at any time in that natural sequence is wrong. The ‘morning-after’ pill would be unacceptable for this reason. They do, however, allow for a pregnant woman, whose life is at risk, to have life-saving treatment, even though this may result in the termination of the baby’s life. Known as the ‘doctrine of second effect’, this insists that it is only allowable if the first aim is to save the mother’s life and not to end the pregnancy.

ible teaches that all human life is created in God’s image and so is intrinsically valuable from conception. At The Christian Institute we therefore seek to defend the sanctity of life.

Abortion – destroying life somewhere between conception and birth – is wrong. The Bible states that the deliberate taking of an innocent human life breaks the sixth commandment: “You shall not murder”. 

In total, there have now been almost 9 million abortions in Great Britain since the 1967 Act was passed

The Christian Institute


Different Christian beliefs about abortion

The main debates in Christianity about abortion surround this important question: ‘When does life begin?’

> Many Christians believe that a person’s life begins from the moment when a sperm fertilises an ovum and the development of the foetus begins (the moment of conception). These Christians are generally opposed to abortion at any time. Roman Catholics, who take this view, believe that there is a God-given ‘natural law’ that conception leads to birth. They believe that to intervene at any time in that natural sequence is wrong. The ‘morning-after’ pill would be unacceptable for this reason. They do, however, allow for a pregnant woman, whose life is at risk, to have life-saving treatment, even though this may result in the termination of the baby’s life. Known as the ‘doctrine of second effect’, this insists that it is only allowable if the first aim is to save the mother’s life and not to end the pregnancy.

Christian 


The Bible teaches that all human life is created in God’s image and 

so is intrinsically valuable from conception. At The Christian Institute we therefore seek to defend the sanctity of life.

Abortion – destroying life somewhere between conception and birth – is wrong. The Bible states that the deliberate taking of an innocent human life breaks the sixth commandment: “You shall not murder”. 

In total, there have now been almost 9 million abortions in Great Britain since the 1967 Act was passed

The Christian Institute


Different Christian beliefs about abortion

The main debates in Christianity about abortion surround this important question: ‘When does life begin?’

> Many Christians believe that a person’s life begins from the moment when a sperm fertilises an ovum and the development of the foetus begins (the moment of conception). These Christians are generally opposed to abortion at any time. Roman Catholics, who take this view, believe that there is a God-given ‘natural law’ that conception leads to birth. They believe that to intervene at any time in that natural sequence is wrong. The ‘morning-after’ pill would be unacceptable for this reason. They do, however, allow for a pregnant woman, whose life is at risk, to have life-saving treatment, even though this may result in the termination of the baby’s life. Known as the ‘doctrine of second effect’, this insists that it is only allowable if the first aim is to save the mother’s life and not to end the pregnancy.

Christian 


Tuesday, 7 February 2023

Life Issues. (2)

 "For the 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 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables."                                                                  2 Timothy 4:3-4   NKJV

One of the major issues for the church today is, homosexuality. People are openly practicing this way of life and this is being promoted as a perfect alternative to heterosexuality. It's even being taught in our schools that it is socially ok. The Church of England have been meeting to discuss whether gay couples can be married in church and the rise of gay priests is quite staggering.
The thing is what does God say about this in the bible. Leviticus 18:22 says, :You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination'. This is also the same for women as Paul writes in Romans 1:27 'For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another.' It is very clear in the bible what God's wishes are but, certain Christian organisations are petitioning that the bible should be brought up to date - for these present times; in other words, they want part of the scriptures to be re-written to fall in with the trends that they believe in today. This is very much like what Paul said would happen:"For the 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 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables." (our text today). God is very much into marriage between a man and a woman, not same sex relationships: 'Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.' Genesis 2:24.
Pat Robertson, author and broadcaster, says: 'We are told in the New Testament that those who practice homosexuality will not enter the kingdom of God (1 Cor 6:9-10). He goes on to show homosexuality as a final order of rebellion against God. When people exchange the truth of God for a lie, and begin to worship the creature instead of the Creator, they are given up to evil. From a biblical standpoint, the rise of homosexuality is a sign that a society is in the last stages of decay.'   (Copyright Pat Robertson)
Strong words indeed but, the bible never changes - God never changes: 'Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever' Hebrews 13:8. The bible is up to date, it is people who are trying to change it to fit in with their life style that is the problem! 
As Christians, we should never settle for second best, we did that before we knew Jesus. False teaching should never be accepted and, always challenged. However, We are still called to love people, whoever they are or what they believe. But we don't have to agree with their life style, but by our actions towards them, perhaps we may be able to point them to the truth. But if they make a stand for what they believe, then perhaps we need to consider doing the same and standing up for the truth of Jesus Christ.

We are in the last days - the End Times and like God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, this present day will come to an end too. Don't be hoodwinked by persuasive false teaching. Keep your eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). If you are gay, don't feel judged by all of this. Jesus loves you and wants you to know the truth. Don't believe the lie; you were born in a normal way. Don't let life tell you different. Talk to Jesus about this. He's great to speak to and so welcoming.

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











  


 






Monday, 6 February 2023

Life issues (1)

"Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."  
                                                                            Matthew 11:28   NKJV

All over the place, people are struggling with Life Issues. The economy has gone crazy with sky high mortgage rates, gas and electric prices ridiculously high and the threat of losing their home or having their heating and electricity cut off because they just can't meet the costs. Add to this, the normal stresses of life: marital breakdown, death of someone very close, sickness and childcare problems, it is understandable why the suicide rate is getting higher.

Problem after problem can build up and people, although upset, angry and in fear, may manage to keep their head above water, albeit with a struggle. Then, some small and mostly insignificant situation comes along and POW - that person is thrown into crisis. They have somehow managed to cope with all of the major issues but, some small and easily manageable problem comes along and they fall and quite possibly either have a breakdown or, a serious bout of depression. This is crisis.

Every where we look, the world is determined to stress us out, if we allow it to. What can be done? Well the first thing to do, is to face it. It is no use covering this over, putting it to one side hoping that it will go away - it won't. This is rather like whitewashing over cracked walls. As soon as it dries, the cracks re-surface. No, it has to be faced and you may need help to do this. The help may come from a pastor, a trusted friend, doctor or a person who is qualified to handle such things. C.A.B are a helpful resource, as are Age Concern if you are of that age. You may have to get professional help from a solicitor but, this can be defeating the object if you are deeply in debt because it can be costly. The best place to start , is to talk it through with someone. This may pinpoint a way through your problem.

If you are a Christian, then you may hear from some people, 'Give it to God, He'll sort it out'. This is true, He may. However, a more wiser thing to do would be to approach Jesus and remind Him of certain promises in His word, such as today's text. In this, He tells His disciples to go to Him and tell Him all about the trouble, He will then give them rest. In other words, He recognises that what you are going through at this time is a heavy burden - too heavy for you to carry alone and, so He suggests that you give it to Him.

Over the next few days, we will look at several life issues that may be affecting you. This will be done in a non-judgemental manner but with the truth that comes from the Word of God. The exercise will be done to pinpoint certain areas that affect us all in some way and how, through prayer and certain intervention we may be able to offer advice.

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











  


 

Sunday, 5 February 2023

The Word of Christ

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly."             Colossians 3:16    NKJV 


Jesus wants each one of us to be so equipped in His word that it floods our very soul. It is our food and a powerful weapon to oppose the evil one when he attacks. Remember Jesus, when He was being tempted by the devil in the wilderness, replied to every demonic suggestion, 'It is written'  Luke 4:4. When the word of God is dwelling within us, we are a force to be reckoned with.

To allow the word to dwell in you richly means His word will be active within you and you will be equipped for every situation. Jesus - the Word lives in you, so allow His word to do the same. However, to quote and sing God's word, we must know it. We can't do this effectively if we don't. Try and get out of the habit of saying, 'Where's that scripture, I think it is in Romans?' While we are doing this, the devil can walk all over us. We need to sharpen our skills here. To purchase goods from a store, we need to have cash or a card. No cash or card - no goods. It's the same with God's word, to be effective we must have the 'Word' dwelling within us and His written word on our tongue.

Think about the term, 'Let the word of Christ dwell in you 'richly'.  What actually does this mean? The Amplified Bible says: Let the [spoken] word of Christ have its home within you [dwelling in your heart and mind - permeating every aspect of your being] as you teach [spiritual things] and admonish and train one another with all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God' This says it all. We are to allow the written word to have its home within us in such a way that, we eat and sleep it. And we only receive this by being with Jesus 24/7. You may say this can't be done. But it can, you just commit your all to Him - spirit, soul and body. We give Him everything, our hearts, our lives, our days, homes, family, work and a host of other things. He loves you so much that He wants it all. In return, He will give you blessing after blessing. Your cup will run over with abundance (Psalm 23:5).

This is how men and women of God, in the past were able to do great things for Him. This is how men and women today are operating in the mission fields - war-torn areas, giving the word to people who desperately need it. You have the Word within you and you just can't keep it to yourself; people are in need of it. Will you give it to them?

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











  


 

Christ in you, means VICTORY!

"You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the one who is in you  is greater than the one who is in the w...