You can't hide your hurt from God!

"Laughter can conceal a heavy heart, but when the laughter ends, the grief remains."                 

                                                                     Proverbs 14:13   NLT 

We are very skilled at covering things up and putting on a happy face, when really, we feel like falling apart. We smile at people in the street, at work or even within our own home but, deep down there is something that they don't know. I remember going to see my doctor. As I walked into his room, he asked me how I was, I answered, 'I'm fine thanks.' He looked  at me and then said, 'Then why are you here?' This made me realise that, I wasn't all right or I wouldn't have come to see him.

When I was pastoring and even when I was a social worker, I would often speak with people who only told me half-truths, they would hide the other bits away, which really was the reason they had wanted to see me in the first place. It took a long time for them to open up about the real reason. Perhaps you're like that, many people are.

Do you keeps things close to your chest, hoping people won't see that you have a problem? Wouldn't it be more helpful to share these issues with someone? Obviously, it is very important to speak to the right person - someone you trust, because some like to gossip about others. When we internalise hurts, we are susceptible to being quick tempered because we are very sensitive. Consider a tin of coke. You can shake it up and nothing will happen until the tab is ripped off and then POW - all of the contents that had been bubbling away inside suddenly have an opening and they gush out all over the place. It is rather like when we, internalise hurts and frustration. Sooner or later something happens and we let rip and vent this frustration on whoever is in listening range. This can be devastating and even, embarrassing.

It is far better to find a way to be able to vent our feelings in a more acceptable manner. Speaking about them is one way. If the person you choose to speak to has the skills to be of help, this is good. Having professional counselling is another option. Also, if the person is a believer, this opens the way to be able to pray things through as well. The choice is yours. You don't have to speak with anyone if you don't want to. You may be able to get alone with God and allow Him to help with the problems. However, if you are going to continue to go around with a heavy heart, it is sensible to seek some help from someone. Don't carry hurt around; it is a burden and, Jesus wants to take these burdens away. He knows about them anyway.

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

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Don't be afraid to wait!

"Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD."    Proverbs 27:14   NKJV

What are you like at waiting? It is not one of my good points, I have to admit. Patience and I don't like each other very much and I have had to work very hard to improve in this area. I'm getting there, let's just say that. How do you figure in this area? I don't think there are many people who like to wait, especially when they are waiting for something to be delivered that has been a long time in coming. Whether it is material or spiritual waiting can suck at times.

But, I have to admit that waiting is extremely important. It is a discipline, one that helps prevent us from rushing into a situation and making a complete mess of it all. Remember, haste makes waste and when we are lacking in patience, things can go terribly wrong. 

Some people worry about the future - what it holds and what will happen to us. Well, as believers, our insurance premiums are all paid up, our sins are forgiven and we have a place in heaven, reserved for when that time may be. There's lots happening in the world today and, let's face it, the economy is not great. However, if you belong to Jesus and your are a regular giver, Jesus will give back to you, there's no need to worry at all. Worrying never solved anything and fear, is not of God, it is the opposite of faith and therefore, comes from our enemy, Satan. There was an old Country and Western Gospel singer called  Stuart Hamblin who wrote many gospel songs. One of them was "I know not what the future holds' and part of the lyrics went like this: 

'I know not what the future holds, but I know who holds the future'

Just think about those words. We really haven't an idea of what our future here on earth holds, but, we know, if we've allowed Him, that Jesus Christ is our agent and manager. He is the one who we count on. We simply give Him all we have and, He takes care of the rest.

'Surely, it's not as easy as that?' Yes it is. He wants to take control of every area of our life. He doesn't do everything for us, obviously. We have to be pro-active. But as we begin to make a start, He is there to guide us on the way forward. Yes, there will be moments where we have to wait. Jesus had to wait for things so, you can bet that we will have to. The great thing is though, because He knows the future, as we allow Him to lead the way, we can be certain that we will get things accomplished properly.

Therefore, if you're struggling in any area, discuss it with Jesus; there's no need to book an appointment, He's always available. Just talk with Him, give Him your fears and burdens and get excellent counsel on what you need to do. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

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Living in the overflow

 "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly"  

                                                                                  John 10:10b

It is God's desire that we live in the overflow of life; not just having enough but, more than enough, so that we can bless others with our wealth. I'm not saying that it's God wish for us all to be millionaires; not at all. But He wants us to have an overflow - more than enough, with no more scrimping and scraping. David wrote in Psalm 23:5:'My cup runs over.' Now that really is an example of overflow. There are many resources around us often willing to help - at a cost. However, the only source we need is Jesus Christ and His well never runs dry.

We saw from yesterday's reading that, the devil will do all he can to steal from us, kill us or our plans and/or destroy us. On the other hand, we have a God who wants to bless us with all we need - abundantly. In fact, He is the God of Superabundance and He wants us to never lack anything: 'But those who seek the LORD shall not lack any good thing' Psalm 34:10. He is committed to us and wants us to be committed to Him in the same manner.

I like what the New Living Translation says about John 10:10b 'My purpose is to give them a rich satisfying life' How does this sound to you? Is your life rich and satisfying? It should be because this is God's intention for His people. As we've seen from yesterday, there is a need to be careful because at the first sign of blessing, the devil will try and steal it away or, kill the moment. Oral Roberts says: 

'As you give your total self to God, God gives His total self to you. Jesus said that He came to give life - in fullness, abundance and prosperity. Your first step to experiencing full biblical prosperity is to believe that it is God's highest desire for you. The next step is to line up your highest desire with His.'   Copyright Oral Roberts

God wants us to live in blessing; His word to us in Philippians 4:19 informs us: 'And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.' Jesus wasn't rich but, He definitely was not poor either. He had what He needed at any given time, rather like what I am saying. Barclay says: ‘There is a myth that Jesus wore expensive, designer clothes - His gown after-all, was seamless. Now this may have been made by His mother, we don't know. But just because the soldiers  threw lots for His clothes, does not make them really expensive. We just don't know. One of the perks for soldiers, was that, at an execution they would divide the clothes, taking what they wanted. At Jesus' crucifixion, there would have been four soldiers but all Jews would have wore 5 pieces of clothing which included shoes. Therefore, when it came to who would have the seamless gown, they would have drew lots to see who the lucky man would have been. (Info William Barclay)

As I've said, in human terms, He had what He needed, His Father was not tight with Him. And He is not tight with us either. He wants you to be blessed so that, you can bless others. Therefore, get closer to Jesus; live for Him and your cup will overflow! That's a promise.

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

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Stolen, Killed & Destroyed

"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy"   

                                    John 10:10   NKJV 

Has the devil been prowling around you just lately, like a roaring lion? He does this to intimidate you and weaken your trust in Jesus. He is not a lion, he just pretends to be like one (1 Peter 5:8). Just consider for  moment, what has been happening in your life over the past month or so? Take a look below and assess this:

(1)  WHAT HAS THE ENEMY STOLEN FROM YOU?

This could be your health, wealth, marriage or your children. You may not have realised that the devil has been robbing you in this way; he is so subtle and creeps into your situation. Things can be going along pretty well and then, POW, he strikes and you're left feeling devastated.

(2). WHAT HAS HE KILLED?

This may be your confidence, your self respect and esteem, even your faith. Where you were once bold, now your are reduced to a wreck and it feels like all the power has been beaten out of you. 

(3). WHAT HAS HE DESTROYED?

This may be a valued friendship or a family scattered and at loggerheads for some reason. It may also be your security.

There may be much more that has been going on in your world. The devil is so sneaky that you don't even realise that he is the culprit here until it is too late. This is why 1 Peter 5:8 says, 'Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.'  In other words, be on guard. 

Think of these areas carefully. The devil steals, kills and destroys everything dear to us. If we get our bibles out to read and pray, he becomes full of panic and will do all he can to prevent us. He can't stand praise. The only praise he wants is for himself. CS Lewis in his excellent book The Screwtape Letters, quotes a senior demon speaking to a junior:

“Be not deceived, Wormwood, our cause is never more in jeopardy than when a human, no longer desiring but still intending to do our Enemy's will, looks round upon a universe in which every trace of Him seems to have vanished, and asks why he has been forsaken, and still obeys.”

No matter what, this is the type of believer Jesus wants us to be. We never surrender, we never give up, even though there appears to be no sign of God around us. We carry on knowing full well that Jesus will never leave us (Hebrews 13:6). This is why we need to sharpen our swords (reading and studying our bibles), getting ourselves spiritually fit by doing this daily and talking to Jesus often, even though you can't see Him. Believe me, He is right beside you and wants to help but He is waiting on what move you are going to make first. When you stand, He will stand beside you; when you pray, He will listen, when you take Godly action, He will go into battle with you.

What more could you ever want?

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

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God's put a fighter in you!

"Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses."  

                                                                           1 Timothy 6:12  NKJV

Life may have been difficult for you just lately. It has been one thing after another and you feel drained. In fact, if you're totally honest, it has been like this for some time, always doing things for other people but, never receiving anything back by way of thanks, except that is, criticism. You have spiritual gifts but never seem to be able to put them into action because, others push themselves forward and you, are not like that, you like to stay in the background.

You thought you would get that promotion at work, but no, the job was given to someone else, someone with less experience. It hurts, no worse than that, you are angry; burning with it. 'Why is it that I always get the second place?' you say, 'It's just not fair'. That job would have been the answer to your prayers and your dreams, you had worked so hard for it, but alas, someone else pipped you at the post. 'It's the story of my life,' you say, 'I have also been a loser, nothing will ever change.'

Stop right there! Nothing will ever change with that type of attitude. You need to change your thinking and the words that come out of your mouth. You're confessing defeat. 'Well you don't know what I have been through.' No I don't but, I can see why you've been through it. Stop feeling sorry for yourself and get up and fight. 'It's not that easy.' Yes it is, you just have to stand and say enough, God put a fighter in me and, that is what I am going to do - fight!

Graham Kendrick wrote a song some years back and part of the lyrics were:

'Where have all the Christian soldiers gone?

Where is the residеnce, will no one be strong?
Whеn will we stand up tall and straight, rise up and storm the gates?

How can we fail to get excited, the battle is ours, why don't we fight it?

Battalions of darkness rise above me
But God put a fighter in me, put a fighter in me!'

Put these lyrics with the verse of today and pray them through, out loud. If you have Jesus Christ in your heart, then He has put a fighter in you. Stand up tall and storm the gates of darkness. Put on the Armour of God, pray and be the soldier God intended you to be. He did not intend for you to be walked all over and he definitely did not want you feeling sorry for yourself. Start praising Jesus, pray, sing, dance and receive what God has for you. Having pity-parties are not part of your remit; you attend Victory parties and you, have the ability to make this happen, for you, right now. God has given you all you need, the rest is down to you.

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

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Could you walk away from Jesus?

"Then Jesus said to the twelve, 'Do you also want to go away?"   John 6:67   NKJV

What a sad situation was caused by Jesus' teaching about the Bread of Heaven (John 6:22 -70). The Jews and the rest of the listeners couldn't grasp what He was implying by saying such things as, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. 54 Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.' (v53-54). Be honest, how would you have received this teaching, it was quite a gruesome description. But it was also one in which, you needed spiritual discernment. Of course, Jesus was speaking of His coming death and resurrection, along with Holy Communion which would follow at the Last Supper and from thereon.

William Barclay writes about three different attitudes to Jesus. Let me paraphrase. Firstly, he mentions:

DEFECTION:  Many of the disciples had walked away from Him following this teaching and many others would follow. They wanted to get out of the way in order to save their own skin. Jesus was going too far this time and they knew that, one cannot challenge the authorities in such a way and, get away with it. Therefore, they ran away. They wanted from Him but, were not prepared to give back with support.

DETERIORATION:  Regarding Judas, initially Jesus had seen a great potential in this man and was willing to give him a chance. Judas might well have become a hero but instead, chose to be a nothing. He turned people away from Jesus, poisoning their minds and eventually betrayed Him. It was a deteriorating time. 

DETERMINATION:  Peter's heart shone through at this time. He loved Jesus and they had a special relationship. When Jesus asked him if he wanted to go away as well, he answered: 'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.' Little did he realise that in a very short time, he would deny Jesus, to save himself.

                                            Ideas re-written from William Barlclay's Commentary to the Gospel of John

In some places, it is getting more difficult to live the Christian life. As we've discussed in previous commentaries, people are losing their lives or their freedom for Jesus. It can only get worse as we move nearer to the End Times. 

What would you do if faced with serious threats about your faith in Jesus? Would you go away, as Jesus asked Peter, or would you stand your ground with Jesus? It is a difficult one to answer. We would all like to say that that we would stand with Jesus no matter what, but would we? To give an idea, if your boss or your partner ordered you to not to talk about Jesus, although hard, you would would probably make the stand. However, when your life or your family's life is threatened could you still say no? I would like to think that we could but, obviously pray that we never have to face this.

These are the things that people are facing in certain parts of our world today. The End Times may happen in our life time, so we need to  take on board what Peter's answer to Jesus was - 'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.' We also need to be grateful to God that, at the moment, we are not in this position. Pray for those who are.

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

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Peace

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."  

                                                                                   John 16:33   NKJV

Have you ever walked along a very busy street, say for example in the heart of London. The noise is tremendous. You practically can't hear yourself speak, let alone think. When we walk down a lonely country lane, the comparison is amazing. One can hear birds calling to each other and the sound of running water from a nearby stream. The air is much fresher too. It's a joy just to walk along a track looking at the wildlife. For myself, it is much easier to concentrate in a quiet environment; there is a peace that makes you feel refreshed; it is faraway from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Every day life can be like this. The pressures that we have forced upon us, can be colossal. Work places can be stressful with people working at a fast pace and too busy to stop for their lunch, so they work through this. Just a visit to a supermarket can be stressful with people rushing around getting their shopping as if the store is going to close in a few minutes. The people at the checkouts are no different, as they practically throw the shopping over the counter causing you to anxiously try to bag all of this up before the assistant finishes and is waiting for you to pay. Stress, stress and more stress.

We have to do something about all of this before it takes over our lives. We spend half of our lives battling with anxiety - road works, traffic lights, car parks, shopping queues and ever-rising costs. Life can be overbearing at times. So what is the answer? Well, Jesus gives us the answer above. In the Amplified, the text reads: 'I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world. [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding].

Note the highlights here, firstly Jesus mentions 'perfect peace'. This means 'Shalom, Shalom' ‘You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You'  (Isaiah 26:3). This perfect peace is Hebrew and implies: health, happiness and well-being. As one focuses on this peace, it helps give us the ability to be filled with joy and good cheer. Joy, we know is strength and this will help carry us threw whatever is thrown at us.

You need to realise that this tribulation is not only for the End Times, but is very present now. Daily we face problems, sorrows and obstacles. As long as we keep our mind stayed on Jesus, He will help us through whatever we may face.

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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