Under Pressure?

"We don't want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, of our affliction that took place in Asia. We were completely overwhelmed - beyond our strength - so that we even despaired of life itself. 9 Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death, so that we would not trust in ourselves but in God, who raises the dead."   

  2 Corinthians 1:8-9   Christian Standard Bible

Paul was under extreme pressure in Corinth. He had planted a church there and it had begun to thrive. However, later on, problems broke out that threatened to split the church. Timothy tried to bring about peace and then Titus and eventually, following a painful visit by Paul himself, things began to settle down. It was thought a discouraging time, full of pressure. The problem was not resolved until Paul realised that he could do nothing, only God could sort this problem out. And as Paul surrendered to that idea, things did improve.

God sometimes allows things to go pear-shaped. He is used to hopeless situations where we, if not careful, can fall apart and even consider giving up. We may try all we know to solve difficult problems, we can also bring in specialists in a particular field. However, as wise and experienced these people may be, at times it is only God Himself who can bring about peace to a situation. There are a lot of 'Mr Fix its' about the place but, God is the eternal and famous 'Mr Fix it' of all. It's always better to call in the ultimate one.

As I've said, sometimes God allows things to happen that appear impossible to solve. He does this so that we, as His children, learn to put our hope in Him and not the world. Maybe you need to hear this today. Are you trying to solve something and nothing appears to be happening? It is possible that something is going on but, because you can't see an improvement, your patience is being stretched. Alternatively, you may have called in a 'Mr Fix it' or possibly two or three of them and there has been no change. Have you considered that God could be saying, 'Call on Me, I'm the one that can fix this and quickly.'

It is food for thought and only you know the answer to this. Don't allow yourself to come under pressure to anything. God has the answer. The conclusion here is:

(1) Something is happening, you just need to be patient instead of trying to make things happen

(2) Or, you have called in the wrong 'Mr Fix it.' You need to call on the Ultimate One.

Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you to understand what's right.

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

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His Kindness knows no end

"But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You."   

                                     Psalm 5:11   NKJV

I read something the other day that transported me back to the mid seventies. At that time, I had just left the army and was a little wild and also unsure of my future. I trusted no one, sometimes not even myself. I was also very lonely and had no one to love me, in fact, I was a bit of a wreck. I remember looking at a church in the village where I was living and felt strangely drawn to it. However, I quickly rejected the idea of going in there, thinking they wouldn't let me in.  I remember saying to myself, 'I have no one who loves me'. This article I read the other day, reminded me of that time because, it said something very similar. The person said the same thing as I had done all those years before but the difference was Jesus said, 'I love you.' 

Now I didn't have Jesus at that time; that would happen five years later, But God began working on me from that moment. I didn't mention that I had three young children at the time, therefore, I had to work and also be mum and dad to them, but we did all right. However, I still needed someone for myself, and one day not long after, there she was, a lady who came into my life, loved me and my children also. It's been a struggle, a loving relationship is never easy when you have hang ups like I had. But we're still together. Our 44th Wedding Anniversary is next month and, I consider myself a lucky dude that she came to me. 

God did that for me with His loving kindness (Hesed) and His pleasure, delight, desire and grace (Ratson). These two words, Greek and Hebrew, put together, describe the shield of favour (Ps 5:12) that God wraps around us wherever we are. I had to learn to trust Jesus, as I said earlier, I trusted no one at the time and, still find that area difficult. However, Jesus is working on this and demonstrates to me daily, His love and friendship.

You may be similar; life has been difficult but we have to learn to trust Him, we then receive. The Israelites had to put their feet into the River Jordan (Joshua 3) before it parted. Therefore, we too need to do the same, we have to be proactive. We make a move and God goes into action, that is how it works.

Perhaps you have felt that no one loves you. Well, let me tell you right now, Jesus does, very much. Trust Him to change and repair your life - He's good at that. He'll love you, give you favour, shower you with His grace and protect your every step. Now, how about that?

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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Mornings with Jesus are important

"Listen to my voice in the morning, LORD. Each morning I bring my requests to You and wait expectantly."   Psalm 5:3   New Living Translation 

Many people tell us, that the most important meal of the day is breakfast; it builds us up for the day! I don't disagree with that, we need that kick-start in the morning, it gives us the necessary energy to get through each and every morning. Likewise, the most important thing a believer needs to do is have a quiet time with Jesus. Again, it builds us up for the day and puts us in touch with the plans that the Lord has for us. It is not only important, it is imperative! 

However, many of us begin dashing around every morning, looking for this and that, the mobile, the lunch box - if you bother with one and by the time we get to the car, bus or train, we are running very late and the stress begins to kick in because we know, we have a busy day. I remember, as a social worker, I was in court one particular morning, I was late, I had not prepared well enough and was dreading one of the barristers ripping my case apart (they like to eat social workers as a past time). Suddenly, I slammed the car door, with the lock pressed down only to realise that my paperwork was on the back seat and I had locked myself out. It was 9am and I had to see my barrister at 9.30 and the care proceedings were due to start at 10am. To say I was panicking is an understatement, I was frantic. Suddenly I felt the Lord tell me to 'phone a garage for help'. That was a great idea; the problem was, my mobile was on the back seat waving at me. AAARGH!

The car park was deserted but suddenly, out of nowhere, a man walked by, stopped to ask if I needed help and, bless him, he let me borrow his phone and even gave me a garage telephone number. I'd just handed the mobile back to this chap when the garage van came screeching round the corner, did something and my door opened. I made my deadline of 9.30am and also won the case. Praise Jesus.

The lesson I leaned that day, was to prepare well and the most important place to start is with my bible open and my focus on God. He rescued me that day; that chap came from nowhere and the speed of the garage was amazing. Have you been in similar situations? Do you have a quiet time in the morning? It is better to have this time before your day begins. I have lost count of the pressures that I have handed to Jesus - feeling that I just can't do this particular thing. He has astounded me with His wisdom and His rescue skills. Do you know that Jesus can take your whole work load - the one you have been fretting about and can totally change it around so that it is an easier day. He can, trust me, I've been there.

I encourage you, make it a priority to fit in a quiet time in your busy schedule. Make it as early as you can, so that there are few distractions. I promise, if you keep doing this, you will notice a great difference!

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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Your fragrance leads to triumph or death

"Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place."   2 Corinthians 2:14-16   NKJV 

RVG Tasker writes: 'The triumph was Christ's - the gospel of Christ's redeeming love proclaimed by Paul emits a fragrance which penetrates hither and thither like the smoke of incense carried by the wind.'  RVG Tasker 1969 Commentary on 2 Corinthians, Tyndale

The Roman triumph was a victory parade for a conquering army and its leader. Both victor and captive were part of the procession and both groups could smell the fragrance of burning spices. It signified victory or death. In a similar way, the triumph of Christ emitted an aroma of death leading to death and an aroma of life leading to life.

As we preach Christ, we become a sweet fragrance of Christ to our listeners, some of whom are on their way either to destruction or life - death leading to death or life leading to life. Tasker says, ''It is better not to have the gospel, than having heard it and rejected it.' Strong words but it is the truth. Really what he is saying is that there is a deadly fume that has a killing effect or a vital fragrance that leads to life. This is serious stuff.

Dr David Jeremiah comments: 'Every person's life emits a scent that either repels or attracts. For Christians their fragrance should be that of Christ - the sweet, lingering aroma of His love and Salvation.'

When we are walking in the aroma of Jesus Christ, we will emit either death or life to whoever we meet as we talk about Him. We've all had those people who flatly refuse to discuss anything to do with 'Religion.' If these people continue to act this way, they will finally reach the road of destruction. Those who accept Jesus, will obviously have life eternal. Have you ever been somewhere and someone knows there is something different about you? Possibly the way you handle things or speak. They know you are different, they are noticing the aroma of Jesus. Some may ask, 'What is different about you?' You then have an open door to tell them. Others, may be brutally rude to you, they too are picking up the aroma but sadly they don't want it and turn to the aroma of death to death.

Some famous preachers, carry such a tremendous anointing that it is difficult to stand in their presence. This is the aroma of life to life and it makes sense to grab hold of it.

This sweet fragrance of life to life, is available to us all. We just need to get our lives right and be sold out for Jesus; the rest will follow. What a wonderful thought!

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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Are you on benefits?

"Blessed be the LORD, who daily loads us with benefits, the God of our salvation"   Psalm 68:19   NKJV 

Our Father, gives us many benefits and the Lord Jesus, is willing to carry our burdens daily. Here, in this verse, the NKJV uses the word 'benefits', and this is correct because as our burdens are lifted from us we receive the benefit of being free and at peace.

If we look in Psalm 103 :1-5 we read:

'Bless the LORD O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name.

2 Bless the LORD O my soul, and forget not all His benefits:

3 Who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases 

4 Who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with lovingkindness 

and tender mercies,

5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed 

like the eagle's.'     NKJV

Just check these benefits out and, by the way, they are not means-tested either:

As we read through this Psalm, we can say, 'I am forgiven, I am healed from the top of my head to the soles of my feet, I am redeemed, I am crowned with lovingkindness and tender mercies and I am satisfied with good things and my youth is renewed like the eagle's.'

I've highlighted all of these benefits in my bible and when I read the Psalm, I say 'I am healed etc. etc. It helps to speak out proclamations because we are confessing the truth upon ourselves. Our soul, which is made up of our mind, will and emotions, receives this and it is well with our soul. Don't ever forget these benefits which are given daily, rather like 'His compassions fail not, they are new every morning'  Lamentations 3:22-23.

The world gives with one hand and takes with another, rather like benefits from DSS. However, not with God, He gives and continues to give more and more. He just can't stop blessing each one of us. Aren't you glad that you belong to His family? Oh, and by the way, note this, His daily benefits are eternal, we even get to live in a mansion one day (John 14:2)

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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A Work of Grace. (2)

"Likewise also these dreamers defile the flesh. reject authority and speak evil of dignitaries. 9 Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, 'The Lord rebuke you"  Jude 8-9   NKJV

Carrying on our study of Jude and the problem of apostates. We should challenge their false teaching, thus protecting the rest of the believers around but, we must be careful how we go about it. Here, the archangel Micheal would only say, 'The Lord rebuke you'. He didn't get into a great battle with them, accusing and judging them. At all times, we must ensure that the authority that we carry, belongs to Jesus. False teachers go in their own authority because they are unteachable. However, at some time, they will fall flat on their face when they meet up with Jesus. All we need to do, is go in the authority of Jesus and be directed by the Holy Spirit on how to handle each and every situation. If Michael wouldn't say anymore, then we definitely need to be wary about doing this. The devil is no friend and he is powerful, resist him yes, but be aware, he will return so be alert and vigilant.

Listen to what Jude says in v16-19: Talking about the apostates he says:

'These are grumblers , complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage. 17 But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: 18 how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts. These are sensual persons, who cause divisions not having the Spirit.'

However, Jude gave us the secret weapon v21-2: 

'But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.'

At times, we just don't know what to do, therefore speak in tongues, your heavenly language and allow the Spirit of God to guide you forward.

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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A Work of Grace

"To those who are called, sanctified by God the Father and preserved in Jesus Christ.  2 Mercy, peace and love be multiplied to you."    Jude 1-2   NKJV

This is mostly an unread epistle and yet, it is packed with excellent teaching. Jude was the brother of James and therefore half-brother to Jesus. Initially, during Jesus' ministry, both brothers refused to believe in Jesus' ministry but were saved after the resurrection, finally convinced of what Jesus had been saying. Jude and James were actually part of the praying group who were waiting on the Holy Spirit in Acts 1:14.

Jude wrote this epistle as a warning to believers. Apostates were on the scene, pedalling their unbelief and spreading false teaching to anyone who would listen. Peter had earlier prophesied this would happen (2 Peter 2:21-22) and Jude, wanted to reinforce this to the believers about the truth of Jesus Christ. 

Therefore, this is an epistle of warning and encouragement. God doesn't give us what we deserve. Instead, because of His great mercy, He delivered us from this and transferred our sin onto His Son, Jesus on the cross. As we seek forgiveness, we are blessed beyond our wildest dreams. In fact, we are sanctified - consecrated and set apart for holy purposes. In the New Testament, this was regarded as a work of grace following conversion (Phil 1:6 Warren W Weirsbe.) God calls all of His people to holiness and sanctification, a joining and commitment to Jesus Christ. To speak of us being preserved means, we are recipients of God's choicest blessings. 

We should be on the lookout for apostates. They once were believers but, for one reason or another, chose to fall away and totally renounced Jesus. They are dangerous people, controlled by the devil to confuse believers and completely wreck the life of a church. This is why so many churches split or even close down. Don't be fooled by them; you are a work of grace as we saw before, you also carry God's choicest blessings. You are sanctified and set apart for the work of the King of kings. Therefore, stand up and challenge this false teaching if you need to. 

We'll have more on this subject over the next day or too. However, focus on what you are to Jesus. You are precious - a work of grace. I like that term, it fits nicely. But it is not a cliche, it is the total truth. This is what you are to Jesus.

With this in mind, have a great Easter Monday and bless as many people as you can, with mercy, peace and love.

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 

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