It shall not come near you

"The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"    

                                                                                    Hebrews 13:6  NKJV 

This is an amazing statement, one in which we should cherish and take on board. God is our helper; He takes away our fear and, He wants us to believe - totally, that man cannot do anything to us unless, He allows this, or if we are foolish enough to go and do what He has told us not to. If we do that, we are on our own, and this could explain why some Christians are hurt, killed or imprisoned. This verse relates very closely to Psalm 91:7: 'A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you.' Whatever may happen to us on this earth is governed by God and He is in control. Let us face it, whatever may happen, even if we die, we will be alive in heaven, instantly; just like walking through a door. So really there is nothing to fear. We are protected but, if God says it's over, then it is over. He will protect us for the time allocated to us on this earth. However, when that time is reached, it is 'Hello heaven.' 

For the time allocated to us on this earth, God will watch over us and provide angels to fight on our behalf and ensure we are protected. Storms of life may come against us but, as long as we are walking with God, He will protect and deliver us from them. Christians have also been known to pray against hurricanes that are coming their way and have watched as this blows around them and their house and themselves are still standing. Angels are very necessary at times such as this.

Some people have said when death strikes, 'Why did they have to die, it's not fair,' and, it isn't. However, we need to remember that God didn't even save His own Son when Jesus called out to Him (Luke 22:41). It was a task that Jesus had to complete for the sake of mankind; His time had come, and this demonstrates that time here on this earth is limited, governed by God Himself.

One thing is for sure, when athletes have finished their race, they are given a medal and it is so deserved. We, who run the race of life, will also be given an award. We don't know what that will be, but from what we read in the latter parts of Revelation, we know we are going to a place that is amazing. The thing is, our minds cannot comprehend it yet. However, be assured you will share this with Jesus and the Saints - eternally.

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

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Protected by the Almighty

"Surely, He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler, and from the perilous pestilence"                                                                Psalm 91:3-6  NKJV 

To continue with our step into Psalm 91, let us look at verses 3 through to 6. In verse 3 here, we see the fowler at work. This is the name given to a person who catches birds by using nets, snares or other decoys. Once a bird is caught in a net, it is practically impossible for it to free itself. Verse 3 also mentions a perilous pestilence. This is usually something that an enemy may use to disable their opponent. It may be nerve gas or any other chemical. Then again, it could be a virus. Let us not forget Coronavirus 19 which killed a lot of people and left others still suffering the aftermath today. These are things that the Psalmist is talking about here. Whatever comes our way, God has provided an escape - if we call on Him. This verse is also symbolic of the temptations that are all around us and how God wants us to protect us in every way. Rather like the fowler operates by sneaking around quietly looking for his prey, so does Satan. He's rather like a snake that lies in wait and when its enemy is near, strikes. Therefore, we need to be on the lookout.

Sometime we need somewhere to run to when the flak begins. This is usually when we have done all we can to stand and need help. As we call on God, He covers us with His feathers and places us under His wing rather like a bird would do for its young when they are fearful. For the 'Action man', this may seem a little intimidating as they present an outward exterior of steel. But, even many warriors from within the pages of the bible had to do this. There is never any shame in admitting that you need help.

There is absolutely no need to be afraid when things come against us. If we could see into the supernatural, we would see angels all around us, placed there by God to protect us (see 2 Kings 6:17-20 & Ps 91:11). Reading verse 5 clearly, you will see that terror by night may come and weapons will be fired at us on a daily basis. We're in a battle so, one can expect this type of thing. However, there is no need to be frightened. Whatever is going on around us, angels are ready to help and as we call on Jesus, He releases these angels to protects us, and they're well-able to do this.

In our daily lives, we hear a lot of fear being spoken about. Watch the news, read a newspaper and listen to people's conversation. They mostly have a fear context - 'there's going to be a war', 'How are we going to pay this large energy bill?' 'What about the rent/mortgage?' These are all sent to wear us down and, Jesus doesn't want this for you because, He has a plan, and you figure in it big time. Don't worry, it will be okay!

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

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The Secret Place

"He who dwells the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the LORD. 'He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust."                                                                   Psalm 91:1-2  NKJV 

The psalmist mentions 'The Secret Place'. Where is this? Well, to start with, if you are a believer in Jesus, it is where you want it to be. It is that very special place that you go to and spend time reading about Jesus, talking to Him and allowing Him to speak back to you. It can be a room, your car, a walk with your dog in fact, anywhere. It is somewhere where you know you will be safe and have access to God through prayer. 

Why is it secret? Well to some people being a Christian can be dangerous, especially if you are in a non-Christian believing country. There are many dangerous places where Christians can lose their life or face long prison sentences just for confessing Jesus. It is not always other countries; some believers live in a family where Christianity is frowned upon and their safety or welfare can be at risk. Therefore, they need a secret place to meet with Jesus and probably others so that they can support each other. God provides a place where people can hide there, dwell there and be protected by His everlasting love.

Warren W Wiersbe says: "The most important part of a believer's life is the part that only God sees - the' hidden life.' God is our refuge and strength. He hides us that He might help us and then send us back to serve Him in the struggles of life"

               The Wiersbe Study Bible - Warren W Wiersbe

What, if anything, are you hiding from? What help do you need at this time? Perhaps you need to allow God to hide you away in His blessing until, you are ready for the ordeals of life. Think for a moment, if some knew what you were really like or from where you have been, they may not want to know you. But God knows everything and still loves you. This is something to really hold on to. There is nothing wrong in hiding in Jesus until you are ready to get back into the fight. Soldiers need R&R (Rest & Recuperation). They suffer PTSD, depression and all sorts of problems, especially when they finally leave the services. You are a soldier of the Living God and you are on active service. This means, you will be shot at by the devil and his team. Therefore, you need God and, should never be ashamed to admit that you need help at the moment.

If you need help, meet Jesus in The Secret Place. You'll be glad that you did, I can assure you!

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

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Be daily equipped

"But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil your ministry."               2 Timothy 4:5   NKJV 

There are certain guidelines that we need to adhere to as we walk with Jesus. Paul outlines them here:

BE WATCHFUL  We need to be on the ball every moment of every day. The enemy roams around looking to trip us up (1 Peter 5:8). Therefore, we need to be watchful and keep a clear mind. We can so easily lose our way when we are not concentrating on God's work. This, of course, doesn't mean that we should never think about anything except God. This would be impossible. However, starting the day with Jesus and involving Him in our daily routine can be so helpful. When our mind is filled with worry and burdens, we can tend to fixate on this and miss what is around. So be alert.

ENDURE AFFLICTIONS  In other words, we need to realise that, when we are serving Jesus things may be difficult at times. Unexpected things can come our way and trip us up. This can lead to frustration, panic and a bad attitude. Learn to take life as it comes - easier said than done I know. However, with practice it can be accomplished. When we live this way, problems may rise up against us but, we have the experience to call on God, quote scripture and generally flick aside these torments.

DO THE WORK OF AN EVANGELIST  Please note that this does not mean that we all need to grab our bibles and some tracts and dash out to a street corner and start preaching Jesus to whoever will listen. What it means is, we should be open to work at telling people about Jesus. Many times throughout our day, someone may ask why you are a Christian or why do you believe in God. This is an open invitation to tell them. Not in a boring, bible-bashing, fire and brimstone fashion, but in a peaceful and genuine way. Many people are searching and are eager to hear about such things. Seize the moment, and make it count, you may not have another opportunity.

FULFIL YOUR MINISTRY  We each have a ministry that is useful to whoever we may meet. It can be anything really and may include volunteering to help someone, perhaps by cutting an elderly person's grass or cutting their hedge. It may also include giving someone a lift to town because their car has broken down or they are incapacitated in some way. This is showing people the love of God. Just doing something like this and asking for nothing in return can work wonders in a person's life and completely demonstrates our faith. This can lead to many other things, even a saved soul.

All we have to do is to be open to the Holy Spirit. He will guide us, if we ask Him; don't forget that He is the No 1 evangelist of all time. He draws people to Him whether socially deprived and homeless people, drug and alcohol users and many others who are down on their luck. You just need to be open to His leading.

Try it and see.

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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Perilous times and Perilous men

"But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come"   

                                   L      2 Timothy 3:1   NKJV 

Have you considered that we may be living in the End Times? I'm aware that I've mentioned this quite often but, it is too important not to. Jesus is coming back for His church - us. We should be living as if this could be today because, no one knows when this will be. Can you imagine if we are involved in some kind of sin and Jesus returns. It is an awful thought and one where we may be left behind. We must be aware and alert!

Most places we see or hear about are becoming multi-faith. Now what does that mean? Are we saying that, we should respect every person's faith? If so, then that is no problem, everyone has freewill to believe what they want to believe in. But, on the other hand does multi-faith mean that different gods are going to be promoted in our churches. If so, we have a problem because God would not like this: 'For you shall worship no other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God'  Exodus 34:14. God would be jealous and this is what would be happening by this type of joining of religious faiths.

In many places now, it is hard to talk about your faith without someone criticising or complaining. In fact, the devil has us so stitched up that we can be arrested just for street preaching. Our freedom appears to be diminishing very quickly. The bible has already flagged up things to watch out for. Check out 2 Tim 4:3-4: '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. This definitely addresses the people who want the bible re-writing in various places to fit in with the trends of society.

We would all do well to keep our eyes on what is happening in our world today, especially from a political standpoint. Among other things, 2 Tim 3:1-6 shows us that the there will be people who are lovers of themselves, lovers of money and lovers of pleasure. Just read this through. It is happening now and it will increase as the days go on.

As long as you and I are committed to Jesus, we will be ok. However, what about our loved ones, are they saved? Will they be left behind? It is difficult to comprehend at this point but, when it happens - and it will, it will be utter chaos and heartache. Don't just be concerned for your loved ones, be prayerful and ensure they know about Jesus and what is gradually happening in our world today.

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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Something is missing

"One thing you lack, go your way, sell whatever you have and give it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up your cross and follow Me"  

                                                                                     Mark 10:21   NKJV 

Riches can get in the way of our walk with Jesus. This rich, young man wanted to follow Jesus but he was pulled two ways (1) he wanted to follow Jesus (2) but he wanted to hang on to his riches as well. And this can be a burden to many people today.

Jesus is not against wealth, not at all. But what He is against is when we make our riches more important than Him. You see, we can't take our riches to heaven when we die; but, we can go to heaven with the Spirit of God within us and, meet with Jesus. There is a big difference. This was what was missing with the rich young man. He wanted both.

If we sit counting our money up and investing here and there to make more, we can be on the way to making riches our god. I'm not saying that people can't invest and make more money but, what I am saying, if this practice leads to us leaving Jesus out of the equation, we have it wrong. The testing point is, what would happen to you if, you lost all of your money? It can and does happen. It would be devastating for this to happen but, would you sink or swim? Would you have the feeling that your life is over or, would you still have a strong faith in Jesus and start again. 

When we make riches e.g. our bank balance, nice car, luxury home and fancy job and other things, our foundation and main stay in life, are we not making this our God? This was what Jesus was asking the rich young man. He was saying to him, 'would you be willing to lose all of this and then come and follow me?' Sadly, the rich young man wanted both - riches and Jesus. There is nothing wrong with this but, Jesus was making a point here; it's easy to follow Jesus when you have money on your side, but what if you haven't got any money, would you be willing to rely on your faith to receive some and still follow Him?

Whether you have a lot or, not so much, God encourages us to give to Him for His work. If you are 'well off' you can be such a blessing because you will be able to give far more than most. You see, it is God's money in the first place, and He just wants us to be willing to honour Him with what He has given us.

When we strive to be richer in life and leave God out, He is what is missing. If you feel there is something missing in your walk with God, check all of this out with Him.

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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United we Stand

"Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common"   

                                                                                       Acts 2:44  NKJV 

On the 6th May, King Charles III was crowned at Westminster Abbey. It was a well planned day, with troops all in unison and dedication. In fact, everyone had worked so hard to bring about a most joyful occasion. However, one thing that could not be planned or orchestrated was the unity that was displayed. It was as this verse of scripture says, 'Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common.' There may well have been a small crowd of protestors denying Charles as their king, but, they were as I have written - a small crowd of people. The rest, gathered there and people from all over the world, were dedicated to celebrating our new Monarch. I was delighted to hear that throughout the service, the name of Jesus was uplifted and I hope and pray that many were affected by this and that the Holy Spirit will work in them. 

As a nation, we have undergone many traumas - two World Wars, the crisis in Northern Island, the Falklands, Gulf, Bosnia and Afghanistan and Ukraine wars and other conflicts. We have suffered the problems of the EU, Covid, changes of prime ministers for one reason or another and the loss of our beloved Queen Elizabeth II. However, one thing is sure, as a nation, the Lord God has brought us threw everyone of them and, we are still standing.

When people stand together in unity, it is difficult for any enemy to penetrate. We become rock-solid and a people of power. When we stand together in unity with Jesus Christ, we become a super-power. We may get knocked down but, we don't stay down for long. We get up and fight the fight of faith. With God nothing is impossible (Luke 1:37).

Now we have a new Monarch - King Charles III and we need to pray as God taught us in 2 Chronicles 7:14: 'If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.' This is direct from the throne room of God and I believe that, if we turn to God and pray for King Charles III, He will then anoint him, fill him with His Holy Spirit and lead him to make godly choices and decisions and we will become a nation of believers as God wants.

However, it is down to us. We have a new Monarch; we have Jesus Christ who is willing to lead us under the mighty hand of God. We need to pray and turn to God and then watch Him work.

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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Why not order my Daily Commentary from Amazon - Paperback or Kindle 

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