Is it well with your soul?

 "Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely and may your whole spirit, soul and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."

                                                                      1 Thessalonians 5:23   NKJV

This verse can be put together with Psalm 103:1: 'Bless the LORD O my soul and all that is within me, bless His holy name'.

Horatio Spafford was a successful attorney and real estate investor who, lost a fortune following the terrible Chicago fire of 1871. Around the time, his beloved 4 year old son died of scarlet fever. The family were devastated and Spafford felt that his wife and daughters needed a break. He sent them on a trip to England, promising to join them when he had cleared things up in his business. However, more devastation was to follow; the ship had a collision with another craft and sank in the Atlantic. His four daughters were lost but, his wife Anna survived and cabled him to let him know. Spafford didn't hesitate and caught the next ship over to England. At the exact spot where the ship had sunk, Spafford had asked the captain to let him know. As he looked down on the cold waters, he felt peace within his soul and he wrote down the lyrics of the hymn 'It is well with my soul'

When peace like a river attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well with my soul

It is well (it is well)
With my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul     (Horatio Spafford/Philip Paul Bliss)

This man, although devastated by his loss, had learned the secret of God's peace. There was nothing he could have done to prevent what had happened. It was one of life's major crises that may happen to anyone in some way or other. Spafford found joy and peace in knowing he had Jesus and that he also had his wife Anna to grieve with. Just take note of the words:

'Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul'.

What is your soul like today? Are you in pain, in grief, loss or in turmoil? Take on board the words of this wonderful, inspiring hymn and know that whatever, God is with you, now and forever.

I have provided a link for the full lyrics   sovereign grace music it is well with my soul

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

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'Listen and do, what I say'

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye. 9 Do not be like the horse or like the mule, which have no understanding, which must be harnessed with bit and bridle, else they will not come near you."  Psalm 32:8-9  NKJV 

Most days, we plead with God to show us the way but, we end up doing what we think is best instead. We then wonder how we got into such a predicament. The truth us, God knows best and if we call on Him He will not always say what we want to hear so, we do the other. We are told above that, if we do this then, we are being stubborn rather like the donkey who will do what It thinks is better and will kick out at every action it may take.

I have often, in a counselling setting, been asked what is the right direction to take.The counsellor's role is not to tell a person what to do but, to help them make the right decision. With God, He offers to guide us into the right decisions but when He does, He never forces us. He has given you the direction, it is now up to you to obey or go your own way.

If you do the latter and, go your own way, don't go running to God with complaints. He instructed you about the right way but, it was down to you whether to act on His instruction or not. Think back to the times that you 'blew it'. If you're like me, there will be many times. Play the video back and analyse what was wrong, what you prayed to God, what He said and then, how you reacted to His guidance. If it went wrong, you can be sure that you didn't do, fully, what He had told you to do and, this is why it was unsuccessful.

Verse 8 shows us that God can see far ahead and this means, He knows the way and what will happen. Doesn't it make sense to do what He says? Whether you feel it or not, you are limited in your thinking and your opinions and decisions are well out of sync with what God knows. Look at verse 1, God offers to teach us. One can only be able to teach if they are qualified in the first place; and God, is well qualified.

Therefore, make it a daily practice to use verse 8 as a prayer in your quiet time. 'Ask Him to instruct you and teach you' in all you do throughout every day. I can assure you, that this will be so beneficial in your Daily Life with Jesus.

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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His Faithful Promises

"Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name"               Psalm 91:14 - 16  NKJV 

Today, we reach the end of our study on Psalm 91. This section is packed with promises that God is giving to each of us who trust and believe in Him. The word 'Love' in this first verse above, is not the usual one. This means to 'Cling to - to cleave to - to be passionate.' It was the word God had for His people, Israel. But today, it is transferred on to us because, we too, are God's people. He clings to us, cleaves to us and is passionate towards us.

With this love, He promises to deliver us and set us on high because we have known His name (14). He promises to answer us when we call on Him. Furthermore, He will be with us in trouble and deliver and honour us (v15). And there is much more - the best, with long life He will satisfy us and show us His salvation. These are only a few of God's promises but for today, I believe they are fitting. Some of you reading this, have been disillusioned by your spiritual life. Your church life is going nowhere and you don't appear to be growing in your walk. God doesn't seem to listen to you anymore - not like He used to. If this is so, God hasn't changed so, it has to be you. What has caused you to feel this way? Has sin got in the way? If it has, it will block your communion with God. Stop it, confess it and move on.

Perhaps you need a spiritual battery charge, a touch of power to get you on the way again. Perhaps there may be other issues that are standing in the way and whatever you have tried, nothing has changed. Well today, we will pray and blow that blockage out of the way. You may have turned away from God but know you need to return, well this is also for you. Perhaps you have never known Jesus but are being drawn to Him right now. If so, you have your chance too, right now:

Lord Jesus, my heart is heavy with problem after problem. I feel lonely, bored and left out of things. I used to pray and be sold out for Jesus but now, I feel that I'm on the scrapheap. I don't even hear you anymore and know that I have walked away from you. Please forgive me; I return to you right now and ask you to give me that spiritual battery charge. Thank you Jesus, I am yours.

For me Lord, I've never known you but, today I want to give my life to You. Please accept me Lord.

I dedicate and rededicate my life to You right now. Jesus please forgive me my sin. I'm sorry Lord. Please fill me with Your Holy Spirit and be my Lord and Saviour. I confess that I am yours to use as you see fit, please help me to achieve all You want from me. 

In Jesus' Name. Amen

You are now dedicated or rededicated to Jesus. Get a bible and read it, get some daily bible notes, read this daily blog and just enjoy Daily Life with Jesus.

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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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.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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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.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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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  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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

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