'We don't know what to do, Lord'

"O our God, won't You stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to You for help"   

                                                   2 Chronicles 20:12  New Living Translation 

This can be a familiar cry to God, as we struggle with sudden dangers, bad news or any other crisis. We can be caught unawares and therefore, immobilised by the panic of the situation.

This was how Jehoshaphat must have been feeling. Mighty armies were coming against him, more than he could ever cope with and he was very worried. We see this in verse 3: 'Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and begged the LORD for guidance.' This really is the only way to deal with threats and evil news.

Note that Jehoshaphat called for prayer and fasting and, as he called out to God, a prophet by the name of Jazhaziel came forward with an amazing Word from God (v13-17). There was no need to fight, the battle was already theirs. All they need do was take up their positions and watch. They did this and Jehoshaphat led his army with music, praising the Lord. And they witnessed that God caused mayhem amongst the armies, where they began fighting each other until, there was no one left alive. 

God had it in hand. He had it sorted the moment Jehoshaphat called on Him and, this is how it works for us too. We've all had those times when we were in frightening positions and we thought we may go under. But, as we called on the Lord, He was there and handled the situation. I believe that there are some reading this right now that are worried about a certain thing. They are not only worried but, sick to the heart with fear and this is causing them sleepless nights. Allow me to speak personally to you:

'Can you do anything about this situation? If you can, then do it. If not, give it to Jesus right now and leave it there. Don't take the fear and worry back. Remember what Jehoshaphat did, he caused the army to praise God. Do this, and do it right now. Praise like you have never praised Him before. As you do this, allow Him to lift the burden off you, and then praise Him some more. God will bless you abundantly - read 20:25. They had so much plunder to gather that it took three days to collect it. That is some blessing and God wants this for you"

Don't ever allow fear to control you again. You are victorious people so, live as such. You have the blue print before you - the bible. This is filled with the plans and directions for your future. It is sacred and true, it doesn't make false promises. So, read it, take it to heart and live by it like never before. You will benefit by doing it.

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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Procrastination

"Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. 7 Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do."  James 1:6-8   New Living Translation 

People who are procrastinators annoy and frustrate people because they find it difficult to make a solid decision. They delay action and put off doing something until another day. In his long poem, Edward Young writes:

'Procrastination is the thief of time'  The Complaint - Night Thoughts (1742) Edward Young

When one considers what he is actually saying, procrastination is a time waster because, it keeps delaying the time for action and it will not make the right decision. Further to this, Don Marquis writes in his novel:

'Procrastination is the art of keeping up with yesterday'  Archy & Mehitabel  Don Marquis

This quotation speaks wonders. Procrastinators never get anywhere, they are still locked into yesterday - they live in the past and find it difficult to approach that new thing.

Let us look deeper at our scripture today. People who waver are faced with the inability to make a decision. They make arrangements for something and at the last moment, change their mind and call off the arrangement. When faced with a decision, they may say to whoever, that they will think about it and get back to them with the answer. Usually, this doesn't happen and they dread meeting up with the person again. Sometimes they are eager to put their names forward for something but, as the time gets nearer they will think of a load of reasons why they can't do this. They want to move forward but, their comfort zone is a safe environment and they are rooted to the spot in fear and therefore go nowhere.

Jesus had commitment to His Father and His mission. Nothing was going to get in the way. His loyalty was to God and it showed in all He did. How is you loyalty? Is your loyalty rock solid or is it open to being divided? Do you say one things and do another? Do you say you will be there to help someone and at the last minute, bow out with an excuse? Jesus wants people who are loyal and unwavering - people He can rely on to do the job. If you can't make a decision or change your mind and delay things, it harms His work.

This is not a fault-finding exercise, not at all. It is a challenging exercise to assess where you are on this subject. It's always good to do this periodically. Therefore, why not do a self-analysis and find your strengths and weaknesses. When you've completed this honest assessment, give it to Jesus and ask Him to help you change in the areas of weakness. He will do this but, you will have to be open to do things you have always put off, in order to succeed. Go on, give it your best, you can do this.

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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Has someone taken your place?

"So Absalom went to Hebron. 10 But while he was there, he sent secret messengers to all the tribes of Israel to stir up a rebellion against the king. 'As soon as you hear the ram's horn,' his message read, 'you are to say, 'Absalom has been crowned king in Hebron."                                                      2 Samuel 15:10-11  NLT

King David's son, Absalom, was rebellious and plotted against his own father. His desire being to take all of the kingdom from David. He was finally killed by David's commander, Joab, who plunged three daggers into him as he hung trapped in a tree by his long hair. 2 Samuel 15:1-29, 2 Samuel 17:24-26 & 2 Samuel 18:9-18.

Absalom had usurped David's authority and would have continued to take complete charge if he hadn't have been killed. This was a bad time in David's life.

Today, people all over the world are being usurped by people who have decided what they have got - they want, and go flat out to achieve this. A good example of this, is a manager in a busy office who, despite being good at his job, has many enemies who are out to take over his role. Rather than support him, they 'back stab' him making his life a misery until he is finally replaced. Pastors may suffer similar things when members of the church disagree about certain decisions and gather support against him or her. Instead of the leadership team supporting the pastor, they end up being carried along with the others.

You may have suffered like this and it hurts. You may be working hard in a job making good progress, with good prospects and all of a sudden someone out of the blue steps up and makes big impressions and even though, they may not have the qualifications you have, they take your place. Sadly, it can happen within a church. You may be in a particular position on the team and you shine in your role. But, all of a sudden, the promises you may have been given are squashed and, you are replaced with no real explanation by someone who has only been in the church a short while. 

This hurts like crazy and you feel you have been treated awfully but no one is listening. Your heart tells you to give this to God, whereas, your mind tells you otherwise and you want to take the matter into your own hands. However, this is not the way. What does God's Word say:

'Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honourable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. 19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the scriptures say: 'I will take revenge; I will pay them back' says the Lord.   ( Romans 12:17-18 NLT )

Absalom couldn't hide from God; at just the right moment he had his 'Just Desserts'. It's the same with others, if you don't avenge, God will, probably not the way you would have done it, but they will be paid back. Let's not forget, Satan will get his come uppance too.

Therefore, as sad and angry as it makes you feel, pray and give it to God and at the right time, He will repay.

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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Your protection

"Don't worry about anything, instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done. 7 Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."                                                                         Philippians 4:6-7  NLT

How can we achieve this peace of God that 'exceeds anything we understand and guards our heart and mind in Christ Jesus? Well, let's take a look at James 1:2: 'when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.' Difficult? You bet it is but, it is essential that we grasp hold of this truth. Paul himself says prior to our text in verse 4: 'Always be full of joy in the Lord, I say it again - rejoice.' It is so important that Paul repeats himself here. Furthermore, we need to let everyone see how considerate we are. Again, not easy but, it needs to be part of our life. We are also told to stop worrying about anything and everything. Instead, we should tell God what we need and leave it with Him. He will provide the help and support. Then add to this our thanks to Him because, He deserves this.

So this is the recipe for success. Joy - Consideration to people - Living a worry-free life and Being grateful to God. 

This opens the door to God's peace - that wonderful peace that the world can never give us. When we are flowing in His peace, it will guard our heart and our mind from all unrighteousness. Let's face it, we all have those days when we want to throw the towel in and give up; things are just getting on top of us. There is a need to be in control of this type of thing, trouble will come and come again but, being able to take it on the chin and shrug it off, will help find a way through it all.

You say it is impossible to do. You're wrong; nothing is impossible with God. He lives within you and therefore, will direct your way forward if you ask Him. Remember, once you give in to that tormenting voice in your head, that voice that you know is not from God; once you surrender to it, you are on the road to defeat. Don't listen to the lie, this is all the devil knows - lies. You're better than that; don't listen. Instead, find a way to praise God and become joyful, if you do you will have the strength to overcome. 

When you can find joy amongst dire circumstances, you will be able to move forward and be more victorious. These are God's words, not mine so, don't shoot the messenger. I just write and speak what he directs me to do and I need to hear this too. 

The thing is, God has given each one of us the ability to do what He wants us to do:

'I can do everything through Christ. who strengthens me.'  Philippians 4:13. NLT.

And this is part of our Daily Life with Jesus.

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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You have been blessed

"My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life"    John 10:10b   NLT

God offers us life in abundance. Think back to before you knew Jesus - before you were saved and then, look at what you are and what you have since that time. You are blessed.  You may not have won the Euro millions and be super rich but, you are rich in another way - you have the anointing of Jesus Christ, He is your Saviour and you are His child and brother or sister

You may have been penniless before Jesus came into your life. You may also have been unloved, in a doomed marriage or lifestyle or you may have been broken. Now look at you; you are blessed beyond your wildest dreams. You have a future and look forward to it, eternally. No one has really seen heaven and it is impossible to imagine what it is like. We get glimpses of this in the latter part of Revelation but, even then it is hard to comprehend what it all means and how it will all work out. 

Those dark and dismal days before Jesus, was lived with no hope, no future and nothing really to look forward to. Sometimes it was painful to live those days and it was hard to see other people, living successful lives but yourself lonely and lost. In those days it was like you had no one who cared; you may have worked very hard but, all to no avail. Your wage was swallowed up in paying bills because you were so much in debt. The worry of things made you feel ill and you were constantly visiting the doctor. It was awful.

Then, all of a sudden you received a feeling of peace about everything and deep down, you knew all was going to be ok. You hadn't a clue how this would work but, you were filled with a sense of hope and a feeling of, 'Everything's going to be all right.' And all of a sudden, He was there - Jesus. He came to you in His own special way and although the problems were still with you, it didn't matter. It was almost like you were hearing a voice that said, 'Don't worry, I'm here now, just turn to Me and say a prayer, I will do the rest.' You may well have heard this or something similar, you don't really know because your head was in a whirl of excitement and anticipation. 

Since that wonderful time when you met with Jesus, life has been different - not always full of beautiful roses in a garden, but much better than before. You have a meaning in life; you are a somebody - the child of a King and He has filled your life with abundance because, He loves you.

He will continue to bless and look after you as you walk with Him, so just spend some time just thanking and praising Him for all He has done in your life. Once you were lost and now, you have been found by Jesus.

 Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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Wasting resources. Part 2

"The older brother was angry and wouldn't go in."  Luke 15:28   NLT

Today, let us look at the reactions of the older son. It would be easy to judge the guy but, come on, wouldn't you feel like this in his place? When you think about it, there must have been a tension between them before this all happened for him to fly off the handle in such a rebellious way. Yes, he would have been upset because his brother had left him with all of the work and taken part of the inheritance and squandered it. That is understandable. But, we see here a deep anger issue and stubborn behaviour that his father couldn't talk him out of. 

He let rip to his father about all he had done for him - never refusing his orders, working long hours, faithful and hardworking. He even had a dig at his father that, the fattened calf was brought out for this 'Son of yours,' yet he wasn't allowed a young goat to BBQ with his friends. There was a 'It's not fair' attitude about him. He was hurt, bitter, angry, rude, judgemental, childlike and dishonourable to his father.

The problems here were twofold:

(1)  God's grace can bring division at times

(2)  The hard-heartedness of the older brother

(1)  Whenever God is at work, some people are not happy with the result. 'What, this chap is coming to our church, you don't know what he is really like?' No we don't, but God does and if He is happy for someone to be saved and go to church, what is that to do with anyone else? 'There are people playing in the town square; they're singing hymns and speaking in a strange language, and they are also lifting their hands to Him. It's so embarrassing' Isn't that great; they did this at Pentecost and it's how the Holy Spirit affects people. There will always be contention wherever God is doing a work. But the wonderful thing is, when a person has walked away from God and then, returned to Him in repentance. That blesses God and should do others.

(2)  It is concerning when someone has such a hard heart that he or she are annoyed about someone coming back to their Father. Things need to change when there is dishonour and rebellion in any situation. We should respect our parents, our wives and husbands and our family. We should also be like this with whoever we meet. We may not like what some people do but, there is a place for challenging certain things. However, this should be done with grace not anger. 

There is a need to guard our reactions. If you have a short fuse, you need to deal with this and quickly. Sometimes we have to accept things that we do not approve of. Probably, someone may not approve of you but, still accept you. We can never please everyone but, we can give it our best shot.

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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Wasting resources

"A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living."   Luke 15:13   NLT 

The title 'The Prodigal Son' is only used in Luke and by the KJV and NKJV, all of the others refer to him as the 'Lost Son' which is probably more appropriate. However, 'Prodigal' fits the way he acted. He carelessly and foolishly spent his money on wild living. He was reckless and wasteful. Perhaps today's crude word 'Waster' would fit his profile. Whatever, he was determined to do what he thought best in a selfish manner by, demanding his father give him his inheritance. His father obeyed but would have given him about 25% of this, leaving the other 75% for his brother who was older. The inheritance could be paid prior to death but with the premium shown here. When the younger had what he wanted, he left on his adventure.

It's so common for a young person to want to 'flee the nest', after all, there is a big wide world out there wanting to be discovered. However, it's not always wise and the young person can take a tumble as our young lad did here. When his money had run out because of his extravagant lifestyle, he was homeless and broke, and all he could do was try and find work. He broke all the rules by lowering his standards by working for a pagan pig farmer which would have made many Jews look aghast. He had fallen so far.

He eventually came to his senses and decided to go home to his father and repent. Off he went practicing what he would say on the way. As he neared his home, his father spotted him and ran and hugged him. Sometimes, as we read this scripture, we're tempted to believe that the father had been standing and looking for him all this time. This would have been impossible but, he would have been looking every time he went outside with a hope in his heart. That hope was fulfilled as his son repented. However, his father was so happy he didn't give him chance to say all of his practiced confession. The father was more interested in throwing a party to celebrate his coming home. This I believe is how God feels when each of us return to Him when we have walked away by backsliding or coming to Him for the first time. He is overwhelmed with joy and doesn't even give you the time to say everything, because He knows what you're going to say anyway. All He's interested in hearing is, 'I'm sorry Lord.' Then the joy begins.

Our conclusion and learning curve here is:

(1)  Watch the selfishness of want, want, me, me

(2)  You can't make it without your Father no matter how hard you try

(3)  The outside world will take you for a ride

(4)  Repent when you need to and confess the mistakes you have made

(5)  Realise that God knows best, you don't

Tomorrow we'll look at the older brother’s reactions 

 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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