The Dysfunctional Family

"One day when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau arrived home from the wilderness exhausted and hungry. 30Esau said to Jacob, “I’m starved! Give me some of that red stew!” (This is how Esau got his other name, Edom, which means “red.”)31“All right,” Jacob replied, “but trade me your rights as the firstborn son.” 32“Look, I’m dying of starvation!” said Esau. “What good is my birthright to me now?” 33But Jacob said, “First you must swear that your birthright is mine.” So Esau swore an oath, thereby selling all his rights as the firstborn to his brother, Jacob"   Genesis 25: 29-33   NLT

There was a parenting problem within the household because Issac loved Esau better than Jacob because he brought Issac tasty red meat which they ate together. However, Issac's wife, Rebekah, had Jacob as her favourite. This led to divided loyalties. This was a trait within the family and, Jacob would choose to act in the same way in his own family in future years, with favouring Joseph. This is something that parents should always avoid. Favouritism can lead to jealousy and deceit within the family and causes individuals psychological hang-ups in later life.

As the twins grew up, Esau, the hunter, would be out capturing game which he brought back home. Jacob on the other hand had a quiet temperament and liked to stay at home most of the time. This was the scene one day. Esau was out on a hunt and Jacob was cooking some very tasty red stew. When Esau returned home, the aroma of the food captured him and he asked Jacob if he could have some because he was starving. Jacob, being devious, told him he could have some if, he traded his birthright for the food. Esau replied, 'Look, I'm dying of starvation; what good is my birthright to me now?' Jacob insisted that Esau swear that the birthright was his and He would have the whole of the rights as the first born son. Unbelievably, Esau agreed and for a pot of stew gave Jacob the rights to this inheritance.

Esau had acted on impulse after smelling the stew and wanted instant satisfaction. He never considered the future consequences this would cause, he just acted on impulse. We, like Esau, can fall into a similar trap when we see something and want it no matter what the cost. If we do, it can be very satisfying. However, the satisfaction can turn into regret, guilt, heartache and total devastation when the satisfaction has worn off and we come to our senses.

Be very careful in this area. Things can be very tempting and, when we are hooked, we hardly ever count the cost, until the yearning has worn off and we are faced with 

reality. This could be sexual temptation but, not always. The yearning for something can come in all shapes and sizes, especially when you are led on by someone who is very persuasive. 

A lot of this behaviour, had been forced upon each of them because of inadequate parenting. When kids know the boundaries and parents stick to them, whatever may happen; a harmony is developed and each party know the rules of the home.

Bottom line? Keep you family protected by regular prayer and advice.

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                 

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The 'Particular and Recurring Sin'

"let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us"   Hebrews 12:1   NKJV

Imagine wearing a backpack crammed full of unnecessarily heavy things as you walk around. There comes a time when you are worn out because of the sheer weight digging into your back. All you want to do is take it off. Once you do, the relief is amazing. Now picture yourself carrying the weight and the sin of your world upon your shoulders. The relief can be very much the same. 

This piece of scripture doesn't define any particular sin but, many believe that it is the sin of unbelief. This could well be true and would account for the times when, because of our 'Particular and Recurring Sin', we feel so far away from Jesus.

What is your Particular and Recurring Sin? We all have at least one. This type of sin is the one that you just can't stop, no matter our hard you try. It has you in its jaws. This is why the writer of Hebrews called it, 'the sin which so easily ensnares us.' This Particular and Recurring Sin can trip you up at a moments notice. This is probably how King David fell for the charms of Bathsheba. Instead of being where he should have been - at war, he was lounging around on his roof and he spotted her sunbathing. His eyes saw her, his heart raced and his lust was kindled and we know the rest. His Particular and Recurring Sin won the day.

We need endurance together with the power of Jesus to be able to overcome this trap; and even when we have, it will still keep on trying to hook you. This is why your endurance needs to be put into action. It is the act of withstanding hardship or stress; the knowledge of when the going gets tough, the tough get going. The SAS' motto is 'Who Dares Wins,' and this is their version of endurance. It's beating your body and your mind into surrender (1Cor 9:26-27). But it doesn't come easy. There are many mistakes before you can say your have overcome this area and when this happens, it can start again. So don't think you are standing safe. Thank goodness for Jesus' work of grace in Philippians 1:6: 'being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you, will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.' Thanks to Jesus, this is our work of grace. We need to look up - not give up. This is your Daily Life with Jesus.

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                 

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If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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Cast it all on Jesus

"Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."   1 Thessalonians 5:16-18   NKJV

Sometimes, our lives can be very problematic and it feels like the problems of the world have invaded our minds. If it's not one thing, it is another. One after another these problems present themselves to us and it can be so overwhelming to be able to cope with them.

So therefore stop trying so hard. Peter tells us: 'Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you'  1 Peter 5:7. This doesn't mean we use Jesus has a crutch. What it does mean is, we are to allow Jesus to take the pressure out of every bad situation and let Him show us an easier way. He doesn't erase every bad thing that comes along but, He will become involved if you let Him. This is why we are directed to rejoice - always, not now and again but, through all situations, good or bad. 

We have our prayer line connected directly to His heavenly switchboard. There is no, 'Your call is special to us, so stay on the line and press the star button when directed.' Not at all, our call is answered by Jesus every time we call to Him. Our will is to rejoice in Him, pray to Him and give Him thanks. As we do this, we are blessed and built up in His Spirit.

What are you struggling with at this time? Well you have the formula right here. Don't be tempted to throw a wobbly when things go pear-shaped, instead follow the formula very carefully. It will work because it is God's plan and He never lies. He may make you wait because He watches how you react. As He sees you comply, He puts the next bit into operation. The old saying, 'Rome wasn't built in a day,' is quite right here. God never races ahead. He has no stress; He knows the answer and the outcome before it has ever happened. So if He has it all worked out, surely then, there is no need to worry or panic. God is in charge.

Cast all of your care upon Him, not a bit of it. Just trust Him to help you right now - yes you!. He knows what is happening to you and His word is 'Don't worry, all will be well.'

So just relax and follow the formula

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                 

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The Weakest Link

“Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to oppose him. 2 And the Lord said to Satan, 'The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?' 3 Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments and was standing before the Angel. 4 Then He answered and spoke to those who stood before Him saying, 'Take away the filthy garments from him.' And to him He said, 'See, I have removed your iniquities from you, and I will clothe you with rich robes."  

                         Zechariah 3:1-4 NKJV

Zechariah saw Joshua, clothed in filthy garments, standing before the Lord, with Satan standing beside him full of accusation. Most of which Satan says are lies, but at times he is correct, especially when he accuses us before God. He has an accusatory spirit and loves to get us into trouble. In one way, we can also say that he is a 'tell tale'. 

The scene that day in heaven, would have been rather like a court scene, with Joshua as the defendant, God the judge, Satan the prosecutor and Jesus as the defence barrister. Satan is our accuser when we are charged with sin; Jesus, our advocate, represents us before the throne of God at such times. God, the judge, knows how Satan works, He has had much experience of His crafty, accusatory and twisted ways and, like here, He rebukes Him following the pleas from our defence lawyer, Jesus. Thank goodness for this.

Satan will have us believe that we are weaklings, in fact he will try and place the derogatory label of The Weakest Link, upon us and point the finger putting a strain on the whole of our testimony. But let us remember that it is ok to be weak, because when we are, then we are strong, because we have Jesus on our side.

In 2 Corinthians 12, we see how Paul had the most amazing experience of being in heaven and viewing the wonders that were there. Not long afterwards though, he is being buffeted by a thorn in his side which he pleaded to have taken from him, but was unsuccessful. At this time he knew what it felt to be weak and also realised that God can allow certain burdens to come upon us to prevent us becoming too proud because of the many blessings we receive. But, Jesus spoke to Paul and said, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' v9. Paul came to the conclusion that when he felt weakness, he was really strong v10.

Never allow yourself to feel the negative implications that you are The Weakest Link. You are not, it is a lie and derogatory arrow that Satan fires at you. When you feel weakness however, and you will, praise God because, when you are weak, through Jesus, you are strong. Did I hear an Amen?

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                 

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If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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Have you heard the voice?

"And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; 12and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice."

                                    1 Kings 19:11-12  NKJV

The world continues to rage with great windstorms, earthquakes and blazing fires, devastating everything in its past. People are forced out of their homes, many killed and injured leaving a mighty question - 'Why?' Notice the phrase: 'the Lord was not in the - wind, earthquake, fire'.  This was used three times for each disaster. But God was not in any of them. He had not caused these this day. He was in the still small voice - a major difference.

Yes, God does use powerful and miraculous ways to bring people to Him. But to only look for Him at Gospel Outreaches and 'alive' churches all over the place may not be what he wants for you at the time. At these places, there may be dynamic preaching and displays of the supernatural, but you may miss Him because He just wants to whisper His loving Words to you in peaceful surroundings. Sometimes, it does us good to just sit and wait on God to speak. There is nothing wrong with lively churches and pounding worship. However, on occasions it may be more beneficial to listen for the still small voice. It may be the answer to what you have been searching for.

Are you listening for God? Life is very busy, with work, families, church life to mention a few. Sometimes there seems no time for hobbies or just to be with yourself. Why don't you cut yourself some slack and determine to find the time. It can be done with a few alterations to your agenda. Some people get up earlier for this reason. It's difficult at first but, your body gets used to it after a time. If you've a dog, when you're out on a walk, ask God to speak to you and listen to Him. There's no need to speak, just let Him speak to you. You will benefit from it!

When was the last time you heard His still small voice? If it was a while, then do something about it today. Elijah was depressed and full of self pity when God spoke with Him. It gave Him the boost that He needed; and it will you as well.

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

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Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers

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Why ask Me? You do it

But He said to them, "You give them something to eat."   Luke 9:13   NKJV

Jesus was with the disciples in a deserted place just outside of Bethsaida. The disciples had just returned from their Gospel Outreach and excitingly were telling Jesus all about it. As always, crowds gathered where Jesus was, even though He had taken them out privately. One would have felt that Jesus may have begrudged this, after-all, He wanted to spend this precious time with His friends. However, check v11: 'He (Jesus), received them and spoke to them about the Kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing.' The disciples were weary after their trip and needed to rest up but Jesus, would not push anyone away. And that's the way He has been with each one of us no matter how we may have let Him down at times.

He recognised, as the day was coming to a close, that they needed something to eat. The disciples were encouraging the people to go home and get some food. Bur Jesus said, 'You give them something to eat.' They began protesting about this and telling Jesus that they had no food. There were thousands of people there and the disciples began to panic about His order. They were flabbergasted. Max Lucardo gives a great picture of this:

'Rather than look to God, they looked in their wallets. "That would take eight months of a man's wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it them to eat?"

                               Notes form The Lucardo Encouraging Word Bible.  Thomas Nelson

I want you to notice something here. Jesus always acted on faith, this was His whole life and He wanted them to do the same. They had just returned from a successful Gospel Outreach and had been telling Jesus all about how they had blessed people, healed them and told them about Jesus as they acted in faith. So how is it, when Jesus told them to feed these people, they had problems about it. They viewed this as a personal matter; they would have to buy the food for the multitudes. Jesus wanted them to do what He was about to and take the five loaves and two fish and turn them into a banquet. They looked at it as an impossible task - they were not viewing this through the eyes of faith, which is how they had been taught. This was a big lesson to them.

We are similar to this on many occasions; we read of great exploits in Christian literature and when we read our bibles but, we struggle to put these things into action. It is the same Jesus we follow; the same Holy Spirit and He asks us to do very similar things, so why do we struggle? We either believe the Word or we don't. 

Sorry if this sounds a little harsh but, you know it is the truth; we need to be doers of the Word and not hearers only James 1:22. 

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers

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What you see is not always what you get

"So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever."    2 Corinthians 4:18   NLT

Sometimes, we can look at something, form an opinion and walk away believing that what you've just seen is set in stone. We can believe that something is happening when it isn't, so, when we go looking it is as we think it is. We see what isn't there because we think it is there and happening. To a degree, we are acting on faith, but, this is the wrong side of faith - we see what we believe we want to see.

The opposite side of this verse - the way Paul meant it to be, is similar but, it is the truth. Here, what we see may be trouble and heartache but, when we look through the eyes of Spiritual faith, we can see the deeper meaning. To give an example, we can't see heaven and our eternal home but, we know it's there, we believe it and we know without doubt, that we will one day see it in reality. When a person receives healing for a particular ailment, we may not always see that healing accomplished but, we believe and see the healing through our eyes of faith.

Warren W Wiersbe writes: 'How can you look at things that are invisible? By faith, when you read the Word of God. We have never seem Christ or heaven, yet we know they are real because the Word of God tells us so. The Wiersbe Study Bible, Warren W Wiersbe

Tony Evans writes: 'If your tribulations seem long and heavy, you're looking at the wrong thing. To put it another way, if all you see is what you see, then you do not see all there is to be seen. Paul is not saying we must close our eyes to the reality of our suffering; he's saying we need to open our eyes by faith to unseen realities that will last forever.'

Watch this - if you can believe what you feel is happening in your life, e.g. you suspect that someone is doing things behind your back then, you can certainly believe what Paul is saying here. As Christians, we are faith people - everything is by faith. Therefore, when we pray for an issue, we may not see any improvement straightaway, but we continue to look through the eyes of faith as if that issue is being resolved: 'Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen'  Hebrews 11:1. There is a certainty in the Christian way, but our thoughts and suspicions may have no real substance. Do you get that.

So pick up the shield of faith and start living this way from now on. You may look around and only see devastation, but when you look through the eyes of faith, you can see victory. And this is the way God wants you to be in your Daily Life with Jesus.

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers

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

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