Sunday : A Lion's Den Experience

"May the king live forever. 22 My God sent His angel and shut the Lion's mouths; and they haven't harmed me, for I was found innocent before Him." 

                                                                                     v21-22  of Daniel 6:1-24   CSB

Daniel was a faithful official in the king's palace, and had been for 40 years or so. The king was now Darius, who loved and respected Daniel. This brought jealousy and hate from Daniel's fellow officials. David was also a very faithful and dedicated worker and never hid the fact that He belonged to God the Father. God was first in Daniel's life and he prayed at his bedroom window three times a day.

These officials persuaded Darius that an edict should be posted for thirty days disallowing anyone from seeking God or a god other than Darius himself. Anyone found guilty would be executed by being thrown into the Lion's Den. This was agreed.

As Daniel refused to honour this and carried on with his prayers, they informed Darius of this and shoved him into a corner by getting him to honour the agreement.

David was put into the Lion's Den, much against Darius' wishes. The other officials had tricked him and so he had to honour the edict. However, after a sleepless night, Darius hurried down to the Lion's Den and to his delight, found Daniel still alive. Because of this, Darius had the accusing officials thrown to the lions and they made a hasty feast.

It is often the case that when you are faithful to God or even your boss. other people will not like it. They expect you to be like them and rebel against whatever there is to rebel against. They want you to follow them and, when you don't they turn against you, making false accusations and talking behind your back. As Christians, we must get used to this type of thing. I pray daily with Open Doors for suffering people across the world. Some of them have nothing, not even a home to call their own. Those that have a Christian faith are treated terribly; they suffer imprisonment, torture and even death because of their faith and their refusal to stop being a Christian, You have to read these about their suffering to realise that this persecution is happening in our lifetime. These guys make our commitment puny in comparison. 

The disciples suffered, Jesus suffered and many Christians across the globe are suffering for their faith. But still, they won't renounce their faith. Consider joining Open Doors and you will see for yourself what is happening and how you can help.

Does it cost to be a Christian? Yes it does. Would you give up your faith in similar circumstances? That is a question only you know the answer to.

 

Lord Jesus, I have sinned and I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.

In Jesus' Name. Amen

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                 

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com          

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers

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That sinking feeling

"He brought me up from a desolate pit, out of the muddy clay, and set my feet on a rock, making my steps secure."   Psalm 40:2   CSB 

If you've ever been in quicksand you will know how terrifying this is. Quicksand can be found around sandy coastlines and is very difficult to spot until it's too late. It may also be found in woods near rivers and streams that have been subjected to prolonged water conditions making the ground very soft. It's a well known fact that the more you struggle, the more you will sink and this can be very dangerous if it is near a beach and the tide is due in. Experts tells us that it is best to remain calm and not to struggle too much because this can make a person sink further. If it is possible, the best thing to do is to lay back and wriggle until the legs become free. Others say, it may be possible to lay down on your front and attempt to swim, again trying to force the legs from their incredibly tight situation. Whatever you may do, it must be a very scary and terrifying thing to go through.

King David had this sinking feeling when he penned Psalm 40. He talks about being rescued from a desolate pit and mired clay. It was possibly some time before God rescued him but David, waited patiently V1. Obviously, this was just a picture that David was expressing but there are some similarities to being trapped in mud. Notice what David wrote in verse 2 'and set my feet on a rock.' Other versions may state 'Solid ground,' but the picture can still be seen that God was the rock or the solid ground. At this particular time, David was in a bit of a state and when He called out to God, He lifted him from this sinking feeling and made him feel that He was on solid ground. The rock - Jesus, saved him.

We see other evidences of this throughout the bible, such as, Daniel in the Lion's den Ch 6. Also Paul and Silas in the dungeons shackled in stocks and chains. On both occasions God protected and saved them (Acts 16).

You may be walking through a storm at this time, wondering just how you are going to be delivered from this quicksand feeling. Be encouraged, God is interested in helping you. You are His child and He will never leave you. Remember the disciples on their little boat in the storm? They were frightened that they would be drowned but, Jesus who was asleep in another part of the boat, calmed the storm and brought peace to their situation Mark 4:35-41.

Be encouraged, you may have that trapped or sinking feeling, but Jesus is a great rescuer. Call to Him.

Lord Jesus, I have sinned and I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.

In Jesus' Name. Amen

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  

Check it out

 https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B084G9S4FD/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2

 

 

Get ready for action

"So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude He had, and be ready to suffer too. For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin. 2 You won't spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God."   1 Peter 4:1-2   NLT 

It doesn't seem right to say it but, suffering helps us to be like Christ, but we will do anything to avoid pain. Things for you just lately, may have been difficult. It seems like everything you do goes wrong or that everyone are or everything is against you. Things breaking down, health issues, scrimping for money to pay bills and the frustration that goes along with all of this. However, look at it from another angle; the devil doesn't like you, you are becoming too much of a threat and he is out to stop you. So instead of feeling upset by all that has been happening, consider that you are so dangerous, the devil is after you. Then get ready for action.

Satan, will only attack you when you become too much of a threat; if you're not, then he will totally flick you aside as not worth it. But you have been a prominent figure for God just lately, witnessing, praying for people and living for Jesus so, don't be surprised if Satan is planning an attack against you. This is not something to be fearful about, in fact, it means you are being active in Team Jesus. So therefore, you should begin to formulate the attitude that you should be willing and prepared to roll your sleeves up and do God's will, even if it means suffering because of it.

Think about it, you may have recently made a stand against sin. This is the sin that has plagued you all your life. In the past, you have made attempts to stop this but all to no avail. But just lately, you have been successful. The devil is not pleased and he will do all he can to get you to return to your sin. So be prepared and encourage yourself in how you have accomplished what you have up to now. But don't stop now; build on this and refuse to give up. God has put that fighter in you. You are a mountain climber and giant slayer so keep on. Over the next few days we will look at examples of how God's people overcome.

I never like to end without giving someone the opportunity to ask Jesus into their life, or, re-dedicate their life. If that is you, pray this prayer and please let me know:

contact me, CLICK HERE

Lord Jesus, I have sinned and I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.

In Jesus' Name. Amen

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  

Check it out

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Open your eyes

"Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognised Him"   Luke 24:31  NLT 

Picture the scene that resurrection morning. Jesus had been crucified and His body placed in a guarded tomb. Now, the stone had been rolled away, the guards saw nothing but, the tomb was empty. It would have been sheer panic for the authorities and total confusion for both believers and unbelievers. Jesus wasn't there. He had risen as He said He would.

Later on the road to Emmaus, two of Jesus' followers were walking back home. As they walked they discussed what had happened. Suddenly, out of nowhere Jesus turned up and joined in the conversation. He wanted to know what had been happening in the city. They were flabbergasted that He didn't know so they went on to explain. Jesus listened and then began to say how foolish the people were that it had all been written in scriptures and preached around and yet people failed to believe.

They invited Him to their home as it was getting late. He did so and as they sat to eat, Jesus blessed the bread and suddenly their eyes were opened and they returned to Jerusalem believing.

Like many people, they had been hoping that Jesus was the one who would redeem Israel. They expected Him to redeem them from Roman rule and set them free. Their hope had been misplaced and they were shattered and heartbroken. But when they saw the risen Jesus, it changed everything and they believed and raced off back to the city to see the disciples.

What they missed, was what many people miss also - Jesus offers the greatest hope ever - eternal life with Him. Do you realise there are many believers who are misguided too? I have spoken to many who believe that because they go to church each week, read their bibles and live a good life, that they have it right. They are misled. Without Jesus in their hearts they are lost. Even the demons believe and they tremble (James 2:19). People need to be aware of this, a person needs to ask Jesus into their lives to be born again and Spirit-filled. Their eyes are then opened to the truth.

There are many things that Jesus has yet to teach us, and this is why we need to walk with Him every hour. It is continuous training for each of us to have our eyes opened to something new. We will never know it all until we are in heaven. So, open your mind to Jesus and allow Him to open your eyes to what He is teaching you.

I never like to end without giving someone the opportunity to ask Jesus into their life, or, re-dedicate their life. If that is you, pray this prayer and please let me know:

contact me, CLICK HERE

Lord Jesus, I have sinned and I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.

In Jesus' Name. Amen

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  

Check it out

 https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B084G9S4FD/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2

 

 

Don't harden your heart

"Today when you hear His voice, don't harden your hearts as Israel did when they rebelled, when they tested Me in the wilderness"   Hebrews 3:7-8   NLT 

Hard heartedness can be the results of a strict upbringing, a time when a person had to deal with certain abuse and there was no God to come to the rescue. It may have left a spirit of stubbornness and a feeling that there is no God. Sadly this is the way many people live.

When God was bringing the Israelites out of Egypt to the Promised Land, people would not trust Him. They were ungrateful and wanted to go back to Egypt where they at least, had somewhere to lay their head. They moaned and groaned and were continually stubborn towards Moses directions: 

'The LORD says, "Don't harden your hearts as Israel did at Meribah, as they did at Massah in the wilderness. 9 For there your ancestors tested  and tried my patience, even though they saw everything I did. 10 For 40 years I was angry with them, and I said, they are a people whose hearts turn away from Me. They refuse to do what I tell them. 11 So, in My anger I took an oath; They will never enter My place of rest." Psalm 95:8-11  NLT

God is giving us all a warning - an admonishment and we need to heed this. We can all become stubborn when we are angry or hurt. Some people can wear a mask and when in the presence of others, can use this to put-on a happy and agreeable face. Yet, deep down they may be in disagreement with something but, don't want to speak the issue out in case, others think bad of them Other are just, full in the face, moaners and complainers. They do this about everything, no matter what and don't mind others witnessing this. In fact, they will try to get a few on their side. God's not impressed.

A church needs harmony, brothers and sister need to get on with each other and if they have a gripe about something within the fellowship, book an appointment with the pastor. Until then. keep quiet about it, otherwise, your hardened heart, will become even harder.

Remember, wherever there is strife and disruption within a fellowship, the devil is sitting right there in the middle stirring it up even more. Don't let him have his way, evict him right now!

I never like to end without giving someone the opportunity to ask Jesus into their life, or, re-dedicate their life. If that is you, pray this prayer and please let me know:

contact me, CLICK HERE

Lord Jesus, I have sinned and I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.

In Jesus' Name. Amen

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  

Check it out

 https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B084G9S4FD/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2