The Battles and Struggles of Faith

"For we walk by faith, not by sight."   2 Corinthians 5:7    CSB

We have all had a few battles and struggles this past year, haven't we? The thing is, we are still here to talk about it. God has pulled us through. Holding onto our faith at such times, takes all we have got. Many times we want to give up and call it a day but, once you've met Jesus, it's not that easy because, deep down we want to do our best for Him.

Bob Gass said, 'Faith under attack, is just faith under construction. It's in the battles of life that you discover whether you have nurtured faith or, neglected faith.' In other words, whenever we stand on faith in any situation, we will get attacked but it is a learning process. We're not yet fully developed in faith but, we are better at living this way than we were when we first became a Christian. Whenever we make a faith decision, we know deep down that we are heading for a fight. The devil doesn't like us anyway, but he literally hates every inch of us when we come up against him in battle. Think of it, when we approach situations dressed in God's armour, Satan knows we mean business and as we take the authority of Jesus Christ, he flees because we are resisting his attacks (James 4:7).

You may not feel that you have done very well this past year. You may feel you have let Jesus down quite a lot. You may have, in fact we all have. But, you are still standing as a  believer in Jesus. You still belong to His army. You are still more than a conqueror and you haven't given up the fight. Walking by faith and not by sight, means you can't see Jesus but, you know He is there and if you could see Him, you would notice Him give you a wave of encouragement. There have been times when you have been a wounded soldier, but instead of laying down, you have remained standing. Why? Because you will not leave the fight. you will not give up on Jesus. You are faithful and steadfast because, Jesus has faith in you. He chose you, He knows He can rely on you.

So, remember when the devil fires lies at you; when he taunts you and says you are a failure. Just ignore him; you know he is a liar so why waste time on a loser, Back the winner - Jesus!

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:

'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

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Don't forget Jesus

"Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead..."   2 Timothy 2:8    CSB 

Christmas is a busy time, with all the hustle and bustle, standing in supermarket queues which seems like days, the wrapping of presents. The list is endless. One thing we should never do though, and that is leave Jesus out of the moment. After-all, Christmas is really about Him or should be. As the old saying goes, 'He is the reason for the season'.

With only a few days to go before that wonderful time of year - Christmas Day, the clock is ticking. Children have finished school and are becoming so excited. The big children - us, are no different as we get ready for the festivities. But don't forget Jesus.

We have all been blessed in the past with things that Jesus has done for us but, let's be honest, with busy days around us, that blessing can soon be forgotten as we become involved in other things. Let us make it that Jesus, is uppermost in our lives. He is the most important part of us. He was there on the first Christmas Day, wrapped up and sleeping in a manger. This is why He is, the 'Reason for the season.' It is all about Him.

Mind you, He wants us to enjoy ourselves over this period, all He wants is to be remembered for who he is; what He has done and, what He will do for us forever more. So find a time for Him, after-all, as some say, it's His birthday. Just a 'Happy Birthday Jesus.' shows that we are thinking about Him. 

Think back over the past year. There have been good times, not so good times, exciting times and also scary times. One thing - Jesus has been with us through all of the many occasions. We are still here to praise, worship and thank Him for everything - our families, our health, our homes and food and for the presents we are wrapping up now. There are still a few days before the actual day so, no doubt, there is more shopping, present wrapping or buying to be done. 

Just think; that first Christmas, Mary and Joseph had been looking for somewhere to stay. But, there was a census taking place, so everywhere was full. So the King of kings, Jesus, was born in a stable. Not an ideal place to give birth but, it had to be done. And, aren't we glad Jesus came. If He hadn't, it would have been a totally different story. We have a lot to thank Him for.

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:

'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

A Lost Sheep

"If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won't he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it?"              Luke 15:4   NLT (of 1-7)

There are two pieces that I want to address here. Firstly, the Pharisees' lack of interest in people who don't fit into their expectations. And then, Jesus' feelings for the lost sheep. In each example, I have given place for how the people may feel:

(1)  The Pharisees avoided all areas and people where they may become unclean. Therefore, to be mixing with tax collectors and notorious sinners was unthinkable. They felt Jesus was wrong to do such things, therefore Jesus told them this parable. Even today, certain people in society are avoided at all costs - alcoholics, drug users and people off the streets. Whereas, many will walk by them without a second glance, Jesus would be right in the middle of them, listening, talking to them, showing them love and care and offering them a place in heaven. 

(1a)   'I wish I had somewhere to go to be warm. I have a raging thirst and my stomach is totally empty. I need a drink; I need the next fix; I need someone to take an interest in me. I've made mistakes and, now I'm paying for them. I wish I could start again but, that's impossible. I might as well be dead.'

(2)   Another young man hits the streets. He has nowhere go and is frightened, cold and hungry. He considers breaking the law again. At least he would have food and a warm bed. This is all he knows these days.

(2a)  'It seemed a good idea to break away from the others. I had become involved with the 'wrong type of people,' my dad had said and when the police arrested me for burglary, he kicked me out. I went to the YOI for a couple of years, and became more involved with the 'wrong type of people.' When I was released, I went back home but, my dad refused to have me back. So, now I'm on the streets, begging.'

This is happening today. People have made big mistakes and it has cost them all they had. But, there is no way back. 'But, hold on, who is this guy with long hair. He's different to all the others. He shakes my hand and I feel alive; I feel that He really cares. He talks gently to me about making a new start. I tell Him that I want this and He hugs me. Suddenly, I feel so much better. All the shame seems to have left me, and as I walk down the street with Him beside me, all of a sudden, I feel pure; I feel loved, I feel that my life is going to change. He tells me His name is Jesus and introduces me to some other people - Christians. They accept me and I feel elated and so grateful. I have found true love and joy. You could be the person who accepts these people. Are you willing?

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:

'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