God has a plan

"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth."   

                                                                Acts 1:8  NKJV 

Jesus was getting ready for His ascension into heaven. Therefore, He wanted the disciples to understand their role in His plan. It was preparation time. He told them that within a few days they would be baptised with the Holy Spirit. They understood this because, Jesus had already prepared them. If you look back at John 20:21-22, we read:

'So Jesus said to them again, 'Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.' 22 'And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit.'

This was a foretaste of what He had for them very soon. They needed strength to be able to meet the daily problems that they were receiving from their enemies and therefore needed a certain authority that could only come from Jesus. The full level of The Holy Spirit would come very soon.

As I mentioned, Jesus was preparing them. He wanted them to be ready but it was essential that there was a waiting period for this to take place. Preparation is essential for the Christian worker, they need to be equipped with the Word of God. Once you are on the streets, you need to be sure of what you are saying to people. So they had a short time of prayer and meditation as they prepared for the greatest test of their lives.

Note how Jesus planned things out, giving the disciples a blue print of the areas they would go. It was systematic. Later, the Holy Spirit would have the total control but, until then, this was the plan. Be careful here. It is so easy to take the control and run ahead doing your own thing. Sometimes, people don't seem to go as quick as you feel they should go. The truth is, it may work both ways and they may be thinking, 'I wish they would slow down and work with us.' As much as some people don't like it, there is a need for team work. There are no Lone Rangers in God's Army. We must be united and in step with each other. Otherwise, the devil will have a heyday. Remember Eve in the garden?

Therefore, allow God to knock you into shape. He has an awesome mission for you so, get ready.

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 2024 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers

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

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He's alive again

"And behold there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it."   

                                                                 Matthew 28:2   NKJV 

I love the last part of this verse 'rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it.' The angel was declaring that Jesus is alive. Let's face it, the angel was no mere cherub. He was so astonishing and awesome that the guards who saw Him were terrified and passed out. What the officials had feared, had happened - Jesus had escaped but, not in the way they had felt, by His disciples taking Him out of the grave. Not at all, Jesus had declared that He would arise and there was no denying this fact.

The words of Phil Driscoll say it all:

'He's alive again, the stone's been rolled away, He's alive again, He's no longer where He lay. He's alive again, you can hear the angels say, let all the world rejoice, He's alive'

However, for Christians, this is not an annual appointment on the calendar. It is an everyday experience - Jesus Christ is Alive! The devil couldn't hold Him. He blew the lid off hell and after that three day experience, He blasted out of there like and Exocet missile.  Jesus Christ is alive, the stone's been rolled away and this means, the stone holding you back from living fully for Jesus. Something has held you back, it may be fear, it may be embarrassment, but today, the stone has been rolled away and you are free.

You may not have much financial or successful comparison with others but one thing you do have is Jesus. He is your forever friend, your confidante, your encourager and protector. He is your everything. It is time to make a stand for Jesus. In this world there are too many people telling us that we should not do this or it is wrong to be in opposition to their beliefs. As Christians, we are labelled as troublemakers and old fashioned. The bible is outdated and should be re-written. Well, I say, no way, not today or any day. 

These people have no right to walk all over us. Jesus paid the price for sin, He hasn't changed, He is still the same Jesus. From now on, will you make your stand for Jesus? Will you refuse to follow the world and its changes and promote Jesus Christ as King of kings and Lord of lords? Let's do it.

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 2024 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

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

 

 

 

 

Alone and hurting

 "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning"   Psalm 30:5   NKJV

Jesus had died on the cross and His body had been placed in a tomb. It was over!. Many of the disciples were devastated. They had never really understood what Jesus had been telling them over the past three years - that He must die and be raised again. This would all be going through their minds as they tried to cope with their grief.

Grief can completely wreck a person's life. We think death happens to other people, it doesn't cross over into our lives. The thing is, we never really give death a thought, it's too painful to comprehend. However, when it invades our own personal space, it is hard to handle and people can go through all sorts of confusing emotions trying to make sense of it all.

Loss brings change - many of them and this can be difficult to negotiate. The process cannot be rushed and it can take an age before some are strong enough to be able to cope. When a person has invested their whole life with someone and that person is no longer with them, their whole life can fall apart. You may be going through a loss right now. There are no right or wrong ways to do things. The big factor is time. We need to allow ourselves to come to terms with what has happened and work through the early stages of loss very gently.

To a degree, this was probably how Peter and the others were feeling. They had given everything up to follow Jesus and now, as they tried to remember what Jesus had been teaching them, a feeling of utter loss was upon them. 'What are we going to do now?' You can just hear them as you try to sit in on their conversation. They may have been irritable or felt a sense of betrayal. It is hard to think how they were feeling at this time. Be honest, when you have felt let down by someone, badly, it is difficult to feel good about the situation. This was part of the process, they had to sort through their anger and frustration before they could do anything else.

Deep down though, these men and women had been handpicked by Jesus Himself; they were a special type of people and given the time, the Holy Spirit would bring to mind what  had been happening. And He will to you as well.

"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." Like the disciples, you may be devastated by what has happened in your life just lately. Please be encouraged to take your time, the sun will shine again for you but only when you are ready to walk on with life.

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 2024 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

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

 

 

 

 

The Cross

"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do."   Luke 23:34   NKJV

Jesus' body was totally disfigured and in awful pain but He still had to carry His own cross until, someone was found to assist Him. There were two criminals with Him about to share the same fate. One blasphemed all the time, the other one tried to keep him quiet. All around, the excitement of a public execution was thrilling most of the onlookers. They cursed Him, ridiculed Him and were totally disrespectful. As the soldiers drove the nails into His body, the pain must have been awful. Have a splinter in your finger and it hurts, imagine a 7 inch mail through His feet and hands. It is also possible that a larger nail was placed between Jesus' legs, in the crutch area. This would allow Him to bear His body for a short time.

As the cross was hoisted up with Jesus on it, it rattled down into the hole and this must have pulled some of his muscles out. On the ground, some cast lots for His clothes. Some feel that Jesus had seamless clothes which would have made them in the class of designer. However, we have nothing to prove this theory. From the cross, Jesus shouted,"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do."  But many were too busy watching the proceedings to hear. One of the criminals at the side of Jesus, continued to blaspheme Jesus, but the other one said, 'Lord, remember me when You come into Your Kingdom. Jesus replied, 'Assuredly I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.' (Luke 23:42-43.) This comment from Jesus, ends speculation that initially when we die, we may not be with Jesus, that there is a waiting time. Not so, Jesus said 'Today' and I believe it.

From the 6 hour (12 noon) until the 9th hour (3pm) there was darkness all around. Why? Because the Light of the world had been taken out. 

We all have our own feelings about the cross and many are so personal. Yes, Jesus suffered in such a way so that we, may have freedom - salvation, forgiveness and life. He did it all for us that day 2000 years ago. But, He will be back, the evil could not even attempt to keep Him locked in death. Thank you 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 2024 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

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

 

 

 

 

The journey to the cross

"Now when He said to them, 'I am He.' They drew back and fell to the ground."  

                                                            John 18:6. NKJV

Jesus' life continued to be one of humiliation and suffering. He was betrayed by a friend - Judas, who was in His own team. Even though Jesus knew this would happen, it would still hurt after being together for so long. When trust is broken, it can rarely be repaired to the place it was initially. Jesus asked them who they were seeking and when they answered, He replied with the powerful words, 'I am He.' Jesus spoke the divine name, the one God had spoken to Moses about, and this became a powerful moment. The people, including Judas drew back and fell over. This must have been a mighty moment to witness, and yet, they appear not to have mentioned it. Peter always ready for action, took his sword and cut off the high priest's servant's ear. Straightaway, Jesus rebuked him and picked up the ear and healed the man. Amazing.

The soldiers and officials took Jesus with them to be questioned by the high priest and then before Pilate. The latter could find no fault in Him but, because of his position and the demands of the people, he had Jesus scourged prior to crucifixion. 

Peter kept himself at a distance and began to deny he even knew Jesus to save himself. As predicted by Jesus, on the third denial, a cock crowed and Peter went off deeply upset. Let's not forget, this too would have been so hurtful for Jesus. 

In the meantime, Pilate had Jesus scourged, which was a terrible thing for anyone to suffer. A whip was used with leather strips on which each had pieces of bone, broken pottery or metal sewn into them. Thirty nine agonising stripes were inflicted on Jesus. The whip would wrap around the body and then it would be pulled, violently, leaving the body badly lacerated and the victim in terrible pain. Jesus suffered 39 of these lashes and it is difficult to describe how it affected His body. Afterwards, a crown was weaved with very long thorns and this, when completed, was forced on to Jesus scalp. That in itself would have been barbaric. The soldiers dressed Him in a purple robe and then they struck Him, spat on Him, pulled His beard and no doubt, things that we are not told. All the time they were shouting, 'Hail, King of the Jews.' Later He would be taken to the crucifixion site.

It is hard to know what was happening that day. The level of evil was everywhere and you can guess that Satan was loving every moment of this torture scene. On thing is for sure, despite His human form, Jesus stood the test of time and never uttered a word of vengeance or anger to the people who were hurting Him. He didn't have to, His time would come following His death and He would rise victorious as Jesus Christ, King of kings and Lord of lords. Until then, the cross was in sight

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 2024 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

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

 

 

 

 

The grip of anxiety

"Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours be done"  Luke 22:42   NKJV

On our walk with Jesus to the cross this week, let us commence in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus was the Messiah but, we must also remember that at this time He was still in human form. He bled and felt pain and also suffered fear and anxiety. Notice how He prayed to His Father to ask if He would take this cup from Him. We all do this. We find that we have certain things to do that we don't really fancy, so we wriggle a little. This reminds me of Moses when God had called him to go to Pharaoh to bring the Israelites out of bondage (Exodus 4). He tried his best to get God to change his mind. Be honest, we all do it.

Not Jesus though, He knew His mission and was totally ready to do it. However, this didn't stop the human blip that became so bad He began to sweat drops of blood v44. So bad in fact, that an angel had to attend to Him. At times like this, we tend to focus mostly upon the cross and the suffering Jesus underwent there. However, He suffered well before that with mind games - the devil feeding Him with all He would have to do and when He needed a friendly face, His disciples had fallen asleep.  He was on His own.

Jesus had carried the burdens of many people, had healed many and changed their lives forever yet, the way to the cross was all He had to look forward to. Think about what you have planned to do over the next few weeks. You don't really want to do some of them do you? But you will. You have the choice to do it reluctantly or willingly. Jesus was determined to carry out His mission willingly but hey, it was such a tall order and very scary.

This week, give the initial stages of the walk to the cross, some thought. Meditate on this and try and imagine everything that Jesus was going through at this time -  mind, will and emotions, His very soul was on fire with anxiety. Talk to Him, thank Him, praise Him and just be with Him. As you do this, you will be able to identify with Him.

More tomorrow!

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 2024 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

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

 

 

 

 

Fear and sleepless nights

"I awoke for the LORD sustained me."  Psalm 3:5   NKJV 

We saw yesterday that David was able to lie down and sleep. He had given everything to God so, there was no need to be concerned about anything. David had a great feeling of peace and calm and therefore, he could rest properly - totally shut off from the world of worry. God had sustained him, in other words, supplied him with the necessary supplies of life, encouragement and faith.

What about you? Are you getting a good night;'s sleep? Or do you lay in bed until the early hours of the morning wide-awake, just unable to shut off? Worries, fears and never-ending problems mount up and take their toll. The more we say we won't worry, we do, it just follows us naturally. For some of you, you may be dreading getting up in the morning. You may have something to do that you want to avoid. It may be too hurtful to proceed with it. The more you worry about it, the worse it gets. The fear of the next day could be anything: seeing the doctor for test results, going to court, your boss wants to see you, your child is in trouble at school and they want to see you. It can be anything. You can't avoid it, it is happening and you have to comply.

Where David was able to say, 'I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people' v6, you are thinking that you can't do this; you are dreading it. What was the difference here? David was really no different to you. He was flesh and blood and made great mistakes. In God's eyes, He loves you just as much as He did David. He was no favourite, so don't go thinking that. The difference was, David knew what he wanted and he knew how to get it - by appealing to God; by crying out to Him in prayer and worshipping Him until he was tired out. This was the difference. Where you internalise your problems because you don't want people to know about your business, David made it external by giving it to God. 

Where you may be dreading what tomorrow may bring, David had made a provision for this. He gave it to God. He reminded God that He was a shield around him v3 and he cried out to God and God heard him. So therefore, David was free from the problem, he was able to get the sleep that he needed, and so will you if you call out to Him. Yes, I know you're worried, God knows too, but, didn't God tell us not to worry? (Matt 6). So, you know what to do, give it to God at this moment - whatever it is. He will take this load and sustain you and see you through. Don't worry! 

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 2024 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

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