Facing Adversity

"Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labour of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls - 18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation." Habakkuk 3:17.18. NKJV

Habakkuk was mourning the events of the invasion by the Babylonians. They had lost practically everything and yet, he was able to pray the above prayer. He was waiting patiently for God to take action against the invaders. He was quiet and refused to make a fuss about their situation. He trusted His God.

Sometimes, we must too, be quiet and patient as we give God the room to work on our behalf. It is not easy, I know but, in the face of adversity, it is the only way through the situation safely. Habakkuk had the attitude that said,'Whatever happens, I will still praise God. He is my strength.' v19.

Facing adversity such as this, we need to focus on Jesus because, He is taking us to the next level. Therefore, be careful what you say because in such moments the devil, who is your accuser, will suggest to God that you have been cursing God, and other people and you've had enough and want to die; anything to get out of this situation. Remember, Satan is not a friend, never has been and never will be. He is out to get you so, don't make it easier for him. He is a liar, a thief and the accuser of the brethren. Be wise, don't try to take him on in your own strength. Jesus is right beside you, let Him fight for you, and He will.

The word 'joy' in verse 18 is a Greek word that means gil (geel). To joy, rejoice, be glad, be joyful. Gil contains the suggestion of 'dancing for joy,' or 'leaping for joy,' since the verb originally meant 'to spin around with intense joy.' God dances for joy over His people and over their praise through difficult times. He loves to hear this praise and it encourages Him to come and help us and rescue us.

At the moment, you may be going through great battles and wondering why and how long it will last. I can't answer these questions for you but, I can tell you that what is happening to you, has happened to many other Christians throughout our world, and like them, you will come through this stronger and more blessed. As difficult as it may be, begin to joy (Gil) and as you are dancing and praising God, you just may feel Jesus doing the same. He is with you. I promise!

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

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Get to the heart of the matter

"So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands."  Psalm 78:72  NKJV 

Yesterday, we had a gardener round to cut and square off a couple of bushes and a row of conifers at the bottom of our garden. The bushes were easy enough to trim but the conifers, which had grown to around 12 feet high, were not so easy. They were full of brambles and the sprigs of sycamore trees. As I watched the gardener from the house, I could see him scratching his head and wondering how to approach them. The depth of them went back some 8 feet and as the gardening trimmers were only about 5 feet with an extension fitted, it was going to be a tricky job. However, it didn't bother the gardener, he trimmed the front and then cut half of the top away before getting inside the conifers with his heavy trimmers and a ladder. The next minute, he appeared at the top and started trimming away again.

I thought this was amazing and would never have thought about this technique myself; but this is why I'm not a gardener. What he actually did was get to the heart of the matter. He knew that there was no chance of trimming the conifers properly the conventional way, so he went to the centre of the problem. When he had finished, the tops and sides of both the conifers and the bushes, were totally straight - a really good job.

This had me thinking for the rest of the day. the gardener's success was getting to the heart of the matter and, we need to adopt this method. Many is the time when we are floundering around wondering what we are going to do, or how to handle a situation that has become a problem in our lives. Yes, we may pray about whatever it is but, then, because the answer isn't imminent we go off in a tangent doing this, and doing that and making the matters worse. You may have a breakdown on your car but if you know little about engines, pressing this button or un-doing this screw can lead to disaster instead of success. 

David was a skilled shepherd, who knew his trade well. God placed him in this position knowing that it would be people he would be shepherding next. God is the king of shepherds and knows the way forward. He knows how to tackle a job such as trimming high and brambly conifers. He also knows how to fix that problem you have; He will help you find the solution to all you need. But, you need to get to the heart of the matter. Embrace Jesus with prayer and worship. Seek Him with ALL of your heart and when you do, He will be there for you. That is a promise! 

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

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The Unexpected

"Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour".   1 Peter 5:8  Amplified Bible

Life can be going along without problems when, 'Suddenly,' without warning it can change very quickly. To give an example my wife was doing some gardening the other day when suddenly, I heard a sound and when I turned around, she was flat out on the ground, she had tripped over a large paving slab. As she fell, she tried to grab on to something and smashed her arm through our greenhouse glass door. Then her head smashed onto the slab she had tripped over. This was an emergency; she was bleeding profusely and it looked like she had broken her arm. After ringing 999 for an ambulance and after a long wait without them arriving, my daughter and I drove her to the hospital. By then she looked like she had fought a round with Tyson Fury; she was black and blue and her eyes was so swollen it was closing. Fortunately, there was nothing broken and after 5 hours, we were on our way home.

This is the unexpected I am writing about. One moment she was okay, the next she was in a very sorry and dangerous position. This is why we should always be ready and alert. The devil doesn't like us, especially when we are a prayer warrior like she is. She had been doing some spiritual warfare the day before and, I'm pretty sure the devil was not amused.

The thing is, things such as these, happen so quickly and almost always, without warning. this is why we need to be ready and alert. We really are in a battle and Satan doesn't fight fairly. He will break every rule in the book. In fact, the only rule he has is to kill and destroy (John 10:10). 

Notice the words 'well balanced' in the amplified version. We do not have to be paranoid about whether the devil is going to attack us or not, but we do need to practice a balanced behaviour. This means keeping our eyes on what we are doing but, aware that, things could go pear-shaped. 

This type of things happens to believers and unbelievers, nobody is spared what happens to us. However, as Christians, we do have our weapons - our armour (Eph 6)), and it is wise to ensure we are wearing this. My wife did suffer quite a lot but, God was with her and she didn't have any bones broken. The hospital couldn't believe this when they xrayed her. They were certain she had broken her elbow and upper arm at least. God is good all the time but, we do have to stand firm in our faith.

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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Don't give up on your dream

"Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. 3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. Habakkuk 2:2-3  NKJV

We all dream; it's a part of life. But the type of dreams here are of the 'longing and yearning' type. Some young boys and young men, dream of being a footballer and some go on to live their dream. Some young girls and young ladies, dream of being a film star or a pop singer. Again, some go on to see this fulfilled. Those who don't see their dream fulfilled may view it just as it was - a dream, there are more important things to think about. Others may have hung on to their dream but, never achieved the break they were searching for. You may be one of the these.

What was your dream? Is it still your dream but you feel it could never happen now? Do you know something, that may be true because of different circumstances. But, then again, that dream may still be achievable but you may have decided that it will never happen. Hear what I say here - 'you have decided'. What about God? Where does He fit in all of this? For this type of dream it is never too late, you just need to keep it alive otherwise it will die and you will have regrets later in life as you look back thinking, 'I could have done that'.

People can get in the way of your dream; they can intentionally block the path. This may be through jealousy or fear that you are better than they are at a particular thing. Therefore, they may do everything to prevent your success. When this happens, you have to rise above it all and refuse to allow it to bother you in any way. Remember, God can make a way where there isn't one. So, don't worry and don't become stroppy about them.

Listen, is this you? You have always, as long as you can remember, dreamed about being a leader within a church; a worship leader or even a preacher and you know without doubt, that God has put this in your heart, yet up to now you have been left on the sidelines? If this is you, don't give up, just trust God. He has a plan. Then again, your dream maybe training to be a solicitor, a doctor or psychologist yet money is tight and the cost for a university place will be very costly for many years. Is the dream from God? If it is, (and you'll know this from the excitement within you), push a few doors open, make some enquiries and listen carefully to what you are told. Don't give up. If the dream is only yours and not God's, you will know and He'll help you cope with this disappointment.

For many reading this, there is something that has been re-awakened. Don't ignore it. Give it your best attention today. That dream is ready to unfold! 

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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Definition of a Christian

"Now then, we are ambassadors  for Christ, as though God were pleading through us; we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God."  2 Corinthians 5:20 NKJV

In England, there is an American embassy. Located within this building is all the power of the US government. If, for instance, another world leader asked the president for  negotiations, the president could say that he has an ambassador in their country who they could negotiate with. What the president would be implying is that to talk with the ambassador is just like talking with him. The ambassador, who is in constant touch with the president, is the president to that person, he is the ambassador.

The bible tells us that we are ambassadors of Jesus Christ. When people hear from us, they should have just heard from God. Jesus delegated His authority to us that we may speak on His behalf. How then can we be ambassadors if we keep our mouths closed. Paul wrote:

'How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?  Romans 10:14.

To be an ambassador of Christ, requires that we have to be on duty all our waking hours. There are no days off for the Christian. Yes, we can have holidays - we need them. However, we cannot leave Jesus behind; we must take Him with us. It is all or nothing. When we are at leisure, we should never take off our commitment to Jesus, leave it on a peg and then take it back on our return. This is why we should always be alert and ready. The world watches, so if we are at a party or just in the pub and we drink more than we can manage; we are at risk of destroying our role as ambassador. Yes, if we offended anyone, we can apologise the next day but, mud sticks, people remember and so does Satan who loves to spread gossip and accusation around. 

We died to our old life. We are new creations in Christ, old things have passed away 2 Cor 5:17. Wee have become a new person and if we are representing Jesus we need to take a pride in doing so. It is such a privilege. 

We make mistakes, many of them but, thankfully we have Jesus who is always willing to help us get things right. Remember, we are still learning - a work in progress.

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

The Secret of Spiritual Success

"And in His law he meditates day and night"  Psalm 1:2  NKJV 

God loves to bless us and longs for us to delight in His law. As we do this, He promises

that we will be like a tree planted by the rivers of water. (v2) Think about this, this tree will be constantly refreshed and lacking nothing else. A palm tree's root can be hundreds of yards long as it searches for water. The tree planted by water is forever refreshed. Whereas, the palm tree's root has to dig deep to find its source, as we do the same, we build on our connection to God and we will never be uprooted or dry.

Note in verse 3 that the psalmist writes: 'He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season.' You may have a certain gifting but, this doesn't mean that you will be productive on a constant basis. The apple tree produces its fruit in the right season, not at any other time, rather like all fruit and flowers do. So neither will you be 100% fruitful everyday of the year. In the meantime, out of season, you need to meditate on God and His Word at every possible moment. It is not possible to read your bible on a constant basis throughout the day but, you can take a piece of scripture and meditate on it though the day. If you know how to worry then, you know how to meditate. 

Meditation, is to recall, ponder and interact with it in mind. We mentally chew on the Word until it becomes a part of us. This is what many Christians call eating the Word of God. We think about the Word and how it measures up in our own lives - the problems we may be facing. This is what meditating is all about. It is a way of staying in contact with God throughout our busy day. He can speak so easily to us as we do this.

This helps us to be able to stand firm and tall, rooted in God's love. Whenever something may come our way in opposition, we are far more likely to be able to handle it because, we are being vigilant and ready should the devil come by ready to attack us (1 Peter 5:8). 

We are on guard like any soldier should be. There is a thief out there and, he is wanting to rob us of our walk with Jesus. He'll kill us if he can. He doesn't act with fair rules. Therefore, be ready.

Joshua advised us to do the same: 'This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night'. Joshua 1:8. Therefore, consider that God is speaking to you.

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

Double-Mindedness

"But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind." James1:6  NKJV 

Justin Torres of unlockingscripture.com writes: ''Doubting is at the root of double-mindedness. It is the driving force that leads to a divided mind, often manifesting in emotional instability and a lack of peace. The enemy exploits our doubt to undermine our faith. This ongoing inner conflict can tear a person between two opposing forces, leading to double-mindedness.'

So let us look at this in more detail. See if you can recognise yourself in the notes below:

Inconsistency in Prayer and Worship One moment a person is switched on to this subject, attending various meetings all over the place. This may not help them because, some churches tend to handle prayer and worship differently, such as the free churches and pentecostals. This can lead to confusion, even though we are worshipping the same God.

Indecision in Decision Making Many people find it hard to make a decision. This may be because the person may have become institutionalised through military service or time spent in prison. Where decisions were mostly made for them, to suddenly find they are the one who is responsible now, can be difficult.

Lack of Trust in God's Plan Where a person has had people making decisions for them, they have taken for granted what is and what is not. Since then, they learn of God's plan for their life and they may be faced with, 'What if it goes wrong?' or 'How can I trust this faith thing?' Therefore, they need a firmer foundation to be able to overcome this stronghold.

Tendency to Compromise with Sin Initially they may struggle with well established sin that may be difficult to change. When they do sin, there can be an overwhelming feeling of guilt that makes them feel that they are not good enough and give up. This can remain a stronghold for a very long time, even with long established Christians.

Unstable Emotions and Attitudes The soul is made up of our Mind, Will and Emotions and Psalm 103:1-5 is a good place to start with people who have problems such as we are discussing. We never know what has happened in a person's background and so we need to be careful that we don't become judgemental. If a person has lots of doubts, they are more likely to have come from a painful area in their life. There may be deep-rooted hurts within them; things that they find very hard to re-visit or talk about. Prayer, acceptance and love is a good place to start with them until they begin to trust you. Don't ever rush this.

Maintaining Relationships Just the fact that we are discussing the above shows that they may have had a broken relationship and since then find it difficult to trust anyone. People who have been hurt may make hidden vows such as: 'No one will ever hurt me again'. And this becomes a stronghold that we may find difficult to work through. Again, it calls for patience and a softly softly approach until they feel like speaking about it - if they can

This discussion has only just skimmed the surface and is designed to give you a better understanding  of what is going on in a person's life. It may though, be going on in your life too. You may have been a Christian for many years and yet, you still carry around baggage from the past. Decide to do something about it as soon as you can. Find someone you can trust. Failing that, you can always email me in strictest of confidence: grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

Don't carry the baggage around for much more.

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