God's Word Seals the Deal!

“For you shall go out with joy, and be led out with peace; the mountains and the hills
shall break forth into singing before you, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.13Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress tree,
And instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree; And it shall be to the Lord for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.”  Isaiah 55:12-13   NKJV

In this piece of scripture, Isaiah describes the wonderful day when the Messiah returns. 'You shall go out with joy and be led with peace.' And we certainly will if we are here to witness this glorious event. If not, we will be safe and sound with Jesus anyway. Isaiah gives a wonderful picture of nature celebrating and praising - imagine the mountains and the hills breaking forth into song and the trees of the field clapping and praising God. We shall be clothed in strength as we join in the Post Exilic Return, Messianic and Eschatological excitement of the world to come. It will be breathtaking to say the least. No wonder he says that we shall go out with joy! 

But that is for the future, which of course, could happen anytime, even now. Until then, it's not over yet. Times may have been difficult of late for many people - the weather and the constant rain and flooding; the economy bringing about financial worries and then to top it all, a change of government and whatever this may bring us. But think, you have made it this far and Jesus will help you get even further if you allow Him to. Let's just look at a few topics here:

Joy To possess this, one must have determination and be proactive. Things do not usually come and land at our feet, we have to get up and grab things and make it ours. For this we need the joy of the Lord which gives us the strength to exist.

Peace  Realise that God is with you in this, whatever it is. He knows the way through and will give you the courage and the willpower to overcome. Peace will yet again flow!

Praise  This breaks down doors and releases chains and barriers that have kept you penned in.

Grab hold of it and start praising Jesus.

Thankfulness  This melts God's heart.

There is another verse that was written prior to this piece off scripture:

'So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void,
but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it'.

                                                                                                   Isaiah 55:11

God's Word is backed by faith and full of power. If God has said it, it will happen. If He hasn't said it, it won't. Therefore, listen carefully to what God is telling you. Don't improvise or add to it, just take it as it is because, God's Word seals the deal. Read it again; it is God's Word that comes out of His mouth (not yours) It will accomplish what He pleases (not what pleases you) and it shall prosper in the thing for which He sent it (He sent, not you).

Sorry if this sounds strict but, God's word is strict and He wants it delivering properly. So there you have it. There's a time in the future that will affect us all but, until then, there are things that we need to do. Amen?

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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Soar like the eagle

"But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles."   Isaiah 40:31  NKJV

In times of great stress, our coping mechanism may fail to work or cooperate with our needs. Minor problems can appear like giant ones and, whatever we do, nothing seems to work. Where our coping skills were once in good working order, they may now have departed and life can take on a major problem. Whatever you do, don't confess that you are at your wits end or, you may receive this. Remember, what we confess we can receive. So be careful what you say.

When life is like this, we need to rise above the worry and anxiety, but how? One way is to look at this scripture in the 40th Chapter of Isaiah and read v29-31:

"He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength.
30Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall,
31But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint".

It is almost as if it is saying:

'I am receiving power to overcome, the Lord is increasing my strength.' If you then read and own the following words, 'Power to the weak' and 'Strength to those who don't have it.' You're on your way to receiving this. Then call out to God that He may affirm it.

You may need to be patient and wait on the Lord but, He will renew your strength. To 'Wait' for the Lord entails confident expectation and active hope. So mount up with wings like eagles, run and don't be weary, walk and not faint. In fact, reach new heights in Jesus.

Check out the eagle - to mount is to ascend. An eagle does not flap, it soars. When trouble comes it waits for the breeze and lifts off with hardly any effort. It will soar graciously. We flap - the eagle soars. There is a big difference. In comparison to the human, the eagle has a lot to teach us. If a predator comes near, it just flies higher - higher sometimes than what any other bird will risk. The eagle avoids the hassle. The eagle can be a dangerous bird, many other birds risk getting torn to pieces by trying to attack it. However, nothing seems to trouble it. There is a great lesson to learn here. We would be far better ignoring some of the things that attempt to trouble us and concentrate on the things that really matter.

Like the eagle, rise above all of your worries, fears and hassles.

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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God will take care of you

“So don't be anxious about tomorrow, God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time."                                                Matthew 6:34  The Living Bible 

In Matthew 6:25, Jesus tells His disciples not to worry about their life, what they will eat, drink or wear. Many feel this is a command, others feel that it is wise advice. If it is a command, then we are guilty of disobedience if we worry. If it is only advice, then it makes sense to carry it out. On looking through the scriptures, I would say that it is a command because this ties in with Jesus' comments on faith issues e.g. 'Do not be afraid - only believe" Luke 8:50. Throughout the gospels, there is further evidence of this. But just the statement, 'Do not be afraid', is linked to worry and fear. Therefore, let us agree that Jesus commands us not to worry.

Anxiety, fear or dread all relate to worry. You can spend about 90% of your time worrying that something will happen and it rarely does. Probably around 10% of worries happen. This is a small percentage for a lot of worry and sleepless nights. If you belong to Jesus, why do you put yourself through such things? Haven't you enough on your plate without adding to it? It doesn't bring blessing to your day, does it?

Worry robs you of your effectiveness and joy. If you lose your joy, then you lose your strength Nehemiah 8:10. Answer this question, do you really believe that Jesus will take care of things for you? If you don't believe He will do what He says, you will have no peace. Let's look at a few scriptures, 1 Peter 5:7 says 'casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.' Psalm 55:22 'Cast your burden on the LORD, and He shall sustain you', and Proverbs 16:3 'Commit your works to the LORD, and your thoughts will be established'. The word 'Commit' means to roll, so this a a brilliant example of rolling your burdens over to the Lord.

Do you acknowledge Jesus as your provider? Your answer has everything to do with your anxiety level. Don't get me wrong Jesus still expects you to work and provide for you family, wherever possible, but He doesn't want you fretting about how you will manage rising energy costs or whatever. Inflation may be rising but, there is no inflation in God's Kingdom, of which you belong.

Rise above this and throw every care on Him and then, leave them there! Live for today

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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This is only the beginning

"Therefore, we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay side every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."  

                                                                             Hebrews 12:1-2   NKJV

I watched a film last night - 'Bonhoeffer - Agent of Grace'. This featured a German pastor during WWII, who lived away from Germany but felt the call to go back there:

'Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a German Lutheran pastor, theologian and anti-Nazi dissident who was a key founding member of the Confessing Church. His writings on Christianity's role in the secular world have become widely influential; his 1937 book The Cost of Discipleship is described as a modern classic. Living in America, he felt the call to return to Germany even though it could cost him his life. Those close to him advised him not to return to Germany, but a doctor insisted that he must due to his religious beliefs. Despite the possibility of persecution by the Nazis, Dietrich Bonhoeffer did return to Germany and preached of the Jews and against Hitler and his Nazi agenda, causing a great stir.'  Sourced from Wikipedia

It is a great film and pushes home the importance of having Jesus in your life and making a stand for Him. One thing that struck me was Bonhoeffer's words towards the end of the film. An SS officer told Him, 'This is the end'. Bonhoeffer's reply was 'No it is not,' meaning this is only the beginning. 

Things come to an end in this life and it maybe life itself. However, for the Christian, it is only the beginning. We have heaven to look forward to where we will meet Jesus, face to face; and where we will live eternally - no more death or sickness. This also encourages us here on earth that, if a door closes God is sure to open another door. Never be frightened of things coming to an end because, it is only the beginning of something that may be even better to what we have left. Jesus can be trusted; He will never close a door, leaving us out in the cold. No, when He closes a door, He goes with us and takes us personally through the new one. He can be trusted.

So have the attitude that this is not the end, it is only the beginning!

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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How God loves me so much!

"Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the LORD forever."   Psalm 23:6. NKJV

Think back over the time you have known Jesus and remember all of the wonderful things He has done for you. He loves us so much and simply can't get enough of you. Did you hear that? He can't get enough of you. He wants to spend each hour with you. Impossible, you may say. No it's not, He is God and can do whatever He chooses to do.

David's words above say it all, God's goodness and unfailing love will pursue us, every day of our life.And don't forget the important finale, 'You will live in the house of the LORD forever.' God has a nice house; how do I know because, He has been getting it ready for us some 2000 years. Read your bible, especially Revelation where all is described. It will be amazing!

In Psalm 138, David also mentions three very important, life-filled verses. Listen to this:

V3 'In the day that I cried out, You answered me, and made me bold with strength. in my soul'

V7 'Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will receive me; You will stretch out Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right hand will save me.'

V8  'The LORD will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy O LORD, endures forever'

God has our backs and He will walk with us daily making sure that we are kept safe. He has angels that will minister to us when we need them. Obviously we don't call out to an angel, we call out to God and If He feels the we need this kind of help, He will delegate it. He has a purpose for your life and, He will ensure that it is fulfilled. No wonder we call out, 'Oh Give thanks to the LORD for His is good! For His mercy endures forever.' Psalm 138:1. He is incredible, and there is moire 'Who remembered us in our lowly state. for His mercy endures forever. 24 And rescued us from our enemies, for His mercy endures forever. 25 Who gives food to all flesh, for His mercy endures forever. 26 'Oh give thanks to the God of heaven! For His mercy endures forever.' Psalm 136:23-26. NKJV

There is nothing moire that I can add to this, it says it all. God is glorious, wonderful and our friend. Will He ever let you down? Never!

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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How do we please God?

"No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you:
to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God".  Micah 6:8  NLT

People may try all kinds of ways to please God but, there is only one formula that will work and, that is:

(1)  Remain honest in all you do

(2)  Cherish compassionate faithfulness

(3)  Commit yourself to live in submission to Him

There are people-pleasers, those who will stop at nothing to please a leader in one way or another. This may be to gratify their own yearnings to be noticed and favoured so that they are given a special task or position that they have been wanting. This may work for a time, that is until someone else comes along and is chosen over them. Then they are shattered.

Alternatively, God will not receive God-pleasers - those that try to wriggle there way into a position of authority within a church or a special position with God. God has no favourites, we are all equal, there are no star pupils or disciples. (Matthew 18:1-3)

Ask yourself these questions:

(1)  Are you fair in your dealings with people?

(2)  Do you show mercy to those who wrong you, or do you have a record of wrongs?

(3)  Are you learning humility?

The only sacrifice that we can make towards God is, the sacrifice of ourselves - giving every part of us to Him and, being ready to do whatever He may ask us to do. God wants changed lives not burnt offerings. He wants His people to act justly. This means having integrity, acting with compassion towards others and being faithful in all we do. The sacrifice that God wants from us is to be a Living Sacrifice (Roman 12:1-2). Not just doing Godly deeds but living rightly, putting others before us and placing God first in our life. 

It is impossible to follow God in any other way. This is why it is never easy to be a Christian. For many, the cost is too high. But ask yourself this, wasn't the sacrifice God made for us in placing His one and only Son, the Lord Jesus, on the cross to die in our place to give all who believe in Him, eternal life? Wasn't that the greatest of all sacrifices? God stopped at nothing and Jesus was totally obedient to His Father by carrying out His request. Now, to all those who believe in Him and live for Him they have the assurance that when they die, they will have a share in the Kingdom Of God.

So, to conclude, Remain honest in all you do, living with compassion and faithfulness in your heart and commit yourself to live in total submission to Jesus Christ, your King and you Saviour.

This is what Daily Life with Jesus is all about!

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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The road is never easy

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.  

                                                                  Matthew 7:13-14. NKJV

Some people feel that the road to heaven and Jesus, is easy; we just ask Jesus into our lives and then, we are saved, our sin forgiven and rubber stamped marked, 'Special delivery to Heaven'. If only it was, that easy. Jesus here is telling His disciples that the gateway to heaven is narrow and difficult for anyone who finds this route. Many don't make it. 

Broad and wide is the road that leads to destruction and many find this. It can be described the 'Highway to hell', because it is the easy route. Many people go this route and many others follow them expecting to have a relationship with God. However, it is the road to destruction and it is called Religion. It is an easy road to take but it comes with a cost, it leads to devastation - a place where people live eternity in total torment. They never see their born again loved ones again and have no access to Jesus. They just live in regret that they gave up everything and now it is too late. They may be able to see believers with Jesus throughly enjoying themselves and living the life that they can never have.

We can't get away from the fact though, that living a Christian life is never easy. We still have flesh on our bodies that is corrupted by sin and what we want to do, we end up doing the opposite. We know that committing sin is wrong and yet, we still do it. No matter how hard we try we still find ourselves lusting after sex, reading or watching books or videos that are sexually explicit. As we watch, our minds become more corrupted. 

We still lose our temper with some people and use words that are so offensive and yet it doesn't stop us. We listen and crack inappropriate jokes and may drink too much alcohol, making a total fool of ourselves and hiding away the next morning because people may be talking and it's better to stay out of the way.

What is happening? Why do we do this when we know we shouldn't? It is because there is sin still within us. The conflict is that we agree with God's commands but, we cannot do them. This causes a great tension in our daily Christian life and we are painfully aware of our sin. We may stop it for a time but, it is short-lived and we find ourselves committing the same things again and again. The Apostle Paul knew all about this and his remedy was to go back to the beginning of his spiritual life and remembering how Jesus freed him. He recognised the freedom that Jesus offers all of us and he also knew that we were a work in progress (Philippians 1:6.)

Therefore, don't give up, we are all the same and we can make some progress by remembering all Jesus has done for each one of us and, even though we let Him down many times, know that He is loving and forgiving. Thank you Lord.

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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