Depression

"It is enough! Now, LORD, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers."  

                                                                      1 Kings 19:4. NKJV

We may all have uttered similar statements to God when the chips have been down. It is probably something that we can empathise with. It's quite strange though, after-all, this man was a prophet - a mighty one and he had done more than the average human being would be able to do in a life time. However, there was a resemblance, he was human, and he hurt like a human, he grew tired like a human does and he became frightened of certain things just like we all do. Jesus, who became in human form could easily have identified exactly how Elijah was feeling, the difference being, Jesus didn't run away, He faced His tormenters.

We can do mighty things for God at one moment and want to run away, the next. The pain, the fear and the awesome anxiety can bring us to our knees. So, just what are the symptoms of depression:

'Depression affects people in different ways and can cause a wide variety of symptoms.They range from lasting feelings of unhappiness and hopelessness, to losing interest in the things you used to enjoy and feeling very tearful. Many people with depression also have symptoms of anxiety. There can be physical symptoms too, such as feeling constantly tired, sleeping badly, having no appetite or sex drive, and various aches and pains. The symptoms of depression range from mild to severe. At its mildest, you may simply feel persistently low in spirit, while severe depression can make you feel suicidal, that life is no longer worth living'.   NHS.UK

Firstly, it is important to recognise that depression is not a sin. Never has been and never will be.  

Some people may say that a depressed person has sin in their life that is causing this condition. Avoid these people. They are undiscerning people and cause more problems by being this way. People like King David, Elijah and even Jonah among other biblical characters became depressed and many men and woman of God suffer similar bouts of this. It is nothing to be ashamed of. You may have become overtired and overworked; you may also have had a bereavement or marital problem, you may also have been made redundant and have money issues. These are just some of the things that can bring us down. But know one thing. There is not one moment when Jesus will leave you because of it. He will help you through every inch of the way.

Just check this in Psalm 40:1-2:

'I waited patiently for the Lord; He inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.' The vivid imagery in this verse is especially relevant for those dealing with depression.

Again, see the reality of being proactive as you become stronger in your journey through depression:

'Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Saviour and my God'.  Psalm 42:5  NIV

The Psalmist speaks to His soul and questions why it is feeling this way. He tells himself to put his hope in God and just praise Him continually. God connects with this type of prayer and praise. There has to come a time that we need to stand up and move on. Are you ready for that yet?

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 Power of Thought

'For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,  5casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ', 

Let us focus on the latter part of verse 5 here - 'bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.' What is the controlling factor in your thoughts? Our thoughts are a powerful component and we need to be in control of them. We can so easily get things wrong by allowing our thoughts to run away with us. They may be thoughts of condemnation against someone accusatory thoughts about what you think someone is doing or has done - 'I thought I saw them doing this or that'.' Be careful here, that is only a thought. Imagine going into court and saying to the judge, 'I think he or she did this.' The judge would be wanting fact - hard evidence not just things that you think you saw or heard.

Thoughts can deceive; they can also lead to gossip and this can be lethal. Bob Gass says, 'The trouble with gossip is not so much that it is spoken as an intended lie, but that it is heard as if it were the absolute truth.' And this is so true. People can be condemned when they are really innocent, by some thought that someone has fed to someone else. That is the power that thought carries. And mud sticks.

We ourselves can think things that have never happened. We can be so convinced of what the devil has fed into our minds and, no matter what, we are certain that we are right. Our thoughts can be of a particular fantasy, one in which we start off innocently but after a time, it completely takes us over and we become hooked. The more we try to stop this, the more we can be drawn in further. If this type of behaviour is present in a believer, it is not a stronghold as such but, the fruit of one. Strongholds can only be demolished by the knowledge of God - that is by truth. Remember Jesus told us that the truth will set us free John 8:32. So when your relationship to the living Word connects to the written Word, 'you really will be free' John 8:36. If you are not taking the thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ, you are instead succumbing to the stronghold, and you won't be free until you submit this all to Jesus.

Thoughts, if we allow them to take over us, are dangerous. Ensure that you remain in charge of them - make them obedient to Jesus. Understand scripture properly. Just because Philippians 4:13 says, 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,' it doesn't mean that you can go off and climb Mount Everest. You may be successful if you did but you would be taking God's Word out of context. Read and understand things properly; don't let your thoughts lead you in the wrong direction. Don't let your thoughts speak bad about a fellow believer. If your thoughts do this, it is much more likely to be the devil who loves to spread lies about the brethren.

Be in charge of each thought that comes into your head. It makes so much sense.

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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"I believe You Lord'

'Then Jesus said to the centurion, 'Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you'                                      Matthew 8:13  NKJV 

To get the full impact of this piece of scripture, read it all (Matt 8:5 -13). Jesus was actually taken aback as He discovered the centurion's faith (v10). It was a faith that He wants us all to have. This type of faith impresses God and also turns people's heads. It was a willingness to believe without any spectacular sign - just the word v8. 

Smith Wigglesworth used to have a similar understanding of scripture, 'If God said it, I believe it and that settles it.' If you have never read about some of Mr Wigglesworth's great adventures, get yourself a copy of one the many books that are around. One of them is entitled:

Smith Wiggleswoth - The Secret of his Power By Albert Hibbert Copyright 1982, Harrison House ISBN 1 85240 004 8.  There are only about 100 pages to the book but they are power-packed pages. You will read about things that seem utterly impossible and yet, they happened and all because of this man's tremendous faith in Jesus.

And this is the type of faith that the centurion had this day - 'Just speak a word and my servant will be healed.' I heard a preacher say in his sermon one day, 'If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got.' And it's true, there comes a time when we need to change - to move on in our faith. Change is healthy, to sit around doing nothing different isn't. Get into the change mode as much as you don't care for it. Be doers of the word and not just listeners, James said in 1:22. It's time to break out of the mould the world has kept you in.

The key here is to believe Jesus. Fear unhooks us from the faith and the supernatural. It puts us in bondage to the natural realm. So live vice-versa. Give God the opportunity to show you a miracle. Give Him the chance to see how He sets you free from debt or a massive bill that you're struggling with. Give Him the freedom to supply your needs when you don't know where the next meal is coming from. Honestly, in the first days of my ministry, Hazel and myself didn't know how we were going to eat some days - but God provided in the most amazing ways. My oldest daughter was getting married and we had no transport to get some 40 miles away to the wedding. We also had very little money to pay for it either. But the telephone rang that evening and a voice told me that there was a car outside, full of petrol and the keys were in my letterbox. Honestly, this is only a portion of all that God has done for us because we believed in Him and stood on our faith.

Why not try it. It's a chaotic but exciting journey when you take God at His word. He NEVER lets you down.

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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Watch the Dream-Killers

"(Abraham) who contrary to hope, in hope believed."  Romans 4:18  NKJV 

When God spoke faith to Abraham, he believed - contrary to whatever else people may have said to him, even his own wife. Abraham believed and he was rewarded for his faith.

Please, watch out for the Dream-Killers. You've all probably seen them. Most are genuine enough but they have one thing in common; to stop your doing what you believe is the right thing to do. This may be a family member, a friend or even a leader in a church. It could also be your boss, doctor or someone that you have trusted for years. As I've said, they may be generally concerned that you don't make a mistake but also. there may be an ulterior motive and this could be jealousy.

Just what is a Dream-Killer? It is someone who robs you of your confidence. Abraham did not consider the natural things around him. Therefore, don't consider your limitations. Supernatural hope will overcome natural hope every time. You have just got to stay focused on this hope, don't forget there is a thief about as John 10:10 shows us: 'The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may it more abundantly.' Satan knows how to push the buttons that wind you up. He is the joy robber - the dream-killer and he will stop you anyway he can.

Just check the first part of this verse. Just three words say it all 'Steal, Kill and Destroy.' Think of what someone may be telling you at this time. 'You can't do this, it's too much for you.' Or what about, 'Don't say I didn't tell you.' These words together with whatever else is said, are enough to make you lose you confidence. I remember when I first enrolled for university, yes it was a big step but I thought that I would receive some encouragement. Instead, it was all negative comments. I determined that I would succeed at Uni and once qualified, I would throw a  'For all those who said I couldn't do it' party and invite them all. 

People may mean well but, if you listen too hard at all the reasons why your shouldn't do a particular thing, then you will never do it. And that is wrong. If you are certain that God is telling you to do something, then be sensible and weigh it up, but once you are sure then go ahead and do it. If you don't you may regret it later.

Has God mentioned something to you? Something He would like you to carry out? What are you going to do about it? The longer you leave it, the more confused you will become. Seek God until that beating of the heart begins and when it does, you will know what to do. 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

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

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Watch the scams

"Therefore, be wise as serpents and harmless as doves."  Matthew 10:16  NKJV 

Wherever we look today, there is a scam going on. It becomes very difficult to know who is genuine and who is a fraud. These people are skilled in their art of misleading and robbing people. I have written several books over the years https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Grahame-Howard/author/B00356R978?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

and from time to time people contact me for updates. The other day I received an email from an agent from Barnes & Nobles - a major book seller and publisher. This lady wanted to know if I still hold the copyright for a particular book and would I like to receive a lucrative opportunity to place this title in 600 book stores worldwide. Initially, I felt this indeed could be a good deal but then, I felt God saying, "Therefore, be wise as serpents and harmless as doves." This brought me to my senses and after doing a few checks, I found out that there is a scam going on around certain companies. I therefore, reported the email and will take it no further.

Now if I had not been wise and avoided God's voice, this 'lucrative opportunity' could have ended costing me a small fortune. These scam artists are everywhere and there's not an hour of the day where people are losing their money. So be careful and make sure you don't rush into something no matter how wonderful it may seem. 

A snake is a crafty reptile and hides and waits for the right moment to attack it's prey. It has four characteristics: (1) A deadly tongue, (2) Crawls into situations, (3) Lies and waits and (4) Strikes and bites. When you think about it, scammers are no different, they also have these characteristics. But also, the snake is wise and sensible and it is prudent. They watch out for themselves and are aware of those who don't have it's best interests at heart. 

Be wise and ready for the unexpected. Remember, your enemy, the devil walks around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. That unexpected telephone call when you're distracted with busy-ness, can be costly if you fall into their trap of over-speaking. Even though you may be ex-directory, they can still get hold of you so, don't take a day off being sensible. You may regret it. 

Also watch the ads on Facebook and Instagram. They have so many wonderful deals to offer us but, once some of them get their hands on you, they can clear your bank account out in a moment. I could go on for hours here but, thank God that Jesus has our back. He knew about such things over 2000 years ago. This is why we need to be conversant in His Word. It is our road map to life.

Be wise in all you do. Don't rush into things without praying things through. Don't be fooled by a sweet-talking person who wants to save you money. They don't - they're after yours. So be careful.

Have a scam-free day

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

Do you know the Truth?

"And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."  John 8:32. NKJV 

So what is truth and how do you recognise it? We live in a world today that is full of lies. Scams are around every corner and people are ready to make a fast buck out of us whenever they can. It is hard to trust anyone these days. What sounds genuine enough can turn out to be false and it can come with a cost. Marriages fall apart because of lies and deceit; some people can;'t be trusted in their jobs and lose their position. The problem is, we can all begin to be tarred with the same brush. It's got to the point where we have to earn our trust. This is so sad.

John Avanzini, an American Christian lecturer write: 'You cannot walk in a truth you do not know'. And he is right, we need to know the truth before we put it into action and then we must obey that truth. It's the only way. Verse 31 says, 'If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.' Therefore we need to live and remain in a truth, this truth will set you free. And this truth is Jesus Christ. We have to abide in Him, remain in Him and continue in Him always. 

Once you know the truth, you are free. You can relax and refuse to be taunted anymore. God said in Jeremiah 33:3 'Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.' Jesus reinforces this in John 16:13 with, 'However, when He, the Spirit of truth has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak, and He will tell you things to come.' 

Jesus is the Truth and He wants you to be as well. 

When we are walking in the truth, people will notice the difference; they will begin to notice something about you and will trust you. You will find that you will be entrusted with more responsibly, whether at work or in your friendships. People will begin to feel at ease with you. It is such a relief to be able to trust someone and Jesus wants you, to be that someone. This is what it is all about; people will notice the truth in you and this truth will set them free. Why? Because, they will notice Jesus Christ, and this truth will take the chains off their life and you'll begin to receive people's respect.

So get to know the truth even more and then live it out to all you can. Live the life for 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 

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Give Him what you have!

"Jesus said to them, “Fill the water-pots with water.” And they filled them up to the brim.  8And He said to them, “Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast.” And they took it".  John 2:7-8  NKJV

Jesus was at a wedding with His mother; the disciples also tagged along. A little way through the ceremony, they ran out of wine and Mary, automatically looked at Jesus because, she knew He could take care of this situation. 'Whatever He says to you, do it!' she told the staff. Jesus told them to fill the large pots of stone with water and serve this to the guests. A miracle happened, the water became wine.

Jesus words to the servants could well have said, 'Give Me what you've got and I'll give you back what you need.' Even though Jesus wasn't ready to reveal His identity yet, He wanted to please His mother and, you know what? He wants to please you too. But there is a strategy. To get out, you must put in. No deposit - No return. If you don't put money in your bank, you will have nothing to fall back on when you need cash.

In the famous Christmas Carol: In the Bleak Mid Winter, we find the words, 'What can I give Him - give my heart.' This is the rule of obedience but, in giving Him your heart, it also means giving Him the rest:

(1) Your life

(2) Your time

(3) Your hobbies

(4) Your family

(5) Your job

(6) Your money

And this is just for starters. Some people are fine with the first 5 on the list but, No 6 is a difficult one to handle. Jesus wants all of what we have. He is not trying to make money out of us. There is none of 'Give Me your money and I'll send you a blessing.' You may hear this on certain preaching channels on TV. But you will not, hear this from God. The reason He wants you to give Him your money is to demonstrate your obedience and reliance upon Him. He can give you more than you could ever need in a second. But He wants your everything, to know that you trust Him.

Most people tithe but many don't but, it is up to you, the individual. Jesus will not bludgeon you to tithe. However, it is spiritually healthy to do so. You can't out give God, the more you give, the more He will pour back to you. He is faithful and there is nothing to be scared about when you give. Don't be under pressure with this; God will show you and you will know if He wants you to bless someone financially or start tithing in your church etc. But, remember the words above: 'Give Me what you've got and I'll give you back what you need.' To put this into action will be the highway to blessing.

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