Don't put it off until tomorrow

"Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; 14whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away."  James 4:13-14 NKJV

Many people put things off until tomorrow, or worse - 'some other day'. Many times, the latter never happens. We make promises to our kids and family that we will go to a certain place soon but, despite their constant enquiries about when we will do this, we defer the action.

Many is the time that something needs doing today but, we decide for one reason or another, that we will do it tomorrow. I can be a little like this regarding my tax return. It doesn't take very long to do but, it keeps getting put to the bottom of my list of things to do.

Proverbs 27:1 says, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.” The attitude that defers things to some undefined “one day” is an assumption we'll be around. We may not. And what we leave undone or unsaid could make a vast difference for those we leave behind. The Free Dictionary says, 'Procrastination, which this type of behaviour can be called, is to put off doing something, especially out of habitual carelessness or laziness. To act this way we tend to postpone or delay needlessly.

The thing is, when we defer action by putting things on the list for tomorrow, tomorrow may bring something else that will take its place and push it back further. In fact, it may never get done because, we don't know just how long any of us has left to live. This is why it is important to do what we can today, instead of leaving it until tomorrow. For some, tomorrow may not come.

In addition, when we make plans without consulting God first, James says that our action is called 'boasting'. This is a presumption that we, not God, are in control of the circumstances of our life; and this is a very unwise thing to do. God must have the first place in our lives. We must entrust things to Him on a daily basis: 

'Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him and, He shall direct your path'.  Proverbs 3:5-6

So, how are you doing as far as this goes? Do you defer action and/or do you make promises without God's advice or knowledge? If you can answer 'yes' to these two questions, perhaps you need to re-think your walk with 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

The Anointed One

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the Lord has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; 2To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, 3To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil

of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”               

                                                                Isaiah 61:1-3   NKJV

Do you realise that you are anointed by Jesus? Yes, here we see some the words that Jesus quoted in Luke 4:17-20, clearing telling all who would listen that He - Jesus, is the Anointed One. But, He also gave the disciples power in Matthew 10:1, 'And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease.' And let us not forget the great Commission recorded in Matthew 24 and Mark 16. Jesus clearly released His anointing on His disciples and to all (that's us) who ask Him into their hearts and serve Him.

But let us first look at the word "Anointed.' 'In the Hebrew text, this means Mashach, which means to rub with oil to consecrate someone or something. An ideal example was the ordaining and consecrating of priests. A most important derivative Mashach is Mashiyach which means Messiah 'Anointed One.' As Jesus was and is  the promised Anointed One, His title came to be 'Jesus the Messiah.' Messiah was translated into Greek as Christos, thus His designation of Jesus Christ'.  Sourced from The Spirit Filled Life Bible

All of the text in Is 61:1-3 is now associated with each one of us. This is our commission and Jesus has anointed each one of us to carry out this commission on His behalf. We represent Him here on earth. One day, probably soon, He will return but, until then, we have work to do. I think many Christians feel that their commitment  is minimal - Sunday morning at church and , probably, the occasional Home group in the week. Life is busy and there are chores to do at home; at work and doing this extra 'Church work' is for the pastor and team, isn't it? No, whoever thinks that has got it wrong. The work of Jesus must take first place; Work and play come second. Yes, Jesus would want each one of us to spend time with our family but, as Anointed One's of Jesus, we also need to be spearheading them into Kingdom Business.

One day, all of our material possessions will be gone. We can't take any of them to heaven with us. They are secondary pleasures that Jesus gives us. The most important thing in our lives is fulfilling what Jesus has anointed us for and called us to do. There are lives that need to know Jesus out there and we, have the answer for them. Don't we?

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

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

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

Check it out

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

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

Check it out

"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

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

Check it out

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 

Check it out

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