Stick to the main thing

"Let your eyes look forward; fix your gaze straight ahead."   Proverbs 4:25   CSB 

RT Kendall, often writes, 'The main thing is to make the main thing, the main thing.' He is so right; we can start one task fully committed to it but after a very short while, we are distracted and start doing something else. Let's look at an example:

'You decide that today, you're going to spend time with God in prayer and devotion. After two minutes the phone rings and it's someone that you haven't spoke with for some time. An hour later, you end the call and resume your prayers. Suddenly, the door knocks and in walks a family member. The main thing - prayer time, is no longer the main thing, and you allow the main thing to take second place.'

It's lovely to have friends ring you and family drop by but, there comes a time when priorities need to be set in place. The 'phone ringing, could have been ignored and allowed to go to the answer phone. If it was really important, the caller could have kept ringing, this way you would know that it is probably important and answered it. The family member dropping in, is different but in a gentle way, you could easily tell them that, at a certain time you will be busy. It just takes a little discipline.

If your main thing, is to make the main thing, the main thing, you could adopt the Four D Formula below:

Discipline  Whenever we are making plans for our walk with God, we need to use discipline and, we need to stick to this. Therefore, several things can be put in place (a) Change your answerphone message to explain that you are not available for a few hours - rather like the office is closed until...(b) Tell your friends and family about this so they they don't disturb you during this time. (c)  Stick to this plan

Devotion  Devotion time should never be interrupted. It's a special time between you and Jesus, one in which you can become lost in His presence. You need time with Him and He with you. He is the main thing, the reason that your are here. He deserves this special time the same as you do. It is sacred.

Disallow  Refuse to allow anything or anyone disturb your time with Jesus. There is no need to be dictatorial about it but, you do need to be firm and disallow interruptions unless they are extremely important

Distraction  This can be a robber of our time with Jesus. Our thoughts, if we're not careful, can run ahead of us and we tend to drift off into this. Discipline yourself if you suffer this way.

If your main thing is to make the main thing your main thing, you need to apply yourself this way. It is essential that this is upheld, so put it into practice.

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:

Lord Jesus, I have sinned   

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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Not My will but Yours be done

"Take delight in the LORD, and He will give you your heart's desires. 5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will act."  Psalm 37:4-5   CSB 

You may be facing a great crisis today, one in which you have no answer or control over. It may be a court case where you are petrified what may happen to you. It may be an appointment with your doctor to receive test results of which you fear the worst. Or you may be so deep in debt that you don't know how you are going to pay this. Just stop right there! This is taking your mind off Jesus. It is understandable but, He must come first in your thinking and He has all of the answers.

Be honest, has Jesus ever let you down in the past? You may think He has but, think again, wasn't it because you made a wrong move, something you had decided to leave Jesus out of and play the Lone Ranger by going in blind? It wasn't Jesus that let you down. Never has done and never will do, that is certain. Whatever is going to happen today, commit it to Him and trust in Him. He will find a way through all of this. Try not to fret or be anxious, this only leads to you  feeling negative. 

Today, God - if you allow Him - will bring His plan into operation and will take you through this. He may not answer in the way you will like but, He will answer and bring justice to your situation. He will also help you to bear whatever you may hear, about your test results. He is Lord and He can do more than we or any doctor could do. He can change situations; He can bring light into what appears dark. Don't write yourself off, trust Him.

Some people feel that God will wave a magic wand over circumstances and all will be well, rather like a fairy take. But we don't live in a fairy tale, we live in reality and at times life can be tough. We think, why doesn't God heal me? Why do I have to lose my house and go bankrupt; why, why, why? I wish I knew the answer to this. But one thing I know, Jesus knows best, He always has our best interests in mind. Don't forget, Jesus felt this way when He was in the Garden of Gethsemane. He pleaded that God would take this from Him but then, He said 'Not My will but Yours be done' Luke 22:42. He knows all about suffering and being anxious. But He trusted His Father, and that’s what you need to do.

Today, as you meet with whoever you have to, stand firm, knowing that Jesus is right beside you and be brave enough to say, 'Not my will, but Yours be done Lord.' 

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:

Lord Jesus, I have sinned   

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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Are you a Stirrer? Part 2

"We do not know what to do, but we look to You"    2 Chronicles 20:12  CSB

As a Christian, we have certain values and expectations and when anything comes along to try and change this, we need some help and advice. Take for example, the son or daughter who tells his Christian parents that they are gay. This can certainly knock the wind out of their sails, an unexpected disclosure that has the ability to change everything the family believe in.

How can this work in a Christian family. One option is to ask them to leave the home if they want to live this way. But this is not the way Jesus would want a parent to handle the situation. It is happening all over the world where young people are 'coming out' or in some families, wanting to have a sex change.  The latter is quite a drastic decision and one that requires some serious discussion and possibly counselling to check that this is what they want to do.

Assuming that this could be happening to you, let's look at the 'Coming out' area firstly. One thing a parent must do is realise that this is about the young person, not how it will affect the parent or the 'What will people think' scenario. Yes, it will conflict against the Christian values the family hold but, initially is there any reason to let anyone else know? It's about you and yours, not about what do they think. One thing though, it cannot be swept under the carpet because, sooner or later it will become public. Therefore, the first port of call is Jesus. What does He suggest? We know what His word says about homosexuality but, what is He saying to you? One thing He won't do is point the finger of judgement, it is what it is and this is the best place to start. He will also not want you to compromise this situation. So one thing you can say to your child is, 'Well, I don't agree with what you are doing but, I will support you through this.' What you are saying is that the situation is not ideal but you will be there for them and love them, no matter what. They need to know this. 

Jesus understands these things. It is not your fault, there is no need to take the blame and it is not your child's fault either. One thing we must realise is that God doesn't make mistakes. Your child was not born this way. It comes down to choice. The pressures on young people today is very strong, what with peer pressure, films, the internet and similar, a young person can become drawn into temptation the same way we are. Only one person can change this - the young person themself. You no doubt have brought them up in a Christian home. They know the drill but sometimes they can rebel and do their own thing. This may be temporary or long term. All you can do is pray for them that God will help them realise that living in such a way is against God's law. The world would disagree and have a hey day with these comments but, I'm just passing on what God feels about such a thing as this.

It's the same with gender changes. We're all born one gender - male or female. As I have said, God doesn't make mistakes but the devil will try to confuse young people's minds. Again, all you can do here is show them that it conflicts with your faith but, you will support them. And then, give it to God and pray, pray and pray some more. You can share it with trusted friends but, think before you do. Would the young person want you to do this? It's doubtful.

There is counselling but again, think this through; in this day and age it is an accepted part of life and authorities can come down strong on people who try to protest in this manner. I would suggest, for your child's sake, that you give this to Jesus with all of your worries and cares and ask Him to change things. He is on your side because, He knows what is written in His book. Therefore, He is committed to you.

A final word for parents going through this difficult time. If you have a trusted friend who you know will not gossip about this, then consider asking them to pray for you. But, above all else, know for certain that Jesus knows how you feel and will give you the support you need. It is a time to lean on Him and receive Proverbs 3:5-6 / Psalm 23

Here is a prayer for you:

Lord, show us the way to go with these issues. We believe that Your Word is true and binding so, please help us to find a way through it all and bring Your Shalom Peace into our lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:

Lord Jesus, I have sinned   

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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Are you a Stirrer?

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God"   Matthew 5:9   CSB 

What is the definition of a protester? According to many dictionaries, it is a person who participates in a public demonstration in opposition to something. It is expressing disapproval. There are many protests in the UK today and all over the world. A key one at this moment in the UK, is the withdrawal of the Winter Fuel Allowance. The over 60's, used to receive an allowance each year from the  government to help with heating costs. However, since a change of government, this has been stopped from October 2024 unless a person is on benefits. This has caused panic with older people because they feel that they won't be able to cope with the rising costs of fuel and electricity, especially since the major prices rises of late.

Now straightaway this could cause problems because it is a contentious area and an argument could arise because of this. Some feel that people on benefits are quite well off with the help they receive, whereas, people who are just over the threshold to qualify for financial help, are faced with the worry of how to meet the costs. Hence, we have a stigma developing and this is all causing unrest and bad feeling. Therefore, people are protesting about this area, But at the moment there seems no way it will change.

This brings us to how would Jesus handle this? Looking at this problem as a Christian who is not on benefits, will the loss of the Winter Fuel Allowance cause you a worry; will you struggle? If this affects you, do you feel bad about people on benefits receiving what you are no longer qualified to have? Is it worth protesting? Let's look at our text above. Jesus is talking about peacemakers. Is a protester a peacemaker? It all depends on how they go about it. There are peaceful protests and there are very many that turn into a riot with people damaging property and hurting each other. Protests are ok if, they are controlled and handled all the way through with a peaceful spirit. However, people who protest are seen by many as troublemakers; as stirrers of peace. And this is not the way a Christian should go.

Let us not forget (as we often do) that we can pray about anything and everything. Jesus understands what is happening in our world today. He doesn't pretend things aren't happening. Not at all; He is very concerned and is eager to see 'if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 15Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place.'  2 Chron 7:14-15. 

And also 'Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.  13And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.  14I will be found by you, says the Lord', Jeremiah 29:12-14

This is the hallmark of a peacemaker. Prayer changes things and this type of prayer brings peace into a situation instead of stirring up a hornet's nest. We'll have a look at another contentious area tomorrow. Until then, keep the flag of peace flying high

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:

Lord Jesus, I have sinned   

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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A City on a Hill

"You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden"  

                                                                            Matthew 5:14  CSB 

If you give yourself to Jesus, He'll take you up on it. However, you will be shot at by the devil (Eph 6) unless of course you hide behind something and be a secret Christian. A secret Christian wants to follow Jesus but, doesn't want the flak that goes with this, so remains quiet when in conversations. But there's no point to that at all. You were drawn to Jesus and now you live for Him and have become a city on a hill, it can't be hidden, it's there for all to see. 'No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lamp stand and it gives light for all to see in the house v15.

Because you are shining that light, you are going to get shot at - you're putting yourself on the line. People won't like you; they will not want to be in your presence because you are an embarrassment. But actually, you're not, you are a spiritual challenge. Wherever Jesus went there was a light, He lit up the darkness in people, hence why they crucified Him. You will not always be popular, because you shine up the darkness in their lives. However, this is not a game; this is serious stuff. People need Jesus; therefore: 'let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in Heaven.' v16.

Vicars wear dog collars so, it is easy to recognise what their line of work is. But, others have the light of Jesus around them and people know that you are different without any outward sign. Think of a city on a hill. When it is lit up, it can be seen for miles. People will know that it is a city. In the same way, as when you are walking in the Spirit and power of God, you should be a force to be reckoned with. Tony Evans writes:

'You will rarely see what God is willing to do in secret until, He sees what you are willing to do in public.' 

God knows your heart and what you are willing to do. But, He wants you to take that first step, once you do, He will open the floodgates of blessing so that you will be successful.

There is no real need to wear any outward sign that you are a Christian. People will know that you are a city on a hill when you are walking the walk and living the live of Jesus. There are a lot of screwed up, hurting people living around us. They need what you and I have - Jesus. So shine 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

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In God's timing - not yours

 "A man's gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men."  

                                                                             Proverbs 18:16. NKJV

So you have a gift - a talent and one in which you believe is from God? You believe that this gift will benefit other people but, at the moment the door is closed - God has not opened the door for you yet. Now this gift or talent, may be one that is a ministerial one, one in which would bless the church and start your ministry. Alternatively, this gift or talent, may be a great idea that you have to start a business, write a book, go to Uni or such like. Whatever it is, if nothing is happening God or someone else may be blocking you. If you have entrusted this to Jesus then, He will work on your behalf and you must allow Him to do this because, it is for your own benefit. If someone else is blocking you, God will move this obstacle when He is good and ready so, all in all, you are being represented properly.

The timing must be right and this is what God will be in charge of. Martyn Lloyd-Jones said, 

'The worst thing that can happen to a man (or woman) is to succeed before they're ready.' (brackets mine). Things are happening that you can't see, rather like a seed that has been planted. While it is under the soil it appears nothing is happening; then all of a sudden, there is growth. This may be happening for you. Things need putting in place for your plans to be successful. If you were to go NOW, it may be disastrous. So give God some space to work.

Tony Evans writes: 'God will meet you where you are in order to take you where, He wants you to go.' And this is so true. It is almost like 'God will make a way where there seems to be no way.' Just wait and at the right time, God will bring you to the attention of whom He wishes. This is very true if you are an author trying to get published. No matter how much the writer sends his manuscript to a publisher; they will more than likely send it back with a rejection letter. The writer needs someone like an agent to give him the success he dreams of. In a similar way, this is what you need. God is your agent and He knows the way ahead, the hazards and the trip wires. So if you are heading out on the business road, let God take the lead.

If on the other hand, you are awaiting your gifts to be recognised within your church setting, be willing to humble yourself and wait for God to move. He will. But the answer may be different to the one you expected. Remember, God is in control and He will lead you to do what He wishes for your life. Don't become disheartened; be joyful that God is working on a plan that will be tailor made just for you. So praise Him.

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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'One thing I know'. Final Part

"He answered and said, 'Whether He is a sinner or not. One thing I know; that though I was blind, now I see."                   John 9:25   NKJV  

Jesus had healed this man on the Sabbath, and the Pharisees did not like this one bit. God would never allow such a thing, they protested. The Pharisees were more concerned with the Jewish law than with the wonderful miracle that had happened to this man. They were full of religionism. Just the fact that this man stood before them able to see, would not move them into believing that Jesus must have something about Him. But no, they thought Him a sinner. This caused a division among the people, 'If He is a sinner  and not from God then how did this happen?'

The Pharisees called for the man;'s parents and asked them if their son had been born blind and, if he had, did they know how he could now see. The parents were frightened of being excommunicated and struggled to find the words to answer them. In the end, they said, 'He is of age; ask him. He will speak of himself.' So they called the man over:

 

'So they again called the man who was blind, and said to him, “Give God the glory! We know that this Man is a sinner.” 25He answered and said, “Whether He is a sinner or not I do not know. One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see. 26Then they said to him again, “What did He do to you? How did He open your eyes?” 27He answered them, “I told you already, and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become His disciples?”  John 9:24-27

Unlike his parents, the man made a stand for Jesus by telling them how he had once been blind, but could now see. When they persisted with their questioning, he even asked them if they wanted to follow Jesus too. I believe that he was not being rude here but, he was so overjoyed, he wanted everyone to know what had happened to him. The Pharisees were arrogant - he was humble. Petty quarrels about scripture can take priority over people and this is one thing that the church needs to correct; Jesus is not in these. Jerry Vine writes:

'When questioned by the Pharisees, he finally said "One thing I know; that though I was blind, now I see" (John 9:25) That statement has a great lesson for us. When all other evidence we can marshal to speak a word about Jesus can be met by challenges, one piece of evidence will always stand the scrutiny of the most aggressive critic - our personal experience of grace and the internal transformation that Jesus gives us when we give our lives to Him. This man had a new life. Though he knew little, that little was much! You may not be able to put into correct language what you believe about Jesus, but you can always testify to what Jesus has done for your soul.'                                            Jerry Vines - The Vines Expository Bible

Man may try to take away from you what God has done, or even try to water it down. Many are skeptical and critical; but, stand your ground, God has worked in you, not them and, many don't like it.

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:

'Lord Jesus, I have sinned and I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.

In Jesus' Name. Amen'

Copyright 2024 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

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

Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers

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

Check it out