Sharpen your skills

7"Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded".  James 4:7-8   CSB

How should we respond when we realise that we have been living a selfish existence - The 'M' Factor? Well, you'll soon know about this when you don't appear to be getting anywhere with your daily time with Jesus. The 'M' Factor is when you are praying: 'Please let me have this Lord' and 'I want it now Lord, I can't wait a moment longer.’ God's response to this type of prayer is - Zilch, you get nothing. James says, 'You ask and don't receive because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.' James 4:3

When we have been acting in this way, we must realise that we have been very selfish, just looking after our own desires and requests. Therefore we need to repent. We do it this way:

Submit to God  Remember that God resists the proud but, gives grace to the humble (v6), so this is the place to start. We need to recognise our weaknesses, stop fighting and wanting everything we see like a spoiled child and surrender to Jesus. 

Resist the devil  Don't ever doubt that the devil is much stronger that we are and, smarter too. Let's face it, he has years of practice and he won't stop trying to get you to keep on acting in a selfish manner. The only way he can be stopped, is to quote relevant scriptures to him, like Jesus did when he was in the wilderness. When we proclaim this, he runs away but, know that he will return at some unexpected time so, be on your guard (1 Peter 5:8-9).

Draw near to God  This means to come into His presence with prayer, praise and repentance. This, however, must be a daily occurrence, not just once a week on a Sunday.

Note something that can be easily missed; as we draw near to God, He will draw near to us. He doesn't require talking round by trying to win Him over. He is not like a human being. He is a forgiving and loving God, one in which as we go to Him, He comes to us, perhaps with arms extended and will wrap them around us when we reach Him. He is the Almighty God - El Shaddai and even though He has many followers all over the world, He still has quality time for you.

Isn't it about time that you realise just how much Jesus cares for you? He wants you secure in this fact; strong in this fact and rock solid in this fact. His arms were wide open on the cross and, they are still wide open every time He thinks of you. Savour this thought.. 

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

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Hard Heartedness

"So the heart of Pharaoh was hard; neither would he let the children of Israel go, as the Lord had spoken by Moses."                                                    Exodus 9:35      NKJV

To the Hebrew, the heart was the centre of one's existence, including emotions, wisdom and skill. A person acts and speaks from the heart, so we should guard it carefully. (Matthew 15:18-19. So the heart of Pharaoh was hard, he wouldn't let the children of Israel go as the Lord had spoken through Moses.

Hard-Heartedness, is a symbolic expression for rebellion or a stubborn and unyielding spirit. David Guzik comments:

'Hardening the heart against God is sin; failing to repent when God graciously answers our plea, is to ignore His rich mercy. To ignore His rich mercy, is to sin yet more.'
                                                                                         Copyright 2018 David Guzik

Hardness of heart has its root in many areas. One of these is when a person has been hurt so deeply that they find it difficult to accept it - even to make sense of it. They may have trusted someone deeply and then, had the wind knocked out of their sails by being trodden all over by this particular person. Yes this hurts, but the hard-hearted one is the one who is suffering, not the person who supposedly caused it. Bitterness can begin to settle within the heart and it can cause arguments within families; bad feeling towards church members or whoever else.
One particular cause was addressed by Jesus. He taught about the parable of the Sower and said in Mark 4:16-17:

'These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness.; 17 and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulations or persecution arises for the word's sake, immediately they stumble.'

Basically, what Jesus was saying is that they have no depth. They have not placed the Word of God deep enough within their heart. Therefore, when trouble, designed to hurt and maim comes their way, instead of handling the situation God's way, they internalise it and become bitter and hard-hearted.
This may be where you are at this time. You may be like a bear with a sore head over things that have happened to you. This doesn't mean that you can lose your salvation - not at all. God is not like that. However, He does want it sorting out and the best way to do it, is to talk to Him and let Him do a little Spiritual surgery on you.
Just think, the only one who is hurting through this, is yourself and the people who are close to you. The one that hurt you, doesn't know about it, unless you have told them. For peace of mind and for your own self-preservation, don't you owe it to yourself to give it to God and be set free? You'll feel a lot better.

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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Can you offer encouragement to someone?

"Anxiety in the heart of man, causes depression. But a good word makes it glad."   

                                                                           Proverbs 12:25. NKJV

At some time in our life, we may be prone to depression. The weight and the pressures of life can leave us in despair. Usually for many, it is short lived as something comes along that changes our mood for the better. Some people however, are not built that way and, can plummet to the depths of darkness. This is the world of depression, anxiety and PTSD and at the time, there appears no way out of it. Some people have to go on long term medication and in extreme cases, some have too be hospitalised. 

Bibleref.com puts it this way: 'Jesus warned against anxiety. He said, "Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear'" (Matthew 6:31). He offered words of encouragement by saying, "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you" (Matthew 6:33). The apostle Paul, too, warned against anxiety and told his readers to pray about everything with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6). He promised that anxiety would cease and God's peace would guard the heart and mind (Philippians 4:7). Furthermore, the Holy Spirit has come alongside believers to encourage us in our walk with the Lord. Jesus called Him the Helper who would be with us forever (John 14:16). When we are tempted to worry, the Helper brings Scriptures to mind that assure us of God's presence and provision'.

Our text above, encourages us to speak a good or kind word to whoever we know are in a depressed state. A word in season can lift someone out of the darkness and just show them that someone cares for them or, understands what they may be going through. To understand this, one has to get into a person's internal frame of reference, or sit in someone's shoes and know how it feels. This of course is not always possible but, using empathy - by listening to them and feeding back a little of what they have said, can help show the person that you are truly listening to them. We are often tempted to believe that the person who is depressed, is play-acting. This is so wrong to think this. Yes, it can be used for a form of getting attention but, we are not called to judge and, they genuinely may need help.

Who do you know who could do with an encouraging telephone call, or if appropriate, a visit?They may suffer long term mental health problems such as depression but then again, it may be caused by extreme worry and anxiety brought on by a heavy load of problems that are weighing the person down and, blocking the way of freedom. You may be just the tonic that they need. On the other hand, they may tell you that they are ok and block all of your attempts to help them. That is ok; you've at least tried and you have also touched base with them for the future when, they may be more accepting of your help and encouragement. 

A word of warning, don't try too change them, just listen. You are not there to be their counsellor, just someone who wants to offer encouragement and help if they need it. If you can think of someone who could do with encouragement, why not contact them!

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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Another aspect that leads to sin

"She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate'   Genesis 3:6   NKJV 

Adam did not take the responsibility that God had placed on him. Instead of putting an end to this wicked scheme the serpent was tempting Eve with, he went along with it. He could have been interested to see where all of this led to. Then again, he could have been enthralled by it himself and closed a blind eye to it all. Whatever, he allowed sin into our world. He was a responder instead of a leader and from the moment he fell to the temptation himself, it was too late and it went totally wrong from there. 

Sin blinds our minds and takes over our lives if we are not in control. Did Adam pretend he didn't know what Eve was doing? I don't think so. I believe that he was fully aware but, possibly through lack of experience, he allowed himself to be overcome by all of it. How often do you do this? We know right from wrong and yet are quite often caught out by things. What about when we pay cash for something in a shop and the shop assistant gives us more change than she should have done. Do we tell the person, or, do we walk away quite pleased that we were given change for a £20 note instead of a £10 one. This is deceit when you think about it and that shop assistant may have to make up the money themselves at the end of the day.

What about when we sell something, knowing full well that there is something wrong with it, but not disclosing it to the buyer. It could be a car, a house, anything. But when we do things like this again, we are acting in a deceitful way. Then of course there are the times that we borrow something from a friend and never return it. I can think of several times that this has been done to us. But then, I'm reminded about the times when I have done just the same. But it shouldn't be this way.

In life, there are many rules and laws that we need to obey. Breaking the speed limit is one. How many of us go over the limit when we are driving? What about drinking and driving - you know, just that little drink for the road. That may cost you your life or someone else's if you have an accident. When we're in the stationery cupboard in the office, we may build up our supply of paper and pens but how many of us take these home and use them for our own uses? That is being picky; no it's not, it is theft.

Jesus would want us to live our lives in such a way that no-one, can point the finger at us. We are His ambassadors, we represent Him. And this is what Adam should have been doing that day back in the garden. He should have used his authority instead of compromising and it cost everything. Food for thought?

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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Three aspects of sin

"So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate"   Genesis 3:6   NKJV

Even though we may be seasoned Christians and know God's Word well, we can still fall for temptation. Many do, especially Christian leaders. No one is safe from being trapped in the web of sin. From reading these two verses, I believe there are 3 aspects that can so easily trip us up. Let's take a look at each one and note if it applies to you:

Saw that the tree was good for food

The devil began spreading his lies and encouraged Eve to look at the tree. She did and was intrigued. The fruit looked as if it would taste delicious and the more she gazed at it, she wanted it. She then touched it and was hooked. This is the danger that any of us can find ourselves in. We know the truth but, the devil can twist this truth and make it appear as if it will be ok. As we go towards this temptation and make that first touch, there is no way back; we are in sin. 

Pleasant to the eyes

The devil showed Eve that it was very pleasant to look at. The more she looked, the more she wanted what she saw. Let's take for instance adultery. The more we allow ourselves to get into a risky situation, we are in danger of falling to the temptation. Jesus said: 'You have heard that it was said to those of old, "You shall not commit adultery." 28 'But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman (or man) to lust for her (him), has already committed adultery with her (him) in his heart.'  (Matthew 5:27-28 Bracketed additions mine)

Desirable

Eve found this irresistible and so will you if you allow yourself to get into this position. Like Eve, you will look and keep looking, finding it very pleasant and will easily be flattered by the attention and the risk it poses. In fact, you will be hooked - caught in the net and, for today's man or woman, this could be the internet, where lustful material can easily be found feeding the desire within and then having a realistic offer, may be very difficult to turn down.

Eve just had to take the fruit, she had to have it, no matter what. No one would know anyway. Don't take the risk; you could end up losing everything. Daily in the media we hear about famous people who have fallen to the temptation and lost their lucrative lifestyle because of it, and their family. It is not worth it. No sin is, it comes with a pretty hefty price; one in which you will regret for the rest of your life.

Don't live with the words in your mind, 'If only I hadn't done this'.

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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"I could never do that, Lord"

"we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight."  

                                                                 Numbers 13:33  NKJV 

Moses had sent out twelve men to spy out the land of Canaan in preparation to the Israelites going over to this Promised Land. On their return, Caleb and Joshua gave good reports about the place. Caleb said 'Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.'  v30. However, the other ten gave a bad report, 'We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we.' v31 and v33 'There we saw the giants (the descendants of Anak came from the giants); and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.' These two statements are self-fulfilled prophecies. They saw themselves as weak and, therefore, felt that others would too and, because of their attitude, the people would see their negativity.

God sees us as winners and over-comers, but many times people see us the way we see ourselves - weak and incapable. Attitudes rule our lives. Our outlook on life is either, 'I can do this' or 'I can't do this'. Our attitude has the power to help us through whatever we face or, bury us underneath them. What about you? Do you have a Grasshopper mentality or a Giant killer mentality? In other words, whose report do you believe?

Achievers are not avoiders. Achievers find solutions to the problems of life and thus, discover a tremendous power within themselves: 'You are of God little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world' 1 John 4:4. The Lord Jesus Christ lives in your heart, without Him you can do nothing (John 15:5), with Him, you can do all things through Him who strengthens you. (Phil 4:13). YOU ARE ABLE! 

What are you facing right now? Like we have seen from this account in Numbers 13, we, as Christians, see things through faith-filled eyes, where other people - some believers and unbelievers always appear to live on doubt or even fear. They are not risk takers, in fact, some fail to do anything risky, staying locked in their comfort zone. Consequently. they feel that you should be this way too, However, if God is giving you a nudge to do a particular thing, then do it. If you continue to listen to doubters, you'll never go anywhere. Remember, God sees you as a winner and Jesus lives in your heart and He is greater than the devil - who will do all he can to stop you carrying out God's work.

If this has given you the nudge that you have been praying for, then get out and do it. You have a mission to carry out!

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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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

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

Check it out