A Brief View of Psalm 23

 "The LORD is my Shepherd; I have all I need."   Psalm 23:1  CSB.  (Read Psalm 23)

Let us 'pick the bones' out of this well-known Psalm. Verse 1 tells us that David had all he needed. He was not rich but, he was doing what he wanted to do at that time, and was satisfied. He had his sheep to look after - a great training field for when he would become King, although he didn't know it at the time. He also had his music and poetry to write. In the middle of the fields with only the sheep as company, he would have had peace and quiet to concentrate.

David was close to God and must have had some good fellowship with Him. Even though David was young, he would, like us, have had times when he was tired, possibly depressed and wondering what lay ahead for him. This is when God would have renewed him Later on in his life, he wrote 'He satisfies you with good things; your youth is renewed like an eagle.'  Ps 103:5. Usually, no one is better qualified to discuss or write about something that they have been through themselves.

In verse 4, David mentions 'the valley of the shadow of death' (NKJV) and 'Through the darkest valley' (CSB.) The valley of the shadow of death, does not mean that David felt he was going to die but, that he may find himself in a situation where death was a distinct possibility.

The 'darkest valley' points to the deep canyons in the wilderness into which one might fall into and not escape, unless God intervened. These were the risks that David and any other shepherd could face as they guided their flock. David though, was well aware that, wherever he went, God was with him. Therefore he didn't fear at all v4.

Can you see how close to God, David was? He was in a job where, if he chose, he could talk to God all of the time. That may not always be possible for you to do. But you can allow God to be in your thoughts, silently asking Him for guidance. Involving God in such a way brings ultimate satisfaction to both yourself and to God. He just loves your fellowship. And the times when you feel you have no energy left, is the time when you can call on Him and, He will bring renewal to your life. In a way, God is your partner - God and you. Partners do things together.

There will be times when, you have to do something, or go somewhere that you don't want to. Relax, if you are walking in such a close relationship with God, He'll take care of you; guide you and keep you safe. Most of us have what we need. It is what we want that causes the issues. It is so easy to buy things on your card; after all, you don't have to pay it for a month. The problems arise when, you don't pay the balance when the bill comes in; instead you may be tempted to pay the smaller amount and let the remainder wait until next time. This becomes problematic because, (a) You become in debt (b) You may be tempted to do the same next time the bill arrives. (c) the interest is rising and may get out of hand, leaving you more in debt. Don’t do it.

All in all, wouldn't you like the relationship with God that David had? God wants to have that type of relationship with you. He is willing, are you? Why not talk to Him about it; He will help you to put this into action but, remember, it may come at a cost and it may mean giving up all of the things that you have that, God feels you would be better without. It will mean total submission to Him and accountability. But, it will be well worth the effort.

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

Just what is Favour?

"So Joseph found favour in his sight and served him. Then he made him overseer of his house, and all that he had he put under his authority."  Genesis 39:4   NKJV 

What is favour? The bible definition of this word is that it is God's grace, which is defined as acceptance, goodwill and preferential treatment. Favour is similar to grace, but favour can be deserved or gained, while grace is always a free gift. The Hebrew definition is a word Ratson, for, pleasure, delight, desire and favour. In other words favour means 'To be pleased with.'

Therefore, it is not hard to see why Joseph was given favour by Potiphar, and then the head prison warden and finally by Pharaoh, when Joseph was promoted to Prime Minister. Notice that Joseph didn't promote himself, he was promoted and this was because people noticed his integrity and his value to them.

Joseph's values were respected and recognised. He was trusted and appreciated and this brought credit to the Lord. From being hated and mistreated by his brothers; accused of rape by Potiphar's wife and thrown into prison, Joseph rose to a great height and it was because, he placed God first place in his life. 

Psalm 5:12 says, 'For You O LORD, will bless the righteous; with favour You will surround him as with a shield.'

Notice the word 'Will' that I have highlighted. When we place Jesus first place in our life and, determine to be sold out for Him, He will bless us. He will surround us with a shield of protection. Wherever we are; whatever may happen to us, He will be there to encourage and protect us. This thought can bring encouragement when you find your self in a 'no-win' situation. You may not be able to help yourself but, Jesus has a way of turning up bringing peace and a miracle, if it is needed.

What do people see in you? Do they see someone they can trust? Are they drawn to you and even though they don't know why, find it difficult to pass by without speaking to you? In other words, does Jesus reign in your life so much that, they just can't resist you? This is how people saw Jesus. He drew them to Himself. They liked Him or hated Him but, they just could not resist Him. When we live in such a way, people may see you as a threat because, you bring a challenge to their lifestyle, and this makes them uncomfortable. Others may see you as a person living the life that they would like to live, but most of them don't know what it is. Yet again, although they are believers themselves, they may want to know Jesus, like you do.

It all comes from walking the walk with Jesus. Wouldn't you like to walk in the favour of God? If so, spend time at His Throne.

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

 

How do you renew your mind?

"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." 

                                                                                   Romans 12:2   NKJV

This process is lifelong and will not be completed until we're with Jesus. It is a process of examining our values and making the decision to change them and live for Jesus. This doesn't come easy, as I've just said. It takes effort, discipline and a determination to knock ourselves into shape so that we can walk in the Spirit. We have to learn to yield our whole self to God. Let's take a look at Ephesians 4:22-24 to examine this further.

"22 that you put off concerning your former conduct, the old man (self) which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man (self) which was created according to God in true righteousness and holiness.' 

Therefore, we're dealing with the old self and the new self. Paul compares the Christian life to stripping off the dirty clothes of a sinful past and putting on the snowy white robes of Christ's righteousness. So, the old self says, 'I want my will to be done, I want, I want.' The new self says, 'Not my will be done, but Yours Lord.' Do you see the difference? This is how we are changed or made new, in the attitude of our minds. We are putting God first.

It is completely discarding our former nature which has been corrupted and is being continually renewed in the spirit of your mind by having a fresh, untarnished mental and spiritual attitude. This renewed nature is being created in God's image - God-like, living in such a way that expresses to God your gratitude to Him for your salvation and everything else that He does for each one of us, daily.

God will not do this for us, but as we show Him that we mean business, He will help us every step of the way. Basically, it's learning to think how God thinks and this can take a life time. But let's not forget that He has given us a promise in His Word:

'being confident of this very thing, that he who has begun a good work in you, will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.'  Philippians 1:6

You're not there yet; there's a lot of work to be done; but as you look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, He will give you the ability to grow more like Him, each day.

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

Today is the day.

"See, now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation"  2 Corinthians 6:2  CSB

Today is the day! That's right - today. It is the only day you've got. Yesterday has gone and tomorrow may not come for you or anyone else. We have today. Do you put things off until tomorrow? Sorry for this depressing thought but, you may not have tomorrow. Many people who were alive yesterday are not today. We have to make the best of what we have got, while we still have it. It is true and we can't pretend that things are any different. 

How many times does your family ask if they can do a particular thing today but, you’re too busy and tell them, 'We'll do that tomorrow.' When tomorrow comes, you either forget, are more busier than you were yesterday or, as mentioned earlier, you are no longer around. Don't put things off; they are precious times; memories are made of these times.

Back in the 50's - 70's, we had a saying, 'They're our Sunday best.' Clothes or shoes that were bought for us, we classed as our best clothes and we played around in our old tatty usuals. When we came home from school, we changed out of our uniforms and put our play clothes on.  

For many, that saying has carried forward and we still have that, 'They're for Best' mentality. We buy clothes and then put them away in the wardrobe because we want to save them for best - we don't want to ruin them. Some people recycle these clothes because they have never worn them after a year or so. What a waste; you could have enjoyed them. Listen, there is no best, the best is now; set yourself free and enjoy wearing these new shoes and clothes. The only time best may be important is, when you have special wedding clothes. So at other times, enjoy your clothes. It's the same with any household tools or appliances, some say, 'I don't want to use that/them, because it'll get dirty; There's still life in the old one.'

Listen, God wants us to live for today. Life can be so short here on Planet Earth. For Christians, when we die, we carry on with eternal life in heaven. But family or friends want to enjoy you now. God created you and from thereon. you have asked Jesus into your life. You are living in 'Now' time and He wants you to enjoy what you have got. 

Don't save things for best, use them for best right now. Live for today and enjoy every moment. Get the best out of your life that you can. The only real best to look forward to, is when you meet Jesus face to face. Now, that may be scary for those who have refused to accept Him as Lord. They will have life eternal in the lake of fire. But for those who know Him and have accepted Him as Lord, will have the best - eternal life in heaven. Now make that your best thought! But until then, enjoy what God has given you and be grateful. Today is the day!

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

An opportunity to ask Jesus into your life

"The wicked are not like this; instead they are like chaff that the wind blows away."    

                                                                                          Psalm 1:4-6  CSB

Wherever there is a good side, there is always a not so good side and we read about this in these three verse.

As Christians, we have asked Jesus into our hearts and He has come and forgiven our sin as we have repented. Sadly, there are many people who still have not heard about Jesus and, this is why men and women of God are going around the world preaching about Jesus. There are many people who flatly refuse to accept Jesus as their Lord and, these are the one's the Psalmist is referring to.

As swiftly as the Word enters their minds, they turn it away. Actually, Satan does this because he doesn't want people saved. Therefore, he steals the Word away. The Psalmist describes these people as chaff, which is so light, it is easily blown away in the wind. Chaff is the light shell around the kernel of grain. It must be stripped away before grinding of the grain into flour begins.

The people referred to as chaff, are the 'wicked' or 'sinners'. They are described as unstable in their ways, very much the opposite of the people who accept Jesus. Many have no staying power and are whisked away like chaff, as soon as they begin to show an interest in Jesus.

Spurgeon comments on chaff: 'Intrinsically worthless, dead, unserviceable, without substance and easily carried away.' Tough words indeed but, aptly described. Dr David Jeremiah comments further on verse 5 and standing up in the judgement: 

'To stand up in the judgement v5, is a desired outcome here, a symbol of divine approval. The assembly of the righteous, refers to God's people - those whose faith is reflected by their delight in God's Word (1:2) and who live according to it. In the day of judgement, they will not be left standing  with those who love God and strive to obey Him; they will be separated and sentenced to eternal punishment'.                                                         Dr David Jeremiah

It is therefore, so very important that people know about Jesus and have the opportunity to accept Him as Lord. Why not send this commentary to someone you know, who needs Jesus:

'Lord Jesus Christ, I give my life to You today. Please forgive my sins and fill me with You Holy Spirit and, be my Lord and Saviour. Amen.

Bring them into the kingdom

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

        

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers

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

Check it out

 https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B084G9S4FD/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2

My Forever Friend

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow."   Hebrews 13:8  CSB 

This is a most encouraging verse. Even though there was all of the hostility and arguments around in Jesus' time on earth, He never changed, not one bit. And now, 2000 years or so later, He is still the same. He is still the same Jesus that the disciples came to know, and, He is still the same Jesus that you came to know when you were saved.

The well- known Christian singer/song writer Charlie Landsborough wrote the lovely  

"My Forever Friend"

Chorus

'He's my forever friend, 

my leave-me-never friend, 

From darkest night to rainbows end, 

He's my forever friend.

If you've never heard this song, It will be encouraging for you to seek it out. He has made numerous albums. This sums up, for me, the realisation that Jesus is always there for me and, He never changes. All through the ages He has always been the same. We change but He never does. He is steadfast, loyal and dependable. His constant love and support are ongoing and even in your darkest of moments, He is there, right with you. It's almost like He would give you a hug and say, 'It's going to be all right, I'm here with you and I'll never leave you.' 

There is no love to match what He offers us and, when we allow Him to enter right into our lives, the difference He makes is amazing. Yes, we still have bad days. It's called being normal; the difference is, Jesus is right there with us. There is no small print to read, no buttons to press with someone saying, 'Your call is important to us.' Not at all. We don't have to call Him because He is always with us, unless of course, we have moved away from Him, and we do this quite often.

You may wake up in a bad mood; He doesn't because He doesn't sleep, He is too busy watching over you. You may grumble and moan, rant and rave at other motorists on the road. Jesus sits there beside you and says, 'Be anxious for nothing.' He offers you peace and tranquility; not anxiety. We get ourselves into all types of problems and upsets just because we like to take control. Jesus is there with you. Let Him be your guide and peacemaker.

Friends let you down, He doesn't. Friends can hurt you bitterly, He would never do this. Friends are not always available to help. Jesus is, why:

Because, He is your Forever Friend

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

Forgiveness

14“For if you forgive others their offences, your heavenly Father will forgive you as well. 15But if you don’t forgive others,  your Father will not forgive your offences."

                                                                     Matthew 6:14-15  CSB

God is not pleased when we refuse to forgive other people their sins against us and yet, expect to receive forgiveness from Him. Let us not forget, that He died on a cross for each one of us - to cancel our sins and give us the hope of eternal life. By giving Jesus our lives and receiving Him into our hearts, we are then committed to obeying His will.

Holding un-forgiveness in our hearts is not good for us; it leads to bitterness and the only places that bitterness can dwell is in our hearts and memory. The only power it can have over us, is the power we  give it. Think about that.

We give bitterness and bad memories the power to disable us. Some days, it is all we think about. Other days, we are ok but, the memory is still within us - that root of bitterness and certain things we encounter can be reignited and brought back to life. Ask yourself: 

Is this the best for us? Is this what God wants? Are we in error? Read v15 again: 'But if you don't forgive others, your Father will not forgive your offences.' Now, that is a disturbing thought.

When we fail to forgive someone, we are carrying sin around with us; and this means we are not in fellowship with the Holy Spirit. Sin is blocking the way. This is a bad situation to be in. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 2:10-11: 

10Anyone you forgive, I do too. For what I have forgiven — if I have forgiven anything — it is for your benefit in the presence of Christ, 11so that we may not be taken advantage of by Satan. For we are not ignorant of his schemes. We have to be careful that we don't open the door to Satan. He is only too willing for you to let him into a situation and, refusing to forgive someone, he will have a heyday with. In just a very short time, if you're not careful, he will have caused chaos and division. He has done this with numerous churches and Christian people throughout the world. Don't give him the chance. Whatever it is - Forgive!

Just remember, when we forgive, Jesus forgives us too and that means all of the inner things that no one knows about, that go on in our life.

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