Hopelessness? - Look to Jesus

"And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you, then He who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through His Spirit who lives in you".                                   Romans 8:11   CSB

From one point of view, this piece of scripture discusses the resurrection of our bodies, that we will receive when we die. But, we're also dealing with scripture - the living word, that can speak into our lives right at this moment.

We should never discount the Power of God to bring about hope in a hopeless situation. Tony Evans writes: 'The Spirit is like an engine in a car that can take us where God wants us to go. Too many of us are trying to push the car of life around, when God wants us to let the engine do the work.' Think about this; the Holy Spirit is our guide, He wants to take the lead. He knows what He is doing, half the time, we don't and this is where we miss out. If the Holy Spirit shows us a solution or points us in a particular direction; then allow Him to guide and direct you, don't try and rush ahead of Him.

We may find ourselves in a hopeless situation, one in which we have tried everything to solve; However, we are no nearer to resolving it. So we pray and ask God to show us a way out of this situation. This is when we need to leave it to Him. We have tried our way and the problem is still there. If we have asked Jesus for help then wait for the help. Like trying to push the car in the example above, we have tried in our own strength and this has resulted in nothing. So leave it.

God can take the hopelessness or impossible and turn it into curable and promising. He is the God of the hopelessness; the God of the impossible situation. He can change what He wants to change. But, you must look at the situation through the eyes of faith, just like Jesus looks at it. Take for example Peter when he walked on the water (Matt 14:27-31). When he heard God's call and fixed his eyes on Him, he walked on the water. But, when he looked at the raging waves around him, he panicked and sank. That is the difference; we need to fix our eyes, faith, belief and our confidence in Jesus and allow Him to do the rest for us.

What are you looking at? Are you looking at the world with all its hopelessness or, are you looking at Jesus? Jesus has the ability to raise you up out of any situation you may find yourself in. Think for a moment. If Jesus can raise your body to heaven when you die, then I am certain that He can help with your situation. Can you Amen that?

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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Has the Holy Spirit left you?

"Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me?"    

                                                                   Psalm 51:10-11 NKJV 

The answer to our question above, if you are a believer in Jesus Christ and have been filled with His Spirit then no, He hasn't left you; never has, never will. You may ask, 'Well then, why does David ask the Lord not to take the Holy Spirit away from him? The answer to this, is that Old Testament believers were not in-dwelt with the Spirit. The Spirit came upon them but not within them. This was the case with all OT believers until The New Testament, where at Pentecost Jesus sent the Holy Spirit with fire and they were all filled with God's Spirit. Since then, all believers have the Spirit reigning within them.

This was why David was concerned that God would take the Holy Spirit from him. Don't forget, David had committed adultery with Bathsheba and had her husband placed on the front line of his army where he faced certain death. Blood was on David's hands and the sin felt so heavy upon him. He was also aware that the Spirit had left Saul and he was now a nobody (1 Samuel 16:14). Therefore, David could do nothing except plead with God to forgive him and show him mercy. And God did this.

So, the Holy Spirit will never leave us. However, sometimes it feels like He has. I'm sure that you've felt like this occasionally. It feels like God has packed up His things and left. Relax, He hasn't. Why does this happen to us? Well, let's look back to David. He had unforgiven sin; he was guilty of this. He had burned with lust when he saw Bathsheba sunbathing on her roof. Because of his powerful position, he was able to summon her to his courts and adultery was committed, leaving her pregnant. He had schemed, having her husband killed on the battle fields. He was covered in sin. (2 Samuel 11 + 12)

Now for us, when we have sinned, because the Holy Spirit dwells within us, He convicts us until we have repented and put things right with God. When we don't, we are carrying that sin around with us and, it becomes a heavy weight. The Holy Spirit is with us but, we can't feel Him because the sin separates us from Him. He hasn't left - it's like we have and things will not change until we ask God to forgive us. 

 

It is the same when we have upset our spouse or someone else. We need to go to the that person and ask them to forgive us. It won't get better until it we do. RT Kendall mentions in one of his books, that one day he was preparing a sermon for the following Sunday. His wife came into his study for something, interrupting him, and he was quite rude to her. He spent the rest of the day, trying to write his sermon but, nothing came. He was too stubborn to say he was sorry to his wife, therefore, by the evening, he had accomplished nothing. He suddenly heard God tell him to go and apologise, he refused at first but on the third prompting, he went downstairs and apologised and they kissed and made things up. And when he went back to his sermon, he finished it in 15 minutes.

Sin will block the presence of the Holy Spirit so, if you feel that God has left you (which He hasn't) go and put things right with whoever you need to, including God, and then move on in the Power of the Holy Spirit.

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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What are your priorities?

"Nevertheless, I have this against you, that you have left your first love."   

                                                              Revelation 2:4   NKJV 

Let us take for example a marriage. If one of the partners follow their duties within the home and yet leave their partner out, then pretty soon there will be an upset. Husbands and wives should do their duties within the home with the other partner in mind - such as wanting to please them.

It was a similar thing here in the church of Ephesus. The leaders and members, were too busy with orthodox routine and therefore, neglected putting God in His rightful place - first.

The Church of Ephesus were so committed and dedicated to their mission that they left the most important part out - Jesus. They had a correct doctrine but not a correct heart. They had rightly tested everything in scripture and found that some so-called apostles, did not teach pure doctrine. Jesus had recognised their diligence in this area but, rebuked them because they had not put Him first. They were merely following a program of their own making - routine. Duty had replaced devotion.

This is so easy to do. Dedication can take over. Take for example Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42. Martha chose to work in the house, serving Jesus instead of spending the time with Him as Mary was doing. Mary wanted to listen and learn. Martha wanted to work and serve.

Spending too much time doing what we feel is God's work, instead of worshipping Him will bring His displeasure. Yes, He is pleased when we are out and about organising this event and attending that course etc. But, there is no replacement for spending time with Jesus. When we spend time in His presence, He will show us much more about ourselves and the way He wants us to go. We should never be too busy to spend this precious time with Him. However, we need to avoid the routine.

If we're not careful, we can find ourselves being 'routine led' instead of 'Spirit led.' If we are in the routine mode, we find ourselves doing the same old thing daily; praying the same old prayers. I'm not saying this is a bad thing; it is better than doing nothing. However, when we are in the Spirit, He leads us to new things. We become more open to Him because we are free from following the same old routine each day. 

Try this out for a week; just leave the time you spend with Jesus each day, to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Let Him take the lead. I am sure that you will adopt this way from thereon. And you will be putting Jesus first in what you do, 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 

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Have you a dream?

"Look, this dreamer is coming"       Genesis 37:19. NKJV 

Joseph was a dreamer but, the difference with him and the many others who dream about what they would like to happen, is Joseph's dreams were prophetic. He was only a teenager when this began and eager to talk and, possibly brag about his dreams. This annoyed his brothers and even his father, Jacob, questioned one of his dreams. Lack of discretion led his brothers to consider killing him. However, in the end, they sold him as a slave to some travellers and he ended up in Egypt. In the end, his God-given dreams led to great power and fame.

What about you, have you a dream? Is the dream about being rich and famous and living the life? Or is it something that you would like to achieve - write a book, be an actor or be a lawyer? Do you feel that your dream is God-inspired or just something you would like to do. Whatever it is, what are you going to do about it? Or are you going to be like the many millions of people who just talk about it but, never get round to putting it into action. Don't get to the end of your life and regret not doing it. Why not push a few doors to see if they will open for you.

If your dream is God-inspired, what do you feel He wants you to do? Could it be to train for the ministry at bible college? Is God giving you the knowledge to invent something that will change people's lives forever? Whatever your dream is, it may have been on your heart for some time but, opportunities have been rare and  when you have had the opportunity, you may have felt that it could never work - it's just a dream.

In July 1994, Jeff Bezos, saw a gap in the market and created Amazon. He started from his garage and built the company up into a major business all over the world. He is now a billionaire. I'm not saying that you could do the same but, the principle is there. He saw the opportunity and took the plunge and it paid off for him. He started his career flipping burgers at McDonalds and then moved on. In 2020, he had a net worth of £180 Billion. (Google).

If God drops an idea into your head, act on it. Yes, there may be a risk involved but, if God is in it, He will take you through to the other side. Don't fear, instead pray and listen to what God tells you. Act cautiously, one step at a time under the direction of the Holy Spirit. Remember as well, many people don't like dreamers, rather like Joseph's brothers but, God loves them and that is all you need.

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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Small will get bigger

"Then it came to pass the seventh time, that he said, 'There is a cloud as small as a man's hand rising out of the sea."   1 Kings 18:44   NKJV 

With the drought still in action, Elijah told King Ahab that it was over - it would be no longer. Later, Elijah told his servant six times to look across the sea to check if the weather had changed, but there was nothing. On the seventh visit (he would not give up) the servant returned with the message that there was a small cloud, like a man's fist. That settled it for Elijah, he knew the rain was coming. There's a lesson here, don't give up or you may miss out. Small beginnings are good: 'For who has despised the day of small things.' Zechariah 4:10. Things will get better.

David Guzik gives a great comment on this subject: 

'There is a cloud, as small as a man’s hand, rising out of the sea: Elijah prayed, asking in faith for God to send the rain. Elijah obviously sensed this was the will of God, yet it was his fervent prayer that brought the rain. The evidence of the rain came slowly and in a small way, but out of this small evidence God brought a mighty work.
i. In the November 9, 1904, edition of The Life of Faith, a London newspaper dedicated to the deeper life movement, a writer named Jessie Penn-Lewis reported on a remarkable work just beginning in Wales under the ministry of men like Evan Roberts and Seth Joshua. She reported that a cloud no bigger than a man’s hand had arisen in Wales. It was a fitting description of the clear but small beginning of what became a mighty work.
ii. Charles Spurgeon used this text as an illustration of the small signs that precede a mighty work of God. He spoke of four “certain signs and tokens for good which prayerful faith clearly perceives when an awakening, a genuine revival is about to come.” Christians should regard the following things as clouds, as small as a man’s hand, rising out of the sea:
· A growing dissatisfaction with the present state of things, and an increasing anxiety among the members of the church for the salvation of souls.
· When this anxiety leads believers to be exceedingly earnest and importunate in prayer.
· When ministers begin to take counsel one with another, and to say, “What must we do?”
· When we shall see the doctrine of the individual responsibility of each Christian fully felt and carried out into individual action.
e. Prepare your chariot, and go down before the rain stops you: This was a word of faith from Elijah to Ahab. Based only on the sighting of a cloud that was as small as a man’s hand, he knew a torrent was on the way.'    Enduring Word  David Guzik

Success may be evading you at this time, but don't give up. Keep on praying; refuse to stop. Don't try to run ahead of yourself. If God is in your particular situation. He will answer your prayer. He will show you what to do.

Your business may be suffering. You may be on the brink of being made redundant at work. You may be at your wit's end with worry and confusion and don't know what to do. Sharpen your faith. Speak faith into your situation. Have the attitude that you know God is in this, 'so I won't give up'. Praise Him, yes that's right. It may be difficult to do in your situation but, come on, you need to do this! And it is all you have got at this time. 

Just hang in there until that small fist arrives.

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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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

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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