Seasons

"He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bring forth its fruit in season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper."  

                                                Psalm 1:3   NKJV 

With only a short time of summer left, we are nearing autumn, a time that offers beautiful leaf colours that eventually flutter to the ground. For them, the season is over, but not for the wildlife who gather them up for nesting and habitat purposes. A fallen leaf is so easy to crush. It no longer has its water supply, therefore, it may become brittle and break into pieces as it is crushed. This brings a benefit to many insects who gather the pieces up, possibly as an eating resource during the winter months.

Seasons come and go. For the tree, the most important part is the hidden root system that draws up water for the plant. In a similar way, the most important part of a believer's life is the spiritual root system that draws on the hidden resources we have in Jesus. To ignore this root, can lead to us becoming dry and brittle. We've probably all felt this way at times.

Seasons come and go for us too. One moment we can be in the flow of things and then, suddenly, we come down with a bump. It maybe because, within the church, we have been used on a regular basis - preaching, teaching, music, children's work etc. Then all of a sudden, nothing. This can hurt our feelings but it may not be because you are not wanted any longer. Rather like footballers are substituted within a match to give them a rest period and somebody else a chance to play, this may be where you are, at this moment. Try not to take it personally. Seasons come and go and yours may be over for a short time. Notice that I said, 'for a short time'. Obviously, if the period that you are inactive is longer than you anticipated, be brave and try to find out when you'll be allowed back on the pitch.

One thing that we must all do, is stay spiritually fit. We must take care that we are looking after our spiritual root system so that it doesn't become dry. Like the tree and other plants need watering and the right kind of plant food, then you are the same. You need to dust yourself down with the words of scripture on a regular basis. Whether you are being used in the church or not, you still need to keep spiritually fit. You never know when you are going to be called on to act for Jesus. If you are spiritually dry and brittle, you will be of no use to someone who is feeling the same way. That would be like that old anecdote about seeing a person on the edge of a cliff who is obviously going to jump off, and you running up to counsel him and then you both jump off. Joking aside, you need to keep yourself in trim. 

Are you open to the fact that God may be leading you into a new season in your life? Your time doing what you have been doing, may have come to an end and, God has pulled the plug on it. Now you need to see what amount of spiritual power He will be pouring into you for a new season. Just be open to this fact. It may not be now but, then again, it may be. Be ready; this is the type of excitement that Jesus puts us through from time to time. But whether He is leading you into a new season or not, be alert but also enjoy the R&R that He has provided for you. Remember though, He may have given you the rest to get you ready for something better. Wow!

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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Roll it over to the Lord

"Commit your works to the LORD and your thoughts will be established"  

                                                  Proverbs 16:3. NKJV 

The word here for 'Commit', is Hebrew which is galal. It means 'to roll down, roll away' Therefore, this can be translated as roll your burdens or your plans over to the Lord. The picture here is of a camel burdened by a very heavy load. When the camel reaches its destination and the load is to be removed, the camel kneels down, tilts far to one side and the load rolls off.

For us, as we hand our load to the Lord, this demonstrates that our will is in total submission to Him. Obviously, we don't have to roll over but as we commit our burden over to Him, who is able,  our thoughts and plans are achieved. Think about the load that the camel carries through the rough, hot and rather dangerous desert. With the heat of it all, the camel struggles but the relief at the end, as it rolls the load off, is amazing. 

The camel was created for this type of work, you were not. To carry the loads that you are carrying sometimes, is too much for you. Your load incorporates, heavy burdens with worry, concerns and tremendous fear. To add to this, you create for yourself sleepless nights which cause extreme stress and tiredness. There may be work problems which won't go away; complaints against you; people talking behind your back. Then there is your home life, fretting about bills, kids and a host of other things. 

Don't you think it is about time that you 'rolled' it over to the Lord. He is more capable than you are and a brilliant problem-solver. Put it this way, if you continue to carry all of this baggage about, you're on the highway to illness. The problems will still be there but, you won't even be  able to fix them; so submit.

Think about it, if you hang far too many clothes on your washing line, it may snap, and all your clean washing will be on the floor in the mud and dirt. Do you see the simple analogy? This could be you if you don't slow down. You could snap if you don't change things. Why not make yourself a cup of coffee or tea, get your bible and sit in a relaxing chair and talk to your friend Jesus. Roll it all over to Him. He knows you better than you know yourself and, you know that He has been wanting you to do this for some time. So do it.

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 invited?

"For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness."  Psalm 84:10  NKJV

The doorkeeper would rather stand at the door of God's courts than fall to the temptations that the world has to offer. He sums it up really, he would sooner be standing at the door of God's Courts than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. You know, to the wicked - the people who refuse Jesus and consequently spend their life enjoying the pleasures that they chase after. To them it is wonderful, but really, they're spending their time in tents when they could be in a mansion. Food for thought.

What if we live the life of pleasure and ignore Jesus? How will it feel on the Day of Judgement when you realise that your name is not on the invitation? How will it feel to see your family and friends who know Jesus as their Lord, walking into the courts and you are turned away? What if it is the other way around and you are welcomed into the courts and your family and friends are turned away? Is it really worth the gamble?

This is not just a story written to scare people, it is fact. One day, and this may be soon, we will all stand before the Lord to give an account of our lives. If your name is written in the Book of Life, you are invited to walk into the kingdom. However, if it is not written in the book, you will be turned away, with no second chances. This is serious stuff!

There is more pleasure in being a doorkeeper at God's door than missing out on a life that you could never imagine how wonderful it will be. I would sooner sweep the M25 with a toothbrush than miss out on this. How do you feel about it? Do you know that there is no guilt in God's presence, none at all. Guilt comes from the devil who will do everything he knows to prevent you receiving an invitation from God to enter His kingdom. If you don't believe this, then he has done his job well in deceiving you. The thing is, you will be the one who misses out while every other Christian person enjoys eternity forever and ever,

If you know Jesus, that's great, you will be invited in, but what about your family, will they be? Don't you feel that you should speak to them? Even if you can't speak face to face, you can always text them. Try anything to get them saved. You will all be together then.

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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Have you seen Jesus?

15And while they were discussing and arguing, Jesus himself came near and began to walk along with them. 16But they were prevented from recognizing him. 17Then He asked them, “What is this dispute that you’re having with each other as you are walking? ” And they stopped walking and looked discouraged".  Luke 24:15-16   CSB

On Resurrection day, two of Jesus' believers were walking on the road to Emmas, discussing the events of the day. They just couldn't believe what they had heard. This shows that they had probably heard something of what would happen to Jesus, but had not believed it.

As the two walked on, they met the risen Jesus on their way to Emmaus, but they didn't recognise Him because they didn't believe what they had heard -  that the Messiah must suffer such things as written in the prophets. As they walked on, they still didn't recognise Jesus but, eventually, after discussing further at their home, their eyes were opened and Jesus vanished from their sight. On return to Jerusalem, they met with the disciples who confirmed what had happened. And Jesus then appeared again to them and stood there in their midst.

 Spurgeon on commenting about this scripture wrote: “When two saints are talking together, Jesus is very likely to come and make the third one in the company. Talk of him, and you will soon talk with him.” (Spurgeon). They were firmly saved.

Why were thy prevented from recognising Jesus? Because God had shielded their eyes from further truth for those who didn't know Jesus; for those who argue about Him and refuse to accept the truth. This confirms that these two men had an understanding of Jesus but, they didn't know Jesus in their heart. This leads to a very contentious area about many who attend church on a Sunday because it is the expected thing to do. Many of these do not know Jesus and possibly, don't want to either. They have an understanding of Him from Easter and Christmas events and stories but, that is as far as they go. I've been one of them in the past, before I came to know Jesus. When I first joined the army, we were ordered to go to church. I hated every minute of it. I never thought that further on in my life, I would be serving Him.

Hebrews 13:2 says: 'Don't neglect to show hospitality, for by doing this some have welcomed angels as guests without knowing it.' What an amazing statement. It is possible that we may have done this at some point in our lives - entertained an angel. This could be that homeless person on the street that you gave some money to. That prisoner you visited or the person you helped across the road. What if we have met with Jesus somewhere and didn't recognise Him? You just don't know when you are walking in the Spirit.

One day, we will find out - the day we stand before Jesus and give an account of our life. Some people dread this day. But, if you have served Jesus to the best of your ability, there is nothing to fear. Even though you have made those mistakes, those bouts of sin. If you have repented of them, you can stand before Him with peace in your heart. One thing, this time, you will recognise Him!

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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God will take care of you!

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."                              Matthew 6:33   NKJV 

Fear unhooks us from faith and the supernatural. It puts us in bondage to the natural realm. Now, at this time, in the UK, we have an overwhelming natural realm to contend with: 

(A)  For pensioners, it is the Winter Fuel Allowance. (B)  Also for pensioners is the worry of the State Pension; is it going to be slashed? Is it going to be means-tested or taxed? (C)  With the rising economy, especially gas and electricity rises that are imminent; will people be able to afford to put their heating on? (D)  What about those who cannot afford to put the heating on? They may be cold and suffer hypothermia - old and young alike? (E)  Because of the added expense, how are some people going to be able to pay their rent, mortgage and other bills, not including their food and household shopping? There are benefits yes, but not everyone qualifies for these and not everyone is on Pension Credit anyway. People are living in fear and just don't know what to do.

Without turning this into a political debate; let's look at a way through this nightmare for many people. Unless the government backs down and stops this route of saving money and putting it into their pot, which at the moment is very doubtful; the only other way is to turn to God. Without people feeling that they are being railroaded into 'religion,' which is understandable, we as Sons and Daughters of the King of kings can help by pointing them to the only one that can solve these major problems. But first of all, many Christian people are also feeling the fear of it all and are wondering what will become of them. I offer you all I can at this time and, His name is Jesus.

We either believe the bible or we don't. If we believe the bible then, we believe in Jesus and know within our hearts that He says: 'I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me' John 14:6. And, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."  Matt 6:33. These are God's promises and benefits and, remember that God's benefits are never means-tested or taxed. Let's also remember that Paul wrote, 'And my God shall supply all your need, according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus'  Philippians 4:19. If you are putting Jesus first, you can rely on Jesus to fulfil His Word.

So if you, as a Person of God, believe that Jesus can never let you down and refuse to live in fear about what is or may happen, then you can be at peace in this fact and can help the people who do not know Jesus or do know Him but are struggling with things in this scary time. Encourage yourself and think of all Jesus did when He walked this earth. He healed many sick people, raised Lazarus and others from the dead, changed peoples lives forever and promises you, eternal life. Do you really think that this worrying time is too much for Him? Never, He is the King of kings, remember?

So stand tall in the armour of God and spread some good news to people who are desperate to hear it.

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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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

Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers

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

Check it out

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

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

Check it out