Let go

18“Do not remember the past events; pay no attention to things of old. 19Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.    Isaiah 43:18-19   CSB

There is a true story about some animal specialists who were in some jungle searching for a 

rare type of monkey. They set up a table and on it placed several, slim-necked metal jars full of delicious nuts and seed. And then they waited, and waited. Eventually some monkey's came along and two of them fitted the profile of what they were searching for. The monkey's jumped onto the table, sniffed at the jars and then, plunged their arms into the jars, grabbing a fistful of this lovely, smelling food. The problem for them, was that because their fist was full of these nuts, they couldn't get their hands back out and, the jars were fastened to the table. They were reluctant to let go of the nuts and therefore, they were caught. They refused to Let go.  

                                                                     (Sourced from some Wild life Magazine)

When we have been hurt and upset by some life event such as marital breakdown, bereavement

bankruptcy, loss of a wonderful job through no fault of your own - it is very difficult to be able to process it and move on. Some people can but not many. When we don't let go, we are trapped in that same old place with the painful memories and struggles. The pain seems enormous and that it will never go away. But it will, but it takes time and determination.

Think of it this way, God is doing a new thing. It takes God and yourself to make this work. God can help remove the pain but if you continue to hang on to it, it won't work. God wants you to do your bit and, this is where it may become difficult for you. It may seem impossible but, God can make it possible and it starts with you, slowly getting to the place where you can release the past and try and pay no attention to it. You'll never be able to forget it; it will forever be a sore spot in your life. However, God has some really good ointment that He can rub on it - The Holy Spirit.

God says 'Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it?' In other words, 'There is life out there' You may not be able to see it now, but you will, it is coming. He wants you to conceive it in your heart, no matter what. When you can do this, you are on the way to being able to leave the past behind and move on. I must say though, during your particular loss, you have some good memories. Therefore, take them with you, they are food for yourself when you need it. The painful ones is what you must leave behind. If not, you will be like those monkeys unable to move because they refuse to Let go.

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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Jesus - my Refuge

"I will praise You, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvellous works. 2  I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High."  

                                                                                       Psalm 9:1-2  NKJV

We should never be half-hearted in our praise towards God; He is never that way with us. He gives us all He has got, and He deserves the same from us - our whole heart. How would we feel if God acted in a half-hearted manner towards us? Let's be honest, some days we can't be bothered to spare more than a few moments - if that, with Him. He gave His whole heart for each one of us on the cross, so surely, He deserves our whole heart.

Here, the Psalmist says it all, 'I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High'. He is so worthy of this. It speaks of being thankful for everything He has done and will do, in the future. In fact, our rejoicing in Him includes boasting about what He has done. People will think we are very strange indeed, doing this but, it is all part of spreading the word about Jesus. We have a personal relationship with Him and that is something to boast about. Other people can have this too, if they ask Him into their lives. Boasting includes speaking about Him, singing about Him and echoing the words of David in Psalm 8:1 'O LORD, our LORD, how excellent is Your name in all the earth.'

Jesus is also our safe place to run to - our place of safety and refuge. Believers are often victimised, persecuted and worse. In troubled times, He provides shelter, protection and relief. Even missionaries out in isolated areas throughout the world, receive this safety pact. Yes, it is true that many have died because of their faith but, they died loving what they were doing for Jesus, and as awful as it is, they are now with Jesus receiving their reward. This is the thing about serving Jesus. He died for us and, at times, we must be prepared to do the same because, we have given Him our lives and no longer live for ourself, but for Jesus:

'I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.'   Galatians 2:20

There is nothing the enemy can do to us; we're with Jesus alive here on the earth or, with Him in heaven - our safe place. We have everything to praise Him for.

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

The Results of Covering Up Sin - Why did the child have to die?

David responded to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” Then Nathan replied to David, “And the Lord has taken away your sin; you will not die.14However, because you treated the Lord with such contempt in this matter, the son born to you will die.”15Then Nathan went home.   2 Samuel 12:13-14   CSB

There is often critical analysis within Christian circles considering certain scriptures. Some theologians and other Christians may find fault in parts of scripture. And then, a Christian Apologist will give what they consider is the right answer in defence. This is how it has been 

with regards to this particular scripture - it was David's sin. So why did the baby have to pay the price. An excellent account can be found as a footnote in The Apologetics Study Bible, 

published by Holman:

'Why did the son born to Bathsheba die since it was David who committed the sin? Behaviour that ignores the Lord's  purposes and precepts always hurt others, including the "innocent; this is one of sin's most terrifying realities. As an example, an inebriated driver rams his car into a church van full of young people on the way to a conference. David's high-handed and sinful behaviour toward Bathsheba and Uriah led to turmoil and great sadness within his own family, including the death of his newborn son'

According to the law of Moses - adultery and murder were punishable by death. However, because of David's deep repentance, God restored him. When you think about it, because of David's position, he could have overridden any execution charge but, 

we know God is greater and He trusted David. Later, David's servants asked him, “Why have you done this? While the baby was alive, you fasted and wept, but when he died, you got up and ate food.” 22He answered, “While the baby was alive, I fasted and wept because I thought, ‘Who knows? The Lord may be gracious to me and let him live.’23But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can 

I bring him back again? I’ll go to him, but he will never return to me.”

David knew what he had done. He also knew that whatever he did, he could not bring the child back, but, he would see him again, in heaven. And this is the reality of it all. When someone special dies, the Christian  family, know in their hearts that they will one day see them again. And this is comforting to know this.

This account of David, really brings home the cost 

of sin. Just for a short time of pleasure, David had 

to pay the eternal loss of his child. Ask yourself, is it worth risking all you have for a moment of so-called pleasure? 

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

 

The Results of Covering Up Sin - Part 1

"In the spring when kings march out to war, David sent Joab with his officers and all Israel. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah, but David remained in Jerusalem."    2 Samuel 11:1  + Chapters 11-12. CSB

Notice the statement 'but David remained in Jerusalem.' This was most odd as, at this time of the year (spring) kings and their armies were out in battle. For whatever reason, he decided to stay at home. One could say that he had noticed 

Bathsheba bathing on the roof and he had a great, lusting interest there. This can be backed up by the fact that he sent for her to come to his place, and had sex with her. This resulted in her being pregnant.

Jesus said in Matthew 5:28, “You have heard that it was said, Do not commit adultery. 28But I tell you, everyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. This is something that we all need to be careful of. It is so easy to become seduced. From thereon, there was a whole package of lies and deceitfulness going on in David's life. Bathsheba was pregnant and David tried to get her husband to come off the front line and go home so that he would sleep with his wife. But, Uriah wouldn't do this. He felt that he couldn't do such a thing while his fellow soldiers were out fighting. David tried getting him drunk but this didn't work either. Therefore, David had to take drastic action; he had Uriah placed on the most dangerous part of the front line so that, he would be killed. This worked and the cover up began to grow. First David was guilty of adultery, now it was murder too. Both 

of these, under the law of Moses were punishable 

by death.

We can try as much as we want to but, we can never fool God. Everything we say, do and look at is recorded in heaven. Jesus hears and sees everything. But still, we try, at times to cover up the process. It can never work. David's plan, had finally worked - he thought. But God was displeased with what he had done and sent Nathan, who was one of His respected prophets. 

David and Nathan spoke and Nathan told David a parable which he found infuriating and full of unfairness and pain. (12:1-4). David felt the man should die for what he had done. Nathan then used words that pierced David's heart, ''You are the man! This is what the Lord God of Israel says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I rescued you from Saul. 8I gave your master’s house to you and your master’s wives into your arms, and I gave you the house of Israel and Judah, and if that was not enough, I would have given you even more. 9Why then have you despised the Lord’s command by doing what I considerA evil? You struck down Uriahb the Hethite with the sword and took his wife as your own wife — you murdered him with the Ammonite’s sword. 10Now therefore, the sword will never leave your house because you despised me and took the wife of Uriah the Hethite to be your own wife.’  2 Samuel 12:7-10

Nathan, went on to let David know that because of this, David would be spared but the child, born in sin, would die, which mortified David but he recognised that it was by his own doing that this would happen. 

We should always be aware of the results of sin. People have lost everything because of it. And notice how the sin escalates into deceit and lies. This action should never be how a son or daughter of the King of kings should live. We are to be holy and honourable as is befitting our role as Children of the King.

Tomorrow, we will look at part two and also ask, Why did the child have to die? Don't miss 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

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

Check it out

Joy in the morning

"For His anger lasts only a moment, but His favour, a lifetime. Weeping may stay overnight, but there is joy in the morning."   Psalm 30:5   CSB 

God's discipline is short compared to a lifetime of enjoying His blessing and favour. This is the point of this Psalm.

David may have suffered a near fatal illness or injury and God had healed him. It is not certain what the illness or injury had been but, he had been close to death: 'O LORD, my God, I

cried out to You, and You healed me. 3 You brought my soul up from the grave; You have kept me alive, so that I should not go down to the pit.' (30:2-3). He had also been heavily involved in sin, which made God angry towards him. However, God's amazing, David sinned' God became angry towards him; David repented; God forgave him and, also delivered him from the injury or sickness. This makes us realise that there is hope for us yet. 

Every now and again, we may feel emotional and close to tears because of the death of someone that we are close to. We may suffer from the aftermath of a broken marriage or relationship or there may be another significant loss. The type of loss above, can catch us when we are least expecting it and it can totally floor us. Our feeble brains may not be able to come to terms with it initially or we may find it hard to process. There are set patterns to loss but a person doesn't always go through them chronologically. The loss may not be a bereavement, it may be marital breakdown or anything else that brings a sudden, painful change to our lives. Not many people like change but sadly, it can be forced on us, and this can be devastating.

Whatever the loss or change may be, there is always a way through that you can't see at first. We may be upset because we have angered God but, remember, as soon as you repent, He forgives. That's the easy bit. The loss and change bit is not so easy, but, as David penned here  Weeping may stay overnight, but there is joy in the morning.' Whatever may have happened in your life just lately, the sun will shine again. A new day will begin and even though the loss and changes you are going through may signify that you are not ready to contend with what has happened, God will be right with you, holding you up and reassuring you, until you are ready to move on. Just take your time, one step with Jesus as He directs and that joy will break through into your life again. The tide will turn.

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

God is so reliable

"In the morning, LORD, You hear my voice; in the morning I plead my case to You and watch expectantly"   Psalm 5:3   CSB

Mornings are normally the time when Christians have their 'Quiet time'; with the Lord. Mind you, not always, for some who work strange hours or have pressures with getting kids to school, it can be hit and miss. If you can, a quiet time with God is so important to how we will live through the day. It is a time to praise and worship God; read His word and pray to Him. Many times, we have concerns and we know that God is the only answer. As we call on Him and  share our concerns with Him, it is then the time when we should watch and wait, expectantly.

We should be expectant in all we do; we serve a God of miracles; a God who can change situations in the blink of an eye. And what's more, He is eager to do this. Smith Wigglesworth had a great faith statement, 'If God said it, I believe it and that, settles it. Nothing would change his mind about this and this is why he was so successful in his ministry. He totally lived on faith and waited expectantly for things to change, and mostly they did. Believing that what we ask for in prayer will happen, allows God to bring about great things on our behalf.

God gives us so many privileges, one being that we have His permission to walk into His 

house, holding our heads up high. Permission for this was offered through His death on the cross. Obviously, as we do this, we should bow before His throne of grace, where He tells us we are so welcome. Righteousness, together with love and protection are given us, free of charge as we continue to follow Him.

In this life, nothing can be relied on, we can be left out in the cold but, not by Jesus. He is 100% reliable in all He does and says. We can quite honestly confess that He will never let us down. How many times have people promised you something and then gone away and forgotten 

about it. Many times I am sure. Not with Jesus, when you place your trust in Him, He will in no way let you down. He is reliable and honest and so are His promises to us. You may have had people around you who have the ability to flatter with their lips v9. They may well flatter you 

with their supportive words and when they leave you, stab you in the back. Unfortunately, this is life. But Jesus sees all and we are allowed to take refuge under His wings. 

Let's just be grateful for the love and protection that He give us each day. With Jesus, we get a taste of Heaven and one day we will see this, every 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

In God's Strength, not your own

"Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit"  Zechariah 4:6. NKJV

We are often tempted to do some work for God, in our own strength. Then when it has not worked out the way we expected, we are left with the question, Why? Well, God's a loving God, who loves us being obedient to His word. The problem is, we can become so overzealous in our endeavours to 

please God, that we go overboard with our attempts. Nothing will ever be completed properly for God, when we try to do things in our own strength. We become frustrated, burnout and have egg on our face as we realise it is just not working. I've tried it 

in the past and, I am sure that you have too. We may become close but, it may soon crumble because the Spirit of God has not breathed upon it.

David Guzik from Enduring Word gives us a good insight into this area:

Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts: In the vision of Zechariah 3 God spoke to Zerubbabel about the issue of purity. But purity alone was not enough to accomplish the work of God – the work of God also needs resources, and not the resources of human might or power.

Might focuses on collective strength, the resources of a group or army. 

Power focuses on individual strength. God says, “not by the resources of many or one, but by My Spirit. It will not be by your cleverness, your ability, or your physical strength that the 

temple will be rebuilt, but by the Spirit of God.”

ii. The necessary resource for God’s work is the Holy Spirit and God promises Zerubbabel a 

rich resource in the Spirit of God to accomplish His work. When we trust in our own resources  whether they be small or great in the eyes of man – then we don’t enjoy the full supply of the Spirit. 

By My Spirit: Oil is a good representation of the Holy Spirit.
* Oil lubricates when used for that purpose – there

is little friction and wear among those who  are lubricated by the Spirit of God.
* Oil heals and was used as a medicinal treatment 

in biblical times (Luke 10:34) – the Spirit of God brings healing and restoration.
* Oil lights when it is burned in a lamp – where the Spirit of God is, there is light.
* Oil warms when it is used as fuel for a flame – where the Spirit of God is there is warmth and comfort.
* Oil invigorates when used to massage – the Holy Spirit invigorates us for His service.
* Oil adorns when applied as a perfume – the Holy Spirit adorns us and makes us more 

pleasant to be around.
* Oil polishes when used to shine metal – the Holy Spirit wipes away our grime, smoothing out our rough edges.  https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/

The next time that you are faced with doing something for God, seek His help. If He has 

directed you to do a particular thing, He will provide the plan and come up with the blue print as well. If you receive no instructions from the Lord, do 

nothing until you do. He may tell you that He has a particular assignment that He wants you to fulfil. This is then the time, that He may want to prepare you for the task. Once He feels you are ready to go, He will give you the rest. Don't be tempted to gallop ahead of Him. It will get you nowhere, except perhaps into a mess. Jesus doesn't do mess and 

He doesn't want you doing it either.

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