Christ in you, means VICTORY!

"You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world".  1 John 4:4  CSB

John is speaking about antichrists, which are in the world already. An antichrist opposes and replaces Christ with the goal of distracting and derailing Christians from pursuing Jesus. These are anyone who tries to take Christ's place. However, the main antichrist will arrive prior to the tribulation.

Here in this verse, John encourages us with three areas:

(1) You belong to God. At the time of your salvation, you asked Jesus to be your Lord and Saviour and, because of this, you belong to Him. The devil doesn't like this one bit so, he will attempt to bring fear upon you, together with confusion. These little antichrists will do all they can to mislead you and lead you down the wrong path. They get into the church, some as prominent leaders. So, beware, the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for who he can devour. (1 Peter 5:8). Resist him and keep your eyes open.

(2) You have overcome the world. 'For this is what love for God is: to keep his commands. And his commands are not a burden, 4because everyone who has been born of God conquers the world. This is the victory that has conquered the world: our faith'. 1 John 5:3-6

(3) The Power of Christ its within you. The power of Christ who lives in the believer, is greater than the power of the world. The Holy Spirit is far stronger than any attack by the Devil. The believer needs to allow this encouragement to avoid being fearful of satan, and rather to trust the Lord and obey His commands. By doing so, we can overcome the powers of darkness and walk with boldness in this life.

We can never take the devil on alone. We need Jesus and He reigns in your heart and is far more competent to deal with him at any time of day or night. So be wise, armed with the fact that the one who dwells within you - Jesus, is able to fight your battle. Beware of fighting your own battles and give it all to Jesus, even if it is petty. Remember, things that are small in the beginning, can grow into major sizes. So keep nothing back; give it all to Jesus and, be reassured that Jesus has your back.

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

Is everything futile?

2“Absolute futility,” says the Teacher. “Absolute futility. Everything is futile.” 3What does a person gain for all his efforts that he labours at under the sun? 4 A generation goes and a generation comes, but the earth remains forever. 5 The sun rises and the sun sets; panting, it hurries back to the place where it rises."    Ecclesiastes 1:2-5   CSB

As a young Christian back in the 80's, I was totally confused when I first read this by Solomon. In fact, I read it in the Good News version and it read that 'Everything is useless.' To my new convert mindset, it sounded extremely confusing and some people, still find Ecclesiastes this way. So let us take a look at what he actually meant.

The word futile literally means 'breath' and implies that something only has fleeting value and then evaporates  like a puff of air. One could understand this statement  as meaning that everything is worthless - hence, useless. But really, it is saying that everything is short-lived and quickly passes by. A generation is born and another one dies; the sun rises and then sets; we wake up and then go back to sleep, we go to work and then retire, and on and on.

Many scholars believe that Solomon didn't write this book because of the dating of certain events. However, many others believe that he did and the dating that the other scholars suggest, are wrong. The thing is, whether he did write it or not, it is the message that matters and the writer declares that life receives joy and meaning, not from riches, fame and work but, from from reverence for God and obedience to His commandments. All human accomplishments will one day disappear but God won't, His word stands forever, even though there is ,'a time to give birth and a time to die' Ecc 3:2. Dying, for the believer means transferring to another destination, and that is heaven where we will spend eternity.

Solomon shares his heart and knowledge of God in chapters 3:9-15: 

"What does the worker gain from his struggles? 10I have seen the task that God has given the children of Adam to keep them occupied. 11He has made everything appropriate in its time.

He has also put eternity in their hearts, but no one can discover the work God has done from beginning to end. 12I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and enjoy the good life. 13It is also the gift of God whenever anyone eats, drinks, and enjoys all his efforts. 14I know that everything God does will last forever; there is no adding to it or taking from it. God works so that people will be in awe of him. 15Whatever is, has already been, and 

whatever will be, already is. However, God seeks justice for the persecuted".

So therefore, don't shy away from reading this work of Solomon, especially the poem in chapter 3:1-8 which makes interesting reading and is bursting with wisdom and intellect.

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

Don't kick and struggle

"I will instruct you and show you the way to go; with my eye on you, I will give counsel. 9Do not be like a horse or mule, without understanding, that must be controlled with bit and bridle or else it will not come near you."   Psalm 32:8-9.  CSB

A young horse or donkey, requires a lot of work by its trainer before it can be ridden in safety. It  requires instruction, patience and discipline before it can reach anywhere near this standard. Initially, it will kick and struggle and show lots of stubborn-ness because it resents someone teaching it. Because of its reluctance to obey and be pointed in the right direction, it may have to wear a bit and bridle so that it can be shown the right way to go. Even then, the struggle is on for this to happen, especially with the stubborn donkey. It may be a long time before the horse is ready to be ridden, however, with the donkey, it may take a lifetime.

Just think for a moment, aren't we like this when someone tries to show us what to do - to change the way, we know is the right way? Don't we kick and struggle because we resent being told what to do or that we are wrong in our thinking? Okay, we don't require the use of a bit and bridle to teach us the way, but, some of us come close to it.

It starts in our youth, possibly following school, college or university. A lot of us, have this feeling of superiority, that we know it all and don't wish to be shown any other way. We soon learn that life is not like this, especially when we start in a job. Let me say this, you may have all the degrees possible and be more qualified than the boss that stands before you telling to what you need to do. However, he is still the boss and he may not be able to match your certificates, diplomas and degree papers, but he probably has more experience than you have at this time and he definitely knows the way the job goes. So discipline and obedience is the name of the game if you want to remain there.

It's the same in our walk with Jesus. He knows the way we have to go and, from time to time He will place people with us who we need to listen to and obey. Just because you have read the bible through four times, does not make you a Bishop. You are still inexperienced in your faith and God wants to direct you and instruct you through, using these people. Being harsh and argumentative with them will get you nowhere and will also give you a bad reputation. Stop kicking and struggling and let the person mentor you until you are ready to 'fly the nest'.

Remember, God has placed you where you are at this time. He is watching over your progress and will not take you to the next stage until, you are ready to go. His word to you is, stop struggling and kicking out and receive the instruction and teaching that He wants to give you. 

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

Put your trust in Jesus - Final part - You have a future

"Watch the blameless and observe the upright,  for the person of peace will have a future."                            Psalm 37:37  CSB

The word 'peace' in this context means, 'everything as it ought to be.' You are a person of peace because the Prince of Peace dwells within you:

"For a child will be born for us, a Son will be given to us,  and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselour,  Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace".   Isaiah 9:6  CSB

We probably only hear this verse quoted around the Christmas period and that is sad because Jesus is all these things to us each and everyday. Here we read the Prince of Peace, the Prince of everything as it ought to be. You and I belong to Him and therefore, we have a future - He is our future. Without Him we have nothing (John 15:5). We have a future as long as we remain within the Prince of Peace and allow Him to remain in us. When we do, we have everything as it ought to be.

Take note of the first words of this verse: 'Watch the blameless and observe the upright.' This is proof that people observe us. As I say many times, we are the bible to them. They take note of our conduct. Occasionally, someone may say they wish they could handle things as we do. What they notice is not us, in fact, but the Prince of Peace within us - Jesus Himself. They are also quick to mention things when our behaviour doesn't live up to what we profess. We are the bible to them and whether they honour God themselves or not, what they see in us, should always point to Jesus.

So, for a time, we have come to an end of our study on Psalm 37. I hope that you have picked up on a few things that you can incorporate in your walk with Him. Remember, you can trust Him to take care of all your needs. You have a future with Him beside you and one day, that future will take on its full meaning when you are with Him in heaven. Until then, keep Him close to you

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

Put your trust in Jesus 3 - He'll take care of it all

“The little that the righteous person has is better than the abundance of many wicked people. 17For the arms of the wicked will be broken, but the Lord supports the righteous.18The Lord watches over the blameless all their days, and their inheritance will last forever. 19They will 

not be disgraced in times of adversity; they will be satisfied in days of hunger.    Psalm 37:16-19.  CSB

No matter how much the wicked will acquire, it will eventually lead them to being broken and destroyed. But no matter how little the righteous have, the Lord will support them and watch over their lives; and this will be forever. They will receive blessing from Him, this may be while they are here on earth but, much more when they enter heaven. He will lift us if we 

fall and hold us up and, He will be a blessing to us, so in turn, we may be a blessing to others.

So as David says in verse 16, it is far better to be in want than to have everything, and miss out on eternal life. There are many rich people in this world today but, not one of them can hold on to their 

riches when they die; it will go to others. If that person knows Jesus as their Lord and has been a blessing in their earthly life, to others, he will receive blessings in heaven. If not, they will stand before Jesus on Judgement day and receive what is owing to them.

Do you know, nothing is certain in this life. Most of the USA  this past week, thought that Kamala Harris would become their leader; However, she was trumped that day. Nothing in this life is certain, except Jesus and eternity. He is our hope in times 

of trouble; ~ He is our escape when we feel trapped and He is our comforter when we have become hurt. In fact, He is everything that is good, to us. He also watches over us wherever we are.

We have an inheritance. Our insurance premiums are fully paid up and eternity is guaranteed for us because, our deposit has been paid. Jesus did this on the cross that day. All the more why we should live the way He wants us to. One day we will see Him face to face; that is a wowser to start with. We will also see the men and women of God that we have read about, Moses, David. Peter, Mary and a host of others. Imagine if you are musical, you will be able to jam with David and his band - another wowser.

But until then, He will satisfy us and help us to hold our heads up high. That's the best wowser of all.

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

Put your trust in Jesus 2 - Submission to Him

 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act, 6making your righteousness shine like the dawn, your justice like the noonday.7Be silent before the Lord and wait expectantly for Him; do not be agitated by one who prospers in his way, by the person who carries out evil plans. 8Refrain from anger and give up your rage; do not be agitated — it can only bring harm. 9For evildoers will be destroyed, but those who put their hope in the Lord will inherit the land.  Psalm 37:5-9. CSB

Let's continue with our study of Psalm 37. Today it covers verses 5 - 9

'You can expect God's movement in your life when your thinking and desires match His. He desires to bless you more than you want to be blessed'. Tony Evans

Many times throughout your life, it may feel that everyone else is succeeding and you're not. Others receive blessing after blessing and you are left out. When it's like this, you can be tempted to complain within yourself and get into a mood because, what you feel you deserve, you don't get, yet others, who you believe don't deserve it are being blessed daily. You need to be careful here because, you are not to judge and moaning and groaning about someone's fortune and success is judging. 

Verse 7 tells us to be silent and not become agitated by it all. Someone may be prospering when you aren't but, what is that to do with you? It's almost like God says, 'Mind your own business.'

Verse 8 continues with refrain from anger and even rage. If you have been like this over something, you need to repent and put it right with God and allow God to work on your behalf.

When you do things God's way, He has a habit of changing things for the better. First of all, God tells you to commit it all to Him - to roll it over into His corner and, this includes trusting Him with all you have. When you do this, He will act, not until. He will bring justice out of what seems unfair. All you need to do is be silent. You may find that difficult; especially if you're fiery by nature. But, it is essential. The next thing is to wait expectantly and again, this can be difficult if you are not a patient person. But it must be done.

Don't allow these things to wind you up; don't respond badly to things that you can't change. It only makes a person more agitated. Wait  expectantly. Remember, those who put their hope in the Lord,

 will inherit the land v9, and this includes you, because you're a winner!

More tomorrow

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

Put your trust in Jesus

"Trust in the Lord and do what is good; dwell in the land and live securely. 4Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart’s desires".   Psalm 37:3-4  CSB

Over the next few days, let us look at Psalm 37. Today we will start at v3-4.

Don't ever doubt the Lord

In this day of fast living - fast foods, fast cars and fast decisions, it is so easy to doubt God; that He has not come up with the promises He made to you. Don't ever go down that track, it breaks God's heart that you may feel that. There is no need to ever doubt Him. What He tells you is true and will happen. The thing is He doesn't really tell us when. This is because, God is careful; He wants everything prepared for you, so that there are no mistakes. 

Don't ever feel that He has favourites

This can never happen with God. He has no favourites. Check out what Romans 2:11 CSB says 

'For there is no favouritism with God.' He treats us all the same, He has no special people. Jacob did, he caused jealousy within his family for treating Joseph better than his brothers. He even gave him a special coat. This caused bad feeling and his brothers thought of killing him, but later changed their minds and sold him into slavery in Egypt. God is not like that. You may see people far wealthier that you may be; but they may have had better chances in life or made better decisions. God though, has no favourites.

Don't ever think He has forgotten you

This would be impossible for God. He thinks about you every day that He creates and is totally committed to you.

He just wants you to continue to serve Him by, allowing people to see the difference in you - your witness and testimony. Remember that, you are the bible to them. You notice this when there is some terrible disaster somewhere and straightaway, they question you about why does God allow such things. Keep showing them the love of God, there is no need to dream up answers that will defend God. He doesn't need defending.

Just be secure in Him because, He will never let you down. He's right there beside you. So delight in Him and as you do, He will give you your heart's desire; not a Lottery win though, but what He knows you would really like; something that would change your life for the better. Therefore, trust Him and delight in Him and feel honoured that you are His son or daughter. 

More on Psalm 37 tomorrow.

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