A Solitary, Secret Place

"Now, in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed."

                                                                                                    Mark 1:35.  NKJV

Jesus knew that He couldn't live or even function properly without God. If He were to keep giving out to people - people who followed Him everywhere - then he needed to be taking in what God had for Him. He knew He couldn't function without prayer. Is this is what is happening to you - you're giving out to the demands of people, whether it's family or others, and they're draining you? Then you need to visit your solitary place.

What is a solitary place? Well it's somewhere that is deserted, somewhere you can be alone with God. It's remote and secluded. It's your secret place.

Bob Gass says, 'The secret place is where God is. It can be anywhere but must be somewhere. It can be anytime but must be a set time.'

In other words, your secret place is where you need to go each day to be alone with God. You need to pray and listen; you need guidance and strength. Someone once said, 'Don't neglect prayer and time with God - seven prayer-less days make one weak.' And it's true. If Jesus needed to pray and seek God, we most definitely do.

Jesus made a point of going to His secret place. It was His priority and the same should be true for us too. Really, we should never go a day without reading our bibles, praising and praying and seeking His guidance and help for the day. Dashing into the day without first spending time with Him is like jumping into a hot bath without first testing the water. You may get burnt. Everywhere we go, everywhere we look, there is strife and pressure; people demanding our time and attention. You cannot do it alone.

You may say, you haven't the time to do this, there are places to go, things to do. Listen, you could never be as busy as Jesus was - never! He found a way by getting up early when it was still dark and going to His secret place. It takes discipline to do this but it is most important. In fact, it can save you much heartache and anguish; many failures and disappointments.

Find a place that is yours. I'm not on about going out and climbing a mountain. It can be a bedroom, kitchen, shed or car. You name it. But mornings are more popular because not many people like to get up early. Therefore, you're probably sure to be alone. Find your solitary, secret place and visit it every day.

Copyright 2020 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@hotmail.com

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com

Be Obedient!

"(5) Whatever He says to you, do it!"                                        John 2:1-11.  NKJV

This really was a profound statement that Mary made to the servants. If only, we would abide by this, we would rarely have any problems. Life would be peaceful. Sadly, it's not this way; we as human beings, have minds that occasionally can be stubborn, rebellious and totally of the flesh.

Jesus, His mother Mary and the disciples, had been invited to a wedding in Cana. We don't really know where Joseph was, but he may have died by this time. This would have left Jesus as the bread winner, supporting His mother and siblings, until they in turn, were able to support the family.

Mary knew her son Jesus, but would have been perplexed at times because of who He was. Whenever, something went wrong, she would instinctively turn to Him for help and this was what was happening here. It would have been socially disastrous for the bridegroom that the feast had run out of wine, and so, she turned to Jesus for help. He appeared to refuse her request initially, but Mary believed in Him. This was why she spoke to the servants with, 'Whatever He says to you, do it!' She didn't know what Jesus would do but she was sure He would do the right thing and save the day.

And this is the same for us. We plead with Him to help and nothing appears to happen. But we can be sure that something will. He will do the right thing; He will save the day. We must though, stick to what He says, it is so important. Whatever He tells us to do, we must do it; and do it exactly the way He tells us. Moses found this out to his peril. God had told him to speak to the rock so it would yield water. However, because of his anger and frustration with the people, he struck the rock twice with his rod and this disobedience cost him from going across to the Promised Land. (Numbers 17:8-12)

It is so important to get close to God and listen carefully to what He is telling you. Don't be distracted by people saying you have got it wrong. If God has told you to do a particular thing, then do it.

So therefore, what is God saying to you today? You may not feel it is significant but if He has told you to do a certain thing, it would be wise to get on and do it.

Copyright 2020 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@hotmail.com

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com

Watch your Reactions

"(19) So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath, (20) for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God."

                                                                                                       James 1:19-20.  NKJV 

Think back to a recent time, when you had a 'few words' with your spouse, family member, friend or even someone in the street, or from the inside of your car. How did you react? Was it a heated conversation, one in which, words were spoken that you now regret? 

The things we say can be like a tranquil lake - peaceful waters, or they can be like a tempest - raging waters. It is controlled by the way we react to given situations. A quick glance at a very basic Cognitive Behavioural Therapy chart, may give a useful example. A Daily Record of Automatic thoughts goes like this.

SITUATION - EMOTION - AUTOMATIC THOUGHT - RATIONAL RESPONSE - OUTCOME.

We have a situation and this may causes an emotion. This may be anger, fear, suspicion etc. An automatic thought can then pop into our mind and this may not be obvious at the time. This thought however, can lead us to the response, which may be negative, the outcome can then be a major incident. For example:

SITUATION Someone pushes against you in the street that knocks you off balance

EMOTION   The emotion may be anger

AUTOMATIC THOUGHT 'Who does he/she think they are - I'll sort him/her out

RESPONSE  Altercation

OUTCOME  Fight/argument/arrest and later regret and guilt

If we identify and examine our automatic thought, we may be able to look at the alternative, 'It was only an accident, not intentional'

RATIONAL RESPONSE Apology - peace

This is only a very basic look at CBT but it can be useful in identifying where we went wrong as we play the video back in our mind. We may not be able to do this at the time, but practicing this can help for future events.

It can run in line with the higher way - our text today: 'Be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.' We need to hear or assess the situation quickly i.e. 'What is happening here?' Then zip the lip - watch what comes out of your mouth. If your words are negative and threatening, this can lead to wrath - anger. Once this has happened, we can be compromised in our Christian walk. We let ourselves down big time and our negative words and actions are difficult to airbrush out of the picture we have painted.

Regret and guilt help to drag us down and the devil has a heyday. It is far better to train our minds to be in control of each and every situation.

Copyright 2020 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@hotmail.com

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com

 

Walk in Faith - it's Subject to Change!

'while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen, are eternal. 

                                                                                         2 Corinthians 4:18.  NKJV

God had told Abraham he and Sarah would have their own child. Now, this would have been unthinkable. Firstly, Sarah was barren, secondly, they were both in their 90's. And yet Abraham believed. Romans 4 tells us in v18 'Contrary to hope, in hope believed.' In v20 'He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief.' And in v21 'and being fully convinced that what He had promised, He was also able to perform.' What was happening? Abraham - a man of faith, was living up to what he believed in his heart. He believed and trusted God - totally.

And this is the way God wants you and I to live, each and every day. We serve a God, 'who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist, as though they did.' (Romans 4:17). We are called to, 'Walk by faith, not by sight.' (2 Corinthians 5:7), because, 'while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen, are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:18).

What we see with our human eyes, we need to transfer to our spiritual ones. We need to paint faith pictures in our minds of how it will be - by faith. Jerry Savelle says the things that we see are 'Subject to Change'. I like that; it's a great way of encouraging ourselves when everyone else thinks we have lost the plot.

If we believe Jesus, then we need to do what He says; we need to take His Word to our hearts and believe it; live it and walk in it, each day. Someone may be sick, well that is subject to change. See them well and pray and confess this. You may be desperately short of money - can't pay your bills - then this is also subject to change, pray and confess that your bills are paid and you are rich.

Whatever the issue, walk by faith; see things through your eyes of faith; believe it is subject to change, confess it, believe it and receive it. Come on, grab hold of this Because Jesus wants you living the Word of God. If you believe it, then live it. Don't water it down, walk in it. Your whole life is subject to change. 

Believe it - Expect it - Enjoy it!

Copyright 2020 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@hotmail.com

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com

You need God's armour - put it on soldier!

"Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil" 

                                                                Verse 11 of Ephesians 6:11-18.  NKJV

Some people believe that once you've put on the armour of God, there is no need to do it again. Really, that's like saying you've put on a new shirt or blouse, so there's no need to ever put a new one on again. Clothes need changing and washing. We need to feel refreshed and ready to face the day. In the same manner, Christians need to check their armour is on, that it's in place and fit for the battles that may come your way each day. 

Putting on the armour each day, is a reminder that we are in a battle; we never know when it will begin or where it will come from; and dressing in the armour is reassuring ourselves that no matter what, we are equipped; we are ready and we are alert to whatever may come our way. 

A soldier, would never go into battle without first checking, re-checking and checking again, that the weapon they are using is working properly; that there are adequate rounds in the magazine and reserve and all is well. We should never take this for granted, it is an essential part of our survival. Let's never forget that.

I like what the Living Bible says in Ephesians 6:12, 'For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against persons without bodies - the evil rulers of the unseen world.' We can see people - where they are and what they are doing; but we can't see an evil spirit clearly. It can attack us from any direction, in any way that it chooses, using anyone it wants to. So be alert and ready to spring into action and that means, being kitted out in God's armour.

Note verse 11, 'Put on the whole armour of God.' Focus on the word, 'whole', this means every piece of that armour, not just some. It's no use wearing the helmet of salvation without having the sword of the Spirit with you, and it's no use wearing the armour without always praying in the Spirit.

We need to wise up. As soldiers of Christ, we are on active service. we are not in the Boy Scouts or Girl Guides. This is out and out war and as soldiers, we need to be on guard and ready to go.

SO STAND!

Copyright 2020 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@hotmail.com

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com

God doesn't lie

"(22) Have faith in God. (23)For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. (24) Therefore, I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them."

                                                                                              Mark 11:22-24.  NKJV

God is not a liar! But we can make Him appear to be by not believing His Word. 

Dwight L Moody says in his book 'Secret Power', 'Unbelief makes God a liar.' 

God tells us to have faith in all things and believe and receive, and yet, when we allow doubt to creep in, we're basically saying, 'I don't believe that - it doesn't work like that today.' When we speak and think this way, we are doubting God, in fact, we are saying He lies. Keith Moore says, 'Doubt asks questions - faith makes declarations.' Do you get that? When we have no particular faith, we question each step we take. With faith, we march boldly forward and declare, 'It is mine.'

What we receive is directly connected to how we believe and what we expect. Oral Roberts used to say, 'Doubt and do without; with faith, believe and receive. Expect a miracle.' You see, Jesus doesn't respond to the need, He responds to your faith for that need. Therefore, when He says, 'whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.' Ask yourself, 'Why would Jesus say that if it wasn't true? It would have been empty words and Jesus always used His Words wisely. If He said it, that's the bottom line, so believe it.

That is why He said, 'Have faith in God.' Without faith, it is impossible to please God.' Hebrew 11:6. It just doesn't work. However, be warned, if you have unforgiveness in your heart, if you are bitter towards someone or if you need to repent of something and don't, then very little will happen. Therefore, this may be the reason why faith hasn't worked for you. Unforgiveness or lack of repentance is blocking the way and it needs to be dealt with. Read Mark 11:25-26.

In conclusion, God doesn't lie. He can be trusted, but make sure your heart is right before Him. Secondly, refuse to doubt or question your faith and what you have asked God for. Be patient, you may receive your miracle immediately, then again, there may be a waiting period. But with faith, it will come. Just praise God and expect a miracle.

Copyright 2020 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@hotmail.com

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com

God wants to bless you

"(24)The LORD bless you and keep you; (25) the LORD make His face shine upon you,and be gracious to you; (26) the LORD lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace."                                                                   Numbers 6:24-26.  NKJV

How much God wants to bless you! Each day, His desire is to show you favour, increase in all prosperity and protection. Verse 25 says that He wants to: 'Make His face shine upon you.' Quite simply, God wants to smile upon you as He takes great pleasure in seeing you and being with you each day. He takes great interest in you - the worshiper. He is gracious, loving and favourable towards you. That in itself is amazing; but there's more.

He daily looks upon you (V26) and provides you with His peace and the provision of all things necessary for your well-being. In other words, He takes great care of you and all you need. His blessing knows no end. He just loves to do this - to show you great favour, blessing you with His presence and showering you with His peace. And His peace is far better than the world could ever offer:

'You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.'                                                                              Isaiah 26:3

This perfect peace is Shalom Shalom and this covers a multitude of blessings for you.

Furthermore, Jesus said in John 14:27, 'Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you, not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.' His peace surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7) because the source is Jesus Himself. There is no need to worry or fear, no matter what you face. He has your back and is leading you to victory. The blessing God has for you is far higher than happiness, wealth or comfort. 

And for a closing thought: If God smiles upon you each day, why should you fret and worry in the first place?

Copyright 2020 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@hotmail.com

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com