You are accepted

"This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: 'Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners - and I am the worst of them."    1 Timothy 1:15    CSB 

We have times when we feel so unworthy of God's love and acceptance. Why would He care to give us a chance in life? What have we ever done to deserve such love? We could never earn it; many people in the world, go to great levels of service  in an attempt to gain the attention and acceptance of another. We could never do this with God, we could never buy our way into His attention and acceptance and, thank goodness, we will never have to, thanks to Jesus who took our place on the cross at Calvary, declaring us, 'Not guilty'.

Paul felt like this occasionally and wrote in 1 Timothy 1:12-14, 'I give thanks to Jesus Christ our Lord who has strengthened me because He considered me faithful, appointing me to the ministry - 13 even though I was formally a blasphemer, a persecutor and an arrogant man. But I received mercy because I acted out of ignorance, in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus'.

If you are in Christ Jesus, you are accepted and loved and will inherit a place in Heaven when you die. You are not a misfit - a square peg in a round hole, type of thing. You fit into Jesus - perfectly. In the world, you may have to try very hard to be accepted into something. People may make you feel unwanted and unloved, don't let them, you are a child of God.

At school, college or Uni, you may have failed miserably, but in Jesus, you are top of the class. You may have been told that you will never amount to anything. This is a lie from the devil, Jesus says you are a light of the world in Him John 5:14. Someone may have said that you will not achieve anything. However, scripture tells us, 'I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.'  Philippians 4:13.

You are accepted by the King of kings - Jesus Christ your friend  John 15:15

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If they preach Jesus, that's all that matters

"Some, it is true, are (actually) preaching Christ out of envy and rivalry (toward me) - for no better reason than a competitive spirit or misguided ambition; but others out of goodwill and a loyal spirit (toward me) v15       Philippians 1:15-18   Amplified Study Bible 

At the time of writing this Epistle to the Philippians, Paul was in prison awaiting his trial. He began hearing stories about people preaching who didn't belong to the brotherhood. The protestors were concerned but Paul, despite his surroundings, remained calm and controlled about it all. 

Let us look at what was happening; some were preaching out of love, loyalty and goodwill but, others for Selfish gain? Insincerity? Selfish ambition? and Self promotion? I have written these accusations down with question marks so that you can decide if they were in the wrong or were right.

Take today, for instance; we have TV Evangelists and Prosperity Preachers. They are often suspected of lining their own pockets from the 'Tithes and Offerings' that they ask for. The evidence, we are told, is their fancy lifestyles - living in mansions and having their own airlines etc. But is this wrong? What does Paul say about it all? Read in v16:

'What then (does it matter)? So long as in every way, whether in pretence (for self promotion) or in all honesty (to spread the truth) Christ is being preached, and in this I rejoice.'

To paraphrase this, it would probably read, 'as long as Jesus is preached, this is all that matters.'

At the end of the day, God knows people's hearts and their motives; if they are in the wrong, He will know about it and deal with it accordingly. However, if Jesus is preached and people are saved, this will go a long way with Him too. We have to be wise, yes, but we need to be careful that we are not in judgement over them. Paul rejoiced, as long as Jesus was preached and souls saved, this was ok with him. Leave the rest to God.

Sometimes, we may not like the look of someone who preaches; perhaps they have tattoos, ear rings and have long hair. Perhaps they may crack jokes whilst they are preaching. However, if they are preaching Jesus, so be it. They may be very young; they may be very old. but, God is not into ageism - He is into Jesus and this is where we should be too

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Love welcomes people

"Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face because he was to be blamed, 12 for before, certain men came with James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision."                                        Galatians 2:11-13   NKJV 

We read in Acts 10:9-16, that God showed Peter in a vision, that there should be no segregation between the Jews and the Gentiles. It was ok to eat and fellowship with them, it would not make the Jews unclean. Let us remember, that Jesus spent a considerable time with people who were unacceptable to the hierarchy of the temple. Peter had to face opposition about this, as Jesus had done, but he went ahead and did this. 

However, when James visited, Peter changed his mind because of the fear of being ridiculed and opposed. For this act, Paul rebuked him face to face. All Christians are equal no matter what others may say or think; there should never be any racial distinctions (Galatians 3:28).

Peter was actually displaying double-standards. He was also showing prejudice by trying to save his reputation and look good to others. This is why Paul rebuked him; and sadly, this still goes on in the church today.

Some churches along with other establishments, are prone to have cliques - those small exclusive groups that give off the impression that other people are not welcome (Matthew 23:6). As we have seen, all Christians are equal but not all are welcome in some places. I know of one pastor who had a homeless ministry, one where people from off the streets may have had some type of addiction. He was asked by his regional superintendent if he would consider having separate services so they didn't have to be in the same service as the normal congregation. He told the regional superintendent that he would do this if he could show him in the bible, where Jesus would have done it. This ended the conversation.

Many people don't fit into the mould that people feel a Christian should be in; however, Jesus loves and accepts them. He expects us to do the same.

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He sees you, walks towards you and has complete control

"Take courage! It is I (I AM)! Stop being afraid"     

                                                                       Mark 6:45-52   Amplified Study Bible

Following the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus sent the, baffled and confused disciples, over to the other side of the water. He went up a mountain to pray and no doubt intercede for the disciples. He knew a windstorm was imminent and would develop whilst they were at sea.

It was about the forth watch (3am-6am) when the storm hit and He saw the disciples straining to keep the boat moving and safe. It is so comforting to realise that He has our back, praying and interceding for us; we would never make it alone.

He walked towards them - on the water. He not only intercedes but also walks towards us and beside us. He does this to ensure that all is well. In fact, He is constantly watching over us. He walked near to the boat but, acted as if He was going to walk by. Why would He want to walk by them when they were in peril? Two explanations could be (1) He may have been checking that they were ok and if they were, He wouldn't have wanted to humiliate them; don't forget, some of them were experienced fishermen and boat handlers. (2) He may have been wanting to encourage them to exercise their faith, after all, they had just witnessed a might miracle with the feeding of the five thousand.

Whatever the reason, they were terrified when they saw someone walking on the water towards their boat, wouldn't you have been? I mean, it's not an everyday experience is it? They thought He was a ghost as they didn't recognise Him and wouldn't have expected to see Him out there if they did. They cried out. Now this may have been another explanation why He was going to walk by. Could He have been wanting them to cry out to Him for help? This is what He wants us all to do when we're in peril. He told them to 'Take courage! It is I (I AM)! Stop being afraid." With that, He got into the boat and the storm calmed down, demonstrating His power and complete control over His creation.

 Jesus says the same to us too. He wants us to be full of courage, I AM is in the boat with us, there is no reason to be afraid at all. He sees us, walks towards us and has complete control over everything. Take this on board and enjoy your day

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SUDDENLY!

"Then Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced over how God had prepared the people, for it had come about suddenly."                                2 Chronicles 29:36    CSB 

In preparation for the Passover, King Hezekiah ordered seven bulls, seven rams and seven male goats to be slaughtered and their blood sprinkled all over the Temple altar. The carcasses were then prepared to be burnt on the altar as an offering to the Lord. Can you imagine the scene and the mess this would have made? There would have been a lot to clear up in preparation for the Passover. not forgetting the re-consecration of the priests and Levites. Amazingly, it was done in no time at all - suddenly, they were ready.

The word, 'Suddenly', has an exciting feel to it. You may have been struggling with something and getting nowhere, when, 'Suddenly' God turns up and the situation is changed. Remember Jesus' words in Acts 1:8 'But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth.' Jesus had commanded the disciples not to leave Jerusalem but, to wait for the Father's promise - the Holy Spirit. So they were together waiting in the upper room wondering what it was all about. Then, 'Suddenly' - POW! The Holy Spirit turned up and changed their lives forever.

This is what He does. Have you ever been waiting for God to do something, wondering if it will ever happen? Of course you have; then without warning, power enters the situation and you are blessed beyond words could ever describe. In fact, some of you are waiting for God to do something for you at this time. Humanly, the situation is impossible, there is no chance of change taking place. This is thinking out of the box but, Jesus is in the box and when the time is perfect, He will do something amazing and you will be left God-smacked. Words will not be able to express how you feel; you will just be blessed!

The 'Suddenlies', usually come when you are least expecting them so, until they arrive be like the disciples and wait, pray and read your bible.

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Make the most of everything

"So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."    

                                                                                       Colossians 3:1-2    CSB

Consider every aspect of your life and assess whether your view on life is from Heaven's perspective or from your own, which is of the earth. This way you will be able to measure your ability regarding how you handle things that come your way. When you come up against a problem, ask yourself, 'What would Jesus do here, what would He think about it all?

When I worked in a hospice, occasionally a patient close to death, would say to me, 'I wish I would have done this', or 'I wouldn't have done that - '. They had regret and guilt and it was too late to change things. Let me say, make the most of every opportunity you have. Don't waste what is given to you by God; and don't be that person close to death who says, 'I wish - '. Ephesians 5:16 tells us, 'making the most of the time because the days are evil.' Think - what opportunity is God giving you today? Do you trust Him? If you do, then take hold of it with both hands.

As we see from our text today, we have been raised with Christ. If you have been through the waters of baptism, then symbolically you have been raised with Him. Therefore, look up, you are a Kingdom person and Kingdom people have Kingdom values, not values of the earth. You have Jesus in your heart, so allow the Spirit of God to work through you so that others can see and may have the opportunity to receive Jesus too.

V2 says, 'Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.’ The mind can produce total torment if it is allowed to take root. Don't allow earthly things to take up residence in your life. Bad thoughts and suspicions can take over your mind and every thought that is produced and, they have the power to control every situation. Why is this? Because you have set your mind on earthly things. If you have bad habits that you can't control, you have a mind problem and you need to have a conversation with Jesus, who will set you free John 8:36.

Just ensure that you make the most of every good thing that comes your way.

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

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The peril of leaving God out of your life

"However, the hair of his head began to grow again after it had been shaven." v22    

                                                                                                Judges 16   NKJV

Samson was a man who had been consecrated - set apart to the Lord before he was even born. He was also a Nazirite, so he would never have his hair cut. In fact, his hair would be a gifting from God because it would give him great strength. This strength would be used to begin to deliver the Israelites from Philistine captivity.

Samson, unfortunately, used his strength in many ways and this began to put him under a spotlight, allowing him the glory and not God. He became full of pride. He was also headstrong and could be rebellious, this being obvious when he met a Philistine girl and fell in love with her. Despite his parent's warning and the fact that God declared that Israel should not inter-marry, he went ahead and did so. The Lord had given Samson a Godly heritage and he had been raised to honour God, but when he met this girl nothing would prevent him from getting wed to her.

The marriage was short-lived and Samson went on to be a great Judge over Israel when he had defeated the Philistines. He reigned as a Judge for 20 years and spent his life living for God and then living for himself. There didn't appear to be any stability in his life and he was easily drawn away. He visited prostitutes and broke many of God's laws and he eventually met up with Delilah, who would be his downfall. The Philistines bribed her with much silver, to find out the secret of his strength. She did and eventually got to the truth that, if his hair was cut off, he would lose his strength. 

From thereon, it was practically over for Samson, his strength was gone, his eyes had been put out and he was a subject of humiliation to the Philistines. However, they had forgotten one things, his hair would grow back and consequently, his strength would return too. It probably would have been so different for Samson if he had lived up to his calling and obeyed God to the letter. Instead, he had become puffed up with pride and selfish. Many times he left God out of his daily life. However, he had a severe lesson to learn - when we leave God out, we fall and Samson really fell hard.Through God's grace, as Samson called on God for help, God made it possible for him to be near the pillars of the building. Samson pushed and the building came down killing them all.  

You may have let God down by leaving Him out of your life. But, repent and your strength will re-appear. When it does, don't ever ignore Him again.

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

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Your own strength cannot save you - More on Gideon

"The LORD said to Gideon, 'You have too many troops for Me to hand the Midianites over to them, or else Israel might elevate themselves over Me and say, "My own strength saved me."                                                                       Judges 7   CSB 

God would not allow Gideon or Israel to take the glory - it belonged to Him and Him only. Winning such a battle with very few men could have triggered off a spirit of pride in Gideon and the men.

God informed Gideon that if his troops were fearful, then they could return home. This led to 22000 of them leaving. With only 10000 men left, God still said there were too many and gave Gideon an exercise to carry out (v4-8). He was to take them down to the water and whoever knelt and lapped the water with his tongue, was unsuitable and must return home. The men who lapped the water with their cupped hands, were the ones God wanted.

Gideon was left with 300 men who were expected to fight against thousands in the Midian camp. It seemed a hopeless situation. Gideon was told to divide his men into three groups, 100 in each, which ordinarily would have been good fieldcraft and strategy. He was to equip them with a trumpet each and a clay pitcher with a torch inside, which he did. If he was afraid of the prospects, he could take his servant, Purah, down to the edge of the camp to listen to what was being said. He did so v14. There he heard a man telling his friend about a dream he had had. A loaf of barley bread had rolled down the hill crashing into a tent and demolishing it. The friend told him that it was the sword of Gideon, God had handed the entire camp over to Gideon. He was greatly encouraged by this and the first thing he did was to bow down and worship the Lord. (Take note)

Gideon took his men into battle, where at the right time, they blew their trumpets, smashing the clay pitchers and shone the torches. They then shouted very loudly, 'A Sword for the LORD and for Gideon v20. The Midianites were thrown into total confusion and began fighting each other as it was dark. Finally the battle was won, God had given Gideon the victory.

Conclusion:

Even when you can't understand what is happening and the odds are against you, when God calls you out you must do what He says. When you do, just watch Him work and give you the victory. The thing that you're facing today is in God's hands, if you have given it over to Him. Do what He says, no matter how strange it may feel and receive the victory. But remember to - bow down, thank Him and worship His name.  v15 

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Putting out a fleece - More on Gideon

"I will put a wool fleece here on the threshing floor. If dew is only on the fleece and all the ground is dry, I will know that You will deliver Israel by my strength, as You said" v37      

                                                                                         Judges 6:33-40    CSB 

God had told Gideon to go up against the Midianites, thus delivering Israel. Gideon wanted to be sure this was so. He therefore, put out a fleece. Many of us have done this during our walk with God but; is it right to do so? 

Asking God to guide us in a decision is asking Him for a visible sign - a confirmation, that we have heard Him right and it is the right thing to do for our guidance. But a fleece, is not a biblical term, it is conducive to testing God v39. God tells us to, 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding, 6 in all your ways, know Him and He will make your paths straight' Proverbs 3:5-6. There is a difference here. Note the 'Trust in'. Putting out a fleece is used by people, rather like Gideon, who are struggling with a decision and lack the faith to trust God in a certain area.

Gideon actually did this twice v39) which some may believe was pushing his luck a little. However, look how God was, with him. He was aware of this testing God, but still asked Him, 'Please don't be angry with me.' Why would he have said this, unless he knew that he was putting God to the test?

You may have done this at times, in fact, I believe many of us have. It seems such a natural thing to do. However, God much prefers us to ask in faith - 'Now, without faith, it is impossible to please God' Hebrews 11:6. He may have answered you this way in the past but, it is because of His amazing grace. He wants us though, to grow in faith and trust Him much more. 

Let us be aware that Jesus said, in answer to the devil in the wilderness, 'Do not test the Lord your God' Luke 4:12. It is far better to ask God to confirm His will instead of putting out a fleece. Some would say that there is no difference but, there is. God didn't say, 'Trust in the LORD with all your heart and put out a fleece if you need one.' Not at all; He told us not to rely on our own understanding, but seek His will in all we do. He will then show us the way to go.

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If you're willing, so is He - A glimpse at Gideon

"The LORD is with you, valiant warrior." v12  of            Judges 6:12-32     CSB

The Israelites were a vacillating people; one minute walking with God, the next far away. They appeared to have very little consistency. This is a dangerous way to live because if we are not built on a firm foundation, storms come along and devastate.

God had saved Israel from Egypt, but this was a covenant relationship. Not so with these guys; time and time again they called on Him to save them, which He did. Their walk with Him however, was only temporary and they soon returned to their old ways. Now they were in the hands of the Midianites and God had Gideon in line for promotion.

Gideon felt the call of God from the Angel of the LORD (v12) but needed to challenge it. He said, 'Please my LORD, if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened? v13. He also asked the LORD, where are all the wonders we have heard about over the years. Gideon felt abandoned. He could only see his own circumstances and not the bigger picture.

Next came the shock, 'Go in the strength you have and deliver Israel from the grasp of Midian. I am sending you' v14. 'What, how can I do this? (my paraphrase). This was very much like we have heard before. Firstly there was Moses and his reply to God's call, 'Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and that I should bring the Israelites out of Egypt?' (Exodus 3:11). And then Isaiah was faced with his call, 'Woe is me, for I am ruined, Because I am a man of unclean lips and live among a people of unclean lips' (Isaiah 6:5). Then of course there was Jeremiah who said it as it was, 'Oh no LORD! Look, I don't know how to speak since I am only a youth' (Jeremiah 1:6). I even felt the same when God called me to preach my first sermon. AAARGH!

God continued to speak to a shocked Gideon, 'But I will be with you. You will strike Midian down as if it were one man' v16. 

The key to accomplishing great acts for God is to stay in relationship with Him. You can't do it alone, don't even try. God told Gideon to tear down his father's altar to Baal and build one which would be honouring to Him and then sacrifice his father's two choice bulls on it v25-32. He did this, albeit in a state of fear at getting caught out. Therefore, he took ten men with him and did this all at night so that he wouldn't be seen.

The principle here is, don't expect God to help if your heart and own life is not willing to give things up, getting your life right with God. God wants to use you; what is standing in the way? What do you need to give up? The choice is very much yours, but if you do this, God will use you and bless you for making the right choice.

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

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Beware of the Spiritual Decay

"In those days there was no king in Israel, everyone did whatever seemed right to him."     

                                                                                                 Judges 17:6   NKJV

Having a life without God is rather like, being on a ship with no captain. Pretty soon things are going to go wrong and the ship will sink. There was no king in Israel at this time and therefore, no divine model to follow. Everyone did whatever they wanted to do, despite being right or wrong. There didn't appear to be any rules, boundaries or values. It was an 'anything goes', situation.

This always causes problems because everyone thinks they are right and know the best way to go. Arguments and fights can then break out, together with a great state of sin in the place. It is the hallmark of a people who have forgotten God.

I read some posts recently on a media platform and the subject was about Jesus Christ, 'Was He real or a fake?' The comments from people were unbelievable; some were denying Jesus ever existed, others were blaspheming Him. I couldn't resist commenting and wrote, 'Whether you believe in Jesus or not, or whether He is just a fairy tale as you say, the fact is, one day you will meet Him whether you like it or not and 'everyone will have to bow the knee and confess Him as Lord.' This kind of ended the post.

There are many things going on in our world today that, points to the fact that time is short - we are living in the End Times and, we need to prepare for this. Just think about the standards that have dropped in the world just of late. Many have forgotten God or refuse to get to know about Him. Instead, they live life the way they want to whether it is wrong in God's eyes or not. The world is in Spiritual Decay.

You may not be able to change what is happening in the world but, you can change or improve what happens in your own life, family or home. Ungodly standards need to go and there is a need to get rid of anything that will disarm you in your spiritual walk. You can help make a spiritual change around your home and immediate area - your neighbours. Refuse worldly values and uphold Godly ones. Ensure that you are not drawn into this world of decay. Jesus, I believe, is just around the corner. God is priming Him for His return. We need to be ready. 

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

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I will be found by you

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you," says the LORD, "thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."    Jeremiah 29:11    NKJV 

The Israelites were in exile in Babylon; God had allowed Nebuchadnezzar to carry them into captivity because of their sin. Jeremiah, the appointed spokesperson for God, wrote a letter to them offering encouragement and advice about how they should behave. Jeremiah wrote that God was thinking about them; He had plans for their future. His desire was to bring them peace and a hope for the time to come. 

God's promise was to bless them in the midst of pagan culture and whatever else they encountered. There was though, a price to pay, they must be fully committed to Him on a 24/7 basis, not just when they felt like it . He told them:

'Then you will call upon Me and I will listen to you. 13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you' says the LORD, 'and I will bring you back from your captivity.'   Jeremiah 29:12-14

We would all do well to take note of this scripture. We have just been through Easter and seen how much Jesus loves us and how much He demonstrated this by His death on the cross. He gave His all, surely we can do the same for Him. He has wonderful plans for us and longs to give us a bright and wonderful life. There is a need though, to be fully focused on Him, not just once a week at church or the odd prayer during the week. Our commitment to Him must be daily - a full time relationship.

When we are determined to live our lives fully for Jesus, as we seek Him He promises that we will find Him - 'I will be found by you,' and when this happens He will help us to be liberated from all of the things that have held us in captivity for so long - addictions, loneliness, sickness and fear, to mention a few.

We will only be free as we seek Him with all of our hearts. Seek Him wholeheartedly and have your life transformed for the better.

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

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