A New Song

If you're reading this in an email, scroll down to the very last link and click the link to view in your browse

"Sing to the Lord a new song, and His praise from the ends of the earth."  Isaiah 42:10

At times we need to be singing a new song; the old one is dull and boring, we've heard it so many times. Things can become staid and worn out and at times they need changing. Imagine wearing the same old coat day in and out for about a year. We would become so fed up with it that we would be climbing the wall to get it changed.

This is what it is like if we don't energise ourselves in God's Word. As a Christian we need a constant flow of the Word and the Power of the Holy Spirit to give us that lift to each day. If we don't eat the necessary requirement of food, eventually we will die. If we don't receive the necessary requirement of food from the Word of God - the bible, then the same thing will happen - spiritual death. We need to be continually filling our souls with our spiritual food. 

There may be times when we don't receive this at church for some reason. If this happens, fill your need by watching some Christian TV or perhaps reading a good Christian teaching book, or listening to a praise CD. There are lots of ways to begin to sing a new song and put a new skip in our walk. Praise is one thing that the devil does not like, one bit. Praise is powerful and it stops satan in his tracks. That's why when things begin to go pear-shaped in our lives, such as things getting us down and it becomes obvious that we're under spiritual attack, that is the time when we need to start praising God. Why? Because we will receive the victory. Things may be bad but Jesus is still on the throne; He's still the King of kings and He is still our friend. Therefore, sing a new song to Him. Praise your way through the bad time. Paul and Silas were in the deepest of smelly dungeons where it would have been wet and totally dark. Did they moan? No, they praised God while they sat in stocks and suddenly God sent an earthquake and the prison doors complete with chains, fell off them and they were set free. This is what praise can do.

This is why it is good to sing a new song to the Lord. Whatever, you may be going through at this time, God can help you with it, you just need to allow some praise to come out of your mouth and let God do the rest.

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard 

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

Today is the day

If you're reading this in an email, scroll down to the very last link and click the link to view in your browse

"We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For He says, 'In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you.' Behold, now is the accepted time; behold now is the day of salvation.:
                                                                                                       2 Corinthians 6:1-2

Just look at that statement above, 'workers together with Him.' What a privilege that is. Actually working with Jesus Himself. He considers you worthy to do that. Shall I say that again. HE CONSIDERS YOU WORTHY TO DO THAT. Wow, that just blows me away. The God of the universe; the God that created the world. The God who hung on a cross for you and me, considers us worthy to work alongside Him. Not for Him, but with Him. 

Where could you get this in the secular world. Nowhere! There are bosses and workers. Somebody has to rule us; tell us what to do; not that this is wrong. We all need to be accountable to someone, that is true. But the founder of the world - our friend Jesus, considers us worthy to work alongside Him.

We have been saved by grace (John 3:16). We belong to Him but let us be careful to never abuse this fact. Unbelievers look at us and they love to point the finger at times. Let us be careful to give them no ammunition - nothing they can judge us by. We are Christians, but we're only human and can easily blow it - big time. When we do, people seem to never forget it. It can ruin our witness; so let us be careful that the grace we have received is not in vain. If we do blow it, confess this to them, wherever possible; ask them to forgive you and move on. This is all you can do. If they don't forgive you, that is their problem, not yours.

At times it is so easy to take a day off from God. We all try it at times. It's a foolish move though because without Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5).

Today is the day of salvation, not tomorrow. It is now; there may not be a tomorrow. This was said to a chap in Somerset by a preacher. He replied that he had a lot of living to do and then he would become a Christian. He wanted to live first. He was killed that evening in an RTA. For him, salvation had passed and he had missed it. If you're reading this and have not asked Jesus to be your saviour, don't delay. Today is the day of salvation, not tomorrow. Ask Him now.

Lord Jesus
I recognise that today is the day of salvation and I cannot afford to miss out on this. I give You my life now and ask You to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour.
In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

Rest

If you're reading this in an email, scroll down to the very last link and click the link to view in your browse

Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.'   Mark 6:31.  NKJV

There were many people coming and going and the disciples were so hard pressed, they didn't have time to eat. Jesus advised them to take a short break, a short time out where they would be able to rest, eat and sleep. In other words, to regain their strength. Note that Jesus mentioned a deserted place - one where they would not be disturbed. We need this respite at times.

Just preaching the Gospel can be tiring. We should always do this in Jesus' strength, that is true. But a preacher is all fired up at this time, running on maximum power. At the end of it, the preacher can feel drained and this was partly what was going on here.

Burn out, is one of most biggest problems for preachers and pastors today. We find it difficult to say no - to turn people away or hand them over to someone else. It makes us feel guilty. But here the disciples didn't have the time to eat. This is so foolhardy and yet, we all do it. Therefore, going to a deserted place to rest guaranteed that people wouldn't be calling on them unannounced. This happens so much to us; especially via the telephone, which can be our biggest enemy. At times like this, it pays to turn it off.

Many people have working lunches. This may be a meeting or a one to one with someone. The thing is, no one should expect a person to work their lunch break. We need it. if at all possible, get out of the place and go for a walk, anywhere where there are no people demanding your time. If you don't, you'll pay the price and someone else may take over from you.

Don't allow people to do this to you. Tell the people straight. 'My yes is yes and my no is no. No one can stop you from making this decision, except yourself. If you want to continue to work your lunch, stay late after work, do more than really is requested of you. Then you really may have a problem in the not so distant future.

Is your body telling you to rest? Are you overdoing things? You have a decision that you need to make - sooner, rather than later!

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard 

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

Noisey, Empty Words

If you're reading this in an email, scroll down to the very last link and click the link to view in your browse

"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become a sounding brass or a clanging cymbal."  I Corinthians 13:1

Empty words create just an empty noise that serves no purpose whatsoever. The words are worthless, full of insincerity and lack the love of God, hence - a clanging cymbal.
I remember seeing a very funny sketch of a man sitting on the end of a small pier, fishing. All of a sudden, this chap tiptoes out behind him with a couple of large cymbals. Without hesitation, he crashed the cymbals together making the most awesome noise and the unfortunate fisherman, fell into the water. It was a hysterical sketch and people were laughing about it, but really, it just served no purpose whatsoever. It was funny, yes. But it could have caused the fisherman to have a heart attack. There was no point in it at all. It was just a clanging cymbal; and this is what the Apostle Paul is writing about here. Without love, without God in something, it is just a noise.

I often feel that there is nothing like a firm handshake. Oftentimes, we go to shake someone's hand and we receive what resembles, a limp fish in return. Their handshake may be sincere but to me, it convey's insincerity, that they don't wish to meet with us really. They have a lack of interest.
It is the same when we are speaking with someone. We need to give them eye contact. If we're staring out of the window or glancing at our watch, what does that convey? Lack of interest. How would you feel if you met with God and He began looking out of His window or was glancing at anything but yourself. It would give the impression that He is too busy or has too much on His mind to bother with us.

When we speak with someone, whether it be in a planned 'counselling' type of way or unplanned, we need to give them dignity. What I mean by this, is to show them that we are not in any rush and would really like to help, where possible. Let us beware of sounding like a clanging cymbal by saying, 'I know how you feel.' The chances are, you don't and it can put the other person off and may cause them to say, 'You don't know how I feel.' It is a closer to a conversation to act in such a way. 

When the person speaks to you, don't speak over them. Allow them the space to talk, gently feeding back part of what they're saying (reflecting back) to let them know you are with them. Try to listen with the third ear - 'What is this person really trying to say?' Try and get into their shoes by identifying with them and then they'll know that you know what they're going through. Counsellors call this, getting into their, 'Internal Frame of Reference.' You'll know if you've succeeded by their reaction towards you. Once you're in there, they'll open up more.

These are only basic counselling skills but you don't have to be qualified to use them. Listen more; speak less and promise nothing. A lot of time most people just want to off load and if they've chosen you for this purpose and you agree, stick to these guidelines - unless you are qualified and have a deeper understanding.

Clanging gongs and cymbals are for those in an orchestra. You may not fit the musical skills but you can avoid the clanging cymbals and the next time someone opens up to you, show them the love of God by being a listener.

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard 

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

Being content

If you're reading this in an email, scroll down to the very last link and click the link to view in your browse

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."   Philippians 4:13.  NKJV

The state of being discontent or dissatisfied chokes every opportunity that may come our way. Being discontent can give us feelings of anger, irritability and always striving to change this for the better. It can make us envious about what other people have and what we feel, and can bring jealousy to the forefront of our thinking.

The Apostle Paul had beaten this. Even though he was in prison at the time, he was able to claim that he was content in all things. And that is the secret to the way forward. 
Nehemiah 8:10 says:

'Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength'

There are three areas that can help here:

REJOICE.  God knows what we need. therefore, whatever He provides rejoice in it without complaining.

REST IN YOUR SITUATION. Be content whatever your circumstances. They could be far worse.

REALISE YOUR STRENGTH IN JESUS. Without Him, we are nothing. With Him we are a source of power (John 15:5)

It is being content with what God has provided which is the key to fulfilment here; not an almighty, super person that can do whatever. Super Christians just do not exist.

Winston Churchill said:

'I've never failed at anything in my life. I was simply given another opportunity to get it right'

Let is consider this statement. First of all, it is positive, as Churchill was. It shows no fear or cracks of defeat. It is almost a faith statement, although there is no suggestion that `Churchill was a Christian. What is does show is the Churchill, Bulldog Spirit.
It shows the hallmark of a fighter; one who doesn't give up, whatever is faced. It shows, to me, that whatever we are given, we can use to bring about victory. This is what people who are content with life, can do. They are not saying, 'I have what I've been given and I'll settle for that.' No, rather, 'Whatever I've been given is enough when it's placed into God's hands. He is the one that can give me victory. he is the one that gives me the strength to face each and every day.'

Be content in Jesus, place it in His hands and watch what He can do with it!

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard 

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

  

Me, Me, Me

If you're reading this in an email, scroll down to the very last link and click the link to view in your browse

"And the LORD restored Job's losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed, the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before."  Job 42:10  NKJV

Job had a tough life. He had practically lost all he had - family, health and wealth. His friends were not the greatest of support to him and made statements, although being correct, were somewhat misplaced. In the end, God changed their hearts and helped them to see they were wrong and He sent them to Job in order to repent.
In comparison, God encouraged Job to pray for his friends. This liberated Job from bondage and God restored twice as much as he had before. Job showed no bitterness or bad feeling towards them at all. Could we pray for people who have wronged us, in the same way?

At times of hardship, where we may have been abandoned and no one has called or even rung us, it is so easy to feel sorry for ourselves and just concentrate on our feelings.
Mother Teresa said:

'As a rule, when we're suffering we are so focused on ourselves that have no time for others.'

We become so wrapped up in ourselves - our hurts , people who have wronged us or let us down, that sometimes the last thing we want to do is pray for them. But forgiveness is the key to freedom. Non Christian people find it difficult when a Christian forgives someone for the hurts they have caused. But, this is the foundation of Christianity! Jesus died in our place, for our sin. We needed forgiveness in order to face God, who is Holy. Jesus did that for us.
Charles Stanley says:

'Jesus, when he died for my sin, wrote in His Blood - "Paid in Full". 

If Jesus forgives us and, let's face it, we've committed some bad things at times. Therefore, if Jesus forgives us, then surely, we must forgive people who have wronged us. So it is time to stop feeling sorry for ourselves - being selfish with the Me, Me, Me syndrome and start forgiving and praying for others. 

Do you need to do this?

'Lord, I need freedom. I've been selfish, thinking of only myself. People have let me down and hurt me, yes. But today, I want to pray for them and forgive them. That way, I know that I'm opening the door to freedom. Please help me with this Lord. I choose to forgive..............

 ................................................................................................................................................

In Jesus' Name. Amen

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com  

The Road to Emmaus

If you're reading this in an email, scroll down to the very last link and click the link to view in your browse

Please read Luke 24:13 - 43 for the whole picture

It was a boiling hot day as we walked the seven miles from Jerusalem to the small village of Emmaus. My friend and I had witnessed the awful crucifixion that Jesus had to undergo. We were both feeling broken and confused. I mean, we had expected Jesus to redeem Israel and be our ruler. Now He was dead and worse still, His body had gone missing. Some of the women were quite vocal as they kept shouting that He had risen. We were unsure about this, in fact, the whole scenario confused us.

Suddenly, this other fellow joined us on the walk. He looked familiar but I really couldn't place Him. Just another face in the crowd, I suppose. Without asking if He could join in with our conversation, He asked us what we were discussing and why we looked so sad. I said to Him, 'Surely you've heard the news or are you the only one for miles who doesn't know about things.?' 
'What things" He asked. I was totally dumbfounded. "Is this guy having a laugh with us,' I thought?
My friend explained all that had happened. I was too agitated to speak. My friend explained all about the arrest, the crucifixion and how the body was now missing. 
'Everyone had hoped He would change things for the better,' I said, my irritability under control now. 'However, whatever happens now, there'll be little change. We're guttered.'

All of a sudden, this guy started talking all about Jesus as if He knew Him personally. He talked about something called the Gospel and then eternal life. He spoke about God as if He knew Him also. It was strange but exciting too. He spoke with so much knowledge and passion, that when we reached our turnoff to Emmaus, we begged Him to come and stay the night with us. He agreed and we went to our home. As we began to eat, the most strangest of things happened, He broke the bread and blessed it just like Jesus had done before His death. WHAT? Oh goodness me, it is Jesus!

With that, He vanished. It was like a light had been switched on in our brains and we could understand everything. Yes, it was Jesus of Nazareth. We both felt heart-warmed, in fact very different. It was like we had been having lots of head knowledge, but now, it was coming from the heart.

We set off again- back to Jerusalem, practically running. We had to tell someone, hopefully Peter. I for one couldn't contain the joy that was bubbling up within me. I'm sure my friend felt the same because all he could do was keep laughing out loud.  When we arrived, we found Peter and the others and suddenly Jesus was there as well. It was the most amazing time of my life.

***********************************************

These two disciples had started out with head knowledge, but after spending quality time with Jesus, their heart's were burning with fire. What about you? Have you head knowledge? You study the Word and know it inside out but it doesn't come from the heart? There's something missing. That fire that can only come from Jesus. Jesus is not looking for academics; He's looking for Spirit Filled men and women of God, those who have had their heart warmed until it is burning hot. People who'll stop at nothing to spread the Word of God around wherever. Do you fit in here? Yes or no?

You know that some people go deeper with Jesus - don't you? You've longed for that - haven't you? Why not do something about it, right now?

'Lord Jesus, I know You - I think. I've asked You into my heart; but there's something missing. I need You to fill me with the Fire of The Holy Spirit. Please Lord, I mean business with You. I want to go much deeper than I ever have before. Please help me Jesus.  Amen.'

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com