Know alls

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

"But you have an anointing from the Holy One and you know all things."  1 John 2:20 NKJV

I have used this scripture many times in my preaching and I love people's faces when I tell them that God thinks they are 'know alls.' You know all things, because The Holy Spirit reveals things to you, and will continue to reveal things to you as you continue to walk with Him. The Gospel of John reads:

'However, when He, the Spirit of truth has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak and He will tell you things to come.'  (John 16:13)

When we were saved, God gave us an anointing from the Holy Spirit. He also provided a way that we could have access to dunamus power, by way of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, such as happened to the disciples at Pentecost. (Acts 2). He also commanded us to be baptised in water. This baptism is an outward sign that we belong to Jesus, that we have received Him, died with Him and been raised to life again with Him, through the baptisimal waters. Failure to do this, or be baptised in the Holy Spirit however, does not prevent us from going to Heaven when we die We are already saved. However, if Jesus commanded baptism, then it makes sense to obey Him. We want and need everything that He has for us.

Not only does the Holy Spirit tell us all things but we are also friends of Jesus. He actually calls us this in John 15:15, 'No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father, I have made known to you.;
This is amazing, stop for a moment and digest what Jesus is saying here. You are His friend and He will tell you all He has heard from God. Yes, even though you may have just been involved in some type of sin, He still calls you His friend. That is friendship - true friendship. Where could you go to gain such love and faithfulness. Jesus loves each one of us with the same measure. He has no favourites. He is not pleased that you may have just sinned, but as you repent, He pours His love upon you and says:

"I see no stain upon you because you're mine and you know me, to Me you're only holy, nothing that you've done, remains only what you do in me."
                                                                                                 Words and Music Keith Green

You are loved; you are Holy; You are known to God; You are special; You are Jesus' friend.
Why not let that sit with you as you begin to thank and praise Him for His faithfulness to you. If you were God, I'm pretty sure you would give up on someone if they persisted in breaking the rules and letting you down, endlessly. God's not like that because your friend Jesus pleads with the Father each time you let Him down.
Isn't that something to be grateful for?

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard 

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

You Need God!

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 will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go ; I will guide you with My eye"
                                                                                                                    Psalm 32:8. NKJV

I remember my university days; the initial fear as I commenced my first day and the desire to want to leave that same morning, as I discovered all the work that I would have to cover in order to qualify. It was totally awesome, However, deep down, I knew that I could do this; I knew that God was with me. This did not stop me from failing my first essay though. As I asked God about this, just before I was going going to quit, He quite simply told me that I had not asked Him to help me. He felt that, as I hadn't asked Him, I would be able to manage it well. I was flabbergasted and decided there and then, that I would never manage this without asking Him for help.

My problem was, I was puffed up, I didn't need anyone to help me; I would sail through all of this, I thought. WRONG! It was quite an awakening and I had to live with the fact that I had to re-submit my first essay. I felt stupid and my ego had suffered a major smashing.
But we live and learn, and I learnt very quickly, I can tell you. 

God gave me the above verse. He told me to pray this over every essay and exam that I had to do and all would be good. I never looked back from that moment and managed to get some very favourable results, even coming first in psychology - which included Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Grief counselling. But I had to learn the lesson that without Him, I can do nothing (John 15:5)." 

When we are young, we have this feeling that we can conquer anything that we face. Thankfully, God is there to point us in the right direction, and that means allowing us to have egg on our face when we think we know better than Him.

This feeling that we can do whatever we choose to do, never really leaves us. What we have to do is, learn to submit to God, draw near to Him and then he will draw near to us. (James 4:7-8.) God doesn't want us to be puffed up and proud. If we are, He will resist us. (James 4:6.) When we are proud, we tend to say to God, that we don't need Him, we can do this on our own. When we do this, we soon learn that we can't. We need to humble ourselves and then things will go well for us.

What are you doing at the moment. Are you at Uni or working in a high profile job? You need God to help you, if you haven't worked that out already. God wants you to be successful, but He will share His glory with no one. He is God, and He wants the best for His children, but we belong to Him and he wants to guide us. 

Have you learned this yet? If not, make sure that you do pretty quickly!

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

Are you a Back Seat Driver?

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

"Peter seeing him, said to Jesus, 'But Lord, what about this man?' Jesus said to him, 'If I will that he remain till I come , what is that to you? You follow me!' "  

                                                                                                             John 21:21-22

Peter had been talking with Jesus and wanted to know if John had to do what He was telling Peter to do. Straightaway, Jesus told him basically to get on and do what he had been told and not to worry about what John would be doing. In other words, He was telling Peter, 'Never mind, "What about him - what about you? You do what I've told you to do, I'll take care of the rest.'

It all boils down to as long as we are doing what God wants us to do, that's the way God wants it. The thing is, at times we find ourselves pointing the finger at other Christians. We feel that they shouldn't be doing what they are doing. They should be disciplined.  At times like this, it is more likely that we need disciplining for thinking such stuff about other people.

But we do this. At times, we are like back seat drivers. We even feel that we should be controlling what God should be controlling. 'I mean, for Heaven's sake, why does God allow this to happen? Doesn't He know about what they are doing and saying?' Yes, He does, but it is still no concern of ours. We should be doing what God has told us to do and stop trying to judge people. I always say, if we were meant to judge people, we would have been given a curly white wig and a long black cloak.

We becomes wrapped up in what other people are doing that, at times, that is all we can focus on. Bob Gass, writes, 'Learn to respect your fellow believers, not because of who they are, but whose they are' ( Bob Gass UCB). The very people we judge and point the finger at; the very people that we are tempted to talk about, or to put it correctly - gossip about, belong to God. They are created in God's image the same as we are. How would you feel if they were talking about you to people? It's not nice and I tell you, God is not pleased with such behaviour. 'Judge not, that you will not be judged. For with what judgement you judge, you will be judged and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.'  ( Matthew 7:1-2 ) 

Sitting in the back seat of a car telling the driver what he or she should be doing is akin to sitting in church or in a group talking about other people. Basically it is gossip and we will pay a high price if we continue with this. Yes at times, people do wind us up; there are times when they should be acting in a more appropriate way; but talking about them or judging them behind closed doors is not the way. If there is something you're not happy about, talk to God about it; get some direction and if it is needed, approach that person and gently speak to them about what offends you. If not, then, you do what God wants you to do and let God deal with them.

It is not worth losing your peace and that wonderful flowing in The Holy Spirit. And remember, if we allow the devil to get into the back seat of the car, pretty soon he's going to want to drive. Think about that.

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard 

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

Time-outs Part two

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


Both you and these people who are with you will surely wear yourselves out. For this thing is too much for you ; you are not able to perform it by yourself." Exodus 18:18

Jethro, Moses' father in law had made a visit to see Moses and observed that what he was doing, was far too much for him or any man. He felt Moses could be heading for Burnout unless something was done - quickly. He suggested that Moses choose men he could trust and allot them a portion of people each that they could take responsibility for. Moses was humble enough to heed this advice and he set this into action.

At times, we tend to take too much on and fail to see that what we are doing is over the top. Many of us have a job to go to each day and oftentimes, that in itself is demanding. On top of this, we tend to take on things within the church and that makes us feel good, because we have a feeling that we are doing something for God. Again, this is good. However, have we ever stopped and thought, 'Am I doing too much?' 

Many of us need to balance out the work that we take on. Within the church, it makes us feel wanted that God has called us to do something for Him. If He has called us to do a particular thing, He will help us balance it out that we don't get worn out and will give us the necessary time-outs. However, if He hasn't called us to do this particular thing, we are heading towards wearing ourselves out.

We can't do it all. There are many people who want to help out within a church family but don't really get the opportunity. Perhaps it would help to point these people out to leadership and enquire if it would be favourable to let them help out, in order to share the workload.

Some people say 'Yes' whenever they are asked to do something, and that is great. The problem is, it can be the same people doing it all and that is where the tiredness and imbalance can take affect. Sometimes it is right to say, 'No, I can't take on anymore at the moment.' It may not go down too well and you may suffer guilt for saying this, but common sense has to prevail.

Finally, a word for Pastors. Do you delegate, or do you try to do everything yourself because that way, you can be sure that it is done correctly? Again there are people who want to help and are longing for you to recognise their callings and talents. Don't sit on their ministry, delegate and give them the chance they're longing for. Perhaps, at one time, you may have felt this way too.

The main point is, we need to watch the Burnout factor and ensure that we don't take on too much. Is the speaking to you? Do you need to slow dow down a little? Do you need to prioritise in particular areas? Are there time-outs required in your life?

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard 

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

Time-outs

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

A time-out can be classed as a break; a cessation from toil; a time for refreshment and an intermission. This time-out may be instituted by a sports official or someone who is in charge of a particular piece of work that we are doing. Basically, it is a short break from work or play. Children have these at school; workers have tea breaks and such. It is a time where for a few moments, we can re-group, re-focus, gather our thoughts and regain our energy. Time-outs are essential in one's very busy day.

Jesus recognised this when He called His disciples aside to have a short rest. They had not even had the time to eat, let alone think things through. Working at this pace can be a recipe for Burnout. According to the World Health Organisation, Burnout is now a  legitimate Medical Diagnosis, although it can be argued that it falls closely into the category of stress. Basically, Burnout is when a person is not coping well with their job or situation. Tiredness, irritability, depression and lack of concentration can be factors of this condition. However, my intention here is not to attempt to give out medical diagnosis where I'm not qualified to do so. My quest is to point a person in the right direction to attempt to avoid this condition.

Jesus recognised the dangers of taking too much on. This is why He advised His disciples against the perils of missing out on rest and not eating their meals properly. This is a big concern in our society today. Many families don't even sit at a table to eat together any more. Preference is given to having their meal on their knees while they watch TV. Some people grab a sandwich or something else that will satisfy the hunger pangs for a time. One only has to watch some of the police dramas on the TV to get an idea of how the stars demonstrate how busy they are and manage to eat at their desks while they write reports, talk on the telephone or dash in the car to some crime scene, burger in hand. It really does nothing to promote healthy eating and it certainly does nothing to recommend having a rest before they go any further.

Our health is most important. God wants us healthy. Many people are giving in to bad health because they just do not take care of themselves. Some people are overweight and yet do very little by way of exercise. Others burn the midnight oil watching endless movies and then struggle to get up and get through the next day. Diets are ignored. Illnesses such as Type 2 Diabetes are on the increase. Strokes, heart attacks and other life threatening illnesses are a risk because we are just not listening to what Jesus told us. We need to take time out. We need to rest; We need to eat properly and at regular times. We also need to get plenty of sleep.

God wants you well. He wants you fit and healthy. He wants to use you - yes you! But things in your life need to change. There needs to be a more stricter schedule in order to reach the place Jesus wants you to be. We only have one life. It is far better to live it to the full, don't you agree?

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard 

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

Bury the past

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

"Who will deliver me from this body of death?"  Romans 7:24. NKJV

Some ancient kings tormented their prisoners by shackling them to decomposing corpses. This was mostly the one's who had murdered people, but not always. Paul longed to be free from the wretched body of death clinging to him, not that he had directly murdered anyone himself. 

Spurgeon said:

"It was the custom of ancient tyrants, when they wished to put men to the most fearful punishments, to tie a dead body to them; placing the two back to back; and there was the living man, with a dead body closely strapped to him, rotting, putrid, corrupting, and this he must drag with him wherever he went."

As I've mentioned, this was usually the body of the murdered victim who was strapped to the murderer. Eventually, poisonous bacteria would penetrate the perpetrator's back as decomposition kicked in, leading him to an awfully, painful death. 

The Apostle Paul struggled with the fact that the law could not take away his sin. Daily, he felt frustrated that he was committing sin when he didn't wish to. Does this sound normal to you? Many times during the day, we are tempted to sin. Sometimes we don't really recognise that we're doing it; but then again, at other times we do. What about our thought life? What about the times when we allow lust to take over our thinking and for a time, we do nothing to stop this? Paul had similar struggles. We don't know what they were, but he was human just like we are so must have felt similar impulses.

Most of us struggle with things in our past. Some may have been abused by someone that they had felt safe with initially. Some may have become involved with gangs, drug addiction, alcoholism, theft just to name a few. We all have a past but the great thing about belonging to Jesus is that, if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. ( 1 John 1:9 ) The main scripture above is dealing with the past. The only way the perpetrator would be free from the dead body on his back, would have been to shrug it off and bury it. It is the same with us.

Many of us struggle with past issues when we really shouldn't if Jesus has set us free from them.  However, sometimes, we have to decide to cast the burden off us and bury it. So the past you're carrying around is weighing you down and preventing you from moving forward in victory. It is time that you cast it off, bury it and move to your new life. It really is the only way!

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard 

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

Don't be a copy - be the real thing

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

"Don't copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."  Romans 12:2. New Living Translation

Human behaviour at times, tends to lean heavily on copying trends, dress styles and habits. To a degree, this is okay. It is good to be fashionable and up to date with what is going on in the world. As kids, we have our heroes, and these may follow us into adult life where we may find ourselves copying some of their characteristics. We all do this. Some of us are pop stars, singing into a hairbrush in front of the mirror. Some of us train and play sport like our hero. Others, copy the dress and hair style of the particular person who we are following. This is all normal. However, in all of this, eventually we need to find ourselves. We need to find our own  identity and do our own thing. If we don't, we stand the risk of being a person who is going nowhere. We need to be ourselves, and allow God to use us as He finds fit.

Jesus didn't copy. He had His mandate from the Father and He set out to fulfil this. He was not a follower. He was a leader! There are leaders and followers in life and that is okay. If we were all leaders, we would have no followers behind us, and if we were all followers, we would be like sheep without a shepherd. It would be total chaos.

Are you a leader or a follower? Deep down within the heart of a leader, is the burning desire that they have been placed here to make a difference. However, to most people it won't happen overnight. There needs to be a period of 'proving', where it becomes obvious to people that there is some potential in this person. In other words, if you have leadership gifting, it will be noticed by people. The book of Proverbs mentions this:

'A man's gift makes room for him , and brings him before great men.'  Proverbs 18:16

A person who is searching for leadership though, must be a person who has found themselves and know where they're going. One cannot copy someone else's leadership. A leader can have a mentor, that is fine. However, at the end of the day, they need to be their own person and not a carbon copy of someone else. God created just one of us, not several copies.

As I mentioned, are you feeling that you are a potential leader, whether it be in the Christian field or the secular? Don't rush things. Dependent on your age you can seek counsel about this with your pastor or work leader. Training will almost certainly be required plus a time of testing the waters. There may have to be a time where you sit on the subs bench for quite a while before you're set free to have a go. Be patient, because as the Proverbs scripture above says, eventually you will come to someone's attention. You will be noticed. Until then, spend time with Jesus and talk to Him about all of this. He's pretty good at offering expert advice about such things. He also has the key to open all doors.

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard 

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com