It's a con Part Two

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"And do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."
                                                                                                         Roman 12:2.  NKJV

Yesterday, we looked at the contentious subject of abortion and the Christian view. We also looked at how, if we take the first three letters of the word conformed, we are left with the word 'Con,' which can describe how the world may con us into believing that something is right in the world, when God says different.
Today let us look at perhaps a more contentious subject - homosexuality and same- sex relationships and marriage.

The bible tells us very clearly that:

'You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination."
                                                                                                         Leviticus 18:22.  NKJV

This includes both gay and lesbian relationships and how God feels about them. In a nutshell, He loves the person who practices this lifestyle but finds the act, an abomination. We are told in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10: 'Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolators, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.'  Quite clearly the bible tells us that no one who lives such a life will not enter Heaven. This is quite serious.

There has been an upward trend in gay rites and, from a legal point of view, a gay person cannot be discriminated against. Pride rallies are taking place all over the world; even many churches are now willing to conduct same-sex marriages. Also gay priests are being accepted into the ministry. Schools can no longer teach the full subject of Christianity and yet teaching and advice on gay sex is taught that it is an acceptable alternative to what we have always accepted as normal. The thing is, God's Word is the final authority. He hasn't changed His mind on this subject. 'Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever,' (Hebrews 13:8). 

Many people feel that the bible is outdated. God is definitely not outdated and therefore, neither is His Word. It stands as it was written. We cannot take what is now accepted as an alternative lifestyle and fit it into what God has ordained. The bible - God's Word, cannot be updated. It is fact and actually, set in stone. What God said, He means and always will mean. This is how the world is trying to con people into believing what is not God's will.

This doesn't mean, that as Christians we can judge people who choose to live this way. We have no right. We do have a right however, to challenge what they say about God's Word. God finds it unacceptable and an abomination and that is final.

Does this mean that if we as Christians, have a family member who tells us they're gay, we should disown them? Certainly not! We should love them just the same and continue to allow them to see Jesus in our lives, leaving this with God himself. The same if we have gay friends. As long as they don't try to force their lifestyle on us, they have a right that we don't force our lifestyle on them. Jesus is in charge and he is very skilled in showing us the way forwards.

However, we need to be mindful that, because we're a Christian, we need to establish righteousness wherever we are and never allow compromise to take us over.  What God says - stands and we should uphold that Word and never bow to any other way of life.

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

It's a con

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"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

                                                                                                          Romans 12:2.  NKJV

The world system is totally hostile and in competition with the things of God. If we're not careful, we can easily get sucked in. If we take the first three letters of the word, 'conformed,' we get, 'con,' and that is what the world is - a con. It is out to con each and every person believer and non-believer. 

The world is not genuine. People put their trust in the world; in riches, fancy houses and lifestyles, amazing jobs, unlimited cash, just to name a few things. However, it is false. Being the richest person in the world, with the most amazing lifestyle ever, will not get the person into Heaven. In fact, they cannot take this wealth with them when they die, it will go to someone else, who will no doubt duplicate this lifestyle. The sad thing is, many people can abuse this lifestyle. There is a starving world out there, many men, women and children are dying each minute because there is very little funding for medical supplies. And yet, some people will spend amazing amounts of money on drugs, booze and lush parties. 

This type of life will rob a person given the opportunity. We often read in the media that some film star, pop star or business person has died very suddenly. Many of these people are not happy. All the wealth in the world cannot give happiness or good health. many millionaires are not happy with their wealth and seek to get more, worrying about it all.

The world is in rebellion to God's ways. Dare I mention abortion, as an example? This is a contentious area. The world says it's ok and there is an army of people who would agree with this. However, God does not agree. This is totally against His law and it breaks His heart to see that the world is treating it as a normal way of life.

Abortion is the murder of an unborn child. It doesn't even get a choice. God gave life and yet, abortion can take it away, just like that. At times, it may be argued that through certain circumstances, there may be a suitable reason for abortion. But it must be a valid reason - if there is one, for taking a life like this. 

We have a mind and the ability to make choices. If we belong to God, we do not belong to the world, we belong to Jesus and we obey and uphold His word. It's called, 'Thinking differently,' It's saying, 'What would Jesus do here?' Or, 'What would He say?' 

As a Christian, each of us needs to think and do things differently. We are not a copy of this world but a copy of Jesus. Do you not agree?

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard 

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

You cannot do it alone

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"Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of hosts."  
                                                                                                       Zechariah 4:6.  NKJV

Whatever you are doing for God or in your daily life, you can't do it without the Holy Spirit. You want a closer walk with God? You need His Spirit. You want to be an intercessor? You need His Spirit. In fact, if you want to serve God at any level - pastor or usher, you need His Spirit in order to do the job properly, letting people see Jesus in your work.

In the above verse, we see three key elements:

Might 
There is strength in numbers. Whatever you do, it's easier to approach it with some help. It can be fulfilling to have an army around you when you go out on the streets to evangelise, preach in church or give your testimony. Warriors who are defending their territory would quake with fear when they realised the size of the attacking army. It seemed an impossible task.
Some people over the years have had super-strength, look at Samson for example. He could perform the most amazing feats, yet when his hair was cut off, he was as weak as a kitten. He told Deliliah, 'No razor has ever come upon my head, for I have been a Nazirite to God from my mother's womb. If I am shaven, then my strength will leave me and I shall become weak and be like any other man.'  (Judges 16:17). He had limitations, he wasn't invincible.

Power
If we cut a large hedge with some shears, it will take ages and will be quite tiring. However, bring a hedge trimmer into the equation and it is done in no time at all. A sports car can go an incredible speed, far faster than a basic family car. The power wins each time. However, take that power away or make it unavailable and the output is cut down.
We can use the best batteries that are available, however, once they run down, unless they are re-chargeable, they are only useful to re-cycle. 
A great example of power was at Pentecost. The early church had done a little evangelism and such since Jesus had ascended into Heaven, but they had been limited, because the  authorities were out to stop them. Therefore they had to keep a low profile. On that day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came with such power that it turned their world upside down and back again; Peter preached a sermon and over 3000 souls were saved that day. They didn't care any more that they could be arrested and even killed. Something wonderful had happened to them - they were empowered by God's supernatural power. the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit
John 16:13 says, '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.'
Without the Holy Spirit, there is little we can accomplish. With the Holy Spirit residing in our heart, we can achieve all that He sends us to do. God uses each one of us, if we make ourselves available to be used, and performs the most amazing stuff through us. 

He is wanting to use you - today. Are you ready for this? Do you want Him to take you to different heights; to perform miracles through you? Is there a bubbling within you, a feeling that you can't contain? God wants to give you the fulness of His Spirit. As a Christian, you have been given the Holy Spirit, but God wants to saturate you in it; to fire you up; to light that fire within you again, or for the first time.
Are you willing? If you are, tell Him and then get ready because if you're serious, He will take you up on this offer!

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

Superabundance

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"20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us; 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen,"   Ephesians 3:20-21.  NKJV

God can do anything, anything that He chooses. Nothing is too hard for Him. Exceedingly, abundantly above all we ask or think. That is an amazing statement and we need to focus on that for a while to get the fuller meaning of what it promises. Whatever you need or desire, He is able to do; there's nothing that He cannot do. 

Verse 20 says, 'according to power that works in us.' Yes, we need to believe and receive so there is an element of faith required to bring things about, but He is able to do this. The power that's mentioned, is for now - today. Not when we get to Heaven. We don't have to wait for God to work for us, it's here right now, we just need to believe. 

Only God can do this for us. Think about it. Anything that you have ever dreamt about, God is able to deliver. It's not difficult for Him. Any great thing that you have lived through, God is able to do better, much bigger; much greater. He can do beyond measure or description.

We need to focus on these things. No one, super-billionaire, King, Prince, Sheik, you name it, can give us what He can. He may not give us all we desire but we need to believe that He can, so that, when we face problems in our lives, and we come to God in prayer; we need to know, beyond doubt, that He is able.

He is the God of the Superabundance. Jesus said in John 10:10b, 'I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly.' Basically, this means more than enough, overflowing. King David lamented in Psalm 23:5, 'You anoint my head with oil, my cups runs over.' That is overflow, superabundance, more than enough. 

Do you want a deeper walk with Jesus?  He can do this.
Do you need physical healing? He can do this.
Do you need emotional healing? He can do that too.
Do you need help with university, college or other training? He can do this.
Do you need help in your work? He can do this.
Do you need help in your marriage? He can do this.
Do you need help with financial dealings? He can do this.
And He can do much, much more!

Therefore, believe and receive and let Jesus take you to a higher level. 
He's longing to help. He is so able.

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

It's time to move on

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"16 No one puts a piece of un-shrunk cloth on an old garment; for the patch pulls away from the garment and the tear is made worse. 17 Nor do they put new wine into old wineskins, or else the wineskins break, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But they put new wine into new wineskins and both are preserved."     Matthew 9:16-17 

Jesus didn't come to reform or repair the Old Covenant but to promote a New Covenant. This replaces the Old and goes far beyond it. The Apostle Paul said, 'Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.'  (2 Corinthians 5:17). This means that when we were born again, we became new with a New Covenant. Everything for us, became new. As soon as we became a Christian, we had a new beginning.

Even though we may try, we cannot live in the past. It's time to move on. God is an active God. He doesn't sit around all the time watching to see if we're behaving ourselves. He's always spreading His power throughout this world, via His Holy Spirit. He's always opening up a new way forward.

We often try to live in our comfort zone. It's a safe place and we don't like the idea of moving out of it or changing things. We tend to be creatures of habit. But we need to break out of our comfort zone. We cannot effectively walk into the new if we don't effectively walk out of the old. Jesus is in the new and wants us to be there too. He's moving on, not stagnating. There are people who are still not saved and He wants them to have the opportunity. This is where we come in. If we don't tell them, they won't get there, it's as simple as that. You see, if someone is not saved, they're living in the old - the past. Being born again will catapult them into the new.

But there are also hang ups that are weighing us down. Don't you think it's time to cast them away. To get rid of the burden and move on. There's probably things that messed you up - years ago. If you can't do anything about it - leave it. It's holding you back. 'Yes but..' Yes, but nothing, this is fact, you won't move on until you ditch the old stuff. Jesus is waiting for you with open arms. He wants you to come out of your comfort zone and trust Him - totally. Do you? Do you trust Him totally? If you don't, you need to make some changes because this is one of the roots that are holding you back. Trust Him; walk towards Him and get saturated in the new. This is where you belong!

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard 

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

Don't leave it - do it!

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"Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth."

                                                                                                            Proverbs 27:1   NKJV

James says a very similar thing: '13 Come now, you who say, "today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit." 14 whereas  you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. 15 Instead you ought to say , "If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.'   (James 4:13-15.  NKJV)

It is unwise to put things off until tomorrow, unless there's a genuine reason. This may be due to other things that need doing, or tiredness, or in fact, to just sheer idleness. We can adopt a 'can't be bothered attitude', and we all have them from time to time. I love photography, it's my hobby but the other night, I couldn't be bothered to go out and take some shots of the sunset. I missed probably one of the very best - ever sunsets - through my total can't be bothered-ness.

Many people say, 'I won't cut the grass today, I'll leave it until tomorrow.' When tomorrow comes, it's raining and it continues for days until the grass is not only long but saturating too. Other people put things off until tomorrow, but sadly for them, tomorrow never comes. Many people leave home for work or wherever and never return because they're involved in a fatal accident or have a bad health episode. Therefore, they never got to do what they said they would.

God wants us to plan, that's true, but He wants us to plan in Him. He wants to be involved in our every day activities. He doesn't wish for us to go out on a whim, doing our own thing. 

This is where it becomes very risky if a person puts off the opportunity for salvation. We never know how much time we have left on this planet. We need Jesus to get into Heaven, without Him were headed for destruction. It is too much of a gamble to take. Make sure you belong to Jesus, plan your days with Him involved and enjoy your time together. 

"Lord Jesus, I give my life to You and ask You to forgive my sins. Please come and live in my heart and be my Lord and Saviour. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

LORD, what shall I do?

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"A man's heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.'    Proverbs 16:9.  NKJV

If you've ever been in a situation where you just don't know what to do about something, then you'll know how difficult this is. On some decisions, if we make the wrong one, it could spell a major problem. If we decide against it, that may be just as bad. It really is a time when we need someone to make this decision for us. However, if we allowed them to do this and it all went wrong, they'd be a target of our wrath. It can be a nightmare and many suffer this plight. Probably that's where you are at this moment.

When we first got married, we used to face decisions by writing the Pros and the Cons out - the For's and the Against's. Many is the time when we made the right decision by this action, but occasionally we got it wrong. But where do we go when that decision has to be made?

Well, God gives us opportunities to speak to Him about issues. In Jeramiah 33:3 it says, 'Call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things which you do not know.' When we were first saved, we used to call that verse, God's telephone number. It's one way that He has promised to answer us when we call out to Him.

Furthermore, He tells us in Proverbs 16:3, 'Commit your works to the LORD and your thoughts will be established.' In the Hebrew, this means to roll the issue or problem over to God. It gives us the picture of a camel that has walked for many miles through the hot desert, ladened up with baggage. When it arrives at its destination, it crouches down in the sand and rolls over so that the weight falls off its humps. This is a wonderful example of giving the weight of our issues to God.

And really this is what we must do. He is interested in us doing the right thing but He doesn't always answer us as we would like - straightaway. And, if He Does, sometimes it is not as straight forward as we would like, at first.

Basically, we need to hang fire and await His answers. there's always a reason for His delay. If you're waiting for the answer at the moment, hang fire because He will show you what to do very soon.

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard

daillifewithjesus@protonmail.com