Fear v Faith

"I will praise You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvellous are your works, and that, my soul knows very well."  Psalm 139:14   NKJV

I like the New Living Translation version that goes like this:
'Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex. Your workmanship is marvellous - how well I know it.'   NLT

The word 'Soul' is made up of our Mind, Will and Emotion. This is why the psalmist is able to end the verse with, 'My soul knows very well,' or 'how well I know it.' 
We have been created amazingly. God took time to make each one of us and there is no one the same as us. We are unique. The thing is, do we recognise this. Do we own the fact that God created us and He loves us more than words can say. That what He made, He was well pleased with - and that is us. Do you believe that you are a work of art created by God?

Someone once said to me during my counselling days:

'For years I have felt people look down on me because I don't speak posh; I live in a council house and I just don't fit in really. In fact, many times I am afraid to mix with people or talk to them in case they just snub me. It's been practically a life-long thing, especially since becoming a Christian. Christians appear to be the worst with their snobby reactions and judgmental attitude. However, I need to take this verse to heart, (I am fearfully and wonderfully made.) If He approves of me, that's all that matters.'

And this is so true. It doesn't matter what other people think or say. As long as God is pleased with each of us, that's good enough. Every day, fear and faith arises inside of us and we get to decide which one will prevail. The one we feed will dominate. Anytime we feel afraid of something, but do it anyway, we're re-programming our attitude. It's better to do it afraid than not to do it at all. Moses learned this when he was sent to bring the Israelites out of Egypt.

"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."  Romans 12:2   NLT

Every morning make it a habit to look into a mirror and say, 'Bless the LORD, O my soul and forget not all His benefits.'   Psalm 103:2. Learn to say, 'I can do this,' instead of the negative, 'I can't do this.' Put a sign up somewhere in your house to remind you: 'I can do this' and I'm allowed to do this.' You're confessing positive stuff.

Build yourself up in Jesus until fear is just a thing of the past and concentrate more on faith. They're total opposites. One is positive, the other negative. Start using faith-filled talk and words that will build you up:
'Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.'   Ephesians 4:29.  NLT.

God is very pleased with His workmanship - you! If He had a wallet, He would carry photographs around of you, showing them to all he meets.

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard 

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

Let Him rule in you

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

Bob Gass said: 'How many times does something look impossible, simply because you think it is.'  (Bob Gass - The Word for Today).

The more we look at something that is mountain like in size or a massive thing that we are faced with, it becomes a problem, one that we will do all we can to avoid. Many times though, things cannot be avoided; such as loss of a job, redundancy or repossession of your house and we are faced with panic and dread. "How on earth am I going to get out of this?' You may declare.

The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Philippians and in Verse 13, he says something that has been taken out of context many times. The emphasis on, "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.' is not for us to focus on us performing outstanding achievements but on our willingness to let Christ's power to sustain us in the difficult situations that we face. Out of this verse, Paul was referring to how content he was - in all things. God had helped him to be this way; and this is what He wants for each of us too.

'When your contentment is based on status or possessions, it can be taken away in an instant. But when it's based on your relationship with Jesus, nothing, absolutely nothing, can rob you of it.'            (Bob Gass)

Setbacks will always come our way. This is the way life is, whether we're Christians or not. They should not knock us back though. We need to realise that, God is our source, for everything, and as we surrender to Him, He can perform the most amazing things for us. God is never redundant - not ever!

Keith Moore wrote:
'When you want, what God wants, for the same reason He wants it, you become unstoppable.'
                                                                                                    Keith Moore, 2005 Branson. USA
Let's think about this statement for a moment. When you're wanting what God wants, for the same reason He wants it, you become unstoppable. Basically it's being in the centre of God's will and walking in His power. It's intimacy with Him, getting to know all about Him properly and trusting and relying on Him, no matter what.

This is where He wants us. Totally sold out for God. Dead to self and alive in Him, so much so, that when anything comes at us - and it will, to hurt or maim us, we know that we only have to whisper to Him, and He's there with the help required. We are unstoppable because we're in the place, He's been wanting us to be all of our spiritual lives. 

We can live totally content lives knowing that Jesus, our Lord and Master is in the driving seat of our lives. Yes, we'll still have setbacks, we're not unique. But as we live in such a way, in total touch with Him 24/7, He will bring us peace, prosperity and satisfaction for the rest of our lives.

That's got to be good.

'Lord, I want this total contentment and peace in my life. I surrender to Your rule of my life from this moment in time. Help me to be dead to self and alive in You from this moment.
In Jesus' name. Amen '

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

Friends

"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. 16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain that whatever you ask the Father in My Name, He may give you. 17 These things I command you that you love one another"  John 15:15-17.  NKJV

When I was very young, I remember hearing a song on the radio that many people used to sing around that time. The words went something like this:

When you've got friends and neighbours All the world is a happier place Friends and neighbours Put a smile on the gloomiest face Just take your little troubles and share `em With the folks next door Make's it twice as easy to bear `em That's what friends are for `cos if you've friends and neighbours That is something money won't buy You can hold your head up high Although you've not a penny And your house may be tumbling down With friends and neighbours You're the richest man in town. Copyright 1954 Billy Cotton

Everywhere I went as a kid, people were singing this sing and it became quite 
nostalgic. This was when people could leave there back doors and windows open 
while they were out, with no fear of anyone breaking in. People would watch your 
backs and the true meaning of true friendship was around most areas.

This song came to mind when I was reading this scripture. Just think of Jesus. King 
of kings and Lord of lords and yet, willing to call us friends. Could you picture the 
Queen saying this to us? I don't really think so. But Jesus calls us friends and not 
servants. We didn't choose Him either. He chose us. Again, what a major privilege is 
that, being chosen by Jesus. Amazing.
Adding to this, He also appointed us to work for Him and bear good fruit. Basically to let people see Jesus in us so that they may want what we have, too.

You know, we can latch ourselves onto someone and follow them around and do 
whatever we can to get them to notice us. However, it won't make you their friend. 
Jesus offers us His friendship. A friendship that is never critical, two-faced, 
demanding or envious. All He asks is that we love people as He has loved us. That is the fruit we mentioned earlier. As we offer the love of God to people we meet, they 
will notice something different about us. Something, they have probably never seen.
It may even make them feel nostalgic like the the song I mentioned earlier.

But more than anything, people will notice that you have someone who loves you 
more than anything, and they may just ask you about that love.

That's food for thought, isn't it?

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

What category do you fit into?

"18 Therefore, hear the parable of the sower: 
19 When anyone hears the Word of the kingdom and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside. 20 But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the Word and immediately receives it with joy; 21 yet he has no root in himself but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the Word, immediately he stumbles. 22 Now he who received seed among the thorns, is he who hears the Word and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the Word and he becomes unfruitful. 23 But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the Word and understands it'. Matthew 13:18-23.  NKJV

Many times Jesus spoke in parables and He had to explain them to His disciples. Let's look at His explanation to The Parable of the Sower:

1 Snatched away
Oftentimes, the Word that we hear is scattered away like seed along the wayside. We hear it okay but fail to understand it. While we're struggling with this, the evil one snatches it away. We need to spend more time in the Word, so that the Holy Spirit can open our minds to it, making it easy to understand what God is teaching us.
2 Stony with no root
We often hear the Word and it fills us with joy and understanding. Yet, when tensions come our way, possibly through an argument with a loved one, a large bill that you was not expecting or sudden crisis, we forget this teaching and stumble. God's Word is sent to us so that we can prepare for occasions such as this and be prepared for them. However, the root of the Word does not go deep enough. Again, we need to train ourselves to be able to stand and look after ourselves. Otherwise, we show that we have no staying power.
3 Cares of the world
God's Word can become choked when we find ourselves placing God in second place in our lives. The desire for riches and materialism can tend to take over as does the temptations that come our way. We can so easily lose our focus and leave God out of things. We cannot take a day off. When we try, we leave ourselves vulnerable and then hang our head in shame when reality kicks back in. 
4 Bears good fruit
When we hear God's Word and act on it in every detail, we can guarantee a good harvest. God loves to bless us and we open ourselves up to many of them. Let me ask you again. What category do you fit into? Ensure that you are a category 4 Christian. Get you bible out; write in it; underline things so that you can find them again easily; get the pages worn. Remember, the devil's not amused when a bible's well used!

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

Have you Joy in your life?

"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly."   John 10:10.  NKJV

Jesus is the joy bringer. Satan is the joy robber.
Have you lost your joy? If so, you've been hacked. Satan is trying to take your identity away by throwing darts at you. He has punctured your joy tank. Let us remember that joy is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10.) He knows how to push the buttons that wind you up!

Let's look at three important words that Jesus mention in today's text:

Steal the devil will steal your joy if you let him. You know, that wonderful feeling of God in your life. 
Kill he kills your feelings and your trust. He also kills your faith
Destroy before you know it, he destroys your whole walk with God. You really must do something about this, by calling on God's help.

Jesus said, 'I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly.'
This is what He offers us, the fulness of His joy - His strength. He offers us an abundance of it. The devil tries to steal it because he knows you'll be a threat to him. He will steal it, kill it and destroy everything God has to offer.

I like the version of this text in the New Living Translation: Jesus says,'My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.' Is that what you have, or is it just a dream? If it's not what you have at the moment, then claim it. Don't let the devil rob you any longer. He'll steal your wealth, your health, your family and whatever else he can get his hands on. Don't let him.

Call on God now:

'Lord Jesus, I want that rich and satisfying life that you mention. I ask you for this in abundance, together with the joy, because this is my strength. In your Name, I take authority over the devil now and serve him with an eviction order. Satan, I rebuke you in the Name of Jesus and command you to get out of my life in every way. Jesus, please fill me with the abundance that you mention together with Your Holy Spirit. I ask you for protection from the evil on, on me and my family, on my life and on everything in my life.
In Jesus' Name. Amen'

Now go and have a joy-filled day in abundance.

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

Stone throwing

"10 Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?' 11 She replied, 'No one  Lord.' And Jesus said to her, 'Nether do I condemn you; go and sin no more.' "  John 8:10-11.  NKJV

A woman had been caught in the very act of adultery, which carried the sentence of death by stoning. However, Jesus spoke with the Pharisees about what they planned and said whoever has not sinned at all, let him throw the first stone. This obviously, cleared the place straightaway. 

We have all sinned and let God down very badly at times. This woman's sin, was of the flesh - a weakness in her life that we are all susceptible to at times, whatever the sin may be. However, the Pharisees sin was different. They were pointing the finger and throwing out accusations when they had all sinned themselves. They were hypocrites and Jesus knew this. Sin is sin, and there is no particular different levels of it. However, the Pharisees' sin was deliberate and they knew it. They were being bigoted and hypocritical. The woman's sin, was still wrong, but was out of the weakness of her flesh and Jesus dealt with it.

At times, we will be tempted to throw a stone at someone. We may have done it already by criticising someone and passing the gossip around, that may not be strictly true by the time we've heard it. Jesus takes a very serous view about this. Be honest with yourself today. Have you ever thrown a stone at someone in this manner? Have you condemned someone and gossiped about them? If you have, you need to confess this to Jesus right now, because if you don't, you can go no further in your walk with Him. Things may not be going too well in your life at the moment. If this is so, check yourself over and search your heart. Are you guilty of throwing a stone at someone? If you are, confess and feel God's forgiveness.

There are many stone throwers in life. We meet them all the time. The biggest is the devil himself. He will take great delight in spreading malicious gossip around about you, if he gets the opportunity. He is the chief stone thrower. He will stack loads of condemnation on you, if you let him. So much so, that you will find it difficult to do anything. You will feel like a condemned person. If this is you at the moment, get your bible out and read:

'There is therefore, no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.'   (Romans 8:1)

If you belong to Jesus, you have been forgiven and are no longer under condemnation. Therefore do not let the evil one, or anyone else, for that matter, put condemnation on you. And, don't you allow yourself to put it on to other people by throwing stones.
You know that it isn't right to do that.

God Bless

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

Do you believe what you believe Part Two

"Therefore, I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them and you will have them."    Mark 11:24.  NKJV

Yesterday, we ended our study with, 'Here am I, send me' Isaiah 6:8. Let's carry this a little further.

We need to be careful of making this declaration if we're unsure of what it will cost us in our lives. What I mean is, if you're not fully committed to making such a statement, then don't make it, at least not until you're really sure. It's no use to God if we agree to go and then when we get there, do nothing but moan and groan about it. 

One lady told me that she had done just that. Both her and her husband and children, had moved home to where they believed God wanted them and for the first five years or so, she hated every minute of it. She even blamed God for putting them into the situation.
You see, if we're going to act this way, it is far better to say no. God wants people with a vision, not whingers.

Let's take a look at what Jesus said about this:

'61 Lord, I will follow You, but let me first go and bid them farewell who are at my house. 62 But Jesus said to him, 'No one having put his hand to the plough and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.'   (Luke 9:61-62)

These two verses should not be mis-understood. Jesus is focusing on the fact that serving Him demands a person's undivided attention. Half-heartedness eliminates us from God's maximum use. Jesus is after people who are willing to stand up and take the flak, to bite the bullet and get on with His work. He wants those who are willing to spearhead forward and further His kingdom. If you feel you can't do this, then don't say you will.

It really is time to get serious with God. We're not playing a game here. We're in a battle - a battle between life and death and Heaven and hell. Time is limited. One day Jesus is going to return for Christians everywhere. Notice that I said Christians. There will be those who get left behind. Some maybe from our own family, or perhaps friends. If we don't tell them, it may be too late, and they will get left behind. 

We have a job to do. There's a world of people out there. God's looking for workers who have the backbone to get on with the job.

Is that you?

Copyright 2019 Hazel & Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com