Be an Encourager

"When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours."   Romans 1:12.  NLT

When you have an opportunity to encourage someone, make sure you take it. You never know what that person is going through at the time. People tend to become what special people in their lives, think of them. So let's always think, believe and express the best towards them. 

The same is true of what we think of ourselves. We may have had so much discouragement in our lives that it just seems natural to believe that we're useless or a failure. The majority of people want to hear good things spoken about them. Many children in social care have suffered emotional abuse, where their parents or carers have ridiculed them all their lives and told them how bad they are, that they begin to believe it. Many kids grew up trying their best to do this and that, only to hear that their best wasn't good enough. Where does a person go when their best isn't good enough?

Marriages fall apart because one partner believes that the other partner isn't good enough. This can be a recipe for adultery and seeking comfort as the wounded partner seeks someone who feels they are good enough.

Yet, when someone hears on a regular basis complimentary comments, it boosts their moral and they begin to believe it. The world breaks people down, but encouragement helps them feel ten feet tall. 

Who do you think needs encouragement today? Can you offer this? If so, do it! Just a few kind but honest words can bring healing and joy to someone who has been trampled on. This may be you. If it is, I want to tell you right here and now, God loves you so very, very much and He thinks you are absolutely wonderful. These are not just empty words; they are honest ones. 

If you want to be encouraged, encourage someone else today. What you sow, you reap. When you give, you receive. Encourage and be encouraged.

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

God's Strategy for a Short Fuse

"19 Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry. 20 Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires."   James 1:19-20.  NLT

We are all susceptible to losing our tempers at times, or generally throwing a wobbly. We wouldn't be human if we didn't. However, if it goes too far it offends the Holy Spirit, so we need to examine ourselves and make some adjustments.

Losing one's temper can render someone out of control at times. We say things we don't mean and then regret them when we've cooled down. The trouble is, we can't take the words back that we've spoken and they may have either, damaged someone quite badly, or blown our Christian witness to pieces and then we end up apologising about fifty times to try and make amends. It is far better if we can analyse our behaviour and attitudes before things get that far.

There are certain characteristics that trigger our tempers, or let people know that we're in a bad mood. Let's look at these:

Aggression
We can often walk around in this manner showing our aggression. It can show through our  body language - how we present ourselves to other people; how we look at people and how they view our faces when we act this way. Some people may have been brought up in a rough area, where they had to stand up for themselves at an early age. They may have been bullied at school and since made a vow that never again will this happen. Also ex servicemen may act this way if they feel threatened in any particular way. 

Retaliation
Some of us, may feel the need to retaliate when someone has hurt us in any way. Instead of turning the other cheek, retaliating is one of the key issues that leads to mayhem. Most marital rows could be diffused very quickly, if the partner on the receiving end didn't retaliate. This is difficult, I know, but is a wonderful way to quickly end arguments. It's difficult for a person to argue when the other person isn't arguing back.

Bad-mouthing
This speaks for itself. Criticising, slagging things or people off or generally being 'gobby', leads to chaos. Really, we need to be careful what comes out of our mouths. It may take some time to correct this but, eventually it is possible to take control of the tongue and get our hearts right. Think, 'Does my words build people up or fire bullets at them?' Ephesians 4:29 has the answer: 'Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. ' Learn to choose the right things to say; get your heart right with God and be in control.

Threatening
We can be threatening towards people and situations. Basically, if we chose to remain quiet instead of blowing a gasket, things would very quickly quiet down. However, if we don't stay quiet, all of the other things above, kick in and we have a war on our hands.

How do you fit in with the above mentioned? Are you squeaky clean or are you cringing with shame. If you belong to the latter, of which I am a founder member, don't beat yourself up. We have a Saviour who knows all about this, and let's face it, He had His work cut out trying to teach Peter a better way at first. Jesus knows each one of us very, very well. He is wanting to help us but we have to make the first move. 

Firstly, determine in your heart that there will be no more Mr or Mrs Nasty Guy.
Secondly speak to God about your short comings - He knows anyway, but wants us to confess.
Thirdly pray about how you handle things.
Finally work on these areas until you have overcome them.

Father, bless each one of us as we deal with these matters. Help us to get things right.
In Jesus' Name. Amen

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

You will get through it!

"When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you."  Isaiah 43:2.  New Living Translation

This reminds me of when Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the hot furnace that King Nebuchadnezzar had placed them in, 'Not a hair on their heads was singed and their clothing was not scorched. They didn't even smell of smoke.'  (Daniel 3:27. NLT). This is just one example of the protection and help that God offers us each day.

It's difficult at times. Life seems to throw up all kinds of things that are determined to maim and rob us of our peace. It can be unbearable and we're tempted to believe that we'll never be able to get through this. Don't forget though, Satan throws darts at us to try and take us out. Therefore, we need to have the shield of faith raised, at all times. (Ephesians 6:16), although we can't blame him for everything that happens. Often, it is just life. But you can bet your bottom dollar, that he's looking for an opportunity to get involved.

God knows what He is doing! He is with us all the time; we just need to trust Him more and more and also, be patient. He's working a way through for us. There used to be a Christian song we sang in church, 

'God will make a way, where there seems to be no way; 
 He works in ways we cannot see, He will make a way for me.'  Copyright 1990 Don Moen

And this is so true. The water may be wide and deep but He's a lifeguard, qualified for saving us and putting us back onto dry land. We won't drown.

What are you struggling with at this time? 
If it's illness? He's the best doctor around and has a great track record at healing people. 
Is it financial worry? He doesn't want you worrying because that will solve nothing. Give it to Him and He'll get you through.
Whether it's, family problems; people problems; work problems, housing problems or whatever else. He is there to help, and you don't need to fill in forms to receive this help. It is there and free. He will make a way through for you. He's promised us:

'Seek the Kingdom of God, above all else and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.'  (Matthew 6:33. NLT)
Bring your problem to Him now:

'Lord Jesus
I need your help with__________________________________________________________
I don't know what to do, but I know that You do; and my eyes are on You. Please help me to get through this situation.  Amen'

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

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