Jesus, thinks you're great!

"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for His friends."
                                                                                                                        John 15:13.  NKJV

You look in the mirror and you think, 'I look a wreck.' Jesus says, 'You're beautiful.' You look back over the years of your life and think, 'I've achieved very little.' Jesus says to you, 'You have done so much for Me - thank you.' You may be feeling unappreciated and taken for granted at the moment. Jesus says, 'I really appreciate you in every way.'

Do you fully realise, just how much Jesus thinks of you? Some people have the idea that He is a hard taskmaster' rather like a very strict school teacher, one where they can never please or meet the standards set. These people are so far from the truth. Jesus calls us His friend and that is a true friend. The type of friend who would go that extra mile for you - and more. The type of friend who is forever concerned that you have the best in life; the type of friend who is proud of you and what you have achieved and will achieve as you walk hand in hand with Him.

A few years back, kids at school used to put their arms around their best friends shoulders as they walked along. Can you remember that? Jesus is the type of friend who wants you to do that to him, because He's the type of friend who does it to you.

He's the type of friend who would go out searching for you in a cold, stormy winter, if you were lost and bring you home safe. He's the type of friend who died in your place, so that you could realise this; so that you could feel good about yourself; confident; secure and well-loved.

Look in the mirror again and you'll see beauty; you'll see genuine love; you'll see peace and joy; contentment and happiness. Why? Because you're looking at Jesus, who lives in you!

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

Unity and Teamwork

"Only, let your conduct be worthy of the Gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the Gospel."                                         Philippians 1:27.  NKJV

Have you ever watched a flock of geese flying overhead? Whether there is a small or a large flock, they are very noisy, honking away practically non-stop. One of the characteristics of their flight, is the formation, especially Canada Geese. They have a leader at the front, two behind, then three and so on. It is the perfect formation. They have all round vision in case of attack from a predator, such as a Peregrine Falcon, Buzzard or other hawk, and their honking may be one of encouragement or warning to one another. Most importantly, whenever, the leader becomes tired, another will recognise this and take his place, leaving him to drop back from the pressure of leading.

This is incredible teamwork and one that we, as human beings, can learn a lot from. Living in harmony with each other, whether it be in the church, at home or at work, has got to be a positive step forward. When we are in unity, great things begin to happen. One only has to look at the early church in Acts 1-3 to see this in action. Because of their actions - their teamwork and unity, 'the Lord added to the church daily those who were being save,' (Acts 2:47)

When we're working in unity, the Holy Spirit can work through us and perform great things, not only within the church, but in our lives. A husband and wife, who have Jesus at the centre of their marriage, will work together and achieve much more, than a couple who don't have Jesus.  However, if they're at loggerheads because of some falling out, then their prayers will suffer and very little happen, they will be hindered. (1 Peter 3:7)

Some days, it may feel like you're walking through very thick treacle. The going is really tough and whatever you seem to do, doesn't work. At this stage, stop. Check your behaviour; check if there is any conflict working around within you. If you're married, has there been some harsh words spoken that need to be addressed and put right. Are you having a pity-party over something that has happened in the church or at work, and you are refusing to give in and accept that you may be in the wrong, or that God may be teaching you something through it all. You may be in the right, but acting in this way is not the way Jesus would want you to act, is it?

Whether it is your personal walk with God, your own particular circumstances, the church, your workplace or your marriage; learn to walk in unity, be a team player, work in formation and watch things begin to change - rapidly!

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard


dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

Tit for Tat No 2

"And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two."              Matthew 5:41.  NKJV

Let's have a closer look at the word, 'Compel.' It comes from the Greek word angarevo. It's a verb derived form the Persian, where it described a courier with the authority to force people into some type of public service. It evolved in the Old Testament times but later carried over into the New Testament. 

Palestine was an occupied country by this time, under Roman rule. Therefore, anyone could be compelled to give food, lodgings, horses or serve themselves when ordered. Roman officials and soldiers had this privilege and could compel someone at a minutes notice. A good example of this, was Simon of Cyrene. He was compelled to carry Jesus' cross to the site of His crucifixion.
It is interesting to note here, in this age of rising racial discrimination, that Simon was a black man from North East Africa and many who witnessed this, may have considered this act, from the black African, an honour.

All over the world where there are conflicts, people come under compulsion to do things that they do not wish to do. Jesus spoke of this in this passage, (Matthew 5:38-42) urging people not to retaliate or even resent people's actions; but rather carry out what is asked of them with a cheerfulness and attitude of love.

Think back over the years. Have you ever been compelled to do something you didn't wish to do? Have you felt resentment? Have you wanted to retaliate or actually, have retaliated? 
Have you put it right? Have you asked God to forgive you your acts of resentment and retaliation and forgiven the people who caused them? 

What about now? Do you feel resentment towards someone? Perhaps someone may have beaten you to a job that you were hoping to get, and you resent them for it. Let's break it down to a very basic level. How do you feel when you have been ages trying to park your car and just as you find a space, someone shoots in there first? Resentment? Retaliation?

Or perhaps, there's a dress or shirt you've had your eye on. It's your size and the only one left. Suddenly, someone beats you to it and carries it off. Do you resent them? Do you want to follow them them around the store and feel like you want to mug them? Wrong feelings!

As hard as it may be at times, Jesus' word to us is to love people, not resent their acts or retaliate. (Matthew 5:43-48

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

Tit for Tat

"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth,'  Verse 38
                                                                                                   Matthew 5:38-43.  NKJV

One of the earliest codes of law came under Hammurabi, who reigned in Babylon 2285 - 2242 BC. It was designed to control vengeance and attempt to bring about some kind of justice. However, there was a distinction between gentry and the poor. If gentry were attacked and lost an eye, then they had the right that the attacker should lose his eye as well. It was the same with a limb or other parts of the body. Basically, it was the law of tit for tat.

A poor person, who suffered this type of injury, didn't have the right to do the same to the attacker. Instead, there was a fine - a small portion of silver, that would have to be paid. 
As time went on, Roman officials and soldiers, had the right to force a person or their family, into public service. They could also use their equipment, horses and other such thing, all with no advance warning.

Jesus' teaching here, was one of overcoming evil with love. In verse 39 of our text, He said, 'whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.' The disciples would have known the meaning of this straightaway. A slap on the cheek was a great insult. A slap on the right cheek, was an even deeper insult, rather than a physical one. And to be slapped with a back hand was the worst. Therefore, if a right-handed person slapped someone on the right cheek, it would have to be with the back of the hand. 

However, instead of retaliation, Jesus taught that they should turn the other cheek too. In today's world, a slap may well be with a baseball bat, something that anyone would need to avoid.
In verse 41, we read, 'And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.' The word 'Compels,' is the verb that describes how a Roman soldier or official could press people into some kind of service and force them to carry all of his equipment for this distance. Jesus was saying here that if this were to happen, go an extra mile. Show them love not bad feeling. Really, for us as Christians, this is the name of the game - to overcome evil with love.  

Are you having a threatening time just lately? Have you got a boss or partner who is very rude and demanding of you. If so, don't tit for tat. Instead, show them the love of Jesus. You never know, you may just win them over for God; or if they're already confessing to be a Christian, let them come under conviction and repent.
Just love them!

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com



                                                                                                                

Be Transparent

"But let your, 'Yes' be 'Yes' and your, 'No', 'No'. For whatever is more than these, is from the evil one."                                                                                            Matthew 5:37.  NKJV

Jesus was speaking here about taking oaths - swearing on Heaven or God's name, Oaths were an important part of life back in Jesus' day because there was so much evil around. Therefore, an oath was required to reinforce the truth. There is little difference today. In fact, the evil may be worse. Courts of Law require people to swear an oath before they give evidence. On occasions, an alternative method may be used.

Clement of Alexandria insisted that Christians should lead such lives and demonstrate such characters, that no one would dream of asking them to give an oath. Socrates said similar, 'A man must lead a life which will gain more confidence in Him than ever an oath can do'.

Transparency is the hallmark for what Jesus was saying here. Let your 'Yes' be 'Yes' and your 'No' be 'No'. Being transparent means we have nothing hide. What you see is what you get. Living in such a way leads to people trusting you. They notice that there is something about you, even though they may not be sure what it is. Someone may swear in your presence or tell an unwholesome joke, and all of a sudden, they may turn to you and apologise. Why? because they have recognised you are different. You are transparent and they notice this.

When we lead such lives - lives that speak of Jesus without His name being uttered - people are drawn to you. Some want what you have; there is so much unrest in their lives that they want peace and reassurance. Others may be drawn for other reasons. They want to trick you and prove that Jesus is false and what they believe in is far more powerful. They're very convincing and mostly win a conversation if you become involved. To try and convince them otherwise, can be a road to failure. At such times, they are best left alone. Don't forget, unlike them, we have nothing to prove. 

Transparency lets the light shine through. Do you get the picture? Jesus is the Light of the world. 'I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me, shall not walk in darkness but have the Light of life.' (John 8:12). Again:
'Let your Light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify Your Father in Heaven.' (Matthew 5:16)

So live transparent lives and draw people to yourself. You have something they need!

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

    

Team Jesus

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be firm (steadfast), immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord (always being superior, excelling, doing more than enough in the service of the Lord) knowing and being continually aware that your labour in the Lord is not futile (it is never wasted or to no purpose).                                                            1 Corinthians 15:58   Amplified version

One thing that stands out of our text today, is the things that we do for Jesus, is never wasted. He will never say, 'That's not good enough,' because He is thrilled at all we attempt to do for Him. This is why, His word tells us to stand firm - steadfast, and realise that He wants us to abound in everything that we do for Him.

Being immovable is a quality that He seeks and wants us to walk in. This is where, whatever comes our way, we never give up because He will never give up on us. Storms may come and knock us over at times but men and women of God, get back up, they keep moving forward, nothing ever stops them. They are fighters to the very end. And this is what God thinks of each of His children. We are special. 

You may doubt that you're special and you may feel that you have let God down just lately. But Christians can't continue to lay down; they're made of stronger stuff - the power of Almighty God dwells in them and that includes you. The Lord Jesus Christ heard your voice that day and tears dripped from His eyes as He realised that one of His precious sheep had returned to His flock. He may have thrown a banquet in Heaven just because you did this and as the whole of Heaven rejoiced, He took your heart and filled it with His Love, His Power, His Peace, His Joy and a host of other goodies. He washed your sin away and gave you a place in Team Jesus.

So, as you are a member of His team,  He has given you the ability to live each and everyday, being immovable and steadfast. He has placed in your heart the the longing to serve Him, doing more than enough as you spread joy, peace and love wherever you tread. Yes, that's right; He's given you the desire to be a winner. And the great thing about Team Jesus, is that we are all winners, no one is better than the other. 

So think about that and have a great day

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

'I can do this'

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

Bob Gass says, 'How many times does something look impossible simply because you think it is?'
We can think about what we are faced with and convince ourselves that we just wouldn't be able to do this. But you won't know until you try. Let us focus on the first five words of our text, breaking them down into two groups:

I CAN DO
This is you. You can! You may be trying to stop smoking, drinking, overeating or a host of other things, and your mind may be saying, 'I can't do this.' Well you need to turn this over and start quoting what God thinks of it - you can. Once we start confessing negative things about something we're trying to achieve, it is a foolish road to take. You may be saying, 'I can't do that job,' or 'I can't go to university.' But think about what God thinks about it - you can.

ALL THINGS
All things means what it says, 'all things.' And this covers a multitude of things ranging from cooking a meal, fixing a car, decorating a house or climbing Mount Everest. It doesn't say, 'some things,' or 'a couple of things,' but all things.

As human beings, mainly we are all the same. This means that it comes down to choices of what we want to do or don't wish to do. What we think we can achieve or what we feel is impossible. The thing is, how do you know unless you try. It's a lie to say, 'I can't do that,' when you've never giving it a go. You may have to train your body or mind to do a certain thing but it is achievable if you do it in the strength of Jesus - hence, 'I can do all things through Christ.' 

You may be suffering a broken marriage or the loss of someone very special and you may be thinking, 'I can't do this anymore,' Yes you can. You just need a little time to adapt to the changes that have been thrown your way. 

Sometimes when children or older people are being trained in a particular thing, flash cards are used to give an idea of what it is they're learning. This can be a useful thing to do in your life right now. Why not consider putting small notices around your home with, 'I can do this,' or 'I can do all things,' on them to remind and encourage you. People may think you're balmy for doing it, but cheer up, they may always have felt this about you. Anyway, it doesn't matter what people think. It's about you, not them.

God's word to you today is, 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.' Does He lie? You know He doesn't, so do something about it, today!

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com