"Anxiety in the heart of man, causes depression. But a good word makes it glad."
Proverbs 15:13. NKJV
Overwork, financial worries and ridiculous work targets, can cause a person immense unrest, fear and constant worry. As our text describes today, anxiety causes depression. The New Living Translation reads: 'Worry weighs a person down.' This is why Psalm 55:22 says, 'Cast your burdens on the LORD and He shall sustain you', or as the NLT says, 'Give your burdens to the LORD and He will take care of you.'
All over the world people are being attacked with depression. It can grab us all. Problems mount up; worries go unanswered and before we know it, we are down in the darkness of depression. Some of us tend to overwork. We take on more than we should do; spinning all the plates. However, before too long, those plates begin to fall and things go pear-shaped.
Note the words in the New Living Translation of Psalm 55:22, 'GIVE YOUR BURDENS TO THE LORD.' It can't be any clearer than that. In fact, it is so important that God brings it up again in 1 Peter 5:7 NLT 'Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.' But at times, we continue to allow our worries to weigh us down. But God wants us to release this weight to Him because He knows that we were not created to carry this around. We were created to bring glory to God. What sort of a picture do we paint to non-believers when we are plagued with worry and fear?
God gave us a direction, 'Give your burdens to Me.' So ask yourself, 'Why am I still anxious; full of worry and feel like the world's problems are on my shoulders?' They're not on your shoulders if you give them to God; they're on His and he is not going to let them bother Him or ruin His day.
Why not give them to God right now:
Lord,
I seem to be burdened with lots of worries and pressures at the moment. I'm not sleeping properly and when I do, I awake with the same problems. Your word tells me to give them to You. So that is what I do, right now.
In Jesus' name. Amen
Now you're qualified to go and speak with someone else who is suffering in the same way that you were. You have the answer to their anxieties and fears.
Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard
dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com
This is a blog that centres on Jesus Christ - my Lord and Saviour. My aim is to describe how He has helped over the years, together with offering daily teaching and encouragement
Saturday 19 October 2019
Friday 18 October 2019
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
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
Thursday 17 October 2019
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
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
Wednesday 16 October 2019
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
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
Tuesday 15 October 2019
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
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
Monday 14 October 2019
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
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
Sunday 13 October 2019
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
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
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