I Am Not Ashamed of the Gospel

"For I Am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek."                                  Romans 1:16.  NKJV

Do you ever feel ashamed of your faith, or in other words, feel embarrassed when some people discover you're a Christian? This may be when you're with close family or friends who are not believers and you may feel that you don't want to offend them. Therefore, you remain quiet about your faith. This may be when you're at work or anywhere else where there may be a strong animosity about Christianity and religion.

Quite often certain jobs and places of training, such as universities can be hostile towards a person's faith and are discriminatory to them. There was one Christian chap who was at University with me, training to be a social worker specialising in child care. In a group discussion, the lecturer, who had a reputation for not liking Christians, asked him if he believed in smacking his children if they were in the wrong. He replied that he did as the scriptures say:

'He who spares his rod, hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly.'
                                                                                                            Proverbs 13:24

The lecturer then brought up scriptures such as Proverbs 23:13-14 which refers to correcting a child with a rod. The chap tried to explain that the passage was referring to spanking the child, not beating them as in physical abuse. However, he was on a hiding to nothing and very nearly got thrown off the course. The devil loves to stir up bad feeling.

The apostle Paul was determined that he would not be ashamed or embarrassed about doing what he had been called to do - spread the Word and plant churches. He would not let anything get in his way of doing this task. He knew the oppositions that he faced and was willing to take them on, no matter what, and this is the determination and attitude that we need to have as well.

There comes a time in our walk with God that we must make a stand concerning our faith. This happened to me when I was completing my social work training at Uni, all those years ago. I was on my final placement and a social worker there, who didn't like Christians - at all - stirred up a hornet's nest about my faith stating that I believed that homosexuality was an abomination and that I would be discriminatory in my practice.
This was a classic example of how our enemy, the devil twists the truth. A meeting was called to discuss this and my future. I challenged them quoting Leviticus 18:22 which says, 'You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination.' I made it clear that God finds the act of homosexuality an abomination, not the homosexual. He loves them and would expect me to do the same. I told them that I was not here to judge but to do my job and honour other workers and the people I see as clients. I did not have to agree with their lifestyle or have it forced on me, as I wouldn't expect them to agree with mine or have my Christianity forced upon them. The meeting ended and God honoured me because, I had honoured Him by making the stand. Why? Because I AM not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. 

If it wasn't for Jesus, we would have nothing, we would be lost. However, He found us, so never be ashamed or embarrassed of your faith.

Copyright 2020 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

How Do You Use God's Name?

"You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain."                                                    Exodus 20:7   NKJV

Many people use the name of God or Jesus as a swear word. In many circles you can hear this every day. Furthermore, at extreme times of pressure and stress in our own lives, we may be tempted use His name this way too. But is this taking His name in vain? In one way yes, it is disrespectful and dishonourable. But I believe this goes much deeper.

Just what is His name, anyway? Is it God? Is it Jesus? In Exodus we get a clearer picture:

"13 Then Moses said to God, 'Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them, the God of your fathers has sent me to you, and they say, 'What is His name?' What shall I say to them?'
14 And God said to Moses, 'I AM WHO I AM.' And He said, 'Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, I AM has sent me to you."   Exodus 3:13-14   NKJV

This really is Yahweh  and means 'God is.' He has no equal! Moses would have been familiar with this term because, his mother was called Jochabed, which is Yahweh my glory. 
David Guzik comments, 'I AM means 'God is', there was never a time when He did not exist, or a time when He will cease to be.'

Therefore, if God is I AM, why then do we say things like, 'I AM ILL - I AM DEPRESSED, I AM FED UP etc. etc.' Saying things such as this is contrary to the Word of God that says, 'by whose stripes you were healed,' 1 Peter 2:24 or 'I AM the LORD who heals you,' Exodus 15:26, or 'who heals all your diseases,' Psalm 103:3. So, if God says His name is I AM, then we are taking His name in vain. We are not only disagreeing with His Word but we're being disrespectful about His name too. 

God (I AM) says 'I AM the LORD,' Jesus used this term as well:

'I AM the Light.'   John 8:12
'I AM the Bread of Life'. John 6:48
'I AM the Good Shepherd'  John 10:11

Therefore, if Jesus recognises this name, then shouldn't we be careful when we use it? Shouldn't we be confessing, 'I AM a well man/woman,' 'I AM healed.' I AM filled with the Blessing of God?' 

We need to watch the words that come out of our mouths. They are death or life Proverbs 18:21. Say things like, 'I AM a Christian and I AM carrying Jesus' Name.

So as we enter into a New Year, change what you say. Instead of saying that you're sick, say that you're well. Instead of saying you are broke, say that you are blessed. Start walking into 2020 as a Blessed woman or man of God and filled with the Spirit of Jesus.

Say I AM going to have a Blessed New Year.

Happy New Year everyone

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

You're never Too Old!

"13 Those who are planted in the house of the LORD, shall flourish in the courts of our God. 
14 They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing."
                                                                                                                     Psalm 92:13-14.  NKJV

It's never too late, in fact, it's never over until it's over. If God has planted you - which He has, He's not going to uproot and tell you that you are too old. No matter what other people may say or think. It's what God says and thinks that matters. 

You have been rooted and grounded by God Himself. He is the one that saved you. He is the one that called you to do a particular piece of work. It doesn't matter how old you are; you may have grey or even white hair but God has called you to bear fruit and that fruit isn't old. It's has fresh as the day God gave it to you. 

He has called you to flourish, in other words to thrive, prosper and be in peak condition for the work He has given you. To flourish means that you have excellence, influence and the ability to qualify in all you do. Your work for God is still fresh. Proverbs 16:31 says, 'Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a Godly life.' NLT. 

'Ancient cultures were sensible enough to honour and value the wisdom and experience of old age. They saw the white (or grey) hair of the elderly as a crown of glory.''  David Guzik.

In verse 13 above, the text reads, 'shall flourish in the courts of our God.' This is referring to our ministry,  in the church which would be preaching, teaching, evangelism and worship. It would also include writing songs, books, poetry and being fresh in mentoring, teaching and advising, whatever age you are.

Theirs a host of things still available to the white or grey-headed person. Check out your bible and just see what some of the great-headed people got up to - how they took the lead in some circumstances; how they established righteousness wherever they went.

Be encouraged, there's plenty of scope for the person who has reached a senior age. Don't give up and sit about in an armchair for the rest of your life. Get close to God, get your bibles out, refuse to be labelled - 'Grey-headed,' which really means too old. There is no ageism in the Kingdom of God. You are still very much of value to God and to people, so press on.

Grey-headed people rule, Yeah!

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

High Speed with Jesus

"And you will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart."
                                                                                                                Jeremiah 29:13.  NKJV

Over Christmas, I received a small present from a family member - a book - and it was entitled, 'Finding Jesus' by Winston Rowntree.  It was a real howl because it is based on the 'Where's Wally' books. Instead of looking for Wally, people search for Jesus.

Now the family member who gave me this was a Christian but through one thing and another, fell away. It was amazing seeing him and other members of the family, eagerly searching for Jesus throughout the pages. I am sure it was something that Blessed Jesus, as it certainly blessed me.

This made me think of the above verse from Jeremiah. As we seek Jesus from our hearts, we will find Him. You see, I believe that the time is right for giving Jesus all that we have. You may have been a Christian for years but do you really know Jesus? Could you say, honestly that you are His friend? I ask these two questions not to point a finger at anyone but to ask you to look deep inside yourself and decide. 

The reason being, when we know who we are and where we stand with Jesus, we can stand on this and rely totally upon His Word. If we look at the two previous verses, they read:

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me and I will listen to you."  Jeremiah 29:11-12.

If we know Jesus, we have a future; we have a hope, however, this is based on searching for Him with all our hearts - with everything that we have. As we do this, we will feel His blessing upon us, real time. We will not be fearful when things come against us, when evil strikes, we will squash it in its tracks in the mighty Name of Jesus; we will feel the hope and peace that He offers us.

There is far more to life with Jesus than just asking Him into our lives. Yes, if you do that, you are saved and have a place reserved for you in Heaven. However, God has so much more that He wants to give us and as we dare to get into top gear with him, we'll feel the benefit of going high speed with Jesus. There is excitement to be had living this way. Want to sign up?

'Jesus, I want to get into top gear with You and travel at high speed each and every day. I commit myself to You; I've searched for You with all of my heart and now, I have found you.
So Lord, let's fasten our seat belts and hit the road. In Jesus' Name. Amen'

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

The Loveliness of God

"14 And the Word became Flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth."                                     John 1:1-14.  NKJV

Some people find it difficult to believe that God came down to earth in human form - as a person. It was no different then. John writes in John 1:11 'He came to His own and His own did not receive Him.' The Jews had been waiting for a Messiah but when He came to them, they refused to accept Him. He didn't fit into the mould that they were expecting; so they missed out on this blessing.

John writes that He came among us and we beheld His grace and truth. Let us check out these two words:

GRACE - this has two components to it:
Firstly, it means unmerited or undeserved favour. 
Secondly, in the Greek, the word grace means 'Charm,' it describes the idea of beauty - the loveliness of God. Many thought at the time and some still do, that God is mighty in power - which He is, but they interpreted it that He is unapproachable. Jesus came to us, as God in human form, to show us the sheer loveliness of God. If you haven't found this out yet, spend more time with Him, totally trusting Him for everything.

TRUTH - unlike most preachers and evangelists today, Jesus didn't come to 'talk about God;' He came to show us what God is like and there is a difference. The world needs preachers and evangelists, this is true: 

 'How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?'   Romans 10:14

People need to hear about Jesus and accept Him as their Lord and Saviour so that they can have eternal life; but more importantly to them, they need to know what He can do in their lives NOW! Many are totally desperate and are yearning for love and someone who can help them in their circumstances today; and this is why Jesus concentrated on showing them what God is like.
The truth makes us free John 8:32; but also, the truth can be disbelieved John 1:5. He came as a light shining in the darkness but people wouldn't accept Him but for all that did and still do, He gave them the right to be Children of God John 1:12.

One thing is for sure, we need to be filled with gratitude to Jesus for giving us this second chance in our lives. Life without Him would be unbearable. He has done it all for us - provided love, hope, provision, health, life, blessing, families and friends, homes, security and much more; and what's more, He has even more to give us; much more to offer us and much more to show us. 

Why not join me in this prayer:

'Jesus, what can I say except thank you. Words fail me as I consider your love and faithfulness; as I think of all you have done for me and given me. I just want to praise and thank you for everything in my life because I know that You are in control of everything, whatever that may be. Jesus help me to get to know You much more as I yield to You right now. I come to You and give You my life, my love and all that I have. I confess anything that remains unforgiven in my life and I accept You as my Friend, my Lord and my Saviour.
In Jesus' Name, Amen.'

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

Watch Out for Foxes

"Catch us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines for our vines have tender grapes.
                                                                                               Song of Solomon 2:15.  NKJV

This is an extract from a love story penned by the lover to his beloved clearly written from the heart. Now this piece has been interpreted as such - love between man and woman and the misery of someone entering into this Godly relationship ready to spoil things - a little fox.
It has also been interpreted as man and woman's relationship with Our Father - God and how distractions and attacks from the enemy - Satan - can damage things terribly.

David Guzik in his commentary on this passage highlights:

'The little foxes that spoil the vines: Clearly the maiden speaks poetically here, using the little foxes as emblems of that which would damage the love relationship she shares with her beloved. The idea is that their relationship is like a fruitful vineyard and the little foxes will damage the vineyard unless they are stopped and caught.

i. Glickman lists several “little foxes” that may trouble couples:

· Uncontrolled desire that drives a wedge of guilt and mistrust between the couple.

· Mistrust and jealousy that strains or breaks the bond of love.

· Selfishness and pride that refuses to acknowledge wrong and fault to one another.

· An unforgiving attitude that will not accept an apology.

ii. It is helpful to remember the wording of the verse: catch us the foxes. The job of catching foxes is teamwork. One partner in the relationship can’t expect the other do it all.

iii. Hudson Taylor thought of the “little foxes” that may ruin our relationship with Jesus Christ. “The enemies may be small, but the mischief done great… And how numerous the little foxes are! Little compromises with the world; disobedience to the still small voice in little things; little indulgences of the flesh to the neglect of duty; little strokes of policy; doing evil in little things that good may come; and the beauty, and the fruitfulness of the vine are sacrificed!”

                                                                    Copyright David Guzik Enduring Word

Both the above examples are extremely damaging to our relationships, especially with Jesus. A fox is very crafty. I remember when I was young how a fox 'Charms' a rabbit. The rabbit is in the field and knows the fox is near. If the fox tries to pounce on its prey, the rabbit will scuttle off at high speed and disappear down a hole. Therefore, the fox uses its Gold Card. It starts jumping around, chasing its tail, rolling over and over and generally acting like its crazy. The rabbit is transfixed and stares at this spectacle. All the time, the fox is getting closer and closer, until it can grab the poor rabbit and run off with its prize. This act is called charming. It has charmed or tricked the rabbit until it has been caught.

Put this into what we're discussing here. Don't let anyone enter your relationship with your loved one or with Jesus who is intent on bringing disaster to it. A fox is crafty but Jesus tells us to be wise as a serpent Matthew 10:16 - in other words, be alert and always on the lookout for anything that is a threat.

Let us remember, we are precious people, made in God's image. If he came and tricked Adam in the garden (Genesis 3) he will try and trick you too. Look at the devastation that caused. He is on the prowl daily ready to attack us 1 Peter 5:8. Yes we are protected but only if we put on our spiritual armour and remain under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91.

Let us be careful not to become complacent. We're on active service. We're in God's Army. He has made us Righteous in Jesus Christ and His Ambassador. Therefore, let us be grateful for His constant love and protection; thankful that we are the Blessed and let's head towards a prosperous and Happy New Year.

Bless you all

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

                        

Gone Fishing

"4 Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch."   Luke 5:1-11   NKJV

Picture this scene and try to place yourself in Peter's position. The best time for this type of fishing, is at night and he and his partners had been out all of the night and caught nothing. They were businessmen with families and depended on catching fish so that they could survive. Yet here, they had had a very bad night and exhausted, they sit on the beach washing out their nets before heading off home for a well-earned rest. 

However, Jesus has different ideas and walks up to them, climbs into Peter's boat and asks him to put out a little from the land, so that He can preach to the multitudes that had followed Him. Peter now had to contend with the massive crowds that were converging on his space and wait until Jesus had finished preaching, before he could go home. The time is not recorded but it must have been quite a time.

When Jesus had finished His sermon, He said to Peter, 'Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.' V4. How would you have responded to this after all you had been through? Peter would have had doubts about this. I mean, Jesus was a preacher not a fisherman and the best time for fishing was at night and they had already been out there all of the night and caught nothing. It must have been difficult for Peter and his reply can be examined as such: 'Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your Word I will let down the net.' v5.

We don't know what was in Peter's heart at this moment. He may have been totally willing to do as Jesus had said; especially with Jesus' track record. But, Peter was also very tired, down in the dumps and possibly a little irritated by everything. Whatever, he obeyed Jesus and he was rewarded with so great a catch that he had to call for help from the other boat and even then, they nearly sank with the weight of the fish. In this one fishing trip alone, they must have caught enough fish to finance themselves for quite a time.

In Jesus' eyes, Peter had been faithful and despite being exhausted and despondent, Jesus wanted to bless him. Peter dropped to his knees at Jesus' feet when he saw the blessing and said, 'Depart from me, for I am a sinful man.' v8. Why would he have said this? Peter knew what had been in his heart when he agreed to launch out into the deep, again. He knew that he had been reluctant to do this. He knew that his attitude, although not voiced, was wrong and he felt so unworthy of the blessing that Jesus had given him. But Jesus knew his heart and He knows yours too.

We are like this at times. We know that Jesus wants us to do a particular thing but we wrestle with this. We try every excuse in the book, before we go off, reluctantly and possibly a little irate, to where He has sent us. One example could be someone may have rung us, needing help and the last thing we want to do is to go out, especially 'to them'. We may not voice it, but it can be seen in our body language that we don't want to do this. However, as we obey, albeit reluctantly, a blessing is coming our way.

If we want to be like Jesus, we must be prepared to do all that He wants of us, however inconvenient it may be. He knows our hearts; He knows our qualities; He knows that even though we may moan and groan at times, we'll still do what He asks. He knows that He can rely on us - on you! You may disagree with this. If so, why then, did He choose you?

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com