Do you want to be made well?

"When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, 'Do you want to be made well?' v6               John 5:1-15.  NKJV

This man had been disabled for thirty eight years and day after day, he took his place by the pool waiting for the moving of the water. It was a tradition that an angel would stir the water up and the first person to step into the pool, would be healed - totally. Unfortunately for this man, he could never make it owing to his condition so he always missed out.

William Barclay comments, 'The man had waited for thirty eight years and it might well have been that hope had died and left behind a passive and dull despair.'

                                                                       William Barclay, The Gospel of John Commentary

Actually, it may have been that the man was content to lay there, after all, if he was healed he would have to find a job to provide for himself. He had never been used to that. I remember a time about thirty years ago, when my wife and I had been ministering to a lady with a severe disability. Immediately, she told us that she didn't wish to be healed as she would lose all of her benefits. Unbelievable, but some people are like this.

This man however, was adamant that he wanted to be healed and he gave Jesus his 100% attention and consequently, he was instantly made well. William Barclay continues, 'The first essential towards receiving the power of Jesus, is to have an intense desire for it. Jesus says, 'Do you really want to be changed?' If in our inmost hearts we are content to stay as we are, there can be no change for us.'

The lady that my wife and I spoke with, was firmly saying, I don't want to get well.' There was no intense desire for healing as it would be too costly for her. On the other hand, this man was totally committed to it, whatever it would cost him. He valued his health.

 When it comes down to a deep-rooted illness or disability, we need to have that intense desire to be healed. This is not the time for doubt to be allowed to enter into the situation. There is no room for, 'Hopefully, I'll be healed, but if not, I'll still believe in God.' There's no faith in such a statement. Scripture tells us, 'For we walk by faith, not by sight.' 2 Corinthians 5:7. And we serve a God, 'who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist, as though they did.' Romans 4:17. 

When we are ill, good health does not exist, that is why we have to believe and agree with God’s Word and call good health into being. Do you want to be made well? Then you need to believe these scriptures.

Copyriight 2020 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

In God's strength, not your own!

"For he is sent by God, He speaks God's words, for God gives Him the Spirit without limit."                                                                                             John 3:34.  NLT 

God poured out His Spirit on Jesus in full measure. He kept nothing back and He is the same with us - He holds nothing back; there's no limit for what God wants us to do. He doesn't limit us. therefore we should never limit Him. What He wants us to do, He equips us for.

Those of us joined to the Messiah - Christ, through the New Covenant, receive as much of the Spirit as needed and it's given without measure. Therefore, this makes sense of Philippians 4:13 which says, 'I can all things through Christ who strengthens me.' Focus on the 'through Christ;' it's an unwise person who tries to do things on their own. Remember Matthew 7:24-29? The difference between he who builds his house on rock - Jesus - or he who builds his house on sand - in their own strength. Also, don't forget, 'Unless the LORD builds the house, they labour in vain who build it.' Psalm 127:1.

Using our skills for the Lord, is futile without His presence and anointing upon them. It may seem a great idea to do a particular thing for God, but if He hasn't ordained it, then He's not in it and very little will happen. It is in our own strength, not God's. Whatever God has called us to do, He equips us for and anoints us so that we can fulfil His purpose. That doesn't mean things won't go wrong or he will give us all that we need immediately. No, sometimes we have to wait and pray, and pray and wait and it can feel like agony as people question whether we have it right or not. The thing is, if we're in God's will, we will have peace and excitement about it all even though we may be struggling in faith to receive what we need. If these feelings are missing, perhaps we need to go back to God and check things out.

Where are you with this at the moment? Are you struggling to find your way forward with God, or has he given you a firm direction, but you're still waiting for an open door? Sometimes, we have to push a door open because they usually don't open on their own. Therefore, you need to speak to someone and explain your calling. Usually God will show others that you are the person they need, but it depends on what you are called to do

You may feel that you need to write a book, if so, get on and write it and push a few publishing doors open. If the call is to do something within the church, you may have to wait until the Lockdown restrictions are eased but there may be a way around it. Speak to your pastor about it. Just think, you may be the cog someone is looking for. Speak to someone!

Copyriight 2020 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com 

The Story of Jack

"Come to Me all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." 

                                                                                                        Matthew 11:25   NKJV

Jack wakes up to another uneventful day of utter boredom. Nothing good ever happens to Jack, or so he thinks. Jack is a complete failure in his own eyes; nothing he has ever done is of any lasting importance. 

Jack is a loner; Jack is also his own worse enemy. Jack knows this but at times he likes the feeling of being this way, well most of the time, if he's truthful, which he rarely is. Jack was happy once, but in his opinion it didn't last long, possibly a day. Jack preferred to be unhappy, in fact, grumpy, moaning, horrible and nasty. He was born that way he believes.

Jack works hard at his job. He's never been out of work and while he is there, he's a model worker, full of good manners, joviality and kindness. Jack can't keep this charade up for long though, and he's glad when its time to go home again, because then he can meet his old friend Jack. You see, Jack doesn't know who he is when he's at work. Jack doesn't know if he likes the character he portrays or not. One thing that Jack knows, is that he could never be this way himself, not in 'real life'.

Jack often feels sorry for himself and he really likes this. Sometimes, it brings him attention from other people. Jack likes the fuss they make. Mind you, he'll only let them get so close. Jack doesn't want them to know too much about him; Jack trusts no one, not even himself really. At times, if he isn't getting much attention, he'll 'kick off', and make a scene. Sometimes this brings Jack bad feelings from people, at other times, the people are concerned and try to help him. Jack doesn't care either way. He's used to people hating him or avoiding him if they see him in the street.

Jack never gets invited out, and he feels that if he was, he wouldn't go anyway. Jack feels that these 'do-gooders', are not really interested anyway, they just want to be nosey and gossip about him. Jack feels sorry for himself; he might as well, because no one else will. Jack feels that people are all wrapped up in themselves; too busy to show him any feelings, so he avoids all that he can.

Jack doesn't know God personally. He's heard about Him but believes that He is untouchable and wouldn't want to know him. Jack is so wrong because, Jesus stands right beside him and listens to all he says and watches his every move. Jesus' heart breaks because he died for the likes of Jack and longs to introduce Himself. 

Jesus feels there are many others like Jack as well. Do you know anyone like this? Be honest, are you like Jack?

Copyriight 2020 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

The Magnetism of Jesus - 'Come and See'. Part two

"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit shall remain."                                       John 15:16   NKJV

Each of us have a privileged position. We were chosen by Jesus Himself, to spread His Magnetism wherever we go and that we use the gift He gave us of Everyday Evangelism. Note that Jesus said, 'You did not choose me, but I chose you.' These are key words. He has made us, His Ambassadors. What does this mean? Ambassadors are: 

'diplomatic officials of the highest rank, appointed and accredited as representatives by one government or sovereign to another.' thefreedictionary.com There it is, we are appointed by Jesus Himself to represent Him wherever we may go. You and I are privileged people.

When Jesus was saying, 'What do you seek?' (John 1:38) He was actually asking, 'What do you want?' or 'What are you looking for?' Everyone is looking for something - life's like that. We need love and attention and to be happy and content. Jesus has the ability to offer this to all who come to Him; but not everyone knows this. Many don't even give Him a moment's thought. How will they get to hear about what He can offer? '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). You and I are the preachers. We have a commission (Matthew 28:19-20). In this context, preaching is just Everyday Evangelism - clear cut, religion and jargon free news about Jesus and how they can belong in the Kingdom of God.

We don't have to speak highfaluting words that talk down to people and rarely mean anything about Jesus and what He can offer. We just need to be a willing vessel of the Holy Spirit and allow the Magnetism of Jesus to draw people in, using Everyday Evangelism.

Each one of us, who belong to Jesus, are, 'diplomatic officials of the highest rank, appointed and accredited as representatives by one government or sovereign to another.' As this is so important, I make no apology in repeating myself. We are Ambassadors of Jesus; chosen and appointed to fulfil His commission, that He passed on to us through His Word.

If you didn't think you were important then think again. You were chosen by the One who created Heaven and earth and appointed to spread the Magnetism of Jesus and use Everyday Evangelism.

Wow, if that doesn't blow you away, nothing will. See yourself as Jesus sees you. You are so precious to Him.

Copyriight 2020 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

The Magnetism of Jesus - 'Come and See'.

"Then Jesus turned and seeing them following said to them, 'What do you seek?' They said to Him, 'Rabbi, (which is to say when translated - Teacher) 'where are You staying?' He said to them, 'Come and see.'   

                                                                                             v38-39 of John 1:35-51.  NKJV 

There are two key elements for us to look at here:

(1)   The Magnetism of Jesus

(2).  Everyday Evangelism

Let's look at Element 1. John the Baptist pointed out Jesus to two of his disciples - possibly John and Andrew. At once, they were captivated by Jesus' charisma and couldn't resist following Him. (v36-37). Jesus on realising that He was being followed, turned and asked them, 'What do you seek?' (v38). The answer they gave was quite interesting, 'Rabbi - where are You staying?' Now this may have been prompted by the fact that Jesus may have turned to walk on and they were concerned that, as they had so much to ask Him, He may disappear in the crowd. Alternatively, it may have stunned them that this prominent man - Jesus, had stopped and turned to speak with them, that all they could do was splutter out this response. Whatever, Jesus answered, 'Come and see' (v39) and that was enough for them. They couldn't resist this offer and ended up staying with Him all the night.

Now let's bring in Element 2 - Everyday Evangelism. First of all, John the Baptist had said to them, 'Behold the Lamb of God,' and they had followed Him. (v36). Then Jesus had simply said, 'Come and see.' (v39) Andrew then told his brother, Simon Peter, 'We have found the Messiah,' and brought him to Jesus. (v41-42). Jesus then told Philip, 'Follow Me'. (v43). Philip told the sceptical Nathanael that they had found Jesus of Nazareth and encouraged him to, 'Come and see.'

These guys had been with Jesus and the effect was amazing. His magnetism had promoted Everyday Evangelism to be introduced with power. Let me tell you something, you do not have to go to Bible College to learn how to use Everyday Evangelism. Spend time with Jesus and it will ooze out of you. How much would you like people to recognise that you are different - that here is something that they need and it is drawing them to to you - Jesus? Well. it is yours for the asking. Ask Jesus for this. If you spend time in His presence, His magnetism - that wonderful power of the Holy Spirit, will flood your life with His love and His power.

Imagine saying to people, I have found Jesus of Nazerath; come and see.' This is available to you, right now. You are a Child of God with the ability to bring people to Jesus! Why not do it.

Copyriight 2020 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com 

Find a way in

"And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying."                                                                    Mark 2:1-12.  NKJV

Peter lived in Capernaum, which was a small fishing village located on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. It was Peter's house and is thought to have served as the headquarters for Jesus' ministry. 

Crowds had gathered hoping to see Jesus and they were shoulder to shoulder. Some men came along carrying a paralytic on a bed and finding no way through, went up onto the roof. These houses had a flat roof accessed by a staircase. On reaching the roof, they broke through and lowered the man down to Jesus. ( Imagine this happening at your house on Home Group night). Jesus instantly recognised the man's faith, which was similar to the woman with the issue of blood who touched the hem of His gown. (Mark 5:18). This type of faith always gets Jesus' attention.

Jesus told him that his sins were forgiven. However, this drew indignation from certain scribes who were observing all of this. They drew a charge of blasphemy against Him. They were rightly saying that only God can forgive sin. Jesus demonstrated His authority by declaring the man's sins were forgiven and then healing him, telling him to arise and take his bed home with him.Ths astounded everyone.

Don't focus on the distraction here - the scribes' challenging behaviour and the mayhem and even excitement, that was being caused by it all. Look at what had happened. The man had a need; he couldn't get to Jesus on his own but he wasn't going to let that stop him. He found some friends and possibly family members to take him there; but when they arrived, there was a hindrance, a great crowd was blocking the way. But they pushed through and then broke through the roof and were eventually face to face with Jesus. Now that was determination and persistence in operation. They had the attitude that nothing was going to stop them. Jesus was their goal and they were going to get to Him.

When life has you in a complete muddle with lots of pressing and important issues, find a way through to Jesus. He has the answer; be persistent and never give up. Sir Winston Churchill had a great saying, 'Never, never, never, never, give up.' Just six words that were charged with the power to change a person's life forever, when placed into Jesus' hands.

Don't receive defeat; fight through the darkness and reach towards Jesus. Don't give up - Look up!

Copyriight 2020 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

Seesaw faith

"But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind."                                                      James 1:6.  NKJV

If you've ever stood on the sea shore and watched a stick in the surf, you'll notice that the waves take it out with them and then bring it back again. It can be an age before it completely disappears out to sea. Faith and doubt act in a similar way. One moment, a person can be in faith for a certain thing but then the doubt can kick in, totally disabling the act of faith.

At church, many may go forward for healing and some may receive this by faith. Others may return to their seats untouched by the prayer. In addition to this, the one who received the healing by faith, may live this way for a day or two and then give up. This may be  because they have listened to the well-meaning doubters. People who don't believe in healing can turn others who do, away from their faith and then they begin to doubt themselves and consequently lose their healing. 

If you have an illness and you receive prayer for healing, it is always wise to consider the implications. You may be on vital medication, to stop this could be dangerous. Therefore, it is always sensible to see a doctor for verification of this healing. This may mean having tests to qualify this. This is not lack of faith, nor is it doubting the healing. No, it is common sense, something that God gives us. Why do you think that Jesus said to the ten cleansed lepers, 'Go, show yourselves to the priests?' (Luke 17:14). It was the priest's business to verify that healing had taken place. In the same manner, Jesus would expect someone to verify their healing by seeing a doctor, so that there would be no complications.

Jesus does heal today! Many can testify to this, including myself. But when we receive healing, we must believe deep down within our souls that this has happened. Don't be like a seesaw believer - believing one minute and doubting the next. Refuse to be influenced by anyone who wants to steal your faith. Believe, get it checked and verified and then, get on and live your life in good health.

We should exercise faith in all things, not only for healing. But the principle is the same, refuse to be a seesaw believer. Remember, doubt and do without. Stand firm in your faith; believe for what God has promised you whether it be, a house, car, finance or whatever else. Don't be tossed about by the waves of seesaw faith. Believe and receive!

Copyriight 2020 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com