No one should go without

"Nor was there anyone among them who lacked"                       Acts 4:34   NKJV

Today is Boxing Day, but what is the origin of this name? It is thought to come from a time when the rich used to box up gifts to give to the poor. Boxing Day was traditionally a day off for servants and the day when they received a special Christmas box from their masters. The servants would also go home on Boxing Day to give Christmas boxes to their families. Wikipedia tells us:

'The origins of Boxing Day are somewhat debated. The most likely story dates back hundreds of years to Britain. One version says that on December 26 wealthy families would give their servants and tradespeople a gratuity of either money or a “Christmas box” full of food and gifts to thank them for their service and for working all day Christmas Day. According to another tradition, churches would set up boxes to be filled with gifts on Christmas Day, which would then be distributed to the poor the following day. Regardless of which tradition is correct, each of these stories shows that Boxing Day had its origin in gift-giving to others.'

It is not unlike the early church recorded in Acts 4. The multitude of those who believed were of one heart and would share openly, with others who had little. No one went without. Some richer people would sell what they could and give the proceeds to the poorer people. 

We can see this in a lot of churches today, where food is distributed, along with clothes, to the people who are in desperate need. There are many people homeless today and benefit greatly from what people can give them. It is what Jesus would do. Remember the feeding of the five thousand? Mark 6:30-44. Jesus was faced with a mass of people who had followed Him and He was concerned that they should not starve. He provided for them and that is the heart of Jesus.

Me and my wife Hazel, when we pastored a church, turned the basement into a place where the homeless could come, get warm and receive hot meals and clothing if they needed it. These people were who society had forgotten about but Jesus hadn't. He guided us to set up the work, provided the kitchen equipment, carpeting, central heating, shower and the workforce. When Jesus asks you to do a task for Him, He gives all you need to put this into action.

Perhaps, you may have been wondering about becoming involved in this type of ministry. It is not easy and you can get ripped-off along the way, but there is nothing quite like seeing the faces of the people who are genuinely grateful for what you have done for them. And if they're grateful and pleased, Jesus is too. Remember His Words in Matthew 25:40: 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'

Jesus sees what we do, what we say and how we act and He will reward all that serve Him.

Copyriight 2020 Grahame Howard

grahamehoward@hotmail.com

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com 

*If you would like to contact me, then please send me an email😄

Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday Jesus

"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." 

                                                                                                                Isaiah 9:6   NKJV

Many people throughout this world are today, celebrating Christmas Day and the birth of Jesus. Even though He was born 2000 or so years ago, it is like He has been born again this day. Why? Because He is a living God. His energy and vitality know no end. However, many only know Him as a baby. They are wrong because that baby, turned into the almighty and everlasting, powerful God who chose to come to earth so that He could be with His people - you and I. Family are meant to be together at Christmas and Jesus is family. He is our brother but in His status of Mighty God, He is our Father too. He is everything to us, He is all we need and he chose to spend Christmas with you.

You may be alone this Christmas, but really, you are not. Your brother, your Father, your Counsellor and your Prince of Peace has decided to spend Christmas Day with you. In fact, He is willing to spend each and every day with you. Everyday can be like Christmas Day with Jesus in your life. Note the the words, 'Everlasting Father'. He is not your Father for a day and then decides to go away again. Many people throughout this world know what it is like to live life without their father in their family. I'm talking about, the father's who for one reason or another, have walked away. My heart goes out to you; but more importantly, Jesus' heart is broken because of this fact - because you have an emptiness within your life. Right now, I want to tell you, that Jesus wants to fill that void; that empty, emotional space. If you will allow Him to, He will be Your Father - a Father who will always be there for you and He will build you back up again. This could happen this day.

Furthermore, there are other people who are lonely this Christmas period. A death may have brought about an emptiness that you find hard to live with. There are no words that can make this better to live with, no magic wand can be waved as in the movies where everything goes from gloom to happiness in the blinking of an eye. But, on the other hand, no one can help you more than Jesus can. Look at His names again, Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace. One of the names, if not all, can address your pain and loneliness if you'll reach out and take hold of the hands that want to lift you up.

On this Christmas Day, Jesus wants you to celebrate with Him, His birth and His birthday like you have never done before. If you are willing; if you feel you are needing a Father or someone to give you love or just someone who will give your life a spiritual boost, why not receive the best Christmas present of all:

Lord Jesus, I need You. Things have not been the way that I planned them to be. I have an empty heart, I have pain, I need your help and I need your love. Please come and live in my heart today. Forgive me my sins and fill me with Your Holy Spirit. May this Christmas, be the best ever. Amen

Copyriight 2020 Grahame Howard

grahamehoward@hotmail.com

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com 

*If you would like to contact me, then please send me an email😄

 

What will be your gift this year?

"And after entering the house, they saw the child with Mary, His mother; and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then after opening their treasure chests, they presented to Him gifts (fit for a King, gifts) of gold, frankincense and myrrh" 

                                                                                       Matthew 2:11 Amplified Study Bible

Note here, that these visitors to Jesus, were not the shepherds; they were the Magi - wise men from the east. They would have been of the same class as the 'wise men', of Babylon over whom Daniel was made ruler. Note also, that they didn't visit Jesus in the stable but Jesus' house. This would have been some time after Jesus' birth and He probably would have been around two years of age. Prior to this, Herod the Great had been murdering all male children over the age of two.

These wise men brought Jesus amazing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Herod had spoken with the Magi beforehand and asked them to report back to him, where exactly, Jesus was. However, they ignored this following a warning from God and, went by another way to their homeland.

Christmas is a lovely time of year. Usually - pre-Lockdown - we happily choose presents to give to our loved ones and they do for us too. It really is an exciting time of year. It is also the time people think about Jesus. They may not be believers but, they cannot fail to hear about Him as carols are sung and Christmas services attended.

Think about the members of your family who do not know Jesus as their Saviour. Wouldn't it be the greatest Christmas present - ever, if they were to receive Him this Festive time? Why not pray for them right now: -

'Lord

Thank you for Christmas and the birth of Jesus. Lord, I pray now that --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

will receive the greatest present of all, as they receive You, Jesus, as their Lord and Saviour. Please do this for us Lord.

In Jesus' Name, Amen

Now go and get ready for tomorrow - Jesus' birthday and look out for the opportunities the Holy Spirit will give you, to tell them about Jesus.

Copyriight 2020 Grahame Howard

grahamehoward@hotmail.com

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com 

*If you would like to contact me, then please send me an email😄

Be honourable in your marriage

"Then Joseph her husband, being a just man and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly."                 Matthew 1:19   NKJV

Mary was betrothed to Joseph, in other words, they were engaged. However, betrothal was an actual marriage; it could only be broken by divorce. Joseph was unwilling to put Mary through such an ordeal, so he decided to end the engagement quietly.

What an honourable man! Joseph was obviously hurting and he must have had emotional battles going on in his mind, wondering who? Where? When? We get a deeper upstanding of who Joseph was; not many men would have been willing to do this. Just imagine the mind games that he was suffering. It would have been an obvious response to believe that Mary had been unfaithful to him. His mind would have been in utter turmoil.

While he slept, an angel appeared to him and revealed the truth. Mary was of child, yes, but the baby was conceived by the Holy Spirit v20. When Joseph awoke, he believed that this was from God; he therefore, confirmed her as his wife.

Let us now fast-forward to our period. How many lives are shattered by adultery in marriage and in relationships? Partners suffer similar mind games that Joseph may have suffered. Sadly when a partner has been unfaithful, there is mostly no way back for the relationship and hearts are broken and if there are children, they suffer great emotional and psychological problems with the break up. God can repair such a marriage but, there has to be total forgiveness and honesty, together with submission to Jesus, if it is going to work. As I've said, many relationships break up leaving inner chaos to the family.

God holds marriage in very high regard. When a man and woman join together in holy matrimony, there are rules - vows, to uphold. A man and woman become one in God and He insists that there is no room for outsiders - friends yes, lovers, no!

When we wrong our wives or our husbands, we are wronging God. Just think about that and keep you marriage pure and yourself honourable.

Copyriight 2020 Grahame Howard

grahamehoward@hotmail.com

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com 

*If you would like to contact me, then please send me an email😄

Think things through properly

"But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart." v19

                                                                                                     Luke 2:15-20   NKJV

Don't be hasty. Don't rush in with all guns blazing; you may get it wrong and then there will be disaster.

The shepherds came in haste it states in verse 16, when they knew that the Saviour had been born in Bethlehem. They began making plans and suggesting this had happened and this spread the news around about Jesus. Herod heard about it and he felt threatened. This put Jesus, Joseph and Mary in a risky position. Mary however, didn't flap, worry or become fearful at all. She remained at peace; internalised what had happened and pondered it all. 

There are three types of people. Type A people, live life in the fast lane; they live on their stress and want to finish things before they've even started them. Everything is done in double-time opening the way for mistakes. They not only burn themselves out but others around them too.

Then there are the Type B people. They are totally laid back about everything and nothing tends to bother them at all. However, this may sound good, but many is the time when they don't get moving at all.

This brings us to Type C people. They have a happy balance between the other two types and things tend to go much better. They are achievers and get the job done efficiently. What type do you think that you are?

Stopping to think things through has got to be a winner. When we stop and analyse the possible 'fors' and 'againsts', it helps us to be prepared for unexpected obstacles. Dashing in like a bull in a china shop, is a recipe for disaster and upset. This is why, Mary pondered the situation. If she hadn't, it may have been a slightly different story.

Do you ponder things before you take action or, are you the one that takes action before it is needed - allowing words to come out of your mouth before you have even processed them properly? It is possible that you may need a re-tune by the Holy Spirit, so that you are running more effectively.

Copyriight 2020 Grahame Howard

grahamehoward@hotmail.com

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com 

*If you would like to contact me, then please send me an email😄

 

When I hear the praises start

"I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." 

                                                                                        Philippians 3:14   NKJV

This morning, all over the UK, people are in a kind of depression and feeling of gloom and doom. Covid 19, has once again shattered their plans and dreams. Christmas is all but cancelled. Many haven't seen their loved ones - properly, all the year and they were looking forward to meeting up with their loved ones to celebrate the Festive season. All of this has been taken away. It's pretty much the same all over the world - families separated because of restrictions that seem so harsh and yet, when we consider it, need to be in place to protect us all.

But may I offer each of you some sort of comforting words. This is only for a short time; the sun will shine again for us all, we just have to grit our teeth and do the best we can. Keith Green wrote a brilliant song not long before he was killed. It contains some very thoughtful words:

WHEN I HEAR THE PRAISES START

My precious Bride, the day is nearing, when I'll take you in My arms and hold you.

I know there are so many things that you've been hearing 

but you just hold on to what I have told you

For when I hear the praises start My Bride, I want to rain upon you

Blessings that will fill your heart, I see no stain upon you

Because you are My child and you know Me

To Me you're only holy, nothing that you've done will remain,

Only what you do for Me.

                                                     Copyright Keth Green

There are so many things that we are hearing and mostly, they are confusing and scary. In fact, it can appear that professionals are stabbing about in the dark. However, your Jesus is holding it all together. He knows all about the Coronavirus and He is well-able to crush it at the right time. 

For us, it is a case of pressing on. Christmas is just a few days away, and even though it is going to be very different for all of us this year, we can still enjoy what we have got. Many in the third world countries, don't even have that. We do and it is an ideal time to sing praises to Jesus, whether in the form of carols or worship songs. Jesus is still on the throne. He will not let you and I down. He couldn't even if He tried. He loves us so much.

I believe that God is saying to us all: 

'Praise Me and when I hear the praises start, I will rain blessings upon you that will fill your heart. You are My child and I will never forget the love that I have for each one of you.'

Copyriight 2020 Grahame Howard

grahamehoward@hotmail.com

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com 

*If you would like to contact me, then please send me an email😄

He ain't heavy, he's my brother

"They came to Him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men" v3

                                                                                                      Mark 2:1-12

People all over the world are hurting and struggling over personal matters. These include leaders in the church. However, some leaders find it difficult to admit this fact because they feel that it displays weakness. Therefore, they tell the few that they can trust and then, soldier on as if everything is ok. But you know! You know what they are going through and how they are becoming broken inside by something that they cannot 'fix'.

Whether it's a leader in the church, a member of the church or some other believer, they all have something in common. They need help. But before you go in with open bibles, prayers and prophecies, stop and ponder about it and, decide in your heart, with God, what would be of help for them. It's unlikely that they want continuous words of wisdom and endless prayers all of the time. This is helpful and they're grateful; but how can you really help?

Quite a few years ago, the Christian country singer, Glen Campbell wrote and sang this:

Try a little kindness

If you see your brother standing by the road

with a heavy load, from the seeds he sowed.

And if you see your sister falling by the way

Just stop and say, 'You're going the wrong way.'

You've got to try a little kindness

yes show a little kindness

Just shine your light for everyone to see.

And if you try a little kindness

then you'll overcome the blindness

of narrow-minded people on the narrow-minded streets.

                Copyright Glen Campbell

The person we're discussing is carrying a heavy load and, he or she, are your brother or your sister. They need carrying at the moment, because all of their emotional and physical energy has been absorbed in their painful predicament. How can you help? Well, a cooked meal can be handy, something they can put in the fridge or freezer and used for quick access.

A card sent can be a healer, especially when they realise how much they are loved and valued. You have no answers, so don't try to give them any. Just be there for them if they ask for this. Prayer obviously is a must. This is one way that we can carry someone's load. Don't desert them in their hour of need but, alternatively, don't swamp them with telephone calls or visits - give them some space.

This kindness and love is what it is all about. We all need carrying at times. It may be you one day. Therefore, sow the seed of love and support, anyway that you can.

Copyriight 2020 Grahame Howard

grahamehoward@hotmail.com

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com 

*If you would like to contact me, then please send me an email😄