Abounding Grace

"But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more"       Romans 5:20      NKJV

David Guzik comments:

We might have expected that where sin abounded, God’s anger or judgment would have abounded much more. But God’s love is so amazing that grace abounded much more where we might have expected wrath.

ii. If grace super-abounds over sin, then we know that it is impossible to out-sin the grace of God. We can’t sin more than God can forgive, but we can reject His grace and forgiveness.

                                                        Copyright David Guzik  Enduring Word

Many of us find ourselves in positions where, we have let ourselves down and have outwardly sinned. The shame of it all can be overbearing and we feel like God has turned His back on us, even though we have said that we are sorry to Him. You feel like a condemned man or woman and no matter what you do, you just can't shake it off. Wrong, you are listening to a lie of the enemy. he loves to keep us bound in captivity, but, take a look at Romans 8:1 'There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.'

God made provision for our sin in Jesus Christ and in 1 John 1:9, it states, 'If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.'

God has given us His grace and it is abounding, sin is abounding too but God's tops the bill, it is outrageous grace. The more we sin and let ourselves and God down, He pours on us more of His abounding grace - as we confess our sin to Him. 

Please realise, grace does not give us a passport to freely sin because we know God will forgive us. Not at all, as it says above, we can't sin more than God can forgive, but we can reject His grace and forgiveness. God knows our hearts; He knows what we're going to say and do before we even begin. If we deliberately plot to commit sin, without any care for the consequences, we can't honestly believe that God will forgive us on a regular basis. If He did, there would have been no need for Jesus to die on the cross. We will continue to make mistakes, that goes without saying and, God will provide grace. But the one who is an out and out sinner without any care for Jesus at all, is of the evil one; and there is no place in the Kingdom of Heaven for that person.

However, for you who believe in Jesus, please realise fully that there is an abounding amount of grace for you.

Copyriight 2021 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com 

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

Wasted words Part 2

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit."     

                                                                                                    Proverbs 18:21     NKJV 

There are so many words and phrases that we use on a daily basis, that we need to avoid and use alternatives and warn others, here are a few more that may make you smile but ones that you need to consider:

'I wouldn't like to be in your shoes'. To me, this phrase always carried a threat and when 

heard whilst you were young, petrified you. Another one was, 'You're for the high jump" again meaning, you were in deep trouble, so watch out. 'Your feet won't touch the ground'. These three phrases, I heard regularly when I was growing up and, they are still being used today, in certain areas. 'I'll box your ears.' This was a popular saying in the 50's. Anyone who heard this phrase, knew they were in for a good hiding when they arrived home. 

Then there are the everyday phrases that we are all tempted to say, 'My back's killing me.' 'I feel like death' and 'I nearly died of embarrassment.' If you sit and think about it, there are many more that would come to mind and are equally as bad as each other. You see, it is like a self-fulfilled prophecy that we're speaking over ourselves, 'This car is useless, it never starts when I want it to.' Well, if it doesn't start properly, get the garage to check it out or trade it in for another; don't just curse it, like you are doing. 'I'll never be able to do that job, it's far too difficult.' If you are saying that, then you never will be able to do it because it is too difficult. We need to wise up on what we say.

These are all wasted words - wasted phrases, and we need to re-group; we need to take a deep look at ourselves and ask God to help us to be more aware of what we speak. It is down to us. God doesn't speak for us; we have to stop what we are saying and even thinking; it is all negative. To confess sickness on yourself when the Word of God says that you are healed by the stripes of Jesus is, contradictory. I know several people who say such things as, 'I'm sure I've got the flu coming on.' They go about believing that they have this sickness or 'it's in the family, you know'.  Don't even go there.

Start speaking wholesome words. Start thanking and praising God that you are well, that you are blessed and that your name is written in the Lamb's book. You are a special person, born for a particular reason. God's counting on you, this is why you are here. Don't let anything be wasted any longer.

Copyriight 2021 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com 

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

Wasted words

 "But he denied with an oath, 'I do not know the man.'      Matthew 26:72     NKJV

We have been looking at words that we speak - sometimes in haste, and the effect they have on others. Let us look a little closer at some more.

Much of the words we speak are just wasted words. Many times we  can hear the phrase, 'You're speaking a load of rubbish,' and there may be an element of truth to this. Take for instance the way various regional accents say things. For example, in Sheffield an expression of astonishment may be phrased, 'Well, I'll ga t'foot of ah stairs'. Whereas, in Nottingham, the phrase would be, 'Well, I'll ga t'ta ah'rouse. (our house). When I was a youngster, it wasn't unusual to hear a mother who was exasperated with her child, to shout, 'If ya fall off that wall, our Jimmy, and brek ya leg, don't come running ta me'.Phrases that make us smile but when you consider it, all are wasted words.

I like the one that Woody Allen said, 'I'm not afraid of dying, I just don't want to be there when it happens.' Again, comical but also full of denial. Peter used denial when he was accused of being with Jesus. Jesus had been arrested and Peter was not far away, in a court yard. Jesus had predicted that before the cock crows, Peter would have denied him three times; and it happened that way. Now here he is still denying that he had been with Jesus just to save his own skin. Be honest, wouldn't we have done the same? 

We can often deny Jesus, especially at school or in your place of work. It isn't that we out and out deny Jesus, but we can hide the fact that we are a Christian until we have sussed the place and the people out. On the other hand, we can come straight out with our faith and that is usually a conversation stopper. Everyone is different, It's helpful to let people see that there is something different with you, something that draws them to you. If you stand there with the biggest bible you can find and start preaching a lengthy sermon about the sins of the world, it may not go down too well. They'll just be wasted words and you may have ruined your reputation. On the other hand, if you gently allow people to see Jesus in you and, when they ask, answer their questions openly and honestly, the words you speak will not be wasted. If they don't make an impact straightaway, they will certainly be retained for future reference.

Therefore, make it your business to use your words wisely and to make them count. We can't afford to speak wasted words. People need life, and you can offer it.

Copyriight 2021 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com 

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

Be careful what comes out of your mouth

"Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."    Colossians 3:16-17     NKJV 

What we say is very important; what comes out of our mouths can be a blessing or a curse. It can bless or do damage to the listener. Be careful. I remember someone telling me a story some time ago. Where I live, is near to the Jurassic Coast, famous for fossils, dinosaurs and other such historical and geological bits and pieces. The story goes that this chap was standing right on the very edge of one of these, very high and dangerous cliffs. A crowd were calling to him to come back but he wouldn't. Suddenly, a Christian chap ran over to him and they spent a long while in deep conversation, the result being they both jumped off.

You may be shocked or even smile at this story but, take on board, that in our haste to speak with someone in such a position, the wrong things can be said. We need wisdom. You may not come up against such a situation as this, but the very ordinary day to day things are equally as important and words of wisdom need to be uttered so that a major fall-out doesn't take place.

Our words are important and we need to be careful what we say. However, on the other hand, we need to listen carefully to what is being said. When we visit a friend's house, they may say something such as, 'make your self comfortable'. This doesn't mean that we can shoot upstairs, get in their bed and have a snooze or watch some TV. Do you know what I mean? By saying this, they just want us to be comfortable and at ease.

We really need to be in control of what we say and what comes out of our mouths. Proverbs 15:1 says, 'A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.' It is very true. Check out some more: 

'A fool's lips enter into contention' and his mouth calls for blows. A fool's mouth is his destruction' and his lips are the snare of his soul' Proverbs 18:6-7.

'He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him.' Proverbs 18:13.

'A man's stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth, from the produce of his lips he shall be filled. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit'  Proverbs 18:20-21.

Whatever we do or say, should be in direct line with the Holy Spirit. He is our guide and He always leads us into the truth. Therefore, let us re-channel our words to fit into His plans for our lives. 'Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.' Ephesians 4:29

The bible is God's word to us and carries many regulations and guidelines. This last verse is one of the guidelines. Practice this and you will not go wrong, because you will be imparting grace to the hearer.

Copyriight 2021 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com 

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

It will surprise you, what the Lord has done

"Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. 2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits; 3 who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, 5 who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagles."                                     Psalm 103:1-5    NKJV

I've looked at this Psalm many times over the years, yet there is always something new to see and learn about. This is because the Word of God is living, exciting and always worth delving into. This is how gems come out. 

King David here, encourages us to bless the Lord with all that we have. Everything within us and all we have externally. And when we bless Him, this includes being grateful for everything He has bestowed on us, not just material things but, our health and the ability to live our lives safely each day,

It helps to spend a while writing down all He has blessed you with. It is important to do this. This is why the writer wrote this song"

'Count your blessings name them one by one, count your blessings see what God hath done.

Count your blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord hath done'

                                                                                                       Johnson Oatman Jnr.

Once we write down all that we can remember about all God has done for us, it will surprise. After a while, it is so easy to take things for granted. Take for instance, air. We need this to be able to breathe and yet, it can so easily be taken for granted. It doesn't hurt to say thank you to God for this vital thing He has done for us. Try and think of other things.

He has forgiven us for all of the things that we were once involved in, what's more He will never again mention it because He chooses to forget. He thinks the best of us. You may have been healed of something. What a joy to have you heath restored in such a way. Then of course, He has redeemed us from a place called hell. We are now en route to Heaven. We are crowned Kings and Priests to our God Revelation 1:6 and we are satisfied and every part of us is renewed.

Try and spend a little time thinking about all that God has done for you. Write it down and use it as a tool to give Him thanks and praise. Count your blessings, It will surprise you when you realise all that Jesus has done for you. 

Bless His Name

Copyriight 2021 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com 

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

I will not fear

"Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. 4 In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear, What can flesh do to me?"   Psalm 56:3-4     NKJV

Fear is a big problem in our lives today. We lie awake at night, worrying about this and being fearful about that. If we allow it, it takes over our complete lives. Bob Gass used a brilliant acronym for the word fear, FALSE - EVIDENCE - APPEARING - REAL. I love this. Just stop and think for a moment; there is a lot of truth in this acronym. Most things we fear or worry about, never happen and we have wasted all of that time in turmoil. It is just false evidence but there is a part that tries to appear real, the one that causes the doubt.

Of course, some fear is real and we have to learn how to manage it better. If we can do something about it, then do it. If we can't, then there really is no use in worrying about it. This is not denial that I am talking about here, not at all. It is having the ability to say, 'I will not fear' and then giving it over to God; rather like yesterday's reading, 'Roll it over'.

At the time of writing this Psalm, David was consumed with fear. However, he decided to think it through properly instead of reacting in haste. He compared the size of the problem (in his case, the enemies all around), to the size of his trustworthy God. When we compare the size of what we are fearful about against how big Jesus is, then we are able to cope. "I will not fear'.

Doing this, changed David's focus and it will yours too. Adopting such a perspective transforms how we face negative circumstances. Those four words, I WILL NOT FEAR, pack a punch. It is a declaration. The devil may think he has penned you in but, with Jesus, he never can. If he killed you, you will still meet up with Jesus in Heaven. Our insurance contributions are paid up - fully.

We will get afraid, it is a certainty. However, when we do, we need to say out loud, 'In God I have put my trust, I will not fear.' I'm not saying that if you do this, everything will be hunky dory. It probably won't. But you will have someone very special at your side, fighting on your behalf. Jesus Christ. In fact, you will have God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit, all on your side.

Now that is good enough to say, 'I will not fear'.

Copyriight 2021 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com 

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

 

Roll your baggage over

"Commit your works to the LORD, and your thoughts will be established."    

                                                                                                        Proverbs 16:3    NKJV

I remember back in 1970 when I was being posted overseas. As a young soldier, I struggled with all of my baggage from Euston Railway Station to Euston Air Terminal  Anyone, who remembers their first posting will sympathise; I had all of my baggage. All my army kit and my own suitcase too. I had to keep stopping because of the weight of it all. I couldn't afford a taxi, even though a couple stopped to see if I needed a fare.It was a nightmare. Recently, I thought about my plight in Euston, London, I wondered how it would have felt if Jesus had turned up and asked me to give Him the bags. It would have been wonderful.

I now realise, to a degree, how a camel feels in the early morning sun, worn out and thirsty with a massive weight on it's back. Proverbs 16:3 says, 'Commit your works to the LORD, and your thoughts will be established.' The Hebrew word for 'commit' is to roll, roll down, roll away or remove. The picture is of a camel burdened with a heavy load; when the burden is to be removed, the camel kneels down and tilts to one side and the load rolls off. This scripture encourages the reader to roll his care over to God's care. Do you get the picture.

We carry many burdens each day that could so easily be 'rolled' over to God. Psalm 55:22 tells us to "Cast your burden on the LORD, and He shall sustain you." Again in Matthew 11:28, 'Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.'  Why did Jesus say such a thing? Simple, because He knows us through and through. He knows how we take on too much, our loads and sometimes other people's too. He knows how we worry and fret because we are trying so hard to balance all we have to do and how it would be so easy, to just give up and walk away at times. He wants us to use His strength. Don't forget, on our own we can do nothing, but with Jesus we can do all things, Philippians 4:13.

Ask yourself, 'Isn't it about time that I stopped trying to do everything? Isn't it time that I only take on what I can manage? The thing to do, is roll it over to Jesus and allow Him to break all you have got to do into equal parts - important ones first - and then proceed through the agenda until you have achieved it. Then take a break with Jesus, before you start the next. He knows what He is doing; at times, we don't. Roll it all over to Him and refuse to be heavy laden again.

Copyriight 2021 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com 

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE