Don't be Fooled

"Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation."   

                                                                                   Philippians 3:1-2   NKJV

In verse one of this piece of scripture, Paul empathises the necessity of being repetitive. He wrote, 'In addition, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. To write to you again about this is no trouble for me and is a safeguard to you.' Preachers are often ridiculed for preaching 'the same old sermon'. However, it is important to reinforce some issues so that people are aware of certain points. And this is what Paul was doing here.

Dogs were classed as unclean animals and he related this to unclean teachers that went around misleading people. He had a perpetual problem with Judaisers. These were an early Christian sect which insisted that Gentiles needed to be circumcised before they became Christians (Acts 15:1). Paul denounced these statements insisting that believers were justified by faith alone (Acts 15:6-11). The Judaisers claimed that  one must keep the Old Testament law to be saved and sanctified. They were trying to combine faith and works as a way of getting right with God.

We must beware of a system that says we must earn our standing with God. Jesus Christ came to set us free from the grip of the law. We are liberated in Him (Romans 8:1-2). Jesus has set us free from all of the things that kept people trapped in the jaws of sin. All addictions, whatever their name, must bow to the Name above all names - Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:9-11). He has given us a freedom that we could never have had without Him: 'Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed'  (John 8:36), Jesus own words. 

Many people today are bound in their own particular addiction. It can be anything, not just the big ones such as alcohol and drugs. Whatever, you can't live without and you crave for is an addiction. For some it is pornography or spending money that they just don't have but load up their credit cards. 'I'll just do this once more', may be the words they utter. However, once more turns into 'many more'. 

If this is you, why not do something about it. Jesus doesn't lie; He can set you free. say this prayer right now:

Lord Jesus, your Word tells us that if You make us free, we will be free indeed. Lord, I bring my addiction of....................... to You right now. Please Lord, as I surrender this to You please set me free totally. In Jesus' name. Amen'

Now believe and receive this and if you need to, speak with someone who will support you with this.

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

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Are you negotiator?

"Do all things without complaining and disputing"           Philippians 2:14   NKJV 

Grumbling and complaining is an emotional negative response to something you don't like. Let's face it, we can't like everything in life but, that doesn't give us the right to complain and grumble about things especially, if it turns into a full-scale argument. These type of things hinder the work of God. A church that is continually in dispute and argument, is a church that is going to divide' and usually, division is the work of the devil.

To be in a place of complaint and argument leads us to be unproductive and it wastes precious time as we beat on about issues that are not worth it. Some people will argue and dispute scripture over and over seeing things that are just not there. All this does is bring about disputes that may be difficult to settle and a church split may be inevitable. When things become like this, arguments can begin, some that break relationships never to be repaired. If we check in Proverbs 15:1, we read, 'A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.' Sadly, this can be the result of not being in control of the mouth and allowing ourself to fall into the trap of not being like Jesus. Relationships may be shattered, ones where people have been friends for years and suddenly, the wrong thing is said. Think for a moment, has a relationship in your life been broken because of unkind words? Can it be repaired? If so, why not send an appropriate Christmas card to the person. It may help and build a bridge.

At times we need to take on the role of a negotiator; one where we can bring peace and healing to an otherwise war zone. Hey, this is the season of goodwill and peace so, spread it around. Also be mindful of : 'Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice, but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful and endures through every circumstance' (1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NLT).

If you need to take the role of negotiator, meditate on the words above and blend them into the conversation you may have with someone who needs it. It breathes peace into a life if it is received. If you feel wronged because of what someone has done or said to you; think, is it important enough to confront the person. If it is, pray it over, get some counsel on the affair and then, if it is still burning away, approach it in the role of negotiator. Many a war zone has been repaired with a gentle approach. 

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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The Qualities of our Salvation

"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure."   

                                                                              Philippians 2:12-13   NKJV

This verse has been like a stumbling block for many Christians because, they find it hard to understand. What did Paul mean when he said, 'work out your own salvation with fear and trembling'? Well, he didn't mean that salvation is dependent on one's continued works; not at all. What he meant was our salvation must express itself in our daily living. Our character should be upright in all that we do, so that unbelievers see the difference in us and, although they may feel that we're strange, it leaves a lasting effect on them.

Paul mentioned about their conduct when he was not with them. He commended them that their behaviour was always upright whether he was with them or away from them. This is something that we need to take on board. I mentioned the Behind Closed Doors Syndrome' the other day where, we behave well at church but it's almost as if we can be tempted to take off our Christian hat and behave in a worldly manner, when we go home. This is similar to when the boss is around we may behave diligently. However, when he goes out, take time off or leave work earlier than we should. Paul commended the Philippi church that whether he was with them or not, they were always obedient and faithful.

Paul mentions that we should work our own salvation out with fear and trembling. Whatever we do, God knows, we can't hide anything from Him. Others may not see but, He does and when we are in error, that feeling of conviction can be heavy upon us until we have put things right. It's also important because, those unbelievers who do see our disobedience, take note of it. They may not mention it but this is where the term 'hypocrite' can form in their thinking. We need to live up to our word otherwise, we are like a ''sounding brass or a clanging cymbal' (1 Corinthians 13:1). We may not realise that they have noticed our wrongdoing, but to them, it's big, possibly because they view us as reading the bible.

When we view Jesus throughout the Gospels, His love, care, honesty and compassion shine through. People around Him noticed He was different and, He drew a crowd because of it. What a blessing it is when people notice that we are different and ask us about it. Wouldn't you prefer to have people notice you for the right reasons? Then, 'work out your own salvation with fear and trembling'.

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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Just consider what Jesus has done for us

"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God 7 but made himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men."  

                                                                               Philippians 2:5-7  NKJV 

We often dream of being like Jesus - doing the things He would do. But it is a very costly exercise for one to consider. Let's look at this: 

Jesus was God; He was part of the Holy Trinity consisting of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. He was fully God and yet, He gave it all up in favour of you and I. He made Himself of no reputation. Have you any idea what that would mean to you? You would be a nobody and people would not give you a second glance. That's hard, especially for Jesus, who was God. He then took on the form of a bondservant; this is a slave - a person who serves another against his will and without wages. Definitely not easy to do.

Jesus gave up His divine privileges and took this humble position of slave and came down to earth, in human flesh to the obedience of God the Father. He did this to save you and I and the many others who would accept Him. For this, He died a criminal's death, in agony, on a cross for our sins. Therefore God elevated Him to the highest place of honour and gave Him the name that is above any other name, that everyone would have to bow and confess before Him, that Jesus Christ is Lord. 

Jesus did this for us but, it was a great price to pay, something that you and I will never have to go through. We may suffer severe pain and heartache, hardship and agony but, we will never have to undergo the agony that Jesus took upon Himself that day - the total sin of the world. Now anyone who comes to Jesus and confesses His sin will receive forgiveness because Jesus paid the price.

Daily we go to Jesus and ask Him for this and that - healing, protection, financial help etc. But how about just going to Him with gratefulness for who he is and what He has done and will do. Let us not forget that, He has provided mansions for us in heaven for when we go to Him (John 14:2 NKJV). You may have dreamed of living in one occasionally. Well, if you know Jesus you will do. He has also provided things for us that we could never imagine, our brain could never comprehend it, but we will see it. Jesus has done so very much for us. He is our friend, our bodyguard, our provider, counsellor, intercessor and our confidante. Why not pray with me right now:

Lord Jesus, words fail us when we think of all that you have done for us. We are so grateful that you chose to be our friend, that you rescued us from death and that you love us more than we could ever know. Lord, we are Yours and Yours alone and will serve You for the rest of our days. Jesus You are Lord. Amen!

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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Our Conduct

"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 

 Paul was addressing the believers in Philippi, urging them to stand firm whatever may happen to them. He was particularly concerned that their conduct would stand the test - that they would live up to the calling they had concerning the Gospel of Christ.

Paul was saying that, whether he came to visit them or whether he received word about them, he would be blessed to hear that they were holding up the name of Jesus. This speaks deeply to us as well. Is our conduct at home the same as it is in church? Or do we have a best behaviour for church and when we arrive home, take off our Sunday best and act the way of the world? 

Sometimes, if we're not careful, it is possible to live two lives - one for church and one for home where our personalties change accordingly. I call it the 'Behind Closed Doors Syndrome'. At home in the privacy of our house, it is easy to gossip about what 'such and such' was doing or saying. We can say things that we wouldn't dream about saying in church. This is not the type of conduct Paul was promoting, this type does not point people to Jesus, 'Well no one's listening', you may think. They are - Jesus and He is not pleased. Also, what if a neighbour overhears or is standing at your front door. It's not good and, needs rectifying.

Paul was saying we should be models to a watching world despite opposition that may come our way. We should be living in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This brings a unity that draws people together. Any other behaviour causes division that hurts the spread of the Gospel.

I once spoke to a young prisoner and he told me, 'I will be a Christian for six days a week but on the seventh day, I reserve the right to go out and punch and kick who I want to'. You may smile but it's true. I told him that it doesn't work like that and he decided to give it some thought. He did later become a Christian.

There is no room for split lives, it is all or nothing with Jesus. His conduct was impeccable and He wants ours to be the same. He knows we'll make mistakes doing this but, He is there to help us.

Are there things that you need to change to attain the conduct Jesus wants? If there is, He will help you if, you ask Him.

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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Dedication to your calling

"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain"        Philippians 1:21    NKJV 

What a profound statement! This was Paul's life, total dedication and commitment to Jesus. He lived for Him and was willing to die for Him as well. One cannot get a deeper dedication than this. 

However, he was struggling with choices. He wanted to be with Jesus; he knew that this would be far better v23. But, he also knew he had a job to do - a ministry to fulfil. There were people who still didn't know Jesus and those that did, needed nurturing. He also had his writing to complete. When he considered this, he realised that, whatever he did, he was living with Jesus. If he continued to live, Jesus was there and if he chose to die, Jesus was also there. Don't forget, Paul was the man who had visited heaven and seen the wonders but, he also returned (2 Corinthians 12), and carried on with his work despite the fact that he had his thorn in his flesh.

Paul's purpose was to glorify Jesus come what may; Jesus was his total focus. There is a lesson to be learned here. See how Paul managed things, he was flesh and bone just like us. He had a calling just like we do. However he was confident with what he had to do and where he was going and this focus he had, shone through. Possibly we need to take stock of all of this. We can say the same, 'For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain', but if we do, is it a true statement?

There is so much going on in our busy lives that many times, Jesus is far down the list of priorities. We have a busy live to live, work to do, bills to pay and everything else. Paul was no different. He still had his earthly commitments. The difference being, he was so in tune with Jesus, so very much in step that, he knew without doubt that if he put Jesus as priority one, Jesus would take care of the rest.

And this is where Paul had the edge on us. Some may say, 'Yes, but that was back in bible times, things are different now.' No they're not, we're still in ‘Jesus’ times', He hasn't changed, His priorities and promises are just the same. He may not be asking you to be a missionary in some faraway country but, He is asking you to honour the commission He gave to all of us, 'Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature" Mark 16:15. Your street, neighbours and family are perhaps your world. That is your initial commission.

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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Stephen the Martyr

"But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, 56 and said, 'Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God".   

                          Acts 7:55-56  NKJV.  (For the fuller explanation, read Acts 6:8 - 7:60) 

Stephen had been falsely accused of blasphemy. This is an occupational hazard for all who live for Jesus. Here the Synagogue of the Freedmen - Jews that had been carried off to Rome by Pompey as captives in 63 BC, and later freed. These were part of the Jerusalem synagogue who opposed Stephen. They were also known as Libertines. These men manipulated people to say untruths about him and he was delivered to the council and placed on trial, a trial that was just a play on words really. You know, there will always be people around who, will falsely accuse you, gossip about you and try to get rid of you. Cheer up and don't give up, what you're doing for God is totally right and He is pleased.

Stephen was allowed to defend his actions and, he gave a very long discourse related to his behaviour. At the end of this, he spoke the words of our text today,"But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, 56 and said, 'Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God".  This caused havoc and they ran at him, cast him out into the street and stoned him.

Notice a few things: (1) He was full of the Holy Spirit v55. Never try to take on a major incident or meeting unless, you have the Spirit of God firmly within you. (2) He was not afraid, he knew His Lord was with him (3) They began stoning him but he, knelt down and asked God to 'Receive my Spirit' (4) Then in a loud voice he prayed that the people would not be charged for their actions. He then fell asleep and was with Jesus forever.

All over the world, people lay down their lives for Jesus Christ because, He did the same for them. They put themselves at risk to bring aid and bibles to the downtrodden. They get on with the work and yet, at times all we can care about is that somebody has taken our seat in church. Come on, I'm not saying that we should all be martyrs - not at all, but we should all put Jesus and His work, uppermost in our lives. 

For His life-offering, Stephen knelt down before God and went to sleep - in peace.

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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