What path are you on?

"Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you."   

                                                                                  Proverbs 4:25   NKJV 

I used to love watching Linford Christie as he used his several rituals to warm up in the blocks before a run. If it was a false start, then he would go all the through the rituals again. One thing that looked so strange was his eyes. He used to allow them to bulge out as he looked straight ahead at the winning tape, thus he used tunnel vision and only saw the winning line. One day, during an interview, I heard the broadcaster ask him about this. He explained that, when he has warmed up, he knows that the other runners are either side of him and, so that he doesn't get intimidated by them, he refuses to listen or look at them and chooses to look straight ahead to where he intends to be - first at the winning line.

When you think about this, the apostle Paul used similar directions:

(a)  'Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a away that you may obtain it.'  1 Corinthians 9:24

(b)  'I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus'

                                                                    Philippians 3:14

Our scripture today instructs us to 'look straight ahead' and have our eyelids 'look right before you.' When we are doing this, we can avoid all of the distractions of life. We 'lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.'   Hebrews 12:1-2.

This helps us to safeguard what we look at, where our feet take us and ensures that we keep our hearts under lock and key. Jesus promises to help us with these stumbling blocks. He protects our paths, directs our paths and perfects our paths. This may seem laborious and boring when bible teachers keep saying the same thing, on a regular basis. But think for a moment, if all of them are saying the same thing, surely this is the message that God wants to get over to each of us. We can delve deep into theological books, earning degrees and diplomas and, this is really good. However, if we can't grasp the basic issues of our Christian walk, something has gone wrong. Have we not begun to run before we can walk?

Paul wrote in the third chapter of Philippians 3:1 'Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe.' We need to take on board all the teaching we can, basic or whatever, until we know it in our heart.

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

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Do you have a want or a need?

"And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; 3 who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. 4 And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said 'Look at us.' 5 So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them."                Acts 3:1-7    NKJV

It is very important to ask for what you need and not what you want. Some may pray to win the Lottery and have no more worry problems. However, it is doubtful that this prayer will be answered as it is a want and not a need. On the other hand, if they were to pray that they be healed from a particular ailment, this is asking for a need - a need to healed.

If we look closely at this scripture, you will see that the lame man was sitting at the Gate Beautiful asking for alms. He had to live that is true and the only way he could raise money was to beg. In verse 4, he fixed his eyes on Peter and John, expecting to receive some coins. It can be argued that this was a need; he had to eat. To a degree, this was true. Yet, he was missing the real reason he was sitting there begging. He was disabled, unable to walk and therefore, unable to get a decent job. But it was still a 'want'. His 'need' was to be healed so that he could function and earn a living. 

Ask yourself, 'What was better for him, to be given some cash or, to be healed? Of course, to be healed from this disability that had plagued him all of his life, would be  totally fulfilling and life-changing. He would be able to do everything that he had ever dreamt about. It couldn't have been easy seeing everyone doing their own thing and him having to be carried everywhere.

It is noticeable, that when a person has been ill for a very long time, that they become used to it and can't envisage things changing. I remember a lady who had a back complaint that caused her great pain. My wife and I offered to pray for her healing and she totally refused explaining that, if she was healed she would lose all of the financial benefits she received each week. This was a classic example of hanging on to sickness because change would cause difficulty.

This man was probably no different. It was all he knew and it was difficult to believe that his need - his health, was more important than his want. What about you? Have you got needs? Are you sure they are not wants? Don't get me wrong, Jesus is interested in both. His Word tells us: 'The LORD is my Shepherd, I shall not want.' However, we can't ask and expect everything we want. Otherwise we would all be living in great mansions and driving a Rolls Royce. We need to avoid greed and concentrate on need and when we do, God will ensure that we are blessed with what we want - His idea of what we want ( a blessing).

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

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Whatever you do, do it right!

"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 3:17   NKJV 

Whatever we do in our daily walk of life, we need to ensure that we are doing it right. The only way we can be sure that we are doing things right, is to think 'What would Jesus do here?' 'How would he handle this situation?' If faced with temptation such as adultery or the desire to steal something that takes the eye, what would Jesus do? Well the answer to this can be found in Hebrews 4:15: 'For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathise with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.' Jesus suffered temptation; it was an every day occurrence for Him and yet, He never fell to the temptation. He kept Himself pure and whole. He knows though, how it feels. (Hebrews 4:14-16)

Max Lucardo writes an interesting piece:

'Do what is right this week, whatever it is, whatever comes down the path, whatever problems and dilemmas you face - just do what's right. Maybe no one else is doing what's right, but you do what's right. You be honest. You take a stand. You be true. After all, regardless of what you do, God does what is right: He saves you with His grace.' Max Lucardo - Walking with the Saviour

Did you get that? Whatever you do, do it the way Jesus would do it. If a bad thought comes into your head, then take it captive, before it overcomes you. (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).

Refuse to look at or listen to, what you shouldn't look at or listen to - things that can lead you into the trap of adultery, fornication, lust or whatever else may try to capture you. Walk away from the desire to purchase something that you know you can't afford. A credit card can be very useful. However, if you can't pay the balance off each month then it will lead to debt. The temptation is so great. Beware of the company you keep. It's good to have friends who are unbelievers. How else will they get to know Jesus. However, beware of the danger of falling into their way of life - sin, excessive drinking, unwholesome jokes etc. Just do what Jesus would do; let them feel Jesus’ presence by not watering down your faith with compromise.

So, this coming week, determine to walk with the Saviour, determine to only do what He would do. Keep your eyes on the Author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Let all you meet have the opportunity to see Jesus in you

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

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His mercy knows no end!

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness"    1 John 1:9    NKJV

Have you ever felt like this? You get up in the morning with a heavy heart as you remember how you let God down yesterday. You are guilt-ridden as you play the video back, which shows the things that you said and the actions you took. You remember the argument you had with your spouse, partner or significant other and, you hold your head in shame hoping it was all a dream. It wasn't!

And then, that voice comes into your head,'Your God will never forgive you now; you've totally blown it. You're on the scrap heap now, give up.' Satan can be very keen to point out your errors and remind you of your behaviour so that it torments you all the day. 

You think to yourself, 'Yes, there were a few unkind words spoken, but it wasn't all that bad, was it?' Yes it was, and you know it, and no amount of  justifying your actions is going to sweep it all away. You did it and said it and now, you need to own it. 

As the day goes on, you have reached rock bottom, with regret and guilt having the upper hand. You may be in-between feeling sorry for yourself or, saying sorry a hundred times to whoever you’ve upset and a thousand 'sorry's' to God. The thing is, when you ask God's forgiveness, He hears you the first time and does just that, - forgives you. It's you who won't forgive yourself and, if you've deeply hurt someone, they may take a little time to get to the point of forgiving you.

To varying degrees, we've all been in this predicament at some time in our lives. The thing is, we need to hang on to and believe and receive scripture. Yes, you may have  behaved badly or whatever, but once you have asked God to forgive you, He does just that. He doesn't remember it anymore, it's not that He's forgetful, He just chooses not to keep a record of wrongs. So, when you have asked Him to forgive you for anything, He wipes the slate clean, declares you not guilty and there is no sign of your name in any record of wrongs. There is thought, in Satan's. He has every sin and a few more others too, that you have committed all your life. He is the accuser, the finger-pointer and the criticiser. Don't let Him bother you. He knows that He will be history soon so, he wants to harm as many people of God that he can. But don't let him.

You may have committed some kind of sinful behaviour but, if you have said that you're sorry to God, then He will forgive you. Why? Because He is committed to this because His Son - your Saviour Jesus, died on the cross for your sin past and present. Therefore, stand tall in the knowledge that you are loved, honoured, and totally forgiven in Jesus' name because His mercy knows no end!

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

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Giving

"Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; 44 for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood."      

                                  Mark 12:41-43   NKJV

It's interesting to note that, Jesus watches how much of our money we give in tithes and offering (v41). It is quite a controversial subject. Many do give their money to the church each month. However, many don't for many reasons. (a) They just can't afford to do this. (b) They feel that the little they have should remain in their bank because they don't earn much; not like other people. (c) Or they don't agree with it because the church is a very rich organisation. 

Each of these statements is true to the people who think this way and, God does not bludgeon anyone to give their hard-earned money, especially in these times of great lack. However, the truth is, we can't afford not to give to Jesus because, when we give he gives back to us abundantly. The money we have is His in the first place. He has given us the ability to be educated, learn a skill and put his skill into action. So, it is reasonable to give back to Him. It is felt that the normal level of giving should be a tenth of what we receive - working or not. Read Malachi Chapter 3 for more  information on this. 

Tithes and offerings are part of our Christian life. There are expenses that need to be met within the church. People are in need, so a gift to them helps tremendously. All around there is suffering and through our giving, we can help towards their needs. We cannot outgive God, the more you give, the more you will receive. 'Bring all the tithes into the storehouse that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing  that there will not be room enough to receive it.'  Mal 3:10

This dear widow, Jesus noticed, gave all that she had - two mite, worth no more than a penny. However, it was everything she had. People around her were giving large gifts out of their wealth; they still had an abundance left. This lady had nothing. But I am sure that God blessed her for what she had done. He will always take care of us.

Don't be frightened about giving; it is required of us by God. He won't force us but, He will bless us when we do give. Jesus sees what we do, as we see from this scripture. Let Him see how generous you are with His money. You will not be sorry that you did!

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

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A Clean Heart

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."   

                                                                                            Psalm 51:10   NKJV 

Personal failure can destroy your reputation. It can also lead you to internalise it and go within yourself shutting everyone out. People such as this may turn to alcohol or drugs if they are not using them already. A person who has suffered bankruptcy is a good example. It is the same if someone is involved in a scandal or such like. When a person's name is being spoken about all over the place, there can be nowhere to run; everywhere they look someone is watching them - talking about them. Trust is broken, marriage may fail as well or the loss of a good job. This can reduce the person to a broken human being.

David knew a little about this. When he should have been at battle with his men, he chose to take some time off and sunbathe on his rooftop. From there he noticed the voluptuous Bathsheba, who raised his blood pressure so much, that he sent for her and an  adulterous relationship began. This resulted in her becoming pregnant, and not only that, David had her husband bumped off too, which made the charge murder as well. He didn't do things by half. This eventually led to great remorse and repentance, hence this psalm which was written from his heart to God. Max Lucardo writes: 'Whether private or public, shame is always painful. And unless you deal with it, it is permanent. Unless you get help, the dawn will never come.'

How are you doing? What spiritual state is your heart in? Jesus said, 'For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. 36 But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give an account of it in the day of judgement. 37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.'   Matthew 12:34-37

We all say idle words; we hold grudges and are tempted to judge and criticise. Like David found out, he was going nowhere until he repented. When he did, he received two words from God - 'NOT GUILTY. 

Is it clean up time for your heart too? This is convicting me as I write so why not join me in prayer:

Lord Jesus, please create in me a clean heart, and renew a right Spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence O Lord, and take not Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me, the joy of Your salvation, and renew a right Spirit within me.

       In Jesus' name Amen

Copyright Keith Green

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

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If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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Look at Him now! Part 2

"Blessing and honour and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever."                           Revelation  5:13   NKJV 

Picture heaven; imagine that you are there looking at the activity. The 24 elders bowing down in worship; the four living creatures, each with six wings crying out:

'Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was, and is and is to come.'

God is there but, in the distance as so many people and angels are praising and worshiping Him. You are breathless as you take in this scene. You see people you knew on earth and you see people that you never thought would make it into heaven. They are part of the heavenly chorus. It is heavenly bliss.

27 years ago, I had a vision similar to this. I remember it like it was yesterday. Both myself and my wife were sitting up in bed reading and listening to a worship CD. Suddenly, I wasn't there; I was in this place behind many, many people who were all singing and bowing down to God. In the distance, I could see a brilliantly white figure standing on what I supposed was some sort of stage. His hands were held high as people just fell to the floor because of His awesome presence. They were all singing the most beautiful song I have ever heard. I thought to myself that if I could remember this song, I would use it in the church; but, it left my mind when the vision was over. It really was an awesome moment. Initially, I feared telling anyone, except my wife, because I didn't think they would believe me. However, I later thought, how dare I ignore such a privilege God gave me. Why? I don't know but I am so grateful to Him that it happened. You may have had a similar experience, if so tell people. If you haven't, you will one day that is for sure.

Some people feel that when they die, they will remain in the grave until the Rapture, when Jesus will call all His people to Himself. Others believe that when they die it is like going through a door and instantly being in heaven with Jesus. It all depends on what Dispensational Interpretation you believe in. I choose the latter, the Premillennial Pretribulational view, which means all believers are raptured before the great Tribulation. The Rapture and the Second Coming are separate events. The Tribulation and Millennium are literal 7 year and 1000 year periods. This is my interpretation but yours may be different. The choice is in how a person interprets the End Times.

Whatever is your interpretation, the main thing is that, we - all believers, will be with Jesus one day. When we are, we will witness things such as I have mentioned, along with Paul in 2 Corinthians 12 and with other men and women of God who have had similar experiences. We really have something to look forward to and I am sure that when you go, you will say, 'Look at Him now!'

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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