A Work of Grace

"To those who are called, sanctified by God the Father and preserved in Jesus Christ.  2 Mercy, peace and love be multiplied to you."    Jude 1-2   NKJV

This is mostly an unread epistle and yet, it is packed with excellent teaching. Jude was the brother of James and therefore half-brother to Jesus. Initially, during Jesus' ministry, both brothers refused to believe in Jesus' ministry but were saved after the resurrection, finally convinced of what Jesus had been saying. Jude and James were actually part of the praying group who were waiting on the Holy Spirit in Acts 1:14.

Jude wrote this epistle as a warning to believers. Apostates were on the scene, pedalling their unbelief and spreading false teaching to anyone who would listen. Peter had earlier prophesied this would happen (2 Peter 2:21-22) and Jude, wanted to reinforce this to the believers about the truth of Jesus Christ. 

Therefore, this is an epistle of warning and encouragement. God doesn't give us what we deserve. Instead, because of His great mercy, He delivered us from this and transferred our sin onto His Son, Jesus on the cross. As we seek forgiveness, we are blessed beyond our wildest dreams. In fact, we are sanctified - consecrated and set apart for holy purposes. In the New Testament, this was regarded as a work of grace following conversion (Phil 1:6 Warren W Weirsbe.) God calls all of His people to holiness and sanctification, a joining and commitment to Jesus Christ. To speak of us being preserved means, we are recipients of God's choicest blessings. 

We should be on the lookout for apostates. They once were believers but, for one reason or another, chose to fall away and totally renounced Jesus. They are dangerous people, controlled by the devil to confuse believers and completely wreck the life of a church. This is why so many churches split or even close down. Don't be fooled by them; you are a work of grace as we saw before, you also carry God's choicest blessings. You are sanctified and set apart for the work of the King of kings. Therefore, stand up and challenge this false teaching if you need to. 

We'll have more on this subject over the next day or too. However, focus on what you are to Jesus. You are precious - a work of grace. I like that term, it fits nicely. But it is not a cliche, it is the total truth. This is what you are to Jesus.

With this in mind, have a great Easter Monday and bless as many people as you can, with mercy, peace and love.

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

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The stone was rolled away

"But the angel answered and said to the women, 'Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come see the place where the Lord lay."               Matthew 28:5-6   NKJV 

The stone had been rolled away; the tomb was empty, Jesus had risen just like He said He would. The woman were dumbfounded and ran to check inside the tomb and then back to tell the others. Many people think that perhaps Jesus rolled the stone away Himself; He could have done this, easily. But why would He when He could walk through walls (John 20:26). We see from Matt 28:2: 'And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it.' Now, the angel didn't do this to let Jesus out, He had already gone. No, the angel rolled the stone away so that the women and others, including the guards, could see that Jesus had risen.

Jesus had the power to walk through this large stone thus, setting Himself free. We can't do this. When we are bound by addictions, bad habits, porn and whatever else, we need to have help to be free. This is where Jesus comes in. He looks and sees a stone blocking the way to your heart. As soon as you hear the word of the Lord and try to take it on board, the stone prevents it from reaching your heart. There is no liberty. You need help!

Take comfort, the angel could roll the stone away, but Jesus could walk straight through it. Why? Because He is alive, nothing can stop Him, not even death. If you mean business with Jesus, He can help you to be free, today. Just ask Him to set you free from all that has prevented you flowing for Him. But, when you do this, be genuine with Him, you have got to want freedom. If you do, then get ready for the stone to roll away. Note there was a great earthquake as the angel came to move it (v2). Be prepared that when Jesus sets you free there may also be a great rumbling of power that may knock you off your feet. Receive it with joy, because it is life-changing.

Just the very fact that Jesus has risen and is alive is like several earthquakes to our enemy, the devil. He hates the fact that he cannot prevent Jesus being alive. He has no power for this. Jesus is too mighty. Do you fully realise this. The power and the love of God is within you, even though He knows we have hangups and issues. The great thing is, He can change this, so receive life in abundance from the living Jesus right now.

Lord Jesus, I receive your life-giving freedom in my heart today. Thank you that, the stone has been rolled away and I have an abundance of life within me. Amen.

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

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Utter Despair

"And many women who followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to Him, were there looking on from afar, 56 among whom were Mary Magdalene , Mary the mother of James and Joses (Joseph), and the mother of Zebedee's sons."   

                                  Matthew 27:55-56  NKJV

The only disciple at the cross was John (John 19:35), the rest were scattered. I don't think words can describe the way people were feeling at this time. Jesus had made such an impact on whoever He met and, the one's who were for Him, had trusted Him, believed what He said and now were left wondering. Jesus had foretold what would happen to Him but, many had missed it and they were now broken - their hopes shattered.

Words fail when we are left broken and disappointed; the dreams we have made are suddenly taken away from us and we are left speechless and all we have left to say is, 'Why?' The thing is, when we ask ourselves this question there are no answers and this can make it worse. Many have pinned their hopes on a future - a plan or even a dream that they can focus on, but for one reason or another, it has not come to fruition. It can be heartbreaking. 

Maybe you have had a dream that you have been working towards and suddenly, through death, separation or other reason, it has been stolen away in the blink of an eye. There are no words that can make it better, there is just an empty space in your shattered heart, a hope that will not now come alive. It's almost like we are walking through a dark tunnel, pitch darkness is all around us but then, suddenly, a light shines in the darkness way ahead, As we walk towards it, it gets bigger until we are in this light once again. For all of Jesus' followers that day, the Light of Jesus would shine again. They couldn't see this at the time but, it would happen. 

And it is the same for you as well. Darkness, loneliness, broken heartedness are all around at the moment, but that light will come again, you will have a new dream. Don’t rush it and when you're least expecting it, life will return, just the same as it would for Jesus' followers, very soon.

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

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It is Finished - Mission Accomplished

"So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, 'It is finished!' And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit."                    John 19:30    NKJV

Jesus was interrogated all through the night; He was beaten, mocked, blasphemed, humiliated and generally treated abysmally. He was asked if He was the Son of God and He replied, 'You rightly say that I am.' Again Pilate asked Him similar and He answered, 'It is as you say.' Jesus had nothing to hide, He admitted it because He had come to save mankind and He would do so until His last breath. However, most of them refused to believe or accept His claims. However, there were two criminals each sharing Jesus' fate. The difference being, they were guilty of their crime; Jesus was innocent. One of the criminals shouted out to Him in his pain, 'Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.' Jesus' replied, 'Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in paradise.' This shows us two things, Jesus was willing to save all who would call on Him until the last moment. Secondly, the man would be with Jesus in paradise - this very day! There was no waiting room or waiting time, He went to heaven at the same time Jesus did.

Despite nails in His hands and feet, His back ripped apart from the cruel whipping and a crown of large, spiked thorns on His head, Jesus cried out in His agony, 'IT IS FINISHED.'

His mission was accomplished; God's plan, which was like a giant picture of everything that had happened, was completed and Jesus earned His right to sit at the righthand of His Father in heaven.

But what about you? Some of you reading this may not have made a commitment to Jesus. Yes, you've heard of Him and have been to church at special times on the calendar. However, you may not have actually 'got right with God.' You see, God's a Holy God, He can't tolerate sin - can't look at it, this is why Jesus died on the cross. He did it for you as well as everyone else. Please don't be tempted to think you will go to heaven when you die, no matter what. You will if you have the door key - Jesus in your heart. Sorry, but if you haven't asked Jesus into your heart and asked Him to forgive you for all your Sins, then, because of your sin, you will not be allowed in. Don't you think it is time to surrender to Him. Why gamble with your chances of heaven when you can have certainty? Do something about it right now:

Lord Jesus, I recognise that I am lost without You. Lord, I have recognised this truth right now and I ask You into my heart. Forgive my sins Lord, I'm sorry, fill me with Your Holy Spirit and come and live within me from this moment. I ask in Jesus' name. Amen.

If you have said this pray, you are born again. Get yourself an easy reading bible and study it. Tell people that you are now a Christian and enjoy the certainty that you, have a place in heaven, one day.

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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Maundy Thursday

"Abba Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will".      Mark 14:36   NKJV

Wikipedia describes Maundy Thursday as follows:

"It is the fifth day of Holy Week, preceded by Holy Wednesday and followed by Good Friday.^[2] "Maundy" comes from the Latin word mandatum, or commandment, reflecting Jesus' words "I give you a new commandment."^[3] The day comes always between March 19 and April 22, inclusive, and will vary according to whether the Gregorian calendar or the Julian calendar is used. Eastern churches generally use the Julian system.

Maundy Thursday initiates the Paschal Triduum, the period which commemorates the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus. This period includes Good Friday and Holy Saturday, and ends on the evening of Easter Sunday.^[1][4] The Mass of the Lord's Supper or service of worship is normally celebrated in the evening, when Friday begins according to Jewish tradition, as the Last Supper was held on the feast of Passover, according to the three Synoptic Gospels.^[5]'

Try and imagine the struggle that Jesus was undergoing that day in Gethsemane. Let us not forget that he was in His humanity at the time and even though, He was the Son of God, He still had all of the anxieties that we have as He prayed to His Father - Abba or Papa. He knew what lay ahead; what He had to do. He would be made sin for us and bear the curse of the law (Gal 3:13). This was not the main issue though, it was the thought of being forsaken by His Father, because of the sin, this was the cup He had to bear (John 18:11).

He had just spent the Last Supper with His disciples and also celebrated His last Passover, now He was alone with His Father in the garden of Gethsemane. His disciples were close by but, they were so tired they just couldn't keep awake and spend this last time with Him. Very soon, a great multitude would come and arrest Him, as Judas, His friend, disciple and now - betrayer, pointed Him out. He would be led away to a night of terror, being beaten and interrogated, falsely accused and treated far worse than a second class citizen.

Yes, this Jesus - our friend and Saviour, did all of this for you and I in order that you and I would not have to die but have eternal life. Yes, He did it for us. He knew His fate for the next day; He knew the pain and the humiliation, the nails, the cross and the sword in His side. He knew all about this but He said to the Father, 'Not My will be done Father, but Yours' 

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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Easter is coming!

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."       John 3:16    NKJV 

Who is more popular at Easter - Jesus, or the Easter bunny? It's a strange question to ask in a bible study setting, but valid. Many people set out early in the year to buy their Easter eggs by the dozen, and Easter becomes a chocolate-eating marathon (we'll worry about the weight gain later). But where did this popular Bunny originate?

'According to some sources, the Easter bunny first arrived in America in the 1700s with German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania and transported their tradition of an egg-laying hare called 'Osterhase' or 'Oschter Haws.' Their children made nests in which this creature could lay its coloured eggs.'  http://www.history.com > holidays

It's a fascinating myth but, concerning as it appears to have more commercial interest than Jesus, who died for our sins at this time of year 2000+ years ago. People go around the many shops that are filled up with chocolate Easter eggs as early as February but, for many, Jesus is thought about momentarily for a few moments - an after thought in a church service or on the TV. And yet, when we consider what Jesus actually did for us at this time, His love is astounding. He so loved each one of us that He chose to die in our place so that we could be forgiven of our sins and have a place in heaven. We'll look in more detail about his on Good Friday but this, is just a teaser.

For many, this time of year is a holiday; the kids have time off school and families go off on holiday - a well-earned one too. This is great. Many of them, will take their Easter eggs with them to celebrate on Easter Sunday but, why not take Jesus along too? Someone reading this may say, 'Why on earth should I do that? I'm going on holiday.' That is great as I've said but, one day we all will meet Him face to face. Imagine what that will be like if you don't know Him as your Saviour. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, we confess our sins and he forgives us, the above verse is then appropriated - we have everlasting life. But, if we have not asked Him into our hearts, we will still meet Him face to face but, as our Judge. It will be too late then to make this decision, there will be no second chance.

Therefore, can you see how important this verse is to our lives? Can you not see that Easter, the eggs and the bunny must take second place to Jesus? Give this some thought over the next few days. Think, when you meet with Jesus face to face, will he know you, will you be allowed to stay in His house?

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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Love doesn't Gloat

"Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles; 18 lest the LORD see it, and it displeases Him, and He turn away His wrath from Him."                                                   Proverbs 24:17-18  NKJV 

People hurt us, wind us up, rip us off and appear to get away with what they've done. If they are caught and punished, it is hard not to gloat over this. If they have broken the law for some reason, yes, it is good that justice has been done but really, that doesn't give us the right to shout and scream about it. We just need to be grateful that the system works and the right judgement has been appropriated. 

On the other hand, someone within the church may have done you an injustice. You see them in the congregation raising their hands in worship and it annoys you. 'How dare they,' you mutter to your partner, 'look at them; butter wouldn't melt in their mouth, I hope God gets them.' Later, after the pastor has preached, he gives an altar call for people to raise their hand, come to the front and be prayed for. You say, jabbing your partner in the side, 'They need to raise their hands and confess what they've done to us. Go on, go to the front, you know what you've done.' Frustration rules within you when they don't ask for prayer and seemingly, get away with what they have done. Look at this:

(1)  Have you never read, 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay', says the Lord'. Rom 12:19. God expects us to bless our enemies, not curse them. We should also live peaceably with them and not avenge ourselves. Leave it to God. He's good in these areas, believe me. 

(2)  Jesus told us to love  our neighbour. Well whether we like it or not, these people are our neighbour and God, expects us to show them love. If He had dealt with them that day at the altar, how would you have handled that. Be honest, you would probably have done handstands and been so pleased that you gloated about it. I heard a couple not so long back who had been mistreated by a vicar. They told me, 'Any day now, he is going to get his comeuppance and I want to be there to see it, I can't wait.' I don't believe God acts to our wishes like this, and I feel they would not have seen their longing fulfilled. In fact, it may well have been turned around on them, for having no love in their heart.

We are not here to judge, if we were, we would have been given a curly, white wig. We're not here to criticise either. Whether we like it or not, we are here to love people with the love of God. Period. Therefore, if you have any hangups about what someone has done to you, go and confront them - peacefully. If they won't accept it, give it to God and leave it there.

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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