You have been blessed

"My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life"    John 10:10b   NLT

God offers us life in abundance. Think back to before you knew Jesus - before you were saved and then, look at what you are and what you have since that time. You are blessed.  You may not have won the Euro millions and be super rich but, you are rich in another way - you have the anointing of Jesus Christ, He is your Saviour and you are His child and brother or sister

You may have been penniless before Jesus came into your life. You may also have been unloved, in a doomed marriage or lifestyle or you may have been broken. Now look at you; you are blessed beyond your wildest dreams. You have a future and look forward to it, eternally. No one has really seen heaven and it is impossible to imagine what it is like. We get glimpses of this in the latter part of Revelation but, even then it is hard to comprehend what it all means and how it will all work out. 

Those dark and dismal days before Jesus, was lived with no hope, no future and nothing really to look forward to. Sometimes it was painful to live those days and it was hard to see other people, living successful lives but yourself lonely and lost. In those days it was like you had no one who cared; you may have worked very hard but, all to no avail. Your wage was swallowed up in paying bills because you were so much in debt. The worry of things made you feel ill and you were constantly visiting the doctor. It was awful.

Then, all of a sudden you received a feeling of peace about everything and deep down, you knew all was going to be ok. You hadn't a clue how this would work but, you were filled with a sense of hope and a feeling of, 'Everything's going to be all right.' And all of a sudden, He was there - Jesus. He came to you in His own special way and although the problems were still with you, it didn't matter. It was almost like you were hearing a voice that said, 'Don't worry, I'm here now, just turn to Me and say a prayer, I will do the rest.' You may well have heard this or something similar, you don't really know because your head was in a whirl of excitement and anticipation. 

Since that wonderful time when you met with Jesus, life has been different - not always full of beautiful roses in a garden, but much better than before. You have a meaning in life; you are a somebody - the child of a King and He has filled your life with abundance because, He loves you.

He will continue to bless and look after you as you walk with Him, so just spend some time just thanking and praising Him for all He has done in your life. Once you were lost and now, you have been found by Jesus.

 Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

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Wasting resources. Part 2

"The older brother was angry and wouldn't go in."  Luke 15:28   NLT

Today, let us look at the reactions of the older son. It would be easy to judge the guy but, come on, wouldn't you feel like this in his place? When you think about it, there must have been a tension between them before this all happened for him to fly off the handle in such a rebellious way. Yes, he would have been upset because his brother had left him with all of the work and taken part of the inheritance and squandered it. That is understandable. But, we see here a deep anger issue and stubborn behaviour that his father couldn't talk him out of. 

He let rip to his father about all he had done for him - never refusing his orders, working long hours, faithful and hardworking. He even had a dig at his father that, the fattened calf was brought out for this 'Son of yours,' yet he wasn't allowed a young goat to BBQ with his friends. There was a 'It's not fair' attitude about him. He was hurt, bitter, angry, rude, judgemental, childlike and dishonourable to his father.

The problems here were twofold:

(1)  God's grace can bring division at times

(2)  The hard-heartedness of the older brother

(1)  Whenever God is at work, some people are not happy with the result. 'What, this chap is coming to our church, you don't know what he is really like?' No we don't, but God does and if He is happy for someone to be saved and go to church, what is that to do with anyone else? 'There are people playing in the town square; they're singing hymns and speaking in a strange language, and they are also lifting their hands to Him. It's so embarrassing' Isn't that great; they did this at Pentecost and it's how the Holy Spirit affects people. There will always be contention wherever God is doing a work. But the wonderful thing is, when a person has walked away from God and then, returned to Him in repentance. That blesses God and should do others.

(2)  It is concerning when someone has such a hard heart that he or she are annoyed about someone coming back to their Father. Things need to change when there is dishonour and rebellion in any situation. We should respect our parents, our wives and husbands and our family. We should also be like this with whoever we meet. We may not like what some people do but, there is a place for challenging certain things. However, this should be done with grace not anger. 

There is a need to guard our reactions. If you have a short fuse, you need to deal with this and quickly. Sometimes we have to accept things that we do not approve of. Probably, someone may not approve of you but, still accept you. We can never please everyone but, we can give it our best shot.

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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Wasting resources

"A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living."   Luke 15:13   NLT 

The title 'The Prodigal Son' is only used in Luke and by the KJV and NKJV, all of the others refer to him as the 'Lost Son' which is probably more appropriate. However, 'Prodigal' fits the way he acted. He carelessly and foolishly spent his money on wild living. He was reckless and wasteful. Perhaps today's crude word 'Waster' would fit his profile. Whatever, he was determined to do what he thought best in a selfish manner by, demanding his father give him his inheritance. His father obeyed but would have given him about 25% of this, leaving the other 75% for his brother who was older. The inheritance could be paid prior to death but with the premium shown here. When the younger had what he wanted, he left on his adventure.

It's so common for a young person to want to 'flee the nest', after all, there is a big wide world out there wanting to be discovered. However, it's not always wise and the young person can take a tumble as our young lad did here. When his money had run out because of his extravagant lifestyle, he was homeless and broke, and all he could do was try and find work. He broke all the rules by lowering his standards by working for a pagan pig farmer which would have made many Jews look aghast. He had fallen so far.

He eventually came to his senses and decided to go home to his father and repent. Off he went practicing what he would say on the way. As he neared his home, his father spotted him and ran and hugged him. Sometimes, as we read this scripture, we're tempted to believe that the father had been standing and looking for him all this time. This would have been impossible but, he would have been looking every time he went outside with a hope in his heart. That hope was fulfilled as his son repented. However, his father was so happy he didn't give him chance to say all of his practiced confession. The father was more interested in throwing a party to celebrate his coming home. This I believe is how God feels when each of us return to Him when we have walked away by backsliding or coming to Him for the first time. He is overwhelmed with joy and doesn't even give you the time to say everything, because He knows what you're going to say anyway. All He's interested in hearing is, 'I'm sorry Lord.' Then the joy begins.

Our conclusion and learning curve here is:

(1)  Watch the selfishness of want, want, me, me

(2)  You can't make it without your Father no matter how hard you try

(3)  The outside world will take you for a ride

(4)  Repent when you need to and confess the mistakes you have made

(5)  Realise that God knows best, you don't

Tomorrow we'll look at the older brother’s reactions 

 Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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Mr or Mrs/Ms Grumpy

"The mouths of fools are their ruin; they trap themselves with their lips"   

                                                                                 Proverbs 18:7   NLT 

What's your attitude like? Is your glass half full or half empty? Do you find fault in everything? Well done, you qualify for the award of 'Mr or Mrs/Ms Grumpy' You have earned this title by what people see in you. Does this make you feel proud of such an accolade, or do you even find fault in what you're reading? Things need to change, don't you think?

The type of person we're looking at today, are the one's who moan about the weather as soon as they wake up, whether it is hot or cold. Then they'll find fault in the toast ('I never did like this bread.)' They moan about the amount of work they have to do today and declare they hate the job. Then they say something like: 'Someone had a BBQ last night, the stink of fire is all over the house. Why do people have to have them?' They look outside and discover that someone has blocked their drive in and it will be difficult to get the car out. Moan, grumble, moan.

It's no different as they go out to the shops later on: 'Look at all these traffic lights, why do they have to dig the road up every five minutes, can't they do the work at night?' They then notice that there are about eight work personal standing around drinking tea and only one is working. 'Look at them, just look, they should be sacked.'  More moaning.

Ephesians 4:29 says, 'Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.' Just look at those last five words, 'to those who hear them.' Excuse me, but when you or I are speaking in such a way, aren't we also the one who hear what we say? Yes, and what's more, these negative words are not encouraging at all, they are ready to tear us down. In fact, if we continue to speak like this on a regular basis, we will have no one left to speak to, we will be Mr or Mrs/Ms Grumpy turned into Billy No Mates. Don't you think it's time to get ourselves sorted out? 

You can do this by learning to think differently and determine to only speak positivity. It will take some practice but it will be worth it. Wouldn't you sooner be known as Mr or Mrs/MS Nice Guy? Then it is down to you to change. God will help but, you will have to do the hard work by gradually renewing your mind (Romans 12:1-2).  Remember the old saying, 'Rome was not built in a day,' but it was eventually built so, give yourself time to be re-built in your speech.

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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Fools rush in

"The wise are cautious and avoid danger; fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence."           

                                                                                  Proverbs 14:16  NLT 

The term, 'Fools rush in where angels fear to tread' is a famous saying and, many feel that it comes from the bible but, it doesn't. It was actually penned by Alexander Pope, an English poet and translator, in 1771 for his essay Criticism. It is though worth considering because of the wisdom of the words.

How many times do people rush in and make rash decisions without even, praying about things or giving it careful consideration? Many have suffered the consequences of this type of thing. Therefore, it is worth taking our text above, on board. It says, 'The wise are cautious' This is the name of the game. In all we do, we need to act in wisdom (Proverbs 3:5-6). Being hasty is a recipe for messing things up. We should always count the cost of what is ahead.

It is foolish to just rush in blind. We need to look at the bigger picture. If God is in it, it will be successful. But, you'll only find this out if you spend time with Him, seeking His advice. Many have fallen by the wayside by acting in a hasty manner. 

Ask yourself, 'Am I hasty?' 'Do I tend to rush into things and seek advice afterwards?' If this is you, then you need to slow down and exercise more wisdom and patience. Think, if it is God that put this into your mind, then you won't miss out. He expects you to count the cost and seek His favour before you act. This is wisdom.

I've a feeling that many reading this have made a similar mistake. If that's you, you may still be suffering the aftermath of it all. All you can do here, is put it down to a bad choice, learn by it and get back on the road again. There was an American test pilot who crashed many times but still survived and refused to give up or fear. His motto was, 'Get back into the cockpit of the bird who bit ya.' He refused to give up on his mistake, he picked himself back up, and tried again. And this is what you need to do, but, ensure you don't rush in and also make sure God is in it.

You may have made some foolish mistakes but, learn by them and remember that God loves you.

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers

Why not order my Daily Commentary from Amazon - Paperback or Kindle 

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Unsaved family

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household."      

                                                                                Acts 16:31   NKJV  

As you know, this statement by Paul, is taken from the account of Paul and Silas being rescued from prison and the jailor threatening to end his life because of this. One has to be really careful here. The text reads that if someone believes in Jesus, their household will be saved too. Many have received this as the answer to their unsaved family. However, it isn't what the verse is saying and those who have believed this, need to check it again.

Firstly, believing is not enough. Even the devil believes that Jesus is Lord. The difference is though, he doesn't believe in Him and refuses to accept Him because, he believes he is better. Therefore, it is easy to believe in someone or something but, in this case, people need to believe and accept Jesus as Lord. This is what the verse is explaining.

Also, a true believer cannot accept that their family is saved just because they are. Each individual needs to accept Jesus as Lord. It is the only way.

The Amplified Study Bible comments on this verse and mentions the word faith. it lays out the Acrostic meaning for faith as follows:

Forsaking

All

I

Take

Him.                  FORSAKING ALL, I TAKE HIM

This is what faith is all about. We accept Jesus by faith, that He is our Lord. We haven't seen Him but, believe He is there. We walk by faith not by sight  (2 Corinthians 5:7). Our family need to believe it too, and it is by our witness that this is possible. They probably don't read the bible, they view how we live and react and this can help them know if what they see, is what they want. Yes, we can pray for them and, should do but it is what they witness that speaks volumes to them.

Whether it is your children, parents, siblings or any other family member, allow them to see Jesus through your daily living and keep praying for them. The rest will follow.

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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Brokenhearted

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds"  Psalm 147:3   NKJV 

'If there's a God, why does He allow all the hurt?" We've all heard this statement over and over again. Does He care? Yes He does. Why does He allow such pain? I don't know the answer to this and I'm not called to defend Him either.

The natural thing we Christians think, is the need to defend Him against such questions and accusations. I've done it in the past and, I'm sure you have too. The thing is, He is God, He doesn't need us to defend Him because when you try, you'll only make matters worse and still get it wrong. At the risk of sounding hypocritical, all you can do is to give people the gospel, explaining why Jesus died on the cross for each of us and explain where the devil fits into all of this, bringing pain and death. A conversation like this can spark off a lot of contention so, there is no need to go further, making excuses for God. He doesn't need it.

The fact of the matter is, Jesus does bring healing to situations. If you allow Him, He will mend that broken heart and bind up the many wounds that have been inflicted upon you. Why? Because, He does care and He knows what you have been through recently or even years ago. The thing is, you have to be willing to allow Him to do this. To receive such healing, one has to drop the guard around your heart and allow your feelings the opportunity to vent. It may help if you find someone that you trust. This may be a friend, a pastor or someone from the outside, such as a counsellor. The alternative to this is, to shut yourself away and speak with God about it all, but, be prepared to let your feelings go. When you're speaking to another person about what's happened to you, it's easy to hide certain things. However, with God, there is no chance of this as, He knows everything, and He won't take you any further until you've dealt  with what you're struggling with.

Check out our text, it says that, He will heal your broken heart and He will bind up the wounds that have been weeping and are sore. Check out Isaiah 61:1: 'He (God) has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted (that's you), to proclaim liberty to the captives (that is also you), and the opening of the prison to those who are bound (again you). My additions to the text. Therefore, if you are brokenhearted and can't find a way through, then you need freedom because you are bound. You can choose to stay this way or, be proactive and do something about it. I stress, that you need to choose what to do about your condition. God doesn't want you like this. You are either a ticking time-bomb ready to spring on anyone you feel are going to hurt you; or you have internalised the hurt which, rather like a tin of coke, if it is shaken, will explode all over the place when it's opened. Either way, the hurt will come out. Better to do it God's way, hey?

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers

Why not order my Daily Commentary from Amazon - Paperback or Kindle 

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