Your Forever Friend

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.   

                                                                                                                Hebrews 12:1  NLT

The Christian singer/songwriter Charlie Landsborough, wrote this beautiful song. Here's part of it:

MY FOREVER FRIEND

Even when I turn away, He cares for me, His love no one can shake

Even as I walk away He's by my side, with every breath I take

And sometimes I forget Him, my halo fails to shine

Sometimes I'm not His friend, but He is always mine

He's my forever friend, my leave me never friend

From darkest night to rainbows end

He's my forever friend

Copyright 1994 Charlie Landsborough

Many things threaten to trip us up during our walk with Jesus. But like long distance runners preparing for a race, we need to strip away everything that is going to bear us down, so we can run the race effectively. Therefore, choose friends wisely, drop activities that do not promote your faith and get help with addictions that disable you. Jesus is the champion of our faith so, therefore, He is our mentor, the one we model ourselves on. Like the song above, He is your forever friend. You may walk away and you may let Him down but He is always there to give you encouragement and a helping hand. 

When we become involved in things that we shouldn't be involved in, He does not walk away from us; instead His love reaches out to us as if He is saying, 'I am here, just take My hand.' He doesn't point the finger at us or give us the silent treatment. He just puts His arm around us (if we'll let Him), and He gently talks us through our errors but builds us up with His enthusiasm also. He never casts us aside as if we're a hopeless case. He remains faithful to the end.

Why is this? Because He's OUR FORVER FRIEND. He's the one who gave us

a brand new start and has guaranteed us a glorious finish

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

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Don't get in God's Way

"Be still, and know that I am God."                  Psalm 46:10   NKJV

Don't you think it's time to get out of the way and allow God to do what He knows best? We do get in God's way at times and we need to learn when it's time to back off. God doesn't need your help, He is very capable. He doesn't need your advice either, He has things in total control. 

On many occasions, we try to do things that we are not qualified for. What did God put that verse in the bible for? Because He wants you to be still, that means doing nothing except praying, and not the kind of manipulative kind of prayer that we can become involved in. You know what I mean. We often use prayer as a blue print that God needs to follow - to the letter. When He says, 'Be still, and know that I am God,' He means for us to be still, and know that He is God. He is very much in the driving seat.

Warren W Wiersbe says 'Be still,' literally means "Take your hands off! Relax" We like to be hands on people and manage our own lives, but God is God, and we are but His servants.'   The Wiersbe Study Bible, NKJV Warren W Wiersbe Thomas Nelson Publishers

So, there's a time to obey God and act, but until then, we had better take our hands off and allow Him to work in HIs own way and style.

God is our friend, our shepherd and our stronghold. He wants us to obey Him, doing what He directs us to do. Notice though, there are times when He doesn't direct us to do a certain thing. That is when He is saying 'Be still'. There is also another side to being still. In Matthew 11: 28-30 Jesus says: 'Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.'

Today, is God speaking to your heart? Is He telling you to take some time out and rest? Is He saying, "I've got this, don't worry'. It may take you all you have got to just sit and be still, but that is God's Word to you today.

We all need to hear this during our Daily Life with Jesus.

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

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LIf you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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What do you think about?

"Those who are dominated by their sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit."   

                                                                                   Romans 8:5   NLT 

It is what we think about that is important. We can either think about things from our sinful nature or, choose to think about Jesus (Philippians 4:8). Casey Treat says: 'When your mind agrees with your spirit, you're spiritually minded. But when it agrees with your flesh, you're carnally minded.' 

David Guzik further comments on this subject:

'We shouldn’t think those who set their minds on the things of the flesh are only notorious sinners. They may be noble people who have good intentions. Peter meant well when he told Jesus to avoid the cross, but Jesus responded to Peter with these strong words: you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men (Matthew 16:23).

For to be carnally minded is death: When our minds are set on the things of the flesh (carnally minded) we bring death into our lives. But walking in the Spirit brings life and peace. We must, however, guard against a false spirituality and see that Paul means the flesh insofar as it is an instrument in our rebellion against God. Paul is not talking about normal physical and emotional needs we may think about, only the sinful gratification of those needs.'

Therefore, we can see that we need to get our thoughts in line with God. As we know, this is never easy but, it is necessary. We cannot possibly please God while our mind is elsewhere. What we bring to God and to all who see us, is, bad fruit and this is not what God requires. It leads to spiritual death, it could lead to physical death because God is not one we should play games with. This is why people who are under the control of their sinful nature, can never please God. If you've been trying to please God and you feel you are getting nowhere, check your behaviour; check your thoughts. It may show you where you have gone wrong.

Yes, we will continue to sin daily, we are not perfect yet (Philippians 1:6). But deliberate, pre-meditated sin is serious. It sits in our minds and slowly spreads until we can't help ourselves. We can't, but God can. This is the time that we need to call out to Him for help. Our sinful nature will try to persuade us differently. This is where the battle begins. But if you want victory here, hang in and praise God. Your delivery will come.

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

LIf you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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Walk in the Truth

"And you will know the truth and the truth will set you free."    John 8:32   NLT 

How can we know the truth? What is the truth? Well, firstly, if you are a believer in Jesus Christ, you will know that He is the truth: 'I am the way, the truth and the life' John 14:6. You will also see in this verse that He is the only way to access the Father in heaven. So, you say you know the truth, or better still, know about Him, but do you know Him. There is a big difference. Satan knows about Jesus but he doesn't know Him personally. In verse 31 of this chapter, we read, 'You are truly My disciples if you remain faithful to My teachings.' 

Notice the if in this verse. This is a proviso - a condition. If we want to really know Jesus, we have to remain faithful to Him and abide in His Word - the truth.

John Avanzini, an American Christian Financial Advisor says, 'You cannot walk in a truth you do not know.' So, we must know Him before we can do this. The Greek word for 'Know' is Ginosko and means: to possess the knowledge that has an inception, a progress and an attainment. It is the recognition of truth by personal experience.  Greek Dictionary/Strongs. Ginosko is associated with the British word Prognosis which gives the  meaning of the truth in the medical world.

If we are to walk in the Spirit, as God's Word encourages to, then you must: let 'the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing  what your sinful nature craves'

Galatians 5:16. Verse 17 gives us an understanding of what our sinful nature craves for which is just the opposite of the Truth, therefore:

(1)  Acknowledge there's a battle  

(2)  Admit you are powerless and submit to God

(3)  Exercise self-discipline.          

(4)  Don't ignore the consequences, they bring disaster

Don't just assume that you know the truth. Get to know Jesus properly; talk to Him, obey Him and walk with Him on a daily basis. Remember, your enemy - Satan, wants to trip you up (1 Peter 5:8). Don't give him an inch. If you do, he'll take a mile and you will pay dearly for it. 

You will know that you're walking in the Spirit when you're able to refuse to be involved in anything that is not of God. But, this is something that you need to practice everyday. It doesn't just happen.

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

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LIf you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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What's the Point Part 2

"No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus is calling us."                                                                Philippians 3:13-14   NLT 

Sometimes trying to do a good job and pleasing someone is like, wading through thick mud. In fact, as you continue to do this, you may sink. 'What's the point?' you may think, 'I've got nothing else to give; my heart's not into this anymore.' But before you do, just stop a minute and think this through. Who are you really working for, man or God? If it is man, you might as well leave because you will never be able to please some people. If it is God you're working for, don't just leave. You're a soldier in God's Army, leaving without permission would be  deserting your post. No, take this to God and pray a while. There may be something God wants you do, or say and until you do, you're stuck with it. Promotion may be up for grabs and this may be you in your boss's job. This happened to me years ago, but that is another story. If you leave now, you may just lose the post that God wants you to fill. So ask Him.

Marriages are often the target of our enemy, Satan. If he can get us to walk away, commit adultery  or just behave like a stubborn mule, then he is happy. More and more Christian marriages are falling apart and a lot of these are happening to leaders. It's easy to neglect a partner and family when you are so important that you can't take time off. The neglected partner may feel 'What's the point?' and become involved with something or someone, that they shouldn't, just because they are bored or lonely. Don't allow this to happen. Whether you are in leadership or in a job or even retired, make sure that time is allotted to your partner. Time is short so, make the most of every moment. Peter told husbands, 'you husbands must give honour to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God's gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.'  1 Peter 3:7  NLT

Before the WOKE society gets on to me, Peter is not inferring any derogatory statement by calling the wife as weak. He was just recognising women's physical limitations, especially in his day. But really, he was also giving out God's wishes that the wife should be classed as a valuable vessel which can be broken if not taken care of.

And that is the point. God wants us to live our lives open to His direction. Just think, if a married couple are at loggerheads, how can they pray together? Prayer will be hindered. In fact, everything, if we look at things in the negative will be hindered if we keep saying, 'What's the point?'

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

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LIf you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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What's the point?

11"Simon Peter said, 'I'm going fishing.' 'We'll come too,' they all said. So they went out in the boat, but they caught nothing all night."   John 21:3  NLT 

Try and picture the scene, Jesus was no longer with the disciples, although some of them had said He had appeared to them (John 20:19-29). They were hurting, lost, disappointed and felt let down and, when Peter went out fishing they all went with him. But, after all their hard work all the night, they caught nothing. These were skilled trawlermen, they knew their business and yet, nothing. What was wrong? Their hearts were not in their work. A part of them was missing and that was Jesus. In fact, my guess is that they were ready to give it up, 'What's the point?' They were broken.

All of a sudden, there was someone shouting from the beach, 'Throw out your net on the right hand, side of the boat and you'll get some.' v6. They suddenly realised it was Jesus and steered the boat back to the shore. Peter however, couldn't wait, he jumped into the water and staggered through it to get to Jesus and they all had some barbecued fish together.

Note what happened here. The disciples were all shattered at the loss of Jesus, especially Peter who blamed himself for denying Him. They encountered loss and all the hurt that it brings with it. Shattered dreams, broken promises, nothing to look forward to. No wonder they felt like saying, 'What's the point?' Then, all of a sudden, they hear Jesus calling to them. Wow, what a difference that made - despondency and defeat to exhilaration. And as always, Jesus gave them a Word of life 'Throw out your net on the right hand, side of the boat and you'll get some.'

Whenever you are feeling down, never give up. Jesus is around. He'll rescue you. Probably Peter and the rest of them had not worked since Jesus died on the cross. He knew their finances were down so, He provided 153 large fish (v11) which would boost their income incredibly. Jesus knew what they needed and He provided it: provision, love and assurance.

Perhaps you're at the place where you feel, 'What's the point?' There's every point and He will bless you like He did the disciples. Don't you dare give up!

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

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LIf you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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Our Good Shepherd Part 2

"The Father and I are one."    John 10:30   NLT

Here, our shepherd , the Lord Jesus, gives the clearest statement of His divinity ever made. Jesus and His Father are not the same person but, they are one in essence and nature. To understand this, we have to look at the Holy Trinity:

There is God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. They are three separate persons rolled into one. 

To explain this better, imagine an egg. One egg has three different parts - the shell, the white and the yoke. Three different parts but, it is still one egg. https://ahearttoknow.com/how-to-explain-the-trinity-to-children-free-printable

Therefore, God has three different persons - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Three different persons but in one God.

So, Jesus is not only a good teacher but He is also God. His claim was unmistakeable but, still the religious leaders refused to grasp hold of it.

Throughout our world today, The Holy Trinity - God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit are still at work and there are still people who refuse to accept who they are. It is very clear in the bible that God came down to earth as a man - Jesus: 'He came into the very world He created, but the world didn't recognise Him. 11 He came to His own people, and even they rejected Him'  John 1:10-11. And they are still rejecting Him, and yet, the world needs something when the going gets tough. Drugs may take the problems away for a short time, the same as alcohol may give a boost to the morale. However, when it wears off, the problem is still there. One cannot be saved from all of the pain and heartache with such things. Only Jesus can, and will provide release.

Have you ever made Jesus your Lord and Saviour or, like the leaders and people of the past, do you resist and reject Him. The fact remains one day everyone will meet Him when we die. This is the judgement when we all have to stand before Him and give an account of our life. If anyone still has sin in their life, they will be disallowed entry into His kingdom. Why, because, Jesus died on the cross to rescue us from sin. Accepting Him and asking Him for forgiveness means, you will be able to enter His kingdom, Jesus said: 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Me.'  John 14:6.

Don't gamble with eternity. It will be too late when you stand before Him. You need to know Him before you die. Why not be sure by saying this prayer to your shepherd:

'Lord Jesus, I give myself to You; please be my Lord and Saviour and forgive my sins. I ask you to fill me with Your Holy Spirit and, help me to live for You, from this day forth.

In Jesus' Name. Amen'

You are now saved and belong to Jesus. Get yourself a bible and read it and find a good church.

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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

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