Outrageous grace

"God's law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God's wonderful grace became more abundant"         

                                                                                      Romans 5:20   NLT

When I first became a Christian, I felt inferior to other Christians and struggled big time every time I sinned. It was like I was at the bottom of a deep hole and as I tried to climb up, nearly at the top, I would fall back down again. Then, I suddenly realised that God would help me out of this pit if I asked Him. As I did, it was like God's arms lifted me out to freedom. Probably, you feel this way. No matter how hard you try to walk with God, you sin and feel like you have fallen down this pit again. Firstly, if God rescued you from this pit, He will never let you stumble back into it - that's a fact. Secondly, God has outrageous grace and no matter how much you let Him down, He is always there to forgive you.

Godfrey Birtill wrote a song about this and here are the lyrics of the first verse and chorus. See if you can identify:

"There's a lot of pain but a lot more healing. There's a lot of trouble, but a lot more peace

There's a lot of hate, but a lot more loving. There's a lot of sin but a lot more grace

Oh outrageous grace, oh outrages grace, love unfurled by heaven's hand

Oh outrageous grace, oh outrageous grace, through my Jesus I can stand

Note the words, 'Through my Jesus, I can stand.' There's a lot of devil but there is much 

more Jesus. You may let Jesus down each day, but His grace gives us that break that we

need. There may be pain; there may be trouble; there may be fear; there may be darkness.

Also there may be sorrow and heartache but God's grace is there to help you through

this period.

You may be in a place of guilt at this time because you have let Jesus and yourself

down. Come to the throne of grace (Heb 4:16) right now that you may receive mercy and 

grace in your time of need. Also if you have never accepted Jesus or fell away at some

time, come back to Him right now:

Lord Jesus, I have sinned and I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.

In Jesus' Name. Amen

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                 

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com          

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers

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It's today!

"This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it"    

                                                                                       Psalm 118:24   NKJV

All over the world many people are waking up with the same thought: 'Oh no, it's today.'

Now they be reacting to the fact that today, they have to go to court; or it is their wedding day; they have a funeral to attend; they're starting college, Uni or a new job. In fact, the list may be endless. There may be fear; there may be excitement or a mixture of both. But no matter what that feeling is, today is the day. They may be jumping for joy or want to go back to sleep until the day is over.

There is no getting away from it, today has come. Usually, when a certain day is on the calendar, because it may be a month away, there is a tendency to forget about it. Even when it's three weeks away. Two weeks may cause a person to become a little fearful but, one week away they can go into panic whether it's good panic or not so good. The day is gradually creeping up.

We've all been like this from time to time; some of us handle things ok. Others don't and it can cause a great deal of worry and sleepless nights. Maybe one of your children are leaving home possibly to go to Uni or a job far away. You have known it is coming but have tried not to think too much about it. Now the day is here and the feeling hurts. I remember 29th September 1969 - my first day in the army and I was excited and petrified at the thought of it, but I survived. And so will you. A child leaving home for the first time hurts, but they need to fledge the nest so they can learn to be a grown up. They'll survive and so will you, so don't worry.

The great thing about 'Today,' is the fact that, God has given you another day of your life. You may not feel like rejoicing at this moment but, later in the day, God will pour some blessing into your heart and you will praise Him. God is totally in charge of your day, if you allow Him to be. If you look at the words 'we will' you will notice that we can have control of our walk today with Jesus, by being proactive. We will ourselves to praise God and as we do it becomes much easier. It is similar to the thought, 'I don't want to go to work today.' But as you force your way out of bed and get ready, you are then ok. 

Today has come, you can't change it but, you can change the way you handle it. Get your attitude right, ask God to help you with whatever comes your way today,and, leave the rest to Him. You'll be ok.

Lord Jesus, I have sinned and I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.

In Jesus' Name. Amen

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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Don't forget that you're in a battle - every day!

"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God - "     2 Corinthians 10:4-5   NKJV

A lot of people don't know it, others refuse to consider it but, we are in a battle and this began when we asked Jesus to be our Lord and Saviour. Why do you think that when you have done something for God that a little later, everything seems to be going wrong. It is not all coincidence, often times the devil will repay your efforts by firing a scud missile your way (S.C.U.D = Satan continually uses distractions). And the more you do for the Lord, the more of a hammering you may receive.

You may think, 'Well. I won't do anything, then I'll be ok.' It's doubtful, because the truth of the matter is, the devil doesn't like you - ever since you said 'Yes' to Jesus, you said 'No' to Satan and he doesn't like anyone saying no to Him. Therefore, if you sit on the sidelines, you'll still be attacked, so you might as well be affective. Why do you think James wrote, 'Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy'  James 1:2. NLT. Of course this doesn't mean that you should call everyone up and have a party because you are so happy about it. Not at all. However, you should be joyful for two things: (1)  It is an opportunity to show your spiritual strength and (2) Doesn't it make you feel good that you are so effective that the devil is worried and has to fire at you? Remember, God has put a fighter within you.

You do though need to be on alert that an attack may be imminent: 'Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith.'  1 Peter 5:8-9  NLT. Don't ever be afraid to make your stand against the enemy. Use God's mighty weapons: prayer, faith, hope, love, God's Word and the power of the Holy Spirit. Satan cannot stand against these and will run. Also, if you speak in tongues, do so; this really does his head in.

As I mentioned yesterday, God has put a fighter within you and fighters or soldiers, go forward, they don't retreat unless it's to re-group. The Holy Spirit is with you, exercise the above and you're sure of victory.

Lord Jesus, I have sinned and I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.

In Jesus' Name. Amen

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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Tell people about Jesus

"Come see a man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?' 30 Then they went out of the city and came to Him."    John 4:29-30   NKJV 

The impact that this woman made on the residents of the Samaritan city of Sychar is amazing. She had spent a short time speaking with Jesus and was so impressed and fired-up with the power of the Holy Spirit that, she just couldn't keep it to herself and raced to tell her friends and neighbours. It is obvious that the Holy Spirit had prepared the hearts of the people, in the fact that they took notice of her and ran to see Jesus themselves.

And this is how Jesus wants you and I to operate by being open to the Holy Spirit. 'Yes, I know, but I'm not an evangelist.' Neither was this young woman an evangelist. All she was doing was getting water for her family and all of a sudden, this guy was sitting on the well. He told her all about herself - everything and the rest is history. 

You say that you're not an evangelist and, for most of you, that is correct. However, you have the ability to tell people about Jesus and what He has done for you. But that is the hard bit because, for some it can be so embarrassing to do this; words dry up in the mouth and only stammering words are spoken. Well, you don't necessarily have to tell people about Jesus for them to get the message. Think about it, you are a member of Daily Life with Jesus - a daily devotional. You can tell people about this and invite them to be members too. That costs you nothing except letting some people know that you are a Christian.

This blog goes all over the world and is a useful tool for evangelism. People can read the blog and decide if they want to join or, accept Jesus as their Lord. I want to challenge you today. Will each one of you agree to tell people about this blog or give them the link. -  it's available on Facebook and Instagram too under the title of Daily Life with Jesus or Worshipful Photography My email is below on the main page. Or you can comment on Facebook or Instagram.

Today's technology has made this all possible and we need to take advantage of it. People are dying; living in poverty, in prison or so mixed up that they don't know which way to turn. But, through you sharing this blog with them, they will have an opportunity to have their life changed. Will you do it? Will you take up the challenge?

If you do it today, here's a prayer that will be available to them:

Lord Jesus, I have sinned and I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.

In Jesus' Name. Amen

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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Are you ready to run with horses?

"If racing against mere men makes you tired, how will you race against horses? If you stumble and fall on open ground, what will you do in the thickets near the Jordan?"                           

                                                                                Jeremiah 12:5   NLT 

We all know the old saying, 'When the going gets tough, the tough get going.' To a degree this is right, but not always. It is not always possible to contend with everything that is thrown against you, as Jeremiah was telling God that day. Had he remained a priest, he would probably have had an easier life. However, the life of a prophet was full-on and he was finding the way tough. This was when God gave him the answer recorded above. The British Army version to this verse is, 'If you can't take the flak, you shouldn't have joined up.'

At the moment, things may be tough; your Christian witness has made your family and friends notice that you are 'different' and they are trying to make sense of it all. Some don't mind the change but others will repel rather like two magnets. The north and south poles attract each other but, putting a North Pole with another North Pole will cause them to cast the other off. But this is only family; what about the people you see out of the family, such as work mates, neighbours and friends in the community. Some will not be able to accept this change and you may lose them.

At work you may come up against all kinds of discrimination. and criticism. They may accept your faith but you may find yourself standing before your supervisor if, you talk to people about your faith. Religionism exists in work places and where they may accept most of them, the name of Jesus seems to spark a major incident, as if it is a swear word. You may be  ostracised as if your presence is wicked. However, don't forget, 'To other believers we are the fragrance of life, but to unbelievers we are the fragrance of death'  (Paraphrase of 2 Cor 2:16). People can either choose life or death and this unnerves them.

All of this is just the affects of running with men, and this has made you tired. Wait until the heavy stuff comes your way. How are you going to run with horse? You are not a spectator, you are a man or woman of God and you will have to run with endurance, the race that is set before you (Heb 12:1-2). 

If you want an easy, Christian life that is ok, heaven is still your reward. However, God has put a fighter within you and the battle has only just begun. Are you ready to run with horses?

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  

Check it out

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With Jesus, you can do this

"For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength."    

                                                                                 Philippians 4:13   NLT 

Here, Paul was talking about his ability to exist on nothing or everything. He knew what it was to have all he needed, and he knew what it was like to scrimp and scrape. However, his trust in Jesus was the foundation which he relied on. Therefore, he was able to write that he could do everything - through Jesus; and that is the difference. When Jesus is right there with us and we are in His will, nothing can stop us. He will ensure that all needs are met and, that all things fall into place.

It is easy to just look at a scripture and take it out of context. We must read around the verse so that we can discover what actually is happening here. However, we must also remember that scripture is living and as the Holy Spirit gives us the Word we can be sure that this is from God. 

With this in mind; what are your needs at this time? What would you like to achieve? Here on this earth, God will supply all we need to be able to live our lives and honour Him (Phil 4:19). He promises this providing us with work, and He will ensure we have the means to receive all we need. He will open doors for us to use our skills which again, will provide our finance. With this, we are able to buy food, clothes and whatever else we need. The things we want are different, God wants to bless us and does often, supplying our desires. However, He will not always provide everything we ask for.

So let's return to our second question what do you want to achieve? This is where our relationship with Him becomes deeper. He knows our hearts and our abilities. He knows what is good for us and what is not. So we need to seek His will and gain His attention. He will always answer us but you need to make sure that you are listening because he may not tell you again. His Word for you is: 'For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope' Jeremiah 29:11. God's thoughts are to bless and make sure you are well provided. 

He is open to your requests because He wants you to succeed. Therefore, if you are seeking Him for a certain something, make sure you are walking in integrity; that you are wanting to please Him, not yourself and that, it will bring glory to Him. And then, ask your Father for what you would like Him to do for 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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Keep your sex life pure

"Potiphar's wife soon began to look at him lustfully. 'Come and sleep with me,' she demanded'. 8 But Joseph refused. 'Look', he told her, 'my master trusts me with everything in his entire household. 9 No one here has more authority than I do.... It would be a great sin against God."              Genesis 39:7-9   NLT 

Joseph was a very faithful young man and even though he had been wrongly treated by his brothers, he was serving God in a strange country. Potiphar, the captain of the guard, selected him to serve in his house and, pretty soon, promoted him to the highest position within his home. Joseph was a very handsome man and well-built and it wasn't long before Potiphar's wife was lusting after him. However, Joseph refused every demand and after being turned down several times, she accused him of attempted rape. 

Potiphar, had him thrown into prison. Why didn't he have him executed? It was a chargeable offence against a high ranking officer's wife, especially captain of the guard. He could easily have given him the death sentence. But was Potiphar aware of his wife's promiscuous ways and deep down believed Joseph? It's food for thought. But, like a good husband, he took his wife's side, even though, he had entrusted Joseph with all the tasks in his house and Joseph had shown excellent integrity.

Adultery is one of the main reasons that marriages are crumbling today. Many people believe that it is ok to commit it, believing it to be fun and a way of bringing some excitement into what may have turned into a boring relationship. But what starts out as excitement soon changes a pure flowing river into a sewer or sweetness into poison. It wrecks lives and it demoralises marriage and everything the vows stand for. It is a deceitful practice, often done behind the other partner's back and causes humiliation to them.

When a person is married to someone, that relationship in God's eyes, is sacred, a joining of two people with God in the middle blessing each partner. It is a Godly institution. But when another person enters that sacred relationship in a sexual manner, it brings total desecration into the marriage. One adulterer and one innocent person. God is not pleased. Even if the marriage was between two unbelievers, they still made the same vows in God's eyes and He is unhappy with the outcome.

If this has spoken to you, then do something about it, End the adulterous way that you are living and repent before it is too late. God's a loving God but, He will not fail to punish this adulterous act. You need to put this right with God and your partner before it is too late and the rumour has spread all over the place, and it will.

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  

Check it out

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