Always look on the bright side of life

"A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones."  

                                            Proverbs 17:22   NKJV

Eric Idle, part of the Monty Python team, wrote this song in 1976. Although, the film it was written for was controversial, the song has survived the track of time. It has the ability to make you feel happy as you sing it. (You're probably humming it now).

Many things in life, rob us of the joy that God has placed in our hearts but, if we can look at them differently, things look just that little bit better, hence the title of the song. Just a few examples can be:

(1)  You wake up late for work. First thought PANIC! Alternate thought, 'Well, I needed the sleep'

(2)  You run out of petrol. First thought Again PANIC! Alternate thought, at least there's a petrol station just up the road.

(3)  You get drenched walking to the garage. Alternate thought, at least I am alive and wet through.

(4)  You're snowed in and can't get to the shops. Alternate thought, thank goodness, I have food in the freezer.

There are many examples you could add to this list I am sure, The thing is, looking at things from the other side - the alternate view, you can turn something from a negative to a positive and this is important for survival of your nervous system. Viewing things in this way, also bring a kind of joy, it's almost like you are saying, 'Oh well, I'm sure we'll manage, it may not be ideal but at least it is helpful.'

God wants us looking on the bright side of life (Phil 4:8) and we can see Jesus in this verse.. Now look at Nehemiah 8:10 and you'll see why, 'Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.' For our survival in the Christian world, we need strength and the joy of the Lord, gives us this. Also walking in the armour of God (Ephesians 6) is essential. 

Therefore, we need to be dressed properly, we need to be strong and joyful, using this to look at alternate ways to survive, so that we can shout out, 'Always look on the bright side of life.' So why not put it into action, today!

If you don't know Jesus or have fell away, here is a prayer for you:

'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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Just Praise Jesus

 "Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul. 2 While I live I will praise the LORD; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being."   Psalm 146:1-2   NKJV

The Psalmist here, is encouraging us to praise the Lord while we are still alive. This is the time to start praising Him on a daily basis, not just when we are in heaven. Today, Jesus deserves your praise so give it to Him from your soul - your mind, will and emotions. All the things that are negative and on your mind, cast them onto Jesus; make your will, His will and refuse to think of all the hurts that you have been through. This is a new day that Jesus woke you up to. A new day - a new start. Make it count.

The song writer Roy Jr Hicks wrote this praise song that we all know:

'Praise the name of Jesus, Praise the name of Jesus. He's my Rock, He's my Fortress, He's my Deliverer. in Him shall I trust. Praise the name of Jesus'   

                                                                                                           Copyright Roy Jr Hicks

Just open your hearts to Jesus and praise and worship Him. Let the words of this song and the text above, be your template for pouring out your praise to Him. He is a good God - the only true God. Why not follow my prayer below:

'O Lord Jesus, we give You praise today. Thank you for this day; thank you that I am alive to share in this day, walking with You in harmony. Lord, where would I be without You. I remember the times when I came so close to death but, you were there beside me and lifted me up almost as if You were saying, "Not yet, it is not your time". Thank you Lord that even when I have been so rebellious and unworthy, You have declared me righteous and worthy of Your love. You have given me so much, thank you for those who love me and share my life, I am so grateful to You. But, more than anything, I thank you that You came into my life at just the right time. I will never forget that wonderful time. All the money in the world could not have made that time any better. You were there when I was broken, rejected and heading nowhere. Therefore, I take this moment to praise and worship You for being there for me when others have passed me by. You are the one that I praise and honour this morning. You are the one that I offer my life, love and all I have.

Thank you Lord. Amen.'

Place this prayer in your bible if you wish or, write something from your heart and use it to thank Jesus with. Jesus will never stop loving you, no matter what. He is the Wonderful Counsellor, the Prince of Peace and the Risen King of kings. Amen?

If you don't know Jesus or have fell away, here is a prayer for you:

'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  

Check it out

 https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B084G9S4FD/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2

Walking through mud

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."   

                                                         Isaiah 41:10   NKJV 

Let's be honest, some days it's like we are walking through thick, sticky mud. The further we go, the deeper the mud gets until we feel that, we can't go any further. Do you feel this way? Just lately, you have had to face great trials and tribulations. When you thought you were through to the other side, some other problem came along, more problematic. Now, after going through all of this, you're exhausted and have nothing left to give. That's ok, you've done your best and now, it's time to have a rest - with Jesus. "Come to Me all you who labour-...I will give you rest.' (Matt 11:28-30).

You've done nothing wrong for all of this to happen, sometimes life is like this, problems and more problems. One thing you must be aware of, and that is your heart. Keep it clear from wanting to blame anyone for the time that your have been through. It may be their fault, to degree but, it may also be the devil who has used certain people to wind you up. He does this and he longs for you to give in to his lies and get yourself into criticism, blame and anger. 

Things will come along and test our faith and resilience. Often we can feel justified to have bad feelings to the one who you feel has caused all of this pain and upset. The thing is, the moment you rise to this by throwing a wobbly, you are listening to the wrong one. Yes, you may feel that you're right, but just stop and analyse how you are feeling about it all. The moment you get into being judgemental, critical and accusatory, you are wrong in God's eyes. You see, the devil acts in this way and he wants you to do the same but, stop a moment, you belong to the King of kings and therefore think, 'What would Jesus do here? I know it's hard to accept when someone tells you this but, it is true, you know it is.

You've walked through thick mud; Jesus walked along a dirt path carrying His own cross. You have been mistreated, badly; Jesus suffered the worst mistreatment ever. He died an agonising death but, what did He say, 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do'  Luke 23:34. Jesus knows what it's like to suffer, He's had it all thrown on Him, but, it's His reactions that stand out time and time again.

There's lessons to learn, very much so, in our Daily Life with Jesus as, it can be so demanding. But when you feel exhausted and mistreated as you walk through the mud of life, think of Jesus and, take His offer of spending some restful time with Him. You'll feel much better if you do.

If you don't know Jesus or have fell away, here is a prayer for you:

'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  

Check it out

 https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B084G9S4FD/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2