Friendship

"A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."           Proverbs 18:24   NKJV

It is good to have friends but, one needs to be wise, having too many close friends can be  unhelpful. If one of your friends is very close, another close friend could become jealous of your relationship with the other. This can cause friction and may have to be addressed. Also, if there comes a time when you have some problems, you may be tempted to turn to one and seek their counsel. From thereon, you may also speak with each of the others, becoming totally confused about what you should do. This can happen when you want one of your friends to tell you want you want to hear. Try and avoid this. You'll know who your true friend is by the way they treat you, the one who is not afraid to put you right on something without it harming the friendship.

There are also the 'hangers on.' if you become popular in a certain thing, you may find that some people will attach themselves to you because they want to be with the 'in crowd' especially if you become wealthy. Solomon writes in Pro 19:4, 'Wealth makes many friends, but the poor is separated from his friend.' This is a true statement, the wealthy or successful you are, you may find people want to be around you. But if you fall, you may be totally avoided. We can see this within the political world where the more you support a politician, the more you feel wanted. If you stop this support, they are nowhere to be found.

Many have made the mistake of taking the latter part of verse 24, misinterpreting as Jesus being the close friend, the one who sticks closer than a brother. To a degree, this is partly true; Jesus will stick with you, befriending you, supporting you and showing you His love and care. However, Solomon was writing here about that special friend; the one you know is genuine and will love and support you and stand with you through all adversity. This is the friend we all need. Yes, Jesus is like this but it is helpful to have that special one who will stick with you through thick or thin. The one who will be brave enough to tell you that you are wrong but will not desert you. These people are hard to find and you must be prepared to be the same with them as they are with you. This is true friendship and one which is special.

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer 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 2024 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers

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A new identity

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life that I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."                                 Galatians 2:20 NKJV 

All of us have an identity which we mould ourselves on. It may be a parent, sibling or significant other such as a sports star, film or pop star. From quite an early age, we begin to almost be that person; posters on the bedroom walls, similar hairstyles and even though there may be no visible likeness of our hero, deep down we believe there is. This is ok and part of growing up and playing around with our identity. Our identity is the most important things about us.

When we become a Christian, things need to change. We must die to any identity that we have that is independent of Christ. Everything else must become secondary. Anything that does not identify with Jesus must go, we must die to it. Therefore we must die to self, be dead to reaction, dead to racist comments, unwholesome words, judgemental words and criticism and the like. There are possibly many others things that have to go; and that is anything that tries to take the place of Jesus, we must die to. Obviously, this is a sacrifice and, very difficult to do, it doesn't just happen, we must work hard to rid ourselves from these obstacles. Look at it this way it may be an everyday action to rid ourselves from certain things. Things that we have had within us all our life are stubborn and don't want to leave our lives but, they must. We must have a spiritual clear out of all things that trip is up.

Does this sound like we have to give up enjoying our life? Not at all. We have a new resident living within us - Jesus Christ and, we have elected to identify with Him, to be like Him. Therefore, we must be dead to the former evil things. Think of it this way, dead people don't react. If we are dead in Christ, living for Him totally, then we won't react to things the way the world would. We have a new identity, we were made in heaven. Yes, of course we will get it wrong from time to time - Peter did on a few occasions, but he rose to be a mighty man of God because he died to self and was risen with Jesus. 

And, if you have asked Jesus into your life, then you, also, have a new identity; you are a work in progress, just like Peter was. You can do this because you have joined the group - Team Jesus.

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer 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 2024 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers

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

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You can't change what God has made

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever."  Hebrews 13:8  CSB 

Today's word should probably carry a health warning because of the content. However, I am only writing what is in God's Word and what He has given me. Here we go.

You can't change what God has made, so stop fighting it. God was so precise when He selected things for His creation (Gen 1). He was adamant about the detail, the colours, the animals and the way man and woman were. He was precise and did not make any mistakes - at all. 

Sadly, some people over the years have tried to re-write the bible because they feel that it is out of date. So what they're saying really, is that God is out of date, He is old fashioned.  This is not true. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. What part of 'forever' don't they understand. God did not make any mistakes, people did when they rejected Jesus Christ as Lord and many still do today. And, it is these that are trying to change things.

To re-write something is, to update it. So some people want to update the bible so that they can fit it into their lifestyle. This makes me aware of what Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 4:3-4: 'For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.' Did you get that? 

Many places throughout this world are turning to same-sex marriages but, the God who never changes said: 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh' Ephesians 5:31. God made man and woman to meet, fall in love and then reproduce. He said nothing about same-sex marriages. Man said this and this is why they want the bible to be re-written. Sadly, many clergy accept this but where they differ from what God said is beyond me. It's almost like they're saying the bible is not modern enough so we'll update it and have same-sex marriage included. In a way, this is no different to when Jesus had been crucified and His body was no longer in the tomb. The authorities wanted it spreading around that His body had been stolen by His followers. They didn't want a resurrection. 

I could go on in this vein but, I hope that I have made God's point. There was no same-sex marriage in the bible and there shouldn't be any now. Society is gradually going into moral decay. Values are being turned upside down each day and, it will only get worse. How does God feel about all of this? He must be devastated, especially about society intending to change His Word to meet their own requirements. His word is sacred and people can't change what God has made unless, they want to meet an angry God. God made a set of rules and we should live by them. If certain people don't want to do this, that is their choice. But they should go away and get on with it and leave God's people to enjoy what God has given them. But woe betide Judgement Day!

If you would like to comment on this, either add a post on Facebook or email me on

grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer 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 2024 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers

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

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Change

"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven." 

                                   Ecclesiastes 3:1ff  CSB 

If there is one word that can put some people in fear, it is 'change'. Many, many people do not like changes. Why is this? Well, many have become comfortable in their lifestyle. They have built for themselves a comfort zone and mostly, they feel very secure in this. When the threat of change comes along, it brings panic and fear and it is all they can focus on.

Change brings a loss and vice-versa. At a very early stage in our lives we undergo change. There is nursery or play schools to attend. This is probably the child's first time without a parent and it can be frightening initially. As time goes on, there are more changes, primary school, secondary school and for some, college or even university. All these changes bring a loss. Loss of what you knew and liked and having to start afresh somewhere else finding new friends with the loss of old ones. A family may move home yet again causing  another loss which the change of circumstances cause.

It can be an onward battle for some where others, may enjoy the excitement of change. In adulthood, there are further changes: possibly marriage, having children, new jobs,

moving home again, loss of a loved one, divorce or separation, redundancy, retirement and many more changes to negotiate. Loss brings change and change brings loss, there's no real way around it, it is called life.

Change can cause total chaos to some family members. One minute you had friends, now that you've moved those friends are no longer close to you. This can be a problem to many people, especially teenagers if there was a first love element in progress. All of this may cause depression - what we had we no longer have. It hurts and there appears no end to the pain. 

All of the above and much more, may have affected you in the past and you may be still pining for that village, that person and those friends. The thing is, in an ever-changing life, change has to happen, it is called progress. Without it life may turn into a boring humdrum and this is no good to anyone. Try to pinpoint the good points of change, there are some, you just have to find them. It calls for a change of attitude by giving the changes a chance. One thing is sure, change comes to all of us and sometimes we have little say about it. For example, if someone is in a tied job situation, if that job no longer exists for you, then a house move and new job must be sought. Again, if redundancy happens and you can't afford the mortgage payments any longer, eventually you may have to move. There is change everywhere we look.

Let us not forget our health; one minute you may have an accident and be left disabled. Or you may be fit and healthy, the next moment diagnosed with something nasty. Changes can be just around the corner for us all. Therefore, why not make the most of what you have at this time and be grateful to God for all that He has given us and will continue to do so. 

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer 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 2024 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers

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

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Enjoy what you do and have done

"I have seen that there is nothing better than for a person to enjoy his activities because that is his reward. For who can enable him to see what will happen after he dies."                                 Ecclesiastes 3:22  CSB

Let me encourage you; if you have done something for God, no matter how small it may have been, God is pleased with you. It may only have been to wash some dishes in the church, sweep the floor, welcomed someone on the door of the church or given someone a lift to church. It may seem quite ordinary to some people - even yourself. But for God, He has seen you heart, your dedication and your love for Him. He appreciates you.

People do great things for God; they may lead many to salvation, preach all over the place, write a great best seller for God or have a powerful healing ministry. Now, in God's eyes this is very good. However, He doesn't measure your success. You're not in the sales business where sales rocket and you are the top seller earning great commissions each month. It is not like this, at all. God is not into the numbers business, we are all equal in His eyes and to Him the one who gives a two coin tithe is just as  precious as the one who gives a regular large amount in the tithe basket (Read Luke 21:1-4).

You may have worked all your life and now have retirement to enjoy. Perhaps it is time to reflect and enjoy what you have achieved in your work and in your Christian life. You may have a healthy financial nest to enjoy or you may be struggling a little today with all the bills. No matter what your circumstances are, if you have put God in the driving seat of your life, then you are a winner and He will look after you and encourage you to just enjoy your endeavours. Solomon is saying here in verse 22: 'there is nothing better than for a person to enjoy his activities because that is his reward.' It is too late to enjoy what God has given you when you have died and are in heaven. It will be a whole different story then. Enjoy what you have earned now and, be grateful to God that He has given you success in your life. Also, be secure in the fact that you have made a difference in your life. You may not think that you have done anything significant but, you and others, will be surprised when God gives an account of your life while you stand in front of Him. Usually, when people stand in front of the King, they receive a medal. Just think what you will receive when you stand in front of the King of kings. That will really be something.

God says that you are worthy and that is really all that matters!

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer 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 2024 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

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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Faith, Fear and Doubt

"6Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”  7And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.  8So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God."                 Acts 3:6-8  NKJV

We see people begging wherever we go and many times we think of them for a split second and we walk by. We may be tempted to give them some money or pay for a meal but that's about it. When my wife and I were pastoring, under the church we ran a drop in centre where men and women could freely come and go, get a free meal and a cup of tea, some clothes and see the love of Jesus in action. We learned to pick out the genuine ones - the one's really down on their luck and desperate for help, but we helped them all.

This day, Peter and John were on their way to the hour of prayer when a man asked them for alms - charity for his needs. Peter fixed his eyes on him and was almost looking into his soul to see if he was genuine. He then said that they could give him no money but, lifted him up in the name of Jesus Christ and he was healed. Peter, full of the Holy Spirit, knew that this man had been lame all of his life but today, he would be changed.

  Some have said they wondered if for a moment Peter was thinking, 'I hope this works. We'll look fools if it doesn't.' There was not a chance that Peter was thinking that. If he had have been, this would have been fear and doubt and there would have been no healing that day. No, both Peter and John - men of faith, knew that he would be healed. And this is the difference with us. Be honest, have you never felt doubt this way when you prayed for healing with someone? There must have been at least one time. I was in a service years ago when a visiting evangelist gave an altar call. From the front he said, 'I want you to know that no-one has ever been healed through my ministry'. I could not believe what he was saying, in fact, I was shocked. I thought that with an attitude like that no one will ever be healed.

  Oral Roberts once said, 'Believe and receive, doubt and do without.' Is this the reason why we don't witness many healings in this day? Is it because the prayers are just empty words with no faith in them? There has got to be a reason. Jesus said, 'they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.' Mark 16:18. Jesus didn't lie, so what He said must be true. In actual fact, faith-believing prayer should be used every time we pray. Once the church grasps hold of that fact, you will have to go to church early to get a seat. 

Seek God and ask Him to rekindle the fire that was placed in you when you were born again. Then go out and at every opportunity, pray for those who need 'Life and Victory'.

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer 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 2024 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

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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Our Five Senses. - HEARING

"My son, give attention to My words; incline your ear to my sayings".  

                                         Proverbs 4:20   NKJV 

Today, we come to our last session of the five senses and this is, 

HEARING

Our hearing is a most wonderful gift, one in which, people with a hearing loss long to be able to enjoy. With good hearing we can hear birds, making their beautiful music and calls as we walk through a wood, along a bank or just sit and listen to the Dawn Chorus on those precious, early summer mornings. We all need to thank God, for the special gift of hearing.

People who suffer a hearing loss, probably only hear a fraction of what someone with healthy hearing can. It can be very frustrating for the person with the loss because they can get the words all muddled up and have to keep asking for someone to repeat what they have said. This can make the other person frustrated at having to keep repeating themselves. This only leads the person with the loss, to close down on people and put themselves in a corner, not entering into conversations for the fear they have of getting it wrong. Hearing aids can help tremendously but not all the time and some people have to have surgery for a Cochlear Implant to help them hear just that little better. Sadly, this is not always successful.

If you have good hearing, try and spare a thought for the one with the hearing loss. They may have had prayer put not received their healing yet. Try and help them to come out of their enforced shell. If they are familiar with British Sign Language, try and learn this yourself so you can at least have something in common with them. The one thing you have is what they long for - good hearing. It can really be a depressing area for these people, lost in a world of their own. People may ignore them because, 'They can't hear me anyway.' Don't ever be like that. Jesus wasn't like that when He met with deaf people. He healed them, loved them and showed them respect. Try and do the same. They're not aliens, they are people who for many reasons have lost their hearing or some were born this way.

Look at our text today, '"My son, give attention to My words; incline your ear to my sayings." This is what Jesus would be telling each of us to do and this includes people who are deaf. Just try and imagine what it is like to be this way. Try to imagine what you would like people to do for you if you had a hearing loss and then do it. You can hear the preacher when he preaches, they struggle even though there may be a loop. With hearing aids, a chair scraping can be louder than the worship music and with everybody singing or talking, it can be a hopeless case to make sense of it all. 

You may not be able to change things for these people but, you can pray for them. You can also get alongside them and encourage them. But try not to embarrass them by making them the centre of attention. Gently does it here. 

Hearing loss can happen to any of us, especially as we get older. You may be able to hear well at the moment but, further down the line, this could change and this would leave you in a similar position. Thank God for your hearing, you are so blessed to be able to use this gift. But spare a thought and prayer for those who are suffering.

Well, we've come to the end of our series on the five senses. I hope you benefitted by it.

Let’s pray: Father, today we  hear your voice, taste more of your presence, touch your heart, smell your sweet perfume and see your glory. Speak to us, teach us and help us to get revelation from your word, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer 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 2024 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