Make the most of every minute

"Pay careful attention then, to how you live - not as unwise people but as wise - 16 making the most of the time, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:15-16 CSB 

Time is so important and, it is the one thing that we are running out of. None of us know how long we have left on this earth so, we need to make the most of every second. Don't waste your life. What opportunity is God giving you to maximise your potential? 

In other versions of the bible, it tells us that we need to be redeeming the time because the days are evil. To redeem means to buy back. Now we can't change the past - what we have done or not done but, we can certainly change things now and quickly. We need to take every opportunity that we are given. Once it is over, it is over.

We shouldn't be wasting time and opportunities by making the same choices we always make. What used to work may not work now, so be flexible. Don't be afraid to change routines but, be sure that God is in it. If He isn't, it is the biggest time-waster of all time. 

We need to understand what the Lord's will is (Eph 5:17). In the Amplified, it tells us straight: 'Therefore do not be foolish and thoughtless, but understand and firmly grasp what the will of the Lord is.' How do you do this? By asking Him and listening for His reply. He will answer you whether by that inner voice within, by scripture or another way. So be ready and don't make a move until it is confirmed by Him.

The devil can use people to distract us and swallow up our time. Many of us have spent much time with someone who will not accept what we say about Jesus. They come up with question and argument throughout the conversation. While you are spending time with these, someone may be near you who genuinely wants to know about Jesus. Don't be hoodwinked. Just be polite and tell them that you will discuss this with them on another occasion. This happens a lot after a service where people require prayer or counsel. If you are wise, you can spot the people who just want to swallow up your time and cause wasted opportunities with someone else.

Some of us are afraid to say, 'I'm sorry but I can't help you at this time. Perhaps we could meet up another time.' To avoid wasting time and opportunity this needs to be said, so that you can help the ones that really want Jesus; the ones that have problems that only Jesus can help with and that time is right now. It may be too late later.

All of us need to realise that the clock is ticking. We shouldn't be putting off until tomorrow, what is important today. Tomorrow may not happen for some.

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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The Marriage

18 'Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.19Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them. 20Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. 21Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.                  Colossians 3:18-21 NKJV

God has ordained marriage and holds us responsible for the marriage vows. For those of us who are married, he has brought us together, joined us as one in Him. He is the ultimate head of our union. He does though, give us certain rules to work by, such as the text above. The wife is to submit to her husband but this doesn't mean she can be treated like a doormat. The husband should love his wife and never bully her or act as a dictator. The wife has input into the marriage and this should be recognised by him . She can be of great value to him with this input. But the main point here is that the husband has the ultimate responsibility for making  decisions, under God, because they will affect the well-being of the family. If a husband places his wife in a situation where he would like her to sin, she does not owe him her submission. She should never be forced to do any such thing like this.

The husband should always act with love towards his wife and children, ensuring that they live in harmony with the Lord. He should always seek the best for her and his children. Jesus is his model. Let's see how Paul puts it in Ephesians 5:

'Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Saviour of the body.  24Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.25Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,  26that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word,  27that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.  28So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself.  29For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church'.  Ephesians 5:18-29  NKJV

Notice verse 25 'Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her'. A husband should be like Jesus, giving himself up for her in all that he does. In return, the wife should recognise her husband as the head of the household, and give him the love and respect that Jesus requires.

If our children are brought up in such a manner, they will learn from this model and do the same. They may need some direction at times but, with children this is normal. But love will win them over.

All the above sounds pretty good as we read it but, it takes all we have to live in such a way. The secret ingredient is having Jesus as the central part of our lives and family. The Equilateral Triangle describes this very well. Imagine a triangle - three point. Jesus is the central point (North). The wife can be bottom point on the left, the husband on the right. As they walk daily with Jesus, they are gradually rising on the triangle towards Jesus.

And this is the way to live in union with each other and 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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More directions for walking with Jesus

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him".  Colossians 3:15-17  NKJV

Paul instructs us to let the peace of God rule in our heart. This is the peace (Shalom) which surpasses all understanding, which will guard our hearts and minds through Jesus. (Phil 4:7). He tells us in verse 15, to 'let' or allow the peace of God to rule in our hearts. Now the word 'rule' is quite a strong word which incorporates a governing power, authority and a controlling factor. The governing power that resides in us is the Holy Spirit Himself. He has the authority and the controlling factor to do this. We are told in verse 16 to let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly. Now to dwell is to abide and this is what we should allow the Holy Spirit to do. He will then guide us correctly in the way ahead.

Think about that strong word 'rule'. If we allow the peace and presence of God to reign within us, we will naturally allow Him to rule our lives. Some people don't like the sound of this word because of the commanding influence that it has on us. But the Holy Spirit isn't like that. He is gentle, peaceful and loving and when we are side by side with Jesus, He has our interests at heart and will always lead us into the truth.

Verse 17 is one of the most important verses we will find, 'And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him".  Colossians 3:17. Whatever we do, we are to do it all in the name of Jesus. Sometimes we don't want to do a particular thing but we must remind ourselves of this verse at such times. We should also do things willingly not, with a grudge. People know if we are doing something for them willingly or with a grudge. Don't let us ever fail this request because, doing things with a grudge, points people away from Jesus. There is no time in the Bible that Jesus begrudged doing something for someone. He was always there, willingly helping.

So let's make it our intention that we do the same and let people see Jesus  in whatever we do.

  

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

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

 

 

 

 

Push forward

"I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things that are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." 

                                                         Philippians 3:13-14  NKJV 

Winston Churchill once said, 'Never, never, never, never, give up.' This was his infamous speech at his old college - Eton, where hundreds of students were gathered to hear what this great man was going to say. Apparently, after he had said these six words, he sat down. At first the place was silent as they all tried to understand what he had just said. And then, it hit them and there was shouting and loud applause as they realised that he was saying, 'Press on and never surrender'. And this was the attitude of Paul too and one in which we need to take on board and own.

It is no good looking at the past; it cannot be changed, so there is no point in doing so. We need to forget what is behind. Someone once said, 'For those who speak behind our backs - don't worry! They're behind you for a reason.' Anon. It is so true. You will never stop the back-biters, but they live in the past, you are called to go forward. 

Reaching forward to what lies ahead - the future, is never easy. There are things that will attempt to hold us back. One of these is yourself, and the other one is Satan. You may become fearful about what lies ahead and choose the easier route of your comfort zone. Don't do this because it will not be comfortable for very long, that's for sure. Satan will also trick you, taunt you and do everything to keep you where you are. This is why, you have to Reach forward'. To reach forward we need to strain at times. A weightlifter will not become a threat in his or her sport, until they begin to work towards heavier weights, no matter what it costs. It's a strain and it will be for you as well. But you need to do it.

Progress will never come without effort. Write that down. To progress in something, it takes hard work, exercise, dedication and commitment. But as you succeed, there is a prize. For you it is to hear those words, 'Well done my dear servant; come into My Kingdom.' As you remain faithful and dedicated, you will hear those words one day. Until then, you know the future but, to get there you have to press on towards it. But the one thing that you must avoid at all times, is the temptation to give up. You may have been tempted to do this of late. Don't, it is a big mistake. Once you give up, the devil has won and has you in his clutches. 'Never, never, never, never, give up.' Push forward.

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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What do people see in your conduct?

"Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together"              Philippians 1:27  NKJV 

Paul encouraged the believers to be unified as they stood, 'side by side, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.' Sadly, this is not always possible within a church because of conflicts and jealousies of who is doing what and why. Bickering between ourselves will never lead to people wanting to be like us. Instead of seeing Jesus, they will see what they can see anywhere else - unrest. So let's change this and quickly!

A big question that we need to ask ourself is, 'What do people see in me?' By our day to day living, people should see something that they yearn for, and that is love and peace. If we claim to be a follower of Jesus, what do our friends see, especially the ones who are unbelievers. Do they see Jesus or, something different? What about neighbours. If a survey were to take place about what neighbours hear and witness, what would be written down about you and me? Then there are our work colleagues; if we tell them that we are a Christian, can they tell? If, we haven't told them, would they see Jesus in us?

These are pretty strong questions with the ability to go right into our private life, but are we private any longer. If we have asked Jesus into our lives, aren't we bound by the commission that He gave us, to tell the world about Him? Matthew 28:16-20. When we are walking in the Spirit of God, then wherever we may go, Jesus should be evident. We don't have to vocalise this, He should be seen in us by our conduct; how we respond to people and how we react in crisis. The best way to do this is, to model our faith to a watching world, despite the opposition we may come up against. As I have said many times, not everyone reads a bible but, they do notice behaviour and therefore, our conduct should be worthy of the gospel of Christ. It should be seen that we belong to Team Jesus.

You may feel that you are not a very good Christian. This is not true, it is a lie from the evil one. If you belong to Jesus, you have been saved and your sins have been washed away. Yes, you may make many mistakes throughout each day but, you are under construction, a work in progress and also, you are just like other Christians too. We all blow it many times over. The difference is, we don't give up. We are knocked down but, we don't stay down, we get up again, pick up our bibles and get back into the thick of it again. This is the difference between us and an unbeliever.

In other words, we stand firm in the Spirit of God and, we walk in unity with fellow Christians, in one accord and together. And you can do this!

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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Weapons of warfare

"No weapon formed against you will succeed, and you will refute any accusation raised against you in court. This is the heritage of the LORD's servants, and their vindication is from Me. This is the LORD's declaration."  Isaiah 54:17. CSB 

Just what are the weapons that God is referring to here. They are not the type of weapons any of us would use in a battle in the military. They are spiritual weapons that the evil one forms against us to try and stop us from forging forward with the Word of God. We can see these in Ephesians 6. Whether we like it or not, we are at war. The devil will go flat out to prevent us succeeding with our Godly mission. So, he uses the principalities, the powers and rulers of this dark age. He will use the spiritual hosts of wickedness that are in the heavenly places. Yes, he has his servants in heavenly places and he will use some people to attack us and make our lives a misery. They may be Christian people, they may not be, but whatever, he will use them. When this happens, we often blame a particular person for what has happened to us but, the real culprit is the devil, the people are just who he uses; and what's more, these people may not even know about it.

The weapons come in the form of flaming arrows that pierce our hearts. They may also come by arguments and criticism. One of the biggest weapon he uses is to infiltrate our thoughts, planting lies that we believe to be true. The thoughts feel so convincing that, marriages can fall apart, families can be destroyed and churches may even split, because of believing the lie.  This is why we need to be wearing - daily - the armour of God (Eph 6:13-18). It is essential that we wear this for survival purposes, without the armour, we are lost. God has provided this armour so, read about in these verses and don't ever forget it.

The reason Paul insists that we put on the armour of God are, '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, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ' 2 Cor 10:4-6. A stronghold, in simple terms, is something that the devil uses to hold us back from success. In the case of thoughts, if believed, these wrong thoughts can cause immense damage and can only be demolished by the knowledge of God, that is the truth. Remember Jesus said, 'If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed, 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.'  John 8:31-32. The truth of Jesus will demolish any stronghold.

It is the same with thoughts. Ask yourself, do the thoughts bring glory to God? If not, there is a good chance that a lie is brewing somewhere or, something needs checking out. We can't afford to treat things lightly, we're on active service.

Remember, the devil knows your history; he knows all about you - your weak areas and your sin pattern. God's armour is crucial to your survival. We need to stand firm in the victory Jesus won. Therefore, as an exercise, please study Ephesian 6:13-18.

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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The Power of God's Word

"It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it."  Isaiah 55:11  NKJV

God's word is seed. Like rain and snow accomplish His purposes by watering the land allowing growth to plants and trees, God's word accomplishes what He sends it out for. This word never fails. His words are never wasted, therefore, neither should ours. When you think about it, the average human being speaks far more words than is needed  - some good and some not so good. The not so good words that are spoken from our mouths are never a blessing and we should attempt to stop these at all costs. 

Think about this, when God speaks - when His words proceed from His mouth, they do not return void (empty, useless or without result). No, His words accomplish what He sent them to do. Do ours?

I mentioned in my blog 'Overwhelming power of the ~Holy Spirit' on 3 April, 'The church today needs this power. Sadly many sermons are preached with very little response. to them'. And this is true. We must not, however, forget that God can speak to a person, who then goes away, and over a few days the Holy Spirit speaks to this person and they may respond. God's word will never return void, it will accomplish what it is sent to do. Sadly though, some sermons are not in the power of the Holy Spirit, they are man-inspired and there is no fruit from this. 

Hebrews 4:12 says 'For the word of God is living and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.' We can have no secrets, no private life. We belong to Jesus lock, stock and barrel, we made that commitment when we gave Him our lives. Therefore, when we speak or even think things that we shouldn't, He knows. We cannot get away with anything, He sees all and knows all and, this is a good thing because, He is keeping us in good shape for heaven. 

I remember seeing John Wimber in Brighton back in the 90's. The place was packed and when he came on stage, he only said four words, 'Receive the Holy Spirit.' The place was in uproar. As he stood there, people were all overcome with the Holy Spirit crying out loud, praising God, speaking in tongues, laying on the floor. You name it, they were doing it. Was this from God? You bet it was and it went on for some time. John Wimber had God's word and he spoke it. The Holy Spirit did the rest.

As you walk in the Spirit, ask God to give you these 'power words,' the type that change people's lives and behaviour. If you ask Him, He will do this. Why? Because He wants as many people to hear about Him as possible.

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

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