Don't be enticed to sin

"My son, if sinners entice you, don't be persuaded.'   Proverbs 1:10   CSB 

Let's spend a few days looking at Proverbs starting in Proverbs 1:10:

Not everyone operates within the truth of God. There are people who will try and entice us to follow them and become involved in their exploits. Sin can be enticing because it offers a quick route to pleasure and prosperity. It also makes us feel that we're one of the crowd. Verse 14 says: 'Throw in your lot with us, and we'll share the loot.' Sometimes we need to steer clear of people who want us to follow their lifestyle, especially when we know that it is wrong. We can't make friends with sin and remain unaffected. Tony Evans writes:

''Don't let sinners entice you. To put this passage in modern terms, if you don't want to be a drug addict, don't hang out with drug addicts. If you don't want to be a gang member, don't let gang members be your running buddies. Bad company corrupts good morals' 1 Cor 15:33

Wise words and full of common sense. It would be rather silly for a recovering alcoholic to spend an evening on a pub crawl, wouldn't it? Don't take the bait. One of my favourite quotations you often hear from me is: 'If you let Satan into the back seat of your car, pretty soon he's going to want to drive' KCM. It is so true. The devil will spend a lifetime trying to entice you and I, to commit sin. He knows our weak spots; he knows where we could easily fall down. So, therefore he will put things our way to entice us. There are many scandals throughout the Christian world and some of them are from church leaders. We have to be so careful because, just one slip and our whole ministry or credibility can fall apart in just a flick of a switch.

Satan and his demons spend a lot of time targeting us; discussing where there is a gap in our armour. This is why it is essential to put it on every day. As I've said, they know the weak areas of our lives so, this is where we need to concentrate on and change whatever needs to be changed. 

Most of us have friends who are not believers. This doesn't mean that we should disown them; but, it does mean that we need to be in control of ourselves. We cannot take a day or night off being a Christian and win. In fact, this is one of the most dangerous of things to do. Don't forget, the devil waits for opportunities such as this, so be alert. Many unbelieving friends have become believing friends. Always look for an opportunity to talk about your faith and what Jesus means to you. Many friends have been saved this way. 

So don't be enticed to sin, but entice people to 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

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Where will you spend eternity?

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life".   John 3:16. NKJV

It's rare to hear the full gospel being preached in our churches, these days. Emphasis appears to be given to praise and worship. Now, there is nothing wrong with this, it would be wrong to suggest that this should not happen. However, not at the price of the opportunity to bring the gospel to those who are not yet saved. There needs to be a balance of worship and the word being preached. It is so essential, without Jesus in a person's heart, they are hell-bound. Some may say that, we never know what may happen in the last seconds off a person's life. That is true, I've said it myself. But, are we willing to take that chance. There's no second chance after death.

We are dealing with eternal life or eternal damnation here. Believers will spend eternity with Jesus. Non-believers will spend eternity, but this will be hell - an eternal, conscious punishment.

bibleref.com puts it this way:

'The life offered to those who believe in Christ is "eternal," from a Greek word meaning "never ending." The alternative to life in Christ is destruction: to "perish." This passage explains that the purpose of sending Jesus was our salvation (John 3:17), but also reminds us that those who don't believe are condemned (John 3:18, 36). There is no question that, according to the Bible, people can be saved only through faith in Jesus (John 14:6)'.

Many people are offended by such teaching; they don't believe in hell and, surprisingly enough, some of these are Christians. Many want to hear 'happy preaching.' I can see their point, the world is full of gloom and doom and impending wars and destruction. But just think for a moment and read The Book of Revelation and read many of Paul's letters. We cannot get away from the fact that 'The End is Nigh.' - so to speak.The frightening bit is that we don't know when this will be. Those who study their bibles regularly may notice some of the signs about Eschatology (End Times,) but even Jesus doesn't know when this will be. Check out the Tribulation that will descend on us (Dan 12:1, Rev 7:4. Then of course, there will be the anti-christ and the false prophet. They are not comic cartoons, they will be real people who will terrify anyone who doesn't belong to Jesus. Some say that Christians will have to go through the tribulation as well as non-believers, I don't believe this. I feel that we will be whipped away right at the beginning and will be safe in heaven while the evil world becomes more evil. Do not be in this tribulation. Take action now and accept Jesus as your friend and Saviour. He will cleanse you from every sin you have ever committed.

Don't let the devil fool you, without Jesus there is a place that you will be going for eternity, and it is not heaven. There is a prayer below. Please take notice of it and become a follower of Jesus, today!

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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Jesus knows

"But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men."   

                                                                                 John 2:23   NKJV

Jesus was becoming well-known and attracting many people to Himself. Many of these wanted to follow Him, but He didn't commit Himself to them because He knew what was in their heart - they wanted the fame and the glory of following someone who performs mighty miracles. Jesus was having none of that. He was not in this for profit but, for love and obedience to His Father.

Anyway, if they had followed Him, they would have soon lost interest when the miracles dried up for a time and they realised what it would cost to follow Jesus - self-denial, putting others first and service. They were glory seekers; but Jesus wanted men and women who were faithful followers and who were willing to give up all they had if need be.

Have you ever stopped and thought that Jesus knows your heart. He knows what you are thinking; what you crave for, the hidden secrets within. He knows what you feel when you meet up with someone that you don't particularly get on with. He knows. He knows what you do for people in secret, that financial gift you posted through someone's door. He knows.

He knows when you are mistreated and suffer in silence; He knows the bullies you encounter throughout your day and the people who stab you in the back quite often. He knows when people speak wrong of you with false accusations and those who call you a friend but gossip behind your back. He knows. He knows when you can echo Paul's cry of: 'For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do'.

Sound familiar? Jesus knows.

As I was writing this commentary this morning, I felt Jesus give me the following phrase:

'He knows the heartaches that you endure, 

the pain that breaks your heart,

He knows when you have tried your best,

but fail Him more and more, 

He knows, He knows, Jesus knows

He knows when you are short of cash

But give your all in all,

He knows your sins, the things you've done

but throws it all in the trash ..because

He knows, He knows. Jesus knows

He hears your prayers and sees your deed

that you carry out all day

He'll heal your hurt and bless your walk

and will give you all you need  .. because

He knows, He knows, Jesus knows

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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Living under the shadow of someone

"And he brought him to Jesus."   John 1:42   NKJV

Andrew brought Simon Peter to Jesus. We tend to miss this because, we hear so much about Peter but, very little about Andrew., He was often referred to as 'Simon Peter's brother.' Yet, just a short time in the presence of Jesus, caused Andrew and John to be evangelists and hence, Simon Peter comes to know Jesus.

It appears that Andrew lived under the shadow of his brother Peter. As we've seen, he was nearly always classed as Peter's brother. Have you ever suffered with this - siblings always favoured and talked about and you as if you don't really exist? It appears that Andrew didn't let it worry him. Although he doesn't seem to be in Jesus' inner circle, he was always around because he just loved serving Jesus. He may have been the quiet type of person, the one who is happy to be in the background. Some people would have resented this, but not Andrew. Let us not forget that, he and John, were the first to follow Jesus and they both got to know Him during their chat that day. That was something to savour and cherish. And didn't Peter owe his meeting with Jesus, to Andrew?

Andrew was very content to be in the shadows. What about you? Andrew was always bringing people to Jesus, that's who he was. Have you ever led anyone to Jesus? If you have, that is an amazing feat. If you haven't, the time will come when you will. Don't ever worry that people around you seem to be doing this. Remember Andrew, he brought Peter, his famous brother to know Jesus. If you have led anyone to Jesus, hang on to that achievement. If you haven't - yet, hang on to the fact that you will do, before too long. And also think of the many other things that you do for Jesus; things that other people don't have the time to do.

(1) Andrew was responsible for introducing Peter to Jesus. (2) He brought the boy with the 5 loaves and 2 fishes to Jesus (John 6:8-9). (3) He was one of those who brought the inquiring people to Jesus (John 12:22). And the many other things that were not recorded, but Jesus knew about. You may feel that you have not done a lot for Jesus. You may feel that you haven't a ministry or you are not a key player. Think about this, the things that you have done for Jesus - including those long hours in prayer - are all noted down in heaven and Jesus knows all about them. You see, you may feel that you are under the shadow to someone but, you are wrong. You are unique, a chosen vessel and you are very, very precious to the King of kings and don't ever forget that fact.

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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"Come and See"

"38Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, “What do you seek?”
They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), “where are You staying?” 39He said to them, “Come and see."    John 1:38-39   NKJV

The first disciples had been with John the Baptist when he pointed to Jesus and said, 'Behold the Lamb of God' v36. These two disciples, Andrew and more than likely John, the author of the gospel, began to follow Jesus. Initially, they had been with John the Baptist but, he knew his mission was to point people to Jesus, not keep them for himself. He was not the slightest bit jealous of this fact. The question must be asked, why did they follow Him? I believe that the answer is because they couldn't resist Him. This is the effect that Jesus has on people. All the way through the scriptures people followed Him, whether it was they wanted to know Him or, He was a problem and they wanted Him out of the way. Jesus made His presence known. Do you?

Jesus knew they were following Him and so He turned around and asked. 'Who do you seek?' They ignored this question and asked Him where He was staying. He told them, 'Come and see.' Jesus is so wonderful; He turned around and met them half-way. By doing this, He opened the door for them to come in (Rev 3:20). The area was quite hostile and He could have been at risk by inviting strangers into His home. This is a clue that He knew their heart. He could be trusted and He trusted His Father to take care of Him as well. 

Jesus basically asked the question, 'What are you looking for?'  The Holy Spirit draws people to Jesus and this is what was happening this day. Andrew and John could not resist Jesus and urgently wanted to know more about this irresistible man. They wanted the truth and they knew that He had this. The Holy Spirit will always draw a person to the truth, that being Jesus. When Jesus said, 'Come and see,' He was saying 'Let's go to my place and talk about it.' And they did, and they were never the same again.

Can you remember your first meeting with Jesus? I can remember my first time. I was healed overnight from Bells Palsy and from thereon, it was the most exciting journey with Jesus. Can you remember yours? You don't want those initial moments to ever end, it's almost like you are wrapped in cotton wool. You feel amazing. What about you, did you feel the same? Many of us feel that those first initial moments are so precious that they never want them to end. But, sadly they appear to - the honeymoon is over. But they shouldn't do. Jesus never changes, we know that. So, it must be us. We can still  remain in that wonderful bubble if we spend enough time with Jesus. But the busy-ness of life gets in the way. Simple remedy, DON"T LET IT! Cultivate those exciting and happy times again. They are there, you just have to seek them.

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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Have you been abused?

"He heals the brokenhearted and, binds up their wounds'   Psalm 147:3  NKJV

Abuse is commonly defined as any intentional action that harms or injures another person. In other words, someone who purposely harms another person is guilty of abuse. There are many kinds of abuse, and these are normally defined by the type of harm and the type of victim:

Sexual abuse, Physical abuse, neglect, Emotional abuse and even Spiritual abuse

This type of abuse is usually out of the victims control and they leave scars that may take a life time to heal, if at all. The wounds may have been on the body but now, they are in the heart and lead to continuous bad memories.

Are you one of these people? It may hurt to even think about this but, I encourage you to try. It is never easy to face things that are hurtful but, there is healing in doing so. When a person internalises this type of pain, it eats away on the inside and can cause further problems, such as anger, guilt and shame just to name a few. It can also lead to mental illness because the issue has not been addressed and is burning within on the inside. Can you recognise some of these?

People can blame God for not rescuing them, is this you? It is not His fault. Perhaps you were too young to know what was happening; probably you did know but were too scared to say anything. The damage has been done but there is healing to be found in giving this all to God. Do you realise that living this way is making you carry a heavy burden around with you. You find it hard to trust anyone, they too may hurt you. You may have made inner vows that no one will ever hurt you like this again. You end up isolating yourself or putting on a happy face but this can only last for a short time. The memories still return.

Look at our text today "He heals the brokenhearted and, binds up their wounds.' These are true words. The word 'wounds' can also mean 'sorrows'. You may have had plenty of this over the years. Don't you think it is time to ask God to heal the damage that you suffered. He is so longing to help and set you free but only you can press the start button. You need to take a step forward, trusting Jesus will help you - He will. Let me pray with you:

Lord Jesus, we come to You right now, bringing all of the pain of the past and ask You to please heal..........................right now. Your word tells us to cast our burdens upon You and, this is what we are doing. Please honour Your word and bring Your wonderful healing power. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

I know that this will be difficult but, forgive the person - in your heart, for what they did. Set them free but more than anything else, set yourself free from the past.

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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Crucified with Jesus

"I  have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which 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

Today, let's look at this incredible verse written by Paul. Martin Luther, was so taken about it that, when he answered his door and someone asked to see Martin Luther, Luther replied 'He no longer lives here; Jesus Christ lives here now.' Luther, as our text says, had adopted this and changed his identity - died to the old - risen to life in the new. It's an extreme way of saying this but, true all the same. Identity is what matters, Luther had taken on the identity of Jesus Christ.

Basically it is the act of, taking off the old self and putting on the new with Jesus. You and I, no doubt, would have said it differently by explaining that we have a new identity and the old self is dead. We are now Christians and therefore, belong to the name of Jesus. Identity is what matter most. Who do we identify with?  In the case of a Christian, we identify with Jesus.

Check out this quote from bibleref.com

'Christ was crucified for our sin. By faith, we trust that His death paid for our own personal sin. In that way, we are crucified with Him, our sin with him on the cross. That sinful "us" dies, replaced by the resurrected Christ "in us." We continue to live in the flesh, of course, but our lives are now directed not by our sinful selves but by our faith in Christ. Paul expands on this great truth powerfully in Romans 6:1–6'.

For the first time, Paul mentions Jesus' motive for giving Himself for us: love. Christ died for us because He loves us. Unlike the unyielding system of the law, Christ is a person motivated by His love and concern for us.

Faith must come into play here because, our body is still flesh and susceptible to the temptations of sin. Therefore we need to exercise, by prayer, faith that Jesus will help us to do this. Jesus Christ must be first and, everything else is secondary. When we become too involved with worldly matters, we forget the Son of God gave Himself for us. We have a new identity. This means that we are so closely attached to Him, that we die with Him and, He lives in us

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