What is it that winds you up? Part 1

"Whatever you do, do it from the heart as something done for the LORD and not for people."                                                                    Colossians 3:23   CSB 

There are many things in life that have the ability to wind us up - what are yours? Over the next day or two, let's look at a few, starting with:

(1)  TRYING TO EVERYTHING AT ONCE

Some people have an in-built desire to do everything at once - the housework, the shopping, planting that bush, cleaning the car and mowing the lawn. There may also be a number of other things that they want to tack on to this list when they've completed the others. Now, this is ok if the person is able to manage it properly. It goes wrong if, someone turns up unexpectedly or the telephone rings, because these jobs need completing, they have been allocated a time each job needs to take and, there is no room for distractions.

When we set ourselves goals that are unrealistic, we may be walking a tightrope that is going to snap; and the snapping may be yourself. Something can go wrong or interfere with your schedule and 'POW", you can explode, letting rip on anyone or anything that has stopped the work.

Now stop just there, is this really God's best for you? Is it a blessing to Him to see you slaving away and getting yourself all flustered and wound up because, the work is not completed? This is not God's best for you so, a few changes need to be made. 

Usually, if we look at all we have to do in any given day, it can appear, an impossible venture. It makes sense to prioritise, putting things in order of importance. Once this has been done, they can be broken down into bite-size manageable chunks. This may sound a time-wasting exercise but, it is actually worth trying. It takes the pressure off you and others who are close by and makes for a more achievable task, giving yourself a more flexible approach.

When one attempts to tackle many things as a whole, frustration, stress and possible anger, can begin to kick in and it then, becomes a war zone. This can make the work a horrible chore which you may resent doing. When we live like this, we often think there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. Sadly, we quickly see it’s someone with a torch bringing us some more work.

Jesus wants us to do things from the heart as if, we are working for Him. Remember, He would never put pressure on you.

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

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Don't run away - Fight!

"I have taken refuge in the LORD. How can you say to me, 'Escape to the mountains like a bird"                                                          Psalm 11:1-3   Christian Standard Bible 

Have you ever done this - run away instead of facing up to things? It's easy to do and provides a way out. Often, the other man's grass is greener and instead of 'facing the music', it's tempting to go for this. Many have tried this way and realise that it is not. They would love to turn the clock back but, it is too late; they made the choice and have to live with it. You may have made a mistake but this doesn't mean you have to run away, not at all, face up to it and repent. God will honour you for this.

All around us, evil exists waiting to pounce on us, to trick us into making the wrong move. Temptation is around every corner, it hides away until an apt time, perhaps when we're at our weakest, it will then make its move. Take a look at verse 2, 'For look, the wicked string bows, they put their arrows on the bowstrings to shoot from the shadows.' Satan will use people to fire at us under the cover of darkness. This may be in the guise of gossip, where a false image is used to taint our name. They will talk behind our backs but laugh with us face to face. Be careful, not everyone is your friend. Snakes have similar characteristics (1) A deadly tongue (2) They lie in wait (3) Crawl into situations (4) Strike and bite.

Satan will use people to destroy our foundations v3 - our reputation, our honour and our good track record. What, as righteous people can we do? FIGHT - STAND UP- SPEAK THE WORD. Ask yourself, 'If I've taken refuge in God, why on earth would I want to escape to the mountains like a bird? v1. It doesn't make sense.

When we are not in alignment with God, It's easy to become confused and the devil knows this. So even though we may call on God for help - take refuge in Him, the devil will encourage you to run to the mountains - in other words- run away, give up, 'it doesn't work anyway.' Yes it does! Don't listen to lies. Jesus never ran away, why should we? Because the devil knows how powerful you can be with Jesus beside and inside of you. That's why

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

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Live a Carefree life

"Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."   

                                                                                Philippians 4:6-7    CSB

We have spent a little while within these verses over the past week or so; but, there is so much we can glean from them. One thing that I love is, the work of Charles Haddon Spurgeon. He was a great preacher and writer and his sermons made people sit up and take notice. And, they're still doing this today, throughout the world. Spurgeon's interpretation of this verse is worth taking notice of. He wrote:

'Live with that holy carelessness which is the very beauty of the Christian life - when all our care is cast on God, and we can joy and rejoice in his providential care of us.'

                                                                                                                 Charles Haddon Spurgeon

If we adopt a holy carelessness, we can then begin to enjoy our daily lives - 'Carefree'. Sorrow, sadness, pain, problems and worries, usually spring out of ourselves when we face a crisis. However, allowing God's carelessness into our lives, conquers this areas. John 14:27.

To announce that we are careless people may raise eyebrows, but we are not saying this. We are announcing that the cares we have about this and that, are no longer ours, we've handed them to God. 'Casting all your cares on Him, because He cares about you' 1 Peter 5:7. Therefore, we are care-less or in it's correct term carefree.

Imagine shouting out at church or wherever else, 'I will not let that effect me - I couldn't care less, because God has my cares'. It is something that we all need to consider. How many hours a week do you send worrying about your problems? How many steps do you walk - check your step counter? It is pointless to worry about these things, because the worry and the cares remain there. Surely, it makes more sense to pass the cares over to God. Consider breaking down in the middle of nowhere, with no mobile phone, and somebody stopping to offer you some help. Would you receive their help or allow pride to take up its place and wave them on? Yes there may be safety issues involved, but, if there was no other way, it may be a life-saver.

By operating in the 'Careless' mode', you're not being irresponsible, you are being wise. God has all the answers; He offers us all the help we need. Why not receive this help and live a Carefree life!

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

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'I won't ever become angry'

"I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in Him I will trust."        

                                                                                           Psalm 91:2  NKJV 

This verse is actually a declaration and when we say it and mean it, we believe it. However, we need to be careful of the times when sin is creeping around. Yes, we have a hedge of protection around us, but only if we keep ourselves in a place of Holiness. If we allow sin to enter our lives then the hedge of protection is breeched and the devil can come in and cause mayhem. For instance, RT Kendall says, 'Will my flesh rule this moment or my spirit?' What RT is saying is if I sin, my flesh will rule, if I refuse to sin, I will remain on the right side of God. 

One of our biggest problems is our reactions. When someone annoys us, it can be difficult not to retaliate, especially if the person offends us or rattles our cage too much. This annoyance can lead to anger and before too long, the hedge of protection is in danger of being breeched. God gave me my own interpretation of anger some years ago. It includes: Aggression, Retaliation, Bad Mouthing and Threatening. These all equate to anger.

AGGRESSION   Whether we are of the aggressive type or not, it is easy to fall into this trap if we are pushed too far.

RETALIATION    We are then led to want to retaliate, 'How dare he say that' etc. Once we verbalise this, we are on the way to:

BAD MOUTHING  This may or may not include some unsavoury language. The thing is, once we have allowed ourselves to get this far, we want to let rip.

THREATENING  Sadly, this is a stage we can fall into, 'If you don't apologise, I will...' This is a threat that has come out of your mouth. It cannot be taken back.

All the more reason why we need to be in control of ourselves. God is our refuge, our fortress and we trust Him. So, if we do, call out to Him instead of taking the walk of doom and becoming angry. You know it makes sense and you may feel that this would never happen to you. Don't be fooled. It will if you're not careful!

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

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Confess God's Word and live it

"But David found strength in the LORD his God." v6         1 Samuel 30.  CSB

David was very troubled. The Amalekites had attacked his camp carrying off their women and children and, David's men were in such a state, they were threatening to stone him. Even though he was very concerned about this, he did something we all should do when we are in crisis - he found strength in God. He remembered how God had rescued him in the past; how He had always been there for him and, never let him down. He gave it to God and, God saved the day, as he always does when we do this. For the whole account, read Chapter 30.

This reminds me of a Christian chorus we used to sing back in the mid 80's. It was written by an evangelist called Isobel Chapmen and the words went like this:

'I'm happy, I'm healthy, I'm blessed and anointed and filled with the power of God x2

The Joy of the Lord is my strength, and by His stripes I am healed,

I'm anointed with the oil of gladness and, filled with the power of God

                                                          Copyright Isobel Chapman

The person singing or quoting this chorus is actually confessing God's Word upon themselves. Check this:

'The Joy of the Lord is my strength'  Nehemiah 8:10

'And by His stripes I am healed'  Isaiah 53:5

'I'm anointed with the oil of gladness'   Isaiah 61:3

And filled with the power of God'. Romans 15:13

We need to do this more and more because, we're actually confessing what God is saying about us. If a person is feeling a little depressed and confesses these words, it will be impossible to remain in a depressed state because, the words are 'POWER' they are 'ETERNAL' and they break the chains of satanic power just by confessing them.

As a Christian, The joy of the Lord is your strength; you are healed by the stripes of Jesus; you are anointed with the oil of gladness and, you are filled with the power of God.

But to know this is not enough, you need to digest it and begin to live it and confess it every day. You are an Anointed Person of God - a Special creation made in the image of God Himself. Get up and start confessing it!

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

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Don't be troubled. Part 2

"Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don't let your heart be troubled or fearful."                  John 14:27   CSB   

We ended yesterday's reading with the fact that there would be people reading the commentary, suffering trouble and fear. Look at Jesus' words here, He talks of peace - a peace that the world can't give or even understand. This peace is there in the midst of storms and tribulation. It surpasses all knowledge and understanding, guarding the heart and mind in Christ Jesus, Philippians 4:7.

Isaiah 26"3 says, 'You will the keep the mind that is dependent on You, in perfect peace for it is trusting in You.' Notice that God keeps our mind in perfect peace for it tests in Him. God wants each one of us to always be dependent on Him - we trust and depend on none but Jesus. Also notice, that as we do, He keeps us in perfect peace, which is shalom, shalom. This is a Hebrew method of putting great emphasis on a word. It includes health, happiness, well-being and peace. It's a wholeness that some people call, 'Nothing missing - nothing broken'.

Think about this, Jesus tells us not to worry, not to be troubled and to have no fear. We also see that, as we depend on Him fully, He will keep us in perfect peace. Therefore, if perfect peace includes or health, then this must mean that He wants us to be in good health, So, why aren't we?

Sickness brings us trouble and distress; it also cause us to worry, so if Jesus told us not to do these things, then He must want us well; and this is where our faith kicks in. Have you the faith to refuse sickness in your body? If you say, 'yes', be careful because all kinds of doubt and fear will come on you. The enemy doesn't want you well, so he will cause you to doubt and think, 'If I don't se a doctor about this, I could die.' See a doctor if you need to but, let Jesus have the overall place of authority in this.

Just mull this over, God doesn't waste words. He wouldn't have said these things if He didn't mean them. One thing I know, you may be sick today and you shouldn't be, so, receive your healing in Jesus' name. Amen!

Don't be troubled Part 1

"Don't let you heart be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in Me."  

                                                              John 14:1   Christian Standard Bible 

Why do we allow ourselves to become troubled about things? It's understandable when we do, but hasn't Jesus told us not to allow our hearts to be troubled? In fact, Jesus actually says, 'Don't let your hearts be troubled.' There is an emphasis on the ''Don't let'. It means that we ourselves, allow our heart to be troubled. It is we that become all frustrated and confused, frightened and panicky. Take control and don't allow yourself to be this way.

The word.'Troubled', here means to be distressed. From this, we can see how important it is to be in control of ourselves. The disciples on the boat that night, met a storm and were distressed and scared. Whereas in reality they should have taken control and prayed against this fear. Admittedly, it is not easy to do this. I can hear the familiar, 'that's easier said than done', and its normal to feel this way. But we are not normal are we? We belong to Jesus and, He is in control of what is normal. We are not abnormal though, not at all, we have the power of God within us - that Dunamis power, and this is very much, not normal.

There comes a time in our walk, when we have to believe what we cannot see. Let me explain:

'So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal'.  2 Corinthians 4:18

We cannot see faith but, it is there. We cannot see electricity but put your finger inside a socket and, you'll soon discover it is there, ok? We are of the unseen. We live by faith and when we do, we are looking at the unseen which will be seen. Bartimaeus, couldn't see, he was blind, but when he believed Jesus for his sight, he saw. He looked and believed in the unseen.

And we must do this. There are many people today, some possibly reading this, who are in trouble (distressed). They may be in need of healing and are tempted to feel afraid. Others may be in debt or have lots of frightening issues. Jesus said, 'Don't let your heart be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in Me. Why don't you do that right now and then watch Jesus move at your request.

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

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The Unexpected

"Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring - what your life will be."  James 4:14   CSB 

The unexpected can hit us when we are totally unaware of it. It may be in the form of good news or bad. Therefore, we need to make the best of what we have got, and appreciation is the key!

It is so easy to take things for granted, expecting things to take place without even thinking about it. Married couples can be prone to do this. Maybe, they have been together so long the things are just expected to happen when they happen. The shock comes when they don't, because the one we were expecting to do a particular thing has been taken, or left home. 

Appreciation needs to rule high in a person's life. We need to consider: 'Have I taken things for granted?' 'Do I expect my spouse or significant other, to do this without me having to ask?' Do I appreciate what I have got - what God has given me or, do I take it all for granted?'

In our relationship with God, it is so easy to get into a situation where we expect God to do things for us, just because He told us: 'If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it' John 14:14. Don't get me wrong, God wants us to live expectantly but, this doesn't mean that it is all taken for granted. When we ask, we need to expect Him to do things with appreciation and thanksgiving in our hearts. We read in Philippians 4:6:

'Don't worry about anything but, in everything, through prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.'

Paul tacked on to this verse, possibly the most important part 'Thanksgiving'. Actually, 'thanksgiving' is a key part of praise and worship. We are so grateful for what He has done, and will do for us, that we can't stop the appreciation.

Don't forget, the unexpected can visit at anytime. This may be in a positive or negative manner. Just be appreciative for what you have, for what God has done and what He will do in the future

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

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God has a great plan for you

"For I know the plans I have for you - this is the LORD'S declaration - plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."   Jeremiah 29:11    CSB 

We read it often but, do we really believe 100% that God has plans to bless us in our lives? His intention is to bless us as we seek Him with all we have got and, we will find Him when we do this. The very reason that we get up each morning is to fulfil His purpose. As we spend time with Jesus in our quiet times, we begin to realise how special and committed to us He is. He has some great plans for us and although it may have been a bumpy ride for some up to now, it will get better.

This scripture was written to God's people who were in exile in Babylon. Jeremiah wrote to them, letting them know that if they will seek God with all of their hearts, they will find Him. He will show them that they are not, a forgotten people but, people who have a hope and a future. This praise was made to them in the midst of a great pagan culture.

This is also meant for us; we live in a pagan culture. All around us there are many non-believing people worshipping nature with many gods involved. This is why we need to stand out in the crowd; possibly unlike these people, we have a certain hope which, if we walk closely to God, He will fulfil in our lives. He has a bright future for us, our well-being is in His hands.

Do you realise that God has placed you where you are for a reason? You are part of His plan. You may have an idea what God wants for you but, things may be preventing your progress. Think for a moment, if you can't change what you feel needs changing, then perhaps God has allowed it so, find a way to prosper in it - find a way to make it work, find a way to work with it instead of beating your head against a wall in frustration. This may be the way forward.

Remember, He is in charge, let Him show you the way, instead of vice-versa. He really does know best!

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

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Coming soon

COMING SOON 

A STUDY ON THE FEAR OF GOD

Be sure to watch out for it

Are you too busy for God?

"But Martha was distracted by her many tasks, and she came up and asked, 'Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to serve alone? So tell her to give me a hand." v40    

                                                                                               Luke 10:38-42   CSB 

Taking on too many tasks can be a problem. We've all heard of the plate-spinner. For a time the plates are spinning well, perhaps a dozen or more. The person doing this, moves quickly as soon as a plate begins to wobble. However, it is inevitable, pretty soon they are all going to come crashing down and, this is what it's like when we take on too much. Attempting to be a multi-tasker can appear impressive at first but it can eventually lead to the person becoming stressed out, quick-tempered and disrespectful. When we get like this, it is time to re-assess.

Mary and Martha were opposites; Martha was the one who would get up and prepare a meal or make a cup of tea when someone called in; and, it had to be done properly, so the best china would be used. Mary was more laid back and was more interested in having a close relationship with God. She was desperate for further teaching, this was why she would spend as much time with Jesus as possible. There were two temperaments here, Mary was quiet and studious, whereas, Martha was a servant and a dynamo of activity. Both were acceptable to Jesus in their own way.

Here, Martha begrudged Mary sitting down in fellowship with Jesus. This is why, quite rudely and disrespectfully, she spoke to Jesus the way she did: 'Lord, don't You care?' Mary on the other hand, may have looked down on Martha for being the way she was, dashing around and causing  stress when she was trying to read or talk. The thing is, there was no right or wrong way; and it's the same today. We're all different and, God needs the Mary's and the Martha's. What type are you?

There are two thoughts here (1) Martha wanted the best for Jesus hence, a nice meal and clean house. (2) Mary recognised that Jesus was burdened and needed rest, therefore she gave it to Him relaxing and having a general chat. Both were right in their own way, perhaps a little communication between the sisters may have helped.

It highlights the fact, that we should never be too busy for Jesus; we need to spend restful and resourceful times with Him. Taking on too many tasks is a recipe for things to go wrong. Share the workload when you can. There's a need to balance what is happening at home - within the family. Neglecting things may cause arguments, the same as doing too many jobs or meetings can do.

The bottom line is, always be available for your Daily Life with Jesus.

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

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How secure do you feel?

"No, in all things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us" v37   

                                                                                  Romans 8:31-39   CSB 

Charges against you can come from all directions. People, all of a sudden can turn against you saying hurtful things, which are false. It may be via gossip. which can be perceived as the truth or, it may be directly to your face. When this happens, remember, there is only one accuser and his name is Satan; and he manipulates people, turning them against one another. Then, the lies and accusations begin.

But if you are secure in God you can ride the storm. Tony Evans writes, 'Sometimes God rescues us from things, sometimes He rescues out of things and sometimes He changes us in things. Let Him choose. He knows best'' Tony Evans Study Bible,  CSB, Holman Publishers. 

God may rescue you from any situation that comes your way, then again, He may come into your situation and deliver you out of it, but He may choose to ignore the former two and change your heart in order for you to be able to cope with any situation. The secret is allowing Him to be in control because, He is far more knowledge-able than you could ever be. He knows the answer and if we allow Him to, He will makes some changes on your behalf. The thing to remember is, whatever anyone may say about you, or accuse you of, Jesus declares you 'Not Guilty'. Therefore, we don't just get by, we conquer. 

Our text verse is amazing and if you allow it to, can change your lives forever, 'in all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.' You are not only a conqueror of your situation you are 'More than a conqueror' in Jesus. This brings us security. There is nothing anyone can do or say about us that will ever make Jesus think differently. Think about this when you next meet a crisis point. Jesus has given you the power and anointing to be a "more than a Conqueror'.

There isn't anything too bad in your life because Jesus is in the driving seat and He knows the way, He doesn't need a Sat Nav, it is all in His thoughts. Go in the garden and shout out loud, 'I’m more than a conqueror'. This is guaranteed to have a response!

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

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If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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Use your gift

"A person's gift opens doors for him and brings him before the great."   

                                                                                      Proverbs 18:16    CSB 

We all have certain gifts within us that God has placed there and, they are valuable to Him. What is yours, do you know? Some people go through life and never appear to realise their gifting.

Our text today, can be read, 'Acts of kindness can open doors otherwise closed.' It's true, someone may be hard to get to know and difficult to get alongside. An act of kindness shown them can in time, win them over. It may not happen initially, but consistency can be helpful in winning the day. We never know what is happening in a person's life or, what they have been through. Kindness may open up the way and, if you manage this, it may just be your gifting.

You may not be a gifted preacher, teacher or evangelist, but you may be a great welcomer to people who visit your church, group or home. Where the main people are in the spotlight, you may be better suited working undercover. This is quite exciting to do.

When I worked in a hospice, I would attempt to support people who were dying and their families. It was a great privilege to share this time with them. I was able to share the Gospel with many of them. No one knew what I was saying or doing, except God and the people I was working with. The work led me to meet Prince Charles on one of his visits. He spoke to me for a short time asking me about how I came to do this work. I was amazed afterwards because, the second part of this verse says, ''and brings us before the great'. I didn't know that I would meet him, but God did.

Your gifting is valuable; what God has given you is vital to the Kingdom of God. Whatever your gifts are, God gave them to you and you are qualified to perform them adequately. Your gifting may be laying dormant within you and may need a kickstart; or you may already be working it and haven't recognised it yet.

It may be helpful to spend some time with God, asking Him to show you clearly what your gifts are. They may be obvious to other people but you cannot see it. Why not ask a trusted friend what they think about this.

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

        

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Suspicion

"Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing and perfect will of God."    

                                                                                Romans 12:2   CSB 

Suspicion is built around doubt and mistrust and it can be a major weapon that the evil one uses against us. Suspicion in the positive manner, helps police and other public forces determine a certain truth. Used properly, it is an effective tool in gathering evidence that can prevent further problems. However, used in the negative manner, suspicion can be a killer to friendships, marriages and partnerships in all walks of life.

If a person is suspicious about something or someone, they may go to great lengths to prove they are right, no matter what the cost. Sadly, many is the time when suspicions are proven right and the lies are revealed. As a Christian, once the devil knows that a person is suspicious about something, he will go flat out to provide them with false evidence that is so convincing and from thereon, it is a downward spiral.

Business, marriages and friendships have been wrecked because of suspicion, whether right or wrong. Because something appears so convincing, people may take the wrong side - the devil, and believe this untruth. Suspicion can drive a person to despair because they are so convinced they are right - they cannot see the truth, only the lie.

Paul tells us here to be transformed by the 'renewing of your mind', we cannot do this, it is God's job. When God has all of us and the world has none, God can then do His renewal work of our suspicious and confused mind. He brings our thoughts in line with His own so  that we think Godly thoughts. Paul, further tells us that as we do this, 'the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus'  Philippians 4:7.

If this is you, your suspicions may be right and you need to come to Him now and be guided by God about the way forward. However, they may be wrong and it may be time to come to Jesus and give Him your burdens, thoughts and fears. Allow Him to bathe the wounds of the doubt you have been thinking and help you to have a more positive approach to your daily life with Jesus.

Copyright 2022 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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Persistence

 Many warned him to keep quiet, but he was crying out all the more, 'Have mercy on me, Son of David.' 49 Jesus stopped and said, 'Call him'."      Mark 10:48-49   CSB    

If there is one thing that will get Jesus' attention, it is persistence. This is how Bartimaeus was this day. He had heard of Jesus and he secured a place  along the road that Jesus would be walking on and, he waited. He may have been there some time, we don't know, but crowds were forming because of the interest in Jesus. 

After Jesus had arrived and Bartimaeus had been persistently calling out to Him, people began telling him to be quiet, but he persisted and gained Jesus' attention. Jesus stopped and had him brought to Him. 'What do you want Me to do for you?' He asked. Bartimaeus told Jesus that he wanted to see and, he saw, because Jesus healed him.

Notice that Bartimaeus was not going to give up, he was persistent. Also notice that, there is no class barrier with Jesus. Bartimaeus was a beggar but he received the same attention anyone would receive. Some people will always try to keep us quiet when it comes to Jesus. To them, He is an embarrassment and, they'll do all they can to stop you. This is seen in the workplace quite a lot; mention Jesus in some environments and you may be warned and then, if you persist, possibly fired. You see, the Name of Jesus is powerful and it can cause conviction to fall on people. They may tend to accuse you of protesting about what the bible says is evil. When doing this, they can be quite hostile in their treatment. But don't let that stop you; you are not there to be an evangelist but a worker. However, you have the right to voice your opinions should you be asked. Don't be put off, or tend to compromise.

Be persistent; also don't ever feel inferior to another person because of your upbringing or the fact that your educational achievements don't match theirs. If Jesus accepts you, that's good enough. Never allow people to intimidate you because you are not as eloquent as the next person. You don't have to speak posh to speak to Jesus; He never intimidates. Remember, He spent time with the deprived, the poor, the lonely and those from off the streets and' He showed them love and empathy. This is why Bartimaeus had the courage to persistently shout out, 'Have mercy on me, Son of David'

Copyright 2022 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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