How do you handle your finances?

"Owe nothing to anyone - except for your obligation to love one another."  

                                                         Romans 13:8   NLT 

Many people are not in control of their finances - someone else is. And that someone is probably credit cards, loan sharks or a friend. Of course, we have essentials such as mortgage or rent payments, together with the household bills - electricity, gas, food, car expenses and whatever else that most families need. But what about the things that we don't need, but want? There is a major difference here.

We all see things that we would like when we browse through online stores or go out shopping. Sometimes, the feeling of liking something can turn into a 'Must have' and if we don't have the finance to back up this payment, then this is where the trouble can begin. Let's just say that the majority of people have a credit card and treated right, this little plastic thing can be a convenient way to purchase something. There is nothing wrong with this if we are sensible. What I mean is, when the credit card bill comes through the post, we pay off the full amount and then, we are in the clear again with no added percentages. However, if we opt to pay the minimal figure, this is where the added percentage comes into play and then, if we purchase anything else on the card, the bill increases and so on. Pretty soon, the bill is so large that it is impossible to pay without a major struggle. If you become in debt, then you become a slave to the person you owe money to. They are in control, not you. 

God's Word tells us above, that we should owe nothing to anyone. Many people who use a credit card and pay it off each month, cannot be classed as in debt. It is just a convenient way to buy things. But the one who knows they have not got the funds but, still go ahead and buy stuff on their card are. It is irresponsible and really, as a Christian, it is being a bad steward of the money you receive. Above everything, we should always give God a tithe - we owe this to Him. If we give more, this is an offering and we can be blessed in return for giving this. But to fail to give to God and yet become in debt to someone is not being responsible and we need to get it right.

If you are in debt, then it is time to be honest and do something about it. Be honest with who you owe the finance to and perhaps they will be able to help you create a repayment plan. Don't ignore this hoping that something will turn up. It's not often that an angel knocks on your door and hands you a bag of cash. Therefore, be sensible. refuse to use your credit card until you are in the clear. There is a way through all of this and it starts with being honest with God and asking Him to help you. He will, but it's unlikely that He will pay your debt off for you. He wants you to learn the right way and, sometimes it can be a hard lesson to learn.

Speak to Him about this right now

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

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How is your hearing?

"So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ."

                                                                                 Romans 10:17   NLT

The thing is, do we listen properly? Do we actually take on board what someone is saying to us or, do we hear some of the conversation and paraphrase the rest? This is dangerous stuff because, we can so easily get things wrong. Eve got things totally wrong when the serpent was talking with her in Genesis 3. Obviously, Adam had explained to her the rules laid down by God in the garden but, she had not listened properly and told the serpent that they could not even touch the tree in the middle of the garden. This error led to the serpent tricking her and then all was lost.

It's imperative that we hear properly what is being said. One of the main problems is, we tend to speak too much and listen little. Mark Twain addressed this with his infamous quotation: 

'If we were meant to talk more than listen, we would have two mouths and one ear'

Just focus on that statement for a moment. If we are too busy talking, we have little chance of hearing properly what someone is saying to us. As I have said, this is dangerous stuff. It was dangerous for the whole world when Eve didn't listen properly and, it may be for someone who is trying to tell you something. Take for example, a person may be trying to tell you that they, or someone close to them is at risk. If you are not hearing them properly, you may start saying, 'Oh, this happened to someone I know and they had to ring the police etc. etc.' This may have been so but, the person doesn't want to hear this, they are making a serious disclosure to you and you are not listening properly.

How on earth are we going to hear God if we are so busy talking (Praying) and He can't get a word in at all. We need to pray, of course we do, but, some people can make it a marathon and monopolise the whole prayer time. Ironically, the prayers they have been praying may have been answered but they hadn't heard God at all. 

When it is obvious that someone wants to talk to you, give them dignity. Listen to them, possibly with the third ear, which means 'what are they trying to tell me here?' Don't interrupt or speak until you have to and then only to feed back like, 'So what you are saying is -' The person will then know that you are trying to fit into their shoes by your empathy.

You don't have to be a counsellor to listen to someone with dignity, but you do need to talk less. So make it a habit that you are willing to listen properly. This way, you're more likely to miss nothing

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

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The Power of the Tongue

"No one can tame the tongue it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in God's likeness. 10 Blessing and cursing come out of the same mouth. My brothers and sister these things should not be this way.     James 3:8-10   Christian Standard Bible 

The tongue is not bad if used properly and when we are praising and worshipping God and sharing testimonies with other people, we are using the good side of the tongue. However, there is a bad side as well and this is the side that we need to control.

Tont Evans writes:'

James isn't writing to the world. He's exhorting Christians, reminding them that their mouths are polluted. After singing hallelujahs, some families start tearing each other down before they've even departed the church parking lot. If criticising, gossiping and swearing come out of your mouth, the content of your heart needs to be addressed'.   Copyright The Tony Evans Study Bible footnotes to James 3:9-12 

There is a choice to be made, we will either use the tongue to speak good things or, use it to tear people down. As a Christian, the choice has been made for us and we need to take this on board. Take a look at the book of Proverbs Chapter 18:19-20:

'From the fruit of a person's mouth his stomach is satisfied; he is filled with the product of his lips. 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.' Therefore, what comes out of our mouth shows us, and other people, the state of our hearts (Matthew 12:33-37). 

James says that no one can tame the tongue and from one point of view, this is very true. However, when we are completely submitted to God, He will give us the ability to overcome the evil side and speak His truth. However, again, it comes down to choice. We have to make that choice and surrender to Jesus. Just think for a moment, do you really want to go around with a polluted mouth? Do you really want a reputation of being outspoken and hypocritical? Of course you don't. So now is the time to do something about it. Come to Jesus right now:

'Lord Jesus, I have been using the wrong side of my tongue and speaking evil words to some people so, consequently, my heart must need an overhaul. I ask You to forgive me and begin a cleansing work within me. I surrender to You right now. In Jesus' Name. Amen' 

Now go about your Daily Life with Jesus, confidently. 

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

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What happens when I die?

 "For You will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave. 11 You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of Your presence and the pleasures of living with You forever."        Psalm 16:10-11   NLT

What happens to us when we die has given many Christians great concern and confusion. Some say when the believer dies they go straight to be with Jesus in heaven. Others say that we remain in the grave until Jesus returns and the judgement begins. Even others have suggested that we go to a holding place until Jesus has returned and He commences the judgement. 

I once had a conversation about this with a great friend - a prison chaplain. We came to the conclusion that when we die, time ceases for us. Life goes on for others because they have not yet died and this is why relatives need to grieve. But for us who have died, time has stopped and we go to heaven to be with Jesus. And it is possible, because time has stopped, that everyone one else has died and we are all there in heaven. Bear with me on this. For the believer in Jesus who dies, they go straight to heaven and receive their reward. Others who have not yet died yet, but believe also, will join them when it is their time. 

If you check out David's words above, he says: 'You will not leave my soul among the dead or allow Your holy one to rot in the grave,' Why would he have said this to God if he didn't also believe that he would go straight to heaven? David was fully persuaded that he had a place in heaven and when the time came for his death, he would go there at once, in the blink of an eye. 

When we die, it is rather like going through a door and stepping into our new life in heaven. There is nothing to fear also. We have our insurance policy intact by having Jesus as our Lord so, we have our 'get into heaven card' with us and that means we don’t have to pass go or anything else, all we do is walk through the door. This is why Jesus paid the price for us. He suffered and He carried our sin and He has made this all possible just for us. So don't worry about it at all.

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

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Don't give up, go back the way you came

"Go back the same way you came, and travel to the wilderness of Damascus"  

                                                                               1 Kings 19:15   NLT 

Elijah had upset Jezebel - big time. He had become a thorn in her side predicting gloom and doom and now, he had caused the death of her prophets, so she was unable to know the future. She was livid and Elijah was afraid and fled for his life ending up alone in the wilderness. Look at his words to the LORD: 'I have had enough LORD, take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died' (1 Kings 19:4). Elijah had been victorious in his ministry on Mount Carmel and predicting rain after the drought he had caused, and yet, here he was scared. What had happened? 

It is possible that Elijah was tired, hungry and reaching emotional burnout. He may also have felt that Ahab and Jezebel would have bowed their knees to God and when they didn't, he felt a failure. Therefore, in a depressed and frightened state, he had ran for his life and was now alone and probably feeling sorry for himself too. This led him to want to give up. However, God didn't grant his request but sent an angel to give him food and drink. Then after he had rested, God told Elijah he was in the wrong place, 'What are you doing here?' v10. He then told him to go back to where he had been, there was work to be done.

Many times after great victories in ministry, discouragement can slip in and you can feel totally washed out. Even though you may have followed God's directions, there may still have been a part of your own power in this victory and it can be so draining. Don't forget their is a devil who is totally against you and, will fill your mind with all that you should have done and didn't and therefore, will make you feel a failure: 'Give up, you did it all wrong and you're of no use to God now." No, that is not the case, just because Elijah became discouraged and wished death on himself, didn't mean that God wouldn't use him again. Not at all; God told him to go back to where he had been. He would still use Elijah and, He will do you, as well.

You may have been feeling depressed and and had the feeling that God doesn't need you any longer. That is from the pit so, get rid of that thinking. God has given you a rest and time to be built up again and is getting ready to send you out again whether it's local or far away. There is no retirement in the Kingdom of God and you may have been on the subs bench for a little while but, ask yourself, is God telling you to go back the way you came. This could mean re-establishing yourself in the ministry that He initially gave you. Pray about it.

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

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Have you turned into a busybody?

 "For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies'  2 Thessalonians 3:11   NKJV

There are some people who are more concerned in what other people are doing than taking a look at their own life. It's so easy to judge people and gossip about them. Some people will go here and there just to find out what is happening in a person'a life and will then leave and, in the name of prayer, will discuss other people's business. This is something that we need to avoid. It doesn't matter what other people are doing or what they have said. the only thing God is interested in, is what you are doing.

We are all susceptible to rumours and can easily listen eagerly to what is going on in the next street. However, we need to be aware that God is listening as well and wants us to mow our own grass, not someone else's. You may come up against this type of thing; if you do, how do you deal with it? It's alway best to shut down the gossip. How one does this is to:

Refuse to add to the gossip but actually challenge the person who is gossiping by saying, 'Should we be talking about this? Isn't it gossip?' You may not be popular in saying this but, how would Jesus handle it? He most certainly would not become involved in talking about someone else in such a way. Gossip can destroy a person, it can also destroy a ministry or divide a church. It is serious stuff so, it must be stopped. Check out this scripture: 'A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence.' Proverbs 11:13. Again in Ephesians 4:29 we read: 'Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearer.' When someone shares a confidential matter with a person, it should remain confidential, to gossip about it is so wrong it is breaking the trust the person had in you in the first place and also, betraying them

The words that we speak should build up our hearers, not drag them down. Our words should minister grace to each other to draw others to Jesus. Satan, likes to operate in the opposite way and encourages words that will slander people and situations. This is why challenging gossip is so important. There is no need to enter into an argument with anyone who tries to gossip in your presence; just let them know that you are not willing to talk this way and explain why.

A gossip is a busybody, they have to know other people's business. You know who they are so, perhaps it is better to avoid them unless, of course, you are willing to challenge their behaviour.

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

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It's never over until God says it is over

"Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vine; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, 18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the the God of my salvation!

                                                                 Habakkuk 3:17-18  NLT 

Even though this would be a great burden, Habakkuk affirmed that he would still rejoice in the God of his salvation. And he meant it; his feelings were not controlled by what was happening around him but, his faith in God's ability to give him the strength to cope with it all and supply what he would need for the future. He knew God would not let him down.

And you too need to remember this. You may have had a great loss - a business venture, house or your health is failing, but God is still with you and will help you through if you will let Him. Things may be bad at this time but you will bounce back, it is never over until God says it is over.

The secret is that you need to take your eyes off what is happening and put them on to God. Yes, that is difficult and you may not want to do that at this time but, it is so necessary for your survival. Notice here that the things Habakkuk mentioned are all replaceable. In today's terms, he could well have been talking about bankruptcy or close to it. However, he knew in his heart that they were only worldly things and God could give him better. Yes, it was a challenge but achievable; it was a loss that, with hard work, determination and a great plan from God, something good could come out of it. Again, as I mentioned before, it is the outlook that determines the outcome. If you just give up and say, 'I've had enough,' that is ok but, with a negative attitude such as that, you will never reach your full potential. Mountains like giants will come before you as you go about your everyday life but hey, you and God are giant-killers. With God, no Goliath will stop you.

Is God still on the Throne in your life? If He is, then seek Him and allow Him to show you the next step in your life. Rather like a book, chapters come to an end and a new one begins. This may be where you are today - beginning a new chapter and it may be scary. But take that negative feeling away and replace it with excitement - everything is exciting when God's at work. You’re a giant-slayer facing a new chapter and challenge. Allow the excitement to build up and take God's hand, but remember to fasten your seat belt because it may be a bumpy ride, but you will get there! It's never over until God says it is.

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

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Is it pay back time?

"So David crept forward and cut off a piece of the hem of Saul's robe."   

                                                                     1 Samuel 24:4   NLT

David had a great opportunity to get Saul out of his life forever. David and his men had been hiding from Saul in a cave when, all of a sudden Saul came in to relieve himself. Because of his jealousy, Saul was intent on killing David and had been searching for him following his battle with the Philistines. David's men encouraged him to take the opportunity to kill Saul but, he chose differently and crept up behind him and cut off a piece of his robe. David's reason was, Saul was God's anointed (v6), and he could not hurt what God had put into place. There's a lesson here, you may not like a particular leader of a church; they may be doing everything that you and others feel is wrong but, that person is still God's anointed. He has put that person in place and He will deal with what is wrong, not you, whether you like it or not, that person is God's anointed one so, be careful.

David chose a better way by cutting off part of Saul's robe, he would later be able to show Saul how he had spared his life. There are times when people will hurt you, whether it be by accident or intentional. The natural reaction is to want to retaliate but, what good would that do? You would be falling to their level but, more importantly, you would be preventing God from working on your behalf. Romans 12:19-21 plainly tells us that we should not take revenge, God will do that on our behalf. He is far better at this kind of thing than we are. So, if someone wrongs you, don't fall into an argument that may lead to a brawl; instead, give it to God and let Him sort it out for you.

For most people, this can be difficult. But, with discipline, it can be achieved. There are a lot of Christians who, when they think back, wish they had done this in the past. Don't be one of them, avoid being overrun with guilt and regret. Keep a tight rein on your mouth and be in control. We are told to be alert and ready, but this means to do things God's way, not to be a vigilante. 

In closing, what are your reactions like? Are you in control of them. Remember what James said in verse one: 'You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry'  James 1:19. NLT. This is a great place to start and one of those verses that you need to hang on to. If you do, you are well on the way to improving your reactions.

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

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Smile your way through trials

"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy."      James 1:2   NLT 

Charlie Chaplin, the great film star, was also a composer of music and penned quite a few classics over his life time. One of them, along with Geoffrey Parsons and John Turner went like this:

Smile though your heart is aching

Smile even though it's breaking

When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by

If you smile through your fear and sorrow

Smile and maybe tomorrow

You'll see the sun come shining through for you

if you just smile

When we put these words together with the above text, there is a connection - joy. James doesn't say if trouble comes your way but, when it does. The point here is not to pretend to be happy when we face pain but to have a positive outlook (Consider it an opportunity for great joy), because of what troubles can produce in our lives. James tells us to turn our problems into a time of learning because, tough times can teach us perseverance.

Warren W Wiersbe writes: 'Outlook determines outcome and attitude determines action.' It is how we receive such troubles in our life. We can either have a crisis and fall into great fear or, face the trouble and determine our way forward. There is always a way out, Jesus will ensure there is. It just takes a bit of finding.

Ask yourself, what is the point of getting into a complete state, losing your peace and consequently, getting yourself into such a panic that you can't even hear God? I know it is difficult, I've been there many times and not always took the positive route. It is how we view the situation; it can either consume you or you consume it and the only way you will be able to consume it is with the Joy of the Lord, because this is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10).

Troubles, if we allow them, can completely disarm us. Obviously, it depends on the severity of them but, all of them are not what we were expecting. Sometimes we can change the situation, sometimes we can't. We just have to take the rough with the smooth. But there really is a way through them, especially when we face them with the joy and strength of the Lord.

Therefore today, whatever you are facing, seek God's help, look at the outlook and determine that the outcome will be positive no matter what. Get your attitude in line with with God's power and forge a way forward in victory and triumph.This is what people do in their Daily Walk with Jesus.

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

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Pay attention

"My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. 21 Don't lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, 22 for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body."   Proverbs 4:20-22   NLT

One of my biggest faults at school was not listening to what the teacher was saying. I would drift off into my own world, oblivious to what was going on around me. Often, the teacher would notice this and ask me what I thought about what he was saying. I would splutter out a load of garbage and it was obvious that I had not been listening. I really had to work hard to catch up. This followed me into University, and many are the times that I would have to ask a friend what the tutor had been saying about some topic or other. My attention span was zilch and to a degree still is.

Many of us are like this; we are not all diagnosed with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), but we have so much going on in our heads that it is hard to focus. How many times have you been in church and haven't a clue what the preacher was talking about? This is something that we need to keep in check. Another area is reading, we can read a chapter and not have a clue what we have just read and, therefore, have to regress to the beginning again. 

Solomon, in these three verses above, encourages us to pay attention to what is being said and, this includes reading. He tells us that we need to listen carefully and not lose sight or fail to hear, what is being said. The words need to penetrate our hearts because they are life to us and healing to our whole body. In other words, they are full of wisdom and wisdom will lead us on to better things - a job, university place and whatever else. 

When we read the bible, we need to realise that the words we are reading are holy, powerful and bring life and healing to us. They are the Word of the Lord and  do we need to hear those. This is why reading our bible is paramount to whatever else we may read or do. If we don't read it and contain it in our hearts, we will miss out on what God is saying to us. He has the answer to what you are worrying about. He has the answer to what happened to your dream and why certain things have happened to you. The Word of God is our food and we need to eat it every day and not only that, we need to study it, so that we get a good picture of what is happening. Buy yourself a decent copy of the bible, one which is understandable but accurate as well. 

Ask God to help you concentrate, I have to and it works. Push yourself to grasp hold of what is being said, get a decent bible commentary to help explain the passage and learn to always pay attention whenever someone is speaking to you or, if you are reading something, especially your bible.

You haven't got ADD, you just need to discipline your whole mind and allow God to penetrate every inch of your life.

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

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If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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You'll never be forgiven now

"But if we confess our sins to Him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness."    I John 1:9   NLT 

How many times have you heard the statement that God won't forgive you now. This is a lie that the devil uses to completely disarm us in our tracks. We are human and, even though we belong to Jesus we continue to sin and will do until we are taken into heaven. However, the devil will try to convince us that we are wrong. It's almost like he tells us that there are small sins and big ones. We can just about get away with the small ones but, the big ones, No way Hosea. No, sin is sin.

The devil is a liar, always has been and always will be and a very convincing one too. He has the ability - if we allow him to - to make us feel so guilty and condemned that we fear that is it, we really have blown it this time. But we need to remember that, John was writing to believers when he penned this scripture. He was showing us, that, when we accepted Jesus we were forgiven for all of our sins there and then, and His death made the provision that when we sin - because we will do - He will forgive us as we confess it to Him.

There is no need to keep on asking Jesus to forgive us for something, He heard the first time and forgave us but, the lie that the devil spreads, makes it feel like we need to keep on saying we are sorry and seeking His forgiveness. When you think about this, we are assuming that God hasn't forgiven us and we should never feel that Jesus has denied us this. It's almost like saying His Word is a lie, and you know it isn't. Sometimes, we feel like the 'big sins' in our lives will still be with us when we die and go to heaven. Again, this is a lie. We are children of God and Jesus washed us in His blood. We are still open to commit sin and this is why we should always seek His forgiveness each day. 

The message for us today is that, we belong to Jesus, we are not yet perfect - far from it - but Jesus set you and I free. Therefore, when you commit sin, seek God straightaway and ask forgiveness and you will receive it. Remember this scripture; keep it in your heart and use it whenever you fall. You are forgiven

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

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The Back-Seat Driver

"The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees are the official interpreters of the law of Moses. 3 So practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don't follow their example. For they don't practice what they teach."   Matthew 23:2-3   NLT 

Here, Jesus was describing the Pharisees and declared that they were interpreters of the law of Moses. Therefore, He told His disciples to practice and do what they say but not to follow their example because, many of them were hypocrites and taught one thing but didn't live up to it themselves. They were a judgmental people and often insisted that man-made rules were equal with God's rules.

When you look through the Gospels you will see them condemning this and judging that and putting burdens upon people. Religion when it is used in this way, causes many problems and wars, throughout our world. Sadly, there are some Christians that put burdens upon their fellow believers, saying that their behaviour or dress is not in line with the Word of God or whatever.

In my early walk with Jesus, these type of people used to make me feel inferior because I was young and had little experience. Initially, this caused me a problem but I worked out that, when I mature, people like this will tell me I am too old. I decided not to try and people-please from thereon and concentrate on pleasing God. A far better plan.

We come up against all sorts of people and as long as they are honouring God, that is all we should be concerned about. Some people believe that they know everything and this can be difficult, especially when you are running a bible group. If you are not careful, they can take over. This reminds me of the old saying I've mentioned several times: 'If you let Satan into the back seat of your car, pretty soon he is going to want to drive.'

This leads me to back-seat drivers. We've probably all had to suffer this from time to time. You give someone a lift and very soon, they begin giving you instructions of where to park, what gear to drive in, watch your speed and you can't park there. You need wisdom and grace to deal with these people. I've often thought of stopping, telling them to get out and driving off. But that is not what Jesus would do, is it? 

The back-seat driver is just as difficult to deal with as the person who puts you down in church or tries to take over the teaching. Again, grace is called for and a zip on your mouth. It's true, we will never find a perfect person, I'm nowhere near that. Hey, watch it, neither are you. Joking aside, We have to practice what we preach. Our role model is Jesus, everything we do, should represent Jesus; not easy I know but, achievable. The Pharisees had the law of Moses but many didn't live it. We have God's Word and we are called to be ambassadors of Jesus Christ and, that means, putting up with back-seat drivers and people who know everything. Amen?

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers

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

Check it out

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