"And it will be that you shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there." 1 Kings 17:1-7. (4). NKJV
As long as you're walking in God's will, He will always look after you and provide your needs. As someone as said, 'Where the Lord leads, he feeds, where the Lord guides, He provides.'
Now Ahab, possibly the worst king that ever reigned in Israel, took Jezebel as his wife and together, they worshipped Baal, who was believed to be the god who controlled the rain. Ahab did evil in the sight of the God. Therefore, Elijah said to Ahab that there would be no rain until he said so. From that moment, Elijah was in a dangerous position and God told him to get away from the area and hide by the Brook Cherith. He would have water to drink and God would send ravens with food day and night, to feed him.
When God calls you to do a particular work for Him, He will always supply your needs. Your obedience brings you provision. The key to releasing Heavens supply, is to do exactly what God tells you to do. You will always miss your place of divine provision when you stop listening to God's voice and start following your own reasoning.
At times, things may appear stupid and silly to obey, but God knows what He is doing - you don't! If Elijah had gone to another brook instead of where God had told him to go, he would have missed his supply. Do you get the picture?
When you're living this way - by faith - you must obey God. At times, you can be tempted to take the road that seems to make more sense; if you do, you will miss out.
When I was doing my theological training, I received no pay at all and no bursary or grant. My wife had a job but it didn't bring in what we had to pay out. I had a choice - give up and get a job, or trust God for His provision. We chose the latter and a great adventure began, where God would supply food for us, clothes and even a car with all expenses paid. They were exciting times.
God will never let you down if you obey His leading. Whatever you are doing, planning or if you're being called out by God; trust and obey. As Elijah realised, God is a God of supply and protection, even though it may be a bumpy road ahead at times.
Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard
dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com
This is a blog that centres on Jesus Christ - my Lord and Saviour. My aim is to describe how He has helped over the years, together with offering daily teaching and encouragement
Tuesday 8 October 2019
Monday 7 October 2019
Competiveness
"What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretence or untruth, Christ is preached and in this, I rejoice, yes and will rejoice." Philippians 1:12-18. (v18). NKJV
Competitive people exist, not only in business, sport and other everyday activities, but they exist in the church too. Some church leaders can become jealous of another leader who has a bigger church. Some preachers want to shine and be the one who can get more people converted. Some worship leaders, want to outshine any of the other worship leaders. There is competition nearly everywhere that we look.
Paul faced this type of competition when he was on Roman House arrest, prior to his court appearance before Caesar. Therefore, he wrote to his close friends and Christians in Philippi. Some people were preaching from envy and strife, wanting to surpass Paul in ministry. They were trying to promote their own names above the good name of Paul. Some of these people, were glad Paul was imprisoned because it gave them the opportunity to get on and outdo him. Paul knew that they preached from selfish ambition. He knew they had wrong motives to do this, but he felt that if they were preaching the true gospel, it didn't worry him what their motives were or how much they were trying to be better than him. He more or less felt, that if their motives were bad, God would deal with them. At least the true gospel was being preached and people were hearing about Jesus, and that is all that mattered to him.
If people are preaching the true gospel of Jesus Christ, that is fine. Competitiveness is a normal, human characteristic. As long as it doesn't lead to someone being puffed up with pride and splitting a church because of their selfish ambition, it is tolerable.The proof of the pudding is in the eating; if Jesus is promoted in every area of a church, then all is well.
A great way to tackle a competitive spirit comes in the words of AW Tozer, who wrote a piece rebuking attitudes of competition among those in ministry:
“Dear Lord, I refuse henceforth to compete with any of Thy servants. They have congregations larger than mine. So be it. I rejoice in their success. They have greater gifts. Very well. That is not in their power nor in mine. I am humbly grateful for their greater gifts and my smaller ones. I only pray that I may use to Thy glory such modest gifts as I possess. I will not compare myself with any, nor try to build up my self-esteem by noting where I may excel one or another in Thy holy work. I herewith make a blanket disavowal of all intrinsic worth. I am but an unprofitable servant. I gladly go to the foot of the cross and own myself the least of Thy people. If I err in my self- judgement and actually underestimate myself I do not want to know it. I purpose to pray for others and to rejoice in their prosperity as if it were my own. And indeed it is my own if it is Thine own, for what is Thine is mine, and while one plants and another waters it is Thou alone that giveth the increase.” (from The Price of Neglect, 104-105)
Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard
dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com
Competitive people exist, not only in business, sport and other everyday activities, but they exist in the church too. Some church leaders can become jealous of another leader who has a bigger church. Some preachers want to shine and be the one who can get more people converted. Some worship leaders, want to outshine any of the other worship leaders. There is competition nearly everywhere that we look.
Paul faced this type of competition when he was on Roman House arrest, prior to his court appearance before Caesar. Therefore, he wrote to his close friends and Christians in Philippi. Some people were preaching from envy and strife, wanting to surpass Paul in ministry. They were trying to promote their own names above the good name of Paul. Some of these people, were glad Paul was imprisoned because it gave them the opportunity to get on and outdo him. Paul knew that they preached from selfish ambition. He knew they had wrong motives to do this, but he felt that if they were preaching the true gospel, it didn't worry him what their motives were or how much they were trying to be better than him. He more or less felt, that if their motives were bad, God would deal with them. At least the true gospel was being preached and people were hearing about Jesus, and that is all that mattered to him.
If people are preaching the true gospel of Jesus Christ, that is fine. Competitiveness is a normal, human characteristic. As long as it doesn't lead to someone being puffed up with pride and splitting a church because of their selfish ambition, it is tolerable.The proof of the pudding is in the eating; if Jesus is promoted in every area of a church, then all is well.
A great way to tackle a competitive spirit comes in the words of AW Tozer, who wrote a piece rebuking attitudes of competition among those in ministry:
“Dear Lord, I refuse henceforth to compete with any of Thy servants. They have congregations larger than mine. So be it. I rejoice in their success. They have greater gifts. Very well. That is not in their power nor in mine. I am humbly grateful for their greater gifts and my smaller ones. I only pray that I may use to Thy glory such modest gifts as I possess. I will not compare myself with any, nor try to build up my self-esteem by noting where I may excel one or another in Thy holy work. I herewith make a blanket disavowal of all intrinsic worth. I am but an unprofitable servant. I gladly go to the foot of the cross and own myself the least of Thy people. If I err in my self- judgement and actually underestimate myself I do not want to know it. I purpose to pray for others and to rejoice in their prosperity as if it were my own. And indeed it is my own if it is Thine own, for what is Thine is mine, and while one plants and another waters it is Thou alone that giveth the increase.” (from The Price of Neglect, 104-105)
Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard
dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com
Sunday 6 October 2019
Second Wind
"But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth." Revelation 3:16. New Living Translation
Cast you minds back to when you first got saved. We became Christians in October 1980 - my wife two days before me. It was an amazing time, one that was filled with a spiritual excitement that we had never thought was possible. We purchased bibles and bible notes; Christian books to tell us what we needed to know and Christian music records and tapes. We also went everywhere where we could learn more about Jesus. We both walked around with a copy of The Living Bible New Testament in our pockets and read it at every opportunity. It was an amazing time.
The honeymoon period of our Christian relationship with Jesus, lasted for ages. Every night when I came home from work and we had eaten and cleared everything away, Christian music was played all night and we would read and fill our minds with more and more of Jesus. We just couldn't get enough of Him. Life was so exciting.
The thing is, it is a honeymoon period. We're starting a new relationship with Jesus. However, after a time, rather like a marriage, reality kicks in. There is work to do, bills to be paid, kids to be fed and as the reality sets in more and more, spiritual attacks begin, something that we've heard and read about but have no clue how to handle them. It can be a confusing time. But we realise that Jesus is with us but as we grow more and more as a Christian, that wonderful feeling that we had initially, seems to go away.
When Jesus first comes into our lives, it is so wonderful and He holds us in His arms for quite a while as He feeds us with spiritual milk. As time goes on, He expects us to mature so that we are on solid food and able to go forward in our new life with Him. He never leaves us, He just wants us to start making our way in the Christian world. There are wolves out there and He wants us to learn how to fend them off. Our enemy, the devil will try all he can to get us to curse God and turn away from Him; and we have to learn to make a stand against him for Jesus.
It's not easy and for some, we can begin to lose a little of that fire that we first had - that spiritual excitement. You may be feeling that way right now. We need our 'Second Wind.' This is a return of the strength and energy that makes it possible for us to continue our activity or even start again.
Jesus, in our text above, refers to The Church in Laodicea, as being lukewarm. They had lost their fire - their get up and go. It's easy to do this. Lives are busy and if we take our eyes off the captain of the s hip, we can hit the rocks or sink. We need that lift - that Second Wind, to put us back on the road of excitement and fire. If that is where you are right now, say this prayer along with me and fly high in Jesus once more.
Lord Jesus
I come to You right now a little worse for wear. I confess Lord that I am lukewarm; I have lost that fire and excitement that I once had. But I recognise that You are the Chief Fire Starter and I ask you to give me my Second Wind right now. Fill me with the fire of the Holy Spirit. I mean business Lord. I do not wish to be lukewarm any longer, but red hot for You. Lord, come right now. I receive Your fire; I receive Your Holy Spirit, I receive that excitement for You once again. And I will get back to the business of doing Your will, of spreading Your Word; of letting people see who I belong to.
In Jesus' Name. Amen
Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard
dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com
Cast you minds back to when you first got saved. We became Christians in October 1980 - my wife two days before me. It was an amazing time, one that was filled with a spiritual excitement that we had never thought was possible. We purchased bibles and bible notes; Christian books to tell us what we needed to know and Christian music records and tapes. We also went everywhere where we could learn more about Jesus. We both walked around with a copy of The Living Bible New Testament in our pockets and read it at every opportunity. It was an amazing time.
The honeymoon period of our Christian relationship with Jesus, lasted for ages. Every night when I came home from work and we had eaten and cleared everything away, Christian music was played all night and we would read and fill our minds with more and more of Jesus. We just couldn't get enough of Him. Life was so exciting.
The thing is, it is a honeymoon period. We're starting a new relationship with Jesus. However, after a time, rather like a marriage, reality kicks in. There is work to do, bills to be paid, kids to be fed and as the reality sets in more and more, spiritual attacks begin, something that we've heard and read about but have no clue how to handle them. It can be a confusing time. But we realise that Jesus is with us but as we grow more and more as a Christian, that wonderful feeling that we had initially, seems to go away.
When Jesus first comes into our lives, it is so wonderful and He holds us in His arms for quite a while as He feeds us with spiritual milk. As time goes on, He expects us to mature so that we are on solid food and able to go forward in our new life with Him. He never leaves us, He just wants us to start making our way in the Christian world. There are wolves out there and He wants us to learn how to fend them off. Our enemy, the devil will try all he can to get us to curse God and turn away from Him; and we have to learn to make a stand against him for Jesus.
It's not easy and for some, we can begin to lose a little of that fire that we first had - that spiritual excitement. You may be feeling that way right now. We need our 'Second Wind.' This is a return of the strength and energy that makes it possible for us to continue our activity or even start again.
Jesus, in our text above, refers to The Church in Laodicea, as being lukewarm. They had lost their fire - their get up and go. It's easy to do this. Lives are busy and if we take our eyes off the captain of the s hip, we can hit the rocks or sink. We need that lift - that Second Wind, to put us back on the road of excitement and fire. If that is where you are right now, say this prayer along with me and fly high in Jesus once more.
Lord Jesus
I come to You right now a little worse for wear. I confess Lord that I am lukewarm; I have lost that fire and excitement that I once had. But I recognise that You are the Chief Fire Starter and I ask you to give me my Second Wind right now. Fill me with the fire of the Holy Spirit. I mean business Lord. I do not wish to be lukewarm any longer, but red hot for You. Lord, come right now. I receive Your fire; I receive Your Holy Spirit, I receive that excitement for You once again. And I will get back to the business of doing Your will, of spreading Your Word; of letting people see who I belong to.
In Jesus' Name. Amen
Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard
dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com
Saturday 5 October 2019
Values No 9 - Hope
"(2) We give thanks to God always for you, making mention of you in our prayers (3) remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labour of love and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of our God and father,"
1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 NKJV
In our final day of looking at Christian Values, let us look at hope. The Greek word for hope is elpis which means, not having wishful thinking without any foundation; but a confident expectation based on solid certainty.
Kenneth Copeland says:
'Wishing accomplishes nothing in the Kingdom of God; but hoping will, especially when you couple it with faith and love'. Copyright 1995 Kenneth Copeland
Biblical hope is certainty! Many people say, 'I hope to make it into Heaven one day.' That is not biblical hope, it is wishful thinking; it is almost like we say, 'fingers crossed.' Biblical hope says, 'I hope - fully that I will go to Heaven someday. I have a certainty about it Because Jesus is My Lord and He has gone to prepare a place for me.' (John 14:2-3)
But saying, 'I hope to make it into Heaven one day,' is uncertainty. As born again believers of Jesus Christ, He has given us a certainty of Heaven. It is not being facetious or big-headed, rude or pompous. It is being certain of what Jesus tells us: '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).
Living with biblical hope changes your life. God wants us living this way. He wants all of us and that includes our ailments and problems. As we give everything to Him, totally trusting Him for everything in our lives, we transfer over from uncertainty to certainty in Jesus. To be uncertain is to doubt Jesus. Have you ever considered that.? When problems come our way or a big bill drops onto the mat, the best way is to say, 'Lord, we have a problem here, but I'm trusting in you.' It is not being irresponsible. It is putting Jesus in the driving seat of our lives. Doubting and getting all wound up and upset about stuff, is putting Satan in the driving seat. Who would you sooner have drive you? Yes, so would I.
So grab hold of biblical hope and start living at a new level in Jesus. Yes, it may be scary at first but if you trust Jesus, you know that He will NEVER let you down.!
Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard
dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com
1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 NKJV
In our final day of looking at Christian Values, let us look at hope. The Greek word for hope is elpis which means, not having wishful thinking without any foundation; but a confident expectation based on solid certainty.
Kenneth Copeland says:
'Wishing accomplishes nothing in the Kingdom of God; but hoping will, especially when you couple it with faith and love'. Copyright 1995 Kenneth Copeland
Biblical hope is certainty! Many people say, 'I hope to make it into Heaven one day.' That is not biblical hope, it is wishful thinking; it is almost like we say, 'fingers crossed.' Biblical hope says, 'I hope - fully that I will go to Heaven someday. I have a certainty about it Because Jesus is My Lord and He has gone to prepare a place for me.' (John 14:2-3)
But saying, 'I hope to make it into Heaven one day,' is uncertainty. As born again believers of Jesus Christ, He has given us a certainty of Heaven. It is not being facetious or big-headed, rude or pompous. It is being certain of what Jesus tells us: '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).
Living with biblical hope changes your life. God wants us living this way. He wants all of us and that includes our ailments and problems. As we give everything to Him, totally trusting Him for everything in our lives, we transfer over from uncertainty to certainty in Jesus. To be uncertain is to doubt Jesus. Have you ever considered that.? When problems come our way or a big bill drops onto the mat, the best way is to say, 'Lord, we have a problem here, but I'm trusting in you.' It is not being irresponsible. It is putting Jesus in the driving seat of our lives. Doubting and getting all wound up and upset about stuff, is putting Satan in the driving seat. Who would you sooner have drive you? Yes, so would I.
So grab hold of biblical hope and start living at a new level in Jesus. Yes, it may be scary at first but if you trust Jesus, you know that He will NEVER let you down.!
Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard
dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com
Friday 4 October 2019
Values No 8 - Wisdom
"Therefore, whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock." Matthew 7:24. NKJV
Wisdom is a unique and important value; it helps us to decide on the right choices in life and helps us to learn through the mistakes that we have made.
In our text today, we see two men who built houses. One worked really hard, building on rock but the other one, took the easier route and built his house on the sand. To the world, the houses looked identical - their outward appearance was the same. However, their foundations were different, one had a firm foundation, the other was the risky option.
Note what Jesus says in our text above. 'Whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them.'
Wisdom tells us to abide by what Jesus tells us to do: 'But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.' (James 1:22). Wisdom shows us that we should always obey Jesus and carry out what He tells us; and this parable shows the foolishness of disobedience. (Read Matthew 7:24-27.)
When the storms came, the house that had a firm foundation by being built on the rock, survived and was still intact. The house that was built on sand, collapsed and was washed away.
Timothy tells us:
Wisdom is a unique and important value; it helps us to decide on the right choices in life and helps us to learn through the mistakes that we have made.
In our text today, we see two men who built houses. One worked really hard, building on rock but the other one, took the easier route and built his house on the sand. To the world, the houses looked identical - their outward appearance was the same. However, their foundations were different, one had a firm foundation, the other was the risky option.
Note what Jesus says in our text above. 'Whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them.'
Wisdom tells us to abide by what Jesus tells us to do: 'But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.' (James 1:22). Wisdom shows us that we should always obey Jesus and carry out what He tells us; and this parable shows the foolishness of disobedience. (Read Matthew 7:24-27.)
When the storms came, the house that had a firm foundation by being built on the rock, survived and was still intact. The house that was built on sand, collapsed and was washed away.
Timothy tells us:
'And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.'
2 Timothy 2:5
To be a winner, we have to work according to the rules that are set out before us by God. The rewards for Christian service, depend on our faithfulness - doing what God tells us to do. He knows best and He knows the way forward and it is total wisdom to believe Him and trust His direction.
Outwards appearances can be deceiving. It is what is on the inside that shows a person's true character and what they're building on. To survive the storms of life - and they will come fast and furious at times - you will have to build your life on the rock, the foundation of Jesus. It is the only way.
We started this piece on wisdom helping us to make the right choices. How wise are you? Are you wise enough to realise, that your foundation at this time may be a wobbly one; or are you certain that you are building on solid ground. A good test is whether you are able to get through the storms of life and still be standing firm, praising God.
Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard
Thursday 3 October 2019
Values No 7 - Peace
"Peace, I love with you' My peace, I give to you, not as the world gives do I give to you.
Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27. NKJV
The Greek word here for peace, that Jesus used, is called eirene and means, a state of rest. It also includes quietness, calmness, absence of strife, tranquillity, perfect well-being. In addition it means, harmonious relationships between God and man, men and men, nations, and families. Jesus is the Prince of Peace and will give this peace to all who call upon Him.
Jesus wants to give you His peace. Yet, things of the world rob us of this on a daily basis. From the moment we awake and start to get on with the day, we are a target for the evil one to attack us and rob us of this peace. If you have children, they need to get to school and are demanding this and that. Sometimes they appear to do everything that you don't want them to, or it seems that way. Telephone ringing, burnt toast, late for school, the dog needs walking and don't forget about the washing. Off to work, stuck in the traffic, then the car breaks down or you drive through a police speed camera because you had lost concentration. This is all a recipe for stress.
What can you do differently to avoid all of this? There is a way, it's just finding it. However, trying to find peace when you are totally wound up is a 'no-go area.' This is why we read"
Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27. NKJV
The Greek word here for peace, that Jesus used, is called eirene and means, a state of rest. It also includes quietness, calmness, absence of strife, tranquillity, perfect well-being. In addition it means, harmonious relationships between God and man, men and men, nations, and families. Jesus is the Prince of Peace and will give this peace to all who call upon Him.
Jesus wants to give you His peace. Yet, things of the world rob us of this on a daily basis. From the moment we awake and start to get on with the day, we are a target for the evil one to attack us and rob us of this peace. If you have children, they need to get to school and are demanding this and that. Sometimes they appear to do everything that you don't want them to, or it seems that way. Telephone ringing, burnt toast, late for school, the dog needs walking and don't forget about the washing. Off to work, stuck in the traffic, then the car breaks down or you drive through a police speed camera because you had lost concentration. This is all a recipe for stress.
What can you do differently to avoid all of this? There is a way, it's just finding it. However, trying to find peace when you are totally wound up is a 'no-go area.' This is why we read"
'You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist'
Golda Meir/Indira Ghandi
All things can be worked out; it just takes a little time and patience to find the way; and do you know something? God has the answer. He told us to not to be troubled or afraid; He told us that He had left His peace with us - He has given it to us, so seek Him out and allow Him to show you how to apply this to the areas that you are tripping up with each day.
You may have a short fuse, so get it fixed. You may be prone to flap around, then like the eagle, find a way to soar through it all. Crazy? No it isn't.
God wants you in a state of eirene peace. A place of calmness and tranquillity. It's attainable but YOU must reach out and grab hold of it.
Therefore, find some time today to do just that. Spend time with our Peacemaker and let Him alter a few valves within you.
Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard
Wednesday 2 October 2019
Values No 6 - Compassion
"But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion." Luke 10:30-37. NKJV
Today we look at the value of 'Compassion,' and it is wonderfully demonstrated in the parable of The Good Samaritan. A man left Jerusalem and walked along the road to Jericho. Now this road was famous for attacks so it was always recommended that going it alone was dangerous and risky. This turned out to be a true, some robbers and thugs, jumped out on the man from their hiding place, robbed him and severely beat him, leaving him to die.
After a time, a priest came along. The man seeing him, immediately had a hope that he would be helped and taken to safety. However, the priest walked by on the other side. Later, a Levite also came along and he did the same - walked by on the other side. The man must have been devastated. Then, a Samaritan came along and without hesitation knelt down, bandaged the man's wounds, gave him a drink and took him on his animal to an Inn and paid the Innkeeper to take care of him until he returned from his journey.
Now the man that showed the injured man compassion, was a Samaritan- one of the most hatred breed to a Jew. There was racial division towards the Samaritans, and yet, this despised source, showed the man love, care and compassion; whereas, the priest and the Levite, decided to pass by without helping.
Let's think about this for a moment. It could have been very costly for the Samaritan to stop and help. He didn't know if the man was a decoy and as soon as he stopped to help, he may be attacked and robbed himself. It was a risky decision. And let us not be too hard on the priest and Levite. It would be so easy to judge them. However, we don't know the circumstances why they didn't help. What would you have done in the circumstances? Bring it forward to today's problems and tragedies like terrorism in our cities. It takes guts to stop and help. However, stop and help the Samaritan did; and because of the compassion that he showed, the man would never forget his kindness.
Compassion is being able to recognise when somebody needs help. It's the ability to recognise that someone needs to talk to you and have you listen. That's the secret, listening - we tend to talk too much at times.
Is there someone you need to show some compassion to today; or would it be easier to pass by on the other side and leave it to someone else? Many people are messed up, hurting and confused. A listening ear and heartfelt compassion towards them, can be just what they're longing for.
Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard
dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com
Today we look at the value of 'Compassion,' and it is wonderfully demonstrated in the parable of The Good Samaritan. A man left Jerusalem and walked along the road to Jericho. Now this road was famous for attacks so it was always recommended that going it alone was dangerous and risky. This turned out to be a true, some robbers and thugs, jumped out on the man from their hiding place, robbed him and severely beat him, leaving him to die.
After a time, a priest came along. The man seeing him, immediately had a hope that he would be helped and taken to safety. However, the priest walked by on the other side. Later, a Levite also came along and he did the same - walked by on the other side. The man must have been devastated. Then, a Samaritan came along and without hesitation knelt down, bandaged the man's wounds, gave him a drink and took him on his animal to an Inn and paid the Innkeeper to take care of him until he returned from his journey.
Now the man that showed the injured man compassion, was a Samaritan- one of the most hatred breed to a Jew. There was racial division towards the Samaritans, and yet, this despised source, showed the man love, care and compassion; whereas, the priest and the Levite, decided to pass by without helping.
Let's think about this for a moment. It could have been very costly for the Samaritan to stop and help. He didn't know if the man was a decoy and as soon as he stopped to help, he may be attacked and robbed himself. It was a risky decision. And let us not be too hard on the priest and Levite. It would be so easy to judge them. However, we don't know the circumstances why they didn't help. What would you have done in the circumstances? Bring it forward to today's problems and tragedies like terrorism in our cities. It takes guts to stop and help. However, stop and help the Samaritan did; and because of the compassion that he showed, the man would never forget his kindness.
Compassion is being able to recognise when somebody needs help. It's the ability to recognise that someone needs to talk to you and have you listen. That's the secret, listening - we tend to talk too much at times.
Is there someone you need to show some compassion to today; or would it be easier to pass by on the other side and leave it to someone else? Many people are messed up, hurting and confused. A listening ear and heartfelt compassion towards them, can be just what they're longing for.
Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard
dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com
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