Jesus will not put up with injustice

"11 And Jesus went into Jerusalem and into the Temple. So when He had looked around at all things, as the hour was already late, He went out to Bethany with the twelve."
                                                                                                   Mark 11:11 & 15-19  NKJV

This piece of scripture is usually viewed together with the account of The Fig Tree verses 12-14 & 20-24. But let us look at the account of Jesus in the Temple and then we'll look at The Fig Tree account tomorrow.

Jesus went into Jerusalem and entered the Temple there. Note that, 'He looked around at all things, v11. What He was doing was summing up the situation - doing a recce. He would have heard so many rumours about what was happening there that He wanted to check out the situation Himself. William Barclay states, 'When He looked round everything, He was like a Commander summing up the strength of the opposition and His own resources, preparatory to the decisive battle.'

After Jesus had done this, because of the hour, and the knowledge that they had three miles or so to walk back home, He decided that they needed to get back before it became dark. He also needed to rest and recuperate for the task He had the next day. He needed strength and courage for what He had to do. He also needed to spend time with His father.

The next day, rested and ready for the job ahead, Jesus and His disciples set off again for Jerusalem. By now the disciples must have been thinking that He acted quite weird at times. Going into the Temple and just staring around, going back home and now returning there. They just couldn't figure Him out. Yet, they couldn't leave Him. He was irresistible to them; they just had to remain with Him. They were free to leave Him at any time. No one would have stopped them, but they were faithful to Him. Many times, we can't figure things out; why He allows this or that but seems to ignore other things. We have a choice, we could easily desert Him. The thing is, once you have experienced life with Jesus, there really is no other way of life.

The Temple area is known in Hebrew as Hieron and translated as 'a sacred place'. It would have been around 30 acres in size. There was a wide outer area which was called the Court of the Gentiles. Anyone could enter this - Jew or Gentile. However, if a Gentile went past a certain point, it was punishable by death. People went there to pay their taxes which was half a shekel for the year, which was quite expensive. The coinage had to be a shekel, nothing else was accepted. This is why there were many money changers. They charged exorbitant prices for this exchange, sometimes up to three times as much. Also the people could purchase doves outside of the Temple, quite cheaply. However, it was rare for the Temple Inspectors to accept these owing to blemishes that they would find. They sold their own doves which cost fifteen times as much. It really was a thriving yet unfair business.

Jesus had witnessed all of this the day before and He was angry. Also, His anger grew because Gentiles were not allowed to go to areas in the Temple where a Jew could go. He knew the scripture that said, 'My house shall be called a House of Prayer for all people (nation).' Isaiah 56:7, and He considered this discriminatory. Put together with the way the people were being ripped off at high costs, He took action. He drove out of the Temple, the money changers and overturned the tables of those who sold doves until it was empty.

Jesus will not put up with injustice. Sooner or later He will act or use one of us to step up and take authority. Today's text shows us how He looks around and takes note of things. We can always expect Him to shake up the applecart where injustice rules.

Perhaps He is showing you something that needs to be challenged!

Copyright 2020 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@hotmail.com

Soldiers Part 4

"You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier."                                                                                  2 Timothy 2:3-4.  NKJV

I mentioned in Part 1 about attitude. This is a major area that we need to be able to contend with. Attitude shows in our behaviour, it shows in what we say; how we handle ourselves and in our faces. When we have an attitude it is incredibly difficult to hide this fact and it is a killer to our whole Christian witness.

Regular soldiers are taught to deal with attitude. This is not always successful and takes a lot of training, will-power and practise. Even then, it can surface again many years later if regular attention isn't given to it. Christians are taught to deal with this by 'Dying to self'. This means that you are no longer subject to a certain behaviour because you have died to this and a new life has begun:

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life that I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me."                                                                                            Galatians 2:20.  NKJV

With Christian discipline, it is possible to die to your old self, with all the rough edges, and be a new person - have a new life - in Jesus. A word of warning here though. This is not a once only thing. It needs to be done each and every day, rather like putting on your armour. It is discipline and a soldier is trained to discipline their body and their behaviour on a regular basis. It's called training.

Regular soldiers are taught not to react in certain circumstances, such as being interrogated. Name, rank and number is really the only permissible reaction that they can offer, no matter what the questions are about. Regular soldiers are also taught not to react in certain situations, such as being insulted and intimidated while on duty, especially guard duty at certain barracks or when on duty in delicate areas. God's soldiers  would benefit from this type of training and discipline. Many are the times when we are ridiculed, persecuted and considered mad by some unbelievers. Actually, unbelievers are taking risks with where they will spend eternity, because even the devil believes in God:

"You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe - and tremble."
                                                                                                          James 2:19

One of the hardest things to do, is to bless people who persecute and curse us. Those who do everything to upset and ridicule us and make our lives miserable. We have to bless them not curse. (Romans 12:14). This is the type of discipline God's soldiers have to get right. It's not easy, but then again, nothing ever is. It takes effort, hard work and sheer will-power to be able to react in this way to our enemy. Unlike the regular army, God will take care of our enemies if we react in this way. Try to remember that when you are in a situation like this, (and you will be). 

The SAS, SBS and other highly trained soldiers throughout the world, are called the elite, and quite rightly so. But you, as a member of the Army of the Living God are the Lord's Elite. There is no one quite like you. You make mistakes, but bounce back, you moan and groan but still go that extra mile, you mess up every day but still try your best. You are the elite and even though you fall into sin most days, you have a Commanding Officer who is right beside you, even on the front line. Wherever you go, He goes. Even though you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, there is no need to fear because He is with you, right beside you. (Psalm 23:4). 
So make sure that you buff up your Armour before you put it on, pick up your sword - your bible, the Word of God and go mightily into battle, soldier.

By the way, Regular soldiers sign on for a few years and then are discharged. There is no discharge in God's Army. You are in it for life, no matter what age you are. So go ahead and serve your Commander in Chief - Jesus Christ.

Copyright 2020 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@hotmail.com

PS MY BOOK WILL BE OUT ROUND ABOUT THE SPRING 

DAILY LIFE WITH JESUS

FEATURING A YEARS COMMENTARIES

I'LL LET YOU KNOW WHEN IT'S RELEASED

KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN!

Soldiers Part 3

"You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier."                                                                                  2 Timothy 2:3-4.  NKJV

Part of being a soldier is the ability to keep the peace. Soldiers have to fight at times but their other job is making peace wherever they may be. There's a lot of unrest all around and soldiers in God's Army have the power to spread the Spirit of Peace around. But to offer this peace, they must firstly have this peace themselves. You can't give out what you don't possess. 

Preachers often say, 'I'm preaching to myself here,' and what they mean is, 'I'm preaching to you about what I need to sort out in myself.' When this happens, it is the Holy Spirit pinpointing things that need to be adjusted. It can happen in counselling situations where the client starts talking about something that the counsellor is struggling with too. You may have felt this when you're speaking with someone. In one way, it shows us that none of us are perfect. In another way, if we are going to witness about Jesus to someone, we need to sort out our own life. Otherwise it can verge on the side of hypocrisy.

Hypocrisy is a big problem in the Family of God and is something that the unbeliever looks for when they're speaking with us. The apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13:1, 'Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become a sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.' This is so true. We can be tempted to talk about a person when they're not in our presence, or believe some gossip about someone, that may not even be true. Then, we go to church and start praising God as if we've done nothing wrong. The thing is, we are not called to gossip about people or keep records of people wrongs. We're called to think the best of them - to love them. Not easy at times, probably but that's our calling and what a good soldier of Jesus does.

The final settlement for a Regular soldier is a pension, possibly a trade and various medals that they may have earned. The downside to this is the scars that they carry; the memories, the wounds and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. They may also be institutionalised after serving in an environment where they are ordered around, looked after, fed etc etc. This is why we see some veterans on our streets because they just cannot face civilian life. Other ex soldiers manage in life but hide all of these memories in booze and drugs, overwork and other things.
The final settlement for a soldier in God's Army is eternal life, and the rewards from God for the service they gave to other people. 

Both category of soldier have had to take the land and to overcome the enemy. One has done it with their own personal weapon in their hand, such as a rifle or machine gun, The other soldier has completed this dressed in the armour of God with a sword in their hand. Both have scars; both have been criticised, judged, disregarded and forgotten and lost friends and family. The thing is, soldiers get shot at, this is the price they pay for joining up:

"forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press towards the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.'

                                                                                                                        Philippians 3:13-14

They never give up and if you belong to God's Army, I'm talking about you. You may have been wounded and scarred, left on the side-lines and beaten up by Christian life, but you're still here, you're still standing. Well done. It's been a battle you've had for a while now but you've come this far, don't give up the race now. Keep going, there's a great reward ahead. Regular Army officers have to be saluted first before they return this greeting. Your Commanding Office Jesus Christ salutes you right now for all you've done for Him and He is grateful.

But keep buffing up your kit, it's not over yet.

See you at Reveille tomorrow

Copyright 2020 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@hotmail.com

Soldiers Part 2

"You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier."                                                                                  2 Timothy 2:3-4.  NKJV

There is another area that a soldier in God's Army can kill, and that is faith. God's Word tells us that we were healed by the stripes of Jesus (1 Peter 2:24) and yet we'll go around saying things like, 'I've got a splitting headache,' or 'The pain in this tooth is killing me.' On the subjects of finances, we may confess, 'I'm skint, things will never get better.' If we go around saying this kind of stuff, things never will get better or we'll lose our healing. Self-fulfilled prophecy is dangerous stuff. What we confess, we'll get. When we speak or act negative then we kill any sign of faith happening. This is why Jesus could do very little when He visited His home town. (Matthew 13:57-58). Watch what you say and think. A soldier in God's Army needs to be fit and in good shape.

One of the essential parts of a soldier's make up, is that he or she must be exemplary in all they do. People need to know that we are reliable and trustworthy. Jesus needs to know that He can count on us to carry out the orders of the day. He trusts us. Do a self-assessment. Ask yourself, 'Does what I do and say point to Jesus?' Be honest and tough on yourself with this. It's part of our training and a soldier needs to train each day to be in peak form. If you've let Him down in an area, ask forgiveness and make some adjustments so that this is not repeated. This way, you'll be competing according to the rules. (2 Timothy 2:5). 

We can't see Jesus and at times it's easy to believe that He can't see us either. But He can; He sees and hears everything. We need to take on board that some of the things we become involved in - our words and deeds, we would never dream of doing them in the Queen's presence. We'd be on our best behaviour. Then why aren't we doing this for the King of kings? He is there with us 24/7. Even though He's not visible, we need to remember He is overseeing all that we do.

We should never keep a record of people's wrongs. We're not called to judge. However, it is useful and a good fitness exercise, to keep a record of ours. This is how we learn to assess our progress. Soldiers in the Regular Army need to keep fit and work on the areas that they are weak in. They need to push themselves to the limit to be able to reach their goal. Soldiers in God's Army are no different. We let ourselves down each day in various ways. God's Soldiers train every day, not just on a Sunday and then have the week off. It's got to be full on. Therefore, make notes on areas where improvements can be made. This may be in controlling anger, or training the tongue, standing on God's Word for something or praying. Regular soldiers go to the gym. God's soldiers need to do the same - their gym being a place which is dedicated for quiet times each day. Regular soldiers can't afford to cut corners and miss a day, neither can  God's soldiers. We're on active service. Don't be tempted to take a day off. It may cost you severely.

Regular soldiers train with bricks in their back pack or telegraph poles on their shoulders; God's soldiers train with armour on their bodies and a sword in their hand and with sheer determination, they make the grade.

More tomorrow after your training sessions

Copyright 2020 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@hotmail.com

Soldiers Part 1

"You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier."                                                                                  2 Timothy 2:3-4.  NKJV

Over the next day or two, I would like to address the subject of Soldiers and their responsibilities within the Regular Army and God's Army, There are quite a few similarities.

First of all, we have the Regular Army where men and women serve our country, providing us with freedom and protection. In the UK, they volunteer for this role and can serve - as a career - for many years. Then there is God's Army, where men, women and this time, children serve as Soldiers of Jesus Christ. 

When you consider it, both armies qualify for active service. The Regular Army can be deployed to battle areas throughout the world whenever there is a conflict. God's Army, are on continuous active service, day and night 24/7. The Regulars serve the Queen and her government; God's Army serves Jesus Christ - their Commander in Chief. Both swear allegiance to their respective leaders and both must compete according to the rules:

'he competes according to the rules'.  2 Timothy 2:5

Whatever army you belong to, there is a need for discipline, commitment, dedication and to be fit, healthy and highly trained. At times, there is a need to endure hardship. In battle, nothing is ever easy and it takes a focused mind in order to survive and get the job done. 

Both armies need to be vigilant; there is an enemy out there and they won't give up because they too, are dedicated in their role. There is no time for distraction or for messing around. It is a serious and dangerous business and there is a need to be prepared and alert for whatever may be around the corner.

Regular soldiers are trained to kill, if need be. You may think that this is a major difference between the two armies but you would be wrong. Members of God's Army can kill too! They can kill the moment with their bad attitude, complaining, moaning and walking around with the biggest frown, pointing the finger at everyone except themselves. They can kill their reputations by not competing according to the rules. (2 Timothy 2:5). They can kill their ministry by becoming involved in things such as, adultery, homosexuality, fornication, stealing, pride and self-seeking and let us not forget the tongue which can utter some bad things if not controlled. They can kill their testimonies by not living up to what they confess. Unbelievers love this kind of stuff and look around for the opportunity to point the finger at hypocrisy. The devil has a hey day in areas such as this. 

So you see, both armies are capable of killing. As Christians we are enlisted into God's Army, which is a difference to the Regular Army which is volunteer based. However, it can be argued that a Christian volunteers to follow Jesus, so therefore volunteers for His Army.

My point here is that the two armies offer similarities  and require similar conditions and rules to be successful.

We'll look in more detail in Part 2 tomorrow

Copyright 2020 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@hotmail.com

If you need help, prayer or want to discuss an issue, please email the above

Don't Limit God

"Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over {and} above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]--"                              Ephesians 3:20.  Amplified Bible

Let me tell you something - HE IS ABLE! He is able to help with whatever troubles you; whatever you need; whatever you want; whatever you desire. He's not a Santa Clause figure - no, He is God, but He is still able. Note the word, 'Able' and take it on board. He is very able.

The New Kings James Version quotes the phrase- exceedingly abundantly. This is what we studied the other day in John 10:10. In other words He can give you superabundance, more than you can ever imagine. He meets our needs and wants (Psalm 23:5), according to the power that works within us. This statement is two-fold. Firstly, we need to believe that He is able to do whatever we ask or whatever He tells us and, secondly, realise that we have His power working within us. Sometimes, we may believe that He can do whatever but fail to realise that the One who tells us this, dwells within us. Yes, the creator of this world, the One who died on the cross for each one of us, lives in our hearts - if we've invited Him in.

Smith Wigglesworth used to say, 'If God said it, I believe it and that settles it.' Nothing would persuade him differently. Again, Oral Roberts said, 'Don't ever think small again.' Don't limit Him at all. He can do it, He is able. 

This includes healing, supply and provision, our needs and our wants. He's Our Father. He loves us and He wants to bless us - His children, so that we can be a blessing to others:

"6 But this I say, He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound towards you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work."

                                                                                         2 Corinthians 9:6-8   NKJV

All of this seems confusing and impossible to unbelievers. Many believe that it is impossible to believe that Heaven exists and if we believe in Jesus, we will live there one day. But God is able to do this wonderful blessing - nothing is unbelievable with Him. He can do far above what we think. He is the power working in us and can and will do what He chooses, and that means anything you could ever think of and also the things that you have never thought of either.  'What you mean is?' 'Yes that's right- He can'.

This year make it your purpose to get into superabundance thinking. God is rich,He always was. He is rich in everything. Don't limit Him. Whatever He tells you, believe Him and call it in. Whatever you ask Him for in prayer, believe that He has heard you and stand on that. Don't ever think small again. We serve a big, awesome God!

Copyright 2020 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@hotmail.com          I'd love to hear from you

Stand and Refuse to be Intimidated

"When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord, in one place. And suddenly, there came a sound from Heaven as of a rushing, mighty wind and it filled  the whole house where they were sitting."              Acts 2:1-2   NKJV

Jerusalem and the people would never be the same again. The Holy Spirit had come as Jesus had promised and there was chaos in the streets. People were speaking in strange languages and dialects and yet everyone understood. 

Basically, there were only two languages that was spoken in this day; the Jews mostly spoke Aramaic and the rest spoke in Greek. However, like today, there were different dialects from different regions. Now there was also a very special language - tongues - a language from the Holy Spirit. , but everyone still understood what was being said. Picture the scene, it is no wonder that some were saying that they were drunk (Acts 2:13). God had turned up with His Spirit and the place was literally on fire. 

Now, whenever there is a revival from God, the devil is revived too. He will do all he can to cause people to doubt what is happening and put it down to madness. One example was the Toronto Blessing back in the late 90's. Many thousands were blessed and healed and had their lives changed forever. Many others though, including the media, claimed that it was the work of the devil.

You may notice this in your own life too. You are blessed by God and become on fire yourself with the Holy Spirit. You're flying high, at 50,000 feet, reading your bible, playing worship CD's non-stop and full blast and filling all day, of every day with Jesus. All of a sudden, it all goes wrong and everything and everyone appears to be against you. What has happened? The devil has fired a dart at you (Ephesians 6:16). All of a sudden, that wonderful, Godly feeling has left and arguments, unrest and bad things take over. You feel floored and robbed. Well, that is what has happened; the devil is a thief and he has snatched your feeling away. (John 10:10). This is not the time to feel sorry for yourself. This is the time to stand and keep standing (Ephesians 6:10-18).

You must tell the devil to depart. You have the authority. Jesus gave it to you (Luke 10:19). Stand up to him and order him out: 

"Look here devil, you have no right in my life. I AM a believer in Jesus of Nazareth. He is My Saviour and lives in my heart. So depart from me and this situation now. In Jesus' Name."                                                    

The devil prowls around wherever the Word of God is established. Don't be surprised if he uses your boss at work, your family or your friends and neighbours to make your life difficult. The word for you is to 'Stand'. Put on your armour; read your bible; pray; praise God and refuse to be intimidated.

You're the son or daughter of the King of kings. Don't forget it!

Copyright 2020 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@hotmail.com   I would love to hear from you