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DAILY LIFE WITH JESUS
A Daily Commentary
A WHOLE YEAR OF COMMENTARIES (366) IN ONE BOOK
Monday, 3 February 2020
Riches and Persecutions
"Then Peter began to say to Him, 'See, we have left all and followed You." V28
Mark 10:23-31. NKJV
Peter was the type of person that we can all relate to, outspoken and a bit of a rough diamond, but Jesus loved him, as He does us, and was gradually getting him ready for service, as He is us too.
Prior to today's commentary in Mark 10-17-22, there we see a rich young ruler who wanted to follow Jesus but was reluctant to give up his extravagant lifestyle. This is quite a common thing today. Many people want to be Christians but struggle with tithing. When it comes to giving up all they have to go to bible college, be a missionary or pastor a church with very little remuneration, it is a major problem.
This was one of the problems here. This man was rich and no doubt wanted for nothing. That was ok; but Jesus was asking him to go all the way and be prepared to give it all up and follow Him. It was probably a test to see how dedicated the man would be; how committed to being a disciple instead of the gentry. He chose not to follow Jesus.
Jesus commented on this and Peter interrupted Him with, 'We've given everything up to follow you, what about our needs? (paraphrase). Jesus reassured him that all those who choose to follow Jesus and give up their livelihood, will be taken care of. They will want for nothing. However, not everyone is called to give up all they have to work for Jesus. Millions are doing that in their everyday jobs all over the world. But those who feel the calling of God and choose to follow Him, wholeheartedly, will be blessed and have their needs met.
However, this is never easy, as verse 30 shows us. There will be persecutions. Whether you work for Jesus full time or serve Him in your everyday life in your job, once people know that you're a Christian, the flak will start coming your way. Why is that? Well, all of a sudden you become a threat to the devil - yes you! He didn't like you very much before you were born again. Now he literally hates you because you have the ability to cause mayhem in his domain. Therefore, he guides people to give you a bad time.
Bosses, neighbours and even family see you as strange and an oddball. You become an embarrassment to your family and friends and some neighbours may avoid you. Bosses may discriminate against you and some forbid you to speak about Jesus. That happened to me at one time. Also, you may see fellow Christians having a blessed time, with all of their needs met while you are scrimping and short of cash, even though you have prayed non-stop. A word here that you need to remember, Jesus said, 'But many are who are first will be last and the last first.' V31:
This was the qualifying remark regarding the apostle’s reward. All who sacrifice for the Lord will be rewarded, but God’s way and timing of rewarding may not match up with man’s way and timing of being rewarded. When God rewards, expect the unexpected.
If you have honoured God with your time, your finances. your livelihood and all you have, He will honour you. That's a promise. But He doesn't say when. This is where our faith and trust need to apply. You may be feeling let down at the moment - people persecuting you, short of finance and struggling with bills, children and such like. You may have spoken to Jesus all the time about this, but with nothing in return. Well, you're in for a blessing! Stand firm, praise and trust God, thank Him and receive from Him by faith what you've asked Him for, and you will have it.
This is not the time to give up, it is the time to look up - to Jesus.
Copyright 2020 Grahame Howard
dailylifewithjesus@hotmail.com
dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com
Mark 10:23-31. NKJV
Peter was the type of person that we can all relate to, outspoken and a bit of a rough diamond, but Jesus loved him, as He does us, and was gradually getting him ready for service, as He is us too.
Prior to today's commentary in Mark 10-17-22, there we see a rich young ruler who wanted to follow Jesus but was reluctant to give up his extravagant lifestyle. This is quite a common thing today. Many people want to be Christians but struggle with tithing. When it comes to giving up all they have to go to bible college, be a missionary or pastor a church with very little remuneration, it is a major problem.
This was one of the problems here. This man was rich and no doubt wanted for nothing. That was ok; but Jesus was asking him to go all the way and be prepared to give it all up and follow Him. It was probably a test to see how dedicated the man would be; how committed to being a disciple instead of the gentry. He chose not to follow Jesus.
Jesus commented on this and Peter interrupted Him with, 'We've given everything up to follow you, what about our needs? (paraphrase). Jesus reassured him that all those who choose to follow Jesus and give up their livelihood, will be taken care of. They will want for nothing. However, not everyone is called to give up all they have to work for Jesus. Millions are doing that in their everyday jobs all over the world. But those who feel the calling of God and choose to follow Him, wholeheartedly, will be blessed and have their needs met.
However, this is never easy, as verse 30 shows us. There will be persecutions. Whether you work for Jesus full time or serve Him in your everyday life in your job, once people know that you're a Christian, the flak will start coming your way. Why is that? Well, all of a sudden you become a threat to the devil - yes you! He didn't like you very much before you were born again. Now he literally hates you because you have the ability to cause mayhem in his domain. Therefore, he guides people to give you a bad time.
Bosses, neighbours and even family see you as strange and an oddball. You become an embarrassment to your family and friends and some neighbours may avoid you. Bosses may discriminate against you and some forbid you to speak about Jesus. That happened to me at one time. Also, you may see fellow Christians having a blessed time, with all of their needs met while you are scrimping and short of cash, even though you have prayed non-stop. A word here that you need to remember, Jesus said, 'But many are who are first will be last and the last first.' V31:
This was the qualifying remark regarding the apostle’s reward. All who sacrifice for the Lord will be rewarded, but God’s way and timing of rewarding may not match up with man’s way and timing of being rewarded. When God rewards, expect the unexpected.
If you have honoured God with your time, your finances. your livelihood and all you have, He will honour you. That's a promise. But He doesn't say when. This is where our faith and trust need to apply. You may be feeling let down at the moment - people persecuting you, short of finance and struggling with bills, children and such like. You may have spoken to Jesus all the time about this, but with nothing in return. Well, you're in for a blessing! Stand firm, praise and trust God, thank Him and receive from Him by faith what you've asked Him for, and you will have it.
This is not the time to give up, it is the time to look up - to Jesus.
Copyright 2020 Grahame Howard
dailylifewithjesus@hotmail.com
dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com
Sunday, 2 February 2020
Who is the Greatest?
"33 'What was it you disputed among yourselves on the road?' 34 But they kept silent for on the road they had disputed among themselves who would be the greatest. 35 And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, 'If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all." Mark 9:33-37. NKJV
Jesus had disclosed to the disciples that He would be betrayed and killed but that He would rise again on the third day. This had led to a discourse between them as they walked along the road, about who would be the greatest among them. The dispute must have reached an anger pitch Because Jesus noticed this and asked them about it when they sat down. However, none of them would admit what they had been arguing about. But Jesus knew.. He misses nothing, and we need to remember that.
As they sat there in silence, they were no doubt feeling very ashamed of themselves - Jesus had told them that He would die, the people would kill Him. Rather than asking Him about this and showing concern about what He was telling them, they wrestled about who would be the leader when Jesus had gone.
If the disciples competed against themselves for the top position, then it goes to show that we are no different. All through the years since, man has been in competition with each other within the church. When we look at situations today people are jealous about others having more attention than themselves, they squabble and every now and then, it gets so bad that a church splits and people go different ways. Bad feeling, disputes and mind games, where someone has thoughts in their head about what someone is doing or not doing. Gossip, judging and accusations. I have two questions. Where is the love? Is that a clanging cymbal that I hear?
'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.' 1 Corinthians 13:1
Churches split when people compete against each other. When someone puts themselves on a pedestal and another tries to knock them off. Back-stabbing and quarrelling. The Apostle Paul had a few things to say about this:
'But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother?
For we shall all stand before the judgement seat of Christ. For it is written, 'As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me and every tongue shall confess to God.'
So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Therefore, let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in ours brother's way. Romans 14:10-13
Jesus goes on to add a few more things while speaking with His disciples; things that we need to take on board as well. If anyone feels the call to be first then he must be the last. (Mark 9:35-37) In other words they must be prepared to be a servant. To serve people, not judge them. To love and uphold the Word of God so that there is unity not separation. The character of a leader is to serve first of all. As this is done confidence is built up and people will follow - as with a shepherd.
But one of the main things within the church, we must all learn, is to be childlike, not childish! God's business is too important to argue and act like children would in the school playground. We are called to be the elite. We need to remember this.
Copyright 2020 Grahame Howard
dailylifewithjesus@hotmail.com
dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com
Jesus had disclosed to the disciples that He would be betrayed and killed but that He would rise again on the third day. This had led to a discourse between them as they walked along the road, about who would be the greatest among them. The dispute must have reached an anger pitch Because Jesus noticed this and asked them about it when they sat down. However, none of them would admit what they had been arguing about. But Jesus knew.. He misses nothing, and we need to remember that.
As they sat there in silence, they were no doubt feeling very ashamed of themselves - Jesus had told them that He would die, the people would kill Him. Rather than asking Him about this and showing concern about what He was telling them, they wrestled about who would be the leader when Jesus had gone.
If the disciples competed against themselves for the top position, then it goes to show that we are no different. All through the years since, man has been in competition with each other within the church. When we look at situations today people are jealous about others having more attention than themselves, they squabble and every now and then, it gets so bad that a church splits and people go different ways. Bad feeling, disputes and mind games, where someone has thoughts in their head about what someone is doing or not doing. Gossip, judging and accusations. I have two questions. Where is the love? Is that a clanging cymbal that I hear?
'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.' 1 Corinthians 13:1
Churches split when people compete against each other. When someone puts themselves on a pedestal and another tries to knock them off. Back-stabbing and quarrelling. The Apostle Paul had a few things to say about this:
'But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother?
For we shall all stand before the judgement seat of Christ. For it is written, 'As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me and every tongue shall confess to God.'
So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Therefore, let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in ours brother's way. Romans 14:10-13
Jesus goes on to add a few more things while speaking with His disciples; things that we need to take on board as well. If anyone feels the call to be first then he must be the last. (Mark 9:35-37) In other words they must be prepared to be a servant. To serve people, not judge them. To love and uphold the Word of God so that there is unity not separation. The character of a leader is to serve first of all. As this is done confidence is built up and people will follow - as with a shepherd.
But one of the main things within the church, we must all learn, is to be childlike, not childish! God's business is too important to argue and act like children would in the school playground. We are called to be the elite. We need to remember this.
Copyright 2020 Grahame Howard
dailylifewithjesus@hotmail.com
dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com
Saturday, 1 February 2020
A Lament for Gray-Headed People
"Gray hair is a crown of glory, it is gained by living a Godly life."
Proverbs 16:31. NLT
Many older people today, are feeling the impact of reaching maturity. Society, in general, depending on age, requires that a person retire when they reach this qualifying period. There are chances of extending this time or finding alternative employment, but usually, when you reach your sell by date, its over.
Well, I've news for you. That is a lie. It isn't over until God says it's over There's no retirement in the Kingdom of God but sadly, there is ageism and this makes it difficult to function properly in your ministry. Younger people tend to take over. However, one needs to remember that, young people grow old themselves. It cannot be avoided.
Young and old can compliment each other if they're allowed. The older person has a lot a experience to pass on. They've done it and know the mistakes that they've made - what works and what doesn't. So there is a mentoring facility just waiting to break out and be available to the younger people.
Don't write yourself off or be written off. God is not into ageism. Just look around, many of the seasoned, well known and successful preachers and teachers, are of a mature age, yet they're still giving out. They have wisdom and experience.
If you feel that you are past it, think again. God has a plan for you, even now. Seek and ask Him and He'll open the way for you. If you're still willing, He'll make it thrilling and it will be fulfilling and benefit all. All you need to say is, 'Yes Lord.'
Many older people carry the scars of battles fought in their work for the Kingdom of God. They know because they've been there and done it. Many times, people will say, 'I know just how you feel,' when they haven't a clue how you feel at all. The older generation know because they've lived it, they've run many races of life. This is why they're a valuable asset.
If you are reading this and feel that you're on the scrap heap, think again. You've only just begun. There's a generation who need guidance, direction and mentoring. They need to realise what lies ahead and what to do when they reach certain obstacles. You are important! You may think the church has forgotten you; but they can't do that because they'd never make it without you. You have the ability to make a difference. How? Well here's a few ideas:
WRITE A BOOK
You have a wealth of experience that you could mention. It is not as hard as you think.
WRITE A BLOG
Go on Facebook and create a site dedicated to Jesus. Find a blog site to include on this and be a regular feature in the world of social media.
OFFER YOUR SERVICES
Volunteer at your church to run a mentoring group, helping the younger people, who are the church of tomorrow.
PREACH THE WORD
If you feel the urge for preaching, tell God. He knows already of course but He likes it that we bring up the subject. He can open doors no matter how firmly closed they are.
Don't just sit and vegetate. Get the job done and make your years of experience count.
Copyright 2020 Grahame Howard
dailylifewithjesus@hotmil.com
dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com
Proverbs 16:31. NLT
Many older people today, are feeling the impact of reaching maturity. Society, in general, depending on age, requires that a person retire when they reach this qualifying period. There are chances of extending this time or finding alternative employment, but usually, when you reach your sell by date, its over.
Well, I've news for you. That is a lie. It isn't over until God says it's over There's no retirement in the Kingdom of God but sadly, there is ageism and this makes it difficult to function properly in your ministry. Younger people tend to take over. However, one needs to remember that, young people grow old themselves. It cannot be avoided.
Young and old can compliment each other if they're allowed. The older person has a lot a experience to pass on. They've done it and know the mistakes that they've made - what works and what doesn't. So there is a mentoring facility just waiting to break out and be available to the younger people.
Don't write yourself off or be written off. God is not into ageism. Just look around, many of the seasoned, well known and successful preachers and teachers, are of a mature age, yet they're still giving out. They have wisdom and experience.
If you feel that you are past it, think again. God has a plan for you, even now. Seek and ask Him and He'll open the way for you. If you're still willing, He'll make it thrilling and it will be fulfilling and benefit all. All you need to say is, 'Yes Lord.'
Many older people carry the scars of battles fought in their work for the Kingdom of God. They know because they've been there and done it. Many times, people will say, 'I know just how you feel,' when they haven't a clue how you feel at all. The older generation know because they've lived it, they've run many races of life. This is why they're a valuable asset.
If you are reading this and feel that you're on the scrap heap, think again. You've only just begun. There's a generation who need guidance, direction and mentoring. They need to realise what lies ahead and what to do when they reach certain obstacles. You are important! You may think the church has forgotten you; but they can't do that because they'd never make it without you. You have the ability to make a difference. How? Well here's a few ideas:
WRITE A BOOK
You have a wealth of experience that you could mention. It is not as hard as you think.
WRITE A BLOG
Go on Facebook and create a site dedicated to Jesus. Find a blog site to include on this and be a regular feature in the world of social media.
OFFER YOUR SERVICES
Volunteer at your church to run a mentoring group, helping the younger people, who are the church of tomorrow.
PREACH THE WORD
If you feel the urge for preaching, tell God. He knows already of course but He likes it that we bring up the subject. He can open doors no matter how firmly closed they are.
Don't just sit and vegetate. Get the job done and make your years of experience count.
Copyright 2020 Grahame Howard
dailylifewithjesus@hotmil.com
dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com
Friday, 31 January 2020
Do you want to get well?
"6 When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to Him, 'Do you want to be made well?"
John 5:1-15. NKJV
This man had been severely disabled for 38 years - his whole life. It is hard to imagine how he felt. To him, it was normal, even though he lay there at the poolside daily, watching others walking by.
The place Bethesda is recognised in Hebrew as the Place of Outpouring, House of Grace or even the House of Mercy. Daily people would gather around it until the waters bubbled and when it did, they endeavoured to be the first one in because the popular belief was that when the water bubbled it was caused by an angel and the first one in, would be healed. Others believed the disturbance in the water was caused by a subterranean stream under the water which every now and again bubbled up. Many people throughout the world today, carry superstitions around and believe some of the most bizarre of things. Whatever it was that caused the bubbling up at this pool, a belief spread around the wider area and many people visited in hope of healing. This man could never make it into the pool quickly enough and if he did, he would have had to be careful as the water was deep in places and in his condition, he could have drowned.
Jesus looked at this man and asked him, 'Do you want to be made well? Now this question, when you think about it, was two-fold:
1 'Do you really want to be healed and released from the infirmity?
2 'You have been this way all of your life. Are you used to being this way, and
content to carry on, or do you want what I can do?
It is possible that people can become so used to having a disability and not being able to live like others do, that they own it and find it difficult to be otherwise. This can be understandable, especially when their condition has been since birth. The very thought of being healed and changed, can be abnormal to their thinking and scary in the process.
This is what Jesus wanted to establish. Jesus is always a friend to the needy and friendless and longs to help where it is needed. This man needed His help. He never mentioned any possible superstitions about the bubbling of the water, that we may have done in a similar situation. It was immaterial. He wanted to address the main problem, not the trivial, time-wasting one.
The man's response to Jesus was not negative but it had the feel of, 'I want this but....' Many people have this attitude, 'Yes, but...' There must be a desire to receive the power of Jesus. If we are content as we are, there will be little change. This was what Jesus was seeking and, even though there was a 'but,' Jesus saw a desire too.
Jesus commanded him to, 'Rise, take up your bed and walk.' If the man had deliberated, he would have missed his healing. He could have said that he could hardly walk, let alone pick up his bed too. But, he didn't. He took action and received his healing, immediately!
You see, having faith is not enough, for the faith to work, we need action because faith without works (action) is dead (James 2:17.
What about you? Are you in a place where you have a condition that needs healing but, you have become a little used to it? You may have prayed about it many times to no avail. The thing is, you have to put your faith into action. Like yesterday's reading said, you have to apply your faith after you have asked, believed and received for healing or whatever else. In other words, you have to act as if you are healed even if you don't feel you are; there should be no doubt. However, until it is confirmed by a doctor, one should keep taking medication.
The man got up, with his bed and walked. If there had been any doubt there, he would have missed out.
Don't you miss out. Put your faith into action right now!
Copyright 2020 Grahame Howard
dailylifewithjesus@hotmail.com
dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com
John 5:1-15. NKJV
This man had been severely disabled for 38 years - his whole life. It is hard to imagine how he felt. To him, it was normal, even though he lay there at the poolside daily, watching others walking by.
The place Bethesda is recognised in Hebrew as the Place of Outpouring, House of Grace or even the House of Mercy. Daily people would gather around it until the waters bubbled and when it did, they endeavoured to be the first one in because the popular belief was that when the water bubbled it was caused by an angel and the first one in, would be healed. Others believed the disturbance in the water was caused by a subterranean stream under the water which every now and again bubbled up. Many people throughout the world today, carry superstitions around and believe some of the most bizarre of things. Whatever it was that caused the bubbling up at this pool, a belief spread around the wider area and many people visited in hope of healing. This man could never make it into the pool quickly enough and if he did, he would have had to be careful as the water was deep in places and in his condition, he could have drowned.
Jesus looked at this man and asked him, 'Do you want to be made well? Now this question, when you think about it, was two-fold:
1 'Do you really want to be healed and released from the infirmity?
2 'You have been this way all of your life. Are you used to being this way, and
content to carry on, or do you want what I can do?
It is possible that people can become so used to having a disability and not being able to live like others do, that they own it and find it difficult to be otherwise. This can be understandable, especially when their condition has been since birth. The very thought of being healed and changed, can be abnormal to their thinking and scary in the process.
This is what Jesus wanted to establish. Jesus is always a friend to the needy and friendless and longs to help where it is needed. This man needed His help. He never mentioned any possible superstitions about the bubbling of the water, that we may have done in a similar situation. It was immaterial. He wanted to address the main problem, not the trivial, time-wasting one.
The man's response to Jesus was not negative but it had the feel of, 'I want this but....' Many people have this attitude, 'Yes, but...' There must be a desire to receive the power of Jesus. If we are content as we are, there will be little change. This was what Jesus was seeking and, even though there was a 'but,' Jesus saw a desire too.
Jesus commanded him to, 'Rise, take up your bed and walk.' If the man had deliberated, he would have missed his healing. He could have said that he could hardly walk, let alone pick up his bed too. But, he didn't. He took action and received his healing, immediately!
You see, having faith is not enough, for the faith to work, we need action because faith without works (action) is dead (James 2:17.
What about you? Are you in a place where you have a condition that needs healing but, you have become a little used to it? You may have prayed about it many times to no avail. The thing is, you have to put your faith into action. Like yesterday's reading said, you have to apply your faith after you have asked, believed and received for healing or whatever else. In other words, you have to act as if you are healed even if you don't feel you are; there should be no doubt. However, until it is confirmed by a doctor, one should keep taking medication.
The man got up, with his bed and walked. If there had been any doubt there, he would have missed out.
Don't you miss out. Put your faith into action right now!
Copyright 2020 Grahame Howard
dailylifewithjesus@hotmail.com
dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com
Thursday, 30 January 2020
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