The Thomas Faith

"Do not be unbelieving, but believing!"  V27     of  John 20:24-27    NKJV           

Be honest, who hasn't felt this way at times? Who hasn't been tempted to say, 'I don't believe that.' We can all be tempted to feel this way periodically, especially when we hear about miraculous testimonies of what Jesus has done in someone's life. We've been tempted to think, 'Are they exaggerating here?'

Skepticism can be rampant at times like this. Thomas never lacked courage; he was willing to go with Jesus and die with Him if needed. However, he was a pessimist. His glass was half-empty, until someone filled it. He needed to balance things; count the cost and mull it over before leaping into action. He wanted proof first. If he had been one on the priests who had to step into the Jordan river before it acted, he would probably be still standing on the bank. But He loved Jesus. There was no doubt about that, and we can be just like him at times.

When Jesus visited the upper room and revealed Himself to the disciples, Thomas was not there. People have debated where he might have been over the ages. Remember, it was a dangerous place to be after Jesus had been crucified. This is why the others were tucked away in the upper room, so that they were hidden.

One of the most believable reasons Thomas wasn't with them was because of his emotions. People grieve in many different ways. Many want their loved ones around them for comfort. However, others want to be left alone to work through the pain themselves. Perhaps Thomas was like this. He was missing Jesus and needed to work things out alone and when he had, about a week later, he went to be with the others and Jesus re-appeared to them all. 

Jesus said to Thomas, 
'Reach your finger here and look at My hands and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.' V27

William Barclay says,
'There is something very lovable and very admirable about Thomas. Faith was never an easy thing for him; obedience never came readily to him.He was the man who had to be sure; he was the man who had to count the cost. But once he was sure, and once he had counted the cost, he was the man who went to the ultimate limit of faith and obedience. A faith like Thomas' is better than any glib declaration and an obedience like his, is better than any acquiescence which agrees to do a thing without counting the cost and then goes back upon its word.
                   Copyright 1955 William Barclay, The Gospel of John Commentary

Some people have faith to move mountains, instantly or stand on God's Word until their request is manifested. Others, like Thomas, are more skeptical about things and like to think things through first. But both of these interpretations of faith compliment each other, very well. Thomas had faith, but it was the Thomas faith. What is yours?

Copyright 2020 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@hotmail.com

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Jesus knows how you feel!

"For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathise with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are , yet without sin."  V15
                                                                    Hebrews 4:14-16   NKJV

Let's break this down into three parts:

JESUS HAS BEEN THERE
There is nothing worse than someone who hasn't been there but tries to tell you that they have. The frustrating thing that many say is, 'I know how you feel,' when they don't have any idea how you feel. To hear this is a recipe for anguish and in some cases, anger.
The great thing is that, Jesus would answer you, 'I know how you feel,' because He does; He knows; He's been there.

HOLD FAST YOUR CONFESSION
There is no place for people who have a YoYo type of faith; one minute flying high and the next, down in the doldrums. There needs to be a balance where things may knock us but, we remain constant. There Is also no room for the Thomas kind of faith, 'Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails and put my finger into the print of the nails  and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.' (John 20:25). This type of faith and confession will never work. 
No matter what, we need to keep confessing Jesus. Hebrews 12:3 says, 'Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.'
Consider what He has done for you. Consider how He changed your life. Consider how He kept your marriage together. Consider how He saved your life. When you were ill and He healed you. You were lost and He found you. Lonely and He gave you someone to love and love you. Consider all these things, together with the home He gave you; your children and your livelihood. Consider Him.

JESUS KNOWS WHAT IT'S LIKE TO BE TEMPTED
He sympathises with your weaknesses because He was in all points tempted and yet He never fell to it. Have you ever considered just how much Jesus was tempted? Todays's text tells us that He was in all points tempted as we are. This means, in every way you could imagine. He had to be in order to conquer sin on the cross. He needed to know what temptation felt like so that He could deal with it. Just think, everything that you have been tempted to do, Jesus was tempted the same way. He knows what the feeling is like - how difficult it can be. Yet, He never gave in to it - He never sinned and that is the difference. 
Therefore, He sympathises with us; He has the empathy for what we suffer.. So, we have His permission to come boldly to Him - the Throne of Grace and receive help and mercy. 
Whenever you feel the temptation to become involved in something that you know is wrong, that is the time to shout to Him, and He will be there. He tells us that we may boldly approach His Throne to receive His help. That's a promise and we need to take it on board.
Whatever you may have done, He understands and will help and forgive you in your time of need. (Taken from Hebrews 4:16).

Copyright 2020 Grahame Howard
dailylifewithjesus@hotmail.com

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Made in His image

"26 Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, according to Our likeness -- 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them."              Genesis 1:26-27.  NKJV

Have you ever been told that you're useless; that you'll never come to anything, you're just a failure? Have you ever been told that you're a waste of space, you're just a nobody going nowhere? Well let me tell you right now, they are lies! Did you get that? They are lies from the pit of hell; because the devil knows that you are a somebody. He knows that that you are made in the image of God and that through Jesus, you are a friend of God. In fact, you are His son or daughter, a brother or a sister of Jesus. The devil knows that you are a son or a daughter of the Most High God - El Shaddai. The devil knows all of this and he doesn't like you because of it.

2 Corinthians 3:18 tells us: 

'But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord , are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.'

As a born again believer of Jesus Christ, you are made in His image, so when you look in a mirror; walk into a room; speak to someone, the image of God will be seen in you. Now this doesn't mean necessarily that you will look like Him. What does He look like anyway? Well, something like you. God is Spirit yet at times, He may manifest in a body - such as Jesus did, The Word became Flesh John 1:14. Being made in His image is more like, you possess His personality, have knowledge and feelings and a will. You have a soul, which is made up of your mind, will and emotions. 
The mirror image, is that as we get to know Him better, we become more like Him and people begin to see this. We walk into a room and we take the presence of God with us. We speak to someone, maybe in the supermarket and they instantly know that there is something different about us. Therefore, when we look into our mirror, we need to see through our spiritual eyes - by faith - that we're looking at the image of God - Jesus, in us, 'Christ in you, the hope of glory,' Colossians 1:27.

Now this doesn't sound like you're someone who is useless, a waste of space and that you'll never make anything of yourself, does it? Meditate on these scriptures, own them, look in in the mirror and see Jesus in you and realise that you are made in His image and that He thinks you're pretty wonderful.

Copyright 2020 Grahame Howard
dailylifewithjesus@hotmail.com

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IT WILL REFRESH YOU EACH DAY WITH GOD'S WORD!     

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Lord, I can't do this

"I have strength for all things in Christ who empowers me. (I Am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me; I AM self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency).                            Philippians 4:13 Amplified

What is it that you're facing today? What is it that is giving you a dread; a fear; the feeling that, 'I can't do this, I just can't'. People all over the globe lie awake waiting for the alarm to off because this is the day that they have to go into action; do something special or face something that they do not want to face. You can do it!

Whatever it is you're facing today, I want you to know that others have gone before you and done it. It is achievable. Just look at today's bible reading. Jesus gives you self-sufficiency - the feeling that you can do this, without needing any help from outside areas. We realise our strength through Him as He infuses us with His awesome power; and what's more, He'll keep on pouring the power of God into our lives. He gives us contentment and that is the key to overcoming worry, fear and doubt.

Therefore, what are you facing today? What is making you say, 'Lord, I can't do this'? 
If God says you can, then you can. The tricky bit is getting your brain to understand this. If you're not careful, you will produce thoughts that are full of doubt, full of self-fulfilled prophecy that make you believe what you're confessing. And then you are a wreck, full of fear, self-doubt and no confidence at all. Refuse to think this rubbish.

Ask yourself a question. 'Is this how God sees me, a blubbering wreck? Someone who will fall at the first hurdle? No, He doesn't. He sees someone, who He created in His image, someone who has Jesus Christ living within their heart; someone who is all sufficient and someone who is equipped for everything they may face because they have the power of God within them.

Does this sound like you? You may reply that it doesn't, but God will disagree with you here. You have His power within you, that awesome, god-fearing power that can move mountains and slay any giant that may come against you, but you have to believe and receive this fact. It's there but you need to look in the mirror and confess it in your life. You need to declare, 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me'. 

You may benefit from reading my book, 'Lord, I can't do this'. This small book will help you realise that you can, do all that God asks you to do. Why not check it out on Amazon. Click the link below.

God has only the best for His children and His Word for you this day, is, "you can do this; just take My hand and we'll face it together'.

To view and purchase 'Lord. I can't do this', click this link:

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Copyright 2020 Grahame Howarddailylifewithjesus@hotmail.com

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When God speaks - Act!

"Escape for your life! Do not look behind you nor stay anywhere in the plain." V17
                                                                                      Genesis19:1-29.  NKJV

To get a full grasp of what was going on here, it would be a good idea to read the whole passage.

God had seen the depravity of Sodom - sexual lust, homosexuality and no dignity for their fellow human beings. It was to God, hell on earth. He had to do something about it. He sent two angels there to take care of this business. 

Now this was Lot's homeland. He had chosen to live there and had become used to what was going on, although there is no evidence to say that he was involved in any of the behaviour. But he would have been affected, as would have his family. You can't live in an environment such as this without it affecting you. We should never allow ourselves or our family to be open to such evil. We need to choose our friends and our pursuits wisely.

Lot saw the two angels and even though he probably didn't know who they were, he knew that there was something special about them. He therefore begged them to stay with him. The men of the town heard about this and wanted to abuse them but they were struck blind as they tried to drag them outside. Lot had tried to protect them by offering his two virgin daughters, again something that not many father's would have even considered. 

This account flags up many things that we need to avoid and be aware of, but let's look at three of them:

(1)
The angels told Lot to get out of Sodom and take his whole family with him. They were going to destroy the place. He was reluctant to do this and riggled until the angels took him by the hand and led him out. Lot did tell his proposed sons-in-law that God was going to destroy the place but they thought he was joking V14. One cannot live two lives. They had obviously seen Lot living in such a place and putting up with it all and generally accepting the behaviour. Now he was acting self-righteously and they laughed.
There is no place for two lives when we serve God. We either serve Him and allow every area of our life to be Godly so that people know who we belong to, especially our family. Or we just get on with life and have no place for God in it. We cannot serve two masters. Luke 16:13

(2)
God told Lot and his family to get out of there V17. His proposed sons-in-law, probably didn't make it, but finally Lot, who wanted both lifestyles, went on his way, and arrived in Zoar, as he had requested the angels. 
When needed, God gives us warnings about the direction to take. If we don't heed the warning, we have to reap the consequences. God has our best interests at heart but He won't come against our will. What we decide to do today, will determine what we have tomorrow. If you want the blessing in your life, stay close to God so that you are in touch with His directions. Is he warning you of something right now?

(3)
Just how affected of the lifestyle Lot's family had been, is seen in his wife's behaviour V26. As they fled from the city, she was tempted to look back and was instantly turned into a pillar of salt. They had been warned, as seen in V17, not to do this, but there was a piece of her life back there that she was longing for - that she was trying to hang on to, and she paid the penalty.
Remember the Israelites in the wilderness? They constantly said how they missed Egypt and wanted to go back there. In the end, only two of them of their generation made it to the Promised Land - Joshua and Caleb. When God leads us on we have to give up what is behind - what we've left. It's in the past and should be kept there. There's a future ahead of us and God has great things in store.

Make sure you heed God's Word and do what He is directing you.

Copyright 2020 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@hotmail.com

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.co

HAVE YOU A COPY OF MY BOOK?
IT WILL REFRESH YOU EACH DAY WITH GOD'S WORD!     

Paperback  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Daily-Life-Jesus-Bible-Commentary/dp/B084DFYKHD/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Daily+Life+with+Jesus&qid=1581852824&sr=8-1

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Be careful what you say - God's hearing is good Part 3

"At the appointed time, I will return to you." V14
                                                                    Genesis 18:12-15   NKJV

At times, when we're standing on our faith, it can take an age before we see anything happen. At other times, things can happen so quickly that we're left flabbergasted at the speed of things. 

Waiting is never easy for most people. We can begin full of faith confident that God is going to fulfil what we have asked, believed and received Him for (Mark 11:24. But as time goes on, we can begin to doubt.

As soon as doubt enters our minds, we're on a fast slope down to losing what we are believing for. For instance, it may be healing that you're believing for, As frustration begins to take hold, we can let negative words be spoken out of our mouths, such as, 'I feel awful today. My back is killing me.' To allow such words to be uttered can totally negate what you have been believing for all this time.

Some people don't help, 'You look awful today, are you going to see your GP?' At this time, if they know that you're believing for healing, for you to say things such as, 'I'm well, I'm healed from the top of head to the soles of my feet.' may sound quite ridiculous to people who just don't understand. Also the devil can begin to convince us that we're lying and this is not helped by someone telling you, 'Not everyone is healed, you know.'

It is so difficult and we need to find and pray scriptures such as, 'And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season, we shall reap if we do not lose heart.' Galatians 6:9

David Guzik says:

It is strangely characteristic of us to believe God’s promise for a long, long, time, enduring through much discouragement along the way, until the promise is almost there, and then we find doubt. We are grateful that He is greater than our doubts.

                                                                    Copyright Enduring Word

There will always be doubt at every corner but we're not to lose heart. We have to carry on. Your healing or whatever else that you are believing for, may be just around the next corner. You have come this far. Don't give up now. There is an appointed time for what you are asking and believing for. You are a person of faith. A Jesus-filled, Holy Spirit powered, Bible believing, Born again son or daughter of the King of kings. You know and believe God's Word. You stand on it everyday. If your harvest doesn't come today, then there's always tomorrow. One things for sure, if you believe and don't doubt, it will come! 

Copyright 2020 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@hotmail.com

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Be careful what you say - God's hearing is good Part 2

"Is anything too hard for the LORD? V14
                                                                      Genesis 18:12-15.  NKJV

In our reading yesterday, we saw how Sarah had felt it quite comical that God had said that her and Abraham would have a child in their very old age. God's reply to Abraham was, 'Is anything too hard for the LORD.'

At times, God can tell us the most incredible things that it can blow us away, and we are left feeling a little like Sarah was. But we serve a big, faith-filled God who expects us to walk in faith too. 'For we walk by faith, not by sight.' 2 Corinthians 5:7. Our God gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist, as though they did. (Romans 4:17).

Just imagine living this way, calling those things which do not exist as though they did. Well, there is no need to imagine it because this is the way He wants us to live - by faith. Nothing is too difficult for God (Jeremiah 32:17) and His desire is that we accept this and live this way each and everyday.

There have been so many famous people of faith over the years, Smith Wigglesworth, James Hudson-Taylor and Kathryn Kuhlman to mention just a few. Then, let us not forget Simon Peter, who walked in faith performing such things as, 'Silver and gold, I do not have but what I do have, I give you. In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk. And the lame man did just that. 

'Yes but..' Yes but nothing. God's said it. He's not a liar so believe it! The same Jesus that lived in these people's hearts lives in you as well, and he wants you living this way. The devil will spread doubt around whenever you begin to live this way. People will frown on you and consider you an embarrassment but don't let that stop you, just remember what Jesus said to Jairus in Mark 5:36, 'Do not be afraid, only believe.'

God may have spoken to you about something just lately; and you may be thinking that it is incredible, even unbelievable. STOP JUST THERE! Nothing is too hard for God, so get your mindset tuned into Him and believe that He calls those things which do not exist, as though they did. As Wigglesworth said, 'If God said it, I believe it and that settles it.' 

This includes, healing, finance, housing, marriage, family and whatever else. Therefore, as a man, woman or child of God, stand up, look up and start confessing faith. Start speaking faith-filled things, not words that cancel out things. Call things that don't exist as if they do and then stand on this, never once doubting.

Copyright 2020 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@hotmail.com

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com

MY BOOK

Paperback  https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B084DFYKHD/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0


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