Sacrificial giving

'Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.'  

                                                                                    Mark 12:41-44  CSB

Jesus sat opposite the collection boxes observing the people placing their money into them for support for the temple. Many loved the ritual of giving large amounts and making a show of it all. But, just then, a widow came and put in two mites. 

Now a mite, was the smallest coin to be found; it was made of very thin copper and had a value under a penny. The Greek interpretation of this coin was Lepta or Lepton which means 'the thin one.' 

Jesus stated that this widow had given far more than the Pharisees and other dignitaries had given. They had given out of their vast wealth and still had plenty left to enjoy. She had given all she had and was left with nothing. It was a sacrificial gift. 

Real giving must be sacrificial; William Barclay said, 'Give until it hurts - this is true generosity'. It must be noted that there are many people who won't give anything at all unless, they are certain that they will receive something back in return. This widow could have held one of the coins back, they were hers anyway and proportionally she was giving more than the others were. But she didn't. How often do we hold things back - things that we know God wants us to let go of, or stop doing but we don't?

The collection boxes - 13 in all, were called 'Trumpets' because of their shape. The contributions were used for the cost of temple sacrifices and general expenses. The shape and description of the boxes - 'Trumpets', were aptly named, because many had demonstrated their love of 'blowing their own trumpets', with the amount that they gave.

It is interesting to note the widow's faith in God. She had nothing but, she knew God well enough to know He would take care of her every need. She didn't give to receive man's praise - she couldn't, the gift was so small. However, to God, it was worth more than the others had given. She had given everything, a sacrificial gift. When we give like this, from our heart, Jesus takes notice.

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

        

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers

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

Check it out

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

The Command to Rebuild the Temple

 "Think carefully about your ways'                                   Haggai 1   CSB

'It does not matter whom we please if God is not pleased, or who gets honour from what we give, if God is not glorified as a result.'     Charles H Spurgeon

The Jewish people had been freed from their captivity in Babylon and issued a decree in 538 BC, that the people could return to their own land. The walls of Jerusalem had been smashed down and the temple demolished yet, it was 18years before anything was done about it. The Word of the Lord came to Haggai; he drove it home to them that they were in error. The time had come for the temple to be rebuilt but, they were more interested in building their own homes, living in luxury whilst the temple remained desolate.

God gave Haggai some very strong words - one's which we also need to take on board: Think carefully about your ways. The people felt the time wasn't right to rebuild the temple. It could wait; they had their own homes and life to attend to first.

There is always a danger in putting ourselves first, leaving God out until a more appropriate time. We can have excuses that seem so convincing such as, 'I can't afford to tithe at the moment. I have my family to look after first.' Surely, we need to remember that as we put God first, He will take care of the rest.

The Jewish people must have realised that it was God who had brought about their release and He who had heard their cries for help and yet, they gave Him the second place in their lives.

Notice in verses 10-11, God withdrew certain blessing from them because of their selfishness. They needed to learn that, 'He' must come first in their lives. And it is the same for us. God expects us to give  to Him - our lives, our wealth or lack of it, our family, in fact, all we have. In return, He promises to bless us (Matthew 6:33).

Do you tithe? Do you give the first tenth of your income to God and His work? Some say, 'I can't afford to tithe,' but actually, you can't afford not to. Is God stretching you at the moment with things breaking down and extra bills landing on your mat? Could it be that He is trying to get your attention? Why not give a gift to someone that God directs you to and then:

Think carefully about your ways.

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

        

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers

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

Check it out

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

Rekindle your gifting

"Therefore, I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is in you through the laying on of my hands."                                                                        2 Timothy 1:6   CSB 

Sturgeon wrote:

'Every living saint has his charge to keep, his talent over which he is a steward. A measure of gift is in all of us, needing to be stirred up'.        Charles Haddon Spurgeon

We all have a talent or gift that God has given us. Some may not realise what the gift is yet. Others may know, but hold back through fear or lack of opportunity. The gift God has given us, is for the Body, it is exceptionally important to the growth of where God has placed us. Therefore, we should endeavour to stir up this gift, being confident that God has placed this within us and open to the fact, that at the right moment God will bring it to birth.

However, we need to be aware that others may share in this gifting God has given us. There isn't just one preacher in a church as there isn't just one musician. We are a team. We must realise though that, a carpenter is not called to be an electrician, or a plumber a painter and decorator. The skills may be transferrable but it is the norm for each person to concentrate on their own trade. It's the same within the Body of Christ - all are not called to preach or play in a worship band; but individuals may try to do this and the result is never really helpful.

Know what your gifts are and then, dedicate your life to them. Don't try to run before you can walk. It takes time and for some gifts - training in order to fulfil the gift properly. Overall, the most important factor is to ensure that Jesus is your foundation. You need a solid base and it can only be found in the 'Rock' Himself - Jesus.

Don't be a 'corner-cutter.' These types of people, set off too early before they have even heard God properly. Don't cut corners. Spend your time with your Teacher and allow Him to guide you until you have been stirred up or, as the New Living Translation puts it, 'Fanned into flame'.

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

        

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers

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

Check it out

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

What is it that winds you up? - Final part

"A patient person shows great understanding, but a quick-tempered one promotes foolishness"                                                           Proverbs 14:29   CSB 

Here is the final stumbling block:

QUEUES

Having to wait in a queue can be a frustrating experience, especially if you have a heavy work load. Again, it comes down to the type of person you are; TYPE A - live life in the fast lane or, TYPE B - have a laid back approach to life. This affects the attitude you take in a particular situation. Let's look at a few:

Traffic lights, whether permanent or temporary can be a pain to negotiate; at peak time they can be manic but during the rest of the day, they can be frustrating to deal with as well. Occasionally, we have normal traffic lights followed by, temporary ones and the queues can mount up with angry motorists edging forward trying to get through the mayhem. Also, let's not forget the intelligent traffic lights, these are the ones that assess the volume of traffic and change accordingly. Often we may be tempted to think that a rabbit is more intelligent that these contraptions. Frustrations mount.

Supermarket Queues. With these, we stand there for ages waiting to reach the checkout only to find, that when it's our turn, the checkout closes and we are directed to another till. All the people who were behind us, now rush forward and we have to queue again. Blood boils.

People who amble along. These people appear to have all the time in the world and walk along the whole of the pavement making it difficult for anyone to get by. They may have no time restraints but when, like us who do, it can be frustrating. All of this and more is forced upon the TYPE A person, while the TYPE B one, has only just decided to start their car. 

In all honesty though, how do you present  yourself here? Do you take it all in your stride (TYPE B) or have you visited Stress City (TYPE A)? The latter of of our text today reads, 'but a quick-tempered one promotes foolishness.' Think a moment, when we are huffing and puffing, thumping the steering wheel in frustration, glaring and grumbling about the checkout queues and wanting to run your trolley into the person in front, God is watching you and, so may be someone from the church. Importantly, we may be grumbling to someone that we may later meet at a church function.

Is it worth the high blood pressure or the shame you may cause? Why not work on being more like a TYPE B person.

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

        

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers

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

Check it out

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

What is it that winds you up? Part 2

"Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time."   Colossians 4:5    CSB 

Here is our second, potential stumbling block:

BAD TIME-KEEPING

There can be nothing worse than waiting for someone who agreed to be with you, at a certain time, but they're now 40 minutes late and, there is still no sign of them. You may receive a text saying: Running late but on the way', but that is all.

As ex-military, bad time-keeping is an area that I struggle with. It is in-born that time is important and one should always adhere to this. Even after all these years, it is still a part of my make up, as I am sure other veterans will respect.

Bad time-keeping can mean that, a meal is ruined, a show is missed and a train or bus too. Appointments can also be messed up and a job interview botched. This can all be a stress factor and cause of frustration to the one who is let down. Some people are like this, they never live in the fast or normal lane, which we will call Type A. They are laid back living in the slow lane Type B. Being laid back is ok as long as it doesn't become so laid back that it turns into being laid down

So here we have two types of people: Type A people in the fast/normal lane and, Type B, the laid back lane. So who is in the wrong? No one really but, there has to be a balance. Type A have high expectations of other people, whereas Type B don't really give it a thought, they're oblivious to getting stressed out but, by being so, can cause stress themselves.

Why all this is going on, the world watches. Employers and fellow employees, take note of bad time-keeping. They notice missed appointments and people being late for this or that and, they make mental notes of the Christian's wrongs. Jesus' time-keeping was impeccable, He was neither early or late but, right on time. We need to take this on board. We need to be on time to catch that train; to keep that job interview and go for that meal. But, being on time for these important dates, may have caused unnecessary stress to yourself and others. Allowing a little extra time to prepare, can benefit all, alleviating stress.

Therefore, get the balance right!

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

        

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers

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

Check it out

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

 

 

What is it that winds you up? Part 1

"Whatever you do, do it from the heart as something done for the LORD and not for people."                                                                    Colossians 3:23   CSB 

There are many things in life that have the ability to wind us up - what are yours? Over the next day or two, let's look at a few, starting with:

(1)  TRYING TO EVERYTHING AT ONCE

Some people have an in-built desire to do everything at once - the housework, the shopping, planting that bush, cleaning the car and mowing the lawn. There may also be a number of other things that they want to tack on to this list when they've completed the others. Now, this is ok if the person is able to manage it properly. It goes wrong if, someone turns up unexpectedly or the telephone rings, because these jobs need completing, they have been allocated a time each job needs to take and, there is no room for distractions.

When we set ourselves goals that are unrealistic, we may be walking a tightrope that is going to snap; and the snapping may be yourself. Something can go wrong or interfere with your schedule and 'POW", you can explode, letting rip on anyone or anything that has stopped the work.

Now stop just there, is this really God's best for you? Is it a blessing to Him to see you slaving away and getting yourself all flustered and wound up because, the work is not completed? This is not God's best for you so, a few changes need to be made. 

Usually, if we look at all we have to do in any given day, it can appear, an impossible venture. It makes sense to prioritise, putting things in order of importance. Once this has been done, they can be broken down into bite-size manageable chunks. This may sound a time-wasting exercise but, it is actually worth trying. It takes the pressure off you and others who are close by and makes for a more achievable task, giving yourself a more flexible approach.

When one attempts to tackle many things as a whole, frustration, stress and possible anger, can begin to kick in and it then, becomes a war zone. This can make the work a horrible chore which you may resent doing. When we live like this, we often think there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. Sadly, we quickly see it’s someone with a torch bringing us some more work.

Jesus wants us to do things from the heart as if, we are working for Him. Remember, He would never put pressure on you.

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

        

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers

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

Check it out

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

 

 

Don't run away - Fight!

"I have taken refuge in the LORD. How can you say to me, 'Escape to the mountains like a bird"                                                          Psalm 11:1-3   Christian Standard Bible 

Have you ever done this - run away instead of facing up to things? It's easy to do and provides a way out. Often, the other man's grass is greener and instead of 'facing the music', it's tempting to go for this. Many have tried this way and realise that it is not. They would love to turn the clock back but, it is too late; they made the choice and have to live with it. You may have made a mistake but this doesn't mean you have to run away, not at all, face up to it and repent. God will honour you for this.

All around us, evil exists waiting to pounce on us, to trick us into making the wrong move. Temptation is around every corner, it hides away until an apt time, perhaps when we're at our weakest, it will then make its move. Take a look at verse 2, 'For look, the wicked string bows, they put their arrows on the bowstrings to shoot from the shadows.' Satan will use people to fire at us under the cover of darkness. This may be in the guise of gossip, where a false image is used to taint our name. They will talk behind our backs but laugh with us face to face. Be careful, not everyone is your friend. Snakes have similar characteristics (1) A deadly tongue (2) They lie in wait (3) Crawl into situations (4) Strike and bite.

Satan will use people to destroy our foundations v3 - our reputation, our honour and our good track record. What, as righteous people can we do? FIGHT - STAND UP- SPEAK THE WORD. Ask yourself, 'If I've taken refuge in God, why on earth would I want to escape to the mountains like a bird? v1. It doesn't make sense.

When we are not in alignment with God, It's easy to become confused and the devil knows this. So even though we may call on God for help - take refuge in Him, the devil will encourage you to run to the mountains - in other words- run away, give up, 'it doesn't work anyway.' Yes it does! Don't listen to lies. Jesus never ran away, why should we? Because the devil knows how powerful you can be with Jesus beside and inside of you. That's why

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

        

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers

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

Check it out

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