Are you a Judge

"Judge not, that you be not judged"                       Matthew 7:1-6   NKJV

This is something that we all find ourselves doing from time to time. Possibly the gossip drums have reached our hearing and we have been tempted to offer our own judgement on the matter, too. Judging someone is a form of criticism. We may start off criticising a person and before too long, we have begun to judge them as well.

We need to be careful here because, when we judge somebody, we will be judged ourself. Jesus' words are quite plain about this 'For with what judgement you judge, you will be judged and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you' v2. We cannot get away from this fact, judging is not recommended.

We know this of course; how many times have we read this scripture? We may have thought, 'I'll have to be careful here,' and for the next hour or so, we have been on our guard only to start the judging process again. Others may have skimmed over these verses hardly recognising the significance  of it all. The only way to beat this is by using extreme discipline; watching what we say and refusing to consider unwholesome thoughts about someone.

It can be the same when someone gives a word of knowledge in church. As we listen, we may straightaway think of someone who it relates to. Eyeballing them, we can almost point at them and shout, 'they need to hear this, Lord,' and then wait for them to react and go to the front of the church for prayer. When they don't, we can almost hear ourselves say, 'Go on, you know this is for you.' Let me just say, the word may well be for them but, it is also for you, in fact more so. Why? Because you know you shouldn't be judging anyone. Jesus uses some very strong words about this: 'Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye' v5

Notice this, Jesus was saying that you are more at fault than the other person. He tells you to remove the plank - which is big - from your own eye, and then you'll be able to move the speck - much smaller - from your brother's eye.

If you judge someone else, you will not please God. If you criticise someone, you will also not please Him; and if you gossip about someone, He will not be pleased. You will end up being the one who will be judged. So be careful. Take an inner look at yourself and decide if you are a judge.

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

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Have you hit rock bottom?

"Do not be afraid; only believe"                                 Luke 8:50   NKJV 

You may have tried everything and all you have done has failed, the problem is still there. You have called on God, as the bible tells you to, but He appears not to be listening. At times such as these,  it feels like you are totally alone; no one can help you and you are sinking fast. You are aware of what Jesus said, 'Do not be afraid; only believe' but how can you not be afraid when all this is going on in your life and God appears absent.

Is this the way you are feeling? You are not alone; people all over the world pray for things urgently but, receive no answer. Why is this? Well, many may ask from selfish needs, 'You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you spend it on your pleasures' James 4:3. If you're asking God to allow you to win the Lottery, it will probably not happen. If He allowed this, you may make the money more important that Him, the money could take over your life.

But, for people who are in desperate situations and are asking God for help, let me tell you, He hasn't deserted you, His Word is true, He cannot lie. When He encourages you to cast every burden upon Him (Psalm 55:22) He means it and will honour His Word. Jesus tells you not to worry but believe, so as you call on Him, trusting Him to help you, He goes deeper into your situation to find a solution. Let me give you an example, you may have hit rock bottom, but who is the rock? Yes, it is Jesus, He is the rock (1 Corinthians 10:4). Therefore, take comfort in the fact that if you do hit rock bottom, He is there and will help you back to the top. It is a strong discipline to learn but, it must be done. You need to deepen your faith. You must believe that what He has said He will do, He will do. As I have said, He cannot and will not lie, He is truth. 

Let me encourage you; take our text today and own it, believe it and make it your personal prayer - your declaration that, 'I will not be afraid - I will believe'. When you are in fearful situations, use this. When you are wondering if you are able to pay your bills, use it. You belong to King Jesus, He will look after you, He is your Rock, you'll never stay at the bottom because, He is there with you and will raise you up.

Do not be afraid; only believe

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

        

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Live for Today

"So don't be anxious about tomorrow, God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time."                                                Matthew 6:34  The Living Bible 

In Matthew 6:25, Jesus tells His disciples not to worry about their life, what they will eat, drink or wear. Many feel this is a command, others feel that it is wise advice. If it is a command, then we are guilty of disobedience if we worry. If it is only advice, then it makes sense to carry it out. On looking through the scriptures, I would say that it is a command because this ties in with Jesus' comments on faith issues e.g. 'Do not be afraid - only believe" Luke 8:50. Throughout the gospels, there is further evidence of this. But just the statement, 'Do not be afraid', is linked to worry and fear. Therefore, let us agree that Jesus commands us not to worry.

Anxiety, fear or dread all relate to worry. You can spend about 90% of your time worrying that something will happen and it rarely does. Probably around 10% of worries happen. This is a small percentage for a lot of worry and sleepless nights. If you belong to Jesus, why do you put yourself through such things? Haven't you enough on your plate without adding to it? It doesn't bring blessing to your day, does it?

Worry robs you of your effectiveness and joy. If you lose your joy, then you lose your strength Nehemiah 8:10. Answer this question, do you really believe that Jesus will take care of things for you? If you don't believe He will do what He says, you will have no peace. Let's look at a few scriptures, 1 Peter 5:7 says 'casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.' Psalm 55:22 'Cast your burden on the LORD, and He shall sustain you', and Proverbs 16:3 'Commit your works to the LORD, and your thoughts will be established'. The word 'Commit' means to roll, so this a a brilliant example of rolling your burdens over to the Lord.

Do you acknowledge Jesus as your provider? Your answer has everything to do with your anxiety level. Don't get me wrong Jesus still expects you to work and provide for you family, wherever possible, but He doesn't want you fretting about how you will manage rising energy costs or whatever. Inflation may be rising but, there is no inflation in God's Kingdom, of which you belong.

Rise above this and throw every care on Him and then, leave them there! Live for today.

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

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If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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Adultery

"you shall not commit adultery"                         Matthew 5:27-30   NKJV

In a world where there is every conceivable temptation possible, it is most difficult to keep one-self pure. In our text, Jesus tells us, 'whoever looks at a woman to lust for her, has already committed adultery with her in his heart.'  v28

The early Jewish law was so strict about this, that if anyone committed adultery they were to be punished by death - usually to be stoned. But what about Jesus' words in this text? If everyone who looked at another woman, or man, were to be punished by death, there would not be many people left in our world. No, Jesus was actually talking about the person who deliberately looks at another person with lust in mind. They are guilty of adultery.

In our world, we have easy access to pornography, sexually explicit videos and films and even our TV. This sort of thing, can be described as a stumbling block. It accelerates temptation and unfulfilled desires and, if we are in the wrong place at the wrong time, the temptation can be so great that adultery can so easily take place.

Jesus mentions a grim solution of plucking out the eye or chopping off a hand. However, He was not suggesting physical mutilation here. Rather, He was suggesting a radical approach to the problem - a rigid self-denial, which could bring about an inward change. Taking control of the heart, mind and body begins with taking control of the eyes - what we view; what is readily available to look at.

This requires finding the root cause that needs to be destroyed. A person needs to identify what causes the temptation. The eye views something and the thoughts then begin to process this; the heart then makes the decision of what to do. One solution could be to go away into the remotest place on earth, one in which no one is around. However, the thoughts that have been recorded in our memory bank will still be there to tempt us. 

Another solution could be to make a declaration that, 'I will not think these things anymore.' Some believe that if words such as these are spoken frequently, it will eventually change things. This is doubtful because, whenever a tempting situation arises, they will begin again.

Possibly the best way to deal with this situation at the time, is to think wholesome thoughts -  Philippians 4:8, then connect these thoughts with Romans 12:1-2 and 2 Corinthians 10:4-6. Check these scriptures out as they are life-savers. It must be stressed however, that conquering adulterous thoughts is never easy. But, if you can be disciplined to replace the bad thoughts with good ones, you can be victorious.

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

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Light of the World

"Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."                                                Matthew 5:14-16   NKJV

Jesus had already told His disciples that He was the Light of the world  (John 8:12), so what a compliment He was paying them, and us, that He wanted us all to be like Himself - a light of the world. This was not to be our own light however, but a refection of His Light to the world.

There is a certain radiance in this, reaching out from our heart to the hearts of whoever we meet. Jesus wants us lighting up the darkness wherever we are, so that our lights are visible to all.This means, not only in the church, but the supermarket, the restaurant, driving the car, at work, the workplace, in fact everywhere we are.

The light should shine in our daily language too, no matter what is happening to wind you up. You may be under pressure but, your light should still shine making the way clear for people. Shining your light for Jesus also means refusing to be party to certain things such as, unwholesome talk and behaviour. Lead, don't be led. 

Be a guiding light. In Jesus' day, people lived in small homes with perhaps only one small window. Hence it was very dark. Therefore they used a utensil, very much like a gravy boat in which they poured oil and placed a wick. If they went out, they would place a cover, like a basket over the light to make it safe. The light was still burning underneath. When they returned they took the basket away and light flooded inside again. Note, don't ever let your light go out, let it remain lit.

Watch this, in verse 16, Jesus talks about letting people see your good deeds in the light. Now the word 'Good' in the Greek is a word called, kalos that means that a thing is not only good but, is captivating, beautiful and attractive. This is the good, that people should see in you. However, be humble about it. Don't draw attention to yourself, looking for a pat on the back. The glory must always go to Jesus, never ourselves.

Allow me to challenge you. Consider this and answer honestly:

Are you a light among your family at home, your friends, work colleagues and your community?

This is not to make you feel bad if you don't measure up. It is to demonstrate that this is never easy to perform. In fact, it can seem impossible at times. Jesus understands this and asks that you keep trying. He knows you will get there in the end. It just takes a little bit of discipline. Start by proclaiming that you are a 'Light in the world' and then aim to reach this goal. You can do it.

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

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The Qualities of Salt

"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavour, how shall it be seasoned?'          

                                                                                    Matthew 5:13   NKJV

Salt is connected to purity

It is said that the Romans felt it the purest of all things. If Christians are to be the salt of the earth, they must be examples of purity. A Christian should be honest in everything, it is an example of good moral standards. We have a mandate to God to show the world Jesus Christ. Therefore, we need to avoid being tarnished with the world's standards. In social conversations, we must rise above the jests that are not Godly. In social conversation, it is so easy to drop your guard and fall into the trap of ungodly chatter and acts. We must remain as salt - pure.

Salt is a preservative

Plutarch, a Roman historian and philosopher had a very strange way of describing preserving meat. It is told that he said, 'The meat is a dead body and part of a dead body, but salt preserves it, keeping it fresh and therefore, is like a new soul inserted into a dead body'  

                                                                                  sourced from William Barclay's notes on Matthew

Therefore Christians must do their best to preserve the Name of Jesus, keeping themselves pure as a shining example of belonging to Him.

Salt protects from corruption

If Christians are to be the salt of the earth, they must have a certain antiseptic influence on life. Christians must be a cleansing agent in society. They must be the ones who by their presence, defeat corruption.

Salt adds flavour to things

For many people, food cooked without adding salt, is not nice. They say that it can't be added afterwards, successfully, it never tastes the same. Just viewing certain cooking programs on TV, tends to agree with this thought with presenters saying that the food lacks seasoning. It is a choice thing but, in the medical world it is a no-go.

Christianity is to life what salt is to food - it adds flavour. For Christianity it is the flavour and aroma of Jesus that draws people to Him. Salt must never lose its saltiness. Mixed with certain chemicals, humid conditions and a damp environment, salt can become practically no good. In the same manner, Christians need to be aware of certain things that can draw them away from the truth, becoming ineffective in the presence of unbelievers. Don't allow this.

Therefore like salt, Christianity should, be pure, be a preservative, avoid corruption and add flavour. Acting in these qualities will make you, the salt of the earth.

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

        

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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Look up

"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God 2 Set your minds on things above not on the things on the earth"                                                                             Colossians 3:1-2   NKJV

When things go wrong in your life, who is the first person you seek help from? Is it your partner, pastor, family or friends? When you are in a storm all of this helps but, the most important call you should make is Jesus. Our text tells us to 'Seek those things which are above' and 'Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth'. Jesus should be your first contact because He is able to provide the help that no one else can.

Verse 2 directs us to get our thoughts right. They should be focused on Jesus, not on what is happening around you. Your thoughts can lead you down the wrong path. Time and time again, false thoughts can enter your mind and cause panic. If you listen to these lies, you can be hooked into something that has not happened. Therefore, focus on God, because He always shows us the truth.

Tony Evans comments on these verses:

'Believers must be tuned into the Heavenly Broadcasting Network to receive data needed for daily living. Take a look a good look at heaven's perspective on every issue so you will know how to live on earth.'                            The Tony Evans Bible Commentary

Jesus is never too busy to answer you. He watches over you all the day. Take for example the account after the Feeding of the Five Thousand. Jesus put the disciples into a boat and sent them to the otherside of the lake. They did this but, soon got into problems as a storm hit the lake and they were in danger of capsizing. Jesus had gone up a mountain to be alone and pray. However, He noticed them and set off walking to the boat on the water. When He reached them, they thought He was a ghost and were scared even more. But He calmed the wind and the waves and they were safe Matthew 14:22-33. 

Watch what happened; He saw them from afar and heard their cries of desperation and He came to them. And He will come to you as you keep your eyes set on Him. He will bring peace, hope and encouragement. Therefore, don't ever take your eyes off Him and look at what is around you instead. Notice that Peter looked around at the wind and high waves and he sunk. He took his eyes off Jesus. Don't do that  -  Look up!

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

        

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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

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