Pay what you owe

"When they had come to Capernaum, those who received the temple tax came to Peter and said, 'Does your teacher not pay the temple tax?"  Matthew 17:24  NKJV 

Taxes, just like everywhere else, have to be paid. As much as we may complain about how much the tax people are stealing money from us, it is imperative that we pay this fee. To fail may land us with a prison sentence. It was no different in Jesus' day. Here, the temple tax is due and an official asks if Jesus pays the taxes which are meant for the upkeep of the temple. 

Peter informs the official that Jesus always pays what is due and later, when Peter meets up with Jesus, it is discussed more fully. Jesus asks, 'What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take customs or taxes, from their sons or from strangers?' Peter answered from strangers. It was obvious, they wouldn't want to be taking it from their own sons. Jesus could well have entered into a long discussion here about, if the sons are free of tax, then, He as the Messiah, most definitely should have been exempt, after-all, it is His temple. Instead He said to Peter, 'Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and you' v27.

Jesus expects us to pay our taxes, if the law says it, we must do it as much as it hurts. Many people don't pay and either leave it to the last minute or just ignore it. When you think about this, surely to default on our tax bill or indeed, any bills, is dishonouring to God. With just a little wisdom and care, one can easily open a bank account solely for this purpose until the tax is due. We can complain forever about paying tax, but it will get us nowhere, just a waste of hot air. Take a look here and we see a good example of Jesus paying His bill. He could have complained about the tax, after-all, He was the Messiah, but they would have just laughed Him out of the place and He would have embarrassed His position as the Son of God. Therefore, He paid the sum and look at how He did it - out of a fish's mouth. If He can supply money for His disciples this way, He can do it for you as well. But we need to be honourable and legitimate with our bill paying.

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:

'Lord Jesus, I have sinned and I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.

In Jesus' Name. Amen'

Copyright 2024 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

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

 

 

When the storm begins

"But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves for the wind was contrary."                       Matthew 14:24   NKJV

Jesus had sent His disciples to the other side of the lake and had gone up the mountain to pray with His Father. As time went on, He noticed that the boat was now in the middle of the lake, caught in a storm. Seeing that the boat was being tossed around on the waves and knowing that the disciples would be panicking, He went out to them, walking on the water.

Now, this was a frightening event, the Sea of Galilee can suddenly become very dangerous, very quickly. Therefore, the disciples, although some, experienced fishermen, were quite concerned. Upon seeing a figure come walking towards them on the sea, they became very concerned. Wouldn't you? Initially, they thought it was a ghost. Well, they were close - it was the Holy Ghost, Jesus Himself. 

Notice something. Jesus already knew they were in peril, they didn't even have to call to Him; He went walking to them. This is very comforting to know. God watches us and responds to our times of trouble. Sometimes, when we have been in a dangerous spot, we haven't even had time to call on Jesus but, He has seen and rescued us. Can you remember that time? When we are able, it’s always right to call on Him but, there are times when we can't.

As soon as they recognised it was Jesus, as He spoke to them, they felt hope and encouragement. Peter, always the one to take things further decided that if this was Jesus he was going to get out of the boat and walk towards Him. This he did, and sank. He managed a few steps though but when he saw the boisterous wind and waves, he went under. There is a lesson here; never take your eyes off Jesus. Don't just rush into something; Peter didn't, he asked Jesus who told him to 'Come.' His mistake was focusing on the waves instead of Jesus. When we look at fear, it can consume us. But when we call on Jesus, He saves us v30-31.

Don't miss this very important part; 'And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased' v32. If Jesus is with you, there will always be calm. There may be riots around you, fights and trouble but, if Jesus Christ is with you, there will always be calm. There is no need to fear when Jesus is around. He is the King of kings.

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:

'Lord Jesus, I have sinned and I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.

In Jesus' Name. Amen'

Copyright 2024 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

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

 

 

A pearl of great price

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, 46 who when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it."                                         Matthew 13:45-46  NKJV 

Note the phrase, 'one pearl of great price'. This is how Jesus feels about you and I. In fact, He looked at all mankind and agreed to His Father's request and, went out and gave Himself up as a sacrifice so that we, His bride, may have the benefit of eternal life, both here and in heaven. Think about that for a moment, you are the richest of pearls. He turned you from whatever you were into what you are now. You may have had nothing - lost and alone, but He took you and made you His own. Whatever your background was, He is turning you into a pearl of great price. You are work in progress, under new management, and just like a pearl takes a long time to mature, each day you are growing,

Now this pearl of great price is two-fold for yourself and for Jesus. He turned you into His pearl of great price and, in return, He wants you to make Him your pearl of great price too.  There is nothing He left out when He rescued you, God laid down the foundation so you could stand and that foundation was Jesus Himself. Through Him you have built your house on Rock. Therefore, is it too much to ask that you make Him your pearl of great price? Some may ask, how? The answer being by placing Him in the central part of your life. Instead of second thought, make Him your first thought. So when a problem comes your way, you ask Him to solve it for you. If you seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness all things shall be added to you Mt 6:33. 

Make Him the first port of call. Ensure that you read your bible as often as you can and, not as a chore, but for the life you will receive from it. Read a daily devotional as you are doing now. Along with this one, there are many that are freely available. Everyone needs teaching, they need to be challenged and stretched and also have food for thought. One thing is for sure, one day we will be with Jesus in heaven but until then make Him the love of your life - the pearl of great price. Read, study and pray, every single day.

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:

'Lord Jesus, I have sinned and I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.

In Jesus' Name. Amen'

Copyright 2024 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

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

 

 

Amazing faith

"Lord. I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed."             Matthew 8:8. NKJV

This is an amazing illustration of faith at work. The centurion had obviously heard about Jesus and how many people were being healed. So when his servant was at home paralysed and dreadfully tormented, he went to Jesus for help. Being a man of authority - a Roman centurion, he had control over his men; he didn't have to be with them to see them carry out his orders, his authority told him that they would.

Therefore, he told Jesus that He had no need to come to his house - He was a busy man and just saying a word would be enough. Jesus was totally amazed at this man's faith and discussed this with His disciples.

Thinking back, Jesus remembered His own disciples, how they had struggled when a storm hit their boat and had to be rescued. But here was a man - a Gentile, who in every way, was displaying a faith He had never seen in Israel. In the end times, people would come to Jesus at the judgement and be told that because of their unbelief, rewards would not be given to them because of disobedience, but faith such as this, would not go unrewarded.

The centurions faith was simple in a way. He had heard of Jesus and believed what was said about Him. So much so, that when he desperately needed Jesus' help, he took the right step - to Jesus and he was granted his request, by the time he went home, his servant was made well. I mentioned the fact that the centurions faith was simple. It was, there were no religious words spoken, in fact, no prayer. He just knew that Jesus could do for his servant what He was doing for others and that, was good enough for him.

There is no need to perform religious rituals when you are seeking Jesus for healing. All you need is a healthy belief in Jesus. He will then do the rest. If you need healing for yourself or for another person, humbly approach Jesus and ask Him.

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:

'Lord Jesus, I have sinned and I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.

In Jesus' Name. Amen'

Copyright 2024 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

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

 

 

'I received Your healing, but I'm still sick!

"Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean"  Matthew 8:2  NKJV 

'Does God still heal today?' Of course He does. 'Then, why am I still sick?' Two good questions of which my answer is to the latter, 'I don't know.'  Some believe that if a person is not healed, that they had little faith to receive. Others believe that God doesn't heal today, that He has provided us with hospitals, doctors and nurses and we should be going there for this need. Still others believe that lack of healing, means that there is sin in the person and that requires attention before the healing can come. This is all very confusing. I personally believe that God still heals today, I am living proof of this, healed 44 years ago from facial paralysis. However, I still have no firm answer to why some are healed and others are not. 

Let us look at this man with leprosy. Jesus had been up a mountain having time with His Father and, as He came down multitudes were following Him demanding His attention. In the commotion, a man with leprosy came up to Him. No doubt he was able to get through to Jesus because of his condition. Approaching Jesus he said, 'Lord, if you are willing, You can make me clean.' His request was short and straight to the point and he was respectful as he asked. This man had nothing, the leprosy had ruined his life so that he was an outcast with nothing to look forward to. But he mentioned nothing of this to Jesus. This got Jesus' attention and He put out His hand, touched him and said, 'I am willing; be cleansed' 

Notice that the man had to approach Jesus and ask for healing, which for a man with his condition would have been hard to do. He didn't presume that Jesus would heal Him, he just hoped. We must believe that Jesus does still heal today. If you ask for healing but don't really believe that He will, then you are unlikely to be healed. One of the big problems today, is that we go to many people asking for prayer. It is rather like we are looking for the one who will tell us the answer we are looking for. One will say something that sounds really good but when we go to another, they say something differently and the first answer is cancelled out. Asking for prayer is good but, it is far, far better to go to Jesus in humble prayer and ask Him if he will heal you, rather like the leper had done. So if you need the healing touch of Jesus, seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you  Mt 6:33.

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:

'Lord Jesus, I have sinned and I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.

In Jesus' Name. Amen'

Copyright 2024 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

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 take the easy way out

"Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it"                                Matthew 7:14  NKJV 

It is so easy to take the easy way out of things. This may be to cut corners or just find an easier way to do things. However, it is not always the best route. Let's look further at this:

Jeremian 12:5 says: 'If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, then how can you contend with horses?' And let's not forget Jesus on the cross. He didn't take the easiest route to complete His work for His Father. He knew what He had to do to save mankind, and He did it. He suffered that awful death on the cross; the humiliation of people sneering at Him; soldiers beating Him, pulling out His beard and then nails driven into His hands and feet. He loved you and I too much to cut a corner. He went the whole way - the hard way v14.

It takes dedication and study to become more like Jesus. It takes discipline to be the one who sits there, studies and learns while others are out doing what they want to do. These are the ones that may take the easy road: 'Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction and there are many who go by it.' v14.

The people who enter through the wide gate, are those who claim to be Christian or 'churchgoers' and class themselves as religious. But Jesus was not into religion, He was into people - His people who are called by His name and recognised as Christians. Sadly, there are many, many people who will enter this wide gate believing that one day they'll follow Jesus but, until then, 'there is a lot of living to be done.' But for some, that time for living may be very short. Today is the day, not tomorrow.

It can be very difficult to speak to family members about Jesus if they don't want to hear it. It can cause friction and sometimes, even split families. You can talk about anything and it will spark a conversation. However, mention the name 'Jesus' and their backs can become stiff and they don't want to hear about it. The best way is not to bludgeon them but, let them see Jesus by the way you live. This can speak wonders to them. Then, from thereon, pray for them. 

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:

'Lord Jesus, I have sinned and I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.

In Jesus' Name. Amen'

Copyright 2024 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

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

 

 

Watch where the boomerang hits!

"Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with what judgement you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you."  

                                                        Matthew 7:1-2  NKJV

Pointing the finger at someone can be so easy, we do it all the time. It's called judging, and when we judge someone, it springs back on us. It's rather like throwing a boomerang; throw it properly and it will come whizzing back to you. One has to be careful that they are not decapitated when this happens. It is the same with judging someone; point the finger at them in a judging manner and sooner or later it will be turned back on you. It's called the boomerang effect.

How many times have you heard a sermon somewhere and you have thought, 'Hmm, such and such needs to hear this.' There may have been a call to raise the hands for prayer and you look round at this person and see their hands are down. You may begin willing them to raise their hands and go forward. Whatever may be true, you have no right to do this, it is called judging and if you don't want to be judged yourself, stop this. You may think, 'This is so unfair, I know for a fact that they have been up to no good, they're hypocrites.' Wrong, you are. Jesus told us not to judge, so what should you do? Don't judge. Just think for a moment, what are the things that you do that are hypocritical? What if someone was doing this to you? If you have solid evidence that something is wrong with this person/s, then take this to the leadership of the church. Don't speak to anyone else about it - that's called gossip. Just take it to the pastoral team and leave it with them. Your job is done - so forget it.

More than anything, we all need to search our hearts and consider if there is something in our hearts that are either wrong, or need adjusting. Try turning this into a prayer:

 

'Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxieties; 24 and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting'  Psalm 139:23-24

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:

'Lord Jesus, I have sinned and I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.

In Jesus' Name. Amen'

Copyright 2024 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

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