A genuine faith in God

"Jesus said to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you."             Matthews 21:31   NKJV 

Jesus told the chief priests and the elders a parable about two sons. The first one refused to do something his father asked but, later changed his mind and did it. The second son told his father that he would do this request but didn't. Jesus asked them who had done the father's will. They replied that it was the first one. Jesus then said:

'Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent and believe him.'

By answering correctly, the Jewish leaders condemned themselves, but the tax collectors and harlots refused initially and later repented. The leaders though, claimed to follow God but didn't back this up even though, they witnessed the repentance of the tax collectors and harlots. Words that cry out 'Amen' when a preacher speaks, mean nothing unless they are followed up with action.

There was a false front that came from the Jewish leaders. They confessed God, even though many didn't really know Him. However, they refused to acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah, even with all the miracles He did and His death on the cross. They knew He was different to everyone else but their hard-heartedness wouldn't allow them to consider this fact.

Sadly, there are people in the church today who don't know Jesus. Many had a 'religious' upbringing - Sunday school etc, but it was ritualistic. They went to church because their parents told them to. And from this time, they still go to the church on a Sunday morning and go through all of the rituals, but sadly, they just do not have a relationship with Jesus. I was the same until Jesus got hold of me; perhaps you do too. But, if you are reading this and realise that you don't have a relationship with Jesus - you've never met with Him, why not do this today. There is a prayer that follows that will help you.

Finally, if you feel that you are hard-hearted, ask Jesus to soften this right now. Just reach out to Him, He is longing to hear you speak with 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 

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Forgive like you were forgiven

"So My Heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from His heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses"     Matthew 18:35   NKJV

Think very carefully, is there someone in your life that you haven't forgiven? This person may have caused you great heartache and suffering. You may have felt wounded, ridiculed and heartbroken over someone's ruthless action towards you. You may say, 'That was years ago, I've forgotten that now.' No you haven't or you wouldn't still be thinking about it. Be honest, this person or people hurt you so badly that every now and again, it pops up to the surface of your memory and you begin to re-live that time. It is still raw and it still makes you angry and upset.

Max Lucardo comments on this area: 'Part of you is broken and the other part is bitter. Part of you wants to cry and part of you wants to fight. The tears you cry are hot because they come from your heart, and there is a fire burning in your heart. It's the fire of anger. It's blazing. It's consuming. Its flames leap up under a steaming pot of revenge. You are left with a decision: 'Do I put the fire out or heat it up? Do I get over it or get even?'                                Copyright Max Lucardo

To carry unforgiveness around leads us to allow the offence to take root and then, the bitterness is like a cancer that spreads all over our mind until, we trust no one, continually defend ourself and each time we either see this person or hear of them, bitterness and hatred rule within our hearts.

What would Jesus do here? I think you know the answer. He would encourage you to forgive that person and lay the incident to rest. Don't forget that Jesus expects you to forgive. He forgave you; what right have you to hold resentment within your heart and refuse to forgive them. 

Don't put things off, bring your hurts to the cross right now and confess:

'Lord, for too long I have refused to forgive................for the hurt and pain that was caused by them. Like you have forgiven me my sins and wrongdoings, I forgive.............now and release them and myself from the bondage I have created. In Jesus name. Amen

One more thing, if you have wronged someone, go to them now and confess it!

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

 

 

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

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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