A New Life in Jesus

"And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, 13 although I was formally a blasphemer, a persecutor and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief."  

                                                  1 Timothy 1:12-13  NKJV

Paul teaches about his former life as blasphemer, persecutor and an insolent man. He was also responsible for the many beatings and deaths people suffered because of their faith in Jesus. At that time, he knew no better, he was just dong what he believed and he saw no wrong in this. However, once Jesus got hold of him on the Damascus Road (Acts 9) he began a new life, totally converted to Jesus. Saul the persecutor became Paul the evangelist. 

He says something very interesting in verse 13: But I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.' At that time, Saul knew no different and he was just acting the way he had been taught. However, once he knew the truth and repented, he became Paul, a new man. This is how we came to Jesus. We knew no better and so, became involved in the sins of life because this was all that we knew. We probably had some good values taught by our parents but, we didn't have Jesus; and this was the difference. Once we accepted Him into our lives, we repented  and He forgave all our sins.

You should never forget what Jesus did for you. No matter what you did wrong, Jesus has forgiven you, He ripped up the note recorded with your sins on and left it on the cross and He has declared you, Not Guilty. How can this be? It is by grace - His unmerited favour upon you. he has poured it on you in overflow. This grace came to you by the extra-ordinary patience of Jesus Christ.

Now, you can hold your head up high. People from your past, may say, 'I know the real person;I know what they were involved in then.' Jesus simply declares that He knows nothing about this past. He has given you a future and that is all that matters. You were saved and purchased at a great price. You were rescued from your sinful life that was leading you to the pit of hell. When you called on Jesus, He rescued you from the fire and He has given you something to really shout about. You belong to Him and have eternal life! And this life is full of the grace of God.

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

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They may laugh, but you, get the job done!

"Why make this commotion and weep? The child is not dead, but sleeping 40 And they ridiculed Him."                        Mark 5:39-40  NKJV 

Jairus, one of the synagogue leaders, came to Jesus begging Him to come and lay hands on his daughter who was near to death. Jesus dropped everything and followed Jairus. On the way, among the crowds, a woman who had suffered an issue of blood for 12 years got His attention and Jesus spent some time with her. As time went on, some people from the synagogue came and told Jairus that his daughter had died. Jesus, straightaway said to Jairus, 'Do not be afraid; only believe.'

Jesus then set off with Jairus to his home. When they arrived there were a crowd of professional mourners outside. These people were paid to attend funerals and weep and pray out loud. This didn't impress Jesus who told them they were causing a commotion because the child was only sleeping. This caused them to ridicule Jesus and laugh at Him. Jesus cleared the place and took the parents and His helpers into the room where the 12 year old girl lay. To the world, she was dead. But to Jesus, and all with His faith, she was only sleeping. He took her hand and gently told her to get up. She did so , immediately. She had been raised from the dead and healed.

Notice a few things that are faith-robbers. (1) v36 Jesus told Jairus not to be afraid but believe. Whatever the surroundings may look like, remember that we walk by faith not by sight 2 Cor 5:7. (2) V39, Unbelievers may laugh at your belief, especially when you tell them about miracles. They will always have an answer to rob you of your blessing. Don't let these people who laugh and giggle about you, rob you of your faith. Do what Jesus did, He got on with the job in hand and refused to fall to their level by arguing with them. (3) v40-41 Jesus refused to associate with people who would rob Him of His faith. And we should do the same. We are here on a mission to save souls and tell them all about Jesus Christ. We are also here to lay hands on the sick so they may become well. We are not here to listen to people who are here to block us from doing our mission.

So remember, don't fear, only believe, don't hang around people who are out to make you look a laughing stock because of your faith. Have nothing to do with them but remember, they are not laughing at you, but at Jesus and that is a very foolish thing to do. Finally, avoid the faith-robbers. Wherever you are, they will be around but have nothing do with them. Don't let them steal your faith, whoever they are.

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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Remember what you have heard

"For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away and immediately forgets what kind of man he was."                        James 1:23-24  NKJV 

Be honest with yourself, how many times have you sat in church, heard the Word being preached but then, gone away and completely forgot what the sermon was about? From my own experience, quite a lot of times. Some people takes notes, but even then, this is not easy because the cryptic remarks you make may not make sense when you get home because you weren't listening. Unless you're skilled in the art of shorthand it can be difficult.

It can be hard to listen properly because of; 

(1)   The sound system is inadequate and the speaker is not projecting their voice enough for you to hear

(2)   People around you are whispering very loudly to each other

(3).  You're unfortunate enough to be sitting behind that person who shouts out 'Amen' to almost everything that is being said.

(4)   You have a mind that drifts off into a world of your own and you see yourself flying a rocket ship over the Sahara desert

(5)   The practice of playing music at the same time that the speaker is talking can be a nightmare, especially for people with a hearing loss

One unfortunate example for me was when I attending a conference in Brighton and as I sat down in one of those cinema seats, it collapsed with a loud crack. I didn't end up on the floor - not quite, but I spent the whole time trying to fix the seat with one hand while sitting a foot lower than the other people, Very embarrassing I must say and, I cannot remember anything that was said, nor I think, did the people around me.

You may laugh, but I believe that it is a ploy of the enemy to prevent us from hearing what is being preached because it may be something very special that we have needed to hear from God. 

We really must push through this major problem.If you're no good at note-taking, listen instead carefully. Forget the people around you who are distracting you, move if you need to but force yourself through the barrier that the devil has placed around you. Use your bible instead of a note book. Whatever works, ensure that you can focus on what is being said. If you have a hearing loss, try and sit nearing the speaker or see if the service is being recorded and buy a CD. Remember, You have ears to hear, so hear the word whatever happens.

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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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 

Check it out

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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

 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