Jesus is right beside you

"But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me."   2 Timothy 4:17  NKJV

Yesterday we saw how many people are hurting, lonely and basically forgotten about. Today, we look at Paul, the faithful warrior as he has reached the end of his ministry. He wrote to Timothy telling him how unsupported he had felt at one of his first court appearances. Nobody had turned up or stood with him; in fact, Paul had no hope in people, his hope was in Jesus Christ, the one who had kept him from disaster time and again. Therefore, he followed in the footsteps of Jesus and Stephen, the first martyr by forgiving the people for not being there for him. This must have been so disappointing, so hurtful.

Looking at the fourth chapter of 2 Timothy and verses 16-18, we read how Paul felt about all of the rejection. One thing to note is that, he didn't throw a 'pity party' or stamp his feet in frustration. Not at all, he basically forgave the people and hoped that it would not be charged against them for their negligence. He then went on to describe how it didn't matter because, the Lord stood by him and helped him. We see this type of thing throughout the bible; Joseph in prison for no reason, accused of attempted rape. Then of course Daniel in the lion's den overnight and Jesus suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane and the brutality of the cross. All suffering of different levels, but God allowed such things to happen. And you will find many more of these examples. The bottom line of this to the Christian has just got to be, whether God takes you out of the situation or allows you to go through it, we need to trust Him. He knows what He is doing.

This leads us to you. What are you going through at the moment? Are you struggling with a sickness? Are you short of money? Is there a bill that you cannot possibly pay? Are you hurting from a bereavement, loss of a job, broken relationship or whatever else? These are all stress factors and a short remedy cannot be found for them unless Jesus turns up in the middle of them. Just try and think how the men and women of God - warriors, handled things. Think about Daniel in the lion's den - a nightmare. What about his friends thrown into a flaming furnace. My goodness, how did these people cope - by their faith in God. Deep down, they knew He wouldn't let them down. Suddenly, their nightmare turned into joy and, so will yours as you begin to rely on Him. Jesus is right beside you!

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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Broken Windows, Empty Hallways

"Do you want to go away?  John 6:67  NKJV

Many of Jesus' disciples were turning away from Him because of some of the extreme things He was saying: 'I am the bread which came down from heaven.' From thereon, He spoke about eating His own flesh and drinking His blood and some, could not handle this teaching, so they left. This is why He turned round to His disciples and asked if they wanted to leave too.

At this time, it may have been a very difficult time for Jesus. He knew that He would suffer such things but it still hurts. When you think about it, Jesus was on His own and He knew what lay ahead. This is why He needed to be alone with His Father as much as He could be. The disciples loved Him but, they were confused and bewildered at times and couldn't figure Him out.

This reminded me of the 1968 Randy Newman song: 'I think it's going to rain today'

Look at the lyrics below and you'll find it describes a person, probably down on his luck, one in which rejection has taken place: 

Broken windows and empty hallways, a pale dead moon in the sky streaked with gray

Human kindness is overflowing, and I think it's going to rain today

Scarecrows dressed in the latest styles, with frozen smiles to chase love away. Human kindness is overflowing. And I think it's going to rain today

Lonely, lonely
Tin can at my feet

Think I'll kick it down the street

That's the way to treat a friend

Bright before me the signs implore me To help the needy and show them the way
Human kindness is overflowing and I think it's going to rain today

Songwriters: Randy Newman

I Think It's Going to Rain Today lyrics © Songtrust Ave, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc

Although, these lyrics in no way speak about how Jesus felt, there is a similarity of rejection, loneliness and desertion. There are people around today, probably in your church, who have or are, suffering in this way. Life can be difficult at times and can pull us apart. Some are broken inside and yet, they are trained in not showing you. They carry their hurt around, never getting too close or trusting anyone. Life has abused and robbed them. PTSD may be a reason for some. A broken relationship for another. They may love Jesus but never go too far with Him - just in case He hurts them too. They may be searching in some way for Jesus to help them but, feel too ashamed to reach for Him. Can you help?

This may bring someone to mind. Just showing them a little kindness can go a long way to gaining their trust. How would Jesus Himself handle someone like this? If you know, why not make the first approach, today. 

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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Are you extrovert or introvert?

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."  2 Timothy 3:16-17   NKJV

Paul had lived a hard life and had suffered very much for his faith. Yet, he never gave up. He was a 'If you throw me over the wall, I'll only crawl back up again.' And this attitude pleased God, but not many others. Therefore, he was persecuted wherever he went and he was beaten, jailed, shipwrecked but, he never gave up. And this is the type of testimony he had passed on to Timothy, who's now making his own way with His ministry but not, forgetting the valuable training he had received from Paul.

You know, we will all suffer persecution from time to time; it may have already started for you. We may find persecution in our work, our neighbourhood, even our own family. It is everywhere. But we have to learn to live with it. How do we do this? By rising above it, not falling to the temptation to react badly. But then again, there will be times when we have to make a stand and this stand, may be costly.

Some of us may be extrovert Christians where we will think nothing of preaching on a street corner or knocking someone's door and telling them about Jesus. The introvert Christian will keep quiet about things and pray quietly but will never really take the lead. This is ok. All of us are different.

An extrovert Christian will put themselves on the frontline and the devil will have a lot of fun in firing at him. Jesus was an extrovert. Nothing was going to stop Him and the normal extrovert Christian feels the same. They want to get the job done.  

In verse 16 above, Paul writes about scripture being inspired of God. In the Greek, you probably know that the word inspired is 'God-Breathed.' And this describes the whole word of God aptly. If Jesus had to quote scripture to Satan when He was being tempted in the wilderness, then you can be sure that we need to be doing the same. The problem is, if we don't have the scriptures within us, we fall at the first hurdle. Timothy was taught  from childhood the Holy scriptures (v15) We must become fully knowledgeable in His Word and we won't achieve this without reading it - daily. I tend to avoid the modern practice of reading the scriptures on my mobile. I much prefer to have my bible in my hands where I can underline, write notes or quickly cross-reference something. I find using a phone is not as flexible and may be distracting if a call or text comes through while reading.

Each to their own, however. But whatever you do - extrovert or introvert, get stuck into your bible. It a a lifesaver

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

 

 

What vessel are you?

"Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honour, sanctified and useful for the master, prepared for every good work"  

                                                     2 Timothy 2:20-21   NKJV

Paul has just been writing about vessels for honour and dishonour. The ones for honour are the gold and silver ones. The ones for dishonour were made out of wood or clay. These were containers that were used for anything. However, the gold and silver ones, were the special occasion ones because, they brought honour. Therefore, anyone who cleansed themselves from youthful lusts but pursued righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who called on the Lord out of a pure heart were the honourable ones.

Notice a few things here, firstly, we have to do the cleansing ourselves (v21). God will help us, of course but, initially it begins with ourselves. Secondly, When we flee from one thing, we need to be able to run to another (v22). When we flee from youthful lusts, we must have somewhere to run to receive help. Tony Evans puts it this way: 'If we remove our filthy rags, we must put on clean clothes.' Copyright Tony Evans. Do you get the message. When we shed off old habits, sinful deeds and practices, then we must be sure that we have an honourable alternative.

You may be a pastor, teacher, home group leader or similar, therefore, when you observe  a person's behaviour and feel that it is far from being a Christian, you need to address it. However, it must be done in a gentle manner. Remember 'A harsh word stirs up anger' Proverbs 15:1. So if you go in with all guns blazing, you may do more damage, completely driving the other person away. Consider this, approaching the person in a gentle and patient manner is more likely to get their attention. Correct people gently, not cruelly. We are here to help them escape the snare and clutches of the devil so, therefore, we need to act wisely and with respect. It is far more favourable than going in and going for the throat.

Thank about it this way, we all have areas that need to be fine-tuned. None of us are perfect. But love can change everything. Having a welcoming grace about you can draw people in and help them feel safer. Who do you know who would benefit from this approach? Would you benefit from it? Have you anyone in mind who you could help? Give it some thought.

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

 

 

Abide by the rules

"Endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ."   2 Timothy 2:1-5   NKJV 

Even though we have addressed the area before, people are unable to grasp the fact that when we were saved, we were enlisted into the Army of God. And therefore, there are rules that we need to adhere to. If anyone was actually in one of the armies throughout the world, they would know that they need to stick to the set of rules, be disciplined, fit and on guard at all hours of the day.

In God's army, it is slightly different. We used to say that for 23 hours and 59 minutes per day, we belonged to the army - they owned us. However, for the last minute, we can do whatever we wanted. In God's army, we get no such luxuries. We are on duty 24 hours a day, every day for life - oh, and you don't get paid for it either. 

Have you ever looked at Jesus as your Commanding Officer? Well, He is. He is the top man. But unlike other Commanding Officers, Jesus loves you to bits. He thinks you're wonderful. Now, this doesn't mean that we can wind Him round our little finger. Try it, and you quickly find out that you can't. 

Soldiers have to work hard; train hard and when the going gets tough, get stuck in. A soldier rarely gets involved with the things of the world, there is far too much to be done by sticking to your daily routine. Let us not forget that Satan has his own army too and if we don't stay on alert, he will try and take us out. However, Our Commanding Officer - Jesus, unlike other CO's who may sit at their desks most of the day, Jesus is right there in the thick of it with His soldiers. We fight, He fights and as we follow Him, we receive the victory - the crown v5.

Paul says in verse 1: ‘You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.' Paul has already told us in 2 Corinthians 12:9, that Christ's grace is sufficient because, we will be given all the grace We need in time of human weakness. When we are serving Jesus we should never go by our own willpower alone, we have access to Christ's power and His grace, so take hold of it.

Like us, Timothy knew that there would be many challenges ahead but, he had the plan in mind to speak and direct people as he had seen Paul doing. To preach and teach the new converts and re-build the churches. Was this easy, not at all, this is why Paul had said to him to endure hardship. That is a big problem for some of us. We want the good bits and not the bad bits. Well, you can't have one without the other. So, clean your weapons, check the way ahead, commit it all to the CO and get on with it and we'll see you back at camp

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

 

 

Keep going no matter what

"Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love, which are in Christ Jesus."   2 Timothy 1:13   NKJV

Sadly churches split or pastors are ostracised  through scandal or a well made up piece of gossip. It shouldn't be this way, but it is sometimes. People can become puffed up -they do something for God and all of a sudden they are the hottest people in the church. God's pleased when we bless Him, that's for sure but not at the cost of leaving others out of the equation and going on a glory trip.

Here, Paul mentions that his relationships with some people were wearing thin and all those in Asia, had turned away from Him. He doesn't say why but many people didn't like him, possibly a throwback from when he was a Pharisee. Mud sticks doesn't it and gossip. makes it even worse.

This is why Paul is saying to Timothy to hold fast to the sound words that Paul had spoken to him, and above anything else, keep hold of the Holy Spirit. We may not think it at the time but that is when we need to lean on the power and peace that the Holy Spirit provides. Whenever we find ourselves chasing our own tail, getting more and more anxious and stressed out, we need the Holy Spirit.

Where are you in all of this. Do you get enough spiritual food? Do you spend time in the bible and in prayer. I tend to use my prayer times when I'm walking the dog - He likes to pray (Couldn't resist). I go off on a walk or even with my camera and I talk to God and He talks back. This works for me as I easily drift off in prayer sessions. For me, doing what I do works. You may want to try it, you may like this format. Do for you, what works best for you!

Studying the word, is easier for me because, I am always writng and I learn so much and I always try to share them with you, if it is feasible. But you do need to discipline yourself. I know, that I nag on about this but it is so important that you set some available time to spend studying the word of God. If Paul hadn't have spent all those years studying under his tutor, we would not know very much at all. Studying is the key.

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

 

 

It's time to stir up that gift!

"Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands."                                 2 Timothy 1:6  NKJV

Timothy was quite a timid and fearful man and, initially he needed Paul's support and encouragement. Timothy had a gift within him that followed the laying on of Paul's hands and, Paul was wanting to get him to flow in this.

Growing up, he had not had a strong, male hand directing him and therefore he lacked confidence. Paul wanted to rectify this and the best way was by encouragement and getting Timothy involved with activities.

Many people have suffered a lack of parental guidance and control and therefore lack the confidence in knowing they are doing right. Paul was confident that he would overcome this and reiterated to him that he was not given a spirit of fear or timidity but one of power, love and of a sound mind. It's surprising that in our world today, there are many people who lack a good grounding in life and a determination to succeed. You may be like this. Perhaps you were on your own a lot because your parents were both at work and when they came home in the evening, they were probably too tired to spend time with you after you had sat there waiting. The clock cannot be turned back unfortunately but, you can choose to do things differently in your life.

Perhaps it is time to put some plans into action. Did you ever have a dream when you were younger; a dream that one day you would do something special. If that dream is still flickering away within you then, it may be time to fan into flame this idea. You'll never know until you try.

You may have responsibilities, such as a husband/wife and children, so obviously these need to be taken into consideration. God would not want you to give them up and go on a mission to deepest Africa and never return. However, this dream you have, this may be a God thing that you can pray through and see just how it could work. One thing I know, when you give up on your dream, you die. Don't do this. The dream is not over it's right there in you heart. So fish it out and see what 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

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