The Golden Rule

"And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise."

                                                                                       Luke 6:31   NKJV

Bibleref.com says:

'The "Golden Rule" applies the part of the Greatest Commandment which says to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:39). Love is more than kind feelings. It's a sacrificial concern for the well-being of others. We are to think about what we need and use that perspective as a basis for meeting the needs of others—even our enemies who persecute us for following Jesus (Luke 6:27). Jesus illustrates this more fully in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37)'.

Christian values are  very different to the world's values. We have Jesus living in our hearts and so, we need to act accordingly. Take for instance abortion. We know this is wrong and will protest to stop this murderous act. However, what about the person who has gone through with this act and regrets it. Should we walk by on the other side or, should we offer love and counsel to this person. It is easy to point the finger and say to them that it is their fault. But, what would Jesus do here? That is the difference.

We want people to to think well of us so, we must do the same to other people. Love has no record of wrongs; it doesn't keep a diary off all the things that people have said or done to us. Love forgives, and we should do the same. Loving people in this way will not always bring us the response we would like in return. Some people can be nasty and have hateful thoughts towards us. We can't change this. All we can do is be more like Jesus and try to handle things like He would.

This Golden Rule scripture, can actually go back to back with Proverbs 11:25:

"A generous person will be enriched, and the one who gives a drink of water will receive water.' Giving reveals who comes first in our lives (3:9). When we give our money and help to promote God's agenda - building up the saints, spreading the gospel. helping those in need - He promises blessing which far outweighs all we could ever ask for.

There is so much that we need to learn about ourselves; there are so many changes that we have to be agreeable to make. But when we are, we will want for nothing (Ps 23:1). As you shine gold to everyone you meet, you may not always be popular but, you will always be popular with Jesus!

 

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

Lord Jesus, I have sinned   

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 2025 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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Do you read your bible?

"20My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. 21Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; 22For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh."    Proverbs 4:20-22   NKJV

Many Christians today, don't use a bible because they have the app on their mobiles. There's nothing wrong with this at all. For myself though, I like to have my bible with me because if I want to take some notes; underline a scripture or flick through well-worn pages to find a scripture, I can do. However, many Christians admit to not reading their bible because they are so busy. What should be the utmost priority becomes lost in a whirlwind of things that could so easily be left for a little while. But, the bible becomes an afterthought.

Here, Solomon shares with his son the necessity of reading the Word. He calls for his son to pay attention and listen. It's a reminder that parents can't offer their children wise instructions one time and suppose their job is done. Instructing our children is an ongoing responsibility. 

Likewise, God expects us to read His Word and digest it. Let us not forget that He is our parent - Our Father. This is why Jesus said to Satan in the desert, 'It is written,' Now, you can't say that it is written if you don't know what is written, right? The devil can't be fooled, even he knows when a person is familiar with the Word of God or not. 

Now, for some, the bible can be hard going, it can be difficult to understand. This is why it is easier to use an easy to read study bible with useful footnotes. Also using  daily study notes, such as this you're reading. It helps open up scriptures with sound explanations. Having a note book can be handy too or not being frightened to write in your bible. You'll be surprised how welcome some of your own notes are when you see them again.

The bible can be an exciting book used properly. It is a living testament and a guide to your daily living. As Solomon says 'My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. 21Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; 22For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh." Shut the TV off, try to be alone for a time and just relax with Jesus. Ask Him to open His Word to you and, He will. The closer you get to Jesus, the more He will share with you and the richer your life will be. But you need to put the time in to be able to get the rewards out.

Begin a new adventure in the Word today and see how it benefits you!

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

Lord Jesus, I have sinned   

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 2025 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

Is the church asleep?

"3When the foolish took their lamps, they didn’t take oil with them; 4but the wise ones took oil in their flasks with their lamps. 5When the groom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep."             Matthew 25:3   CSB

When I started this series, I had no idea how much we would be able to dig out of it. So, I will have one last session on this before we move on. However, can I encourage you to do your own digging. I promise you, there will be more to find because, this is a living word. Just don't try to rush ahead. Sit on the scripture and wait for the Holy Spirit. He will come and lead you along an exciting path. Just keep a note book of what He shows you.

The scripture above tells us that they slept; they took their eyes off their mission and fell asleep. This reminds me of when Jesus was in Gethsemane and His disciples, who were with Him, couldn't stay awake: 'Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? 41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation.The Spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."  Matthew 26:40-41. 

Many feel today, that the church is asleep; sermons are preached but nothing happens. Some say the leaders are even frightened to upset others. Others feel church has become too much of a fun place to go to; but when they return home, everything goes back to normal. 'There's too much worship,' some declare, 'and not enough of the Word being preached. ' Now, this may be so, yet others will believe that there is too much preaching and not enough worship.  The thing is, both of these sets of people are probably right, the correct balance needs to be set for it all to work together properly.

I'm just saying what I hear, don't shoot the messenger, but, there must be some truth in it. Sermons that are preached with no response whatsoever, must be questioned to whether they were from God at all. When was the last time The Lord's Prayer was said in the service? This is something that many churches have left out. Again, we must consider, are we leaving the oil out of the lamp? Will things work successfully if we do this in our own strength? Well the evidence of the five foolish virgins tells us that we won't be successful, and the doors will close on us unless we sort ourselves out.

Perhaps it is time to shake ourselves awake, fill our lamps to overflow and set our sights on the gates of heaven, taking as many with us as possible. However, to do this, you need to be awake and full of energy with your lamp full.

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

Lord Jesus, I have sinned   

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 2025 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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Do you need to make some changes?

"3When the foolish took their lamps, they didn’t take oil with them; 4but the wise ones took oil in their flasks with their lamps. 5When the groom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep."             Matthew 25:3   CSB

Let us dig down a little deeper into this verse. We've seen how foolish five of the virgins were to go out without taking spare oil for their lamps, it was a disaster waiting to happen. They also failed to prepare for their task, if they had, they would have realised that they were low on oil. 

But now we see that they went out alone. The five may well have been together initially, but as the panic kicked in, they were alone and left to fend for themselves.

If the oil symbolised the Holy Spirit, which it did, then they were alone and that is a very foolish thing to allow to happen if we are on duty for the kingdom of God. There are demons out there that are longing to attack and rip a person apart, given the chance; trying to make it in your own strength is not a sensible option. You need back up.

Prior to their journey, the five foolish virgins could have made the best of their time. If they were preparing for this journey, one of them at least would have realised that they would need oil and it would be better to buy this before the journey. But as can always happen, things get put aside, 'Yes, we'll do that in a minute, just relax for a while.' Therefore, it was forgotten and off they went with the other five, wise virgins. 

There was a waiting period and one would have thought that they would use this time to buy some oil. It didn't happen, they fell asleep instead. Their foolishness gets worse. They delayed getting getting oil prior to their journey, now, they were doing the same. This is a strong case of procrastination.  The Free Dictionary puts procrastination this way: To put off doing something, especially out of habitual carelessness or laziness. This is a strong interpretation but fits the picture here very well. They were careless and lazy and paid the price. They could have changed the situation round but, they didn't.

Don't ever be this way. We all have to brush up on our priorities, that's for sure; but, the seriousness of this situation must speak to us about changing things in our life. If you feel that this is pointing at you, then make some changes before it's too late and the doors are closed.

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

Lord Jesus, I have sinned   

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 2025 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

Have you oil in your lamp?

 3When the foolish took their lamps, they didn’t take oil with them; 4but the wise ones took oil in their flasks with their lamps. 5When the groom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.             Matthew 25:3   CSB

Charles Spurgeon said, 'There is a glitter and a flash, but there is no permanency unless the Spirit of God is in us.' Think about that statement for a moment. The foolish virgins didn't realise just how foolish they were being. The lack of oil is the ruin of many professing Christian's lamps. Some people may appear to be full of the Spirit on the outside but, on the inside, there is very little spiritual life within them. Their lamps are empty.

As Spurgeon comments, there is a glitter and a flash at the beginning but there is no permanency in their walk. Why is this? The Spirit of God is not within them, their oil has burnt out and they're running on empty. A person may be able to put on a fair act in the flesh for a time, but after a while, the cracks begin to surface. 

We need the heavenly oil that the wise virgins possessed. Only the Spirit of God can supply this. Therefore, if you would like a fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit upon your life, you must come before the Great Anointer! He alone can give you what you need. Open your heart to God, and allow Him to lay His hand upon your life in a new way. I guarantee you, a strong anointing will follow! 

Read slowly and prayerfully through Psalm 92:10 'But my horn You have exalted like a wild ox; I have been anointed with fresh oil.' Ask Jesus to refill you again, with His wonderful healing oil and fill you with His Holy Spirit. Just allow yourself to be re-soaked in the oil of gladness; the power and the peace of God. Be open to His leading. If you speak in tongues, that is fine. If you don't, that is fine too. Allow Jesus to do this for you, not yourself. 

It will be so worth it!

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

Lord Jesus, I have sinned   

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 2025 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

Don't be foolish - be prepared! Part 2

“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the groom. 2but Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3When the foolish took their lamps, they didn’t take oil with them; 4but the wise ones took oil in their flasks with their lamps. 5When the groom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep."                               Matthew 25:3-5.  CSB

Carrying on from yesterday, we see the importance of preparation and the need to avoid foolishness. Imagine, if you will, driving off somewhere in the middle of the night and driving through the middle of nowhere. We would do this periodically, when the kids were small. We would get up early and set off at about 3am to go and visit grandparents who lived up the country. The kids loved these times, it was always exciting for them.

However, imagine if we had driven off without first checking the oil, water, tyres and failed to check if we had enough petrol to make the journey. Now, I would class that as being foolish if I hadn't have carried out these checks. As it was, there were no mobile phones in those days and it was guess work sometimes wondering exactly where we were, until we hit the motorway. But, to a degree, we were prepared for the journey.

When is Jesus coming back is not an easy question to answer. Yes, there are things that point to His return but, many people have got this wrong over the years. My answer is, I don't know but, I know for certain that He is going to return. So therefore, we need to be prepared. This doesn't mean living out of a suitcase because, for one thing, we will take nothing with us, not even our bible. These things of the past will be left behind, Jesus is coming for us and nothing else. Should we be looking over our shoulder, paranoid that we will miss Him. No, you can be sure that He will not miss you. He has your name written on His heart. All you need to do right now is, to live your life for Jesus. There is no exam to pass; there is no need to wear a flashy t shirt with 'I'm here Jesus' written on it'. You just need to be yourself and live for Him. However, there is a need to be ready for His return, to be prepared and, if you're living for Jesus right now, you are prepared so, don't worry. Just keep that way.

It will be the most exciting time in history and you will be part of it; transported from where you are to heaven, standing before Jesus. Get ready!

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

Lord Jesus, I have sinned   

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 2025 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

Don't be foolish - be prepared!

“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the groom. 2but Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3When the foolish took their lamps, they didn’t take oil with them; 4but the wise ones took oil in their flasks with their lamps. 5When the groom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep."                         Matthew 25:3-5.  CSB

There is a warning here that we need to take heed of. Ten virgins went out to meet the groom. Five were well prepared and had their lamps filled with oil. The other five, left things until the last moment and therefore went out almost empty. The groom was delayed and they all fell asleep. All of a sudden there was a shout, 'Here's the groom, come out to meet Him.' The foolish one's found that their lamps were going out and started asking the wise for some oil. They were refused because there would not be enough to go round. The foolish one's went out to buy oil but while they were away, the groom came and the wise entered the kingdom. The doors were then locked. When the foolish finally returned, they begged to be let in but the Master said, 'I don't know you'.

This scripture is a description of Jewish believers during the great tribulation. In the description, they have no preparation and therefore they have no entrance into the kingdom of rewards. It is a warning to them but, also a warning to us as well.

This is a strong piece of scripture; one in which we should sit up and take notice of. We need to be prepared for when Jesus returns; we need to be ready. It'll be too late if we leave things until He has returned. This speaks to those alive during the tribulation to come; be warned and don't wait until the last moment to accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour because, by then it may be too late.

The gospel has been preached since Jesus walked the street of His homeland. But still, stubborn hearts refuse to accept Him as Lord. Please know this, He is the one who holds the key to the doors of heaven. If you don't ask Him for this key, you will be like the foolish virgins who because of their lack of wisdom and laziness, forfeited their right to the kingdom. Don't be one of them

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

Lord Jesus, I have sinned   

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 2025 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