No acceptance at home

"Now it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these parables, that He departed from there. 54When He had come to His own country, He taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished and said, “Where did this Man get this wisdom and these mighty works?  55Is this not the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas?  56And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this Man get all these things?”  57So they were offended at Him.
But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honour except in his own country and in his own house.” 58 Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief."                                       Matthew 13:53-58    NKJV

Jesus visited His home town and went into the synagogue to do some teaching. However, He was not welcome there, Obviously, they recognised Him as the carpenter's son, not as a prophet or teacher. They were stunned. They spoke between themselves asking, 'How can this be, He is just a carpenter and yet He is standing before us, teaching?' They were offended. Yet, note that they recognised His wisdom and mighty acts (v54+57) But their eyes were blind and their hearts hard. It is possible that they didn't want to recognise Him at all. They knew Him as a villager and had never seen Him like this before. There was no room for God to work on an ordinary person here. No faith just stony ground.

When a person becomes a Christian, their whole outlook changes and they have different values. This can stir up bad feeling with families, neighbours and work colleagues. They are used to you the way they know you. Now when they look and listen, it is like looking at a stranger, rather like the people were with Jesus in His home town, and they become offended. Terms like, 'Who do they think they are, Lording it over us.' And rather like Jesus, who found it hard to touch base with them because there was no faith, it is the same for us too. It is like talking to a brick wall and they think that we are crazy.

Christianity can split families apart; it is so costly for you to make the choice of following Jesus. But, it is all very costly not to. We are looking at life or death and choices have to be made. We have to count the cost. Rather like Jesus, you may not be able to make any changes in your home surroundings and it may be very tense at first. However, just hang on to the fact that, like the people in Nazareth recognised; your family and friends are noticing your wisdom and mighty acts too, even though they can't make sense of it; they know it is not ordinary. They're witnessing the Holy Spirit at work and they don't even know it. Just pray that their eyes will be opened and avoid being rude or falling into a negative conversation with them. Let the Holy Spirit do the work.

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
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. Just tap on Grahame Howard books.

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

Copyright 2025 Grahame Howard. 

 

That day is approaching

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind, 48which, when it was full, they drew to shore; and they sat down and gathered the good into vessels, but threw the bad away.  49So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just,  50and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.”
51Jesus said to them, “Have you understood all these things?” They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.”                                            Matthew 13:47-51   NKJV

We are living in historical times, in fact, these are times that will frame the future of the world. Three world leaders, known for their hunger for control: Russia, China and North Korea meeting  together for a united display of their military power. Ukraine are still locked in battle with Russia with many lives being lost and families and homes devastated. Many other countries, including Israel and Palestine being torn apart with bloodshed and starvation. Many immigrants desperate for a new life, are risking their lives by travelling across the waters in search of freedom. Knife crimes are on the increase and many lives are being lost. There is hatred brewing all over the place. 

How long do you think God is going to put up with all of this before He says, 'Enough' and sends Jesus to rescue His people from all of this. Some may say that He didn't when His people were being imprisoned, tortured and killed in WWII. That is true and we just don't know the answer to that one. What we do know is that evil is now on the increase with the threat of WWIII on the horizon. It is a scary place to live in for many people. 

Jesus is committed to His people and one day soon, God will tell Him to come and get us out of here. In our scripture today, we see a dragnet catching all that is in the sea. The angels represent fisherman  who pick the good out and throw the bad away. This is a picture of what it will be like on judgement day. All of those who know Jesus (the good) will be escorted into heaven. Those who don't know Jesus (the bad) will be cast away into the furness of fire. This is a little scary and, some may say unkind. But, we have all heard about Jesus and some have accepted Him and others have refused and rejected His offer of eternal life. The latter, will have had their chance on earth but they said no. It will be too late when the angels are sifting through the good and bad - much too late.

Therefore, while we're still on earth, we have a decision to make. What you choose will determine your fate. Just think, you may never get this chance again. If you were to die in your sin today, you would not get to be with Jesus. After death, there is no choice. Therefore, you need to consider your future destination and quickly. Do you want to be in heaven with Jesus and all others who know Him. Or, are you choosing hell?

There is a prayer just below that you can pray if you want to know Jesus, be a Christian and guarantee yourself a place in heaven. Why don't you say this right now! 

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
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. Just tap on Grahame Howard books.

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

Copyright 2025 Grahame Howard. 

The Peace of God

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."      John 14:27  NKJV

When somebody dies, there is usually a Last Will and Testament, which determines, who has been left something by the deceased. Here, Jesus was doing the same to the disciples but, He was not bequeathing material goods but something of more value, that cannot be bought by money, and this was Peace. This was the inner peace of conscience that arises from a sense of pardoned sin and reconciliation with God. Christ could do this because of the purchase He made, with His own blood at Calvary.

The world may try and offer this peace but, sparingly, selfishly and only for a short time. If the world gives us anything, it soon wants something in return - a payback. The peace the world offers is temporary and very expensive. For example, look at drugs. These may give someone a lift and this may seem like peace has landed in their lives. However, it is short-lived because the thrill soon wears off and the craving begins to take another trip. It is a recipe for a short life. Alcohol can have a similar effect. It is something that can take our minds off problems and help us to wind down a little. Although, not as dangerous as drugs, in the short term, but over time, excessive drinking can also bring about death.

The gift of peace that Jesus offers lasts forever. It doesn't come with expensive conditions or dangerous effects. It is pure and long-lasting and gives the believer a wonderful sense of belonging. Why then, should a Christian be afraid or troubled about anything? But we are!

If Jesus has bequeathed this wonderful peace to us, we should have no need of worry or fear at all. Jesus paid the price for this gift and He wants each of us, to receive it with both hands. 

Remember what the Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 4:6-8:

'Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;  7and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.8Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.'

Amen? Amen!

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

Copyright 2025 Grahame Howard. 

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.
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. Just tap on Grahame Howard books.

Seed sown. Final part

"But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”                                Matthew 13:23   NKJV

Jesus now describes the benefits of sowing seed in good ground. It brings many blessing to you - the giver, and to others - the receivers. It also brings good fruit into God's work, fruit that will last and not fade away like He had been discussing earlier. When someone hears the Word and understands it, much fruit is produced as He gives this out. This demonstrates a true believer, he obeys what he hears.

Although these believers do not produce the same amount of fruit, they all show by their fruit, that they have divine life. Fruit mentioned here is not necessarily souls won for Christ, but probably the manifestation of Christian character. People recognise this and who they are.

This parable was designed to point to the danger against hearing without obeying. Something that is rife today. It was also meant to encourage individuals to receive the Word sincerely and to bring their fruit to God. It was also to help the disciples to realise that there are many who hear the Word but are never genuinely saved. Jesus also alerted the disciples that there are three great antagonists of the gospel:

(1)  The devil (the birds and the evil one)

(2)  The flesh ( the scorching sun - tribulation and persecution)

(3). The world ( thorns, the cares of the world and the delight in riches)

Don't fret that others may produce a lot more fruit than yourself. They may do great things in the world for Jesus. You, may only help an old lady pick up her shopping after she dropped it crossing s car park. However, in Jesus' eyes, this is just as important. There is no real difference. It is genuine fruit.

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

Copyright 2025 Grahame Howard. 

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.
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. Just tap on Grahame Howard books.

Seed sown. Part 3

"Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful." 

                                                                     Matthew 13:22   NKJV

Thorns and brambles are notorious for ruining crops because, if left unattended, they smother the crops and choke them. There is also the difficulty in digging them out because of the fear of ruining the plants completely, or cutting the hands and arms quite badly. Care must be taken to ensure the ground is totally clear of the thorn but, this is not easy because they seem to have a mind of their own and are fast growing.

In this example, Jesus balances His discussion of the thorns choking the plants, to the Word of God being choked by the busy-ness of a person's world. The worries that we allow to rule our day are a constant burden to carry around. Instead of praying leaving the problems with Jesus, we tend to want to help Him in sorting our problems out, because it may be quicker, that way. 

It won't be and we will probably ruin any chance of things getting better, There is also, money problems. Some may worry if they are very short of money, where others may worry because they have a lot but, they want more. They also live in fear of losing it, if they make a mistake.

All these problems represent shallow-mindedness. The mind becomes full of the 'What if's' and there is very little space for faith to rule.There is a great urgency to place Jesus in first place of our hearts. There is life out there and God wants each of us to reach out and take hold of it. In Matthew 6, Jesus speaks about refusing to worry. about earthly things, such as money issues, food and clothes. He urges us to seek Him first and all these things will added to us. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Now Jesus wants us to seek Him first in our daily lives and promises that all these things will be given  to us (Matthew 6:33)       

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

Copyright 2025 Grahame Howard. 

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.
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. Just tap on Grahame Howard books.

Seed sown. Part 2

"But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy;  21yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles."                           Matthew 13:20-21

Continuing with our discussion about The Parable of the Sower, we look once again at Jesus' words in our text above. He had been describing seed sown on stony ground (v5-6). The type of ground around the area He described, was rock with a thin layer of soil scattered over it. Anything planted there had very little root - it wasn't deep enough. The seed sprung up very quickly but because it had little root, the sun scorched them and they withered away in no time at all.

This describes hard-heartedness or half believing people who are not fully convinced. When a person hears the Word of God, they receive it with joy and are elated. It is the answer to their dreams and they believe their life has changed for the better. However, probably through lack of support from other Christians or being equipped with all they need, such as a bible, notes and a church to attend, they may slip away. Or it may be because they fail to follow the guidelines of Christianity and don't read their bible or do some daily study, they quickly fall by the wayside. It's mainly when the problems of their world overtake them and they become frightened or stressed by bills or work, that they can't cope and are not used to praying things through. 

We all need a root that is firmly planted so that, when things come our way to attack us, we are able to stand firm. Remember, if your seed is planted into stony ground, the root will not go deep enough and you will be at risk of being blown away. Therefore, do something about it, quickly.

You may have been a Christian for many years but at certain times, things will try to overcome you. It can be anything - money, bills, debt, illness, marital problems or job-related issues. Firstly, you have Jesus who is willing to help, as long as you do your bit first. He will not just rush in and solve your issues instantly. He expects each of us to do what we can to change things. When we have, we can expect the help we need. Young old older Christians need to realise that the issue begins with us. When we've viewed it and thought things through, we can then pray about it and let God know that you are going to do what you can, if He will be kind enough to help us through the minefield.

You'll get through, but only if your root is firmly established in Jesus.

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

Copyright 2025 Grahame Howard. 

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.
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. Just tap on Grahame Howard books.

 

Seed sown. Part 1

“Therefore hear the parable of the sower: 19When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside.'

                                                                        Matthew 13:18-19    NKJV

Jesus often spoke in parables to reveal divine truth in a way that could be understood by seeking disciples, while simultaneously concealing it from those who rejected His message.

Here we see Him speaking to them about The Parable of the Sower. Let us look at the various parts of His discussion starting in verse 3: 

'Behold, a sower went out to sow.  4And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them.'

Jesus gives the interpretation of this in v18 -19. These are the people who refuse to receive the message of Jesus. They hear the gospel but, do not understand it; not because they can't but, because they won't. They are adamant and refuse totally to become involved in this kind of thing. "Wars are caused by religion' they may tell us in their defence. Verse 4 tells us that birds came and devoured the seed. The birds are a picture of Satan. You have probably met some people who fit into this category; the Pharisees were like this.

Hardness of heart is difficult to deal with. It is like knocking your head against concrete and still getting nowhere. You may have had times such as this. I remember some years ago when I was doing some street evangelism and I gave a chap, a tract. As he took it, I asked if he was a Christian. His answer told me he wasn't, 'Well I have been in the Methodist Church for 40 years; I think that qualifies me, don't you?' I told him that I didn't think so, unless he had received Jesus as his Saviour. However, it fell on dear ears and he walked away.

Being in a particular church for years does not make you a Christian anymore than sitting in  Costas, makes you a cup of coffee. Without asking Jesus into your life is the only way; and this is why the devil will try and prevent people from knowing the truth. He won't get back into heaven so, he doesn't want you to either. 

Having a stony heart is not good. It will prevent people from having a place in glory when they die. Even up to this moment, if you sat down and thought about all of the times someone has spoken to you about Jesus, even if it was for a second, you could identify the times Jesus was inviting you to be His friend. It is the same with other people too. There was a course back in the 80's called Evangelism Explosion and it encouraged a person to go and door knock or stop people in the street and ask them a question. This was: 'When you die and stand before Jesus in heaven and He asks you, "Why should I let you into My heaven?' What would you say?' Many people would say that they had lived a good life; gave to charitable concerns, never hurt anyone etc etc. Their face would drop when you replied that was not the answer that would qualify you to a place in heaven. 'Only Jesus is my Lord and Saviour' is the answer.

Think about that, and the next time you speak to someone about Jesus, use this phrase. And why not use it on yourself as well?

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

Copyright 2025 Grahame Howard. 

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.
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. Just tap on Grahame Howard books.