Too tired to remain awake

"He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” 40Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What! Could you not watch with Me one hour?  41Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 42Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.”  43And He came and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy. 44So He left them, went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.  45Then He came to His disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners.  46Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.”      Matthew 26:39-46   NKJV

It happens to us all. Sometimes we are so tired that we cannot keep our eyes open. We know that we should pray, after all, this is why we get up early for. However, tiredness rules. The disciples couldn't help sleeping and Jesus knew this. But, He was teaching them that there are important times that require our attention. And this was one of them. Jesus came into His humanity in Gethsemane and He needed some encouragement, rather like we do when we need a hug. 

Apart from going to the cross, this was probably one of the most difficult times for Jesus. He was in a spiritual battle and it became so intense that He actually sweat drops of blood (Luke 22:42-43) If there was ever a time when He needed some back up, it was then. The others were sleeping but God sent an angel to assist Him (Luke 22:43). Notice, that when we fail to act, God is always there with a plan B.

We need to pray as much as we can. Many people use the early mornings to do this and read their bible too. This is usually known as a quiet time. It is enriching for us to do this as it sets us up for the day, and it is less likely to come across interruptions or distractions. The devil though, knows how important this prayer time is. So he will do all he can to stop this from being successful. It takes time to avoid the tiredness and not everyone can do it. Therefore, they may have a quiet time later in the day or before going to bed. Everyone is different and allowances have to be made for this. One thing is for sure, whatever time you choose, Jesus will be waiting and looking forward to sharing this special time with 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
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. 

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.