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.

Thank you LORD

Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! 2Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: 3Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, 4Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, 5Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s."     Psalm 103:1-5   NKJV

As we read through this Psalm, it's helpful to realise that, many times we cannot put into words, properly, what we would like to. Therefore, this Psalm beautifully verbalises what we can't say.. We are to call upon our soul - Mind, Will and Emotions - to bless the Lord, which will completely let God know just our grateful to Him, we are.

We should never forget His benefits. These are given to us daily (Psalm 68:19). We often forget to thank Him for the soundness of our body, the soundness of our mind, our sight and the mercies He gives us. It's easy to take this all for granted - we are busy people - but we should never be too busy to thank Jesus for all He gives us. Make it a daily prayer.

He daily gives us forgiveness for our iniquities as we ask Him and again, we need to be so grateful for this. Imagine your crimson sin made whiter than snow. This is divine grace and it is too much to take in at times. Where healing is concerned, remember this comes after forgiveness. The physical is closely related to the spiritual. While not all sickness is a direct result of sin, some of it is. Where this connection exists, forgiveness must precede healing. The Lord is able to heal our sicknesses but we cannot claim healing for every disease, otherwise none of us would " die. Really, whenever a believer is healed, this is a mercy from God and He should be acknowledged and praised for this.

He redeems and restores our lives from the pit or destruction. Obviously, the ultimate is rescuing us from going to hell. But the meaning here is, He continually delivers us from danger, accidents and tragedy. And He crowns us with loving kindness and tender mercies, which gives us total satisfaction and renewed youth.

We are so fortunate to have Jesus in our lives.

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.

Addiction

"You are truly My disciples if you keep obeying My teachings. 32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."   John 6:31-32. NLT

The spiritual forces that sway our life are rooted in either truth or deceit. Truth leads to freedom where deceit leads to bondage and death. Denial to the fact that we have an addiction problem, keeps us in slavery to this addiction and it is difficult to see that there is any other hope of life. Belief in Jesus can help us to break free from this captivity and give us the freedom to kick out the lie that is keeping us chained.

Many Christians are prisoners of spiritual warfare. The enemy chains them to this addiction and convinces them that there is no escape. There is, and His name is Jesus. The devil has convinced people to own the label 'Addict.' This may be to drugs, sex, pornography, alcohol dependency, gambling, food or whatever else. They feel trapped with no way out. But, God can make a way where there seems to be no way!

Jesus is the truth that sets people free (John 8:36). Jesus gives the person who is in captivity, the ability to break loose from their addiction. Take a look at our text today; Jesus said, 'if you keep obeying My teachings'.  We  need to believe and accept this word. It couldn't be any plainer than this, could it? However, it is not easy to put this into practice. Anyone who has ever tried to stop smoking knows how difficult this is. Many stop for a week or two, but the craving gets too much for them and they think, 'I'll just have one cigarette - that's all.' It doesn't work like that. it is all or nothing. If one keeps going back to the addiction they are still hooked.

I've worked with people who have a drug dependency and many of them have yearned to be free but failed miserably. Only one act can free a person and that is a commitment to Jesus. If a person KEEPS obeying His teachings, they will be set free. It is the truth because, Jesus never lies, it's the devil who does that. He will convince a person that there is no hope that they can ever be free. This is forever. No, no, no. Only Jesus' Word is forever. The devil is temporary and his days are limited. Because of this, he wants to take as many people with him as he can. Don't be one of them

You can be free from the torment of addiction. We probably all have certain things that we know we shouldn't do, but we still do so. Is this an addiction? If you can't live without it, yes it is. Your addiction may be small in comparison but, it is still holding you in captivity. Therefore, pray for those who are - in their minds - hopelessly trapped and while you're doing this, bring your addiction to Jesus as well - repent and receive His forgiveness and be set free. Don't be subjected to chains any longer!

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 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

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Stop trying to change what God ordained

"I know that whatever God does, It shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, And nothing taken from it. God does it, that men should fear before Him."              

                                                                             Ecclesiastes 3:14.  NKJV

People all over the world are trying to change what God has put into place but, they will not succeed. Let's look at the 'biggies' that are always topical: Abortion, Homosexuality and Transgender issues. These areas are often debated within governments and the media:

ABORTION  Is it right that someone can take away life from a human being? It is often mentioned that it is murder. A foetus is still alive so is it the right thing to end its life for one reason or another? Some women have a termination because it doesn't fit into their life style. Well, shouldn't they have considered this before they went and engaged in unguarded sexual intercourse. Yes, if a baby is at risk to itself or the mother, perhaps this termination should be considered. But other than that, surely the baby should be given the right to life. Otherwise, shouldn't it be classed as murder?

HOMOSEXUALITY. Did God get things wrong when He created man and woman at creation; surely not? He said it was not right that a man should be alone v18. So He created a woman for the man to share his life with and be productive. Wouldn't He have created another man for Adam, if He wanted them to enjoy sex together. They wouldn't have been able to produces children either, because God never made them that way. He wanted man and woman to be together.

TRANSGENDER. This is an issue that has the ability to split parents and family apart. If a man was born a male, did God want Him to be female instead? I don't think so. For a young person to go for years of counsel and operations to change sex, surely is an insult to God. A male was born to place seed in the womb of a female - hence, promoting more men and women. Kids at main schools have been subjected to teaching about sexual health and development; most educational authorities are now deciding this was wrong.  

To add to this, there are the Euthanasia issues, about have people and/or doctors the right to end someone's life. This world is really becoming like a horror movie. Then of course there are the people who believe the bible is outdated. It should be brought up to date. Mostly at the back of their minds, is it possible that they are getting God's blessing for doing these things?

The world as we know it has gone sour I'm afraid and it is scary how things will turn out in years to come. Christians need to fight these issues not just sit around twiddling their thumbs hoping that someone else will do this. 

Brothers and Sisters, the time has come to make a stand! 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.

Don't you think you've been away too long?

“But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!  18I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you,  19and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.” 

                                                                 Luke 15:17-19   NKJV

This young chap, claimed his inheritance from his father and left home. This is common all over the world, where young folk decide to leave the safety of their parents and leave to 'find themselves'. This chap was no different; he asked his father for his part of the inheritance and set off on a wild living adventure. He had not been used to this lifestyle and, because he had money, he made new friends quickly and lived it up for a season. That was, until the money ran out and he was left with no money and no friends. In fact, he was homeless, and had to eat pig-food to be able to exist.

You know, when you have money to spare, friends are easily found. Ask yourself, are they really a friend? Or are they after what they can get from you and when you have nothing left to give them, these 'friends' disappear? This is what happened to this young man. He was left with nothing.

It can be quite similar for people who have a Christian faith but, because of various things that have happened to them, they decide to give up on their faith and walk away from God. Now we can learn from this experience. if we walk away from God, He doesn't necessarily come running after us and persuade us to come home. But He stands and watches from afar v20. He wants us to learn from our mistakes and so leaves us to cope with what we have or haven't got. Then, through a series of events, when we realise that we can't manage alone and start to return to Him, He sees us and runs to meet us. He won't even ask why we left in the first place.

You may have given up on your faith, stopped reading your bible and left your church. Let me tell you something, God knows all about why you did this and, wants to help. However, He won't help, until you make your way back to Him. This doesn't mean going back to church; it means going back to Jesus. Ask yourself, 'Don't you think you've been away from God too long?'

If you can answer yes to this last question, then get up and head back home to your Father. He is watching and waiting and when He sees that you mean business, He will run towards His child and embrace you.

Go on, you've nothing to lose. Go back to 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.

The other side of Joseph

"Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age. Also he made him a tunic of many colors.  4But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peaceably to him"                                      Genesis 37:3.  NKJV

Joseph is one of my main characters in the Old Testament. He went through so much - hated by his brothers, sold into slavery, accused of attempted rape and thrown into prison where he remained for many years. Finally, God raised him up and, he was made Prime Minister of Egypt second only to Pharaoh.

 However, there was another side to Joseph. Before all of this happened, he was recognised by his father, Jacob, as the favourite son and to confirm this, Jacob made him a coat of many colours which signified that he was the first born son and entitled to Jacob's inheritance. But this was not so, he was the 11th son of twelve and most certainly did not qualify for this position within the family.

Joseph arrogantly strutted around wearing this infamous coat and began having dreams which when interpreted pointed out that, one day his father and brothers would have to bow down to him. He should have left this bit out because it enraged his brothers and they began to hate him, plotting against his life. Joseph was totally insensitive to his family's feelings. He had a chip on his shoulder, lording it over his brothers. His life over the next few years would teach him humility. One would have thought that Jacob would have realised how his own upbringing had caused so much of a scandal within the family. But it just fiew over his head.  

Joseph had to go through many trials over the next few years and it was not easy. If you have ever been separated from your family at a young age and had to live in foreign surroundings - or even foster care - you would know how Joseph must have felt. But even though he was in this position, he decided he would work hard and, even though he had a long prison sentence, he made the most of it and, he began to change. He spent a lot of time with God, that is obvious because of his witness to all around. And eventually, God raised him up to Prime Minister.

When the chips are down in your own life, learn from Joseph and begin to serve your masters well. God will recognise your hard work and the changes that you are making. At the right time, He will raise you up. So begin to get excited right now. Once that He sees your determination and your hard work, He will rubber-stamp it and you'll be on your way.

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.