Daily life with Jesus by Grahame Howard

Friday, 18 July 2025

Called to serve Jesus

26Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me." John 12:26. NLT

Bibleref.com speaks on this verse":

'being a born-again believer in Jesus Christ means "dying" to one's self and self-interests (1 Corinthians 15:36–42; Romans 6:6–8). Those who resist that obedience are like a seed which is never planted; seeming to "live" but merely stagnating in a state of immaturity and barrenness (Mark 10:21–2.' (Bible ref.com. John 12:26)

Many people, when they become a Christian, read this verse and believe God has called them to the ministry, to go to bible college or start their own church. This may be so but, not the minute they are born again. There is a time for each of us to settle into the Christian life and be nurtured in the faith. It can happen that God can call a person out and straightaway they give their job up and start serving Him. However, this is not often. They do need some training; but the thing they need to do more than anything else is, to die to self and rise in Jesus to a new life.

This verse is more about growing in Jesus. If Jesus has selected a person to 'follow' Him and serve Him full time, then Jesus has planted a seed and that seed must grow by being watered and fed in the word until it is ready for the harvest. And this is how it is with this verse. Yes, we may have heard about some people being called out to serve Jesus and straightaway have gone on to start an amazing ministry. The thing is, we only know a little; we don't know if the people had had bible training, been qualified already or what. All we know is what they have done. The Holy Spirit can pick someone and train them Himself and this must be amazing, but He requires each of us to die to self before anything else and then live for Jesus. This is the ultimate requirement.

So, if you feel you have a calling on your life, then ask Jesus to confirm it. Then speak to a trusted, Christian friend which may or may be not, your pastor. Take on board what is said, pray about it and then make a decision. If you are to be affective, then it takes time to build a soldier of Christ, so do what is needed and take it from there. But be patient

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.

Thursday, 17 July 2025

Grace

"Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold." Proverbs 22:1. NLT

How do people see you and what opinion do they form? This is extremely important if we profess to belong to Jesus. We can't live as a Christian part of the day and then, switch off and start blaspheming for the rest of it. Of course, people can't see the real you when you're in the safety of your home, can they? There, you can be who you want to be. But God sees and we need to be aware of this fact.

If I was God, I wouldn't have my name written in the Lamb's book of Eternal Life. Not at all. Why is that? Because I tend to let God down the biggest part of the day. I try not to, but end up doing so anyway. My only comfort is Paul said something similar in Romans 7:18-19. But this is not an excuse.

How do you fare in this area. I feel we need to be honest here and hold our hands up. Being transparent is the way forward. After-all, we've just seen that God sees all. But it's not all gloom and doom. God formed us; He knows everything about us - every little mark upon us and, guess what, He still loves us. There's a little word with a massive meaning called 'Grace:

'Grace' (Charis) This is from the same root as chara 'Joy' and Chairo 'to rejoice' Charis causes rejoicing. It is the word for God's grace as extended to a sinful man. It signifies unmerited favour, undeserved blessing, a free gift.'

This grace cannot be earned as much as anyone may try; we just receive this from God when we accept Him as Lord. And then, whatever we do afterwards regarding sin, He forgives us Seventy times seven. Peter asked what this meant (Matthew 18:22). It means Total forgiveness which is unlimited. When does this run out? I haven't a clue but Jesus said it, I believe it and that settles it. This is not an excuse to carry on sinning because you will be forgiven. Not at all. We are forgiven because we belong to Jesus and by His grace, He blesses us with this.

Thank goodness for that. This also means that we are not condemned either (Romans 8:1-2). Therefore, we have so much that we need to thank and praise God for. He loves us.

So therefore, because of Jesus, we have a place in heaven and He will ensure that we get there too. When you sin, ask Jesus to forgive straightaway and, He will do - totally. Don't keep saying your sorry, He heard you the first time. Just be grateful that He is our friend.

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.

Wednesday, 16 July 2025

Could you be a Phillip?

"The Holy Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and walk along beside the carriage.”
30Philip ran over and heard the man reading from the prophet Isaiah. Philip asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31The man replied, “How can I, unless someone instructs me?” And he urged Philip to come up into the carriage and sit with him."

Acts 8:29-31. NLT

Phillip, on instruction from the Holy Spirit, saw a carriage coming along the road. Inside the carriage was the treasurer of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under the Kandake, the queen of Ethiopia. He had been to Jerusalem to worship and was now on his way back home. He had stopped and was reading aloud from the book of Isaiah. When Phillip arrived there, he heard him talking aloud and asked him if he understood the words. He answered that he couldn't make head nor tail of it, so Phillip joined him in the carriage and told him all about Jesus.

When we first become a Christian, it is difficult to understand what we are reading. We start ok and then get bogged down by a language that doesn't seem to make sense to us. This is where a church or house group can be of help. They may run an Alpha Course or something that is similar and the novice may learn quickly from there. But, it may not be possible to go to a church or group on a regular basis for some reason, and this is where a Spirit-Filled person may be of help. As the scriptures says in Romans 10:13-15:

13For “Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.14But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”

This person can provide the basics and help the new convert to find their way around the bible and have daily study notes. Meeting as often as is possible, this person can help nurture the new believer step by step until, they are ready or able to join a church and become part of the body.

What about you? Could you be this person? You may have a little time to spare that could be put to good use by playing the part that Phillip did. How do you feel about this now it's been brought up? Could you do this? Ok, you may not be an evangelist like Phillip was but, it would still be advantageous. If so, why not offer your services and I have no doubt that you also, will benefit from taking this role. It could be a group or a one to one. What do you think? Pray about it and if you feel it is right, then take a step forward.

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.

Tuesday, 15 July 2025

Adultery

"This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. 19Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly." Matthew 1:18-19 NLT

It is so easy to judge about what people have done and declare, 'That would not have happened to me. I would have been gone!' But it's all right saying these things but, would you have fled the scene? Let's look at this'

Mary through no fault of her own had been chosen by God to give birth to the Lord Jesus. She was flabbergasted by it all. Now from her point of view, she was engaged to Joseph; being pregnant before marriage was bad enough, but her and Joseph had not had sex yet, so there was no way it could have been his baby. From Joseph's point of view, she had had sexual relations with another man so, she was an adulteress and this carried a death sentence of being stoned and all the family disgraced. He was in a quandary not knowing what to do but felt that he would just leave her and say nothing about this 'scandal'. This would ease the abuse the family would suffer. But then, the Angel of the Lord spoke to him in a dream confirming that Mary had conceived by the Holy Spirit and it would be ok to marry her and allow her to have this child - Jesus. It was God's work.

What a predicament to be in. When you think of it, Joseph was a righteous man and even though nothing much is said about him after this, no doubt he would receive mega blessing when he eventually went to heaven, which may have been just before Jesus became public.

Ok, today a man and woman would not be stoned for committing adultery but, this act, which appears quite pleasant in the adulterer's mind initially, still devastates a family and rips the guts out of every family member. Still people risk it. The hurt can cause so much anxiety in a family member's life that they can suffer from a mental breakdown. Many professional people who have to work in this area know the affect it has on individuals if the adulterer has left and gone away with the other party. But, if they have stayed and begged forgiveness, there is always that lack of trust that has been sown in the heart and this can lead to endless arguments, which once again, leads to the family suffering.

Where adultery has taken place, many marriages have managed to forgive and become a family again, but it is a hard road to begin on. Without God being involved, peace within this marriage would possible never happen and the marriage may be just another statistic. What is the answer here? DON'T DO IT! As a Christian you know it is wrong; you know the rules and the cost it carries when you're found out - and you will be! There really is no excuse. You are in control and you know the boundaries. We may all suffer temptations such as this but abide by the rules, the God given rules 'Do not commit adultery' Exodus 20:14. It can't be more clearer than that, can it?

If you're married, then keep the marriage sacred and holy as God requires.

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.

Monday, 14 July 2025

Catch the Wind

"And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:20. NLT

In the 1960's, a chap called Donovan wrote quite a few top ten hits. One of them was called

'Catch the wind.' The opening verse went like this:

I bet you sang this? These words could so easily fit within our prayers at times, especially when things are not running too smoothly or, we have an anxious time ahead. How many times have you felt this way in situations such as these? Quite a few I would think. John Ortberg writes:

'In our ever-changing circumstances, we find seasons within our souls as well. We experience times of desolation and consolation. At times we feel dry spiritually. At other times we sense the presence of the Lord in even the tiniest details of life.'

Life is the rhythm. Life is adventure. Life is catching the wind in our sails, the wind that comes when it pleases. Ortberg contrasts a motorboat and a sailing boating. Piloting a motorboat, we're in control. In a sailboat, we're completely dependent on the wind. If the wind doesn't come, we stay put. We have to catch the wind. It's the same with spiritual transformation.

'Everything depends on catching the wind of the Spirit. Moses didn't ask for or arrange for the burning bush. But once it was there, he had to make a choice. God's responsibility is to provide the burning bush. Ours is to turn aside and pay attention to the work of God.'

If you have asked Jesus into your life then, He is with you 24/7. He provides the breeze to fall on your face, refreshing and lifting you up. Be alert to what Jesus is doing within you and obey., whether you feel His presence or not. Jesus never lied. If He says He is with you always, even to the end of the age, then He is with you. The secret is, staying in step with Him so that when the wind falls upon you, you are ready to spring into action. It can come anywhere; at anytime, day or night. Just be ready.

Just imagine the burning bush. In the desert areas, it is quite normal for a bush to catch fire. What is abnormal is when the bush doesn't burn through at all. Therefore, be ready to spot the abnormalities of life. Think, is God in this? If you have a thumping in your heart and your spirit seems to be on fire, it is probably God. Act on it and catch that wind.

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.

Sunday, 13 July 2025

Get the Truth

"31Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. 32And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32 NLT

At the time that Jesus walked the earth, people would not believe who He said He was. It is rather the same today. We have churches like never before and internet that can reach anywhere in the world. We have bibles freely available, teaching books and courses to encourage our faith and still people walk by on the other side. They just don't want to know for many reasons. This was what Jesus was saying to the crowds that had gathered. Let's look at this in more detail:

Discipleship begins with belief. If you join an organisation or club you will probably get a membership card in return. This shows that you are a member who can freely enter into the venue. Without it, you may be turned away. With Christianity it is rather the same. When people become a Christian, they confess their sins to Jesus and He forgives them along with giving them eternal life. They will have a place in heaven when they die. If a person refuses Jesus and they die, they will be refused entry into heaven because of their sin and they will spend eternity in a place called hell.

The shut mind is the end of discipleship. So because of the person's refusal to accept Jesus, they will suffer a terrible future - one without Jesus, their family and whoever else may have accepted Jesus into their life. The shut mind is a rather unwise thing to have.

To learn from Jesus is to learn the truth. Jesus only speaks the truth. He can do no more because, He is the truth. And His desire is that we accept this truth into our hearts. Once we do, our eyes will be opened and we will see what Christianity is all about and what it offers us.

Discipleship results in freedom. There are many people today who are locked into the past. They hold grudges against people from years ago and most days they think about it, re-living the hurt. Yet:

(1) The truth makes you free. Once you allow Jesus access into your heart He helps you to release all of the pent up hurts of the past and gives you freedom.

(2) You receive freedom from fear. It is so easy to be governed by fear; it is the opposite of faith and can cause problems throughout your life. You fear this and worry about that. You think everyone is against you, talking behind your back or pointing the finger of blame at you. This is not the best way to live. Jesus can show you better.

(3) Freedom from self is a big one. You can be your own worse enemy. Your thoughts will convince you that something has happened when it hasn't. Once you begin to believe this lie, then Satan can put convincing obstacles in your way that reinforce this lie. The only way to defeat this stronghold is to ask Jesus for help. He will if you ask Him.

(4). Freedom from other people. Some people gossip and you may find that you are the main star in this practice. They hear something about you, add to it and in the end it is accepted as the truth. From your own point of view, refuse to be involved in any gossip and let the person know who tells you as well. If you are the subject of this gossip, the more you try to defend yourself from it, the more convincing it may become. Give it to God and let him handle this. Again, He will because it is not the truth!

But really, at the end of the day, it makes sense to belong to the truth - Jesus. He can be your life, your friend, your deliverer and your everything. What do you think? He is waiting if you want Him to be your Lord, Saviour and your Friend. Just say the prayer below.

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.

Saturday, 12 July 2025

Then Jesus turned up!

"11Soon afterward Jesus went with his disciples to the village of Nain, and a large crowd followed him. 12A funeral procession was coming out as he approached the village gate. The young man who had died was a widow’s only son, and a large crowd from the village was with her. 13When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion. “Don’t cry!” he said. 14Then he walked over to the coffin and touched it, and the bearers stopped. “Young man,” he said, “I tell you, get up.” 15Then the dead boy sat up and began to talk! And Jesus gave him back to his mother." Luke 7:11-15 NLT

Jesus raised 3 people from the dead during His ministry on earth - this young man, Jairus' daughter (8:40-46) and Lazarus (John 11:38-44), as far as we know from the bible accounts. He has authority over life and death and we need to remember this. The widow' only chance of survival and support was her son but now, he had died and she would have been grieving for him and terrified of what was going to happen to her Then Jesus turned up!

As Jesus walked through the village of Nain - a village south of Nazareth near the Sea of Galilee, he saw a funeral procession. When Jesus found out about what had happened and saw the grieving mother, His heart went out to her and He told her not to cry. He then walked towards the coffin, touched it and said to the boy, 'Young man, I tell you to get up,' And the boy sat up in the coffin. Jesus lifted him up and handed him to his overjoyed, yet bewildered mother. Now Jesus broke some of the Jewish law here, a Jew was rendered unclean by touching a dead body or the coffin. But this was the man who had held the hands of people with leprosy. Jesus was not defiled, in fact He replaced disease and death with cleansing and life. Tradition never stopped Him, whatever was said about Him, and that was a lot.

Can't you just see the love and compassion of Jesus as He saw this poor grieving woman. Many people would walk by her but not, Jesus. He gave her back her son, the will to live and she would never be the same again. She had met with Jesus. No one who has received such love and blessing from Jesus could ever forget Him, in fact, this lady would no doubt have found out more about Him and for all we know, Jesus may have spent some time with her afterwards. There are many things that we don't know about and will need to wait until we speak with Jesus in heaven. What a day that will be!

But until then, grasp hold of the heart of Jesus. He is so loving and caring; so kind and generous and if you know Him, He will also show this love to you. He loves you so much. Keep hold of that statement!

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.

Friday, 18 July 2025

Thursday, 17 July 2025

Wednesday, 16 July 2025

Tuesday, 15 July 2025

Monday, 14 July 2025

Sunday, 13 July 2025

Saturday, 12 July 2025

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