Daily life with Jesus by Grahame Howard

Friday, 27 February 2026

Be careful what you look at

“I have made a covenant with my eyes; Why then should I look upon a young woman?

Job 31:1 NKJV

Job wisely makes the commitment not to look at a woman and lust within himself. He knew that the eyes are the lens of temptation and can lead a man or woman astray. It is a very difficult area for both man and woman because, sin dwells within us and, even though the devil can't make us sin, he knows what our weaknesses are and will try and push us more and more towards them. This temptation is everywhere, walking around the town, in pubs, gyms, on tV and in films. Every effort should be made to make this covenant ourselves.

James 1 gives us an idea of the temptation we can fall for and a blue print of how to avoid it:

"each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death".

Let us break this down:

DRAWN AWAY AND ENTICED

This expresses the intensity with which desire lures an individual until he or she is tragically in captivity. Sin does not force it self on the unwilling, but it is chosen because of the attractions it presents.

CONCEIVED

This suggests the image of our will pulling towards and finally seizing the evil. This same idea is sadly seen by the tragic path of someone with an addiction. A habit once acquired, completely controls that person eventually.

FULL GROWN

This suggests bringing a goal to completion. The sin has reached its maturity and has possessed the very character of the individual.

DEATH

Here, this refers to physical death (Proverbs 10:27), which may happen if we don't overcome the power of this evil. We must die to this desire - this lust, which is the root of the problem. Desire is unsatisfied longing - something that may not have happened yet but has been boiling within us for some time. Take for example where the serpent tricked Eve in the Garden (Genesis 3).

We must study this blue print so that we can learn to see what is happening around us and be able to rise above the temptation to take part. This is never easy as many can testify. However, it can be accomplished with God's help and this is where being fully committed to Him comes in.

Another important area in which we have to be aware of are our thoughts:

'Do you not yet understand that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and is eliminated? 18But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. 19For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.' Matthew 15:17-19

This paragraph must also be linked to the blue print that we have been discussing. All of these areas need to be dealt with before they trip us up causing a great calamity in our spiritual life. Study them and incorporate the teaching into your daily life.

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
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Copyright 2026 Grahame Howard.

Thursday, 26 February 2026

Why have you allowed this to happen, Lord?

"For the thing I greatly feared has come upon me, And what I dreaded has happened to me. 26I am not at ease, nor am I quiet; I have no rest, for trouble comes.”

Job 3:25-26 NKJV

Why do so many awful things happen to people, especially Christians. Life can be so unpredictable and all we can do is trust God that He knows what He is doing. Take Job for example. Satan had been watching him and took note of his honesty and faithfulness to God. On a day of Celestial meeting, all of the angels were there before God and Satan was also there as the adversary. God spoke with him and asked if he had seen Job, a most blameless and upright man (1:6-13). Satan said that if the hedge of protection God had placed around him, was to be taken away, he would curse God to His face. So God, said, all he has is in your power, go do whatever but do not lay a hand on him.

As time went on, Satan attacked the household of Job and Job's family were wiped out and he lost much of his wealth and businesses, but, he still refused to blame God. In fact, he worshipped and praised Him (1:20-22.

Later, Satan met with God again and the discussion came round to, if Satan was allowed to bring disease and sickness upon him, Job would curse God. God allowed this and Job was stricken with dreadful boils all over his skin. Some scholars have suggested that the description sounds as if he had elephantiasis - which results in great pain and disfigurement. Whatever it was, Job was in a bad way.

Job cursed the day he was born, so much had happened to him that he became ready to crack. It can happen to us all. Things go wrong on a regular basis and the more we think it will get better, it gets worse and we go through a turmoil. Job was like this and found it hard to relax. 'Why Lord has this happened to me?' 'For the thing I greatly feared has come upon me, And what I dreaded has happened to me. 26I am not at ease, nor am I quiet; I have no rest, for trouble comes.”

To many people, this statement is a self-fulfilled prophecy - the type that says, 'You'll get what you confess'. However, Job does acknowledge his human fears - a common example of our humanity. His fears though, do not reflect on his understanding of God's nature, but on his knowledge of life's unpredictability.

We can learn a lot from Job. God recognised his suffering, acknowledged his human weakness but also noticed his loyalty to Him and He repaid his faithfulness with twice as much as he had before (42:10). And it wouldn't surprise me to know that the children he had lost were among the ones that he was given. However, I have no evidence of this just a feeling of how compassionate God can be.

So, if you're going through a bad time at this moment, prayerfully read the book of Job and accept in your heart that Jesus is on your side and how much the world tries to show you differently, just believe that He is on your case and as long as you focus on Him and keep praying and believing, He will come through for you. Do not be tempted to confess any negative words that may negate all that He is doing for you. Only speak the truth of God.

One final thought, if like Job, Satan has spoken to God about you and how he could stop you in your tracks; believe that God will have said the same thing to Him about how faithful you are and how much He is with you. Now, that's something to shout about so begin to praise Jesus and don't allow anything to get in your way to stop you doing this.

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

Wednesday, 25 February 2026

Walk in the Spirit

"I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law." Galatians 5:16-18 NKJV

As we know, there's a war on in the heavenlies. Spirit v flesh and we, as followers of Jesus Christ have a duty to shine the Light of Jesus wherever we are. It is a constant battle and will last until we are safely in heaven. So we are to 'stand fast, therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage'. Galatians 5:1.

The flesh lusts against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh v18. They are contrary to one another. So, if you are planning to drop your guard and walk on the wild side, consider the fallout before you indulge:

(1) ACKNOWLEDGE THERE IS A BATTLE ON between Spirit and flesh and the devil is out to trip you up and get you to turn away from God, even if it is for a night, and don't forget that night could be very costly. Is it worth it?

(2). ADMIT THAT YOU'RE POWERLESS AND SUBMIT TO GOD. When you consider this, you will discover that it is the only sensible thing to do. You can't make it alone (John 15:5).

(3). EXERCISE SELF-DISCIPLINE 1 Cor 9:25-27. This is the hard bit, nobody enjoys discipline. Also when it is self-discipline, it is easier to keep doing it, thinking that no one is watching, but, they are 👀 Jesus is. Christianity is difficult, that is why we are in a battle.

(4) IGNORING THE CONSEQUENCES BRINGS DISASTER. This is so true. How many times in your life have you wished that you could turn the clock back? Quite a few I would think. Learn by your mistakes and be careful you avoid them in the future.

These areas will help you to make some improvements. However, you must want to make a difference. If you adopt a lackadaisical effort, you will never overcome it. You need to be determined if you want to walk in the Spirit. Are you sure that you want to walk in the Spirit? Are you fully persuaded that this is what you want and you're willing to take the consequences? It won't be easy; the devil will throw everything at you so, you will have to use your armour to be able to survive. It will though be well worth it.

'Lord, please help me to walk fully in your Holy Spirit from this moment. I offer myself to You Lord. Please help me through this period'.

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

Tuesday, 24 February 2026

Receive your peace

"If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men".

Romans 12:18. NKJV

God wants us to love peace, make peace and be at peace. This is what Jesus bequeathed us when He ascended into heaven. He told His disciples '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. Rather like someone who has died has left a will for friends and relatives, Jesus left us His peace. Let's live it.

When we have offended someone or, they have offended us, we should work tirelessly for a peaceful resolution of the matter. The peace of God should act like an umpire in our hearts. Whatever you say or do, ask yourself, 'Does this make for peace?' or 'Would I have peace in my heart if I went ahead and did it?' Remember, 'Will my flesh rule this moment or my spirit?' Read Colossians 3:15.

'Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 6Be 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'. Philippians 4:7-8.

In whatever situation we are in, we are to have joy in our hearts. When we do this, the joy of heaven come upon us and helps us to overcome whatever may be happening. Remember joy gives us strength. (Nehemiah 8:10. We should avoid being anxious; anxiety leads us to defeat and lack of faith. Instead, we are to be thankful.

I mentioned earlier, that when a person dies, they normally leave a will that states what they wish to leave someone. This is the act of bequeathing to someone. Jesus did something very similar in John 14:27:

27'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.'

Jesus has bequeathed this heavenly peace to each of His children. Aren't we being foolish when we ignore this? He intended this for us and it is the answer to all we need.

Do you have peace in your heart, or are you weighed down my problems and frustration that are robbing you of all Jesus wants to give to you. Don't let this happen. The answer is with you right at this moment - refuse the fear, trouble, frustration, depression, sadness and anger and adopt the peace of God in your heart. How do you do this? Jesus has already done it for you (John 14:27) all you have to do is receive it and allow Him to do the rest.

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

Monday, 23 February 2026

Give all that you have

“Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; 44for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.” Mark 12:43-44. NKJ

Note the words in v44 here 'but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.' This was a major difference to what the Pharisees were placing in the basket. They loved to let it be known that their offering was large - better than most; and they expected a pat on the back for this. This lady in contrast had given all she had and quite likely, where the pharisees would still have a nice bank balance left, she would be left with nothing.

God doesn't want us to go to our bank, clear our account out and give it all to the church or the poor. Not at all, Jesus looks at the heart - what was the motive in giving. He could plainly see the bountiful joy it gave to the Pharisees' pride to be able to give plenty and still have more than plenty left over. But what swung it for Jesus, was the genuine heart that this lady showed in giving her all. He saw her commitment and the sacrifice she had made.

It's not all about money. People give their everything in serving Jesus. They do it willingly without fuss, asking nothing in return. They are faithful and yet, don't seek any recognition. This is where the difference lies, they are committed. Other people, who don't know Jesus, will say things such as, 'What, you're giving up part of your weekend to go and clean the church, and they're not paying you?' These people cannot comprehend the diligence of people who do this for nothing. But this is what commitment and motive gives a person. To have an attitude that doing things for your church without payment is blessing the Lord, the people and yourself. They can't understand this at all.

Probably the biggest struggle in Christianity today is tithing and offerings. Many people will dream up all of the reasons that they can't afford to do this. It may be:

(1) They don't earn enough to do it

(2) They have bills and a family to take care of

(3). If I give anything to the church, I will run short during the week

Cast your mind back to the widow. She was destitute and had nothing except the two mites she gave to the church. But she willingly gave it. And my guess is that, she knew that God wouldn't let her down when she needed it. She wouldn't go without.

This is how God wants you to be with Him today. When you think about it, God gave you money in the first place and so a small tithe and offering of perhaps 1/10th of your earnings is nothing really, it belongs to Him in the first place,

Don't start getting 'Religious' like the Pharisees were. Jesus Christ is 100% for you and will never let you down. Give all you have, your life, your spouse, family, children, home and finances to Him and watch Him bless you. That's a God promise.

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

Sunday, 22 February 2026

Be an example

"For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you".

John 13:15. NKJV

During our lifetime, we have all had people that we model ourselves on. This may be a pop star, football ace or someone who we rate very highly and would like to be like them.

For the latter one, we tend to dress like them, talk like them and be a complete copy. To a degree, this is quite common. Some married couples know each other so well that they talk like each other and have the same kind of thoughts. This is because, your guards have been down and you are so close that you have become one, which is great in Christian marriage.

You may model yourself on a man or woman of God. You may know them well or, from a distance. As you model yourself on them, you may slip into the role of being a copy of them. You don't know you're doing this, it just happens. Number 1, you are not a copy of anyone, you are who God made you to be, not someone else. Number 2, God made you in His likeness and, He is the only role model you will ever need. Can your human role model get you into heaven? Of course not. Can they heal you and forgive your sins? They certainly can't. But Jesus can, He is your role model.

When we copy someone else, we tend to do what they would do. If you run a church, you could end up running it like your human role model does, unless you are careful. You have your own identity; your own DNA. There is no one like you anywhere. To try and be someone else shows your immaturity. You can't have them by your side all the time, so you become a copy of them. This is wrong because people are not seeing the real you. In fact, you can be described as a fake.

This can happen in daily life like in your job. The person before you, were great at their job so, when you replaced them, you became that person - the new broom didn't sweep the place clean, you just kept it ticking over the same as a counterfeit boss. Don't do this; create your own space.

The only one that Jesus wants you to follow is Him. Doing this is your mandate. In fact, as you begin to be more like Jesus, people will notice you even more and more, and they will want to be more like you. When this happens, you can tell them that the only copy you are is one of Jesus and they need to be a copy too. Then it will follow on.

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

Saturday, 21 February 2026

Get back on your feet

"For a righteous man may fall seven times And rise again, But the wicked shall fall by calamity" Proverbs 24:16

Many of us fail many times and fall flat on our face. However, it is the man or woman who gets back up again who will be successful.

Bob Hoover, an American test pilot knew a lot about this. In WW2 1944, while he was shot down off the coast of France while flying a mission. He survived this and, after the war, he became a test pilot because of his extreme skill in flying. He crashed many times through this career but, refused to give in to fear. His favourite saying was:

'Get back into the cockpit of the bird that bit ya'. He showed tremendous courage until his death in 2016.

Another great man was Thomas Edison, who also was famous for his many quotations. After failing many times to perfect the electric light bulb, he succeeded on his 10000 attempt. That was a lot of work and an admirable demonstration of patience. I believe that many of us would have given up much earlier. He is famous for saying, 'I have not failed, I have only discovered hundreds of ways in which this bulb does not work.' How incredible to be able to say this publicly about what many people felt was a complete failure.

So, where do we come into this equation? Well, firstly we have got to accept that we are far from perfect. This is why Paul writes in Philippians 1:6 'being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.' Unlike us, Jesus always completes the work that He started. He never gives up.

You and I have very good intentions but, because of our human weakness, we can't always see something through until completion. We fail miserably. However, always have the opportunity to get up and start again. We may be flat on the floor, exhausted and fed up but, Jesus is at the side of us telling us to get up and keep going. If we do, He backs us all the way.

At this time, you may have made a mess of something and, you may be contemplating throwing the towel in. But you're better than that. You have the power of Jesus Christ within you and you've come this far, don't give up now. Let me encourage you, I have made more mistakes in my life and yes, I've often felt like giving up. But I have a determination within me not to do that and even though the road may be hard, I will not give in. Adopt that style and Jesus will bless you beyond your wildest dreams.

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

Daily life with Jesus by Grahame Howard

Friday, 27 February 2026

Be careful what you look at

Thursday, 26 February 2026

Why have you allowed this to happen, Lord?

Wednesday, 25 February 2026

Walk in the Spirit

Tuesday, 24 February 2026

Receive your peace

Monday, 23 February 2026

Give all that you have

Sunday, 22 February 2026

Be an example

Saturday, 21 February 2026

Get back on your feet

Be careful what you look at

Daily life with Jesus by Grahame Howard

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