Jesus my Advocate

"My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father — Jesus Christ the righteous one. 2He himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for those of the whole world".                                     1 John 2:1-2   CBS

As a believer of Jesus Christ, your sins were forgiven and placed upon Jesus at the cross at Calvary. This however, doesn't mean that we will never sin again; we are still capable of it, it's just that we walk with Jesus and, try our utmost not to do this. However, most days, we let ourselves down and have to confess this sin to Jesus.

Pastor Tony Evans puts it this way: 'Jesus is our Advocate. If you are a believer, Jesus represents you before the bar of God's judgement. You were a bankrupt sinner who couldn't afford a lawyer, but the Father appointed His own Son in your defence. This Advocate doesn't share your sin problem, He's the only righteous one. He paid your debt on the cross and His shed blood continues to cleanse you today.'  

Jesus, has set us free but, that doesn't mean that we have a free ticket to become involved in every type of sin going - not at all. Prior to Jesus, we didn't know any better but now we do. The problem is, we are still living in this fleshy body and until we get a new one, in heaven, we are subject to the sin that is all around. This is where discipline and control come in. The Apostle Paul puts it this way: 

'So I do not run like one who runs aimlessly or box like one beating the air. 27Instead, I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified'.     1 Corinthians 9:26-27

Paul struggled with sin the same as any other Christian does (Romans 7) but he took control of it; using the Armour of God (Ephesians 6) and his mind was always fixed on the one who saved his soul. Paul could easily remember some of the evil things that he was involved in. God had forgiven him through the blood of Jesus and therefore chose not to remember but Paul knew about it. So he was determined to live his life in gratitude to the one who matters most - Jesus.

It is the same for us too. During our life, prior to Jesus, many of us were involved in things that we shouldn't have been involved in. We remember them but because of Jesus,  God doesn't. Therefore, we have a lot to be grateful for. We have eternal life and one day we will be in heaven. Until then, we need to continue making a stand for Jesus, and as Paul puts it  'I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified'. Now, we know that this isn't easy, no discipline is but, at the end of the day it will be wonderful to hear Jesus say, 'Well done, My good and faithful servant, come into My heaven'

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 2026 Grahame Howard. 

I'll forgive you but, I won't forget

"Then Peter approached him and asked, “Lord, how any times must I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? As many as seven times? ”22“I tell you, not as many as seven,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven."

Many people today, forgive people when they have been hurt but, won't forget what the person has done in the first place. This is so wrong. It may sound understandable, especially when someone has hurt you badly. However, it means you haven't forgiven them at all. At any time in the future, this wrong could flare up again  because it wasn't laid to rest at the foot of Jesus' cross.

How would you feel if Jesus said He would forgive you but not forget about it. It wouldn't be a blessing would it but, this is the way others feel when you won't forget what they have done. When we forgive someone, we are expected to forget about it as well and not carry it around as a grudge.

Jewish rabbis taught that forgiveness need only be offered three times. Peter then, was being generous when he suggested 7 times. However, when Jesus mentioned seventy times seven, He was insisting that forgiveness has no limits. The numeral 7 in Hebrew, means perfection and  limitless. Therefore, seventy times seven means continuous, never-ending. If the world could adopt this type of teaching, it would be a better place to live. We do make mistakes and, we do let people down but, when we say we are sorry the reaction should be, 'I forgive you (and choose to remember it no more. This is what Jesus does with us. He is not forgetful at all, He just chooses to forgive and remember it no more.

Peter would have remembered this teaching when Jesus restored Him back into the ministry (John 21). He would also never have forgotten how Jesus forgave Him for denying Him prior to the crucifixion.

What about you? Is there a person or persons, in your life who you need to forgive and forget? Why not set yourself, and them, free from this heavy burden that is around your shoulder. You will feel much better if you do. Keeping a record of wrongs is not the best of ideas. There are grudges, hurts and bad feelings that you are hanging on to and they are churning you up inside and, these are very prominent when you are in the person's company. This is holding you back so, deal with it today!

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 2026 Grahame Howard. 

Take the Straight Path

"My son, pay attention to my words; listen closely to my sayings 21Don’t lose sight of them; keep them within your heart. 22For they are life to those who find them, and health to one’s whole body. 23Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life.

24Don’t let your mouth speak dishonestly, and don’t let your lips talk deviously. 25Let your eyes look forward; fix your gaze straight ahead. 26Carefully consider the path for your feet,and all your ways will be established. 27Don’t turn to the right or to the left;  keep your feet away from evil."                            Proverbs 4:20-23   CSB

Today's values appear to be thrown out of many families. Crime, abuse and lack of parental direction seem to be taking over family life and it can only become worse unless, things change for the better. Now, it's unlikely that one individual is going to be able to change this, but, as Christians, we can become a light for them to follow; an example that can begin to lead people onto the straight life.

If we, as Christian people, can begin to live up to God's Word, we will be on the right track to improvement. Firstly, we need to pay attention to God's Word and listen carefully to what this entails, keeping them within our hearts. This will bring a reaction that Solomon writes in verse 22: 'For they are life to those who find them, and health to one’s whole body.' We begin walking in the Spirit of God and people begin to notice. The big one's that we need to take notice of are mentioned in verse 24 'Don’t let your mouth speak dishonestly, and don’t let your lips talk deviously'. When parents begin to tell lies and scheme against authorities, children listen, and if this is a regular occurrence, they begin to see this as normal and carry this trend on into their own future family. 

This includes all of the things that come out of the mouth such as, swearing, judging, criticising and gossiping about things they hear, adding their own variation of a scandal. Gossip is received as the absolute truth and once a picture is painted of someone, belief sets in and this is very difficult to change from thereon. 

Christians who work in community based jobs, such as teachers, social workers and nurses, have the opportunity to allow good, strong values to be sewn into a young child's life. I'm not talking about trying to convert them to Christianity or whatever other faith they hold, because, that would not be the right approach to take. It could upset the parents even more, not to mention the authorities. What I mean is, these workers can help teach them good values - something they lack. And if the children see these values in the workers, they are more likely to believe and accept them. Proverbs 22;6 promises: 

'Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it'. And this is true, if we can reach a child when they are in early schooling days, and, teach them core values of life in school, they are well-grounded to take this into adulthood.

Of course, one doesn't have to work in the Community services for this to happen. Churches have the opportunity to teach them good values and can also reach parents probably a little easier. But, when you think about it, we all, as Christians, need to adopt this type of lifestyle, don't we?

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 2026 Grahame Howard. 

His everlasting provision for us

10“Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught,” Jesus told them. 11So Simon Peter climbed up and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish — 153 of them. Even though there were so many, the net was not torn.†.                      John 21:10   CSB

Jesus is alive. The disciples witnessed this when Jesus provided them with a fish breakfast. Have in you ever wondered, where He got this fish from? The disciples hadn't reached Him yet with their catch, but here He was cooking this fish, and He also had bread too. Where did it come from? It is commonly known as a miraculous provision and describes Him always wanting to bless us with what we need. 

Jesus can do anything. Nothing stops Him, nothing is a surprise. This verse is often overlooked, one of those that our eyes skim over searching for the main bit, that in this example that He is alive. The disciples missed it as well. They were so taken aback, that it went straight over their heads too. Yet is a very important lesson.

Jesus knew their anguish over His death; He knew the confusion around the place that He had risen as He said He would and He knew that they were lost and alone without Him. He knows about your anxieties too; about the fear and bewilderment at what is going on in your life; and He is ready to help you.

'Come and have breakfast' Jesus told them. Imagine Him saying instead, 'Come and bring your troubles to Me'. Well, He does say this Matthew 11:28 reads:

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take up my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” 

Jesus is ready and willing to do more than cook your breakfast. As you make Him the most central part of your life, He will provide, advise, love and fix problems you find hard to fix. Think of the disciples that night, out fishing and catching nothing. What did this do to their ego? Put that with the recent activities they lived through and they were a sorry bunch of characters. But they found out that Jesus is never far away and He is an expert at mending broken and abused hearts.

And He knows all about your anxieties too and is waiting for you to approach Him. He's already invited you to go to Him so, what are you waiting for?

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 2026 Grahame Howard. 

Frustration to Hope Part 2

"Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea.  8But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish.  9Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread.  10Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.”

                                                                             John 21:7-10. NKJV

'It is the Lord' shouted John. With that, they all swung into action, but Peter took the lead, jumping into the water and dragging the boat towards dry land, which was about 100 yards. The others followed in the boat and there probably, was not a dry eye around.

Peter was the first to reach Jesus and dragged the net containing 153 large fish towards Jesus, who promptly began frying some of them. This must have been an amazing moment for them all - back together with Jesus, just like before. But it would have been much more wonderful for Peter. Don't forget, he had let Jesus down and walked away denying that he had anything to do with Him, when He was arrested. 

Even though, Peter was the first to race towards Jesus, he didn't know what kind of reception he would have. He may have thought that Jesus would have turned him away or, at least, given him a good telling off. However, none of this happened, he was accepted warmly, just like the others.

This is what Jesus is like. In a similar way to the Prodigal Son, who had left his father, going off and squandering his money and then returning home and finding his father still there, looking for him. The disciples had left Jesus after He had been crucified, but on the day He had risen, He had stood there waiting for the disciples to come back to Him while cooking them a hearty breakfast.

There was rejoicing; Peter was restored back to His rightful place and they were all primed and ready for their next mission - Jesus' ascension, the coming of the Holy Spirit and the world turned upside down. Biblical history was in the making.

Lives were changed that first Easter Sunday. A hope was born that has never diminished and never will. The next great move Jesus will make is the rapture when we will be rescued from the Tribulation that is about to come. But until then, Jesus is alive and we are forgiven our sins. In fact, all who believe in Him and ask Him into their heart, will be saved. Thank God Jesus is alive! Amen? Amen

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 2026 Grahame Howard. 

Frustration to Hope Part 1

3"Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.”They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing".                                                  John 21:3   NKJV

Some of the disciples had seen the risen Jesus, but there was still an attitude of confusion about it all. It was also frustrating; was Jesus alive? Had He returned as He said He would. There was a feeling of lethargy about it all. Had they seen Jesus, or was it a dream? Some among them were saying He had appeared to them. Peter wasn't so sure; He was still struggling with letting Jesus down before the crucifixion.

Peter, probably fed up with it all, said he was going fishing and the others agreed to go with Him. However, after battling through the night, they caught nothing. This added to their frustration.

You know, at times like this, it would be easy to throw the towel in and get back to what you were used to. Probably this was what Peter was beginning to do. But nothing was easy, as he was finding out. This led him to be more grumpier than ever. He'd let Jesus down and now he couldn't even do what he had trained for - to catch fish. He more than likely had a 'What next' type of feeling.

Through the early morning mist, they saw a figure on the beach and it appeared to be shouting at them, 'Have you any food? Cast the net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.' Peter looked at the others as if to say, 'Who is this guy, why should we listen to him, what does he know?'

They continued to peer through the mist and John began to become excited. 'Look who it is?' He shouted giving a little skip as he said this to them. 'Look' He repeated.

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 2026 Grahame Howard. 

He did it for us

"Then the soldiers led Him away into the hall called Praetorium, and they called together the whole garrison. 17And they clothed Him with purple; and they twisted a crown of thorns, put it on His head,  18and began to salute Him, “Hail, King of the Jews!”  19Then they struck Him on the head with a reed and spat on Him; and bowing the knee, they worshiped Him.  20And when they had mocked Him, they took the purple off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him out to crucify Him".   Mark 15:16-20   NKJV

No one will ever be able to know the pain that Jesus suffered prior to and on that cross. It was too awful. It was straight froward murder - He had done nothing wrong. Yet, in the Pharisee's opinion He had uttered blasphemy, claimed His Father was God and He was equal with Him and, He was nothing but an embarrassment. If the truth were known, He had challenged them but they were having none of it.

So, through a false trial, He was prepared for crucifixion and the soldiers were totally evil towards Him. Bullies are everywhere, and mostly are surrounded by a gang for support. They are the spokesperson, as can be seen here- taunting and intimidating Him. A crown of thorns were forced on His head and, these were not your average thorn; they were about 2 inches long. They would have ripped His scalp. He was whipped until He bled profusely. He was then taken out to the cross where he endured 6 - 9 inch nails hammered into His hands and feet. He hung there for hours until He had died. 

Some of the crowd loved Him, others hated Him and were loving every minute. Just consider that day. This was your Lord on that cross. He bled for you; He suffered for you; He was spat on and wounded for you He died for you because, He loved you and through this action, He was taking the sin of the world - yours and mine - on His own body. That day, your sins were wiped out, forever.

Are we worth it? Jesus thought so. Do you feel the same? No? If you feel this, then you are wrong. Jesus thought so; God felt the same. Therefore, you need to feel the same because, Jesus deserves the praise for what He did that day, and for you to feel different, you are taking the glory away from what He did for you. How dare you?

Jesus had a mission and nothing was going to stop Him from completing it. And, what's more, nothing is going to stop Him from taking you and I to heaven when the time is right.

So praise Him, thank Him and offer yourself to Him anew. He did it for 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 2026 Grahame Howard.