Daily life with Jesus by Grahame Howard

Friday, 6 February 2026

See as Jesus sees

"But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 NKJV

When Samuel was being guided by the Lord to find a replacement for King Saul, He warned him not to look at the outward appearance but at the heart. We often make mistakes by judging a book by the cover. The cover can produce good commercial interest but, it is what the book contains that will grip the reader.

There is nothing better than to look and see the same things that Jesus sees. He looks at the world, the people and the circumstances. This is usually called having a "Gospel perspective'. As we've seen from above, He:

LOOKS AT THE HEART A person may look ok from the external view but, what about internally. This is what counts.

RECOGNISES THE POTENTIAL Others may look at us and reject us as being a bad choice; incapable of doing what they are looking for. Job interviews come to mind here.

LOVE WITHOUT PARTIALITY Jesus has no favourites, the world has but, not Him. He sees us as the same, But when He looks, He does see what we're capable of, given the chance.

As we fix our eyes on Jesus and begin to train ourselves to see as He sees, we begin to see with eyes of faith by looking at the eternal over the temporal. We don't look at the obstacle in our way but, at the ways to overcome these and bring Glory to Jesus through this (2 Corinthians 4:18). We begin to recognise that, while situations may seem impossible in the natural, God is at work and His Grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9).

We need to be confident in our relationship with Jesus. Yes, we have made many mistakes in the past but, through the blood of Jesus, He has forgiven us and He sees no stain upon us anymore. Without this assurance in our hearts, the devil will trip us up time and time again. So, right now, say, 'I AM FORGIVEN.

HOW CAN WE SEE WHAT JESUS SEES? 'Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God' (Hebrews 12:1-2).

As I pointed out earlier, we need to cast off whatever is holding us back; we are free. Now, we need endurance to maintain this because, we are human and will fall flat on our face every now and then. Therefore, we do this in Jesus' strength. Notice that, we are in a race. To compete, we need to be fit, just like athletes are. Preparation is vital.

We also need to train ourselves to be a mirror-image of Jesus. He has put everything in place for us to do this but again, it comes down to perseverance and training until we get it right. Of course, we will get nowhere without the Power of the Holy Spirit. He is the one that wants this to take place so, it is obvious that He is with us to help us equip ourselves for spiritual business.

So there you have it, you have all you need to be able to see through the eyes of Jesus. He has made this possible and, if you are willing, He will help you every step of the way to achieve this.

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.

Thursday, 5 February 2026

Watch that thief!

"The sower sows the word. 15And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts". Mark 4:14-15 NKJV

This is extremely important teaching from Jesus. Either God, Jesus or a preacher brings these words and then we have a choice - believe them or cast them aside feeling that they're not for us. Think about that for a moment. Why do we cast the words aside believing that they're not for us? Is it because the word consists of what we don't want to hear? Perhaps that would explain the reason for that.

When we do this, the devil has won this victory - he has stolen the word away. He wants you where he has placed you, at his disposal. Just look at what has been happening over the pond in the USA. The people involved are clever people; they know that what they are doing is wrong. However, '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' James 1:14-15. Lies, lies and more lies and the people fall for it. It happened in Sodom and Gomorrah, and God destroyed the place. Some people are walking a tightrope and one day it might just snap.

If we confess that Jesus is our Lord, then we need to live up to that confession. Otherwise, we are hypocrites. Now the devil won't say that you are, as such; he will just blind your eyes to the fact. 'Go on, it's ok' (Genesis 3 paraphrase). However, if we are alert and concentrating on our walk with Jesus, we'll be open to the fact that the enemy is all around ready to ambush us. Some may feel that this is 'Over the top - we don't have to be paranoid as that. This is where the devil wants us to be. He is like a covert agent, we don't see him because he hides away until the last moment and then springs on us. Keep your eyes and ears open.

Once we fall for these lies, he has us in his net. If you realise this at first, rebuke him in Jesus' name. If not, ask yourself why didn't I realise this could happen to me? Don't forget that the truth sets us free (John 8:32). So, it makes sense that a lie captures us and

we become bound by it. Also, remember that the devil knows what we secretly desire. They're there within us all and usually we keep them under control by the armour of God (Ephesians 6). But, if only a small crack appears in our armour, the devil will take it and offer to fill that desire. Be wise to this fact.

You are of the truth, Jesus ensured that when you were born again. but, keep on remembering that the devil didn't like it one bit and will target you from time to time. All you need to do is, keep your armour on, read your bible daily and pray and praise Jesus. When you're in communication with Jesus, the devil can't get in. Remember that!

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

Wednesday, 4 February 2026

Prosperity

"Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. 3For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. 4I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth". 3 John 2 NKJV

It is very clear that God wants His children to prosper. However, prosperity should not be the end in itself; it should result from a quality of life, commitment, dedication and action that is aligned with God. The Greek word for prosper is euodoo which means 'help on the road' or 'succeed in reaching.' It clearly implies that divine prosperity is not a passing moment but it is an ongoing, progressing state of success and well-being.

As our soul prospers it will give you understanding about health, prosperity and everything else. You will prosper in your Mind, Will and Emotions which put together are the soul. The word beloved actually means 'dear to the heart.' We pray to Jesus and He prays for and pleads with the Father on our behalf.

To prosper asks, does my Mind, Will and Emotions prosper? We need to allow our will to be in charge of our Mind, Will and Emotions. Our will though, must be in submission to Jesus constantly.

The word prosperity in today's world and quite often in the Christian network of prosperity preachers domain, can often give us the wrong meaning of the word. To be prosperous doesn't just mean being wealthy, but as we've seen above in our text: 'I pray that you may prosper in all things' This means that God wants us to prosper in our health, mind, soul and body. He wants us well. What's the point of being very rich if you're not well enough to enjoy it. He wants the best for us. Prosperity preachers will go down the road of giving your wealth. The more you give, the more you'll receive back. I'm not denying this fact but, many people have spent a lot of their money in this area and have received nothing in return. We need to tithe and give our offerings this is true but, over and above that, we should invest our money wisely, being directed by God Himself.

The most important part of prosperity is being like Jesus. Everything that we say or do, should be as Jesus would. Our actions, our thoughts and the way we see the world should mirror Jesus. You can't go wrong when you do this because, He is our role model.

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

Tuesday, 3 February 2026

What fruit do you bear?

“For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. 45A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks". Luke 6:43-45 NKJV

Trees bear good or bad fruit, depending what is in itself. We can find morally pure fruit and basically impure as well. One wouldn't find bananas on an apple tree that's for sure. If you did, there would be something radically wrong with the tree's formation. In the same way, believers in Jesus should be bearing good fruit. When they don't there is something quite wrong.

Bob Gass once wrote: 'An iceberg represents life. The 10% above the water is your reputation. The 90% below is your character. And it's what's below the surface that sinks the ship.' Just think about that comment for a moment or two. What's below the surface represents what you say or do when you are alone, for instance at home. I often call this the 'Behind Closed Doors Syndrome,' People don't usually see what we do in the privacy of our home; also, they don't hear what we say about things, such as people. But God does. How do you think He rates your time at home?

The results of an individuals life and work are better indications of personal motives than are our appearances and claims. We can identify people who follow God, based on what they say or do. Righteousness is produced in the heart as a result of righteousness in a person's life. This comes from the overflow of the heart 6:45.

Many people arrive at church on a Sunday morning and they are bright and cheery. Someone will hug them and they respond with typical Christian language such as 'Praise the Lord'. However, only a short while ago they may have been having a bad argument with their spouse or whoever at home. Alternatively, they have been ranting or raving at another motorist because they cut them up at a roundabout. There may have been toots of their horn and hand gestures before they turned off to drive to the church.

Many of us have done something similar and yet when we arrive at the door of the church, suddenly it is like a cloak of holiness has been thrown over us and we change into a nice person. As I've said, we can all run foul of this but really, we are coming from that 90% of iceberg that is under the ocean; we can mask things so well. But God doesn't want this of you. If you're like this, seek God's help; ask someone to pray for you. Nine times out of ten, you'll no doubt be asking someone who suffers from the same problem. This puts you on an equal footing and can help to bring change.

Just ensure that you are producing fruits of righteousness and not the opposite.

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

Monday, 2 February 2026

Small is Good

“The hands of Zerubbabel Have laid the foundation of this temple; His hands shall also finish it. Then you will know That the Lord of hosts has sent Me to you. 10For who has despised the day of small things? For these seven rejoice to see The plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. They are the eyes of the Lord, Which scan to and fro throughout the whole earth.” Zechariah 4:9-10 NKJV

In spite of much opposition Zerubbabel would complete the temple and would bring forth exclamations of grace and praise because of its beauty. Those people who mocked the possibility of God doing some great work through Zerubbabel would be amazed that something that was great, is now great and mighty.

Let me say that, you may not be successful at the moment, but praise God, don't sulk or want to give up and walk away. Remember, God can do amazing things and make them a great piece of work. Take for instance, Walt Disney, he turned his small enterprise into a massive one and it all began with a mouse called Mickey.

Don't allow yourself to become discouraged by small things, God doesn't worry about size and, what's more, nether did David, remember? He silenced Goliath, that giant of a man, and all he had was a stone and a sling. You may have a dream to accomplish something but you don't know how this could be. You may not have the resources - don't worry about that, God has more than the world could ever have and, He's not tight with it either. If what you have in mind is of God, give it to Him and allow Him to show you how it is done.

You're living in the day of small things or small beginnings but, they're going to get better day by day. God values the initiation of the work and the faithfulness of the worker - that's you and if He has called you for something, you are precious to Him and He won't let you down. He won't do it all for you but, He will provide what you need and openings to do this in the right place.

God is a big God, but occasionally we feel so weak. Remember 'Let the weak say "I am strong" Joel 3:10. Don't ever recognise yourself as being weak, you're 'weak that has had a tweak and now you are strong'.

Therefore, what is God saying to you at this time? Do you need to get on with such things? Or are you waiting for further confirmation? Don't rush things but equally, don't wait too long. Get God's direction and do what He says.

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

Sunday, 1 February 2026

Luke was a doctor, why didn't he heal?

"Now He arose from the synagogue and entered Simon’s house. But Simon’s wife’s mother was sick with a high fever, and they made request of Him concerning her. 39So He stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. And immediately she arose and served them". Luke 4:38-39 NKJV

Many scholars have debated this piece of scripture. 'If Luke was a doctor, why didn't he treat Simon's mother in law, after-all, it seemed common sense that he did?' Well, it's true that Luke was a doctor but that didn't mean he would minister to her at this time. There may be a doctor who is part of a church, but it is unlikely that he would be called on to apply healing. What this lady needed was divine healing, the type of healing that is instant and, Jesus provided this. It is the same when Luke used to go on missions with Jesus and the disciples and later with Paul,, his presence was to apply his medical skills to the disciples not to to provide a healing ministry, although there may have been times when he did.

In the early church, it was common for believers to continue their secular work while also serving the church, and Luke’s medical training was often used to support the missionary efforts of the Apostle Paul.
Here is why Luke was a doctor and a disciple:

Profession as a Calling: Luke is identified in Colossians 4:14 as "the beloved physician". He was a well-educated Gentile from Antioch, Syria, trained in the Greek school of medicine. He brought this background to his ministry, often focusing on healing and caring for the suffering.

Medical Missionary and Traveller: Luke joined the Apostle Paul on his missionary journeys, likely acting as a traveling doctor to Paul, who suffered from a "thorn in the flesh" (2 Cor 12:7) and frequent illnesses. He provided medical care for missionaries and likely helped open doors for the gospel by healing people they encountered.
Documenting the Gospel: Luke’s training as a physician made him a "careful researcher". He used his skills in observation and detailed recording to compile an "orderly account" of the life of Jesus and the acts of the apostles. His writing style, often featuring precise medical terminology, reflected his scientific background.
The "Physician of the Soul": Early church tradition often viewed Luke’s role as transitioning from a doctor of the body to a "physician of the soul," combining his medical expertise with his evangelistic work.
Loyalty to the End: While other companions left Paul, Luke remained with him during his imprisonment in Rome (2 Timothy 4:11), acting as both a companion and a medical caregiver in his final days.

In summary, Luke's profession as a doctor was not a hindrance to his discipleship, but rather a tool he used to support the early church, care for his colleagues, and meticulously document the Christian faith.

Luke's professional qualifications were a great asset to the early church, just has today's professional people are to the body. Within our churches we have doctors, nurses, surgeons, solicitors, electricians, chefs, carpenters, social workers and a host of other qualified or well-trained people. Yet the majority are not used for their skills, they may offer advice and do the odd job but normally, that's all. However, at the click of a finger God can use these people for whatever He chooses. Some may go on missions abroad, others may not be used this way.

Let us not forget that Jesus was a carpenter but, we don't read of Him applying this skill throughout the gospels. He may have done at some point and we'll find this out when we can ask Him face to face. The point I'm making is that, throughout the church worldwide, there is wealth of skill that is ready to be used if Jesus needs this. I can't see our skills being wasted, they will be used if not here on this earth, they will be used in heaven when we get there. There are many musicians in the church. There'll be music in heaven so, who knows some of you may be leading the worship in the Lord's and the angels presence.

We don't really know about this, but it is food for thought. Nothing, I repeat nothing, is ever wasted by Jesus. So if you're training for something right now, keep on doing it because one day, you may well be putting this skill into action.

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

Saturday, 31 January 2026

Child-like Faith

"Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them.14But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. 15Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”16And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them." Mark 10:13-16 NKJV

Jesus became incredibly displeased when He saw the disciples turning children away from seeing Him. Obviously, they must have thought that Jesus was busy and had enough to do without seeing a bunch of children. But Jesus rebuked them and explained why. Children are a model of what it takes for someone to come to God. Children know the importance of having someone to trust in because of their own dependent status and so, they may do this wholeheartedly and with humility.

We should never allow anyone, especially children, to be shooed away from Jesus. We are all children of God and, we should come to Him as such. Mostly children have a deep desire to learn and so should we have, displaying child-like faith and humility. In other words, adults should also be like small children in order to enter the Kingdom of God.

I have witnessed over the years, men and women who are homeless and live on our streets, being turned away from churches. Many times they are hungry, cold and stand in old smelly clothes. Some have an addiction and this is the only - temporary comfort that they possess. This is why, with my wife and an elder from the church I was pastoring, we set up a day centre under the main part of the building. The people could go there, have a hot meal, receive counsel if they wanted it, have a shower and be kitted out with better clothing. We also tried to find them future housing. We received flack from some people, especially my HQ, but God had told me to do it and that was enough. Jesus was showing that no one is too insignificant for the loving attention of Jesus.

The Kingdom of God is for those who come to Jesus in the humble dependence and trust of little children. The Kingdom of God belongs to them, not because of merit but because God wills to give it to the humble, insignificant and unimportant members of our society.

Before retirement and during my career as a pastor and then a social worker, I saw many cases of children and young people who were in care because they had suffered abuse of some kind. Daily on our TV screens we hear that some other child has been bullied and/or stabbed to death, or committed suicide. We hear about adults who have been raped and murdered.

These people need Jesus the same as you do, or did. As I said earlier, we are all children, some who have gone astray and some who may have found Jesus. Because we know about what is going on in our society, just let it be a consideration on your part that, you may be able to help here even if it is adding people you know to your prayer list. You never know, one day, someone in heaven may come to you and say, 'Thank you'

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, 6 February 2026

See as Jesus sees

Thursday, 5 February 2026

Watch that thief!

Wednesday, 4 February 2026

Prosperity

Tuesday, 3 February 2026

What fruit do you bear?

Monday, 2 February 2026

Small is Good

Sunday, 1 February 2026

Luke was a doctor, why didn't he heal?

Saturday, 31 January 2026

Child-like Faith

See as Jesus sees

Daily life with Jesus by Grahame Howard

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