Daily life with Jesus by Grahame Howard: October 2025

Tuesday, 7 October 2025

Victims of Slander and Threat

1In my distress I cried to the Lord, And He heard me. 2Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips And from a deceitful tongue. 3What shall be given to you, Or what shall be done to you, You false tongue? 4Sharp arrows of the [a]warrior, With coals of the broom tree!5Woe is me, that I dwell in Meshech, That I dwell among the tents of Kedar! 6My soul has dwelt too long With one who hates peace. 7I am for peace; But when I speak, they are for war. Psalm 120 NKJV

One of the awful experiences of a believer's life, is when they are victims of lies and slander. Gossip so easily follows and this, is mostly received as the truth and in most cases, mud sticks. Whether these slanderous remarks are true or not, they always leave a scar and no matter what, other people are left wondering if this is true or not. To try and sort it out yourself, may seem the right thing to do but, it may backfire on you and the matter may become worse. The recipient of the slander may try to blame who they feel is the culprit. This may be right but then again, the accusations may just be hot air and can make this worse. A bitter root may be formed against whom is thought to be the culprit and endless bad thoughts may come to mind as the imagination wanders. This may be happening to you at this time. What can you do? Well, there are two approaches one can take (1) Challenge the person you believe is responsible or (2) Give it to Jesus who its brilliant at sorting these things out (Romans 12:14-21). It may be far better to leave it all to Jesus.

We see and hear this most days in the media where one politician is slandering another. In this Psalm, all the Psalmist was after was peace but, he was dealing with war-mongers. This can be claimed today. Our world is desperate for peace but, war is dominating any type of attempt at bringing this about. No one wants a war but nations argue and haggle over things and while this is happening, thousands of innocent people are dying or being terribly injured. Do we want war? Of course we don't but what is the answer. It is found in 2 Chronicles 7:14:

'if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.'

Prayer is the only answer. As Christians come together with Jesus, there is an unstoppable power. This is a sure road to restoration and revival for all times. If the conditions are met, the promises will be fulfilled!

'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

Monday, 6 October 2025

Prayer and Praise through the Word

TAU

"169Let my cry come before You, O Lord; Give me understanding according to Your word. 170Let my supplication come before You; Deliver me according to Your word. 171My lips shall utter praise, For You teach me Your statutes. 172My tongue shall speak of Your word, **For all Your commandments are righteousness. 173Let Your hand become my help, For I have chosen Your precepts. 174I long for Your salvation, O Lord, And Your law is my delight. 175Let my soul live, and it shall praise You; And let Your judgments help me. 176I have gone astray like a lost sheep; Seek Your servant, For I do not forget Your commandments."**

We come to our final section of this lengthy Psalm and we find in v169 that there is an urgent appeal for an audience and then for a true spiritual understanding. The writer confirms to us that the enemy is never faraway and so he continuously cries out for deliverance as the Word promises. There is a constant need to be soaked in the Holy Spirit and full of the Word off God. There is an audience of non-believers out there and they need Jesus, although many will deny this statement. But at least in trying, we are giving them a chance.

As we study God's Word, our increased knowledge should never lead us to be full of pride - a feeling of being puffed up. On the contrary, it should lead us to praise and adoration of the Lord. The writer feels that we should never waste our words on things that don't matter but, on lasting matters such as what Jesus has, can and will do for us. Wasted words never built anyone up but, the Word of God, spoken in faith is pure medicine to our soul.

Remember that we're not only saved to serve but, more to praise God for His great mercy. The writer emphasises v175 'Let my soul - Mind, Will and Emotions - live and it shall praise You.' Italics mine

Through this Psalm, the writer has led us to see how important God is in our lives,. He has shown us that there is nothing better than praising and living for Jesus and the pitfalls of failing to do this. I hope you have enjoyed reading this Psalm and commentary as much as I have in writing it. In closing I have placed some additional notes on the meaning of certain words in each verse. God Bless

Footnotes:

Psalm 119:1 blameless
Psalm 119:15 look into
Psalm 119:20 is crushed
Psalm 119:28 Lit. drops
Psalm 119:28 grief
Psalm 119:36 Cause me to long for
Psalm 119:37 Lit. Cause my eyes to pass away from
Psalm 119:37 So with MT, LXX, Vg.; Tg. Your words
Psalm 119:42 taunts
Psalm 119:45 Lit. in a wide place
Psalm 119:69 Lit. smeared me with a lie
Psalm 119:70 Insensible
Psalm 119:75 Lit. righteous
Psalm 119:89 Lit. stands firm
Psalm 119:90 Lit. stands
Psalm 119:95 give attention to
Psalm 119:100 aged
Psalm 119:109 In danger
Psalm 119:111 inheritance
Psalm 119:113 Lit. divided in heart or mind
Psalm 119:117 Uphold me
Psalm 119:119 destroy, lit. cause to cease
Psalm 119:119 slag or refuse
Psalm 119:122 guaranty
Psalm 119:126 broken Your law
Psalm 119:139 put an end to
Psalm 119:140 Lit. refined or tried
Psalm 119:143 Lit. found
Psalm 119:156 Or Many
Psalm 119:165 Lit. they have no stumbling block
Psalm 119:170 Prayer of supplication

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

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, 5 October 2025

Perfection of the Word

SHIN

"161Princes persecute me without a cause, But my heart stands in awe of Your word.

162I rejoice at Your word As one who finds great treasure. 163I hate and abhor lying, But I love Your law. 164Seven times a day I praise You, Because of Your righteous judgments. 165Great peace have those who love Your law, And nothing causes them to stumble. 166Lord, I hope for Your salvation, And I do Your commandments. 167My soul keeps Your testimonies, And I love them exceedingly. 168I keep Your precepts and Your testimonies, "For all my ways are before You." Psalm 119:161-168 NKJV

Some men in places of authority have oppressed people, especially God's servants. However, if our eyes are fastened on Jesus and we are obedient to Him, He will give us the favour we need to withstand it. Such people should never have been promoted to the top. They were ok in second place, such as assistant, and did the job well, but when the time came for them to take the helm, it all went wrong. It is called 'The Peter Principle' (Dr LJ Peter & Raymond Hull Copyright 1969 William Morrow & Co Inc.) People often get their promotion but, they can't do the job. They have been promoted to their level of incompetence. Ambition leads people to do crazy things and all of us have to pay the price. There are many of these people who should not be in these positions of authority. They just can't take the lead. You may know some.

We need to keep our eyes on God, praying, praising and learning His Word. In verse 164, the writer mentions praising seven times a day. Seven is the number of perfection or completeness. The writer encourages us to praise God wholeheartedly.

We're given peace in this world, while others who do not know Jesus are continually troubled. We have our share of troubles but we able to avoid the pitfalls of sin, because our eyes are on Him.

We can either walk in peace with Jesus or, struggle through paths of adversity. The thing is, if we know Jesus, He has given us the ability to become perfect as He is. We are not there yet though, by a long chalk. However, we have taken a step towards this. So keep on this road

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

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

Saturday, 4 October 2025

Salvation through the Word

RESH

"153Consider my affliction and deliver me, For I do not forget Your law. 154Plead my cause and redeem me; Revive me according to Your word.155Salvation is far from the wicked, For they do not seek Your statutes. 156 Great are Your tender mercies, O Lord; Revive me according to Your judgments. 157Many are my persecutors and my enemies, Yet I do not turn from Your testimonies. 158I see the treacherous, and am disgusted, Because they do not keep Your word. 159Consider how I love Your precepts; Revive me, O Lord, according to Your lovingkindness.160The entirety of Your word is truth, And every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever." Psalm 119:153-160. NKJV

When we are firmly in a relationship with Jesus, He really does watch over us; and He is there to deliver those who cling to Him. The wonderful thing about Jesus is that He is our advocate. When persecution strikes and charges are made against us and our faith, we need a good defence. As long as we are in step with Him, we need never worry because He is there to help.

You see, as Christians, we have salvation - we have been born again. The non-believer knows hardly anything about this type of thing, and what's more, he doesn't want to know. Perhaps within his heart, there is a fear that they will not be in heaven when they die; but the evil one has blinded them and keeps them bound in chains. Ours have fallen off because of Jesus. We know where we're going, the non-believer doesn't - he is trapped and can't break free.

This is where Jesus and ourselves come in. Jesus gives us the ability to get them saved, but the decision is theirs. Jesus is the Truth and this Truth shatters the darkness. Once we were enshrouded by darkness but then, Jesus shattered this and brought you into the Light. There are many who need this Light; are you willing to show them?

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

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

Friday, 3 October 2025

Experience through the Word

QOPH

"145I cry out with my whole heart; Hear me, O Lord! I will keep Your statutes.146I cry out to You; Save me, and I will keep Your testimonies. 147I rise before the dawning of the morning, And cry for help; I hope in Your word.148My eyes are awake through the night watches, That I may meditate on Your word. 149Hear my voice according to Your lovingkindness; O Lord, revive me according to Your justice. 150They draw near who follow after wickedness; They are far from Your law. 151You are near, O Lord, And all Your commandments are truth. 152Concerning Your testimonies, I have known of old that You have founded them forever". Psalm 119:145-152 NKJV

The cry from the heart is the key to God responding. When we ask Him in prayer, wholeheartedly, He cannot resist this cry and this encourages us to do His will more and more. A good example was when Peter walked on the water and then started to sink because he took his eyes off Jesus. He shouted, 'Lord, save me' (Matthew 14:30), and Jesus lifted him out of the water. Likewise, when we begin to sink because of pressures, we can rely on Him to save us (v146).

When we have this deep relationship with Jesus - rising from bed early to read His Word and pray and, depending on His direction throughout the day, we can be sure of being in touch with the Holy Spirit. We need this early morning time with Him. As one person once said, 'No Bible - No Breakfast.' We should adopt this motto as it will help us to remember.

It's the same on sleepless nights. Whenever sleep eludes us, we can talk to Jesus, He is always awake. He watches over us 24/7. We need to rejoice in the fact that we have instant access to Him all the time. There is no: 'Your call is important to us, please stay on the line and we will connect you.' God is available all the time and whereas Satan will only give us pain and heartache, with God we have the victory!

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

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

Thursday, 2 October 2025

Zeal for the Word

TSADDE

"137Righteous are You, O Lord, And upright are Your judgments. 138Your testimonies, which You have commanded, Are righteous and very faithful. 139My zeal has consumed me, Because my enemies have forgotten Your words. 140Your word is very pure; Therefore Your servant loves it. 141I am small and despised, Yet I do not forget Your precepts. 142Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, And Your law is truth. 143Trouble and anguish have overtaken me, Yet Your commandments are my delights. 144The righteousness of Your testimonies is everlasting; Give me understanding, and I shall live". Psalm 119:137-144 NKJV

The author of this Psalm, knows how righteous God is and therefore, lives that way too. God is upright; the Word is upright and the author does all he can to live the same way. Therefore, it is obvious that we should turn this into a time of praise and worship and be upright ourselves. We know this, but many of us fail to put this into practice. Why is this? Are we too busy? Only we know the answer to these questions. The writer shows his surprise when he realises that people leave God out of their everyday thinking. It causes him to lose his zeal for God (139).

God's Word has been tried and tested and it stands the test of time! Thousands have received God's promises, finding out how true and faithful He is. After all this time, the Bible is still a top seller - a much read book. The devil can't stop this no matter how hard he tries. It is a living Word.

William MacDonald, author of the Believers Bible Commentary, writes this: "God's righteousness is not a passing mood but an everlasting virtue' And this is so true. The writer of this Psalm has had much heartache and troubles in his walk with God, but the Word has kept him stable and allowed him to walk through a dark tunnel of affliction, towards the Light at the end. And so will you if you keep God in sight.

You may be encountering attacks because of your faith. You carry the truth, not darkness - the lie. The devil doesn't want this and he will try and stop you. Don't ever lose your zeal for God; it is your life and one day, you will hear God say, 'Well done My child.

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

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

Wednesday, 1 October 2025

Joy and Communion through the Word

PE

"129Your testimonies are wonderful; Therefore my soul keeps them. 130The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple. 131I opened my mouth and panted, For I longed for Your commandments. 132Look upon me and be merciful to me,
As Your custom is toward those who love Your name. 133Direct my steps by Your word,
And let no iniquity have dominion over me. 134Redeem me from the oppression of man,
That I may keep Your precepts. 135Make Your face shine upon Your servant, And teach me Your statutes. 136Rivers of water run down from my eyes, Because men do not keep Your law." Psalm 119:129-136 NKJV

When the Holy Spirit is around us, He brings Light. We may not always recognise when He's involved with us because, our minds may be on other things, such as distractions. When we do recognise Him, His entrance brings us Light. People often say, 'Give us some light on the subject', and this is what happens. We may be stuck on something but, when Jesus enters the situation, He gives us Light to understand and know the way ahead v130).

We need to cultivate a deep thirst for God, as well as a hunger for His Word. We'll only gain this when we become deeply involved with Jesus. Peter wrote in 1 Peter 2:2, 'As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the Word'. You may say that this is for new believers and this is true. However, we, 'Oldies in the Word', need to catch a hold of this from time to time. Don't forget that we're still learning. In fact, we need the Holy Spirit to guide us every single day (133). Proverbs 3:5-6 rubber stamps this too. As we acknowledge Him daily, He will guide our steps (6).

When Bendetti, the author of Stabat Mater, was found weeping one day, he was asked the reason for his tears. He replied, 'I weep because Love goes about unloved). This is a 13th century Christian Hymn to the Virgin Mary, that portrays her suffering as mother during the crucifixion of her Son Jesus Christ. (Details from William MacDonald's Believers Bible Commentary)

'I weep because Love goes about unloved' (1 John 4:8)

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

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

Daily life with Jesus by Grahame Howard

Tuesday, 7 October 2025

Victims of Slander and Threat

Monday, 6 October 2025

Prayer and Praise through the Word

TAU

Footnotes:

Sunday, 5 October 2025

Perfection of the Word

SHIN

Saturday, 4 October 2025

Salvation through the Word

RESH

Friday, 3 October 2025

Experience through the Word

QOPH

Thursday, 2 October 2025

Zeal for the Word

TSADDE

Wednesday, 1 October 2025

Joy and Communion through the Word

PE

Victims of Slander and Threat

Daily life with Jesus by Grahame Howard

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