Mary - saved from disgrace

"Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.  20But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit".                                     Matthew 1:18-20.  NKJV

Mary and Joseph, were engaged to be married. Now this engagement was more binding than  an engagement that we are familiar with. This was was a legal contract that could only be broken by divorce and the reason would be by adultery. As we know, adultery was punishable by death. Joseph, being a just and righteous man didn't want to bring this disgrace on Mary - he loved her deeply. He therefore decided to divorce her quietly to save her the accusations that would follow if she was divorced.

While Joseph pondered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, encouraging him to take Mary as his wife, as the child was conceived by the Holy Spirit and he was to call Him Jesus, because He would save His people from their sins.. Joseph complied with this request and took Mary to be his wife.

Mary's life would have been ruined through no fault of her own. But God's always on time; He rescued Mary and the man called Joseph, became her husband. Now from a human point of view, the devil can place all kinds of lies and accusatory statements before us and, it is extremely difficult to ignore them. The spiritual side of us wants to cast the thoughts away because they trust God. However, the devil will do all he can to break through that defence, convincing us that what we have heard is totally true. 

If we're not careful, that lie can take up residence in our life and we will keep focusing on it until we believe it. Then the torture begins. It can be anything. The devil is a liar and gossip. The fact that Joseph totally believed the angel of the Lord is stunning. He could have gone the route that anyone in that position goes. But he didn't. Why is that? It's because his faith in God had a strong foundation and he chose to believe what he trusted in, his Heavenly Father and because of this, God was able to bring forth the Saviour of the world - Jesus Christ.

On our lead up to the wonderful joy of Christmas, just focus on how good God is. We are able to trust Him with our lives and our future. Amen!

THANK YOU JESUS

AND A

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL

BACK ON SATURDAY  27TH DECEMBER

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 2025 Grahame Howard. 

Believe what Jesus says

"Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again,  14but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.”

                                                                     John 4:13-14.  NKJ

Basically Jesus was telling the Samaritan women if you receive a drink from Jesus, it is so satisfying that you don't have to come back for another. His living water becomes its own everlasting well. Thirst no more. This got her attention straightaway and she asked for some because she didn't have to walk the distance carrying water. Jesus explained that the pleasures of this world are for a few short years, but the pleasures which Christ provides go on into everlasting life. Jesus was speaking about spiritual water springing up inside of her and leading to everlasting life.

This is what Jesus offers. There is no need to fetch water again. He offers living water. In the same manner,  he who invites Jesus into their life, doesn't have to ask again, the Holy Spirit takes up residence in the person's life and this leads to eternal life.

Some people like to ask Jesus into their lives everyday and this, although not required, helps them to keep in mind the assurance of life eternal. But once Jesus has accepted the invitation to become someone's Lord and Saviour, that is a done deal. He enters their life and fills them with His spirit. They are born again.

I can see the logic for both areas here. One thing that does spring to mind is this decision to keep on asking Jesus each day for salvation. This could be seen as not trusting that Jesus saved them the first time. It is rather like asking Him to forgive a certain sin we commit and when He has done so, to keep on asking Him again. On this latter subject, there is no need to do this and the question rises, 'Don't we believe Jesus forgives us the first time we ask Him?' 

Are we not then, doubting Jesus' power? The bottom line is firstly, if we ask Jesus to come into our life and be our Lord and Saviour and also ask Him to forgive our sins. This is salvation and, at that time, we are filled with the Holy Spirit and Jesus becomes our Lord. Secondly, if we ask Him to forgive our sins, that is what He does. We confess, He forgives. 

Even though, we don't need to ask Jesus to come into our lives again - ever. He did do the first time you asked. We do though, need to ask for forgiveness for any new sin, each day. But once we've asked and confessed, we are forgiven, and we don't need to ask forgiveness for this new sin again.

In the same way Jesus said to the Samaritan women, if you receive My living water, you will not need to come to fetch water from here again for your thirst. He told her the water here would still make her thirst but the living water will last. eternally  In the same way, when we are born again, we have no need to ask Jesus into our life again. He came in the first time. With sin, you ask Him to forgive, He does so, and you move on, your confessed sin is forgiven on a daily basis.

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 2025 Grahame Howard. 

There is hope in Jesus

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,  5who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
6In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,  7that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honour, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,  8whom having not seen, you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,  9receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls."  1 Peter 1:3-6   NKJV

No matter how we feel today, we have had a new birth into a living hope. This is all because of Jesus, who shed His blood on our behalf because there was no other way that we could enter heaven and enjoy eternal life. Notice, He is not only our hope but, our living hope. When we were first born, there was no hope for us, all we had at the end of our life, was death, no eternal life. But through His life, death and resurrection, we have a future. We will see heaven and abide there, because we accepted Jesus as our Lord.

You may not feel it at this moment but, you are free and have an inheritance in heaven which is locked away. Jesus has the key and, at the right time, He will unlock the treasures within just for us. For everything you have done for Him on this earth, you will be rewarded. You may not think that you have done much for Him, but he has noticed everything and even though, you may have let yourself down a little, that will not be mentioned because, it is under the blood that Jesus shed for you. 

It has been a time of struggle for you of late and, you have suffered quite a lot. However, this was because God was testing you to see how you cope and what you're made of: 'that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honour, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,  8whom having not seen you love'.  1 Peter 1:7.

Hey, did you notice that?. You have been tested; God has been checking to see how you are doing; and where you thought that you would never make it into heaven, that 'God will never forgive me now,' you were wrong. He has tested you and you passed!

Now, that is something to shout about. Your future is sealed and your reservation in heaven is booked. YOU ARE AN ETERNAL HOPE! Therefore, as Christmas approaches, look at the time of year as a total blessing of God's grace. Sing, dance, praise the Lord and make this time, a time of happiness and joy.

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 2025 Grahame Howard. 

! am so frustrated

"Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  29Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  30For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”   Matthew 11:28.  NKJV

How many times have you been frustrated by daily happenings, such as things you expected don't turn up on time, or even at all. People let you down when you were least expecting it and things just go wrong for no obvious reason. These things, if we are not careful, have the ability to wear us down. This is why Jesus said, 'Come to Me.'

What causes us to become frustrated? Well there are many things but here are a few:

Human Limitations  Living in a broken world means that our plans often clash with God's.

At such times, Jesus calls us to rest in Him casting all our care on Him and then, to join His ultimate plan, even when other things are futile.

Spiritual Opposition. This can hinder believers, causing frustration: 'For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.'   Ephesians 6:12.

Unmet Desires. Feeling helpless when circumstances or people don't align with our desires. This may be physically, mentally or emotionally.

Jesus mentions picking up His yoke. A yoke is a leather or wooden beam with two holes in it for two animals heads. The idea being, the animals walk and work in unison carrying large loads or burdens. Metaphorically speaking this can be used for a symbol of oppression, bondage, servitude or a close bond, such as the Yoke of marriage.

Life can weigh us down, therefore, when you accept the yoke of discipleship, you find rest and experience it in your daily life. You may still have problems, Jesus didn't say you wouldn't have. However, what you will have is someone who will share this burden. Instead of just your head in this yoke doing all the work and carrying the burden, there will be two - yours and Jesus'.

Quite plainly, rest is salvation and when you look at the make up of this word, which in the Greek is a word called Soteria you find: deliverance, preservation, soundness prosperity, happiness, rescue and general well-being. The word is used in the material temporal sense and in a spiritually eternal sense. So, salvation is a present possession with a full realisation for the future.

So don't you think you need to pass this frustration on to Jesus?

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 2025 Grahame Howard. 

Will my flesh rule this moment, or my spirit? Part 2

"For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard". 

                                                                                     Romans 3:23.   NLT

When I've witnessed to people over the years, I've been surprised to hear the statement that they have never sinned. Some have been quite prickly about it. I've come to the conclusion that when we hear people say this, they are under conviction and just won't give in or admit this fact. The bible is quite sure that we have all sinned and this is why Jesus had to come and set us free from our sin by dying in our place.

But do we, as Christians, realise that certain things we do on a daily basis probably, is sin? Take for example the subject of adultery.  We may not actually commit this act but, we come close sometimes. What does Jesus say about this?

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.  29If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.  30And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell". Matthew 5:27-30.

Just the fact that we look at another person with lust  within us, suggests that we are committing adultery with that person. This could be, out and about in town, in a pub, at work etc. We can all fall to the temptation, especially when it is a two-way situation or watching movies, TV or reading a magazine. I ask you: 'Will my flesh rule this moment, or my spirit? 

Then of course there can be the practice of telling lies. Someone may say, 'It's only a little white lie.' No it is not, it is an out and out lie, there are no such things as a white lie. Such things are said to prevent hurting people's feelings about some things. Instead of speaking the truth, they tell a 'white' lie. Really it's a cover up and who covers things up? Yes, you're right, Satan does. I ask 'Will my flesh rule this moment, or my spirit? 

Gossip, judging and even grumbling and complaining, can all fall under the category of sin. How many times do we fall into this trap? What about using unsavoury language or taking the Lord's name in vain when we're agitated? Again, I ask 'Will my flesh rule this moment, or my spirit? 

People may feel that this is all splitting hairs but, think again; it is not. They are moments when our flesh is ruling and from there, anything can happen if we don't take back the control.

Make it your aim that, your flesh will not rule anything, but your spirit will.

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 2025 Grahame Howard. 

Will my flesh rule this moment or my spirit?

"Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret—it only causes harm."

                                                                Psalm 37:8   NKJV

Will my flesh rule this moment or my spirit? This was a quotation from Dr SM Lockeridge, a Baptist pastor deceased. It is one of those phrases, that speak to you as you are reading it. If you go one step further and speak it out, it can help to dampen a fiery moment. Let me explain.

When we operate in anger and frustration, it totally ruins and negates everything we stand for as a Christian. Dr Tony Evans, a minister from the Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas writes: "A man who is quick tempered does not provide the kind of righteousness which God expects from His children. Those who lose their temper give people a wrong impression about Christianity." 

Therefore, we need to adhere to Ephesians 4:31: 'Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice." Again James puts it this way: 

"Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath, for the wrath of man does not produce, the righteousness of God." James 1:19-20. The anger that springs from self-centredness, does not accomplish the righteousness of God, but is conducive only to malice and destruction. Therefore, there is a need to listen to God's thoughts on a matter,  such as learning to be slow to speak our own point of view, and avoid certain anger.

Remember the three R's that I mentioned some time ago? Recognise what is happening; Refuse to react in a negative way, and Resist any form of temptation to take the matter into your own hands, causing a scene. Of course, this takes time to put into place but helps to attain to 'Will my flesh rule this Moment, or my spirit.'

Once words are spoken, we can't takes them back. Therefore, imagine the damage caused if we speak angrily to someone. There is a need to take control of this area. If you determine to do so, God will meet you square on. But, we must make the first move. A good place to start is to take Dr Lockeridge’s statement and write it in your bible and then, with the three R's and whatever scripture may help, present this in prayer to God each day. If you trip up, repent immediately and receive God's forgiveness. When faced with a difficult situation, straightaway ask the question, 'Will my flesh rule this moment or my spirit?'

If you can keep to this formula you will be in a better place to receive the victory over anger.

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 2025 Grahame Howard. 

Are you taking care of your body?

"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 1:2.  NKJV

Would we want our physical condition to correspond to our spiritual? Sadly, it is true that we take better care of our bodies than of our souls. This is why FB Meyer remarked:

'It would not be desirable to express the wish of verse 2 to all our friends, because if their bodies were to correspond to the condition of their souls, they would suddenly fall into ill-health,'

Many faith-healers and  prosperity preachers teach that all sickness is result of sin in a person's life. and if the person isn't healed it's because of their lack of faith. If that is the case, why is is that Gaius' spiritual condition was good but his physical condition was not so good? This shows that one's spiritual state cannot be argued from the bodily one.

We need to take care of ourselves - our bodies and our souls. This means not over-eating, getting exercise and enough sleep. It also means reading your bible, praying and listening to God. Many people study the bible at great length, thus receiving bible fitness. But sadly, they neglect their physical body. If your soul prospers but your physical state is dwindling, something needs to be done. Your body needs fitness and good health as does your soul so, there is a need to get the right balance.

This doesn't mean buying all of the gear that joggers wear when out running. Neither does it mean booking in at the local gym seven days a week. It just means being aware that there is a need to take care of everything. John says, 'I pray that you may prosper in all things.' Note the 'all', it is important.

We are all at risk of overeating, drinking too much alcohol and lazying around. Probably now is the time to change a few things, and that is over to you. But don't forget the soul side of things. Ask God for help in getting a time-table or something like that that each area is catered for equally.

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 2025 Grahame Howard. 

Why are you still worrying?

"casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you".   1 Peter 5:7.  NKJV

As Christians, we are privileged to cast all of our anxieties and care on Jesus with a strong confidence that He cares. Peter was quoting from the Greek version of the Old Testament - Psalm 55:22: 'Cast your care on the LORD, and He shall sustain you.' An early writer J Sidlow Baxter, pointed out that: 

'there are are two kinds of care here: 'There is anxious care, in the words: 'Casting all your care upon Him', and there is affectionate care, in the words, 'He careth for you.' Over against all our own anxious care is our Saviour's never-failing affectionate care.'

Worry is unnecessary so, why are you still doing it? There is absolutely no need for us to carry our own burdens when Jesus is willing and able to bear them for us. It is futile to worry. Let's be honest, worry hasn't solved a problem yet but, it has caused much pain, stress and illness, possibly death to some. Worry is a sin. One preacher put it this way: 'Worry is sin because it denies the love of God; it says He does not care. And it denies the power of God; it says that He isn't able to deliver me from whatever is causing me to worry.' Anon.  Now, that is something to think about.

Peter becomes more serious here. He instructs us to stay alert and watch out for our enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. I've highlighted the word 'Like'. He isn't a roaring lion at all, but he likes us to think that he is. However, be careful, he is not one to play around with. He has his own power and without Jesus' power within us, we may be well and truly hurt. We are to resist him, steadfast in the faith and this means putting on the Armour of God. ( Ephesians 6:10-18) daily.

Therefore, as of today, refuse to worry. It is doing you no good and it puts a big Highlight on your witness. It is sin, Jesus told us not to worry. Disobedience to Him is a sin, isn't it? 

So refrain from it.

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 2025 Grahame Howard. 

Always be ready to speak of Jesus

"and always be ready to give a defence to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear".     1 Peter 3:15   NKJV  

We need to be so ready that, at every opportunity we give an account of who we are; who we belong to and what our relationship with Jesus means to us. We are set apart to Jesus -  sanctified and we have given Him the rightful place in our lives. Therefore, if anyone asks us about our faith and why we choose to live this way, we need to be ready to give them the truth; not as a fiery sermon, but in a gentle and respectful manner.

We have a hope within us and a good conscience that if people attempt to defame us as being evildoers, those who revile our good conduct in Christ, may be ashamed. For it is better if it is the will of of God to suffer for doing good, than for doing evil. Jesus is devoted to what is good so, no one will harm us. However, if we do suffer for doing what is right, we are blessed. God has us covered either way.

We as Christians, need to be a good witness for Jesus every moment of every day. It's a tall order and we may not always be able to meet this expectation. However, this should never stop us from trying and getting up if we fall. When we achieve this we become a strong witness and people recognise us for what we are. We should never be fearful, whether it be by speaking for Jesus or for just letting people know that we are different because Jesus lives in our heart. You will be slandered for your faith and this may come from people who are the closest to you: 'And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? 14But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.”  1Peter 3:13-14.

Day to day conversation, often leads to you being able to speak about your faith - the great things He has done for you and can, do for them too, if they choose this. However be careful not to push too close as it may turn them away and the chance may never come again. One of the best witnesses come from the indwelling Holy Spirit. Words may be wasted on some people but, if you are walking close to Jesus, they may be impacted by the Holy Spirit. I call this 'impact evangelism'. Without words, some people can pick up the sweet smelling aroma of Jesus from you and may want to know what it is. You then, are more able to speak with their full attantion.

Never fail to be ready for Jesus' leading.

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 2025 Grahame Howard.