Praise the Lord

"Praise the Lord! Praise, O servants of the Lord, Praise the name of the Lord! 2Blessed be the name of the Lord. From this time forth and forevermore! 3From the rising of the sun to its going down The Lord’s name is to be praised."   Psalm 113:1-3   NKJV

We've often discussed how important praise is because, it can stop Satan in a moment. He hates the sound of praise and will run away from such a thing as that. Psalm 113 is no different. This and the following Hallel songs were sung in two parts (113 - 114) and (115 - (118) in every dwelling where the Passover was celebrated. It was the singing of the second part that is referred to in Matthew 26:30, just before the crucifixion of Jesus.

Notice how verse 2 tells us to praise Him from this time forth, and forevermore. In other words eternally because this means when we move to heaven. Praise is not a once a week thing on a Sunday, it is a daily duty and may even be 24/7 in some cases. You see, when we praise God He hears us instantly. Some may ask how can He do this when the rest of the world may be praising or praying to Him at the same time? The answer is, be cause He is God; nothing is impossible for Him to do. I know that when I praise Jesus, He instantly hears my praise, and it is the same for you too. Get this fixed firmly into your mind.

So when you see the sun rise in the morning - praise Him and throughout the day, praise Him whenever it is possible for you to do so. We're told in verse 3, to do this until  sundown. This doesn't mean that when the sun goes down we get some time off. This has already been discussed in verse 2, where it states 'forevermore'.

Now, God knows that it is not possible to praise Him 24 hours a day non-stop. We have our lives to run but, as we have invested our life in God, then we need to praise Him from time to time during each day. Bob Gass once said, 'The way to enter, to enjoy and to live in God's presence, is through praise.' So when you enter Team Jesus, you take on a life of praise and adoration. Just read through the rest of this Psalm and be blessed:

The Lord is high above all nations,

His glory above the heavens.

5Who is like the Lord our God,

Who dwells on high,

6Who humbles Himself to behold

The things that are in the heavens and in the earth?

7He raises the poor out of the dust,

And lifts the needy out of the ash heap,

8That He may seat him with princes—

With the princes of His people.

9He grants the barren woman a home,

Like a joyful mother of children.

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. 

 

Chosen one, there's no fear here

"Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

                                                                                   Isaiah 41:10   NKJV

The rent or the mortgage is due today and I can't pay it. The gas payments have shot up almost double; how am I expected to pay that now? The kids need new clothes and we've had to cancel our holiday this year to try and manage. Add to this, that my job is beginning to show signs of me being laid off. I don't know which way to turn. This may be part of your anxiety right now but, there may be much more. It is certainly a stressful time.

Just stop there for a moment, God is speaking to you: 'You are My servant, I have chosen you and have not cast you away' v9. Can we just place this prior to our text today and read it again. Now, the background for this piece of scripture describes how Cyrus, King of Persia has an unbroken record of victories, and he is ready to attack them.  In defence, resistance is as weak as the dust they stand on. He advances on them quickly. The nations are terrified as they hear of his approach. People try to encourage each other that there is nothing to fear. They raise an idol in their path with a hope that it will save them. But God shows them that they do not need such worthless things (v29). He is the one who has chosen them and the one who will show them the way through to victory.

Put that with today's problems: God says: (1) Fear not, He is with you (2) Be not dismayed You may have lost your enthusiasm? You may be disillusioned, Lack courage. Now, listen, God wants to strengthen you right now. He says, 'Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'  Look again at v9 'You are My servant, I have chosen you and have not cast you away.'l

Can you not see that you are a chosen person? He chose you before the world was even created and He means it:

'For I will restore health to you And heal you of your wounds,’ says the Lord, ‘Because they called you an outcast saying: “This is Zion; No one seeks her.'   Jeremiah 30:17

You have nothing to worry about; Jesus is working on your behalf. Fear not

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. 

 

Faith, Blessing and Forgiveness

“Have faith in God.  23For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.  24Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them."                        Mark 11:22-6   NKJV

God doesn't respond to your need, He responds to your faith. We must eradicate any sign of doubt in our walk with Jesus because, doubt asks questions, faith makes declarations. As Oral Roberts used to say, 'Doubt and do without, with faith believe and receive.'

When we're really living in touch with the Lord and praying in the Spirit, we can have the assurance of answered prayer before the answer actually comes. Our lack of prayer surprises God because it is so powerful. We don't pray enough. To have a good relationship with Jesus, we must speak to Him on a regular basis. It would be very strange if you had a friend or were in a relationship and you didn't speak to that person very often. It's the same with your heavenly relationship. This is the greatest relationship that you will ever have so, talk to Him - listen to Him and enjoy His company. Check out what it says in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 'Pray with ceasing.' It couldn't be any clearer than that.

What you receive is directly connected to how you believe and what you expect. This is what faith is. You will receive what you expect to receive, so expect great things from the Lord. When Jesus said that mountains could be moved and cast into the sea, I doubt that He actually meant that. He was probably making a point that obstacles that get into the way,  can be told to move out of the way by the power of prayer. However, we know that nothing is impossible with Jesus. We should always expect great things from Him.

However, there are conditions to comply with: 'And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. 26 But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.' Mark 11:25-26

We must have a forgiving spirit. Any bad feelings towards another person, will negate our prayer. We expect God to forgive us and not hold a grudge at all. He in return commands us to do the same. Obedience is vital. Repentance and forgiveness is needed, otherwise it will block God's power.

It is so important to put this into action, no forgiveness or repentance will mean no blessing. We can take this as a warning because, when you think about it, if we refuse to forgive someone - totally, God will not forgive us. Food for thought!

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. 

Rise up above all of the problems

"They shall mount up with wings like eagles".        Isaiah 40:31   NKJV

Have you ever watched an eagle in flight? It's an enormous bird, like a small air plane soaring gently across the sky. It's like it has not a problem in the world. It may sit on its perch, possibly a very tall tree or cliff side, high above the surrounding country. It will remain there, waiting until it spots its prey. Then with a gust of air behind it, the eagle lifts off in pursuit. It's a wonderful sight as it soars across the skies. Usually, when an eagle is insight, the other birds will mob it in an effort to throw it off its prey. But the eagle doesn't flap at all. It just rises above all of the other birds and again soars away.

There's lessons to be learnt here. When we have problems come upon us, there are times when we become overwhelmed by them all and this can lead to us getting into a panic - in other words we begin to flap. When the eagle flaps, it rises high above all of the problems. Can you see the difference? Worry and anxiety can all take its toll and is not good for our health or, for those who are listening and watching our actions.

The eagle waits for the right time. Because of its size, it needs a breeze behind it that will help it mount up. Once this happens, it's on its way. Waiting can be boring and frustrating. However, we need to ensure that what we are going to do or say is at the right moment. Otherwise things can get pear-shaped. If you're a 'Let's get the job done' type of person, you may rush in at the wrong time and pay the price. It is far better to wait for 'the breeze' the Holy Spirit's leading. He is never wrong, never has been and never will be.

Check out this scripture, it contains life words:

'Have you not known? 'Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable.

29He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. 30Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, 31But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.' 

                                                                                         Isaiah 40:28 - 30

Notice that it is far more productive to wait for the right time - God's timing, and then go in His power, rising above all of the shrapnel that is flying around. 

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. 

Be the husband God wants you to be

"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,  26that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word,  27that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.  28So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself." 

                                                                             Ephesians 5:25-28  NKJV

Christ's love for the church means that everything that He does and says is designed to bring the best out of her. And this is how husbands ought to love their wives. Many years ago, the role of the husband was to go to work, earn his pay and provide for his family. Usually, that was all he was required to do. The wife would stay at home, have children, cook the meals and look after the house. Usually, the husband wouldn't even help around the house or wash a cup. That was the wife's role. Many women were used to this and did it without complaint. Much has changed since that time.

Look above and and we see how Jesus expects the husband and wife team to work. The bible does not put males over females, but what it does call for is for husbands to accept responsible leadership in the same spirit of self-giving and devotion Christ has shown for His church. Wives are never made to be second to men in general, but the wife is specifically called to accept her husband's leadership which should never be bossy or intimidating. 

Peter wrote in 1 Peter 3:7 '7Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honour to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered. This term used by Peter is not derogatory. He was quite literally saying that, physically the woman should be treated as a precious item that might break if not treated properly. Some women are strong and able and that is great but, some are not and, the Christian wife should be free of all the hustle and bustle of human life and cherished by her husband.

To have a husband or wife is a blessed gift, as they come together in Christ, they both grow towards a deep relationship with Jesus. Sadly, this is not possible if, one of the partners is not saved. It can cause division and even argument. However, the partner who is saved, should stand firm in Jesus and do everything they can to allow Jesus to be shown and witnessed.

Lord Jesus, we pray for married partners to be jointly saved and walking with You. Bless those with encouragement as they stand firm with their request that their partner be saved. In Jesus' name. 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. 

There is no such thing as hopeless with Jesus

"But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you."                                 Romans 8:11   NKJV

When you think about it, there is no such thing as hopeless with Jesus. He is hope and can do whatever He chooses and what's more, He knows what is best for you and I. The word 'hopeless' is a very weak word and there isn't a shred of weakness in Jesus. So, this means that with Him in our lives, we too are never in a hopeless situation. Don't we read in Romans 8:37 that we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us? I see no mention of the word 'Hopeless'. Only the devil uses that type of language.

When you were young, your parents may have told you that 'you are hopeless' when you failed at something. Another thing you may have heard from them is, 'You'll never come to much', referring to your future in the world. You may have heard this from school teachers, HM Forces training or other places. Whoever told you this, was being used by the evil one because, it was a lie. You are special in Jesus' eyes.

If you had this kind of treatment when you were younger, discount this and refuse to be tainted with the negativity again. Don't discount the power of God to bring about hope in your life. He can turn hopelessness into pure biblical hope in you. It is imperitive that you see yourself as Jesus sees you:

 "The Lord their God will save them in that day, As the flock of His people. For they shall be like the jewels of a crown"               Zechariah 9:16

Yes, that's you, you are a special jewel in God's eyes and He is so proud to have you as His Child. Believe it, this is not a lie it is a truth. 

Nothing is hopeless in the Kingdom of God; everything is precious and important to Him. Don't forget He took your place on that cross so that you could have this biblical hope. You are a winner and one day He will tell you this face to face.

Don't allow people to put you down. Words can cut deeply if you take them on board. Learn to shrug them off with the shield of faith, after-all, they are fiery darts of the evil one. Stand tall with Jesus, walk with Him and as you do, hold your head up high, because you are a son or daughter of the King.

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. 

Be a Joy Maker

"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."                  James 1:2.  NKJV

No matter how well we stand with our feet rooted in Jesus, we must realise that, we will be tested. Trials are a way that God shapes us into the type of person He wants us to be. It sounds good but, at the time, we don't particularly like it or think so. Things go wrong despite how careful we have been and when we have a lot to do with no time at all to spare, the car breaking down; the computer playing games and not working properly and the traffic on the road are no real blessing.

But let's look at what James meant when he wrote this piece of scripture. When we're under pressure, we meet the 'real you.' You may be all smiles and happy go lucky most of the time, especially when in the presence of other people. However, when things begin to go wrong, the last thing you want to do is be joyful. But the thing is, the world expects you to be this way when you're under pressure; Satan designed it this way. But, when you are able to overcome this and exercise joy, you are being contrary to what the world and Satan expected. In fact, you are making a stand and finding a way through all of the things that are going wrong around you. This is the type of joy James was describing because it gives you the strength to be able to stand tall.

I like to call it a 'Joy explosion' but, that doesn't mean I don't fall like anyone else does. When you think about it, being stressed and pushed into a corner because of problems, is just another opportunity to bring glory to God because of the way we handle the situation or circumstances. I like what Craig W Hagin, Kenneth Hagin's grandson once said, No matter what, I am still happy because God is on the throne and He has things in control.'

And this is the way forward to overcoming frustration with pressure and things going wrong, remembering that Jesus is still on the throne, He is right there with you and is willing to help you overcome this obstacle successfully. It's a test and He knows that you can pass this by the choice you make. You can either choose to throw a wobbly and fall apart or, you can choose to roll your sleeves up and say, 'Right Lord, this is a minor set back, but with your help I can do this.' And then do what Satan wouldn't expect - sing praise to God, pray and be joyful. Of course, you don't have to do this out loud but, it would have an impact if you did.

Patience is difficult but, joy helps a person attain this and let's face it, there is a lot of frustration and hate in our world so, it can be a mood changer to whoever is watching.

Be a Joy Maker

 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 will never leave you

"The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them."

                                                                   Psalm 34:7.  NKJV

Jesus is true to His Word, He will never leave you. In John 10:28, we read: 'And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.' 

Those who fear God are protected and assured that He will deliver them from dangers seen and unseen. No sheep of His will ever perish. Bob Gass once said 'When God doesn't deliver you immediately, He'll be your thermostat in the furnace'.

Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego could certainly confirm this. Nebuchadnezzar had erected a very tall gold image in his courts and had ordered that everyone would bow down to worship this figure. However, these guys refused and were warned that they would be  thrown into a fiery furnace ( Daniel 3). Now this would have been certain death.

However, these three men of God said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter.  17If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. 18But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.” Daniel 3 :16-18.

When these guys were in the furnace, Nebuchadnezzar looked into the flames and was totally perplexed 'Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselers, “Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” 25“Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.”    Daniel 3:25. What a witness to the king.

God is true to His Word, He will never let us down and what He says, is the truth - always. This is something that we need to grasp hold of. He may not answer immediately or resolve the matter as we feel He should, but He will always act on your behalf, so be patient. I felt God give me the statement below, and wrote it in my bible, why don't you:

(1) Our God is able (2) And He will (3) But if not, I'll still trust Him.  

In closing, allow me to share something that CS Lewis wrote in his book The Screwtape Letters. 'Satan warns one of his junior demons, "We are never in greater danger than when they look around and all traces of God have forsaken them, yet, they still choose to obey Him.'

This is the way God wants us to be, always believing, always trusting and never giving up no matter what we come up against.

(1) Our God is able (2) And He will (3) But if not, I'll still trust Him. 

 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.