What will Heaven be like?

"Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. 2Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.  3And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.  4And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”            Revelation 21:1-4.  NKJV

What will heaven be like? We can read all about in Revelation but, some people find it hard to understand all of the facts. One things for sure, Heaven for the Christian will be a place of glorious life that will never end. Joy inexpressible, limitless peace, pure love, beauty beyond description—that's what heaven is. Greatest of all will be the presence of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, with whom we will enjoy fellowship forever. I wonder what that will be like?

Billy Graham wrote: “Heaven will be a place in which its inhabitants will be freed from the fears and insecurities that plague and haunt us in the present life. No energy crisis there … Free from the economic and financial pressures that burden us down here. Free from the fear of personal and physical harm … No fear of personal failure … Our relationship with Him will be intimate and direct. I’m looking forward to that glorious day of going to heaven. “Heaven will be what we have always longed for. It will be the new social order that men dream of. All the things that have made earth unlovely and tragic will be absent in heaven. There will be no night, no death, no disease, no sorrow, no tears, no ignorance, no disappointment, no war. It will be filled with happiness, worship, love, and perfection.A renewed creation."

At this moment, Christ dwells in the heavenly city with the believers who have died (John 14:2-3). In Revelation 21:2, John sees the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down to earth out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. This city will become the capitol of the new creation known as the new Jerusalem, and God will dwell with His people (21:3). 


All sadness, hurt and disappointment will be no more as we will live with Jesus. 
The city the New Jerusalem: 
The city of New Jerusalem is described as coming down to this new Earth, a city of pure gold with gates of pearl and foundations of precious stones. 
There will be no sun or moon: 
The city will not need a sun or moon because the glory of God will provide the light. 
The Tree of Life: 
A river of the water of life will flow through the city, and the Tree of Life will grow on either side, bearing fruit and healing leaves for the inhabitants. 


Now this sounds 
absolutely wonderful and all of us who believe in Jesus as our Lord will 
be part of it. 
Hallelujah


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. 

IF....

“If it had not been the Lord who was on our side,” Let Israel now say— 2“If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, When men rose up against us, 3Then they would have swallowed us alive".                       Psalm 124:1-3     NKJV

David encourages us here, to think back on the times that God has suddenly turned up and rescued us or changed a nasty situation that we were in. If it had not been for divine intervention at the Red Sea that day, Israel would have been slaughtered by Pharaoh's army or drowned in the raging waters of the sea. David reflects on the help he received from God on that occasion and, the many others times that God had worked on His behalf. This gave him the confidence that yet again, he would triumph over his enemies.

Note the very important word 'IF.' “If it had not been the Lord who was on our side,” This little word meant the difference between deliverance and failure. There was no 'IF' about it, God was on there side and this was all they needed. The pending disaster was over and they were able to shout, 'Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth."  v8.

And this was not only for David's time, it is ever-present right now. Just think back, things have changed in your life. 'IF' He had not turned up for you in time, you would have been swallowed up and either died or been devastated by it all. Think back to that time when you were in pain through the breakdown of a relationship. The pain and humiliation was horrific and you felt that you would never be happy again. But He did and there was no IF about it.

There may have been other times when you thought, 'IF only I hadn't done that/said that, things would have been better now.' But they were, how? because God turned up and saved the situation. This may be happening to you now and you are thinking the 'IF only's.' Think back, recall God's mighty power that you witnessed before,because, He will do it again and again. As long as you remain close to Him, He will not let you down.

Just sit and consider your past. Begin to praise Him and remember. As you do, say out loud, if you can, '“If it had not been the Lord who was on our side." And then "My/Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth." And then sit back and watch God move. He 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. 

Get yourself synced with God

"So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days".      Ephesians 5:15-16   NLT

I bought myself an Apple Watch a couple of months ago. I wanted to get myself more organised and have a closer look at how my body is coping too. I must admit that there is so much on it that, I tend to ignore a lot of it because, to be honest, it goes right over my head. But I do try to stick to the basics. This got me thinking about looking after my spiritual life better. I began to wonder if we can equate an Apple Watch to bible scripture. Therefore I decided to do a little searching on Google.

I found that: 'an Apple Watch can be equated to bible scripture through the overarching theme of stewardship of time and body, and the biblical principal that all tools are morally neutral and gain meaning from how they are used. (Google)

With that and after looking at Ephesians 5:15-16, I found that it could be seen as a mandate to be intentional with our limited time. The Apple Watch's notifications, reminders and calendar functions can be tools to help a person to 'make the most of every opportunity,' and this ensured me that my time should be spent on meaningful pursuits, not on distractions.

We read in Psalm 90:12: "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." The equation here is that, the Apple Watch can prompt us to 'number our days' by tracking our schedules, activities encouraging us to live each moment with intention and to seek God's wisdom in prioritising what really matters for eternity instead of slipping away into distractions.

The Apple Watch's extensive health and fitness features—heart rate monitor, activity rings, sleep tracking, ECG and more—mirror the biblical principle that our bodies are a temple and should be cared for. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reads 'Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?  20For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. 

The watch's focus on monitoring health metrics (heart rate, exercise, sleep quality) can be a tool to help individuals honour this scripture. By providing insights into one's physical well-being, it can encourage responsible health choices and self-care, acknowledging the body as a gift from God.

I want you to know that the Apple Watch is not a replacement for God's Word. It can come nowhere in equating to bible scripture. Neither is this and advertisement that everyone should rush out and buy one. However, I see this as a tool to help me to:

(1)  Remember that I need to make the most of every moment. It aids my memory when the notifications and reminders activate. It also keeps me on time.

(2)  This reminds me that I only have one body and I need to take care of it by exercising, watching my weight, reminding me that I need to get up and walk around at certain times. It also helps me to keep an eye on my blood pressure and heart rate. If I didn't have this, I would probably forget to check myself over.

God wants us to stay healthy and fit. As I Corinthians 6:19 says, my body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, I need to take care of it. For myself, I find the watch invaluable. But nothing, absolutely nothing takes God's place in my life. Scripture wins every time!

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. 

Remember the former days

"But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings:  33partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated;  34for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven.  35Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.  36For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise".                  Hebrews 10:32-36.  NKJV

These words of the unknown writer, could so easily contain, 'You were doing so well, what happened?' Really though, the writer is encouraging his readers to recall their former experiences because this could stimulate them into not giving up. Possibly, after you were first saved, you were on fire for Jesus but, after a while, this flame began to burn out and you became discouraged. People around you were ridiculing you because of your 'religion' and even your own family were turning against you. You were quickly becoming Billy No Mates. But deep down in your spirit, the flame was still flickering and it began to become hot again.

These earlier Christians were just the same, they went through various areas of tribulation and suffering but, that flickering light - Jesus, was still shining. They shared their faith with prisoners, homeless people and people the world had forgotten. They showed these people that Jesus hadn't forgotten them and therefore brought joy to broken hearts.

They could so easily have been tarred with the same brush - 'If they are associating with these low-lifes, they too must be a part of them. They can't be trusted, get them away from us.' Many of these early believers suffered terribly, losing their jobs, homes and precious possessions and, occasionally, their lives. Things are no different today, some of us are treated terribly. We lose jobs, friends and even family because of associating with Jesus. But, like them, we need to accept this persecution joyfully because, the rewards is coming.

You belong to Jesus. This is obvious because of the suffering you have been through and, probably will do again sooner than you think. We are small cogs in the mighty workings of Jesus but soon, our work will be recognised and we'll receive that hug from 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. 

A Picture of Jesus

"Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;  5does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil;  6does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8Love never fails."   1 Corinthians 13:4-8. NKJV

We often wonder what Jesus is like; and what would it have been like to walk with Him like the disciples did? What would it have been like to have Jesus round for supper, like Mary and Martha did? And what would it have been like to witness one of His great miracles, such as Bartimaeus receiving his sight? It must have been breathtaking.

We get an idea of what Jesus was like by studying 1 Corinthians 13. This is to give us a blueprint of Him. If we take into consideration that God is Love (1 John 4:8) then love must be God. See how you rate up to these factors:

LOVE:

(1)  Suffers long and is kind. Just consider the love and patience that Jesus has for us all. We'd never make it without Him, that's for sure. This is the way Jesus would have us be to everyone we meet - yes, even our enemies; that back-stabber who is always complaining about you. That is the difficult one!

(2)  It is never envious, in fact it is pleased when someone succeeds. Love doesn't go round being jealous of people who get a better deal than ourselves. It is genuinely pleased for them

(3)  It never parades itself and is never puffed up. It realises that whatever gift they may have is from God, not themselves. Without God, we'd be nothing. We should never go around bragging about what we have done in our ministry. The only thing we should be happy about, is that we belong to Jesus.

(4)  It should never be rude. If a person is walking in Jesus' steps, he or she must be courteous and considerate to one and all.

(5)  It is never selfish or wanting to seek it's own but, is interested in what will help others.

(6)  It is never provoked but is patient with others, avoiding temptations to respond to other people's bad feelings. It should never be evil, wanting to repay someone for what they may have said or done to you. In all things it should find a way to rejoice because this brings healing and strength.

(7)  Always think the best of people until you are proven wrong. And if you are, find a way to bring peace into the situation. Be aware that gossip is around and it can be deadly. We should never believe it as the truth. It will become aware to you if it is.

(8)  Love sees the best in people and believes all things; it endures all things and hopes all things and no matter what it will go that extra mile to help someone because love never fails.

This is a picture of how Jesus is. It is also a blueprint of how He wants us to be. There is enough sadness and evil in our world today so, spread some love around because when you do, you're spreading Jesus too, and this world needs Him so much.

So how did you do against the list? If you're anything like me, you have some distance to go to be anywhere near it. But soldier on - you'll get there!

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. 

     

Receive the Word of God

"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God".    Romans 10:17  NKJV

Faith comes to men when they hear our preaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ, which is based on the written Word of God. But hearing the Word is not enough, they need to accept it into their heart. In other words, ask Jesus into their lives. This is where the change begins. Bob Gass wrote: 'Faith only works when it becomes the language you speak and the attitude you maintain'.

The Word of God is everywhere. It's near you, in your mouth and in your heart (v9). If we confess with our mouth, the Lord Jesus and believe in our heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved (my words from verse 9).

This is where our faith comes into play. We can't see Jesus, but we know He is here. However, there is no visible form of Him. We have to believe. Check out 2 Corinthians 4:18 'while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal'. Quite clearly, Paul is saying that we can't see certain things, especially when we go in faith. Therefore, we can't see Jesus but we know He is with us for eternity. Furthermore, Paul goes on to say in 2 Corinthians 5:7 that, 'For we walk by faith, not by sight.'

This is where unbelievers feel that we are wrong, believing in someone who we can't see but believe He's alive. This is where we know that as a Christian we have had our eyes opened to faith. People living in this world haven't, they can't believe in who they can't see or hear.

So, why do many unbelievers call upon God when they are having major problems? Why do they call on a God that they cannot see? It seems quite hypocritical to say the least. However, when the chips are down and there is no-one else to turn to, God often comes to mind. So, there must have been some input in their lives at an earlier time. This means that our words are not wasted when they rebuff us for speaking about Jesus. At the right time in their lives, the Holy Spirit can bring to their minds, our words.

So, don't grow weary, nothing we do for God is ever wasted 'So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it'.  Isaiah 55:11  NKJV

Nothing is ever wasted!

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. 

Accept God's Forgiveness

"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.  9If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  10If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us."                                              1 John 1:8-10    NKJV

God is a God who forgives us when we ask Him to. This is why Jesus died on the cross. His act of dying on that cross, paid the penalty for all of our sins. This means, when we have sinned, when we confess this to Jesus, He hears our confession and forgives us by wiping the slate of our lives, clean. 

When we confess our sins, we must believe on the authority of the Word of God, that He has forgiven, we must be willing to forgive ourselves, and this can be the hard bit. We must be honest when we have sinned and seek His forgiveness. We can't afford to deny that we have committed this sin because, 'All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God'. Romans 3:23. He knows all about it. However, we must avoid refusing to accept His forgiveness.

We do this when we are full of pride. We feel that we are not good enough for Jesus to forgive us. We feel guilty to do so. As God told me recently, 'When you have confessed your sin and I forgive you, I don't see your sin any longer because, I choose not to. Therefore you are forgiven totally.' He went on to tell me that, if He can't see the sin, then neither can we ourselves. 

You see, accepting God's forgiveness is a faith thing, we take God's Word and believe it. If God says we are sin-free people, we need to accept this and stop refusing to be cleansed. If we don't we are calling God a liar and that is a dangerous thing to do.

First of all, we need to recognise that we will sin, despite believing we won't. Sin is in our make up; we can't avoid it so we need to just accept that we are not perfect, but He who began a good work in us will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. (Phil 1:6)

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.